Interior Department Fixes Its Own Rulebook Typos
Published Date: 5/21/2026
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Option to File Documents Electronically
If you are a party in a Department of the Interior Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) proceeding, you now have the option to file and serve documents electronically and OHA authorizes use of OHA Standing Orders for contract information and electronic filing procedures.
BLM Must Produce Grazing Records Quickly
For grazing appeals, BLM must produce its entire administrative record for the grazing decision automatically within 45 days of receiving the notice of appeal.
Stay Petitions: Public Interest and Immediacy Restored
The final rule restores the four-criteria test for petitions for stays (including the public interest criterion and the requirement that harm be 'immediate and irreparable') and clarifies that the 45-day time frame for resolving petitions for stay applies only to petitions filed at the same time as a notice of appeal.
New OMB Information Collection (1094-New)
The rule includes an information collection identified as OMB Control Number 1094-New; the Department invites comments on the collection by June 22, 2026, and estimates a Total Estimated Annual Non-hour Burden Cost of $584.
Parties Pay for Hearing Transcripts
OHA will not furnish free verbatim transcripts for hearings; parties generally bear transcript costs. OHA will endeavor to contract so the per-page transcript cost is the same for the Department and parties and will disclose the contract amount in advance of any hearing.
No Significant Economic Effect on Small Entities
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Department certifies that this final rule 'will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities' and that it will not change current funding requirements or impose economic effects on small businesses.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-14629, 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.
2026-14299, 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.
2026-14052, Natural Resource Damages for Hazardous Substances
The Department of the Interior is updating rules for handling natural resource damage claims caused by hazardous substances. These changes simplify procedures, fix confusing language, and remove outdated parts to make the process clearer and smoother. The new rules take effect on August 12, 2026, and there’s a chance to comment on info collection until then.
2026-12955, Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of making new rules every year, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years, updating it sooner if needed. This will save time and money, help States, Tribes, and hunters, and keep bird populations safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10159, Special Local Regulation; Lower Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, and the Elizabeth River, Virginia
From June 16 to June 21, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up special rules for the waters around Lower Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, and the Elizabeth River. These rules will keep everyone safe during a big celebration featuring tall ships, military vessels, and fireworks for the U.S. 250th Anniversary. Boaters should expect crowded waters and follow new safety zones, but no extra fees are involved.
Next: 2026-10164, Revisions to Regulations Regarding Oil and Gas Leasing; Fees, Rentals, and Royalties; Correction
The Bureau of Land Management fixed a small but important mistake in new rules about oil and gas royalties that came from a big law passed last year. This correction affects companies that lease public land for oil and gas, making sure royalty payments are clear and fair. The fix kicks in on June 29, 2026, unless people send in serious complaints by May 29.