Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Island Marble Butterfly as an Endangered Species, 49045-49047 [2014-19560]

Download as PDF wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 160 / Tuesday, August 19, 2014 / Proposed Rules CMV training organizations, motor carriers (of property and passengers) and industry associations, State licensing agencies, State enforcement agencies, labor unions, safety advocacy groups, and insurance companies and associations. The convener will determine whether additional categories of interested parties may be necessary. The convenor will, among other things, examine the potential for adequate and balanced representation of these varied interests on an advisory committee that would be convened to negotiate the regulation. The convener will then submit a written ‘‘convening’’ report of findings and recommendations to the Agency, and the final report will be available to the public. The convener’s report will provide a basis for FMCSA to decide whether to proceed with a Reg Neg, and, if so, to determine the scope of the issues the committee would address. In the alternative, FMCSA may decide to forgo the Reg Neg and proceed with traditional notice-and-comment rulemaking. All interested parties are advised that the confidentiality provisions of the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act, 5 U.S.C. 574, will apply to the convener’s activities. The Federal Government will make no claim to the convener’s notes, memoranda, or recollections or to documents provided to the convener in confidence in the course of the convening process. The convenor will not interpret FMCSA or DOT policy on behalf of the Agency or the Department nor make decisions on items of policy, regulation, or statute. The convenor will not take a stand on the merits of substantive items under discussion. The FMCSA will provide the convener any comments it receives in reaction to this notice and will file the comments in docket FMCSA–2007– 27748. If you want to submit comments to this notice directly to the docket, use the addresses above under the heading ADDRESSES. Should the FMCSA decide to proceed with a Reg Neg process, the Agency will follow the procedures set forth in the Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1996, 5 U.S.C. 561 et seq. This would include the mandatory publication of a notice of intent to solicit comment on membership and invite interested persons to apply for nomination to the committee. It also includes the establishment of a negotiating committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2). Issued under the authority of delegation in 49 CFR 1.87. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:49 Aug 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 Dated: August 12, 2014. Anne S. Ferro, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2014–19637 Filed 8–15–14; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket No. FWS–R1–ES–2014–0025; 4500030113] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Island Marble Butterfly as an Endangered Species Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of petition finding and initiation of status review. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce our 90-day finding on a petition To list the island marble butterfly (Euchloe ausonides insulanus) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. Based on our review, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial data indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this document, we are notifying the public that when resources become available, we will be conducting a review of the status of this subspecies to determine if the petitioned action is warranted. In order to assure that the best scientific and commercial data informs the status review and, if warranted, the subsequent listing determination, and to provide an opportunity for all interested parties to provide information for consideration for the status review, we are requesting information regarding the island marble butterfly. Based on the results of our status review, we will issue a 12-month finding on the petition, which will address whether the petitioned action is warranted, as provided in section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act. DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct the status review, we request that we receive information no later than December 31, 2016. Information submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. ADDRESSES: You may submit information by one of the following methods: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 49045 (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter docket number FWS–R1–ES– 2014–0025. You may submit information by clicking on ‘‘Comment Now!’’ If your information will fit in the provided comment box, please use this feature of https://www.regulations.gov, as it is most compatible with our information review procedures. If you attach your information as a separate document, our preferred file format is Microsoft Word. If you attach multiple comments (such as form letters), our preferred format is a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel. (2) By U.S. mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R1–ES–2014– 0025; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. We request that you send information only by the methods described above. We will post all comments on https:// www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see Request for Information). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom McDowell, Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, 510 Desmond Drive, Lacey, WA 98503; telephone 360–753– 9440; facsimile 360–534–9331. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Request for Information When we make a finding that a petition presents substantial information indicating that listing a species may be warranted, we are required to promptly review the status of the species (status review; also commonly referred to as a ‘‘12-month finding’’). For the status review to be complete and based on the best available scientific and commercial data, we request information on the island marble butterfly from governmental agencies, Native American tribes, the scientific community, industry, and any other interested parties. We seek information on: (1) The subspecies’ biology, range, and population trends, including: (a) Habitat requirements; (b) Genetics and taxonomy, with particular regard to the validity of the subspecies classification for Euchloe ausonides insulanus; (c) Historical and current range, including distribution patterns; (d) Historical and current population levels, and current and projected trends; E:\FR\FM\19AUP1.SGM 19AUP1 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 49046 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 160 / Tuesday, August 19, 2014 / Proposed Rules (e) Any relevant aspects of the life history or behavior of the island marble butterfly that has not yet been documented; and (f) Past and ongoing conservation measures for the subspecies, its habitat, or both. (2) The factors that are the basis for making a listing determination for a species under section 4(a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), which are: (a) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range (‘‘Factor A’’); (b) Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes (‘‘Factor B’’); (c) Disease or predation (‘‘Factor C’’); (d) The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms (‘‘Factor D’’); or (e) Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence (‘‘Factor E’’). (3) The potential effects of climate change on this subspecies or its habitat. (4) Actions taken by landowners that would provide conservation benefits (short-term and long-term; e.g., the maintenance of home gardens with the requisite host or nectar plants to support the island marble butterfly in various life stages throughout the year) to the island marble butterfly. If, after the status review, we determine that listing is warranted, we will propose critical habitat (see definition in section 3(5)(A) of the Act) under section 4 of the Act, to the maximum extent prudent and determinable at the time we propose to list the subspecies. Therefore, we also request data and information for the island marble butterfly on: (1) What may constitute ‘‘physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the species,’’ within the geographical range occupied by the subspecies; (2) Where these features are currently found; (3) Whether any of these features may require special management considerations or protection; (4) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the subspecies that are ‘‘essential for the conservation of the species’’; and (5) What, if any, critical habitat you think we should propose for designation if the subspecies is proposed for listing, and why such habitat meets the requirements of section 4 of the Act. Please include sufficient information with your submission (such as copies or references to scientific journal articles or other publications) to allow us to VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:49 Aug 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 verify any scientific or commercial information you include. Submissions merely stating support for or opposition to the actions under consideration without providing supporting information, although noted, will not be considered in making a determination. Section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act directs that determinations as to whether any species is an endangered or threatened species must be made ‘‘solely on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available.’’ You may submit your information concerning this status review by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. If you submit information via https://www.regulations.gov, your entire submission—including any personal identifying information—will be posted on the Web site. If you submit a hardcopy that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the top of your document that we withhold this personal identifying information from public review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will post all hardcopy submissions on https:// www.regulations.gov. Information and supporting documentation that we received and used in preparing this finding will be available for you to review at https:// www.regulations.gov, or you may make an appointment during normal business hours at the Washington Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing regulations at 50 CFR part 424 set forth the procedures for adding a species to, or removing a species from, the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. A species may be determined to be an endangered or threatened species due to one or more of the five factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act (see Request for Information). In considering what factors might constitute threats, we must look beyond the exposure of the species to a factor to evaluate whether the species may respond to the factor in a way that causes actual impacts to the species. If there is exposure to a factor and the species responds negatively, the factor may be a threat and, during the status review, we attempt to determine how significant a threat it is. The threat is significant if it drives, or contributes to, the risk of extinction of the species such that the species may warrant listing as an endangered or threatened species as those terms are defined in the Act. However, the identification of factors that could impact a species negatively may not be sufficient to compel a finding that the information in the petition and our files is substantial. The information must include evidence sufficient to suggest that these factors may be operative threats that act on the species to the point that the species may meet the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Act. Background Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act requires