Bureau of Land Management April 26, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is issuing this interim temporary final rule (Interim Rule) to amend the BLM's regulations found in 43 CFR parts 2090 and 2800 by adding provisions allowing the BLM to temporarily segregate from the operation of the public land laws, by publication of a Federal Register notice, public lands included in a pending or future wind or solar energy generation right- of-way (ROW) application, or public lands identified by the BLM for a potential future wind or solar energy generation ROW authorization under the BLM's ROW regulations, in order to promote the orderly administration of the public lands. If segregated under this rule, such lands will not be subject to appropriation under the public land laws, including location under the Mining Law of 1872 (Mining Law), but not the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (Mineral Leasing Act) or the Materials Act of 1947 (Materials Act), subject to valid existing rights, for a period of up to 2 years. This Interim Rule is effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register for a period not to exceed 2 years after publication, but public comments received within 60 days of the publication of this rule will be considered by the BLM. Any necessary changes will be made to the Interim Rule. The BLM is also publishing in today's Federal Register a proposed rule that would make this segregation authority permanent. At the completion of the notice and comment rulemaking process for the proposed rule, or at the end of 2 years, whichever occurs first, this Interim Rule will expire.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service has filed an application with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that proposes to extend the duration of Public Land Order (PLO) No. 6886 for an additional 20-year term. PLO No. 6886 withdrew approximately 21,636.29 acres of National Forest System land from location and entry under the United States mining laws to protect unique topographic characteristics and recreation values of the Snowy Range Area. The withdrawal created by PLO No. 6886 will expire on October 7, 2011, unless extended. This notice also gives an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed action and announces the date, time, and location of a public meeting.

This order extends the duration of the withdrawal created by Public Land Order No. 6849, as corrected, for an additional 20-year period. The extension is necessary for continued protection of the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in Washoe and Humboldt Counties, Nevada.