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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is inviting public comments on a 2023 analysis about the northern population segment of the scarlet macaw. This analysis reevaluates if this group of birds is considered threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The public has until January 27, 2025, to submit their comments. The Service will consider the feedback to potentially update the 2023 analysis and make a final decision on the listing status of the macaw.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received an application from Overnight Solar, LLC for a permit that would allow the incidental take of the threatened desert tortoise during the development of a solar energy project in San Bernardino County, California. This permit is required under the Endangered Species Act since the project could impact the tortoises’ habitat. To offset potential impacts, the company plans to relocate the tortoises and support habitat preservation efforts. The public is invited to comment on the draft habitat conservation plan and environmental assessment by February 20, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Federal Clean Water Act to amend the California Toxics Rule by establishing a revised selenium water quality criterion for certain freshwater bodies in California. This new criterion aims to protect aquatic life and wildlife that depend on these aquatic ecosystems from high selenium levels, which can be toxic. The EPA incorporated public feedback and scientific evidence into the rule, and it includes measures to account for site-specific conditions. The rule will take effect on January 16, 2025, unless California develops its own compliant standards.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering renewing a permit that allows the lethal removal of specific sea lions in parts of the Columbia River. This action, requested by a group of state and tribal entities, aims to protect threatened fish species like salmon and steelhead from sea lion predation. The request is to extend the current permit, issued in August 2020, for another five years without changing the terms. Public comments on the renewal request are welcome until May 12, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing an application from BNSF Railway for a permit that would allow incidental harm to the federally threatened grizzly bear during railroad operations in Montana. The application includes a Habitat Conservation Plan proposing methods to reduce risks to grizzly bears and support their recovery, like reducing food sources that attract them near the railway. The Service is seeking public comments on the plan and related documents by February 11, 2021, through various submission methods. They aim to determine if BNSF's proposal will have minimal impact on the grizzly bear and the overall environment.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received an application from the County of San Diego seeking permission to engage in certain activities that might affect two species: the Quino checkerspot butterfly, listed as endangered, and the western spadefoot, proposed as threatened. This permit would allow the county to develop a 25-acre recreation park while also focusing on conserving and managing habitats within the area. The public is encouraged to offer feedback on the draft habitat conservation plan and environmental assessment until February 20, 2025. This process aims to balance development with environmental protection under the guidelines of the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced a change in the fee rate for the Pacific Coast Groundfish fishery to help repay a loan related to their fishing capacity reduction program. Starting January 1, 2025, the fee rate will be lowered from 3.5% to 2.25% for all groundfish landings. This adjustment is necessary to make sure the loan is paid off within the planned 30-year period. Payments for these fees will be due by February 14, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released draft national recommended water quality criteria for public comment, focusing on three per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). These criteria are designed to protect human health and are based on the latest scientific data, providing states and tribes with information for setting their own water quality standards. Comments on this draft can be submitted until February 24, 2025, and the EPA will use this feedback to finalize the criteria. Once finalized, these recommendations will offer guidance on minimizing health risks from PFAS exposure in drinking water and aquatic food sources.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the release of a final environmental impact statement regarding a habitat conservation plan created by the Oregon Department of State Lands. This plan seeks to obtain permits allowing incidental harm to three threatened species: the northern spotted owl, the marbled murrelet, and the Oregon Coast coho salmon. The permits would support research and management activities in the Elliott State Research Forest in Oregon for 80 years. They include steps to minimize and mitigate impacts, with ongoing monitoring and adaptive management strategies guided by the plan's conservation goals.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is reopening nominations for the Permanent Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). This committee, composed of 15-20 members, advises on fisheries management in the Pacific. Nominations, including a letter of interest and a resume, need to be submitted by April 30, 2025, either by new candidates or those previously submitted. Members will serve a two-year term starting August 3, 2025, and are expected to attend meetings, either virtually or in Honolulu.