Search Results for keywords:"Interior Department"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is proposing changes to streamline the process for granting rights-of-way on FWS-managed lands. The proposed rule aims to align FWS's processes with other bureaus by requiring a standard application form, allowing electronic submissions, introducing pre-application meetings, and offering flexible methods to determine fair market value. These changes are intended to reduce the time and costs for both applicants and FWS while ensuring compatibility with land management objectives and compliance with applicable laws.

The Bureau of Land Management has proposed to reinstate an oil and gas lease in Lea County, New Mexico, originally held by EOG Y Resources Inc. This action follows the lessee's request for reinstatement and payment of owed rentals since the lease termination. The lease will be reinstated under original conditions, with some changes such as increased rental and royalty rates, and the lessee has agreed to these updated terms along with paying necessary administrative and publication fees.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) of the Interior Department is seeking public comments on its proposal to renew an information collection related to permits for special types of mining activities. This request is in line with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The collected information will help OSMRE determine if applicants can meet specific performance standards for these mining activities. Public comments will be considered until March 16, 2021, and those interested can submit their opinions via mail or email.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, part of the Interior Department, has announced a proposal to renew an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection concerns the bond and insurance requirements for companies involved in surface coal mining and reclamation operations. They are seeking public comments on aspects such as the necessity, timeliness, and accuracy of this collection process. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their feedback by February 4, 2025.

In this notice, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting public comments on renewing an information collection related to its financial assistance programs, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The agency issues grants and cooperative awards to various entities under different programs, and seeks feedback on whether collecting this information is necessary, accurate, and efficient. The public is encouraged to submit their comments by March 31, 2025, and it’s noted that personal information included in these comments could be made publicly available.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued a final rule that updates the maximum daily civil penalties for violations related to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA). These updates adjust for inflation, applying a 2025 multiplier set at 1.02598, which reflects inflation from October 2023 through October 2024. The adjusted penalties now stand at $55,764 for OCSLA and $59,114 for OPA violations. These changes, effective January 13, 2025, ensure BOEM penalties maintain their deterrent effect and comply with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. The adjustments are automatic and exempt from the usual rulemaking procedures like public commentary.

In compliance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) is updating its rules to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation. These changes are designed to ensure penalties remain effective and serve as a deterrent. For 2021, the cost-of-living adjustment multiplier is 1.01182, raising the maximum penalty from $53,524 to $54,157 per violation. This adjustment applies to penalties assessed after February 1, 2021.

The National Indian Gaming Commission is updating its rules to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, as required by a 2015 federal law. This adjustment aims to keep penalties effective and ensure they still act as a deterrent. The new penalty amount of $65,655 will apply starting January 15, 2025. The adjustments are routine, and the rule change won't significantly impact small businesses or other major aspects of the economy or government operations.

The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) has issued a final rule to adjust its maximum civil monetary penalties for inflation experienced from October 2019 to October 2020. This adjustment is required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act and affects penalties related to violations under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act. The new rates are based on the Consumer Price Index and are effective immediately as of February 2, 2021. The rulemaking complies with various executive orders and acts, including the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is seeking comments on a proposed renewal of an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection focuses on procedures for reclaiming private lands affected by mining, as authorized by the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. The agency is particularly interested in feedback regarding the necessity, timeliness, and burden estimate of the information collection. Public comments will be accepted until February 4, 2025, and can be submitted via mail or email, referencing OMB Control Number 1029-0057.