Arts Agency Inflation-Adjusts Fines Because Even Penalties Need COLAs

2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is revising its regulations pursuant to the Trade Act of 2002 requiring the transmission of export manifest data electronically in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for cargo transported by rail for any train departing the United States. This rule mandates the electronic transmission of rail export manifest information, identifies the parties eligible to transmit information, and describes the time frames prior to departure in which the information is due. This rule enables CBP to address important cargo security concerns while providing efficiencies to the trade.

2026-17429, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing this temporary order to schedule three 7-hydroxymitragynine-related substances (mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16), including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. DEA bases this action on a finding that placing mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in schedule I is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety. This order imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle these three 7-hydroxymitragynine-related substances.

2026-17389, Safety Zone; Lake St. Clair; New Baltimore, MI

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of Lake St. Clair within a 420-foot radius of Brandenburg Park on Anchor Bay in Lake St. Clair, New Baltimore, MI for the Anchor Bay Bass, Brew, BBQ fireworks. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards during a fireworks event. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Detroit or their designated representative.

2026-17366, Rescinding Portions of the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Title VI Regulations To Conform More Closely With the Statutory Text and To Implement Executive Order 14281

This rule amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities' (the Foundation) regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) to eliminate disparate-impact liability. These amendments align the conduct prohibited by the Foundation's regulations with Title VI text, avoid constitutional concerns, reduce compliance costs, and serve the public interest. In addition, these revisions are consistent with Executive Order 14281.

2026-17400, Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (24-5.5e)

EPA is issuing significant new use rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for certain chemical substances that were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs) and are also subject to an Order issued by EPA pursuant to TSCA. The SNURs require persons to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing the manufacture (defined by statute to include import) or processing of any of these chemical substances for an activity that is designated as a significant new use in the SNUR. The required notification initiates EPA's evaluation of the conditions of that use for that chemical substance. In addition, the manufacture or processing for the significant new use may not commence until EPA has conducted a review of the required notification; made an appropriate determination regarding that notification; and taken such actions as required by that determination.

2026-17378, Special Local Regulation; Lake Erie, Kelleys Island, OH

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary special local regulation (SLR) for certain navigable waters of Lake Erie near Kelleys Island, OH. The SLR is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by a sailing race. This rulemaking prohibits persons and vessels from being in the regulated area during the enforcement period unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Detroit or their designated representative.

Previous: 2025-00331, Guidance on Clean Electricity Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Amount Program

Starting January 13, 2025, clean energy projects in low-income communities can get extra tax credits to help pay for building electricity facilities that don’t burn fuel. This new IRS rule explains who qualifies, how to apply, and what counts, making it easier for investors to boost their clean energy impact while saving money. If you’re planning a clean electricity project, this is your green light to grab bonus credits and power up your savings!

Next: 2025-00419, Rules of Practice for Hearings

The Federal Reserve updated its rules to raise civil money penalties to keep up with inflation, starting January 13, 2025. This affects anyone facing fines under the Board’s rules, making penalties a bit higher for violations after November 2, 2015. These changes help keep penalties fair and effective without surprise hikes.