Department of the Interior January 13, 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are withdrawing our August 6, 2013, proposed rules to list Graham's beardtongue (Penstemon grahamii) and White River beardtongue (Penstemon scariosus var. albifluvis) as threatened species throughout their ranges and to designate critical habitat for these two plant species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). These withdrawals are based on our conclusion that the stressors affecting the species as identified in the proposed listing rule are not as significant as previously understood at the time of publication of that proposed rule, such that the species do not meet the Act's definition of an ``endangered species'' or of a ``threatened species.'' Our conclusion is informed by an updated analysis of new and previous information concerning current and future stressors to the species and conservation efforts for them.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from the Ramona Municipal Water District (applicant) for a 4-year incidental take permit for the endangered Stephens' kangaroo rat and arroyo toad pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are requesting comments on the permit application and on the preliminary determination that the proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP) qualifies as a ``low-effect'' HCP, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. The basis for this determination is discussed in the environmental action statement and the associated low-effect screening form, which are also available for public review.