Coast Guard Sets Zones for Massive Crane Transfer in Houston

2026-13137 — Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf

Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.

2026-08699 — Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast

The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.

2026-13966 — Safety Zone; St. Clair River, Port Huron, MI

On July 16, 2026, from 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around Desmond Landing on the St. Clair River in Port Huron, MI. This zone keeps boats and people out to protect everyone during a cool drone show. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead because you’ll need special permission to enter, but no fees or long delays are expected.

2026-13972 — Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0042

The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting info about oil and hazardous material transfers on ships, with no changes to the current rules. This affects companies involved in moving these materials and asks for public feedback by September 8, 2026. There’s no new cost or extra paperwork, just a request to continue what’s already in place.

2026-13943 — Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0066

The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting info about ship and facility emergency plans, including special rules for Prince William Sound, without changing anything. This affects ship operators and facility managers who must keep their response plans updated. They’re asking for public comments by September 8, 2026, before sending their request to the Office of Management and Budget—no new costs or changes are planned.

2026-13964 — Safety Zone; North Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach, VA

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in the North Atlantic Ocean near Virginia Beach to keep people and boats safe during fireworks shows. From July 10 to September 6, boats can’t enter the zone on Wednesday and Sunday nights between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. unless they get special permission. This helps prevent accidents from falling fireworks debris without costing anyone extra money.

Previous: 2026-00175 — The Sunset Rule

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is setting a new rule that adds expiration dates to some of its regulations to keep things fresh and efficient, following a government order to cut unnecessary rules. This change affects anyone dealing with nuclear regulations and starts on January 8, 2026. One part about aircraft impact rules got pulled back, so it won’t expire yet, meaning no surprise costs or changes there—for now!

Next: 2026-00178 — Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations

The government is officially wiping away the old rules that explained how to follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This change affects federal agencies by removing their detailed instructions on environmental reviews, starting January 8, 2026. It’s a big reset that could speed up projects but might also shake up how environmental impacts are checked—no new costs or delays announced yet.