Department of the Interior July 21, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the reopening of the comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for Astragalus brauntonii (Braunton's milk-vetch) and Pentachaeta lyonii (Lyon's pentachaeta) and the availability of the draft economic analyses of the proposed designation of critical habitat. The draft economic analysis for Astragalus brauntonii identifies a total surplus (sum of producer and consumer surplus) of approximately $91.87 million over a 20-year period (approximately $8.11 million annually at a 7 percent discount rate, or approximately $5.99 million annually at a 3 percent discount rate) from housing development forecasted to be built within the area of Astragalus brauntonii proposed critical habitat. The draft economic analysis for Pentachaeta lyonii identifies a total surplus (sum of producer and consumer surplus) of approximately $121.21 million over a 20-year period (approximately $10.69 million annually at a 7 percent discount rate, or $7.91 million annually at a 3 percent discount rate) from housing development forecasted to be built within the area of Pentachaeta lyonii proposed critical habitat. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule and the associated draft economic analyses. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they will be incorporated into the public record as part of this comment period, and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP/EA) is available for review and comment. Also available for review with the Draft CCP/EA are the draft compatibility determinations for research and monitoring; wildlife observation and photography; environmental education and interpretive guided tours; and sport fishing.

The BLM Coos Bay District RAC is scheduled to meet on August 3, 2006 from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the BLM Coos Bay District Office. The BLM Office is located at 1300 Airport Lane in North Bend, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting will be for the RAC to recommend funding for Title II projects, as identified under Public Law 106-393. There will be an opportunity for the public to address the RAC at approximately 11 a.m. at this meeting. The RAC may also meet on August 10, 2006 for the same purpose. The need for this meeting will be dependent upon the progress made in making recommendations at the August 3, 2006 meeting. The scheduled meeting time and location for the August 10, 2006 meeting will be the same as for the meeting scheduled on August 3, 2006.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service and the University of Utah announce the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Construction and Operation of a Proposed New Utah Museum of Natural History at the University of Utah, Salt Lake County, Utah.

The MMS is proposing new regulations implementing the provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) governing the payment of royalty on geothermal resources produced from Federal leases and the payment of direct use fees in lieu of royalties. The EPAct provisions amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (GSA). The new regulations would amend the current MMS geothermal royalty valuation regulations and simplify the royalty calculations for geothermal resources for leases issued under the EPAct and leases whose terms are modified under the EPAct. The new regulations would also amend various related provisions in the MMS rules.