Removing Regulations Related to Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration

13 CFR Part 315

[Docket No. 260608-0136]

RIN 0610-AA76

Removing Regulations Related to Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms

AGENCY:

Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of Commerce (Department).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

By this rule, EDA removes its regulations pertaining to trade adjustment assistance for firms, effective September 30, 2028. The removal of these regulations is ultimately necessary to reflect both the lapse of the underlying statutory authorization as well as the inactive status of this assistance program, and to ensure that EDA's body of regulations remains accurate and up-to-date. This action is intended to eliminate outdated regulatory language, and thereby reduce the possibility of confusion, without altering any substantive obligation or entitlement.

DATES:

The rule is effective September 30, 2028.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jeffrey Roberson, Chief Counsel, Economic Development Administration, at (202) 779-0563.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

By this rule, EDA removes 13 CFR part 315, “Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms,” effective September 30, 2028. Part 315 was promulgated via final rule (40 FR 44303) on September 26, 1975, to implement the Trade Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-618), and it was substantially amended via final rule (74 FR 41598) on August 18, 2009. However, the statutory authorization for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program lapsed in two stages, in 2021 and 2022, pursuant to the sunset and termination provisions of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Title IV of Pub. L. 114-27). As of July 1, 2022, EDA has been unable to accept new petitions from firms for certification of eligibility for trade adjustment assistance through this program. Further, by September 30, 2028, all grants with EDA's Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers will have been closed out, without the possibility of renewal. The TAAF program will therefore no longer be active as of September 30, 2028, and the regulations at part 315 will be obsolete.

Accordingly, part 315 is appropriate for removal, effective September 30, 2028. Removing part 315 will properly reflect both the lapse of the underlying statutory authorization as well as the inactive status of this assistance program by that date. Removing part 315 will also streamline EDA's body of regulations and ensure that it remains accurate and up-to-date, thereby reducing the possibility of public confusion. And the publication of this rule well in advance of the effective date furthers the interests of government transparency and accountability.

Classification

A. Administrative Procedure Act

The Department issues this final rule without prior public notice and comment pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act's exception for rules “relating to agency management or personnel or to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts.” 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2). This rule falls into that exception, as part 315 pertains to a federal assistance program.

In addition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Department finds good cause to waive the prior notice and opportunity for public participation requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act for this final rule. The Department considers this rule to be uncontroversial, and has determined that prior notice and opportunity for public participation is unnecessary, because this rule will only remove outdated regulations that lack a valid statutory authorization and no longer serve any actual function as of the effective date. The continued maintenance of these regulations would create a genuine risk of public confusion and/or distraction; this removal will reduce that risk and enhance clarity. The Department therefore finds good cause to waive the public notice and comment period under 553(b)(B).

B. Executive Orders 12866, 14192, 13132

The Office of Management and Budget has determined this rule is not significant pursuant to Executive Order (“E.O.”) 12866. This rule is an E.O. 14192 deregulatory action. This rule does not contain policies having federalism implications as the term is defined in E.O. 13132.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

Because a notice of proposed rulemaking and an opportunity for public participation are not required to be given for this rule by 5 U.S.C. 553(a) and (b)(B), the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601

et seq.

) are not applicable. Accordingly, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required, and none has been prepared.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act

This rule will not impose additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501

et seq.

List of Subjects for 13 CFR Part 315

Administrative practice and procedure, Trade adjustment assistance, Eligible petitioner, Firm selection, Certification requirements, Recordkeeping and audit requirements, Adjustment proposals.

Dated: June 9, 2026.

Benjamin Page,

Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer.

PART 315—[REMOVED AND RESERVED]

For the reasons set forth above, and under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 3211, the Department of Commerce removes and reserves 13 CFR part 315, effective September 30, 2028.

[FR Doc. 2026-11800 Filed 6-10-26; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-24-P