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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to rules about hunting migratory birds in Alaska, focusing on subsistence harvest regulations. This includes introducing permits for hunters from excluded areas, closing the harvesting of emperor goose eggs statewide due to population concerns, and providing clarity on certain boundaries and regulations to ensure compliance and proper management. The proposals aim to involve Native representatives in managing these rules and ensure the sustainability of bird populations while balancing subsistence needs.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued new regulations for managing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule is part of NOAA's Restoration Blueprint initiative and aims to extend the sanctuary's boundaries, update general and specific marine zones, and redefine what activities are permitted there. NOAA's regulations include measures to protect and restore coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other habitats, prevent environmental threats, and address concerns such as grounded and derelict vessels. The changes also emphasize updated procedures for permits and collaboration with military and state bodies to ensure compliance and effective management of sanctuary resources.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a public interest waiver allowing certain infrastructure projects in the Pacific Island territories (Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa) and the Freely Associated States (Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia) to bypass the Buy America requirements. These requirements usually mandate that materials like iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in U.S. infrastructure projects be made domestically. The waiver, lasting five years from January 10, 2025, aims to reduce costs and avoid project delays caused by shipping and sourcing issues from the mainland U.S. DOT decided on this waiver after considering public comments and addressing concerns about regional supply chains and cost impacts.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing a waiver for certain Buy America requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) for infrastructure projects in the Pacific Island territories and Freely Associated States, like Guam and American Samoa. This proposal recognizes the unique challenges these regions face, such as extended delivery times and high shipping costs for U.S.-produced goods due to their geographic isolation. If approved, the waiver, which aims to ease these burdens and support project completion, would be valid for five years, allowing exceptions where necessary for strategic security. DOT seeks public comments on this proposal by December 31, 2024.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is finalizing new rules to protect natural resources and ensure public safety on lands managed by the Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction, and Kremmling Field Offices, as well as the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area in Colorado. These rules include regulations on camping, campfires, target shooting, and mechanized travel, with specific restrictions depending on the location to address concerns such as resource damage, wildlife disruption, and public safety. The rules will take effect on January 18, 2025, and exempt certain federal, state, or local officers acting within their official duties. Violating these rules could lead to fines and imprisonment.

The National Park Service proposes to update regulations for using personal watercraft at the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The proposal includes reducing flat wake speed zones in specific areas and officially closing certain parts of West Petit Bois Island and around the Fort Pickens ferry pier to watercraft. These changes aim to protect the natural and cultural resources of the seashore and enhance visitor safety. Public comments on this proposed rule must be submitted by March 16, 2021.

The Department of Labor is asking the public for comments on a new information collection about safety standards for roof bolts used in mines. This request is part of an effort to prevent injuries and deaths from accidents like roof falls in underground and surface mines. People have until April 21, 2025, to provide their feedback, and this process is part of a legal requirement to ensure public involvement and transparency. The department wants ideas on everything from the usefulness of this information collection to ways that it could be improved while reducing costs.

The National Park Service has finalized new regulations for motor vehicle use in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. These rules update the use of off-road vehicles (ORVs), including prohibiting certain vehicles from using specific roads to protect natural resources, cultural features, and improve visitor experiences. The regulations also address issues like lake access, by requiring closures of specific areas below certain water levels, and establish longer quiet hours in designated areas to reduce noise pollution. The rules result from settlements over previous legal challenges, aiming to balance recreation and conservation efforts in the park.

The Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has issued a final rule to change the operating schedule for the Woodward Island Bridge at Middle River near Discovery Bay, CA. The new schedule allows the bridge's removable span to open specifically for vessels involved in emergency levee repairs. The rule takes effect on February 10, 2021. The bridge was designed to accommodate both emergency and most recreational vessels, with an alternate route available for vessels that cannot pass under the bridge in its closed position.

The National Park Service has issued a final rule to regulate motor vehicle use in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The rule requires permits for operating vehicles off designated roads in certain areas and allows the superintendent to create closures and restrictions. It designates specific routes and areas for off-road vehicles and sets noise and speed limits. The rule aims to protect natural resources while providing recreational opportunities, and it becomes effective on February 16, 2021, with some provisions starting on April 15, 2021.