Short Takes – 9-9-26 - Federal Register Edition

Grid Security  

Securing the United States Bulk-Power System. CESER request for information. Summary: “Consistent with the Executive order of August 26, 2026, Declaring a National Emergency to Secure the United States Bulk-Power System [EO 14421], the Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) is seeking information from industry and other stakeholders to inform DOE actions to implement the Executive order. Specifically, DOE seeks information regarding the scope of covered equipment and transactions; risks associated with Covered Foreign Entities and foreign-produced bulk-power system electric equipment; supply chain, software, firmware, digital service, maintenance service, and remote-access practices; existing equipment and potential mitigation; licensing and prequalification; domestic manufacturing and secure replacement capacity; Federal procurement; and potential economic, reliability, safety, and small-entity impacts.” 

Highway Safety  

Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection: Accident Recordkeeping Requirements. FMCSA 60-day ICR renewal notice. Summary: “This ICR relates to Agency requirements that motor carriers maintain a record of accidents involving their commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Motor carriers are not required to report this data to FMCSA, but must produce it upon inquiry by authorized Federal, State or local officials.” 

HAZMAT Safety  

Hazardous Materials: Notice of Administrative Determination of Preemption for Common Law Tort Claims Concerning the Transportation of Gasoline. PHMSA notice of preemption decision. Summary: “The Exxon Mobil Corporation (Exxon) seeks a determination that Federal law preempts State common law claims brought against it in New Jersey concerning the safe transportation of gasoline in commerce. PHMSA is issuing a final administrative determination concluding that the State common law tort claims presented by Exxon are preempted. Each of these duties, if imposed, would present an obstacle to compliance with the Federal regulatory framework essential for the safe transportation of gasoline. In addition, any claims about covered subjects, such as the marking, loading and unloading, and classification of gasoline that are not substantively the same as the applicable HMR provisions are preempted.” 

Space Geek  

Unleashing Unlicensed Spectrum for Direct-to-Device. FCC notice of proposed rulemaking. Summary: “The Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) issues a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes to expand opportunities for direct-to-device (D2D) communications by permitting certain unlicensed devices to communicate with satellites on a non-interference basis. Building on recent market growth and new industry investment in D2D technologies, the NPRM explores adding satellite allocations in specific unlicensed bands, clarifying that equipment may operate within spacecraft, and establishing a flexible regulatory framework that preserves incumbent operations while enabling continued innovation. The Commission seeks comment on technical, licensing, and policy considerations to support expanded D2D connectivity and ensure coexistence with existing services.”