🌵Removal of Colorado Hookless Cactus from Endangered Species List
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are removing Colorado hookless cactus (Sclerocactus glaucus) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. Recent taxonomic studies have indicated that the currently listed entity is actually two species: Sclerocactus glaucus and Sclerocactus dawsoniae (previously identified as S. dawsonii in the proposed rule). When we use the common name "Colorado hookless cactus" or refer to "the species" in this final rule, we are referring to information or conclusions regarding both species (S. glaucus and S. dawsoniae) as the currently listed entity. When we are referring to information or analysis pertaining to one species, we will use the new scientific names of S. glaucus or S. dawsoniae. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that delisting Colorado hookless cactus is warranted. Our review indicates that the threats to the Colorado hookless cactus have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Accordingly, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 4 and 7, will no longer apply to the Colorado hookless cactus.
Learn More🌍2024 LNG Export Study Response
The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) of the Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of availability of its response to comments on the 2024 LNG Export Study: Energy, Economic, and Environmental Assessment of U.S. LNG Exports (Study or 2024 LNG Export Study). DOE published a Notice of Availability of the 2024 LNG Export Study and Request for Comments on December 20, 2024, and accepted comments through March 20, 2025. DOE's response to comments and other Study materials are available electronically on DOE/FECM's website at: https://fossil.energy.gov/app/docketindex/docket/index/30.
Learn More🐟Proposed Endangered Status for Fish Lake Valley Tui Chub
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Fish Lake Valley tui chub (Siphateles obesus ssp.), a fish found in Esmeralda County in southwestern Nevada, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the Fish Lake Valley tui chub. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, we find that listing the Fish Lake Valley tui chub is warranted. If adopted as proposed, this rule would extend the Act's protections to the Fish Lake Valley tui chub.
Learn More📦Revisions to the Unverified List for Export Administration Regulations
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by adding 18 persons to the Unverified List (UVL). Of the 18 persons being added: five are under the destination of China, People's Republic of (China); six are under the destination of Finland; three are under the destination of T[uuml]rkiye; two are under the destination of Kazakhstan; one is under the destination of Italy; and one is under the destination of the United Kingdom. BIS is also amending the EAR by removing five persons from the UVL. Of the five persons being removed, three are under the destination of China and two are under the destination of the United Arab Emirates.
Learn More🦆Proposed 2025-26 Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is proposing to establish the frameworks from which States may select season dates, limits, and other options for the 2025-26 migratory game bird hunting season. We annually prescribe outside limits (which we call frameworks) within which States may select hunting seasons. Frameworks specify the outside dates, season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and areas where migratory game bird hunting may occur. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and limits and to allow harvest at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions. Migratory game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance and aid Federal, State, and Tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds.
Learn More🦏Rescinding "Harm" Definition in Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the Services or we) are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of "harm" in our Endangered Species Act (ESA or the Act) regulations. The existing regulatory definition of "harm," which includes habitat modification, runs contrary to the best meaning of the statutory term "take." We are undertaking this change to adhere to the single, best meaning of the ESA.
Learn More🏭Executive Order on Clean Coal Industry and Economic Growth
Executive Order 14261 focuses on reinvigorating the American coal industry by removing regulatory barriers, promoting coal exports, and emphasizing the importance of coal for national energy security. It outlines policies to enhance coal production, support job creation, and assess coal resources on federal lands. The order aims to align federal actions to prioritize coal, particularly in the face of increasing electricity demands from new technologies.
Learn More🎣2025 Management Measures for Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations
NMFS is proposing annual management measures for the 2025 non- Tribal directed commercial Pacific halibut fishery that operates south of Point Chehalis, WA, (lat. 46[deg]53.30' N) in the International Pacific Halibut Commission's (IPHC) regulatory Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California. Annual management measures include fishing periods and fishing period limits. NMFS is also proposing to modify permit deadlines for all Area 2A non-Tribal commercial fisheries and modify inseason action announcement procedures for the Area 2A non- Tribal directed commercial fishery. These actions are intended to conserve Pacific halibut and provide fishing opportunity where available.
Learn More🎣2025 Regulatory Changes for Pacific Halibut Fisheries Impacting Businesses
This final rule approves changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP) for the International Pacific Halibut Commission's (IPHC) regulatory Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California. In addition, the rule implements new management measures for the 2025 recreational fisheries in Area 2A, including the recreational fishery season open dates and subarea allocations for Area 2A. This action also adds a new inseason management provision that explicitly allows for the inseason transfer of anticipated uncaught recreational fishery allocation from the Northern California subarea to the South of Point Arena subarea. These actions are intended to conserve Pacific halibut, while providing additional angler opportunity to achieve the Area 2A allocation set by the IPHC.
Learn More📦Impact of New Entity List Additions on U.S. Export Regulations
In this final rule, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by adding 70 entities to the Entity List, under the destinations of China, People's Republic of (China) (42); Iran (2); Pakistan (19); South Africa (3); and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (4). These entities have been determined by the U.S. Government to be acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. This final rule also modifies four existing entries on the Entity List, consisting of revisions to one entry under France, one entry under Iran, one entry under Senegal, and one entry under the United Kingdom.
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