FederalRegister.gov regulatory documents
Filter the reviewed cache from January 1, 2025 forward by document type, structured agency, publication date, and source-supplied open comment deadline.
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or FWS), notify the public that we are making changes to our January 15, 2025, proposed rule to revise the protective regulations for the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the lower-48 States under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act or ESA). We are reopening the comment period because we are proposing substantive changes to the protective regulations in the January 15, 2025, proposed rule. Comments previously submitted will be considered and do not need to be resubmitted now. However, we invite comments on the new information presented in this announcement relevant to the changes to the proposed protective regulations, as described below. We encourage those who have commented previously to submit additional comments, if appropriate, considering this new information relative to the protective regulations for the grizzly bear. At this time, we are not proposing any revisions to, nor asking for additional comments on, any other components of our January 15, 2025, proposed rule for the grizzly bear, including the proposed grizzly bear distinct population segment (DPS). In addition, we are providing notice that we are considering issuing separate final rules for our final determinations on the revision to the grizzly bear listing and the revision to the 4(d) rule.
This final rule revises the simplified Type A procedures in the regulations for conducting natural resource damage assessments for hazardous substance releases. Additionally, this final rule includes several conforming changes and corrections intended to fix citations, provide for consistent use of terminology, and remove outdated or duplicative rule provisions and definitions. The Department of the Interior (Interior) is removing provisions that it believes are no longer applicable, clarifying other provisions by incorporating language that would implement existing Interior regulatory interpretations, and making other changes and corrections. These revisions also allow for the regulations to meet information collection requirements mandated by the Office of Management and Budget.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reopening the comment period on our October 18, 2022, proposed rule (2022 proposed rule), and November 21, 2023, revised proposed rule (2023 revised proposed rule) to list the Kern Canyon slender salamander (Batrachoseps simatus) and the relictual slender salamander (Batrachoseps relictus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), to designate critical habitat for both species, and to issue a rule under section 4(d) of the Act for the Kern Canyon slender salamander. This action will allow all interested parties an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed rule, as well as the opportunity to comment on a new provision for the 4(d) rule in response to previously submitted public comments and our necessary and advisable determination (including consideration of conservation and economic impacts) of the proposed 4(d) rule. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they are already incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final rule.
Consistent with Executive and Secretary's orders, ONRR proposes to amend ONRR's Federal oil, gas, and coal valuation regulations and to specify the standard of review for Director-level appeals. This rulemaking also proposes changes that will likely reduce cost and burden to industry and the Federal Government by simplifying regulatory requirements and ultimately incentivize production to unleash energy dominance. ONRR solicits comments on all aspects of this proposed action.
In response to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted on July 4, 2025, and Executive Order (E.O.) 14154, entitled, "Unleashing American Energy," dated January 20, 2025, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to modify its existing regulations pertaining to royalties due on oil and natural gas lost on Federal and Indian leases. These modifications would reduce unnecessary compliance burdens for operators and streamline the BLM's royalty determinations on lost oil or natural gas.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to revise its oil and gas leasing regulations to reflect new requirements in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB); policy direction in Executive Orders (E.O.) entitled Unleashing American Energy and Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's "Department of Government Efficiency" Deregulatory Initiative and Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account; and policy guidance in Secretary's Order entitled Unleashing American Energy. In addition, the proposed rule would reflect provisions of the Royalty Resiliency Act, which pertains to applications for oil and gas agreements for allocation schedules that outline how royalties would be distributed across different leases within the agreement. The BLM proposes to return the minimum bond amounts to those prior to the finalization of the 2024 rule. Finally, the proposed rule would improve the BLM's leasing process to ensure stewardship of public lands as required by the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA) and as directed by the OBBB and the above Executive orders.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is proposing changes to the administrative process for authorizing seasonal migratory game bird hunting in the United States. Migratory game bird hunting regulations are currently promulgated annually to provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance; aid Federal, State, and Tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds; and allow harvests at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions.The Service proposes a more efficient administrative process for authorizing seasonal migratory game bird hunting. The Service would issue a memorandum for migratory game bird hunting once every 3 years. The Service would continue to make annual decisions on harvest levels and would update the memorandum sooner than 3 years if changes are prescribed by our decision frameworks. The process eliminates the need for subsequent annual Federal regulation promulgation and rulemaking and is expected to increase efficiency; better meet State, Tribal, and Federal rulemaking constraints; and reduce the complexity and costs. Our goal is to better serve State partners and the hunting public while continuing to meet the legal and conservation purposes of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Tribes are already authorized under a similar process.
