Department of the Interior July 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 101 - 150 of 181
Notice of Intent To Amend the Kingman Resource Area, Resource Management Plan and Associated Environmental Assessment
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kingman Field Office, Kingman, Arizona, intends to amend the Kingman Resource Management Plan (RMP) with an associated Environmental Assessment (EA) and by this notice is announcing the start of the public scoping period. The Kingman RMP, approved March 1995, requires amendment in order to designate a Transportation Corridor in response to an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) proposal to realign State Route 95 (SR-95).
Notice of Realty Action: Application for Conveyance of Federal Mineral Interests, Maricopa County, AZ
The surface owner of the lands described in this notice, aggregating approximately 160 acres, has filed an application for the purchase of the Federally-owned mineral interests in the lands. Publication of this notice temporarily segregates the mineral interest from appropriation under the public land laws, including the mining law.
Incidental Take Permit for the Regency Centers Project in the City of Highland, San Bernardino County, CA
Regency Centers (Applicant) has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The Service is considering issuing a 3-year permit to the Applicant that would authorize take of the federally endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys Merriami parvus; ``SBKR''). The proposed permit would authorize the take of an individual SBKR. The Applicant needs the permit because take of SBKR could occur during the proposed construction of a commercial development on an 8.4-acre site in the City of Highland, San Bernardino County, California. The permit application includes the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (Plan), which describes the proposed action and the measures that the Applicant would undertake to minimize and mitigate take of the SBKR.
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska, Subpart C and Subpart D-2008-09 Subsistence Taking of Fish and Shellfish Regulations
On March 14, 2008, we published a final rule that established regulations for seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2008-09 regulatory year. This rule, which became effective April 1, 2008, and remains effective through March 31, 2009, contained an error in the regulatory text. This document corrects that error.
Extension of Scoping Period for the Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed China Mountain Wind Project
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Jarbidge Field Office, Twin Falls District, Idaho, is extending the scoping period for the Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed China Mountain Wind Project, located in the Jarbidge Foothills, southwest of Rogerson, Idaho, and west of Jackpot, Nevada. The EIS will be prepared in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) (43 U.S.C. 1701), as amended; the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321), as amended; and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508). This notice extends the public scoping process to identify relevant issues associated with the proposed project.
Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Santa Cruz County, CA
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intend to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge located in Santa Cruz County of California. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process.
Filing of Plats of Survey; Nevada
The purpose of this notice is to inform the public and interested State and local government officials of the filing of Plats of Survey in Nevada.
Notice of Availability of the Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report/Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Sunrise Powerlink Project
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA, 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), together with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA, Pub. Res. Code Sec. 21000 et seq.), has prepared a Recirculated Draft EIR/Supplemental Draft EIS (RDEIR/SDEIS) to augment the analysis for the Sunrise Powerlink Project proposed by San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E).
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, Hyde County, NC; Correction
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a Federal Register notice announcing the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) for public review and comment. This notice contained an error in the e-mail address we provided for public review and comment. We now correct the e-mail address.
Papaha
This notice advises the public that the public comment period has been extended for the NOAA, FWS, and the State of Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and Office of Hawaiian Affairs' Draft Monument Management Plan (MMP) and associated environmental assessment (EA) for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (Monument). See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for details.
Alaska Native Claims Selection
As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that an appealable decision approving lands for conveyance pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act will be issued to Bering Straits Native Corporation for lands located in the vicinity of Council and Shaktoolik, Alaska. Notice of the decision will also be published four times in the Nome Nugget.
Notice of Public Meeting, BLM-Alaska Resource Advisory Council
In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska Resource Advisory Council will meet as indicated below.
Delta and Breton National Wildlife Refuges, Louisiana
The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Delta National Wildlife Refuge in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, and Breton National Wildlife Refuge in St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes, Louisiana, is available for distribution. This document was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The Draft CCP/ EA describes the Service's proposal for management of the refuge for 15 years.
Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Clark, Lincoln, and Nye Counties, NV
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (CCP/EIS) for the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex for public review and comment. The Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex is composed of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. The CCP/EIS, prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the Service will manage the Refuges for the next 15 years. Draft compatibility determinations for several existing and proposed public uses are also available for review and public comment with the Draft CCP/EIS.
Law and Order on Indian Reservations
This final rule amends the Bureau of Indian Affairs regulation governing the Courts of Indian Offenses (otherwise known as CFR Courts) and the Law and Order Code. CFR Courts administer justice where Indian tribes retain exclusive jurisdiction over Indians but where tribal courts have not been established to exercise that jurisdiction. This final rule updates the list of Indian tribes for which Courts of Indian Offenses are established and for which the law and order provisions of the regulations apply. This final rule also clarifies jurisdictional limitations; adds offenses for drug abuse, abuse of psychotoxic substances, child abuse, prostitution, and family violence; and increases maximum penalties for various offenses.
60-Day Notice of Intention To Request Clearance of Collection of Information; Opportunity for Public Comment
Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 5 CFR part 1320, the National Park Service (NPS) invites public comments on an extension of a currently approved collection of information (OMB 1024-0126).
60-Day Notice of Intention To Request Clearance of Collection of Information: Opportunity for Public Comment
Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 5 CFR part 1320, Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements, the National Park Service (NPS) invites public comments on an extension of a currently approved collection of information (OMB 1024- 0018).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To Reclassify the Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) From Threatened to Endangered
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to reclassify the delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that reclassification of the delta smelt from threatened to endangered may be warranted. Therefore, we are initiating a status review to determine if reclassifying this species as endangered under the Act is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding this species.
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe's Proposed 151.87-Acre Fee-to-Trust Transfer, Reservation Proclamation, and Casino-Resort Project, Clark County, WA
This notice announces that the Bureau of Indian Affairs is extending the date of issuance of the Record of Decision and reopening the comment period originally announced on May 30, 2008 (73 FR 31143) for the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe's Proposed 151.87-acre fee-to-trust transfer, reservation proclamation, and casino-resort project, in Clark County, Washington.
Eastern States: Filing of Plat of Survey
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will file the plat of survey of the lands described below in the BLM-Eastern States, Springfield, Virginia, 30 calendar days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Fish and Wildlife Service and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Sign Annual Funding Agreement
On June 19, 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) (collectively the Parties) signed an annual funding agreement (AFA) under the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994. The Tribal Self- Governance Act provides for the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to negotiate and enter into an AFA with a tribe participating in Self-Governance, authorizing the tribe to plan, conduct, consolidate, and administer programs, services, functions, and activities, or portions thereof (Activities), administered by the Secretary, which are of special geographic, historical, or cultural significance to that tribe. This includes such Activities within the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS). Under the AFA, the CSKT will function in partnership with the Service and will be directly involved with our management mission at the National Bison Range Complex (NBRC). CSKT will perform a variety of Activities at the NBRC, including operational responsibility for mission-critical Activities such as the biology, maintenance, visitor services, and fire programs. The NBRC will remain a unit of the NWRS and will continue to be administered and managed by the Service in accordance with the NWRS Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd-ee, as amended), and all other applicable Federal laws, regulations, and policies. On June 19, 2008, the AFA was signed by the Tribal Chairman and the Director of the Service, and endorsed by the following senior Department of the Interior management officials: The Secretary of the Interior, Deputy Secretary of the Interior, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, and Acting Director, Office of Economic Development, on behalf of the Office of the Acting Assistant SecretaryIndian Affairs. Copies of the AFA have been forwarded to the U.S. Congress for a 90-day review period, pursuant to the implementing regulations at 25 CFR 1000.177-178.
Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee; Announcement of Public Meeting
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), will host a Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee (Committee) meeting, on July 23-24, 2008. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting agenda will include reports from the Subcommittees on Existing Guidelines, Legal, Landscape Habitat (Mapping), Science Tools and Procedures, and Other Models/Uncertainty; and briefings from Service regional offices on wind/wildlife issues.
