Search Results for keywords:"Alaska"

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program. This decision, signed by the Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior, finalizes the plan to implement an oil and gas leasing program in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The decision follows the requirements set by a U.S. law to manage these leasing activities. Additional details, including the specific lands available for leasing and the rules for leasing operations, have been determined in the ROD.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented a new rule that removes the requirement for non-geostationary-satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) systems to provide continuous coverage across the entire United States. This change is intended to offer more flexibility and encourage the development of innovative satellite systems. The decision aims to allow satellite operators to focus on serving underserved areas, such as Alaska and remote islands, without mandating nationwide coverage. The FCC believes this elimination of the domestic coverage rule will enhance connectivity and promote efficient use of satellite technology.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a new rule to update the migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska. This rule will clarify language on regional species closures, remove emperor geese from the harvest list due to population concerns, and update the names of specific bird species. It also eliminates the permit requirement for hunting in the Kodiak Island Roaded Area while keeping certain bird species protected. Public comments are being accepted until February 20, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is seeking public comments and new information on the draft 2024 marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) for regions in Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific. These reports, reviewed annually under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, provide data on marine mammal populations, including their distribution, abundance, and human-caused injuries. The updated reports have revised estimates for some marine mammal stocks and seek additional new data for others. Public comments must be submitted by June 20, 2025, and can help enhance the scientific understanding and conservation efforts for these marine animals.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued an amendment to a major disaster declaration for Alaska, initially made on April 9, 2020. This update, effective January 20, 2021, involves appointing Vincent J. Maykovich as the new Federal Coordinating Officer for the disaster, replacing Michael F. O'Hare. The notice outlines various federal assistance programs available for disaster relief, including community disaster loans and housing assistance. This change is part of FEMA's ongoing efforts to manage and coordinate federal disaster responses.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a notice about a presidential declaration of a major disaster for Alaska due to flooding that occurred from August 5 to August 6, 2024. This declaration, dated October 16, 2024, enables the provision of federal disaster assistance and hazard mitigation efforts throughout Alaska. It specifies that affected areas, like the City and Borough of Juneau, are eligible for Individual and Public Assistance, while the entire state can receive Hazard Mitigation Grant support. Federal funding will cover 75% of the eligible costs for these programs, in line with FEMA policy guidelines.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the City of Hoonah in Alaska. This permit allows activities that might accidentally disturb marine mammals during the construction of a cargo dock at the Hoonah Marine Industrial Center. Eight species of marine mammals, like whales and seals, may be affected by the sound from pile driving and drilling. However, no serious harm or death is expected, and various measures will be put in place to minimize disturbance and protect these animals.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service in the Department of Agriculture announced a correction to a previous document about loan guarantee rates and fees for fiscal year 2021. The correction added missing details specific to Alaska and clarified when certain fee payments begin. The original notice was issued on September 1, 2020, and the correction updates it to include all necessary information.

The National Park Service (NPS) is announcing public meetings for several Subsistence Resource Commissions (SRCs) in Alaska, including those for the Aniakchak National Monument, Denali National Park, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Lake Clark National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park. These gatherings will be either in-person or via teleconference, with opportunities for public participation and comment. The meetings' purpose is to discuss topics like SRC membership, updates from the Federal Subsistence Board and the Alaska Boards of Fish and Game, and other relevant business. The meetings are open to the public, and accommodations for attendees with disabilities are available upon request.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Scallop Plan Team is scheduled to hold a web conference on February 17, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Alaska Time. During this meeting, the team will update the status of the Alaska weathervane scallop stocks and discuss the Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report, including recommendations for the 2021 fishing year. Participants can join the meeting online, and information on how to connect will be made available on the Council's website. Public comments can be submitted electronically through the same site.