This direct final rule changes the administrative process for authorizing seasonal migratory game bird hunting in the United States. Migratory game bird hunting regulations are currently promulgated annually to provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance; aid Federal, State, and Tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds; and allow harvests at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is adopting a more efficient administrative process for authorizing seasonal migratory game bird hunting. The Service will issue a memorandum for migratory game bird hunting once every 3 years. The Service will continue to make annual decisions on harvest levels and will update the memorandum sooner than 3 years if changes are prescribed by our decision frameworks. The process eliminates the need for subsequent annual Federal regulation promulgation and rulemaking and is expected to increase efficiency; better meet State, Tribal, and Federal rulemaking constraints; and reduce the complexity and costs. Our goal is to better serve State partners and the hunting public while continuing to meet the legal and conservation purposes of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.Tribes are already authorized under a similar process.
On June 8, 2026, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), published a document reopening the comment period and announcing a public hearing for the southern hognose snake. That document included an incorrect date for the public hearing in the DATES section. This document corrects that error.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reopening the comment period on our August 29, 2025, proposed rule to list the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), a small, fossorial snake species from the coastal plains and sandhills across the southeastern United States, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) with protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act (proposed rule). We are taking this action to conduct a public hearing and to allow all interested parties an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed rule. Comments previously submitted on the proposed rule need not be resubmitted and will be fully considered in our development of the final rule.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposes to revise the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance to improve government- wide policies and requirements related to the management of grants, cooperative agreements, and other forms of assistance. OMB is proposing revisions that would improve transparency, accountability, and oversight for Federal awards across the Federal Government. This includes ensuring that American tax dollars are not wasted or misused, activities performed under Federal awards are consistent with law and policy, and recipients are held accountable when they fail to meet relevant standards. The revisions also aim to ensure that basic American principles of equality and equal opportunity are upheld throughout all stages of the award making process and that unlawful discrimination is no longer permitted. Proposed changes also include providing further clarification on the regulatory status of the OMB requirements and on the process for future updates to the government- wide requirements. Finally, OMB also proposes changes to reduce recipient burden. The listed Federal grant-making agencies propose conforming changes to their respective adopting regulations, or, in the case of some agencies and other entities, establishing new adopting regulations or policies. The proposed changes reflect the administration's commitment to transparency, accountability, and proper oversight for the Federal grantmaking process. The proposed regulations seek to ensure that American tax dollars are ultimately used to serve the needs of the American public.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to open or expand hunting opportunities on 111 field stations, including 107 units of the National Wildlife Refuges System (Refuge System or NWRS) and 4 units of the National Fish Hatchery System (Hatchery System or NFHS). This includes opening hunting or sport fishing opportunities for the first time on 14 National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) and 3 National Fish Hatcheries (NFH). The proposed actions will open or expand more than 1,450 opportunities for hunting and fishing across the NWRS and NFHS. In accordance with Secretary's Order 3447 and Director's Order 233, we also propose to make changes to existing station-specific regulations in order to improve the clarity and accuracy of regulations, reduce the regulatory burden on the public, ensure consistency across FWS lands and waters, and comply with a Presidential mandate for plain-language standards.
The Bureau of Land Management is correcting a direct final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on April 29, 2026. The document revises existing regulations pertaining to royalty on production to effectuate changes required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act enacted on July 4, 2025.
The Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) is issuing this final rule to adopt the interim final rule (IFR) published on January 10, 2025, with a few changes made to respond to public comments, to clarify procedures, and to correct typographical errors. The IFR was originally set to go into effect February 10, 2025, but the effective date was delayed several times until July 21, 2025, to provide time for review pursuant to the memorandum of January 20, 2025, from President Donald J. Trump, entitled Regulatory Freeze Pending Review. The IFR became effective on July 21, 2025.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, received a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 from SAExploration, Inc., to issue regulations facilitating the authorization of incidental, unintentional take of small numbers of polar bears during seismic exploration activities on the North Slope of Alaska. Take may result from three-dimensional seismic survey programs and associated activities occurring for a period of 5 years beginning July 1, 2026. If this rule is finalized, we may issue letters of authorization, upon request, for specific activities in accordance with the final rule for a period of up to 5 years. We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule will be as accurate and effective as possible. Therefore, we request comments on these proposed regulations and the accompanying draft environmental assessment from the public, Tribes, and local, State, and Federal agencies.
