Feds Let Gas Firm Disturb Whales for Another Year
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
HEX Operating, LLC got the green light to continue their natural gas work in Cook Inlet, Alaska, from September 2026 to September 2027. This means some marine mammals might get a little disturbed, but the government says it won’t hurt their populations. The renewal keeps things moving smoothly while protecting these ocean neighbors and supporting local activities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Renewal Allows HEX Rig Work
NMFS issued a renewal Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) allowing HEX Operating, LLC to conduct rig towing and positioning in Cook Inlet, Alaska from September 13, 2026 through September 12, 2027. The renewal authorizes the same number of Level B harassment takes as the initial Year 2 IHA for listed species but does not authorize any Level A harassment, and HEX is not planning to conduct pile driving during this renewal period.
New On‑Site Mitigation and Monitoring Rules
HEX must follow specified mitigation and monitoring measures while towing/positioning the rig, including employing a minimum of two NMFS-approved protected species observers (PSOs), conducting 30-minute pre-clearance monitoring before starting activities, establishing 1.5 kilometer clearance zones for all marine mammals except Cook Inlet beluga (for which the clearance zone extends as far as PSOs can feasibly observe), maintaining about 4 knots tug speed, keeping 2.4 km from the mean lower-low water line of the Sustina River Delta between April 15 and November 15, and using 1,500-foot minimum helicopter transit altitudes where practicable.
Tribal Coordination and Subsistence Protections
HEX must coordinate with local Tribes, notify communities of any operational changes, and take actions to avoid or mitigate impacts to subsistence harvests. NMFS determined that the authorized takes will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of species for subsistence uses.
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
2026-05599 — Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-12487 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Reporting Requirements for the Ocean Salmon Fishery Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California
NOAA is asking for public feedback on continuing the paperwork rules for salmon fishing off Washington, Oregon, and California. This helps keep fishing sustainable while making sure reporting isn’t too much of a hassle. Comments are open until August 21, 2026, and the rules mostly keep things steady with no new costs.
2026-12494 — Notification of Comparability Findings for Suriname Under the Import Provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act
Suriname fixed its fishing rules to protect marine mammals, so the U.S. is now allowing fish from Suriname’s drift gillnet fishery back into the country starting June 22, 2026. This change means Suriname’s fish products can be imported again until at least the end of 2029, helping both countries keep ocean life safe while supporting trade. If Suriname slips up, the U.S. can change this anytime.
2026-12307 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Virginia
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Virginia to help both states meet their fishing goals. This change starts June 17, 2026, and lasts through the end of the year, making sure the fishery stays balanced and fair. Commercial fishers in both states will see updated limits, keeping the summer flounder fishery healthy and on track.
2026-12303 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Cook Inlet; Final 2026 Harvest Specifications for Salmon
The 2026 salmon fishing rules for Cook Inlet, Alaska, are set and ready to go starting June 17, 2026. These new limits help protect salmon populations while supporting local fishermen and communities. If you fish or buy salmon from this area, expect smart management that balances nature and business through next year.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12462 — 2026-2027 Award Year Deadline Dates for Reports and Other Records Associated With the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG) Program, the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, the Federal Pell Grant (Pell Grant) Program, the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program, and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program
If you’re a student or school using federal student aid for 2026-2027, this notice sets clear deadlines for submitting FAFSA forms and related documents. Meeting these dates is key to getting your Pell Grants, Direct Loans, Work-Study, and other aid on time. Missing deadlines could delay or reduce your financial help, so mark your calendar and stay ahead!
Next: 2026-12464 — City of Spokane; Notice of Scoping Comment Sessions and Environmental Site Review
The City of Spokane is inviting everyone to join fun and important meetings about the Upriver Dam Hydroelectric Project on July 8 and 9, 2026. These sessions will help decide how the project affects the environment and community, with a chance to share your thoughts before the August 7 comment deadline. If you want to see the dam up close, there’s a special site review on July 9, but you need to sign up by June 26!