Federal Register Digest: October 30, 2025
Federal policy updates can shape the rules for businesses, consumers, and the environment in ways that aren’t always obvious, but this week’s Federal Register brings a few headline proposals and decisions worth highlighting for stakeholders watching regulatory change.
DHS Ends Automatic Extension for Employment Authorization Renewals
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an interim final rule that ends automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) upon renewal application filings. This means renewal applicants will not be authorized to work after their EAD expires unless a new authorization is approved. The rule aims to strengthen eligibility vetting for immigration benefits, prioritizing national security and public safety concerns. Affected individuals and employers may see income loss or workforce disruptions if renewal processing times exceed EAD expiration dates. DHS advises timely application to help avoid gaps. This update is of a procedural nature, no standard notice-and-comment period, but DHS has prepped public-facing analysis for transparency.
EPA: Air Quality Determination, Mariposa County, CA
The EPA determined that the Mariposa County area in California attained the 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standard by the August 2024 deadline, based on monitoring data for 2021–2023. Local contingency planning requirements for air quality can be lifted, marking a milestone for pollution reduction in the region. This action followed a 30-day comment period which ended July 3, 2025; the EPA received no public comments.
EPA: Polypeptide Biopesticide Tolerance Exemption
EPA granted an exemption from the tolerance requirement for residues of a new polypeptide biopesticide (ASFBIOF01-02) in food and feed commodities. The rule allows broader use of this product with no need for a maximum permissible residue level under normal application conditions.
Impacts: Streamlines approval for a new pesticide tool targeted at agriculture, potentially affecting crop producers and food manufacturers.
Objections/Requests for Hearing: File by December 29, 2025 at EPA docket EPAHQOPP20210157.
EPA & States: Regional Haze Compliance and SIP Procedures
The EPA published new technical guidance and decisions around regional haze state implementation plans (SIPs), setting standards for states on pollution controls needed to improve visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. This affects long-term state air quality planning, emissions monitoring, and visibility goals for protected environments. Recap of requirements for public input, technical documentation, and regulatory review of SIP amendments.
Bank Regulators Propose Limits on “Reputation Risk” Enforcement
The OCC (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency) and FDIC proposed rules to prohibit bank supervisors from taking enforcement actions based solely on “reputation risk”. This move comes after growing calls for greater clarity and consistency in regulatory standards, especially around institutions’ business relationships deemed controversial for non-financial reasons. For those unfamiliar, reputation risk is the threat or danger to the good name, standing, or credibility of a business or organization. It arises when actions or circumstances cause stakeholders—including customers, employees, investors, and the public—to lose trust or confidence in the entity.
If finalized, banks would no longer face supervisory penalties or restrictions based solely on factors like public image or lawful but disfavored business activities. Reduced compliance burden and greater business certainty are expected for banks and their customers. Agencies seek input on how well the proposal defines and prohibits reputation risk actions, suggested improvements, unintended consequences, and impacts on small institutions. Comments may be submitted through regulations.gov (OCC Docket ID OCC20250142; FDIC comment portal) — deadlines listed in the official notice.
Post-Publish Updates: Additional Noteworthy Federal Actions
DOT Proposes Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Practices in Transportation
The Department of Transportation has proposed new procedures for regulating and enforcing unfair or deceptive practices in air travel and related consumer services. This rule aims to clarify complaint processes, improve transparency, and strengthen consumer protections for flight delays, disruptions, and misleading business conduct. Airline passengers and travel service users could see clearer rights and remedies for common disputes. Comment Period: Open for public comment; see the official docket for submission instructions.
OCC & FDIC: 'Unsafe or Unsound Practices' Proposed Rule for Banks
Alongside the reputation risk proposal, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation published a companion rule on "unsafe or unsound practices, matters requiring attention." This regulation details how supervisory agencies will identify and respond to banking practices that threaten stability, integrity, or sound business conduct—even if the issue isn't related directly to reputation. Banks and financial institutions may face more structured expectations on compliance and operational risk; potential for increased scrutiny on business operations. Comment Period: Public comment invited; see OCC Docket ID OCC20250135 or FDIC portal for submission guidance.
SBA Issues Major Disaster Declarations for Alaska and Missouri
The Small Business Administration published disaster declarations covering Alaska and Missouri, enabling affected communities, small businesses, and nonprofits to apply for federal loan assistance for physical damage or economic injury following recent severe storms. Eligible individuals and organizations can seek aid to rebuild, recover, and sustain operations in disaster areas. See the SBA disaster loan portal and local outreach provide instructions.
These updates further round out today’s digest, offering new opportunities for public comment and direct impact for business owners, travelers, and citizens affected by federal actions. Check agency sites or federalregister.gov for details and ways to participate.