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to amend special regulations for Denali National Park and Preserve to clarify the number of vehicles that can travel on the restricted section (miles 15-90) of the Denali Park Road in accordance with a Vehicle Management Plan that the NPS has been implementing since 2012. The rule would clarify that no more than 160 vehicles may travel on the restricted section of the road per 24-hour period during the visitor season (also referred to as the "annual allocation season"), defined in the park's General Management Plan as beginning on the Saturday before Memorial Day and ending on the second Thursday after Labor Day. This limit allows the NPS to meet growing visitor demand while maintaining a high-quality experience for visitors.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) are proposing to revise the grazing regulations, Grazing Administration--Exclusive of Alaska, to establish a new part addressing land health management, with certain provisions relocated from existing regulations, and to make conforming updates to the regulations that govern administrative appeals of BLM grazing decisions to OHA's Departmental Cases Hearings Division (DCHD). We solicit comment on all aspects of this rule.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is extending the public comment period on our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) titled "Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations" by seven days. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted and will be fully considered.
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Utah coal regulatory program (hereinafter, the Utah program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Utah submitted this proposed amendment on its own initiative, following the passage of Utah House Bill 419 (HB 419) during the 2026 legislative session. HB 419 amended Title 72B, chapter 5, part 8 of the Utah Code Annotated (UCA) and would require that a bond be posted by a plaintiff who obtains a "stay or other temporary remedy issued by an agency for an "environmental action." HB 419 also states that these changes are effective as of May 6, 2026. This document gives the times and locations that the Utah program and this proposed amendment to that program are available for your inspection, the comment period during which you may submit written comments on the amendment, and the procedures that we will follow for the public hearing, if one is requested.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reopening the comment period on our March 19, 2024, proposed rule to delist the North Park phacelia (Phacelia formosula), a plant found in the state of Colorado, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are reopening the proposed rule's comment period for 30 days to give all interested parties an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed rule in consideration of the updated Species Status Assessment (SSA) report, which we revised based on new information from comments previously submitted, and based on peer review. Comments previously submitted will be fully considered in our final determination and do not need to be resubmitted.
This direct final rule (DFR) revises existing regulations pertaining to royalty on production to effectuate changes required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) enacted on July 4, 2025.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Jamaican kite swallowtail (Eurytides marcellinus), a butterfly species from Jamaica, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, we find that listing the species is warranted. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species.
The National Park Service is extending the public comment period on our recently published proposed rule to improve guidance for unit managers and the public and to restore opportunities for protected activities by returning to the Alaska-specific regulations that were in effect for over three decades, prior to a series of amendments starting in 2015 that will be rescinded under the proposal. This action will provide interested parties additional time and opportunity to comment on the proposed restoration of the pre-2015 regulations and other modifications. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing receipt of a proposed regulatory amendment to the Wyoming coal program (Wyoming program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Wyoming submitted this proposed amendment to us, on its own initiative, following the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council's (EQC) and Wyoming Governor's approval of the proposed changes to its Land Quality Division (LQD)--Coal Rules on September 17, 2025, and October 29, 2025, respectively. Through this amendment, Wyoming is proposing to recognize a specific type of reclamation bond estimate adjustment that would not be considered a bond release request.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for 9 animal species and 13 plant species from the Mariana Islands (the U.S. Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands) under the Endangered Species Act (Act). In total across both the Territory and Commonwealth, approximately 59,886 acres (24,235 hectares) on the islands of Aguiguan, Alamagan, Asunci[oacute]n, Guam (including the island of Cocos), Pagan, Rota, Saipan, Sarigan, and Tinian fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We also announce the availability of an economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for these species.
The National Park Service proposes to amend its regulations for hunting, fishing, trapping, and other natural resource harvest in national preserves in Alaska and for the procedures used to restrict public use and access in Alaska park lands. These changes restore National Park Service interpretations of law, policies, and regulations adopted to implement the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 that were in effect for over three decades. Rulemaking in 2015, 2017, and 2024 preempted methods of State-authorized fish and wildlife harvests, revised codified and established procedures for restricting public access and activities in Alaska park lands, and added severability provision, among other changes. The revisions in this proposed rule are consistent with Executive Order (E.O.) 14153, E.O. 14192, and Secretary of the Interior's Order (S.O.) 3422 titled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential."
