Recent federal regulations affecting small businesses

The Department of Energy eliminates legacy regulations governing grant programs for schools, hospitals, and public buildings that were consolidated into the State Energy Program in 1996 and no longer receive congressional funding.

Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board convenes for Idaho Cleanup Project in an in-person and virtual meeting format as required by Federal Advisory Committee Act.

EPA requests public comment on draft risk evaluations for HHCB and phthalic anhydride under the Toxic Substances Control Act to determine whether these chemicals present unreasonable health or environmental risks.

FAA airworthiness directive requires Airbus Helicopters AS350 series operators to replace main gearbox suspension bar attachment fittings and fasteners, prohibiting installation of previously used parts to address gap formation safety issues.

The IRS reduces the Preparer Tax Identification Number user fee from $11 to $10 for tax return preparers applying for or renewing a PTIN, with an additional amount payable to the third-party contractor.

The FAA removes Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2026-01-51 for Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B after manufacturer determined pitch rod bearing failures resulted from inadequate maintenance procedures rather than unsafe design conditions.

FAA supersedes Airworthiness Directive 2025-05-09 for Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J by requiring revised airworthiness limitations sections in maintenance manuals and approved inspection programs to address unsafe conditions.

EPA's Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals will hold peer review meetings May 26 and June 8–12, 2026, for draft risk evaluations of HHCB and phthalic anhydride and draft hazard assessments of o-DCB and p-DCB under the Toxic Substances Control Act…

FMCSA grants a six-month exemption allowing motor carriers and drivers nationwide to use paper medical examiner's certificates as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after issuance during state implementation of the Medical Examiner's C…

The Assistant Secretary–Indian Affairs approves the Fifth Amendment to the Tribal-State Compact for class III gaming between the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe and Washington State.

HUD guidance establishes National Standards for Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) for HOME Investment Partnerships and Housing Trust Fund programs, effective with the January 6, 2025 rule update.

Federal Railroad Administration requests OMB approval for an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act, with a 60-day public comment period that ended January 30, 2026.

Federal Railroad Administration seeks OMB approval for information collection activities under the Paperwork Reduction Act, with a public comment period that closed January 30, 2026.

Illinois declares an administrative disaster for severe storms and tornadoes effective April 9, 2026, making affected businesses eligible for state emergency relief programs.

U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission holds a public hearing in Washington, DC on April 30, 2026 to assess national security implications of U.S.-China economic relations, focusing on China's data dominance strategy.