Short Takes – 12-18-25 – Federal Register Edition

Notice of Record of Decision for the Environmental Impact Statement for SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Federal Register Dept of Air Force record of decision. Summary: “The DAF has decided to allow SpaceX to redevelop Space Launch Complex (SLC)-37 at CCSFS for Starship-Super Heavy launch and landing operations. Upon execution of the real property agreement and associated documentation, as analyzed in the Final EIS and while adhering to the mitigation measures identified, SpaceX is authorized to: (1) undertake construction activities necessary to redevelop SLC-37 and associated infrastructure for Starship-Super Heavy operations; (2) conduct prelaunch operations, including the transportation of launch vehicle components and static fire tests; and (3) conduct up to 76 launches and 152 landings annually, once a supplemental analysis of airspace impacts by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is completed. The DAF will assess the airspace analysis conducted by the FAA and finalize a revised ROD prior to Starship-Super Heavy launches or landings occurring at CCSFS.”

Implementation of the Executive Order Entitled “Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting To Unleash American Energy”; Partial Recission. Federal Register FERC direct final rule. Summary: “The Commission received a significant adverse comment on the amendment to insert a conditional sunset provision in 18 CFR 2.27 (Availability of North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) Smart Grid Standards as non-mandatory guidance); therefore, the Commission is rescinding that amendment to 18 CFR 2.27.”

NASA Astronaut Candidate Selection (ASCAN) Qualifications Inquiry. Federal Register NASA 60-day ICR renewal notice. Summary: “This collection of information supports the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended, to create opportunities to improve processes associated with the evaluation and selection of individuals to participate in the NASA Astronaut Candidate Selection Program. The NASA Astronaut Selection Office (ASO) located at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas is responsible for selecting astronauts for the various United States Space Exploration programs. In evaluating an applicant for the Astronaut Candidate Program, it is important that the ASO have the benefit of qualitative and quantitative information and recommendations from persons who have been directly associated with the applicant over the course of their career.” Comments due February 17^th, 2026.

EO 14367 - Designating Fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction. Federal Register.