Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Listing Determination for the Sunflower Sea Star Under the Endangered Species Act; Public Hearings, 21600-21601 [2023-07437]

Download as PDF 21600 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2023 / Proposed Rules Governments; 59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments), and the Department of the Interior’s manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights, Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act), we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with Tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge that Tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make information available to Tribes. While we notified the Ute Mountain, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and Navajo Nation Tribes of our recommendation to delist the Colorado hookless cactus in our 5year status review in 2021, we are not aware of any Tribal interests or concerns associated with this proposed rule. We will reach out to affected Tribes upon publication of this proposed rule and invite them to comment on the proposed rule and/or initiate government-to-government consultation. References Cited Authors The primary authors of this proposed rule are the staff members of the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Species Assessment Team and the Colorado Ecological Services Field Office. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17 Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Plants, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Proposed Regulation Promulgation Accordingly, we propose to amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below: PART 17—ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS 1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows: ■ 16:47 Apr 10, 2023 § 17.12 [Amended] 2. Amend § 17.12 in paragraph (h) in the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants by removing the entry under Flowering Plants for ‘‘Sclerocactus glaucus (Colorado hookless cactus)’’. ■ Martha Williams, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2023–07119 Filed 4–10–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Parts 223 and 226 [Docket No.230309–0070; RTID 0648– XC913] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Listing Determination for the Sunflower Sea Star Under the Endangered Species Act; Public Hearings National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notification of public hearings. AGENCY: We, NMFS, will hold two public hearings related to our March 16, 2023, proposed rule to list the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). DATES: Written comments must be received by May 15, 2023. Both hearings are open to all interested parties and we encourage participation by members of the public wishing to provide oral comments. In-person public hearings will be held, convening at 4 p.m. and concluding no later than 7 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT), on the following dates: May 2, 2023 (Kodiak, Alaska) and May 10, 2023 (Petersburg, Alaska). Teleconference will also be available (see ADDRESSES). NMFS may close the hearings 15 minutes after the conclusion of public testimony and after responding to any clarifying questions from hearing participants about the proposed rule. Contact Sadie Wright (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) if you intend to join the public hearing after 5:30 p.m. so we can leave the public testimony portion open to accommodate you. ADDRESSES: The May 2 public hearing will be held in the Harbor Room of the Best Western Kodiak Inn at 236 Rezanof SUMMARY: A complete list of references cited in this rulemaking is available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov and upon request from the Colorado Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). VerDate Sep<11>2014 Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361–1407; 1531– 1544; and 4201–4245, unless otherwise noted. Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Drive, Kodiak, Alaska 99615. The May 10 public hearing will be held at Petersburg Borough Assembly Chambers at 12 South Nordic Drive, Petersburg, Alaska 99833. Individuals unable to attend in person may participate in either hearing via conference call. Toll free conference call information for both hearings is the same: Telephone: (888) 790–2053, Conference Code: 2314303. You may submit written data, information, or comments regarding the proposed rule to list the sunflower sea star as threatened under the ESA, identified by Docket ID NOAA–NMFS– 2021–0130–0038, by either of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov, and enter NOAA– NMFS–2021–0130 in the Search box. Click the ‘‘Submit a Formal Comment’’ or ‘‘Comment’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Dayv Lowry, NMFS West Coast Region Lacey Field Office, 1009 College St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503, USA. Instructions: NMFS may not consider comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period. 