Short Takes – 12-3-25 - Federal Register Edition

Removing Support for the National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building. Federal Register DOE notice. Summary: “The Department of Energy is removing support for the National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building guidance document to comply with directions provided in various Executive orders.”

Formaldehyde; Updated Draft Risk Calculation Memorandum; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment. Federal Register EPA notice. Summary: “Consistent with statutory obligations and Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science, EPA remains committed to the highest standards of scientific integrity and reliance on the best available scientific information. To that end, and after further consideration of comments raised during the scientific peer review process, EPA is reconsidering the use of certain hazard values in the formaldehyde risk evaluation. This Notice, Draft Memorandum, and the materials included in the docket provide the science and science policy basis for determining how the revised draft inhalation point of departure (POD) impacts the corresponding draft margin of exposure (MOE) estimates and the risk determination for formaldehyde under TSCA.” Comments due February 2^nd, 2026.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Financial Responsibility for Licensed Launch Activities. Federal Register FAA 30-day ICR renewal notice. Summary: “This collection is applicable to operators requesting to conduct commercial launch operations as prescribed in 14 CFR parts 401, et al., Commercial Space Transportation Licensing Regulation. A commercial space launch services provider must complete the Launch Operators License, Launch-Specific License or Experimental Permit to gain authorization for conducting commercial launch operations. The information will be collected per 14 CFR part 440 Appendix A. A permit or license applicant is required to provide the FAA information to conduct maximum probable loss determination. Also, it is a mandatory requirement that all commercial permitted and licensed launch applicants obtain financial coverage for claims by a third party for bodily injury or property damage. FAA is responsible for determining the amount of financial responsibility required using maximum probable loss determination.” Comments due January 2^nd, 2026.

Notice of Partially Closed Federal Advisory Committee Meeting. Federal Register DHS advisory committee hearing notice. Summary: “The Office of Partnership and Engagement is publishing this notice to announce that the Homeland Security Advisory Council will meet in person on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. This meeting will be partially closed to the public. This meeting will be led by the Secretary of Homeland Security to discuss new taskings for the Council and sensitive DHS Operations.”

Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel; Meeting. Federal Register NASA advisory committee hearing notice. Summary: “In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration announces a forthcoming meeting of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP). The ASAP will hold a special meeting to deliberate on new formal recommendations for 2025. This discussion is pursuant to carrying out its statutory duties for which the Panel reviews, identifies, evaluates, and advises on those program activities, systems, procedures, and management activities that can contribute to program risk. Priority is given to those programs that involve the safety of human flight.” Meeting date December 19, 2025.

The Sunset Rule. Federal Register NRC final rule. Summary: “The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its regulations to insert a conditional sunset date into certain regulations in response to Executive Order (E.O.) 14270, “Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy.”” Comments due January 2^nd, 2026. If ‘significant adverse comments’ are received then the associated notice of proposed rulemaking will take effect.