The Nickel Report

On April 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation and certain operating administrations issued a final rule that is likely to result in deregulation and increased opportunities for regulated communities to engage with agency decision-making. This rule reinstates and updates certain procedural requirements governing agency rulemaking, guidance, and enforcement actions. Importantly, this final rule spans across much of DOT and has far-reaching implications for how the Department and its operating administrations conduct enforcement actions and develop regulations and guidance for regulated parties. This final rule is effective on May 27, 2026.