that we make a finding on whether a petition to list, delist, or reclassify a species presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. We are to base this finding on information provided in the petition and supporting information submitted with the petition. To the maximum extent practicable, we are to make this finding within 90 days of our receipt of the petition and publish our notice of the finding in the Federal Register. Our standard for substantial scientific or commercial information within the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) with regard to a 90-day petition finding is ‘‘that amount of information that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the measure proposed in the petition may be warranted’’ (50 CFR 424.14(b)). If we find that substantial scientific or commercial information was presented, we are required to commence a review of the status of the species, which will be subsequently summarized in our 12month finding. Review of Petition To List the Island Marble Butterfly as an Endangered Species Under the Act Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be found at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS–R1–ES–2014–0025 in the document labeled Appendix for Island Marble Butterfly. PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Species and Range This petition concerns the island marble butterfly (Euchloe ausonides insulanus), with a range in San Juan Island and Lopez Island, Washington, U.S.A. Petition History On December 11, 2002, we received a petition dated December 10, 2002, requesting that we emergency list the island marble butterfly as an endangered species, and that we designate critical habitat concurrently with the listing. On February 13, 2006, we published a 90-day finding in the Federal Register (71 FR 7497) concluding that the petition presented substantial scientific information E:\FR\FM\19AUP1.SGM 19AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 160 / Tuesday, August 19, 2014 / Proposed Rules indicating that listing the island marble butterfly may be warranted. On November 14, 2006, we published a notice of 12-month petition finding, concluding that the island marble butterfly did not warrant listing (71 FR 66292). Please see that 12-month finding for a complete summary of all previous Federal actions for this species. On August 24, 2012, we received a petition dated August 22, 2012, from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, requesting that the island marble butterfly be listed as an endangered species under the Act. The petition requested an emergency listing and emergency critical habitat designation. The petition clearly identified itself as such and included the requisite identification information for the petitioner, required at 50 CFR 424.14(a). This finding addresses the petition. Finding wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing may be warranted for the island marble butterfly under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, based on factors A, C, and E (see Appendix for the Island Marble Butterfly). We therefore request information on the five listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:49 Aug 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 including the factors identified in this finding (see Request for Information). Our review of the petition does not indicate that an emergency situation exists. However, if at any time conditions change and we determine emergency listing is necessary, an emergency rule may be developed. Conclusion On the basis of our evaluation of the information presented under section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act, we have determined that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the island marble butterfly as an endangered species may be warranted, and we are initiating a status review to determine whether this action is warranted. At the conclusion of our status review, we will issue a 12-month finding in accordance with section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act. In that 12-month finding, the Service may: decide that the petitioned action is not warranted; decide that the petitioned action is warranted, but precluded; or decide that the petitioned action is warranted, and if so, promptly publish a proposed rule. It is important to note that the ‘‘substantial information’’ standard for a 90-day finding differs from the Act’s ‘‘best scientific and commercial data’’ standard that applies to a status review to determine whether a petitioned action is warranted. A 90-day finding does not constitute a status review under the Act. In a 12-month finding, PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 49047 we will determine whether a petitioned action is warranted after we have completed a thorough review of the species. Because the Act’s standards for 90-day and 12-month findings are different, as described above, a substantial 90-day finding does not mean that the 12-month finding will result in a warranted finding. References Cited On https://www.regulations.gov, the docket for the island marble butterfly (FWS–R1–ES–2014–0025) contains the relevant appendix mentioned above. This appendix contains a complete list of references cited. The appendix is also available upon request from the Washington Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Authors The primary authors of this notice are the staff members of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Authority The authority for these actions is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: August 5, 2014. David Cottingham, Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2014–19560 Filed 8–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P E:\FR\FM\19AUP1.SGM 19AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 160 (Tuesday, August 19, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49045-49047]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-19560]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2014-0025; 4500030113]


