Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status for the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment of Greater Sage-Grouse With Special Rule and Designation of Critical Habitat, 26684-26685 [2014-10640]

Download as PDF 26684 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 90 / Friday, May 9, 2014 / Proposed Rules mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS incremental impacts of rulemaking on those entities directly regulated by the rulemaking itself, and therefore, not required to evaluate the potential impacts to indirectly regulated entities. The regulatory mechanism through which critical habitat protections are realized is section 7 of the Act, which requires Federal agencies, in consultation with the Service, to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried by the agency is not likely to adversely modify critical habitat. Therefore, under these circumstances only Federal action agencies are directly subject to the specific regulatory requirement (avoiding destruction and adverse modification) imposed by critical habitat designation. Under these circumstances, it is our position that only Federal action agencies will be directly regulated by this designation. Federal agencies are not small entities, and to this end, there is no requirement under RFA to evaluate the potential impacts to entities not directly regulated. Therefore, because no small entities are directly regulated by this rulemaking, the Service certifies that, if promulgated, the proposed critical habitat designation will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. In summary, we have considered whether the proposed designation would result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. For the above reasons and based on currently available information, we certify that, if promulgated, the proposed critical habitat designation would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small business entities. Therefore, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. E.O. 12630 (Takings) In accordance with E.O. 12630 (Government Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Private Property Rights), we have analyzed the potential takings implications of designating critical habitat for Arabis georgiana in a takings implications assessment. As discussed above, the designation of critical habitat affects only Federal actions. Although private parties that receive Federal funding or assistance, or that require approval or authorization from a Federal agency for an action, may be indirectly impacted by the designation of critical habitat, the legally binding duty to avoid destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat rests squarely on the Federal agency. The economic analysis found that no significant economic impacts are likely to result from the VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:42 May 08, 2014 Jkt 232001 designation of critical habitat for A. georgiana. Because the Act’s critical habitat protection requirements apply only to Federal agency actions, few conflicts between critical habitat and private property rights should result from this designation. Based on information contained in the economic analysis assessment and described within this document, it is not likely that economic impacts to a property owner would be of a sufficient magnitude to support a takings action. Therefore, the takings implications assessment concludes that the designation of critical habitat for A. georgiana does not pose significant takings implications for lands within or affected by the designation. Authors The primary authors of this notice are the staff members of the Athens, Georgia, Ecological Services Office, Southeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Authority The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: April 25, 2014. Michael Bean, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. 2014–10399 Filed 5–8–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket Nos. FWS–R8–ES–2013–0072 and FWS–R8–ES–2013–0042; 4500030113] RIN 1018–AY10; RIN 1018–AZ70 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status for the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment of Greater Sage-Grouse With Special Rule and Designation of Critical Habitat Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rules; notice of public hearings. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the locations and dates of public hearings to receive public comments on the October 28, 2013, proposed listing, critical habitat designation, and special rule for the bi-State distinct population segment (DPS) of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 We will hold two public hearings on these proposed rules. The first will be in Minden, Nevada, on May 28, 2014, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Pacific Time), and the second will be in Bishop, California, on May 29, 2014, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) (see ADDRESSES). ADDRESSES: Document availability: You may obtain copies of the proposed rules on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS Docket No. lations.govulations.go with special rule) and Docket No. FWSDocket No. lations.govulations.go with special rule) and Docket No.me) (see listing, critical habitatent of Greater SageGrouse entura Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Public hearing: The May 28, 2014, public hearing will be held at Carson Valley Inn, Valley Ballroom, 1627 U.S. Highway 395 North, Minden, Nevada 89423. The May 29, 2014, public hearing will be held at the Tri-County Fairgrounds, Home Economics Building, Sierra Street and Fair Drive, Bishop, CA 93514. People needing reasonable accommodations in order to attend and participate in either public hearing should contact Edward D. Koch, State Supervisor, Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, as soon as possible (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information on the proposed listing rule, proposed special rule, and proposed critical habitat designation, contact Edward D. Koch, State Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Suite 234, Reno, NV 89502; telephone 775– 861–6300; or facsimile 775–861–6301. