USGS Seeks Feedback on Climate Center Surveys

2026-15953, Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf-Revisions to the Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf

The Department of the Interior (DOI or Department), acting through BSEE and BOEM (collectively, "the Bureaus"), is proposing to revise its existing regulations for exploratory drilling and related operations on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), to reduce unnecessary burdens on stakeholders while ensuring that energy exploration on the Arctic OCS is safe and environmentally responsible.\1\ This proposed rule would revise certain requirements promulgated through the rule entitled, Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf--Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf ("2016 Arctic Exploratory Drilling Rule") (see 81 FR 46478). This proposed rule would modify existing Arctic OCS blowout preventer (BOP) real-time monitoring requirements and add new provisions to BSEE's regulations pertaining to requirements for crane operations on artificial islands, suspensions of operations (SOO), and suspensions of production (SOP). This proposed rule would also revise certain parts of the Exploration Plan (EP) and Development and Production Plan (DPP) regulations implemented by BOEM. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Previous: 2026-14448, Notice of Application of Emergency Provision Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978

The National Science Foundation announced that hazardous waste, including lithium batteries and fluorescent lights, will stay stored at McMurdo Station in Antarctica for over 15 months due to an emergency. This delay happened because the cargo ship couldn’t safely carry the waste in early 2026. The waste removal is now planned for the next cargo visit in January 2027, keeping everyone safe and the environment protected.

Next: 2026-14451, Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game and NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center want to keep running the Snake River Sockeye Salmon Hatchery Program to help endangered salmon. They’re asking for public feedback on their plan by August 17, 2026. This program, funded by Bonneville Power Administration, involves several groups working together to protect these fish and keep their numbers growing.