Department of the Interior October 4, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period for the proposal to designate critical habitat for the spikedace (Meda fulgida) and loach minnow (Tiaroga cobitis) designation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This action will allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment on the proposed critical habitat, the draft economic analysis, draft environmental assessment, Tribal management plans and resolutions, and a management plan and economic analysis submitted by Phelps Dodge Corporation, as further discussed below. Comments previously submitted on the December 20, 2005 (70 FR 75546), proposed rule and on the June 6, 2006 (71 FR 32496), reopening of the comment period need not be resubmitted as they have been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has signed the Record of Decision (ROD) that disapproves a proposed lease of tribal trust lands between Private Fuel Storage, L.L.C. (PFS) and the Skull Valley Band of Goshute Indians. BIA analyzed the environmental impacts of the proposed lease under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and issued a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) in June 2000, and the final EIS (FEIS) in December 2001. The BIA decision is based on review of the draft EIS; the FEIS; comments received from the public, other Federal agencies, and State and local governments; consideration of the required factors under the Indian Long-term Leasing Act and implementing regulation; and discussion of all the alternatives with the cooperating agencies.