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The Department of the Interior and the Department of the Army have decided to delay the effective date of a rule related to reservoir project lands. This decision is in line with a directive from President Trump's administration to pause new regulations for review. Initially set to take effect on April 16, 2025, the rule's implementation is postponed to May 16, 2025. The delay allows further evaluation and is made without public comments, as it aims to ensure regulations are carefully considered.

The Department of the Interior is informing the public about its decision to adopt certain categorical exclusions (CXs) for environmental reviews from the Department of Energy and the National Telecommunications Information Administration. These CXs will be used by the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to streamline actions like setting up fences, roads, or communication towers without needing full environmental assessments if no special circumstances exist. This decision is aimed at improving efficiency in managing public and Tribal lands, while ensuring actions don't harm the environment. The adoption became effective on January 16, 2025.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has made available the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho, which was approved by the Department of the Interior (DOI). This decision allows Magic Valley Energy to build and operate a wind-power facility with up to 231 turbines on public lands in Jerome, Lincoln, and Minidoka counties. The project will take place on a designated area managed by the BLM and will follow specific conditions and mitigation measures as outlined in the ROD. This approval is the final decision by the DOI and cannot be appealed.

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 Department of Interior, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, has decided to take 397.77 acres of land in the City of Pine Island, Minnesota, into trust for the Prairie Island Indian Community. This area, known as the Elk Run Site, will be used for gaming and other purposes. The acquisition is being made under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and fulfills all necessary Departmental requirements. The legal details and descriptions of the land parcels involved are provided to comply with federal regulations.

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 Office of Hearings and Appeals of the Interior Department is further delaying the effective date of a rule concerning practices before the Department. Initially published on January 10, 2025, this rule's effective date was first set for February 10, 2025, then delayed to March 21, 2025, and now it is postponed again to May 5, 2025. This decision follows a memorandum from President Trump titled "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review," intended to allow more time for the department to review the rule. The postponement is being enacted without public comment because it is deemed impractical and not in the public interest to delay further for comment.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has announced a decision to take 68.60 acres of land, known as the Shiloh Site in Sonoma County, California, into trust for the Koi Nation of Northern California. This land acquisition is intended for gaming and other purposes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The decision was finalized on January 13, 2025, and the transfer will be completed once all departmental requirements are met. This action is authorized by various delegations within the Department of the Interior and follows necessary legal and regulatory procedures.

The Department of the Interior has announced that the Tuskarora Nation of Moratoc Indians has submitted a petition to be officially recognized as an American Indian Tribe. The Department is inviting the public to provide comments and evidence regarding this petition, which must be received by April 15, 2025. Details about the petition and how to submit comments are available on the Bureau of Indian Affairs' website. This initiative is part of an effort to enhance transparency and public access to tribal acknowledgment processes.

The Department of the Interior is inviting nominations for the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Public Advisory Committee. This Committee provides advice to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council on various issues such as planning, fund allocation, and restoration activities related to the 1989 oil spill. Nominations are open for certain positions representing interests like commercial fishing and public-at-large, and must be submitted by April 14, 2025. The Secretary of the Interior will select and appoint members for a four-year term.