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: Background On October 28, 2013, we published a proposed rule to list the bi-State DPS of greater sage-grouse in California and Nevada as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (78 FR 64358), with a special rule under section 4(d) of the Act. We concurrently published a proposed rule to designate critical habitat (78 FR 64328). For a description of previous Federal actions concerning the bi-State DPS, please refer to the October 28, 2013, proposed rules. Both proposed rules opened a 60-day comment period scheduled to end December 27, 2013; however, we E:\FR\FM\09MYP1.SGM 09MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 90 / Friday, May 9, 2014 / Proposed Rules received requests to extend the public comment periods on the proposed rules. In response to those requests, we announced on December 20, 2013, an extension of the comment periods for an additional 45 days (78 FR 77087) to February 10, 2014, to allow additional comment. On April 8, 2014 we announced the reopening of another comment period for 60 days (79 FR 19314) to June 9, 2014; that document also announced a 6-month extension for a final determination on the proposed listing rule to occur no later than April 28, 2015. We are holding public hearings to provide interested parties an opportunity to present verbal testimony (formal, oral comments) or written comments regarding the proposals. A public hearing is a forum for accepting formal verbal testimony. Anyone wishing to testify verbally at the public hearings for the record is encouraged to also provide a written copy of their statement to us at the hearings. In the event of a large attendance, the time allotted for verbal testimony may be limited. Speakers can sign up at the hearings if they desire to make a verbal statement. Oral and written statements receive equal consideration. There are no limits on the length of written comments submitted to us. Persons with disabilities needing reasonable accommodations to participate in either public hearing should contact the Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Reasonable accommodation requests should be received at least 3 business days prior to the hearing to help ensure that we can meet the requested assistance. Authority The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: May 1, 2014. Rachel Jacobson, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. 2014–10640 Filed 5–8–14; 8:45 am] mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 4310–55–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:42 May 08, 2014 Jkt 232001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 140403309–4309–01] RIN 0648–BE16 Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Recreational Management Measures for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Fishing Year 2014 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS proposes management measures for the 2014 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries. The implementing regulations for these fisheries require NMFS to publish recreational measures for the fishing year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of these measures is to prevent overfishing of the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass resources. DATES: Comments must be received by 5 p.m. local time, on May 27, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified NOAA– NMFS–2014–0047, by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20140047, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail and Hand Delivery: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope: ‘‘Comments on 2014 FSB Recreational Measures.’’ Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 26685 accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/ A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only. Copies of the Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (SEA/ IRFA) and other supporting documents for the recreational harvest measures are available from Dr. Christopher M. Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Suite 201, 800 N. State Street, Dover, DE 19901. The recreational harvest measures document is also accessible via the Internet at: https://www.nero.noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Moira Kelly, Fishery Policy Analyst, (978) 281–9218. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: General Background The summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries are managed cooperatively under the provisions of the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) developed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, in consultation with the New England and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. The management units specified in the FMP include summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) in U.S. waters of the Atlantic Ocean from the southern border of North Carolina northward to the U.S./ Canada border, and scup (Stenotomus chrysops) and black sea bass (Centropristis striata) in U.S. waters of the Atlantic Ocean from 35 E. 13.3′ N. lat. (the latitude of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton, North Carolina) northward to the U.S./Canada border. The Council prepared the FMP under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Regulations implementing the FMP appear at 50 CFR part 648, subparts A (general provisions), G (summer flounder), H (scup), and I (black sea bass). General regulations governing fisheries of the Northeastern U.S. also appear at 50 CFR part 648. States manage these three species within 3 nautical miles (4.83 km) of their coasts, under the Commission’s plan for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The applicable speciesspecific Federal regulations govern vessels and individual fishermen fishing in Federal waters of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as well as vessels possessing a summer flounder, scup, or E:\FR\FM\09MYP1.SGM 09MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 90 (Friday, May 9, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26684-26685]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-10640]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket Nos. FWS-R8-ES-2013-0072 and FWS-R8-ES-2013-0042; 4500030113]
RIN 1018-AY10; RIN 1018-AZ70


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status 
for the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment of Greater Sage-Grouse 
With Special Rule and Designation of Critical Habitat

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rules; notice of public hearings.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
locations and dates of public hearings to receive public comments on 
the October 28, 2013, proposed listing, critical habitat designation, 
and special rule for the bi-State distinct population segment (DPS) of 
greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus).