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing changes to the migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska. Subsistence harvest regulations allow for the continuation of customary and traditional subsistence uses of migratory birds in Alaska and establish when and where the harvesting of certain migratory birds may occur within each subsistence region. Subsistence harvest regulations, including these proposed changes, were developed through a cooperative process involving the Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Alaska Native representatives.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, received a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 from the Alaska Oil and Gas Association to issue regulations facilitating the authorization of incidental, unintentional take of small numbers of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) during year-round oil and gas industry activities in the Beaufort Sea (Alaska and the Outer Continental Shelf) and adjacent northern coast of Alaska. Take may result from oil and gas exploration, development, production, and transportation activities occurring for a period of 5 years. Oil and gas industry operations include similar types of activities covered by the previous 5-year Beaufort Sea incidental take regulations effective from August 5, 2021, through August 5, 2026. If this rule is finalized, we may issue letters of authorization, upon request, for specific proposed activities in accordance with this proposed regulation. We are proposing that this rule, if finalized, will be for 5 years. We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule will be as accurate and effective as possible. Therefore, we request comments or suggestions on these proposed regulations and the accompanying draft environmental assessment from the public, Tribes, and local, State, and Federal agencies.
The Department of the Interior (the Department or DOI), acting through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), in response to Executive Order (E.O.) 14154 of January 20, 2025, Unleashing American Energy, as well as Secretarial Order No. 3418 of February 3, 2025, has reviewed market conditions of supply and demand in the crude oil and gas markets, and, as a result, is proposing to amend its existing risk management and financial assurance regulations. BOEM is tasked with managing the development of U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy, mineral, and geological resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way. As such, BOEM is proposing to maintain certain provisions of the existing regulations and modify only those elements that, under new market conditions, merit updating. The major proposed amendments in this rule include returning to the previous BOEM practice of considering the financial strength of jointly liable predecessor lessees, revising the credit rating threshold for determining whether oil, gas, and sulfur lessees, right-of-use and easement (RUE) grant holders, and pipeline right-of-way (ROW) grant holders on the OCS are required to provide supplemental financial assurance above the required general financial assurance amount to ensure compliance with their Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) obligations, revising the decommissioning estimate used to determine the amount of supplemental financial assurance required, and revising the appeals bond provision related to the Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) appeal procedures. Each of these proposed amendments will be discussed in its corresponding section of this preamble. This proposed rule, if finalized, would significantly reduce the amount of supplemental financial assurance required from oil, gas, and sulfur lessees operating on the OCS, thereby supporting the goals of E.O. 14154 Unleashing American Energy. BOEM estimates that a total of approximately $6.2 billion of financial burden to the regulated community will be reduced. This reduction of the financial burden increases the amount of capital available for oil and gas exploration and production on the OCS.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to amend the definition of "shellfish" in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) by removing the phrase "having a shell" and adding specific taxa. This amendment would clarify that squid, cuttlefish, octopus, and other cephalopods are included within the regulatory definition of shellfish. This action is deregulatory in nature, as it reduces regulatory ambiguity, aligns the Service's regulations with current biological understanding and commercial practice, reduces regulatory burden and is within the Service's purview to amend definitions as needed.
In response to a court order, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) are initiating a new 12-month petition finding process for the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We ask the public to submit to us any information relevant to the status of the lesser prairie-chicken or its habitat.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to remove Geocarpon minimum from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. Our review indicates that the threats to Geocarpon minimum have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Accordingly, we propose to delist Geocarpon minimum. This proposed rule completes the 5-year status review for the species. If we finalize this rule as proposed, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 4 and 7, would no longer apply to Geocarpon minimum.
Consistent with Executive Order (E.O.) 14285, "Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources" (April 24, 2025), E.O. 14154 "Unleashing American Energy" (January 20, 2025), E.O. 14192 "Unleashing Prosperity through Deregulation" (January 31, 2025), and consistent with agency policy, the Department of the Interior (the Department or DOI), acting through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), proposes administrative revisions to regulations that govern prospecting, leasing, and operations related to minerals other than oil, gas, and sulphur ("hard minerals") on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
The Department of the Interior (DOI or Department), through the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), is revising certain regulatory provisions published in the 2023 final well control rule for drilling, workover, completion, and decommissioning operations. BSEE is proposing revisions to clarify certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements. This rule would reduce duplicative submissions and provide consistency and clarity of information available for BSEE review.
This notice extends the public comment period for the review of the Federal Subsistence Management Program (Program) that was announced in the Federal Register on December 15, 2025. This extension provides additional time for stakeholders to submit comments.
