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The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is adopting six categorical exclusions (CXs) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from other federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These CXs relate to managing public lands, including activities like habitat improvement, land acquisition, and handling rights-of-way, without needing extensive environmental evaluations. They worked with these agencies to ensure the exclusions are appropriate, and any actions taken will be considered to avoid extraordinary circumstances that could cause significant environmental impacts. The public can view documentation of this adoption online.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for public comments on permit applications to conduct scientific research aimed at conserving endangered species. Under the Endangered Species Act, certain activities affecting endangered species are restricted unless a federal permit is granted. These permits may allow activities like capturing and collecting endangered species to help with their recovery and survival. The public can submit comments until February 12, 2025, and should refer to the permit application number when doing so.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has announced the receipt of applications for permits to conduct activities involving marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. They are seeking public comments on these applications, which aim to study and film northern sea otters in Washington State and Southeast Alaska. The public comment period ends on January 21, 2025. Details on how to submit comments and review applications are available online. The FWS will publish a notice regarding issued permits after the public comment period concludes.

Sappi North America, Inc. has applied to transfer several hydroelectric projects on the Presumpscot River in Maine to its subsidiary, Presumpscot Hydro LLC. The transfer involves projects like Saccarappa, Gambo, and others, with related land leases for transmission lines and fish passage facilities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is accepting public comments, motions to intervene, and protests regarding this application within 30 days of the notice's issuance. Interested individuals can view the application documents on FERC's website and follow procedures to participate in the review process.

Avalon Motor Coaches, LLC, along with its affiliates, is planning to acquire most of the assets and contracts of Rose Chauffeured Transportation, Inc. The Surface Transportation Board has tentatively approved this transaction, stating it aligns with the public interest. Comments on the deal are invited until February 24, 2025; if none are received, the approval will become final on February 25, 2025. Avalon plans to maintain the current workforce of Rose and aims to improve service efficiency by integrating Rose's services with its own.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a temporary emergency rule under the Magnuson-Stevens Act to implement certain measures for the Northeast Multispecies Fishery for the 2025 fishing year. This action is intended to address an emergency caused by the absence of approved specifications for managing fish stocks, specifically Atlantic cod, and aims to prevent economic harm while ensuring conservation. The rule sets annual catch limits for various fish stocks, prohibits the possession of certain fish by recreational and commercial vessels, and approves sector operations plans. These measures are designed to allow fisheries to operate beginning May 1, 2025, without causing overfishing during the consideration of more permanent amendments to the management plan.

Puget Sound Energy, Inc. has proposed improvements for the Upper Baker Dam that involve reinforcing the spillway and removing debris to prevent flooding and enhance power generation. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plans to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project while collaborating with environmental agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. A key environmental consideration addressed in these consultations is the impact of the project on endangered species and their habitats, as well as essential fish habitats, particularly for Pacific coast salmon. The EA is expected to be issued by March 2025, and FERC is encouraging public participation and providing resources for those interested in engaging with the process.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes granting an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for their ferry terminal project in Angoon, Alaska, which could incidentally affect marine mammals. The authorization allows for a limited number of marine mammals to be harassed, primarily through noise from pile driving activities, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NMFS has laid out specific mitigation and monitoring measures to minimize impacts, and these activities are not expected to significantly harm marine mammal populations. The public is invited to comment on the proposal and the potential one-year renewal of the IHA.

The Department of the Interior is inviting the public to comment on the Florida Trustee Implementation Group's Draft Restoration Plan 2 and Environmental Assessment. This plan suggests projects to restore natural habitats, sea turtles, marine mammals, and birds, and to boost recreational activities in Florida following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The proposals, which cost around $62.2 million, also aim to compensate for the lost recreational opportunities caused by the spill. Public comments are accepted until March 29, 2021, and a public webinar will be held on March 11, 2021, to discuss the proposal and gather feedback.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering a request for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) that would allow fishing boats to operate outside the usual fishery regulations. This permit, requested by the Northeast Seafood Coalition in partnership with Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, aims to study the effectiveness of cod protection areas and gather biological data on cod. The project will also help fishermen access underutilized groundfish stocks while ensuring that cod spawning thresholds are not exceeded. Public comments on the proposal are welcome until April 28, 2025.