DATES: We will hold two public hearings on these proposed rules. The 
first will be in Minden, Nevada, on May 28, 2014, from 6:00 to 9:00 
p.m. (Pacific Time), and the second will be in Bishop, California, on 
May 29, 2014, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) (see ADDRESSES).

ADDRESSES: 
    Document availability: You may obtain copies of the proposed rules 
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS Docket 
No. lations.govulations.go with special rule) and Docket No. FWSDocket 
No. lations.govulations.go with special rule) and Docket No.me) (see 
listing, critical habitatent of Greater Sage-Grouse entura Fish and 
Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    Public hearing: The May 28, 2014, public hearing will be held at 
Carson Valley Inn, Valley Ballroom, 1627 U.S. Highway 395 North, 
Minden, Nevada 89423. The May 29, 2014, public hearing will be held at 
the Tri-County Fairgrounds, Home Economics Building, Sierra Street and 
Fair Drive, Bishop, CA 93514. People needing reasonable accommodations 
in order to attend and participate in either public hearing should 
contact Edward D. Koch, State Supervisor, Nevada Fish and Wildlife 
Office, as soon as possible (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information on the proposed 
listing rule, proposed special rule, and proposed critical habitat 
designation, contact Edward D. Koch, State Supervisor, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, 1340 Financial 
Boulevard, Suite 234, Reno, NV 89502; telephone 775-861-6300; or 
facsimile 775-861-6301. Persons who use a telecommunications device for 
the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 
800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    On October 28, 2013, we published a proposed rule to list the bi-
State DPS of greater sage-grouse in California and Nevada as a 
threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended 
(Act) (78 FR 64358), with a special rule under section 4(d) of the Act. 
We concurrently published a proposed rule to designate critical habitat 
(78 FR 64328). For a description of previous Federal actions concerning 
the bi-State DPS, please refer to the October 28, 2013, proposed rules. 
Both proposed rules opened a 60-day comment period scheduled to end 
December 27, 2013; however, we

[[Page 26685]]

received requests to extend the public comment periods on the proposed 
rules. In response to those requests, we announced on December 20, 
2013, an extension of the comment periods for an additional 45 days (78 
FR 77087) to February 10, 2014, to allow additional comment. On April 
8, 2014 we announced the reopening of another comment period for 60 
days (79 FR 19314) to June 9, 2014; that document also announced a 6-
month extension for a final determination on the proposed listing rule 
to occur no later than April 28, 2015.
    We are holding public hearings to provide interested parties an 
opportunity to present verbal testimony (formal, oral comments) or 
written comments regarding the proposals. A public hearing is a forum 
for accepting formal verbal testimony. Anyone wishing to testify 
verbally at the public hearings for the record is encouraged to also 
provide a written copy of their statement to us at the hearings. In the 
event of a large attendance, the time allotted for verbal testimony may 
be limited. Speakers can sign up at the hearings if they desire to make 
a verbal statement. Oral and written statements receive equal 
consideration. There are no limits on the length of written comments 
submitted to us.
    Persons with disabilities needing reasonable accommodations to 
participate in either public hearing should contact the Nevada Fish and 
Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Reasonable 
accommodation requests should be received at least 3 business days 
prior to the hearing to help ensure that we can meet the requested 
assistance.

Authority

    The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: May 1, 2014.
Rachel Jacobson,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2014-10640 Filed 5-8-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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