Proposed rule published by Interior Department on Dec. 16

The US Interior Department published a four page proposed rule on Dec. 16, according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office.

The proposed rule is focused on Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Partial 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List 475 Species in the Southwestern United States as Threatened or Endangered with Critical Habitat.

The Department oversees more than 500 million acres of land. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the department has contributed to a growing water crisis and holds many lands which could be better managed.

Notices are required documents detailing rules and regulations being proposed by each federal department. This allows the public to see what issues legislators and federal departments are focusing on.

Any person or organization can comment on the proposed rules. Departments and agencies must then address “significant issues raised in comments and discuss any changes made,” the Federal Register says.

Notices published by the Interior Department on Dec. 16

Title
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Partial 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List 475 Species in the Southwestern United States as Threatened or Endangered with Critical Habitat
Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing
Record of Decision on Final General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, Fort Stanwix, National Monument, Rome, NY
Endangered Species Recovery Permit Applications
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Charleston, Beaufort, Colleton, and Hampton Counties, SC
Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, Terrebonne Parish, LA
Notice of Availability of a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Environmental Impact Statement/General Management Plan Amendment (FEIS/GMPA), Elkmont Historic District, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Issuance of Permits