Commerce Speeds Up Eco-Reviews: Bureaucracy Gets a Green Light

2026-05599 — Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings

NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.

2026-04256 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan

Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.

2026-10318 — New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on June 8, 2026, to discuss fishing rules for Atlantic herring and river herring and shad for 2027-2031. Fishermen, environmental groups, and local communities will be affected by these decisions, which could change how much fish can be caught and help protect fish populations. The meeting is open to the public and will be held both in Portsmouth, NH, and online.

2026-10342 — Unwrought Palladium from the Russian Federation: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duy Determination

The U.S. Department of Commerce has decided that Russian producers of unwrought palladium are getting unfair government help, so they’re adding extra taxes (countervailing duties) on these imports starting May 22, 2026. This affects companies buying palladium from Russia, making those imports more expensive to keep things fair for U.S. businesses. The move follows a full review of evidence from 2024 and responses from both sides.

2026-10322 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

The government is reviewing a special fishing permit request that would let certain boats fish in areas usually off-limits to protect habitats. This permit supports a project by the Coonamessett Farm Foundation to use clam dredges in the Great South Channel Habitat Management Area. People have until June 8, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could change how some fishing rules apply, but no new fees are mentioned.

2026-10343 — Certain Preserved Mushrooms From Poland: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2024

The U.S. Department of Commerce found that Okechamp, a Polish mushroom seller, sold preserved mushrooms in the U.S. at unfairly low prices from late 2022 to April 2024. Because of this, certain extra duties will apply to their imports starting May 22, 2026. This decision affects Okechamp and helps protect U.S. mushroom sellers from unfair competition.

Previous: 2025-12271 — Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Transportation Project in Georgia

Georgia’s Department of Transportation is moving forward with a new highway project on State Route 9 and nearby Azalea Drive/Riverside Road. This means smoother drives for locals and travelers along these 1.5 miles of road, with all the necessary permits now approved. The project is set to start soon, promising better traffic flow and safer roads without delay.

Next: 2025-12274 — Notice of Agreements Filed

The Federal Maritime Commission announced a change to a shipping agreement between American Presidents Lines and Maersk Line. They’re removing Spain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates from their shared shipping routes starting June 25, 2025. If you’re involved in shipping or trade with these areas, now’s the time to check the details and share your thoughts within 12 days!