Short Takes – 7-8-26 - Federal Register Edition

Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of NASA-Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. NASA final rule. Summary: “NASA is amending its regulation implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) for federally assisted programs to conform more closely to the statutory text and recent revisions by the Department of Justice (DOJ). This action removes provisions establishing disparate-impact liability. The rule also clarifies that Title VI reaches employment practices under this part only where employment is a primary objective of the Federal financial assistance or where intentional discrimination is shown. These changes align NASA's regulation with Title VI and promote consistency across Federal agencies.” 

Potential Use of the Outer Continental Shelf for Offshore Space Launch and Re-Entry Activities. Ocean Energy Management Bureau, request for information. Summary: “The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking public input regarding the potential use of submerged lands and existing offshore facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) for space launch-related activities, including the siting and operation of offshore space launch platforms and potential identification of re-entry sites on the OCS. This Request for Information (RFI) is intended to inform BOEM's understanding of technical, environmental, operational, legal, regulatory, and interagency considerations associated with such activities. BOEM is not proposing a specific project, lease, easement, right-of-way, or authorization through this RFI. BOEM invites written responses from industry, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, Tribal governments, state and local governments, Federal agencies, and members of the public. Information received will inform analysis regarding the extent to which internal evaluation, interagency coordination, and bureau consideration of whether additional guidance, policy development, or future actions may be appropriate.” 

Pipeline Safety: Repair Criteria for Hazardous Liquid and Gas Transmission Pipelines. PHMSA notice of proposed rulemaking. Summary: “PHMSA proposes to modernize and to clarify the anomaly response criteria in the Federal pipeline safety regulations for gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines. Driven by twenty years of technological development, modern engineering concepts allow operators to identify, schedule, and remediate pipeline anomalies more effectively and in a less costly manner. PHMSA proposes incorporating these improved safety practices into its regulations by finalizing certain safety improvements advanced in recent rulemakings for gas transmission pipelines and extending those changes to hazardous liquid pipelines. In addition, PHMSA proposes certain non-substantive revisions to its gas and hazardous liquid repair regulations to improve compliance.”