Oregon Irrigation Project Avoids Full Environmental Impact Study
Published Date: 5/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has canceled the plan to prepare a big environmental report for the Owyhee Irrigation District project in Malheur County, Oregon. They found the project doesn’t need that detailed review, so they’ll continue with a simpler environmental check instead. This means less paperwork and faster progress for local farmers and communities near the Owyhee and Snake Rivers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
EIS Rescinded; Project Moves to EA
The NRCS cancelled the plan to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Owyhee Irrigation District project and will proceed with a simpler Environmental Assessment (EA). This rescission is effective upon publication (May 26, 2026) and rescinds the NOI published January 16, 2025 (90 FR 4718). Local farmers and nearby communities along the Owyhee and Snake Rivers may see less paperwork and faster project progress as a result.
Previous Public Comments Will Be Used
Any public comments submitted during the original Notice of Intent and scoping period will be considered during Watershed Plan development. The watershed planning will continue under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act and will follow NEPA through an Environmental Assessment.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08504 — Record of Decision on Rattlesnake Creek Watershed Final Plan-Environmental Impact Statement, Stafford County, Kansas
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is moving forward with a plan to build new wells and reduce water use in Stafford County, Kansas. This will help protect the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge while keeping farming strong in the area. The project starts soon and involves retiring some water rights to make sure there’s enough water for everyone.
2026-05783 — Rescinding the Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Wood River Watershed, Custer County, Dawson County, Buffalo County, Hall County, and Merrick County, Nebraska
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is canceling plans to study the environmental impact of a big flood control project in five Nebraska counties because the project area was too large and no good alternatives were found. This means no Environmental Impact Statement will be made, and the project is officially stopped as of March 25, 2026. Local communities and farmers won’t see changes or spending from this project now.
2026-05787 — Changes in Hydric Soils Database Selection Criteria of the United States
The USDA is updating how it picks hydric soils for its national database by including underwater soils that were missed before. This change affects landowners, farmers, and environmental planners by giving a clearer picture of wet soils, but it won’t change much about the total wet soil area. You can share your thoughts by April 24, 2026, and no big costs or disruptions are expected.
2025-12877 — Removal of Unconstitutional Preferences Based on Race and Sex in Response to Court Ruling
The USDA is stopping special benefits based on race and sex in certain farm programs after a court ruling. This change affects farmers and others who got extra help before, and it means future benefits will be fair to everyone. These updates start soon and could change how money is given out in these programs.
2026-02625 — Information Collection Request; Advancing Markets for Producers (Formerly Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities)
The USDA is updating how it collects info from farmers and groups involved in the Advancing Markets for Producers program, which helps create new markets and better sales for American farmers. They want your feedback by April 13, 2026, to make sure reporting is easy and effective. This update aims to boost farmers’ chances to share resources, improve supply chains, and grow their businesses sustainably.
2026-01705 — Proposed Revisions to Section 1 of the Field Office Technical Guide for Kansas, Nebraska, and New Jersey
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is updating how wetlands are identified in Kansas, Nebraska, and New Jersey to make the process clearer and more consistent. New State Off-Site Methods will replace old rules in Kansas and Nebraska and introduce fresh procedures in New Jersey. Farmers and landowners should note these changes and can share their thoughts by February 27, 2026—no extra costs, just smoother wetland checks!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10414 — Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 200, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Shiseido America, Inc.; (Cosmetic and Beauty Products); East Windsor and Cranbury, New Jersey
Shiseido America wants to start making a bunch of cool cosmetic and beauty products like lip balm, eye cream, and face serum at their New Jersey factories inside Foreign-Trade Zone 200. This move helps them save money on import taxes by using special trade rules. The government got their request on May 14, 2026, and is reviewing it to give the green light soon.
Next: 2026-10416 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Bank Enterprise Award Program Application
The Treasury Department is updating the Bank Enterprise Award Program application, which helps banks boost loans and investments in struggling communities. Banks insured by the FDIC who want to earn awards must submit updated info by June 25, 2026. This change aims to make it easier for banks to show how they’re helping local businesses and neighborhoods grow.