Search Results for agency_names:"Interior Department"

The National Park Service is proposing new rules for using powered micromobility devices, like electric scooters, hoverboards, and Segways, in national parks. These devices will be classified separately from motor vehicles and bikes, and specific regions within parks can be designated for their use. The proposal ensures that these devices aren't allowed in wilderness areas and provides clear guidelines for where and how they can be used, giving park superintendents the flexibility to manage their use. Public comments on this proposed rule are invited until March 17, 2025.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released a record of decision (ROD) concerning wind energy development in the New York Bight area. The decision is based on an environmental impact study that reviewed potential effects on the environment. BOEM has decided to implement measures to minimize, avoid, or mitigate these impacts as conditions for approving projects proposed by companies leasing the area. These measures are detailed in the ROD, which concludes a larger environmental review process.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received an application from Comstock Homes for a permit to incidentally take the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher during the development of a residential community in Moorpark, Ventura County, California. This permit would be issued under the Endangered Species Act and would allow the “take” (which means to harm or harass) of the gnatcatcher as long as it is incidental to lawful activities. The proposed Habitat Conservation Plan includes measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the impact on the gnatcatcher, and public comments are invited. The Service has determined that the impact of the project would be minor and may qualify for a “low-effect” permit, with comments open until February 7, 2025.

The National Park Service has announced that the Museum of Us in San Diego, California, has completed an inventory under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The inventory includes human remains and 3,081 associated funerary objects connected to Native American tribes, specifically the Ione Band of Miwok Indians and the Wilton Rancheria in California. These remains and objects were originally collected by archaeologists in the Central Valley of California between 1930 and 1936 and will be eligible for repatriation starting April 16, 2025. Repatriation requests can be submitted by tribes and organizations identified in the notice or others with proof of cultural affiliation.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Portland Maine Resident Agency (FBI Maine) has conducted an inventory of human remains and funerary objects, resulting in the identification of a cultural link to Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, specifically noting a connection to the Mescalero Apache Tribe of the Mescalero Reservation, New Mexico. The items, which include a human scalp and a beaded pipe bag, were recovered after being put up for sale at a Maine auction house. Following forensic analysis, it was determined that the scalp displayed Native American ancestral characteristics. The FBI has opened a period for repatriation requests for these items beginning February 18, 2025, allowing recognized tribes or lineal descendants to claim them.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is planning to renew its information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act, with a focus on pollution prevention and control in offshore oil and gas activities. The agency is seeking public comments on this information collection, which primarily concerns air quality standards compliance and the reporting of emissions. To streamline and improve this process, BOEM is introducing a new system, the OCS Air Quality System (OCS AQS), to replace outdated software. The public has until February 11, 2021, to submit comments, which will help BOEM minimize the reporting burden while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

The Cincinnati Museum Center intends to repatriate a cultural item, specifically a "Hohokam Indian Paint Palette," under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). This item has significant cultural importance to the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona and is used in religious ceremonies. The Museum outlined a process for any additional requests for repatriation and stated that the item might be returned on or after January 13, 2025, depending on requests. If multiple requests arise, the Museum will decide the appropriate recipient before proceeding with the repatriation.

The National Park Service is inviting electronic comments on historical properties nominated by January 30, 2021, for listing or actions related to the National Register of Historic Places. Comments should be submitted by February 25, 2021. Various properties across states such as Colorado, Illinois, and New York have been nominated, including notable sites like Denver County's CB&Q Denver Shops Powerhouse and New York County's Row Houses on West End Avenue. Submissions from State or Tribal Historic Preservation Officers have also been received for additional documentation.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comments on the renewal of an information collection related to permits for free use of vegetative and mineral materials. This action is in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and aims to minimize the public's burden. The permits are available for non-profit organizations and various government bodies, ensuring the materials are not used commercially. The BLM invites feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements to this process, with comments due by March 4, 2025.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), History Colorado plans to return a sacred headdress to its rightful owners. This headdress belonged to Sapiah, also known as Buckskin Charley, and was removed from La Plata County, Colorado before being donated to History Colorado in 1961. The repatriation process will begin on or after January 17, 2025. Interested parties who believe they have a legitimate claim are invited to submit their requests for repatriation prior to this date.