Search Results for keywords:"Interior Department"

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for onshore oil and gas operations and coal trespass due to inflation. This update, effective January 17, 2025, follows the requirements of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. The rule does not allow for public comment due to its non-discretionary nature, and it outlines increases in specific monetary penalties to maintain their deterrent effect. The adjustments are calculated using a multiplier based on the change in the Consumer Price Index from October 2023 to October 2024.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is asking for public comments on renewing a paperwork requirement related to coal mining. This requirement involves collecting information from state and tribal governments to ensure compliance with an exemption under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Specifically, it covers cases where a small percentage of coal is extracted alongside other minerals. Public comments on this proposal can be submitted until February 10, 2025.

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.

The Bureau of Reclamation, part of the Interior Department, announced a request for public comments on a proposed renewal and revision of an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection relates to applications for their Technical Service Center Summer Intern Program, aiming to recruit eligible students. The Bureau is particularly interested in public input on the necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements of the information collection process. Public comments will be considered and potentially made public, and the deadline for submissions is June 9, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to its existing information collection process related to special use permits for activities on national wildlife refuges. They plan to introduce a new, simplified application form (Form 3-1383-EZ) to reduce the burden on applicants involved in non-economic activities. In addition, they are updating other forms to include more relevant activity options and improve the wording for clarity. Public comments on these changes are invited until February 18, 2025.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), under the Interior Department, is seeking public comments on the renewal of an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection is linked to applications for leasing or selling public lands for recreation or public purposes, with an extension request to renew OMB Control Number 1004-0012. The BLM invites comments on several aspects, such as the necessity of the information collected and the estimated burden it imposes, by January 17, 2025. The proposed information collection is crucial for assessing applications from state and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, and is estimated to involve 920 burden hours annually.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has revised the critical habitat designation for the northern spotted owl, resulting in the exclusion of approximately 3.5 million acres across Washington, Oregon, and California. These exclusions reflect a reconsideration of various impacts, including economic and environmental factors, as well as new information since the 2012 designation. The decision is based on the determination that these exclusions will not lead to the extinction of the species, considering the threats posed by invasive barred owls and ongoing habitat conservation efforts. The revised designation continues to protect critical habitat areas for the owl's survival while balancing other land management priorities.

The Department of the Interior has announced programs and fiscal targets for 2025 that can be part of self-governance funding agreements with Indian Tribes, excluding the Bureau of Indian Affairs. These agreements allow Tribes to manage certain federal programs that relate to managing resources like lands and waters. The document lists eligible programs from different offices such as the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, and highlights the objective to strengthen tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and collaboration in managing federal lands. Self-governance agreements have been made with several Tribes across various areas.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is inviting public comments on the renewal of an information collection, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Interested individuals can submit their feedback by March 31, 2025. The collected data involves procedures for terminating jurisdiction of mining operations and other related activities under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. The agency is seeking input on the necessity, timeliness, burden estimate, and methods to enhance utility and minimize respondent burden, including through technological means.

The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR), part of the Interior Department, announced a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, effective January 10, 2025. This adjustment follows the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act and annual guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The rule updates the penalty amounts under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act, ensuring consistency with inflation. It does not introduce significant economic changes or impose new burdens on the public.