Department of the Interior September 1, 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Current Federal policy allows non-Federal development of electrical power resource potential on Federal water resource projects. The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) will consider proposals for non-Federal development of hydroelectric power at Taylor Park Dam, a feature of the Uncompahgre Project, located in Colorado. Reclamation is considering such hydroelectric power development under a Lease of Power Privilege (LOPP). No Federal funds will be available for such hydroelectric power development.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have reconsidered whether designating critical habitat for the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) would be prudent. On January 11, 2017, we published a final rule listing the rusty patched bumble bee as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In that final rule, we stated that designation of critical habitat may be prudent, but not determinable. We have now determined that such a designation would not be prudent. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of habitat is not the primary threat to the species, and the availability of habitat does not limit the conservation of the rusty patched bumble bee now, nor will it in the future.