Search Results for keywords:"Categorical Exclusion"

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced the adoption of a National Park Service (NPS) categorical exclusion for managing invasive species, which will be used by seven other department bureaus. This decision aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of controlling invasive species on federal lands, following proper environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The adopted exclusion, allowing actions such as physical control and use of biological control organisms, means that these bureaus can manage invasive species without requiring a full environmental assessment, unless extraordinary circumstances arise. This step seeks to protect native species and preserve ecosystems across lands managed by these departments.

The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) within the Department of Defense is using a rule from the Department of the Navy (DoN) to renovate a building in York, Pennsylvania, without needing an extensive environmental review. This adoption falls under a specific rule that allows federal agencies to use certain exclusions if they typically don't harm the environment. OLDCC confirmed with DoN that using this rule is appropriate for the planned renovations, which won't involve significant changes to the site. The project aims to enhance training facilities as part of a Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program grant.

The Fish and Wildlife Service received an application from ADH Rollins Court, LLC for an incidental take permit (ITP) that would allow the company to affect the sand skink and blue-tailed mole skink during the construction of a residential development in Polk County, Florida. The Service seeks public comments on the application, which includes a habitat conservation plan, and has made a preliminary decision that the project may qualify for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) due to its minor impact. To compensate for the impact, the applicant plans to purchase conservation credits. The public has until February 13, 2025, to submit comments on the proposed project and plan.

The final rule by the U.S. Department of Agriculture simplifies and unifies deadlines for submitting required documents for three disaster assistance programs: the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). It also clarifies assistance rules for transporting livestock feed, including eligible conditions and documentation requirements, such as needing verifiable records for claimed losses. The rule became effective upon its publication in the Federal Register and does not require a notice or comment period.