Today in Congress

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Not-Warranted Finding for the Temblor Legless Lizard

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the Temblor legless lizard (Anniella alexanderae) as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Temblor legless lizard inhabits the eastern foothills of the Temblor and Diablo ranges of California, along with adjacent portions of the San Joaquin Valley floor. After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the Temblor legless lizard as an endangered or threatened species is not warranted at this time. However, we ask the public to submit to us at any time any new information relevant to the status of the Temblor legless lizard or its habitat.

Virginia: Approval of State Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is proposing to approve Virginia's Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) partial permit program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). After reviewing the CCR permit program application submitted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ), EPA has preliminarily determined that Virginia's partial CCR permit program meets the standard for approval under RCRA. If approved, Virginia's CCR permit program will operate in lieu of the Federal CCR program, with the exception of the specific provisions noted below. EPA is seeking comment on this proposal during a 60-day public comment period and will be holding a hybrid public hearing on EPA's preliminary approval of Virginia's partial CCR permit program.

Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts

The United States Sentencing Commission hereby gives notice that the Commission has promulgated amendments to the sentencing guidelines, policy statements, and commentary. This notice sets forth the text of the amendments and the reason for each amendment.

Updating and Improving the Methodology for Assessing Affordability and Cost-Effectiveness of Building Energy Codes

Building energy codes have significantly increased the costs of building a home and extended average consumer payback periods. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has prioritized affordability in housing and new construction across the U.S., including taking swift action via building codes to lower construction costs and deliver greater value to American households and businesses. As part of this effort, DOE is seeking input on its methodology for assessing consumer impacts associated with residential and commercial building energy codes, toward the objective of ensuring transparency in building energy code evaluations. As directed by statute, DOE conducts technical analysis to quantify consumer cost increases associated with building energy codes, as well as the related savings. DOE requests feedback on its analysis methodology, data sources, and assumptions. In addition, DOE welcomes a critical examination of how to broadly reduce the cost of new construction and reduce regulatory burden to improve housing affordability and consumer choice.

Establishment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Ceiba, PR

This action establishes Class D and Class E airspace at the Jose Aponte de la Torre (RVR) airport, Ceiba, PR. The FAA is taking this action due to the United States Marine Corps (USMC) operating an airport traffic control tower (ATCT) at the RVR airport.