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on 
a Petition To List the Island Marble Butterfly as an Endangered Species

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of petition finding and initiation of status review.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce our 90-day 
finding on a petition To list the island marble butterfly (Euchloe 
ausonides insulanus) as an endangered species under the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. Based on our review, we find 
that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial data 
indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. Therefore, with 
the publication of this document, we are notifying the public that when 
resources become available, we will be conducting a review of the 
status of this subspecies to determine if the petitioned action is 
warranted. In order to assure that the best scientific and commercial 
data informs the status review and, if warranted, the subsequent 
listing determination, and to provide an opportunity for all interested 
parties to provide information for consideration for the status review, 
we are requesting information regarding the island marble butterfly. 
Based on the results of our status review, we will issue a 12-month 
finding on the petition, which will address whether the petitioned 
action is warranted, as provided in section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act.

DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct the status review, we 
request that we receive information no later than December 31, 2016. 
Information submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern 
Time on the closing date.

ADDRESSES: You may submit information by one of the following methods:
    (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter docket number FWS-R1-ES-
2014-0025. You may submit information by clicking on ``Comment Now!'' 
If your information will fit in the provided comment box, please use 
this feature of https://www.regulations.gov, as it is most compatible 
with our information review procedures. If you attach your information 
as a separate document, our preferred file format is Microsoft Word. If 
you attach multiple comments (such as form letters), our preferred 
format is a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel.
    (2) By U.S. mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R1-ES-2014-
0025; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: BPHC, 5275 
Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We request that you send information only by the methods described 
above. We will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide 
us (see Request for Information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom McDowell, Washington Fish and 
Wildlife Office, 510 Desmond Drive, Lacey, WA 98503; telephone 360-753-
9440; facsimile 360-534-9331. Persons who use a telecommunications 
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay 
Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Request for Information

    When we make a finding that a petition presents substantial 
information indicating that listing a species may be warranted, we are 
required to promptly review the status of the species (status review; 
also commonly referred to as a ``12-month finding''). For the status 
review to be complete and based on the best available scientific and 
commercial data, we request information on the island marble butterfly 
from governmental agencies, Native American tribes, the scientific 
community, industry, and any other interested parties. We seek 
information on:
    (1) The subspecies' biology, range, and population trends, 
including:
    (a) Habitat requirements;
    (b) Genetics and taxonomy, with particular regard to the validity 
of the subspecies classification for Euchloe ausonides insulanus;
    (c) Historical and current range, including distribution patterns;
    (d) Historical and current population levels, and current and 
projected trends;

[[Page 49046]]

    (e) Any relevant aspects of the life history or behavior of the 
island marble butterfly that has not yet been documented; and
    (f) Past and ongoing conservation measures for the subspecies, its 
habitat, or both.
    (2) The factors that are the basis for making a listing 
determination for a species under section 4(a)(1) of the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), which 
are:
    (a) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range (``Factor A'');
    (b) Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes (``Factor B'');
    (c) Disease or predation (``Factor C'');
    (d) The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms (``Factor 
D''); or
    (e) Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued 
existence (``Factor E'').
    (3) The potential effects of climate change on this subspecies or 
its habitat.
    (4) Actions taken by landowners that would provide conservation 
benefits (short-term and long-term; e.g., the maintenance of home 
gardens with the requisite host or nectar plants to support the island 
marble butterfly in various life stages throughout the year) to the 
island marble butterfly.
    If, after the status review, we determine that listing is 
warranted, we will propose critical habitat (see definition in section 
3(5)(A) of the Act) under section 4 of the Act, to the maximum extent 
prudent and determinable at the time we propose to list the subspecies. 
Therefore, we also request data and information for the island marble 
butterfly on:
    (1) What may constitute ``physical or biological features essential 
to the conservation of the species,'' within the geographical range 
occupied by the subspecies;
    (2) Where these features are currently found;
    (3) Whether any of these features may require special management 
considerations or protection;
    (4) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the 
subspecies that are ``essential for the conservation of the species''; 
and
    (5) What, if any, critical habitat you think we should propose for 
designation if the subspecies is proposed for listing, and why such 
habitat meets the requirements of section 4 of the Act.
    Please include sufficient information with your submission (such as 
copies or references to scientific journal articles or other 
publications) to allow us to verify any scientific or commercial 
information you include.
    Submissions merely stating support for or opposition to the actions 
under consideration without providing supporting information, although 
noted, will not be considered in making a determination. Section 
4(b)(1)(A) of the Act directs that determinations as to whether any 
species is an endangered or threatened species must be made ``solely on 
the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available.''
    You may submit your information concerning this status review by 
one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. If you submit 
information via https://www.regulations.gov, your entire submission--
including any personal identifying information--will be posted on the 
Web site. If you submit a hardcopy that includes personal identifying 
information, you may request at the top of your document that we 
withhold this personal identifying information from public review. 
However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will 
post all hardcopy submissions on https://www.regulations.gov.
    Information and supporting documentation that we received and used 
in preparing this finding will be available for you to review at https://www.regulations.gov, or you may make an appointment during normal 
business hours at the Washington Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Background

    Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act requires that we make a finding on 
whether a petition to list, delist, or reclassify a species presents 
substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the 
petitioned action may be warranted. We are to base this finding on 
information provided in the petition and supporting information 
submitted with the petition. To the maximum extent practicable, we are 
to make this finding within 90 days of our receipt of the petition and 
publish our notice of the finding in the Federal Register.
    Our standard for substantial scientific or commercial information 
within the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) with regard to a 90-day 
petition finding is ``that amount of information that would lead a 
reasonable person to believe that the measure proposed in the petition 
may be warranted'' (50 CFR 424.14(b)). If we find that substantial 
scientific or commercial information was presented, we are required to 
commence a review of the status of the species, which will be 
subsequently summarized in our 12-month finding.
    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR part 424 set forth the procedures for adding a 
species to, or removing a species from, the Federal Lists of Endangered 
and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. A species may be determined to be 
an endangered or threatened species due to one or more of the five 
factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act (see Request for 
Information).
    In considering what factors might constitute threats, we must look 
beyond the exposure of the species to a factor to evaluate whether the 
species may respond to the factor in a way that causes actual impacts 
to the species. If there is exposure to a factor and the species 
responds negatively, the factor may be a threat and, during the status 
review, we attempt to determine how significant a threat it is. The 
threat is significant if it drives, or contributes to, the risk of 
extinction of the species such that the species may warrant listing as 
an endangered or threatened species as those terms are defined in the 
Act. However, the identification of factors that could impact a species 
negatively may not be sufficient to compel a finding that the 
information in the petition and our files is substantial. The 
information must include evidence sufficient to suggest that these 
factors may be operative threats that act on the species to the point 
that the species may meet the definition of an endangered or threatened 
species under the Act.

Review of Petition To List the Island Marble Butterfly as an Endangered 
Species Under the Act

    Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be 
found at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2014-
0025 in the document labeled Appendix for Island Marble Butterfly.

Species and Range

    This petition concerns the island marble butterfly (Euchloe 
ausonides insulanus), with a range in San Juan Island and Lopez Island, 
Washington, U.S.A.

Petition History

    On December 11, 2002, we received a petition dated December 10, 
2002, requesting that we emergency list the island marble butterfly as 
an endangered species, and that we designate critical habitat 
concurrently with the listing. On February 13, 2006, we published a 90-
day finding in the Federal Register (71 FR 7497) concluding that the 
petition presented substantial scientific information

[[Page 49047]]

indicating that listing the island marble butterfly may be warranted. 
On November 14, 2006, we published a notice of 12-month petition 
finding, concluding that the island marble butterfly did not warrant 
listing (71 FR 66292). Please see that 12-month finding for a complete 
summary of all previous Federal actions for this species.
    On August 24, 2012, we received a petition dated August 22, 2012, 
from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, requesting that 
the island marble butterfly be listed as an endangered species under 
the Act. The petition requested an emergency listing and emergency 
critical habitat designation. The petition clearly identified itself as 
such and included the requisite identification information for the 
petitioner, required at 50 CFR 424.14(a). This finding addresses the 
petition.

Finding

    Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the 
petition, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or 
commercial information indicating that listing may be warranted for the 
island marble butterfly under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, based on 
factors A, C, and E (see Appendix for the Island Marble Butterfly). We 
therefore request information on the five listing factors under section 
4(a)(1) of the Act, including the factors identified in this finding 
(see Request for Information).
    Our review of the petition does not indicate that an emergency 
situation exists. However, if at any time conditions change and we 
determine emergency listing is necessary, an emergency rule may be 
developed.

Conclusion

    On the basis of our evaluation of the information presented under 
section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act, we have determined that the petition 
presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating 
that listing the island marble butterfly as an endangered species may 
be warranted, and we are initiating a status review to determine 
whether this action is warranted. At the conclusion of our status 
review, we will issue a 12-month finding in accordance with section 
4(b)(3)(B) of the Act. In that 12-month finding, the Service may: 
decide that the petitioned action is not warranted; decide that the 
petitioned action is warranted, but precluded; or decide that the 
petitioned action is warranted, and if so, promptly publish a proposed 
rule.
    It is important to note that the ``substantial information'' 
standard for a 90-day finding differs from the Act's ``best scientific 
and commercial data'' standard that applies to a status review to 
determine whether a petitioned action is warranted. A 90-day finding 
does not constitute a status review under the Act. In a 12-month 
finding, we will determine whether a petitioned action is warranted 
after we have completed a thorough review of the species. Because the 
Act's standards for 90-day and 12-month findings are different, as 
described above, a substantial 90-day finding does not mean that the 
12-month finding will result in a warranted finding.

References Cited

    On https://www.regulations.gov, the docket for the island marble 
butterfly (FWS-R1-ES-2014-0025) contains the relevant appendix 
mentioned above. This appendix contains a complete list of references 
cited. The appendix is also available upon request from the Washington 
Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Authors

    The primary authors of this notice are the staff members of the 
Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
(see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Authority

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

    Dated: August 5, 2014.
David Cottingham,
Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-19560 Filed 8-18-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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