SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Consistent with Executive Order 12866, the Agenda includes rules that the Department issued since the spring 2025semiannual Agenda and expects to issue between December 2025 and November 2026. The Agenda also includes a list of currently effective rules scheduled for review during that period.

Simultaneously, the Department meets the requirement of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) to publish an Agenda in April and October of each year identifying rules that will have significant economic effects on a substantial number of small entities. The Department specifically has identified such rules in the Agenda. The complete Agenda will be published at www.reginfo.gov, in a format that offers users enhanced ability to obtain information from the Agenda database. Agenda information is also available at www.regulations.gov, the government-wide website for submission of comments on proposed regulations.

In some cases, the Department has withdrawn rules that were placed on previous Agendas for which there has been no publication activity or for which a proposed or interim rule was published. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this Agenda. Withdrawal of a rule does not necessarily mean that the Department will not proceed with the rulemaking. Withdrawal allows the Department to assess the action further and determine whether rulemaking is appropriate. Following such an assessment, the Department may determine that certain rules listed as withdrawn under this Agenda are appropriate for promulgation.

( printed page 53011)

269. REVISIONS TO DECOMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS ON THE OCS

Legal Authority: Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1331 to 1356a

Relevant Executive Orders: 14154

Abstract: This rule proposes to set “topple in place” as the default decommissioning standard, on the condition that such circumstances meet U.S. Coast Guard navigational requirements. This proposed rule would also address issues that may include to (1) idle iron by adding a definition of this term to clarify that it applies to idle wells and structures on active leases; (2) abandonment in place of subsea infrastructure by adding regulations addressing when BSEE may approve decommissioning-in-place instead of removal of certain subsea equipment; (3) BSEE approval for platform or facility toppling in place; and (4) other operational considerations.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Kirk Malstrom, Chief, Regulations and Standards Branch, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166

Phone: 703 787-1751

Fax: 703 787-1555

Email: kirk.malstrom@bsee.gov

RIN: 1014-AA53

270. • REVISIONS TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPLORATORY DRILLING ON THE ARCTIC OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

Legal Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1331-1356a; 33 U.S.C. 2701 ch. 40

Relevant Executive Orders: 14153; 14154; 14219

Abstract: This joint BSEE/BOEM rulemaking would revise specific provisions of the joint BSEE/BOEM final Arctic Rule 81 FR 46478 (July 15, 2016) that established a regulatory framework for exploratory drilling and related operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of Alaska. This proposed rule would take a similar approach to the 2020 proposed rule titled, Revisions to the Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf 85 FR 79266 (December 9, 2020; RIN 1082-AA01). The revisions would be based on stakeholder input from the 2016 final rule and 2020 proposed rule in accordance with Executive Order 14153, Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential 90 FR 8347 (January 20, 2025) and accompanying Secretarial Order 3422.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Kirk Malstrom, Chief, Regulations and Standards Branch, Department of the Interior, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166

Phone: 703 787-1751

Fax: 703 787-1555

Email: kirk.malstrom@bsee.gov

RIN: 1082-AA05

271. IMPORTATION, EXPORTATION, AND TRANSPORTATION OF WILDLIFE; UPDATES TO THE REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 668; 16 U.S.C. 704; 16 U.S.C. 712; 16 U.S.C. 1382; 16 U.S.C. 1538(d)-(f); 16 U.S.C. 1540(f); 16 U.S.C. 3371 to 3378; 16 U.S.C. 4223 to 4244; 16 U.S.C. 4901 to 4916; 18 U.S.C. 42; 31 U.S.C. 42; 31 U.S.C. 9701; . . .

