Search Results for keywords:"public consultation"

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released a Record of Decision (ROD) which adopts the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) Final Environmental Impact Statement for managing barred owls in western Oregon. The decision allows for the implementation of management strategies on BLM lands to help protect the northern spotted owl, under a special permit issued by the FWS. This decision is now final and cannot be appealed. The ROD was signed by BLM officials on December 31, 2024.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has withdrawn a proposed rule regarding the investigation of railroad accidents and incidents. The rule, initially published in October 2024, aimed to establish a standard process for information gathering and consultation with stakeholders during investigations. The decision to retract follows two negative comments criticizing insufficiencies and potential issues, including vague definitions and conflicts with existing practices. The withdrawal allows FRA to revisit the proposal and work with stakeholders to address concerns.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated five chemicals as High-Priority Substances for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This designation means these chemicals may pose an unreasonable risk to health or the environment, prompting further investigation and evaluation. The five chemicals identified are acetaldehyde, acrylonitrile, benzenamine, vinyl chloride, and 4,4′-methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA). EPA's decision follows a public consultation process, during which it received thousands of comments and additional information from the public and various organizations.

Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin has filed a notice with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) indicating its intent to apply for a new license for the Hayward Hydroelectric Project on the Namekagon River in Wisconsin. They have also been approved to use the Traditional Licensing Process and are seeking to consult with various agencies about environmental and historical regulations. The company has provided a Pre-Application Document, which is available on the FERC website, and has declared their intent to submit the final application by November 30, 2023. Public consultation is being initiated as part of this process.

The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) is proposing a 7.9% increase in the base charge for the Boulder Canyon Project's electric services in the fiscal year 2026, raising it to $80.2 million. This change is primarily due to rising costs in operations, maintenance, and inflated expenses, alongside a decrease in prior year's leftover funds. Public consultation and comment periods are scheduled from April 28, 2025, to July 28, 2025, during which WAPA will review feedback. The new rates are expected to take effect on October 1, 2025, subject to final adjustments.

The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) is considering new formula rates for transmission and ancillary services under the Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP) to be recovered if CRSP decides to join the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). These rates are expected to be effective starting April 1, 2026, and will last for five years. Public consultation and comments on this proposal will be held from December 30, 2024, to March 31, 2025, with virtual forums scheduled on February 19, 2025. The proposal includes plans for CRSP to transfer control of some transmission facilities to SPP, affecting the way costs are calculated and billed.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has completed an inventory of human remains found in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, confirming their Native American ancestry. These remains are culturally affiliated with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and The Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Interested parties, such as Indian Tribes or descendants, may request repatriation of the human remains starting January 13, 2025. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, alongside the National Park Service, is responsible for handling these requests and determining appropriate requestors in case of competing claims.

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is looking to update the record on their proposal to reallocate the 1675-1680 MHz spectrum band. This reallocation would allow both federal and non-federal operations to share the spectrum, with recent reports confirming its feasibility. The Commission is asking for additional feedback from stakeholders by February 28, 2025, to consider recent developments, including findings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on sharing the spectrum with commercial wireless services. The Commission aims to have an accurate and current record for the decision-making process.

The Sierra Nevada Region of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), part of the Department of Energy, has announced a proposal for new long-term formula rates for the Pacific Alternating Current Intertie (PACI) transmission services. These rates are set to take effect from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. The proposal includes a cost-based formula rate for Statutory Service as well as new equitable rates for non-Statutory Service surplus capacity sales. Public consultation and comment on these proposed rates will begin on April 23, 2025, and conclude on July 22, 2025, with public forums conducted virtually in June 2025.

The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council has announced a new rule that includes mining as a sector eligible for coverage under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41). This means that mining projects can now benefit from improved coordination and transparency in the federal permitting process. The rule aims to make the permitting process for mining projects more efficient without bypassing any environmental reviews or public consultations. By adding mining to the list of FAST-41 sectors, it is expected to help streamline the project review process for eligible mining endeavors.