Interior's Reg Wishlist: Land of the Free... Paperwork
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
This notice provides the Department of the Interior's (Department) Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Agenda). The Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866 require publication of the Agenda.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
OCS Decommissioning: 'Topple in Place' Default
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement proposes to set “topple in place” as the default decommissioning standard for offshore facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf, provided U.S. Coast Guard navigational requirements are met. The proposal also would add a definition for “idle iron,” add rules on when subsea infrastructure may be abandoned in place, and require BSEE approval for platform or facility toppling in place; an NPRM is scheduled for July 2027.
Revising Arctic Exploratory Drilling Rules
A joint BSEE/BOEM rulemaking would revise parts of the 2016 Arctic exploratory drilling rule and follow up on a 2020 proposal; an NPRM is scheduled for July 2026. The revisions are based on stakeholder input and Presidential Executive Order 14153 and would change regulatory requirements for exploratory drilling and related operations on the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf.
Rescinding 'Harm' Definition in ESA Rules
The Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries propose to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” in the Endangered Species Act regulations because the current definition— which includes habitat modification—runs contrary to the agency’s view of the statutory meaning of “take.” The NPRM was published April 17, 2025, and a final action was scheduled for July 2026.
BOEM: Lower Supplemental Financial Assurance
BOEM proposes to rescind its final rule on "Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations" and to revise criteria for when lessees and grant holders must provide financial assurance above minimum bonding levels. An NPRM was published March 9, 2026 (91 FR 11212) with a comment period that ended May 8, 2026. If finalized, the proposal would reduce supplemental financial assurance required from oil, gas, and sulfur lessees on the Outer Continental Shelf.
BLM Rights‑of‑Way to Encourage Broadband Buildout
The Bureau of Land Management proposes updates to 43 CFR Subpart 2800 to encourage broadband development and deployment and to create program efficiencies affecting Rights‑of‑Way administration; an NPRM is scheduled for July 2026 and a final action is projected for December 2026. The changes target how rights‑of‑way are administered for broadband projects on BLM lands.
Onshore Royalties, Venting and Flaring Rule Rescission
The Bureau of Land Management proposes to rescind the "Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation" final rule and to revise rules on royalty for oil and gas lost from onshore Federal and Indian leases, including venting and flaring. An NPRM is scheduled for July 2026 with a final action projected for August 2026; the Agenda states the rule would reduce operator burdens.
Wildlife Import/Export Rules: Streamlining Permits
The Fish and Wildlife Service proposes updates to 50 CFR part 14 to revise import/export/transport rules for wildlife, including clarifying definitions, codifying FOIA approaches, using a unified government filing system, extending permit validity, expanding import options beyond designated ports, and adding rules about urine, feces, synthetically derived DNA, exempt species, and international mail. An NPRM is listed for July 2026.
Annual Migratory Game Bird Hunting Frameworks
The Fish and Wildlife Service establishes annual frameworks for migratory game bird hunting that set season length, bag limits, and areas; States and Tribes then select season dates and limits within those frameworks. The Agenda lists the 2025-26 and 2026-27 regulatory actions and related Federal Register notices with framework and season selection dates in 2025 and 2026.
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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: 2026-16597, Regulatory Agenda
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 and Executive Order 12866 require the issuance of an inventory of rulemaking actions under development throughout the Department, offering for public review summarized information about forthcoming regulatory actions.
Next: 2026-16599, Agenda of Regulations
The internet has become the means for disseminating the entirety of the Department of Labor's regulatory agenda. However, the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires publication of a regulatory flexibility agenda in the Federal Register. This Federal Register Notice contains the regulatory flexibility agenda.