Regulatory Watch List

Federal Regulations to Watch

Last updated April 15, 2026.

Army Corps of Engineers

Nationwide Permits (NWP) Program – Future Changes: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public input on potential future changes to the Nationwide Permit program, which authorizes activities with minimal impacts under Clean Water Act Section 404 and the Rivers and Harbors Act. The notice requests feedback on ways to improve the efficiency, clarity, and implementation of NWPs, including potential new permits and revisions to existing categories.

Comment deadline May 15.

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Department of Labor

Employee or Independent Contractor Status (FLSA): The U.S. Department of Labor is proposing to rescind the 2024 rule and return to an analysis similar to the agency’s 2021 framework for determining independent contractor status. The proposal applies an “economic reality” test, focusing primarily on worker control and opportunity for profit or loss, and would align the approach across the FLSA, FMLA, and MSPA.

Comment deadline April 28.

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Department of Transportation

Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative: USDOT is seeking public input to inform the ROUTES Initiative, which focuses on addressing transportation infrastructure needs in rural and Tribal communities. The request for information asks stakeholders to identify unmet rural transportation needs, barriers to project delivery, and ways USDOT can improve technical assistance, funding access, and coordination to better support rural mobility and economic development.

Comment deadline April 24.

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Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[NEW] Walking-Working Surfaces (Fixed Ladders): OSHA is proposing to revise its Walking-Working Surfaces standard by removing the 2036 deadline for retrofitting fixed ladders over 24 feet with ladder safety or personal fall arrest systems. The proposal would allow existing ladders with cages or wells to remain in use until replacement, while maintaining requirements for new or replaced ladders. OSHA is also seeking input on whether to revise or eliminate certain fall protection requirements for these ladders.