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The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) has issued a final rule that updates regulations on how oil, gas, and coal are valued for royalty purposes from Federal and Indian leases, and how civil penalties for certain violations are assessed. The rule reintroduces the option for gas lessees to use an index-based valuation method, removes some limitations on transportation and processing allowances, and clarifies definitions and procedures for valuation. It also explains that civil penalties for payment violations will be assessed more transparently, considering the monetary impact of the violation, and clarifies how ONRR considers mitigating and aggravating circumstances, aiming to increase transparency and fairness.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has implemented a final rule that allows hook-and-line catcher/processors to use longline pot gear when targeting Greenland turbot in the Bering Sea. This regulation aims to improve fishing efficiency, boost economic benefits, and reduce interactions with killer whales, which have negatively impacted this fishery. With the approval of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, the rule addresses gear restrictions, whale depredation, and species retention, promoting effective fishery management and conservation. The new rules will be effective from April 28, 2025, and include requirements for gear marking and reporting to aid in monitoring and enforcement.

The Department of Education is inviting applications for new awards in Fiscal Year 2025 for Special Education Parent Information Centers—Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs). The PTI program aims to provide parents of children with disabilities high-quality training and information to help improve their children's educational outcomes. The agency has requested $33,152,000 for these awards, with approximately $25,800,000 intended for this competition. Applications are due by March 3, 2025, and are limited to parent organizations that meet specific guidelines, with several regional centers available in California, Florida, New York, and Texas.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to classify the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. They aim to designate critical habitat areas, particularly in California, to protect these butterflies. Additionally, they plan to allow certain activities, like habitat restoration and conservation efforts, even if they might unintentionally harm some butterflies. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until March 12, 2025, and informational meetings are scheduled to discuss the details further.

In this notice, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) details the actions taken by its Mortgagee Review Board against various mortgage companies. These actions include penalties and the withdrawal of FHA approval for violations like failure to maintain required financial standards, incorrect certifications, and untimely notifications of sanctions. The penalties often involve civil money fines and, in some cases, settlement agreements that do not admit fault. The document lists numerous mortgage companies and their specific violations as part of HUD's compliance enforcement efforts.

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 Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the Department of Transportation, is proposing new procedures to implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These procedures establish categorical exclusions (CEs), which are categories of actions deemed to typically have minimal environmental impacts. PHMSA invites public comments on these proposed CEs and procedures, aiming to ensure their activities minimize environmental effects and involve public and governmental engagement. Comments must be submitted by January 9, 2025.

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 Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has proposed a rule to designate critical habitat for the Beringia distinct population segment of the bearded seal under the Endangered Species Act. The proposed critical habitat includes marine areas in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas, and focuses on sea ice habitat essential for the species' survival, such as areas for whelping, nursing, molting, and breeding communication. Public comments on this proposal are being requested, and considerations include potential impacts on existing activities and economic factors. The ultimate goal is to protect the areas critical for the conservation of these seals.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed harvest specifications for the groundfish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands for the years 2025 and 2026. This proposal outlines catch limits, apportionments, and prohibited species catch allowances necessary to manage groundfish resources sustainably, aligning with regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Public comments are invited until January 3, 2025, and these regulations include measures to protect species such as Pacific cod, halibut, and salmon, while ensuring fishing operations do not exceed scientific recommendations for conservation.