Search Results for keywords:"Department of the Interior"

The final rule from the United States Department of the Interior updates how the Federal government acknowledges Indian Tribes by allowing previously denied petitioners a chance to re-petition. This change responds to court decisions that found the prior re-petition ban to be arbitrary. Under the new rule, petitioners have five years to show new evidence or changes in regulations that could alter previous denial outcomes, though re-petitioning is still limited by certain conditions to balance fairness and finality interests. The rule aims to enhance fairness in recognizing Tribes while maintaining efficient administrative processes.

The United States, on behalf of the Department of the Interior and the State of Iowa, is seeking public comments on a proposed settlement with Canadian Pacific Railway (CP). This settlement addresses the damage to natural resources caused by an ethanol spill from a derailed CP train near the Mississippi River in 2015. CP has agreed to pay $282,391 for restoration efforts, and in return, will not face legal action from the trustees for these claims. The public has 30 days from the notice's publication date to submit comments, which can be sent via email or mail.

The Department of the Interior proposes updates to the regulations governing the probate of property held in trust or restricted status for American Indians. These updates aim to make the probate process more efficient by introducing an expedited procedure for smaller estates, improving communication through electronic notices, and clarifying the reasons for reopening probate cases. Additionally, the updates seek to streamline the "purchase at probate" process and address various identified issues, such as gaps in intestacy distribution and the handling of minor estate inventory corrections. The public is invited to comment on the proposed changes, which are designed to close probate cases faster, bringing more certainty to the distribution of estates.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has updated its regulations related to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) to adjust civil penalties for inflation in compliance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. These adjustments ensure the penalties maintain their deterrent effect and further policy objectives. The rule also updates the mailing address for the NAGPRA Program. The final rule takes effect on January 16, 2025, and applies to penalties assessed after this date, including for violations since November 2, 2015.

The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs announced that an amendment to the Tribal-State compact for class III gaming between the Chitimacha Tribe and the State of Louisiana has been approved by law. This amendment extends the compact's term by seven years and raises the dollar amount for Tribal licensing and State certification of vendors to the Tribe's gaming facilities. The approval took effect automatically since the Secretary of the Interior did not act within the required 45-day review period set by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) of the Department of the Interior is making changes to its regulations to improve the hearings and appeals process. These updates aim to make procedures more efficient, reflect changes in the law, and incorporate modern technology like electronic filing and case management systems. They are meant to help both the people involved in these cases and the department work more effectively, ensuring that decisions are reviewed quickly and fairly. The new regulations will be effective from February 10, 2025, and public comments on these changes can be submitted until March 11, 2025.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), part of the Department of the Interior, is planning to renew the collection of bird count data as part of the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The data helps track bird species in North America and is shared with various stakeholders, including government agencies and the public. Interested parties are invited to submit comments about the data collection process by May 12, 2025, to ensure it meets necessary performance standards and minimizes burdens on respondents. Participation in this survey is voluntary, and the estimated cost related to the data collection, such as mileage for trips, is expected to average $182,000 annually.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has issued final regulations revising the rules that implement Tribal Self-Governance as part of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. This update was created through negotiations among Self-Governance and non-Self-Governance Tribes and the Department. The new regulations aim to give Tribes more control over certain federal programs and associated funding, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and better align these regulations with Tribal sovereignty and self-determination principles. These rules also establish procedures for future involvement and input from Tribal nations, along with setting standards for managing federal programs and responsibilities.

The Department of the Interior is changing its rules for buying land around reservoir areas. This new rule lets them use different kinds of ownership, like easements, instead of buying the land completely, especially for older reservoirs built before 1962. The rule aims to save money, reduce project completion time, and decrease conflicts with landowners. If there are no strong objections by March 17, 2025, the rule will take effect on April 16, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is revising the process for granting rights-of-way across National Wildlife Refuge System lands and other lands they manage. The changes are aimed at making the permitting process quicker and more efficient by aligning it with other Department of the Interior procedures. Key updates include requiring a preapplication meeting, allowing electronic submission of applications, and ensuring flexibility in determining the value of rights-of-way. The rule also introduces new terms and conditions for permits to ensure use is compatible with the conservation goals of the Refuge System, effective January 10, 2025.