MMS Environmental Assessment for Proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sale 216

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) has issued a Notice of Preparation for an Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sale 216, tentatively scheduled for March 2011. The agency is seeking public comments on significant environmental impacts and alternatives to inform the EA process.

FMCSA: Renewal of Exemptions for Hard of Hearing CMV Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is renewing exemptions for 16 individuals from the hearing requirement for interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers. These exemptions allow hard of hearing and deaf individuals to continue operating CMVs in interstate commerce. The agency is requesting comments on these renewals.

FMCSA Renews Epilepsy Exemptions for CMV Drivers and Seeks Comments

The FMCSA has renewed exemptions for five individuals from the medical requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers concerning epilepsy or conditions causing loss of consciousness. These exemptions allow individuals with a history of seizures taking anti-seizure medication to continue operating CMVs. The agency is also requesting public comments on these renewals.

FMCSA Driver Qualification Exemption Renewal Notice

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is announcing the renewal of exemptions for 16 individuals from the hearing requirement for interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers. These exemptions allow hard of hearing and deaf individuals to continue operating CMVs. The agency is also requesting comments on these renewals.

FMCSA Renews Driver Exemptions for Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has renewed exemptions for five individuals from medical requirements related to epilepsy and seizure disorders. These exemptions allow individuals with a history of seizures taking anti-seizure medication to continue operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.

Green Rock LLC v. IRS: Notice 2017-10 Invalidated Under APA

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed a lower court ruling invalidating IRS Notice 2017-10, which identified certain syndicated conservation easement arrangements as "listed transactions." The court found the notice invalid under the Administrative Procedure Act for failing to undergo notice-and-comment rulemaking procedures. This decision impacts the IRS's ability to designate listed transactions through sub-regulatory guidance.

IRS Action on Decision: Complex Media, Inc. v. Commissioner

The IRS has issued an Action on Decision regarding Complex Media, Inc. v. Commissioner. The decision clarifies that a taxpayer is bound by the form of a series of transactions as implemented, resulting in assets received having a carryover basis without a step-up. This action addresses the tax treatment of a Section 351 transaction and subsequent redemption.

Tax Refund for Crude Oil Exports Under Export Clause

The IRS has issued an Action on Decision regarding Trafigura Trading LLC v. United States, addressing whether a tax refund is due for crude oil exports due to the Export Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The case concerns the constitutionality of the tax funding the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

IRS: CSX Corp. relocation benefits excludable under RRTA

The IRS has issued an Action on Decision disagreeing with the Eleventh Circuit's interpretation of the Railroad Retirement Taxation Act (RRTA). The IRS will not follow the court's ruling that certain relocation benefits paid by CSX Corp. were excludable from RRTA taxation as business expenses. This decision indicates the IRS's continued stance on taxing such benefits.

IRS Action on Decision: Backup Withholding Liability Statute of Limitations

The IRS issued an Action on Decision regarding backup withholding liability and the statute of limitations. The Fifth Circuit held that the limitations period for assessing backup withholding liability begins to run upon the filing of Form 1040 and Form 1099-MISC, even if payee TINs are omitted. The IRS disagrees with this interpretation.