This proposed rule would update regulations for fish and shellfish seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 regulatory years. The Federal Subsistence Board (the Board) is on a schedule of completing the process of revising subsistence take of fish and shellfish regulations in odd-numbered years and subsistence take of wildlife regulations in even-numbered years; public proposal and review processes take place during the preceding year. The Board also addresses customary and traditional use determinations during the applicable cycle and rural determinations every other fish and shellfish regulatory cycle. When final, the resulting rulemaking will replace the existing subsistence fish and shellfish taking regulations. This proposed rule could also amend the general regulations on subsistence taking of fish and wildlife. During this rulemaking cycle, the Board will accept proposals for rural determinations that will be decided by the Board during the subsequent fish and shellfish regulatory cycle.
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to amend the special regulations for Mammoth Cave National Park to allow bicycle use on approximately 37 miles of multi-use trails throughout the park. The proposed rule also would allow visitors to ride horses on the 5.4-mile Houchin Ferry North/Ollie Road.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reopening the comment period on our May 21, 2025, proposed rule to list the Fish Lake Valley tui chub (Siphateles obesus ssp.), a fish found in Esmeralda County in southwestern Nevada, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are taking this action to conduct a public hearing and to allow all interested parties an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed rule. Comments previously submitted on the proposed rule need not be resubmitted and will be fully considered in our development of the final rule.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to revise its regulations governing site security and production handling and commingling applications to reflect Congress's direction in section 50101(d)(3) of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBB) and policy direction in Executive Orders (E.O.s) entitled, Unleashing American Energy and Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's "Department of Government Efficiency" Deregulatory Initiative and policy guidance in Secretary's Order (S.O.) 3418, entitled, Unleashing American Energy. The BLM is proposing to revise the regulations to allow for commingling of production more broadly to promote oil and gas production on Federal, Indian, private and State lands. Commingling of production can reduce an operator's cost which could extend the economic life of a well, thereby allowing the operator to continue producing from a well that might otherwise be abandoned.
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed rule amendment to the Wyoming regulatory program (Wyoming program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Between 2017 and 2021, the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council (EQC) approved several changes to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WYDEQ) Rules of Practice and Procedure. These updates largely focused on "Contested Case Hearings" rules and regulations for Wyoming State agencies. Accordingly, the State submitted this amendment proposal to OSMRE on its own initiative.
This direct final rule removes certain regulations related to enforcement of various activities on Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge, St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, and Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Specifically, the rescinded regulations relate to activities such as use of fireworks, damaging vegetation, dogs that disturb wildlife or habitat, use of firearms and other weapons, littering, alcohol use, and boat speed. These regulations are redundant and therefore can be rescinded without adverse impact.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, made deregulatory actions pertaining to Federal financial assistance programs and subprograms authorized under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to better serve the American public, streamline government operations, and increase efficiencies for recipients of our financial assistance programs. This final rule reflects recent legislation; aligns with the Office of Management and Budget's administrative rules for Federal financial assistance; aligns with other laws, standards, and administrative processes; responds to comments and feedback on our 2019 rulemaking action; and provides clarity to help ensure consistency in administering our financial assistance programs and subprograms across the Nation.
This direct final rule (DFR) rescinds portions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (Service) regulations containing general provisions related to requirements for programs and subprograms authorized under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. This DFR removes redundancies and eliminates superfluous sections. These recissions will result in regulations that better serve the American public, streamline government operations, and increase efficiencies for recipients of our financial assistance programs.
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), announce receipt of a proposed amendment to the North Dakota abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation plan (the North Dakota plan) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The proposed amendment updates the purposes for which the North Dakota abandoned mine reclamation fund may be used and creates a set-aside trust account in the State treasury. The definition of eligible lands and water and project priorities are also revised.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM, we) is issuing this direct final rule (DFR) to amend BLM regulations to extend the phase-in date for compliance with the minimum bond amount for Statewide oil and gas bonds. The current regulation requires operators to increase or replace existing Statewide bonds to meet the $500,000 minimum bond amount by June 22, 2026. This rule extends that deadline to June 22, 2027, aligning it with the phase-in date for individual lease bonds.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM, we) is promulgating this direct final rule (DFR) to amend its regulations to extend the phase-in dates for compliance with regulations related to both measurement-and- sampling requirements for high-pressure flares and the submission of Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to rescind language requiring compliance with the regulations when funding reclamation projects with prior balance replacement funds, which are moneys from the United States Treasury's General Fund that replaced State or Tribal share funds that were allocated before October 1, 2007, but never appropriated by Congress.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to rescind obsolete regulations related to the applicability of the Federal regulations implementing the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act).
