Feds Scrap Plan for Permits on Incidental Bird Deaths

2026-14195 — Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.

2026-12951 — Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting

The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of yearly rules, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years but still decide harvest levels annually. This new process saves time and money, helps States and Tribes, and kicks in August 25, 2026—unless big objections come in by July 27.

2026-12955 — Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting

The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of making new rules every year, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years, updating it sooner if needed. This will save time and money, help States, Tribes, and hunters, and keep bird populations safe.

2026-10846 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is officially protecting over 1.5 million acres of land across six states to save the rusty patched bumble bee, a once-common pollinator now endangered. Starting July 1, 2026, this critical habitat designation will help keep these bees buzzing by limiting harmful activities in these areas. Landowners and communities in 33 counties should get ready for new rules that support bee recovery without heavy costs.

2026-08146 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rayed Bean, Sheepnose, Snuffbox, and Spectaclecase Mussels

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is officially protecting over 3,800 river miles across 17 states as critical habitat for four endangered freshwater mussels: rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. This means these rivers will get special care to help these mussels survive and thrive. The new protections start May 27, 2026, and could affect activities near these waters, encouraging conservation efforts without heavy costs.

2026-05678 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for 22 Species in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territory of Guam

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to protect 22 special plants and animals in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands by marking nearly 60,000 acres as critical habitat. This means these areas will get extra care to help these species survive and thrive. People can share their thoughts by June 22, 2026, and an economic report is ready to show how this might affect local communities.

Previous: 2025-06757 — Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors Voluntary Remand Response and 5-Year Review; Closing of Comment Period

The EPA is wrapping up the comment period on new pollution rules for big trash-burning plants. These rules affect companies running large waste combustors and aim to keep the air cleaner. The final chance to share thoughts closes May 30, 2025, so businesses and communities can plan ahead without surprise costs.

Next: 2025-06690 — Withdrawal of NPRM: Establishment of Class E Airspace; Wickenburg, AZ

The FAA is canceling its earlier plan to create new Class E airspace in Wickenburg, AZ, because new information changed the original idea. This means pilots and local folks won’t see any changes right now, but a fresh plan will come out soon. No costs or immediate effects are expected until the new proposal is shared.