Interior Delays Rules: Extra Time for Careful Review

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.

2026-10160 — Practices Before the Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior just made final updates to the rules about how people work with its Office of Hearings and Appeals. These changes clear up confusing parts, fix typos, and respond to public feedback. The new rules officially start on May 21, 2026, and anyone dealing with the department should get ready for smoother, clearer procedures—no extra costs announced.

2026-09386 — Rescission of Conservation and Landscape Health Rule

The Bureau of Land Management is canceling the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule to make land use simpler and more balanced. This change helps local leaders make decisions, boosts access to public lands, and cuts red tape that slowed down projects. The new rule takes effect on June 11, 2026, affecting anyone who uses or manages federal lands, with no new costs expected.

2026-09387 — Revision of Regulations for Grazing Administration, Exclusive of Alaska

The Bureau of Land Management is updating rules for grazing on public lands (except Alaska) to better protect land health and improve how appeals are handled. Ranchers and land users will see clearer guidelines and have until July 13, 2026, to share their thoughts. These changes aim to keep lands healthy while making the process fairer and more efficient, with some deadlines for feedback coming up soon.

2026-09208 — Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations; Extension of Public Comment Period

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is giving everyone an extra week to share their thoughts on new rules about managing risks and money for ocean energy leases and grants. This extension means folks involved in offshore energy projects have until May 15, 2026, to comment. No need to resend old comments—they’re already counted!

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.

Previous: 2025-10366 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Blue Hill, ME

The FAA is creating new controlled airspace starting 700 feet above Blue Hill, ME, to keep helicopter flights safe at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital Heliport. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in tricky weather. It affects pilots flying near the hospital and starts as soon as the new rules are published, with no extra costs for anyone.

Next: 2025-10383 — Safety Zone; Firework Display; Appomattox River, Hopewell, VA

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around a fireworks barge on the Appomattox River near Hopewell, VA, to keep people and boats safe during the show. No one can enter this 250-yard area unless the Coast Guard says it’s okay. This rule helps protect everyone and the environment during the fireworks event, with no extra costs for the public.