Relevant Executive Orders: 13773; 14276; 14294

Abstract: This proposed rule would revise the FWS regulations governing ( printed page 53012) the importation and exportation of wildlife. In conducting this rulemaking, FWS will review all sections of 50 CFR part 14 and propose necessary revisions. Some substantive changes that FWS is considering include clarifying and adding definitions; codifying our approach to compliance with the Freedom of Information Act; streamlining the import and export process through a unified government filing system; extending permit validity; expanding import options beyond designated ports; adding sections related to requirements for urine, feces, and synthetically derived DNA, exempt species, and international mail; clarifying language related to declaration and clearance requirements; streamlining marking requirements; and enhancing monitoring of certain wildlife shipments.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Doug Ault, Assistant Director, Office of Law Enforcement, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: LEO, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803

Phone: 703 358-2290

Fax: 703 358-1947

Email: douglas_ault@fws.gov

RIN: 1018-BF16

272. RESCINDING THE DEFINITION OF “HARM” UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.

Abstract: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (we) are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” in our Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations. The existing regulatory definition of “harm,” which includes habitat modification, runs contrary to the best meaning of the statutory term “take.” We are undertaking this change to adhere to the single, best meaning of the ESA.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Gina Shultz, Acting Assistant Director, Ecological Services, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: ES, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041

Phone: 703 358-2171

Email: adecologicalservices@fws.gov

RIN: 1018-BI38

273. MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING; 2025-26 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.;16 U.S.C. 742a-j

Abstract: This rulemaking action establishes annual hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. FWS annually prescribes the frameworks, or outside limits, for season lengths, bag limits, and areas for migratory game bird hunting. After these frameworks are established, States and Tribes may select season dates, bag limits, and other regulatory options for their hunting seasons. Migratory bird management is a cooperative effort of Federal, State, and Tribal governments.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Jerome Ford, Assistant Director—Migratory Bird Program, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS-MB, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803

Phone: 202 208-1050

Email: jerome_ford@fws.gov

RIN: 1018-BH65

274. MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING; 2026-27 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 742a-j

Abstract: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) is withdrawing RIN 1018-BI69 as the rulemaking under RIN 1018-BI04 will establish a new process for setting annual hunting season frameworks.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Jerome Ford, Assistant Director—Migratory Bird Program, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS-MB, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803

Phone: 202 208-1050

Email: jerome_ford@fws.gov

RIN: 1018-BI69

275. RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL ASSURANCE FOR OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LEASE AND GRANT OBLIGATIONS

Legal Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1331

Relevant Executive Orders: 14154; 14267

Abstract: This proposed rule would rescind BOEM's final rule “Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations.” The proposed rule would revise the criteria for determining whether oil, gas, and sulfur lessees, right-of-use and easement grant holders, and pipeline right-of-way grant holders are required to provide financial assurance above the current minimum bonding levels to ensure compliance with their Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act obligations. This rule, if finalized, would reduce the amount of supplemental financial assurance required from oil gas, and sulfur lessees operating on the OCS and would support the goals of E.O. 14154.

Timetable: ( printed page 53013)

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Karen Thundiyil, Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240

Phone: 202 742-0970

Email: karen.thundiyil@boem.gov

RIN: 1010-AE26

276. BROADBAND AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY UNDER 43 CFR 2800

Legal Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1733; 43 U.S.C. 1740; 43 U.S. 1763; Public Law 116-260

Abstract: The BLM is proposing to update its regulations in 43 CFR Subpart 2800 to encourage broadband development/deployment and create other program efficiencies affecting Rights-of-Way administration.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Motunrayo Kemiki, Chief, Division of Renewable Energy, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20240

Phone: 202 834-2701

Email: mkemiki@blm.gov

RIN: 1004-AF32

277. ROYALTY FOR OIL AND GAS LOST FROM ONSHORE FEDERAL AND INDIAN LEASES, VENTING AND FLARING RULE

Legal Authority: 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 351 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 25 U.S.C. 396a et seq.; 25 U.S.C. 2102 et seq; 25 U.S.C. 396; 30 U.S.C. 301-306; . . .

Abstract: This proposed rule would rescind BLM's final rule “Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation,” consistent with the priorities identified in E.O. 14154 and SO 3418. The rule would reduce operator burdens.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: John Ajak, Deputy Division Chief, Division of Fluid Minerals, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20240

Phone: 505 549-9654

Email: jajak@blm.gov

RIN: 1004-AF33

91 FR 53010