Interior Dept's Ironic Quest for Simpler Customer Paperwork

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 the 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 a chance to comment by July 13, 2026. These changes aim to keep public lands healthy while making the process fairer and more efficient, with some deadlines for feedback coming up soon.

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 protecting over 3,800 river miles across 17 states as critical habitat for four endangered freshwater mussels: rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. This new rule, effective May 27, 2026, helps these mussels survive and recover by safeguarding their homes. Landowners and communities near these rivers might see new rules to keep these waters clean and safe, but no big costs are expected.

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.

2026-04606 — Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves

The National Park Service wants to update rules about hunting, trapping, and fishing in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support both state and federal laws. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance access and conservation. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no money changes are expected, just clearer, fairer rules.

2026-04517 — Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations

The Department of the Interior is updating rules for companies drilling or mining on the Outer Continental Shelf to make sure they have enough money set aside for cleanup and safety. These changes will lower the extra financial guarantees companies must provide, freeing up about $6.2 billion for energy development. The updates affect oil, gas, and mineral leaseholders and aim to boost American energy while keeping the environment safe.

Previous: 2026-06898 — Agency Information Collection Request; Comment Request: Community Right-To-Know Reporting Requirements Under Sections 311 and 312 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA), EPA ICR Number 1352.17 OMB Control Number 2050-0072

The EPA is asking for public feedback on extending its rules that require certain businesses to report on chemicals they store, helping communities stay safe and informed. This affects facilities handling hazardous chemicals and keeps reporting requirements steady through August 2026. Comments are open until June 8, 2026, with no new costs expected, just a smooth continuation of current rules.

Next: 2026-06900 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Report of Requests for Restrictive Trade Practice or Boycott

The Department of Commerce is asking businesses to help by sharing info about any requests they get to join foreign boycotts against U.S. friends. This helps the government spot trends and keep U.S. companies from getting involved in unfair trade practices. Comments on this info collection are open until June 8, 2026, and it won’t cost businesses anything extra to participate.