Department of the Interior September 29, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Royalty Payment and Royalty and Production Reporting Requirements Relief for Federal Oil and Gas Lessees Affected by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita
Document Number: 05-19533
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-09-29
Agency: Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) is publishing a final rule to provide immediate temporary relief to reporters in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The final rule provides an extension to pay royalties owed on Federal oil and gas leases and report corresponding royalty and production reports. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf of Mexico coast of the United States. Subsequently, in late September 2005, Hurricane Rita struck the Gulf Coast. Both hurricanes caused extensive damage to areas in which a number of Federal oil and gas lessees, particularly lessees of offshore leases, have their offices and principal operations. This final rule extends the due date for monthly royalty payments and reports and monthly operations reports for Federal oil and gas lessees, royalty payors, and operators whose operations have been disrupted by one or both of the hurricanes to the extent that the lessee, payor, or operator is prevented from submitting accurate payments or accurate reports. Extending the due date for royalty payments means that late payment interest will not accrue for the period between the original due date and the new due date established by this rule.
Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf-Plans and Information
Document Number: 05-19532
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-09-29
Agency: Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service
MMS is delaying until January 1, 2006, the effective date of a rule that regulates plans and information that lessees and operators must submit in connection with oil and gas exploration, development and production on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This delay is necessary because of damage in the New Orleans area caused by Hurricane Katrina and subsequent flooding. This temporary delay will provide relief to the government and the oil and gas industry as they recover from this disaster.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised 12-Month Finding for the Southern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment of the Boreal Toad (Bufo boreas boreas
Document Number: 05-19488
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-09-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce our revised 12-month finding for a petition to list the Southern Rocky Mountain population (SRMP) of the boreal toad (Bufo boreas boreas) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing is not warranted at this time because the SRMP of the boreal toad does not constitute a species, subspecies, or distinct population segment (DPS) under the ESA. Therefore, we withdraw the SRMP from the candidate list. The Service will continue to seek new information on the taxonomy, biology, and ecology of these toads, as well as potential threats to their continued existence.
Supplemental Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria Casino and Hotel Project, Sonoma, CA
Document Number: 05-19429
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-09-29
Agency: National Indian Gaming Commission, Department of the Interior
In accordance with Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., the NIGC, in cooperation with the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria (the ``Graton Rancheria''), intends to gather information necessary for preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed casino and hotel project to be located in Sonoma, California. This notice supplements the Notice of Intent (NOI) which appeared in the Federal Register on February 12, 2004 (69 FR 7022 (Feb. 12, 2004)) and advises the public that the NIGC and BIA intends to gather further information necessary to prepare an EIS for a proposed casino and hotel project to be located in Sonoma County, California. The purpose of the proposed action is to help address the socio-economic needs of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The proposed action is very similar to that proposed in the February 12, 2004, NOI, with the exception that the casino and hotel would be constructed adjacent to and on the east side of the previously proposed site. The shift of the proposed construction site is being considered to avoid environmental constraints discovered on the original site, particularly, to avoid wetlands identified on the original site. Additional details of the new proposed action and location are provided below in the Supplemental Information section. The supplemental scoping process will include notification of and opportunity for the general public and Federal, state, local, and tribal agencies to comment on the new proposed action. The purpose of scoping is to identify public and agency concerns on environmental issues, and alternatives to be considered in the EIS. All the information and comments gathered in response to the earlier NOI remain in the record, and there is no need to repeat information submitted at that time.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Pacific Coast Population of the Western Snowy Plover
Document Number: 05-19096
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-09-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are designating critical habitat for the Pacific coast population of the western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 12,145 acres (ac) (4,921 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The critical habitat is located within 3 states, and a total of 20 counties. The county breakdown by State is as follows: CaliforniaSan Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Marin, Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte; OregonCurry, Coos, Douglas, Lane, Tillamook; and WashingtonPacific, Grays Harbor.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.