Feds Tweak Paperwork for Digging Up Dinosaur Bones

2026-18261, National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Production Site Development

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to streamline its decision-making process for authorizing the construction and operation of qualifying oil and gas production sites and their associated rights-of-way (ROWs) in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (the Petroleum Reserve or NPR-A). This proposed rule would establish pre-defined criteria for defined and repeatable common activities with similar environmental effects that, when met by an applicant, would result in a streamlined permitting process for qualifying production sites.

2026-15953, Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf-Revisions to the Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf

The Department of the Interior (DOI or Department), acting through BSEE and BOEM (collectively, "the Bureaus"), is proposing to revise its existing regulations for exploratory drilling and related operations on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), to reduce unnecessary burdens on stakeholders while ensuring that energy exploration on the Arctic OCS is safe and environmentally responsible.\1\ This proposed rule would revise certain requirements promulgated through the rule entitled, Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf--Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf ("2016 Arctic Exploratory Drilling Rule") (see 81 FR 46478). This proposed rule would modify existing Arctic OCS blowout preventer (BOP) real-time monitoring requirements and add new provisions to BSEE's regulations pertaining to requirements for crane operations on artificial islands, suspensions of operations (SOO), and suspensions of production (SOP). This proposed rule would also revise certain parts of the Exploration Plan (EP) and Development and Production Plan (DPP) regulations implemented by BOEM. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2026-14629, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated rules about how they decide which lands become critical habitats for endangered plants and animals. Now, they’ll clearly weigh economic, security, and other impacts before protecting an area, making the process more open and predictable. These changes start August 20, 2026, helping communities and businesses understand when lands might be excluded from protection.

2026-14633, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating how it protects threatened plants and animals. Starting August 20, 2026, they’re ending the automatic 'blanket rule' that used to apply to all newly listed threatened species, meaning protections will be more tailored. This change affects landowners, businesses, and conservation groups, aiming for smarter, clearer rules without extra costs or delays.

2026-14299, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Contiguous U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Canada Lynx

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated the protected areas for the Canada lynx in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Washington, covering about 14,030 square miles. This change fixes past legal issues and helps keep the lynx’s home safe. The new rule starts on August 17, 2026, and may affect land use and conservation efforts in these states.

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.

Previous: 2025-19024, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings this fall to review important grant applications in health research. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while deciding who gets funding. Researchers and small businesses applying for grants should note the dates in November and December 2025 to stay in the loop.

Next: 2025-19026, Center for Scientific Review; Amended Notice of Meeting

The Center for Scientific Review changed the date of a special meeting about new treatments for botulinum toxins from November 14 to December 2, 2025. This meeting is private and affects researchers and reviewers involved in this important health project. No money changes were mentioned, but the new date gives everyone more time to prepare.