This direct final rule lifts the suspension and revises the Federal regulations to remove paragraphs related to establishing a rebuttable presumption of causation for damage to any non-commercial building or occupied residential dwelling or structure related thereto that occurs as a result of earth movement within an area determined by projecting a specified angle of draw from the outermost boundary of any underground mine workings to the surface of the land. These paragraphs were struck down on judicial review because the court found that the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) failed to provide adequate support to justify its presumption that damage was the result of mining within the angle of draw.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to rescind expired fee rates for coal produced for sale, transfer, or use from October 1, 2012, through September 30, 2021. New rates have been established and are in effect beginning October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2034.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to rescind language identifying obsolete funds as part of the moneys that the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) must distribute to eligible States and Tribes each fiscal year. The existing regulations refer to prior balance replacement funds, which are moneys from the United States Treasury's General Fund that replaced State or Tribal share funds that were allocated before October 1, 2007, but never appropriated by Congress.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to remove paragraphs that required that all surface drainage from the disturbed area pass through a siltation structure before leaving the permit area. These paragraphs were struck down on judicial review because the court found that the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) had not articulated a sufficient basis for the rule under the Administrative Procedure Act and that OSMRE had not sufficiently demonstrated that siltation structures were the best technology currently available.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to rescind an obsolete regulation that was suspended by the Secretary of the Interior in 1992 and that has been inoperative for 33 years. The regulations prescribed time and distance performance standards for the completion of rough backfilling and grading for surface mining operations.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to rescind obsolete regulations related to the scope of the regulations implementing the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA).
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to rescind references to prior balance replacement funds, which are moneys from the United States Treasury's General Fund that replaced State or Tribal share funds that were allocated before October 1, 2007, but never appropriated by Congress, and to make minor conforming language changes.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to rescind provisions that required the distribution and awarding of prior balance replacement funds, which are moneys from the United States Treasury's General Fund that replaced State or Tribal share funds that were allocated before October 1, 2007, but never appropriated by Congress.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to rescind regulations related to prior balance replacement funds, which are moneys from the United States Treasury's General Fund that replaced State or Tribal share funds that were allocated before October 1, 2007, but never appropriated by Congress. Additionally, this rule will rescind the regulations that detail how prior balance replacement funds may be used.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to rescind language identifying obsolete funds as part of the moneys that the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) must distribute to eligible States and Tribes each fiscal year. The existing regulations refer to prior balance replacement funds, which are moneys from the United States Treasury's General Fund that replaced State or Tribal share funds that were allocated before October 1, 2007, but never appropriated by Congress.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to remove references to prior balance replacement funds and to rescind the phase-in schedule for minimum program make up fund distributions between October 1, 2007, and October 1, 2010.
This direct final rule revises the Federal regulations to rescind language identifying obsolete funds as part of the moneys that the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) must distribute to eligible States and Tribes each fiscal year. The existing regulations refer to prior balance replacement funds, which are moneys from the United States Treasury's General Fund that replaced State or Tribal share funds that were allocated before October 1, 2007, but never appropriated by Congress.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to revise our regulations concerning protections of threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (Act). We are proposing to remove the "blanket rule" option for protecting newly listed threatened species pursuant to section 4(d) of the Act. The Service intends to create species- specific rules for all threatened species currently protected under the "blanket rule" option. Until such species-specific rules are promulgated, threatened species that receive protections under the "blanket rule" option will continue to receive those protections.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS; collectively, the "Services") propose to revise portions of our regulations for section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA or Act). The proposed revisions to the interagency cooperation regulations confirm the Services' application of statutory requirements for interagency cooperation, while continuing to provide for the conservation of listed species.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS or the Service), propose to amend portions of our regulations for section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act or ESA). Specifically, we propose to revise regulations related to section 4(b)(2) of the Act. Section 4(b)(2) requires consideration of the economic impact, the impact on national security, and any other relevant impact of designating any particular area as critical habitat; and authorizes the exclusion of areas from critical habitat if the benefits of excluding the area outweigh the benefits of designating it as critical habitat. These proposed revisions articulate when and how we determine whether the benefits of excluding an area outweigh the benefits of designating the area as critical habitat (exclusion analysis). This proposed rule reflects the Service's experience and existing case law. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to provide greater transparency and certainty for the public and stakeholders.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS; collectively, the "Services"), propose to revise portions of our regulations for section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA or Act). The proposed revisions to the regulations clarify and interpret portions of the Act concerning the procedures and criteria used for listing, reclassifying, and delisting species on the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants and designating critical habitat.
