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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) has proposed issuing an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) that would allow the United States Army Corps of Engineers to take small numbers of marine mammals during geotechnical surveys in St. George, Alaska. These surveys aim to support the construction of a small boat harbor and may incidentally affect northern fur seals, harbor seals, and possibly other marine mammals. The IHA includes measures to reduce impacts, such as temporarily stopping work if certain marine mammals are nearby and avoiding work during sensitive times, like when northern fur seals are pupping. Public comments on the proposal are being requested.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has reviewed a request from the Green Island Power Authority and Albany Engineering Corporation to amend their Green Island Hydroelectric Project license. Located on the Hudson River in Albany County, New York, this project occupies federal land. FERC's analysis in the environmental assessment indicates that with certain environmental measures, the amendment will not significantly impact the environment. Interested parties can view the assessment on the FERC website and have 30 days from the notice date to submit comments online or via mail.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has renewed an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) allowing the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) to disturb marine mammals during construction at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. This renewal, effective for one year, covers unfinished activities related to relocating NOAA research vessels, such as pier and dock work. The renewal follows protocols to minimize impact on marine mammals, ensuring activities have a negligible effect on their populations and habitats. Despite updates in acoustic guidance and minor changes in marine mammal populations, the authorized impact remains minimal.

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.

Neptune Regional Transmission System and Long Island Power Authority filed a formal complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) against PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. They allege that PJM's cost allocation for regional transmission projects is unfair and unreasonable. Interested parties can intervene or protest by filing electronically or by mail, with a deadline for comments on January 21, 2021, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public access to FERC's reference room is currently suspended, but documents can be accessed online.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a public interest waiver allowing certain infrastructure projects in the Pacific Island territories (Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa) and the Freely Associated States (Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia) to bypass the Buy America requirements. These requirements usually mandate that materials like iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in U.S. infrastructure projects be made domestically. The waiver, lasting five years from January 10, 2025, aims to reduce costs and avoid project delays caused by shipping and sourcing issues from the mainland U.S. DOT decided on this waiver after considering public comments and addressing concerns about regional supply chains and cost impacts.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding public scoping meetings through webinars regarding Amendment 10 to the Coral, Coral Reef, and Live Hard Bottom Habitat Fishery Management Plan. This amendment is about setting up a Shrimp Fishery Access Area along the eastern border of the northern extension of the Oculina Bank Coral Habitat Area to allow rock shrimp trawling. The meetings will take place online on February 8 and 9, 2021, and the public is encouraged to share their comments by February 10, 2021. Attendees must register to participate, and the meetings are accessible to people with disabilities.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has received a request from the U.S. Navy to renew an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO). This renewal allows for the incidental taking of marine mammals during the construction needed for relocating NOAA research vessels at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. The activities are nearly identical to those already analyzed in an existing authorization and the renewal will allow continuation for up to another year. NMFS has preliminarily determined that the proposed actions will not have a significant impact on marine mammals and seeks additional public comments before making a final decision.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has begun a 5-year review of the island grouper, a species listed as threatened. This review is required by the Endangered Species Act to decide if the island grouper should remain on the list, be downgraded to a less critical status, or be upgraded to a more critical status. NMFS is seeking information from the public and various organizations on topics such as the biology, threats, and conservation efforts related to the species. The deadline for submitting information is March 3, 2025.