Endangered Species Panel Considers Gulf Oil Drilling Exemptions

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.

2026-04606 — Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves

The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.

2026-04517 — Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations

The Department of the Interior is proposing new rules to make it easier and cheaper for companies drilling for oil, gas, and sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf to prove they can cover cleanup costs. These changes will lower the extra money companies must set aside, freeing up about $6.2 billion to invest back into energy projects. The updates affect current and future leaseholders and grant holders and aim to boost American energy while keeping the environment safe.

2025-21443 — Rescission of Fee Rates

The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated. New fee rates have been in place since October 1, 2021, and this rule makes it official starting January 27, 2026—unless folks speak up by December 29, 2025. This change mainly affects coal producers and keeps the fee system fresh and fair for years to come.

2026-06458 — Endangered Species Committee

The Endangered Species Committee just gave a big thumbs-up to let Gulf of America oil and gas activities skip some usual wildlife protection rules because of national security needs. This affects companies drilling and exploring offshore, speeding up their work but with careful oversight. The decision was made in March 2026 and could impact how energy projects move forward along the Gulf Coast, balancing nature and national safety.

2026-06355 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Mills College Art Museum, Northeastern University, Oakland, CA

Mills College Art Museum at Northeastern University plans to return 11 Native American cultural items, like woven baskets and ceremonial caps, to the rightful tribes starting May 4, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and follows important laws protecting these sacred objects. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure these treasures go back home where they belong.

Previous: 2026-05116 — Sunshine Act Meetings

The SEC is holding a closed meeting on March 19, 2026, to discuss important legal and enforcement matters like lawsuits and investigations. This affects SEC commissioners and select staff, with no public access or direct costs involved. If anything changes, updates will be posted online, keeping everyone in the loop.

Next: 2026-05114 — Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action

The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just added new people to its blacklist, blocking their property and stopping Americans from doing business with them. This includes individuals linked to serious threats like weapons of mass destruction. These changes took effect on March 12, 2026, and could impact money and transactions involving these folks.