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), announce receipt of a proposed amendment to the Kentucky regulatory program (Kentucky program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Through this program amendment, Kentucky seeks to amend its law to add a statutory definition for "long-term treatment" and to specify how the additional bonds for long-term treatment are to be calculated.
For the purposes of gaming ordinance or amendment submissions, the National Indian Gaming Commission is removing the requirement for a tribe to submit a copy of its procedures for resolving disputes between the gaming public and the tribe or the management contractor.
The National Indian Gaming Commission is modifying the deadline for a tribe to submit notice that it is considering issuing a new facility license.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to revise regulations issued under section 4(e) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) related to furthering the conservation of the following listed endangered species and threatened species: Pearl River map turtle (Graptemys pearlensis), bog turtle (northern distinct population segment [DPS]) (Glyptemys muhlenbergii), Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri), Desert tortoise (Mojave DPS) (Gopherus agassizii), Florida panther (Puma (=Felis) concolor coryi), and pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). We propose to amend or remove regulations concerning taking or commerce in the following 11 similarity of appearance species: Alabama map turtle (Graptemys pulchra), Barbour's map turtle (Graptemys barbouri), Escambia map turtle (Graptemys ernsti), Pascagoula map turtle (Graptemys gibbonsi), bog turtle (southern DPS), cassius blue butterfly (Leptotes cassius theonus), ceraunus blue butterfly (Hemiargus ceraunus antibubastus), nickerbean blue butterfly (Cyclargus ammon), desert tortoise (Sonoran population), puma (=mountain lion) (Puma (=Felis) concolor (all subspecies except coryi)), and shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus). We are proposing these changes to eliminate unnecessary regulations and to ensure that species treated as endangered or threatened under section 4(e) of the Act meet the three required criteria as directed in section 4(e) of the Act.
This direct final rule rescinds a portion of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations that address Mining Claims Under the General Mining Laws--Surface Management--Operations Conducted Under Notices--Does this subpart apply to my existing notice-level operations.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to rescind the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, issued as a final rule on May 9, 2024. We solicit comment on all aspects of this rule.
This direct final rule (DFR) revises regulations containing general provisions related to fee requirements for locating, recording, and maintaining mining claims or sites under the Mining Law of 1872 and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA). This DFR updates terminology, clarifies language, and removes obsolete provisions.
This direct final rule (DFR) revises regulations containing general provisions related to requirements for locating, recording, and maintaining mining claims or sites under the Mining Law of 1872. This DFR updates terminology, clarifies language, and removes obsolete provisions.
This direct final rule (DFR) revises regulations containing general provisions related to failure to comply with the regulations governing requirements for locating, recording, and maintaining mining claims or sites under the Mining Law of 1872, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA). This DFR updates terminology, clarifies language, and removes obsolete provisions.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), a small, fossorial snake species from the coastal plains and sandhills across the southeastern United States, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the southern hognose snake. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, we find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the southern hognose snake as a threatened species with protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act ("4(d) rule"). If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species. We find that designating critical habitat for this species is prudent but not determinable at this time.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), open or expand hunting or sport fishing opportunities on 16 National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) stations and 1 National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS) station. This includes inaugural hunting opportunities at Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), the newest addition to the NWRS, and the formal opening of hunting opportunities at Grasslands Wildlife Management Area (WMA), as well as inaugural sport fishing at North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery (NFH). These actions open or expand 42 opportunities for hunting and fishing across more than 87,000 acres of Service-managed lands and waters. We also make administrative changes to existing station-specific regulations to improve the clarity and accuracy of regulations, reduce the regulatory burden on the public, and comply with a Presidential mandate for plain- language standards.
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Montana regulatory program (the Montana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Montana submitted this proposed amendment to us, on its own initiative, following the passage of Montana House Bill 633 (HB 633) during the 2025 legislative session. Montana proposes several changes to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Montana proposes that objections to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) decisions are limited to issues previously raised in a comment or written objection submitted during the relevant comment period. The submittal also requires cumulative hydrologic impact assessments to be published along with DEQ's acceptability determination. Also, Montana adds contingencies in HB 633 that will not be codified into law but that will apply to the proposed amendment: "Saving clause," "Severability," "Contingent voidness," and "Effective date."
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Borneo earless monitor (Lanthanotus borneensis), a lizard species from Borneo, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the Borneo earless monitor. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, we find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the Borneo earless monitor as a threatened species with protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act ("4(d) rule"). If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species.
