The Department of Energy has issued a final rule, effective June 1, 2010, which implements the Compliance and Certification Management System, which will be the preferred mechanism for submitting compliance and certification reports; allows compliance and certification reports to be submitted via email; etc. (D/N EERE-2010-BT-CRT-0017, FR Pub 05/14/10, available at http://www.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2010-11584_PI.pdf)

The Department of Energy is extending the comment period to May 17, 2010 on its proposed rule and preliminary technical support document on energy conservation standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps. (D/N EE-2008-BT-STD-0006, FR Pub 05/14/10, available at http://www.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2010-11571_PI.pdf)

U.S. Trade Representative Kirk recently presided at a ceremony on Capitol Hill today heralding the 10th Anniversary of the enactment of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade preference program. Ambassador Kirk was joined by several past and present Members of Congress who played key roles in the drafting, passage and implementation of AGOA. (Notice, posted 05/12/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/blog/2010/may/united-states-trade-representative-ron-kirk-celebrates-10th-anni)

The International Trade Commission has launched an investigation to assess the U.S. export and import effects of three free trade agreements, entitled Selected Sectoral Effects of the U.S. FTAs with Chile, Singapore, and Australia, as requested by the U.S. Trade Representative.

The International Trade Commission has instituted a section 337 patent-based investigation of certain digital imaging devices and related software, pursuant to a complaint (Inv. No. 337-TA-717).

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has updated its list of meetings between CPSC and industry stakeholders that are open to the public, unless otherwise stated (partial list):

On May 6, 2010, the State Department updated and extended its travel warning for Mexico in order to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico of concerns about the security situation in Mexico.

On April 28, 2010, APHIS updated its Gypsy Moth Program PPQ Manual. This is a prototype of the Gypsy Moth Program Manual. (Manual, updated 04/28/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/domestic/downloads/gypsy_moth.pdf)

The Maritime Administration is hosting a briefing and question and answer call on behalf of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee on May 12, 2010 to provide an update to the Industry in the Great Lakes Basin regarding the closure of the Little Calumet River below Thomas O'Brien Lock and Control works from May 21 to possibly May 27, 2010. (Notice, posted 05/11/10, available at http://www.marad.dot.gov/environment_safety_landing_page/Asian_Carp/Asian_Carp.htm)

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued updated version of its list of Austria (May 7, 2010) establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.