Wyoming: Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease
Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2-3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement from Yates Petroleum Corporation, ABO Petroleum Corporation, MYCO Industries, Inc., and Yates Drilling Company for Competitive oil and gas lease WYW157574 for land in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule To Amend the Listing for the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) To Specify Over What Portion of Its Range the Subspecies Is Threatened
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service/USFWS), under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), amend the listing for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) (Prebles) to specify over what portion of its range the subspecies is threatened. Based on the best scientific and commercial data available, we have determined that the Prebles is a valid subspecies and should not be delisted based upon taxonomic revision; the subspecies is not threatened throughout all of its range; and the portion of the subspecies' current range located in Colorado represents a significant portion of the current range where the subspecies should retain its threatened status. This determination is based on a thorough review of all available information, which indicates that Prebles' populations in Wyoming are more widespread and threats to the subspecies less severe than those known at the time of listing, but that in Colorado the Prebles is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.
General Regulations for Areas Administered by the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service
The Department of the Interior, through the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service, announces the re-opening of the comment period on the proposed rule concerning the possession and transportation of firearms in national park areas and national wildlife refuges. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2008 (73 FR 23388).
MMS Information Collection Activity: 1010-0164 (Damage Caused by Hurricanes), Extension of a Collection; Submitted for Office of Management and Budget Review; Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), MMS is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval. The information collection request concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR 250, Subpart I, Platforms and Structures, Notice to Lessees and OperatorsDamage Caused by Hurricane(s). This request covers damage due to any hurricane(s) that may occur in the Gulf of Mexico over the next 3 years.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we are notifying the public that we have submitted to OMB an information collection request (ICR) to renew approval of the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR part 220. This notice also provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of these regulatory requirements. The previous title of this ICR was ``30 CFR Part 220Accounting Procedures for Determining Net Profit Share Payment for Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leases, Sec. 220.010 NPSL capital account, Sec. 220.030 Maintenance of records, Sec. 220.031 Reporting and payment requirements, Sec. 220.032 Inventories, and Sec. 220.033 Audits.'' The new title of this ICR is ``30 CFR Part 220, OCS Net Profit Share Payment Reporting.'' There are no forms associated with this information collection.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Revised Designation for the Kootenai River Population of the White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are revising the designation of critical habitat for the Kootenai River population of the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) (Kootenai sturgeon) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, 18.3 river miles (RM) (29.5 river kilometers (RKM)) of the Kootenai River are designated as critical habitat within Boundary County, Idaho.
Alternative Energy and Alternate Uses of Existing Facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf
The MMS is proposing regulations that would establish a program to grant leases, easements, and rights-of-way (ROW) for alternative energy project activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) as well as for certain previously unauthorized activities that involve the alternate use of existing facilities located on the OCS; and would establish the methods for sharing revenues generated by this program with nearby coastal States. These regulations are also intended to ensure the orderly, safe, and environmentally responsible development of alternative energy sources on the OCS. The MMS is developing this program and proposed regulations under the authority granted the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), which amended the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCS Lands Act). Under this new authority, the Secretary maintains discretionary authority to issue leases, easements or ROWs on the OCS for previously unauthorized activities that: Produce or support production, transportation, or transmission of energy from sources other than oil and gas; or use, for energy-related or other authorized marine-related purposes, facilities currently or previously used for activities authorized under the OCS Lands Act. The MMS has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing this proposed rule. The Draft EA incorporates by reference the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Alternative Energy Development and Production and Alternate Use of Facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf, Final Environmental Impact Statement, October 2007. This Draft EA was prepared to assess any impacts of this proposed rule. We are furnishing this notification to allow other agencies and the public an opportunity to review and comment on the Draft EA. All comments received on this proposed rulemaking and the Draft EA will become part of the public record and will be available for review.
Balmorhea State Park Management Plan Habitat Conservation Plan, Reeves County, TX
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Applicant) has applied for an incidental take permit (Permit) under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended (ESA) for the incidental take of the endangered Comanche Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans) and Pecos gambusia (Gambusia nobilis), as well as the following candidate species: Phantom springsnail (Tryonia cheatumi), diminutive amphipod (Gammarus hyalleloides), and Phantom Lake Cave Snail (Cochliopa texana). The potential take would occur incidental to normal management activities at Balmorhea State Park (Park), Reeves County, Texas.