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), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). The proposed rule and supporting documents are available in the docket for the proposed rule at www.regulations.gov, and on the NMFS website at https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/ sunflower-sea-star#conservationmanagement. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sadie Wright, NMFS Alaska Region, (907) 586–7630, sadie.wright@noaa.gov; or Dayv Lowry, NMFS West Coast Region, (253) 317–1764, david.lowry@ noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On August 18, 2021, we received a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity to list the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) as a E:\FR\FM\11APP1.SGM 11APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2023 / Proposed Rules threatened or endangered species under the ESA. On December 27, 2021, we published a positive 90-day finding (86 FR 73230, December 27, 2021) announcing that the petition presented substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. We also announced the initiation of a status review of the species, as required by section 4(b)(3)(A) of the ESA, and requested information to inform the agency’s decision on whether this species warrants listing as threatened or endangered. We completed a comprehensive status review for the sunflower sea star. Based on the best scientific and commercial information available (including the draft status review report), and after taking into account efforts being made to protect the species, we determined that the sunflower sea star is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout its range. Therefore, on March 16, 2023, we proposed to list the sunflower sea star as a threatened species under the ESA. The proposed rule opened a public comment period through May 15, 2023. Public Hearings lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 We will hold two in-person public hearings, with associated conference calls, to accept comments on the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:47 Apr 10, 2023 Jkt 259001 proposed rule to list the sunflower sea star as threatened under the ESA on the dates and at the times listed above (see ADDRESSES and DATES). Please see the Public Comments Solicited section of the March 16, 2023, proposed rule regarding the types of information and data we particularly seek (88 FR 16212). During each public hearing, NMFS will provide a brief opening presentation on the proposed ESAlisting rule before accepting public testimony for the record. The hearings will be recorded for the purpose of preparing transcripts of oral comments received. Attendees will be asked to identify themselves before giving testimony in-person or before joining the hearing via teleconference. For the teleconference, once connected to the call, telephone lines will be automatically muted. During the public testimony portion of the hearing, the teleconference moderator will ask participants if they have comments. The teleconference moderator will inform participants with comments when it is their turn to comment. When it is your turn to offer your comment, the moderator will unmute your individual line. Commenters will be asked to state their full name and the identity of any organization on whose behalf they may be speaking. In the event that attendance at the public hearings is PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 21601 large, the time allotted for each commenter may be limited. Anyone wishing to make an oral statement at the public hearing is encouraged to also submit a written copy of their statement to us during the comment period by either of the methods identified above (see ADDRESSES and DATES). There are no limits on the length of written comments submitted to us. Written statements and supporting data and information submitted during the comment period will be considered with the same weight as oral statements provided during the public hearings. These public hearings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. People needing reasonable accommodations to participate in these hearings should submit a request as soon as possible, and no later than 10 business days before the accommodation is needed, by contacting Sadie Wright (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: April 5, 2023. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–07437 Filed 4–10–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\11APP1.SGM 11APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 11, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21600-21601]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07437]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 223 and 226

