The Nickel Report

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its sub-agency, the US Forest Service (USFS), have taken two significant steps to modernize the regulatory framework governing hard rock mining on National Forest System (NFS) lands. USFS has proposed an overhaul of its locatable mineral regulations, while USDA has finalized updates to its NEPA implementing procedures, together reshaping how mining operations are planned, permitted, and reviewed on federal forest lands. Operators should take note of both.

On April 1, 2026, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110 to accommodate certain Automated Driving System-equipped vehicles. This action is NHTSA’s latest effort to address automated vehicles and develop corresponding national standards. NHTSA seeks public comment on the proposed changes, with the 30-day comment period closing on May 1, 2026.

Over the past several months, EPA has significantly increased its enforcement focus on imported pesticides, targeting unregistered, misbranded, or adulterated items coming into the United States. Working in concert with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the agency reportedly blocked over 1.6 million pounds of pesticide imports at ports across America in 2025 for alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). In view of increased inspection activity, importers and sellers (including online retailers) of pesticides and devices should take steps to ensure compliance and mitigate the risk of costly delays and disruptions from refused import entry.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has finalized and released a new version of ISO 27914 (ISO 27914:2026), the standard for underground storage of carbon dioxide in geological formations that do not produce hydrocarbons.