University Buzzes for Permit to Save 11 Bumble Bee Species
Published Date: 1/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Illinois at Chicago wants a 35-year permit to help protect 11 bumble bee species, including two endangered ones, while allowing landowners to keep using their land responsibly. This plan aims to boost bee survival across the U.S. by encouraging voluntary conservation on energy and transportation lands. Public comments are open until February 23, 2026, so everyone can weigh in on this buzzing opportunity!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
35‑Year Permit and Assurances for Enrollees
If you are a non‑Federal energy or transportation landowner and enroll in the agreement administered by the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), you could receive a Certificate of Inclusion that authorizes incidental take and provides regulatory assurances for non‑Federal lands for a 35‑year period after the EOS permit is signed. The permit would be issued to UIC, and enrolled partners must comply with their individual Certificates of Inclusion and the CBA terms.
Incidental Take Authorized for Two Endangered Bees
The proposed EOS permit would authorize incidental take of the endangered rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) and endangered Franklin's bumble bee (B. franklini). The permit would also authorize incidental take for the other listed Covered Species if any of them become listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Major New Construction Not Covered
The CBA and proposed permit do not include construction and land‑disturbing activities that pose significant impacts, for example new interstate highways, new pipelines, new transmission lines, or new rail routes. Companies proposing those types of large new projects cannot rely on this CBA for take authorization or assurances for those activities.
No Assurances for Activities on Federal Lands
If an enrolled partner's rights‑of‑way cross Federal lands, neither Federal agencies nor non‑Federal partners receive EOS permit assurances for activities conducted on those Federal lands. Incidental take on Federal lands may instead be authorized through Section 7 consultation under the ESA.
Ongoing Habitat Measures Required for Enrollment
Enrolled partners must implement conservation measures and maintain a proportion of their enrolled lands as bumble bee foraging, nesting, or overwintering habitat each year; examples include using native seed mixes, avoiding known nest sites, removing dense woody plants and invasives, sustaining idle lands, and conservation mowing. Landowners are not required to perform every listed measure, but must follow their Certificate of Inclusion and the CBA's selected measures to maintain net conservation benefit.
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Key Dates
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