16 Weird Species Queue Up for Endangered Status Review

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.

2026-06274 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Eagle Take Permits and Fees

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing its paperwork for eagle take permits and fees without any changes. This affects anyone who needs permission to handle eagles, keeping the process smooth and fees steady. You’ve got until May 1, 2026, to share your thoughts before the renewal is finalized.

2026-06243 — Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Application

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service got an application to do special activities with endangered animals from other countries and wants your thoughts before deciding. If you care about protecting these rare species, now’s your chance to speak up by May 1, 2026. This process affects anyone interested in wildlife conservation and ensures permits follow the law without surprise costs or delays.

2026-06273 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Depredation and Control Orders

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing a paperwork process about controlling animals that cause damage, without making any changes. This affects farmers, landowners, and wildlife managers who deal with animal depredation. You’ve got until June 1, 2026, to share your thoughts, and there’s no new cost or extra hassle involved.

2026-05976 — Marine Mammals; Incidental Take of Northern Sea Otters During Specified Activities; Seward, Sitka, and Kodiak, Alaska

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has set new rules to protect northern sea otters in Seward, Sitka, and Kodiak, Alaska, during marine construction and pile driving. These rules allow some accidental, non-harmful disturbance to sea otters caused by noise, lasting for five years starting March 27, 2026. People involved in these activities should note the new guidelines and can comment on information collection by April 27, 2026.

2026-05451 — General Conservation Plan for the Alabama Beach Mouse; Categorical Exclusion; Baldwin County, AL

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing three requests from local builders in Baldwin County, Alabama, who want to build decks, a house, and a pool near the Alabama beach mouse’s home. These projects follow a special conservation plan that helps protect this endangered mouse while allowing construction. People have until April 20, 2026, to share their thoughts before permits are approved.

Previous: 2025-19715 — Prohibition on Use of Reputation Risk by Regulators

The OCC and FDIC want to stop using 'reputation risk' as a reason to punish banks or make them change their services. This means banks can’t be pressured to close accounts or drop customers just because of political or social views, or lawful but unpopular business activities. The rule is open for public comments until December 29, 2025, and aims to keep banking fair and free from biased actions.

Next: 2025-19747 — Collection and Use of Biometrics by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) wants to update how they collect and use biometrics—like fingerprints and DNA—from anyone applying for immigration benefits, no matter their age. They’re also expanding when and how they collect this info, including after arrests, and setting new rules for special cases like VAWA and T visa applicants. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until January 2, 2026, to speak up!