[Docket No.230309-0070; RTID 0648-XC913]


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Listing 
Determination for the Sunflower Sea Star Under the Endangered Species 
Act; Public Hearings

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notification of public hearings.

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

SUMMARY: We, NMFS, will hold two public hearings related to our March 
16, 2023, proposed rule to list the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia 
helianthoides) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

DATES: Written comments must be received by May 15, 2023. Both hearings 
are open to all interested parties and we encourage participation by 
members of the public wishing to provide oral comments. In-person 
public hearings will be held, convening at 4 p.m. and concluding no 
later than 7 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT), on the following dates: 
May 2, 2023 (Kodiak, Alaska) and May 10, 2023 (Petersburg, Alaska). 
Teleconference will also be available (see ADDRESSES). NMFS may close 
the hearings 15 minutes after the conclusion of public testimony and 
after responding to any clarifying questions from hearing participants 
about the proposed rule. Contact Sadie Wright (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT) if you intend to join the public hearing after 
5:30 p.m. so we can leave the public testimony portion open to 
accommodate you.

ADDRESSES: The May 2 public hearing will be held in the Harbor Room of 
the Best Western Kodiak Inn at 236 Rezanof Drive, Kodiak, Alaska 99615. 
The May 10 public hearing will be held at Petersburg Borough Assembly 
Chambers at 12 South Nordic Drive, Petersburg, Alaska 99833. 
Individuals unable to attend in person may participate in either 
hearing via conference call. Toll free conference call information for 
both hearings is the same: Telephone: (888) 790-2053, Conference Code: 
2314303.
    You may submit written data, information, or comments regarding the 
proposed rule to list the sunflower sea star as threatened under the 
ESA, identified by Docket ID NOAA-NMFS-2021-0130-0038, by either of the 
following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic comments via 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov, and enter 
NOAA-NMFS-2021-0130 in the Search box. Click the ``Submit a Formal 
Comment'' or ``Comment'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter 
or attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to Dayv Lowry, NMFS West 
Coast Region Lacey Field Office, 1009 College St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503, 
USA.
    Instructions: NMFS may not consider comments sent by any other 
method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end 
of the comment period. 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), confidential business information, 
or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender 
will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter 
``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).
    The proposed rule and supporting documents are available in the 
docket for the proposed rule at www.regulations.gov, and on the NMFS 
website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/sunflower-sea-star#conservation-management.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sadie Wright, NMFS Alaska Region, 
(907) 586-7630, [email protected]; or Dayv Lowry, NMFS West Coast 
Region, (253) 317-1764, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    On August 18, 2021, we received a petition from the Center for 
Biological Diversity to list the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia 
helianthoides) as a

[[Page 21601]]

threatened or endangered species under the ESA. On December 27, 2021, 
we published a positive 90-day finding (86 FR 73230, December 27, 2021) 
announcing that the petition presented substantial scientific or 
commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be 
warranted. We also announced the initiation of a status review of the 
species, as required by section 4(b)(3)(A) of the ESA, and requested 
information to inform the agency's decision on whether this species 
warrants listing as threatened or endangered. We completed a 
comprehensive status review for the sunflower sea star. Based on the 
best scientific and commercial information available (including the 
draft status review report), and after taking into account efforts 
being made to protect the species, we determined that the sunflower sea 
star is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable 
future throughout its range. Therefore, on March 16, 2023, we proposed 
to list the sunflower sea star as a threatened species under the ESA. 
The proposed rule opened a public comment period through May 15, 2023.

Public Hearings

    We will hold two in-person public hearings, with associated 
conference calls, to accept comments on the proposed rule to list the 
sunflower sea star as threatened under the ESA on the dates and at the 
times listed above (see ADDRESSES and DATES). Please see the Public 
Comments Solicited section of the March 16, 2023, proposed rule 
regarding the types of information and data we particularly seek (88 FR 
16212).
    During each public hearing, NMFS will provide a brief opening 
presentation on the proposed ESA-listing rule before accepting public 
testimony for the record. The hearings will be recorded for the purpose 
of preparing transcripts of oral comments received. Attendees will be 
asked to identify themselves before giving testimony in-person or 
before joining the hearing via teleconference. For the teleconference, 
once connected to the call, telephone lines will be automatically 
muted. During the public testimony portion of the hearing, the 
teleconference moderator will ask participants if they have comments. 
The teleconference moderator will inform participants with comments 
when it is their turn to comment. When it is your turn to offer your 
comment, the moderator will unmute your individual line. Commenters 
will be asked to state their full name and the identity of any 
organization on whose behalf they may be speaking. In the event that 
attendance at the public hearings is large, the time allotted for each 
commenter may be limited.
    Anyone wishing to make an oral statement at the public hearing is 
encouraged to also submit a written copy of their statement to us 
during the comment period by either of the methods identified above 
(see ADDRESSES and DATES). There are no limits on the length of written 
comments submitted to us. Written statements and supporting data and 
information submitted during the comment period will be considered with 
the same weight as oral statements provided during the public hearings.
    These public hearings are physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. People needing reasonable accommodations to participate 
in these hearings should submit a request as soon as possible, and no 
later than 10 business days before the accommodation is needed, by 
contacting Sadie Wright (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.

    Dated: April 5, 2023.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07437 Filed 4-10-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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