Wait, What? Feds Scrap 'Harm' Definition for Endangered Species

2025-20551 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Interagency Cooperation Regulations

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to update how they work with other agencies to protect endangered plants and animals. These changes clarify rules to keep teamwork smooth and species safe, without adding big costs or delays. If you have thoughts, speak up by December 22, 2025!

2025-20549 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to update the rules for how animals and plants get listed as endangered or threatened and how their important habitats are protected. These changes will make the process clearer and easier to understand for everyone involved. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until December 22, 2025, to share them—so don’t miss out!

2026-05678 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for 22 Species in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territory of Guam

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to protect 22 special plants and animals in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands by marking nearly 60,000 acres as critical habitat. This means these areas will get extra care to help these species survive and thrive. People can share their thoughts by June 22, 2026, and an economic report is ready to show how this might affect local communities.

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.

2026-06426 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

Fishing boats with federal permits want special permission to catch more skate wings than current rules allow. This change, requested by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, aims to help fishermen use more of their catch and reduce waste. People have until April 17, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.

Previous: 2025-06570 — Amendment of Class E Airspace; Chambersburg, PA

Hey Chambersburg, PA pilots! The airspace rules around Franklin County Regional Airport are getting a fresh update. We’re tweaking some tech names and airport details to keep flights safe and smooth—no extra costs or delays, just better flying vibes starting soon.

Next: 2025-06608 — Air Plan Approval; West Virginia; Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period

The EPA is ready to approve West Virginia’s updated plan to clear up regional haze and improve air quality for the next few years. This means cleaner skies for everyone in West Virginia, with new rules kicking in soon to reduce pollution from power plants and other sources. The EPA is also canceling its earlier plan to reject West Virginia’s update, so things are moving forward smoothly without extra costs or delays.