The Department of the Interior (DOI or Department), through the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), is revising the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) downhole commingling regulations consistent with the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBB). These administrative revisions update the regulations to ensure consistency with the OBBB when BSEE reviews a request for downhole commingling.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to remove Virginia sneezeweed (Helenium virginicum) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. Our review indicates that the threats to Virginia sneezeweed have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Accordingly, we propose to delist Virginia sneezeweed. If we finalize this rule as proposed, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 7 and 9, would no longer apply to Virginia sneezeweed.
The Department of the Interior (the Department or DOI), acting through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), is amending the Department's regulations to rescind a section that provides for publishing a renewable energy leasing schedule every 2 years. This section is not necessary because it is not mandated by the statute for renewable energy regulations.
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Montana regulatory program (hereinafter, the Montana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Montana submitted this proposed amendment to us, on its own initiative, following the passage of Montana House Bill 587 (HB 587) during the 2025 legislative session. Montana proposes several changes to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), generally related to a new definition of "Material damage" with respect to the hydrologic balance, alluvial valley floors, and subsidence and the option for a permit applicant to provide self-collected information related to its determination of probable hydrologic consequences, if an appropriate Federal or State agency cannot provide such information. This notice also allows for a public comment period and the possibility for a public hearing, if one is requested.
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Montana regulatory program (hereinafter, the Montana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Montana submitted this proposed amendment to us, on its own initiative, following the passage of Montana House Bill 616 (HB 616) during the 2025 legislative session. Montana proposes several changes to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) generally related to the option for an permittee to include predictive modeling, along with monitoring data, in its bond release application to prove compliance with approved reclamation plans and allowing Montana to retain a portion of a bond for areas that are contributing suspended solids. This notice also allows for a public comment period and the possibility for a public hearing, if one is requested.
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Montana regulatory program (hereinafter, the Montana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Montana submitted this proposed amendment to us, on its own initiative, following the passage of Montana Senate Bill 365 (SB 365) during the 2025 legislative session. Montana proposes changes to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) generally related to siltation structures and a proposed exception in the Montana regulation for exceedance of capacity violations if the exceedance is the result of a series of small storms and the operator takes active measures to restore pond capacity as soon as conditions permit. This notice also allows for a public comment period and the possibility for a public hearing, if one is requested.
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Montana regulatory program (hereinafter, the Montana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Montana submitted this proposed amendment to us, on its own initiative, following the passage of Montana Senate Bill 368 (SB 368) during the 2025 legislative session. Montana proposes several changes to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) generally related to the proposed the addition of a process for operators to correct minor maintenance items. This notice also allows for a public comment period and the possibility for a public hearing, if one is requested.
This direct final rule (DFR) revises existing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations pertaining to application for permit to drill (APD) to effectuate changes required by the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBB) enacted on July 4, 2025.
This direct final rule (DFR) removes existing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations pertaining to stipulations and mitigation measures to effectuate changes required by the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBB) enacted on July 4, 2025.
This direct final rule (DFR) revises existing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations pertaining to coal royalties to effectuate changes required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) enacted on July 4, 2025.
The Department of the Interior (DOI or Department), through the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), is rescinding the majority of the provisions in its sulphur operations subpart and revising the subpart by applying other available regulatory requirements for similar operations to sulphur operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The existing regulations are outdated, duplicative of, or inconsistent with, other Department regulations. This direct final rule provides consistency and clarity to industry regarding regulatory requirements for sulphur operations by aligning the requirements with the Department's other BSEE-administered regulations.
This direct final rule rescinds a portion of the Bureau of Land Management's regulations that address prospecting for mineral resources on National Forest System lands.
This direct final rule rescinds a portion of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) regulations that address mining in powersite withdrawals.
This direct final rule rescinds a portion of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) regulations addressing areas subject to special mining laws, O&C Lands.
This direct final rule rescinds a portion of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) regulations that address submission of annual documents for mining claims and sites required by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA).
This direct final rule rescinds a portion of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations that address the Act of July 23, 1955--Use and Occupancy Under the Mining Laws--What if I have an existing use or occupancy?
This direct final rule rescinds a portion of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) regulations addressing mineral locations within National Forest System lands.
This direct final rule rescinds Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations that address production incentives for geothermal leases.
This direct final rule rescinds a portion of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) regulations that address geothermal resource leasing.
This direct final rule rescinds portions of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) regulations that address the Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil Shale--Areas Available for Leasing and Hardrock Mineral Development Contracts; Processing and Milling Arrangements.
This direct final rule rescinds a portion of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) regulations that address Hearings Procedures.
This direct final rule rescinds a portion of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) regulations pertaining to mineral reservation in patent; conditions to be noted on mineral applications.
