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The National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have announced the receipt of an application to renew a scientific research permit related to black abalone, an endangered species. The research aims to improve conservation efforts by studying breeding and growth techniques for black abalone in captivity. Comments on the application are being accepted via email until March 18, 2021. The agencies will evaluate the application and any comments before making a final decision, which will be announced in the Federal Register.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a permit to allow certain commercial fisheries to incidentally capture endangered marine mammals, specifically targeting humpback whale stocks, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This permit, effective for three years, applies to the sablefish pot fishery in Washington, Oregon, and California. The permit includes the requirement that these fisheries have a monitoring program and adhere to a take reduction plan, all of which are in place or being developed to ensure that incidental harm to the whales has minimal impact on their populations. Concerns from environmental groups about the effect of the permit and the lack of certain safeguards have been considered, but the NMFS has determined that the fisheries' operations, as regulated, meet the necessary conditions to minimize harm.

The Coast Guard has created a temporary safety zone to ensure the safety of life during cable laying operations off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. This safety zone, effective from March 2, 2025, to March 1, 2026, will surround a cable laying barge and cover waters up to 1000 yards from the barge, moving as the barge progresses along a corridor out to sea. Mariners and vessels are prohibited from entering this area unless they have permission from the Captain of the Port or a designated representative, who will help communicate safe transit options. This rule ensures that navigational hazards posed by the barge's anchorage configurations are mitigated.

The ANR Pipeline Company has submitted a request for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and Authorization to expand its natural gas pipeline system in the Midwest. This project, called the Heartland Project, aims to enhance the gas supply in Wisconsin and Illinois by adding new pipelines and compressor stations. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plans to prepare an environmental assessment and has outlined a timeline for its completion. Various agencies and the public have expressed concerns about potential environmental and social impacts, while some have shown support for the project.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule modifying the Class E airspace over Cambridge Municipal Airport in Nebraska. This change involves expanding the airspace radius from 6.4 miles to 7.5 miles and correcting the geographical coordinates to better manage flights using instrument flight rules (IFR). Additionally, it involves removing a navigation aid called the Harry Strunk NDB, which is no longer needed. The FAA determined these updates would not significantly impact the environment or small businesses.

The Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, LLC is seeking permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to abandon a compressor unit at its station in the Keota Storage Field in Iowa. This compressor has become outdated and is not needed for the site's operation. This change aims to save costs while maintaining efficiency. The public can participate by sending comments or protests, and the deadline for these submissions is May 16, 2025.

Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC (FGT) has requested permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to abandon a 6-inch-diameter pipeline in Lakeland, Florida. This is needed to ensure it doesn't interfere with road improvements planned by the Florida Department of Transportation. The company plans to start this project in January 2025 and finish by the end of February 2025. The public can get involved by protesting, intervening, or commenting on the project by January 31, 2025.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA has prepared an environmental assessment on releasing two insects, Bikasha collaris and Gadirtha fusca, to control the invasive Chinese tallow tree in the United States. This assessment suggests that the release of these insects is unlikely to harm the human environment. The public can review and comment on this assessment by February 22, 2021. The purpose is to use these insects as a biological control method to address the spread of the Chinese tallow tree, which has become a significant invasive species in several states.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued permits and permit amendments under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These permits are for specific entities, allowing activities that involve marine mammals and endangered species. The issued permits comply with legal requirements and ensure that activities will not harm endangered species or contradict the laws. More information is available for review by contacting specific representatives or through the Federal Register website.

The Beaver Falls Municipal Authority submitted an application on August 1, 2022, to relicense the 5-megawatt Townsend Water Power Project located on the Beaver River, Pennsylvania. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission plans to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project since it likely does not have significant environmental effects. Public comments will be considered for the final licensing decision. For assistance, individuals can reach out to the Office of Public Participation.