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Alaska OCS Region, Cook Inlet Planning Area, Proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sale 211 for OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2007-2012
The OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2007-2012 identifies two potential ``special-interest'' sales for the Cook Inlet Planning Area in Alaska. The Cook Inlet area is a proven oil and gas province, but past industry interest in the federal offshore area has been limited. The amount of oil and gas produced in Cook Inlet continues to decline and with changing economic conditions there is renewed interest in finding additional hydrocarbon resources for the South Central Alaska. This Request for Information (RFI) seeks to determine the level of industry interest, whether it is focused on a few blocks or prospects or if there is industry interest in a larger portion of the planning area. We are also seeking comments from tribal, local, State, and Federal agencies, and the general public to evaluate whether MMS should proceed with further evaluations pursuant to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) and all other applicable laws and regulations. We will consider the level of industry interest and other issues and concerns reflected in comments in our determination on how to proceed. The decision to proceed with further evaluation of this special interest sale or to issue another RFI in 2009 will be made after consideration of the comments received and the indication of industry interest in response to this RFI. This RFI does not indicate a preliminary decision to lease in the Program Area.
West Virginia Regulatory Program
We are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the West Virginia regulatory program (the West Virginia program) under the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). West Virginia is submitting a proposed amendment to revise its Code of State Regulations (CSR) and the West Virginia Code, as contained in Committee Substitutes for Senate Bills 373 and 751. The proposed amendment covers a variety of issues including, but not limited to, statutory changes involving the special reclamation tax, the creation of alternative programs for the purpose of paying for the reclamation of forfeited sites including water treatment where required, and incremental bonding. Other provisions include regulatory revisions relating to public notice of permit applications, incidental boundary revisions, permit issuance findings, inspection of certain impoundments, reclamation of natural drainways subsequent to sediment pond removal, storm water runoff analysis, contemporaneous reclamation standards regarding excess spoil fills and bonding of certain types of excess spoil fills, and effluent limits and bond releases on remining operations. In addition, most blasting provisions have been removed from the State's Surface Mining Reclamation Regulations at Title 38 CSR 2 and will now only be found in the State's Surface Mining Blasting Rule at Title 199 CSR 1. On June 16, 2008, OSM published in a separate Federal Register notice, an interim approval of the State's alternative bonding provisions at section 22-3-11 of the West Virginia Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act (WVSCMRA) that specifically relates to the special reclamation tax and the creation of the Special Reclamation Water Trust Fund. OSM will accept comments on all other provisions of the program amendment pursuant to this proposed rule notice.
Pennsylvania Regulatory Program
We are disapproving two changes to the Pennsylvania regulatory program (the ``Pennsylvania program'') regulations under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act) which were previously submitted under amendment PA-147-FOR. While we approved the other proposed changes related to PA-147-FOR, we deferred our decision on two changes pertaining to the discontinuation of a $100 per acre reclamation fee pending the outcome of litigation before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in the matter of Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs Inc. et al. v. Norton, (PFSC v. Norton) No. 06-1780. We now have the U.S. Court of Appeals decision before us. The decision sets aside our October 7, 2003, final rule removing a required amendment pertaining to the Pennsylvania alternative bonding system. Therefore, we are now disapproving the two changes pertaining to the discontinuation of the fee. We are also reinstating a required amendment that has been modified to be consistent with the court's decision.
Wyoming: Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease
Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2-3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement from Prima Exploration, Inc., Gunlikson Petroleum, Inc., and Niwot Resources, LLC for competitive oil and gas lease WYW143963 for land in Converse County, Wyoming. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law.
Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee for Off-Road Vehicle Management for Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770, 5 U.S.C. App 1, section 10), of the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth meetings of the Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee for Off-Road Vehicle Management at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. (See DATES section.)
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
