Agency Updates and Compliance News

October 27, 2025 4 min read

FCC Proposes Enhanced Rules for Submarine Cable Licenses to Mitigate National Security Risks from Foreign Adversaries

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update submarine cable landing license rules, focusing on preventing national security threats from foreign adversaries. Key proposals include requiring SLTE owners to obtain licenses, imposing new certifications to exclude foreign adversary equipment, and expediting applications that meet security standards. These measures build on recent actions to promote trusted technologies and streamline processes while enhancing oversight.

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October 27, 2025 5 min read

USPTO Launches Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program to Expedite Patent Examination

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has initiated the Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program to test whether restricting patent applications to one independent claim and up to ten total claims can speed up examination and enhance quality. Eligible utility applications filed before October 27, 2025, can petition for special status, advancing them out of turn until the first Office action. The program runs from October 27, 2025, to October 27, 2026, or until each Technology Center reaches about 200 accepted applications, aiming to gather data for future efficiency improvements.

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October 24, 2025 4 min read

EPA Proposes Approval of Arizona's Interstate Transport SIP for 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed approving Arizona's state implementation plan revisions for the 2012 fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards. This approval confirms that emissions from Arizona do not significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of these standards in other states, based on a four-step evaluation framework and weight-of-evidence analysis.

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October 24, 2025 4 min read

IRS Shifts Public Hearing on Proposed Tip Deduction Rules to Telephonic Format Due to Government Shutdown

The Internal Revenue Service announced a change to the public hearing for its proposed regulations on occupations that customarily receive tips and the definition of qualified tips for income tax deductions. Originally set as an in-person event, the hearing on October 23, 2025, is now telephonic-only due to a lapse in federal appropriations. This adjustment maintains opportunities for public input while addressing logistical constraints from the funding shortfall.

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October 24, 2025 5 min read

USTR Determines Nicaragua's Labor and Human Rights Practices Actionable Under Section 301, Proposes Trade Actions

The U.S. Trade Representative has determined that Nicaragua's policies on labor rights, human rights, and rule of law violate Section 301 of the Trade Act by burdening U.S. commerce. Proposed actions include suspending CAFTA-DR benefits and imposing tariffs up to 100 percent on Nicaraguan imports. Public comments are invited until November 19, 2025, to inform final decisions.

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October 24, 2025 5 min read

NRC Issues Final Environmental Impact Statement for Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 Construction Permit

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Energy, has issued a final environmental impact statement for the construction permit of Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1, a Natrium advanced reactor proposed by TerraPower in Wyoming. The EIS assesses environmental effects of building and potentially operating the sodium-cooled fast reactor, which aims to replace retiring coal plants and demonstrate innovative nuclear technology. After reviewing alternatives and public comments, the NRC recommends approving the permit barring safety concerns.

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October 24, 2025 6 min read

OPM Requests Renewal for FEDVIP Enrollment System Information Collection

The Office of Personnel Management has issued a 30-day notice for public comments on renewing its information collection for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program enrollment system. This renewal aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act and incorporates feedback on gender-related form changes mandated by executive order. The process ensures efficient administration of benefits for federal employees while evaluating burden and utility.

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October 23, 2025 5 min read

EPA Proposes Approval of Arizona's Interstate Transport SIP for 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed approving Arizona's state implementation plan revisions for the 2012 fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards. This approval addresses interstate transport requirements under the Clean Air Act, confirming that Arizona's emissions do not significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of air quality standards in other states. The proposal follows a detailed evaluation using a four-step framework and considers monitoring data, modeling, and geographical factors.

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October 23, 2025 5 min read

IRS Shifts Public Hearing on Tip Deduction Rules to Telephonic Format Amid Funding Lapse

The Internal Revenue Service has altered its planned public hearing on proposed regulations defining tip-receiving occupations and qualified tips for tax deduction purposes. Originally set for an in-person format, the October 23, 2025, event is now telephonic-only due to a lapse in federal appropriations. This change affects stakeholder participation in rules that identify occupations customarily receiving tips before December 31, 2024, with implications for income tax policies in service industries.

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October 23, 2025 4 min read

USTR Determines Nicaragua's Labor and Human Rights Practices Actionable Under Section 301, Proposes Trade Actions

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has determined that Nicaragua's practices concerning labor rights, human rights, and the rule of law are unreasonable and burden U.S. commerce. This finding stems from a Section 301 investigation initiated in December 2024. Proposed responses include suspending CAFTA-DR benefits and imposing tariffs up to 100% on Nicaraguan imports. Public comments on these actions are due by November 19, 2025.

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October 23, 2025 5 min read

NRC Issues Final Environmental Impact Statement for Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 Construction Permit

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in partnership with the Department of Energy, has issued a final environmental impact statement for the proposed construction of Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 in Wyoming. This document assesses the environmental effects of granting a construction permit to US SFR Owner, LLC for a Natrium advanced reactor, aimed at demonstrating new technology and replacing retiring coal plants. The analysis recommends approval, citing no superior environmental alternatives, and incorporates public comments and agency consultations.

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October 23, 2025 4 min read

OPM Requests Renewal of FEDVIP Enrollment System Information Collection Under Paperwork Reduction Act

The Office of Personnel Management has issued a 30-day notice for public comments on renewing the information collection for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program enrollment system. This renewal aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act and addresses prior comments on form changes related to executive orders. It estimates an annual burden of 58,775 hours for over 500,000 respondents.

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