Search Results for keywords:"environmental assessment"

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has determined that a type of cotton, known as MON 88702 and developed by Monsanto, is no longer considered a regulated organism because it is genetically engineered to resist insects and is unlikely to pose a risk as a plant pest. This decision followed an analysis of Monsanto's data, public comments, and APHIS's environmental assessments. Supporting documents and assessments were reviewed, and after considering several public comment periods, APHIS concluded that the cotton does not present significant environmental impacts. As a result, MON 88702 cotton will not be subject to certain regulatory restrictions.

The Office of Fossil Energy & Carbon Management of the Department of Energy (DOE) has released a study evaluating the effects of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports on the economy, environment, and energy security. This study includes detailed analyses of potential impacts on domestic energy prices, greenhouse gas emissions, and effects on local communities where gas production occurs. DOE encourages public comments on the study but does not plan to make revisions based on these comments, aiming instead to use them to guide decisions on LNG exports in countries without free trade agreements with the U.S. Those interested can provide their feedback electronically by February 18, 2025.

Daniel Costa, Ph.D., from the University of California at Santa Cruz has applied for a permit to study California sea lions across their range. The research aims to explore the sea lions' foraging habits, habitat usage, and health through various methods including aerial surveys, capturing, and biological sampling. The permit, which is requested for a 10-year period, allows incidental disturbance to some non-target marine mammal species and up to three unintentional mortalities annually. Public comments on the application are invited by April 17, 2025, and can be submitted via email.

The Office of Fossil Energy of the Department of Energy has received an application from Southern LNG Company, L.L.C. seeking permission to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) that was previously imported into the United States. They want to export up to 182.5 billion cubic feet per year over a two-year period from the Elba Island Terminal in Georgia to countries that do not have a free trade agreement with the U.S. The public has until March 5, 2021, to submit comments, protests, or motions to intervene in response to this application. The Department will evaluate the application by considering domestic gas needs, environmental effects, and alignment with policy promoting market competition.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the filing of a petition from Leprino Nutrition. This petition proposes to change food additive regulations to allow the safe use of ultraviolet light to reduce microorganisms in whey products. The action is claimed to be exempt from environmental assessments as per the applicable regulations, unless exceptional circumstances arise. The petition was officially filed on November 22, 2024.

The National Park Service has issued a new rule allowing bicycles on approximately 20.6 miles of trails in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, effective January 22, 2025. This decision came after a public feedback process and an environmental assessment that concluded the expansion of trails for bicycles would not harm the area’s natural resources. The amendments designate specific trails for bicycle use and give the Superintendent authority to manage bicycle access if needed. The changes aim to enhance visitor experiences while ensuring the trails are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has extended the public comment period for a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) concerning the United Nuclear Corporation's (UNC) proposal to handle mine waste at the Northeast Church Rock Mine Site in New Mexico. Initially closing on December 28, 2020, the deadline was first extended to February 26, 2021, and has now been further extended to May 27, 2021, to allow more time for public feedback. This proposal involves excavating mine waste and disposing of it at an existing mill site. The NRC will also engage with local communities to facilitate understanding and gather comments. Public meetings will be held to discuss the proposal.

Lake Lynn Generation, LLC has applied to relicense its hydroelectric project on the Cheat River, located near Morgantown, West Virginia and Point Marion, Pennsylvania. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plans to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential impact of this project, as it is not expected to significantly affect the environment. The EA will be open for a 45-day comment period, allowing interested parties to provide feedback. For questions or public participation help, contact FERC's Office of Public Participation.

SeaWorld LLC has applied for a permit to conduct research on a non-releasable beluga whale named Tyonek, from the endangered Cook Inlet population. The permit, under review by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), would allow studying the whale's behavior and providing care at SeaWorld of Texas. Tyonek, stranded as a baby and deemed non-releasable, will be part of educational programs to inform the public about the beluga’s endangered status. The permit request includes potential transport of Tyonek for socialization or care needs and is intended for a five-year period.

Eagle Creek Reusens Hydro, LLC has filed an application for a new major license for the Reusens Hydroelectric Project located on the James River in Virginia. The project consists of a 24-foot-high concrete dam, two powerhouses with a total capacity of 12.5 megawatts, and other facilities, operating in a peaking mode with an annual generation of 22,504 megawatt-hours. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is initiating a scoping process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement on the project's effects. FERC is seeking public input on the issues and alternatives to be addressed and encourages electronic filing of comments.