Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

Federal RegisterSep 22, 2025

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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

Federal Register / Vol. 90 , No. 181 / Monday, September 22, 2025 /

Unified Agenda

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of the Secretary

25 CFR Ch. I

30 CFR Chs. II and VII

36 CFR Ch. I

43 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I and II

48 CFR Ch. 14

50 CFR Chs. I and IV

[256D0102DM, DS10200000, DLSN00000.0000000; DX10201]

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior.

ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda.

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SUMMARY: This notice provides the semiannual agenda of the Department

of the Interior (Department) rules scheduled for review or development

between Spring 2025 and Spring 2026. The Regulatory Flexibility Act and

Executive Order 12866 require publication of the agenda.

ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise indicated, all agency contacts are located

at the Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC

20240.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please direct all comments and

inquiries about these rules to the appropriate agency contact. Please

direct general comments relating to the agenda to the Office of

Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs, Department of the

Interior, at the address above or at (202) 513-0357.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: With this publication, the Department

satisfies the requirement of Executive Order 12866 that the Department

publish an agenda of rules that we have issued or expect to issue and

of currently effective rules that we have scheduled for review.

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.

We have specifically identified in the agenda rules that will have such

effects. The complete Unified 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In some cases, the Department has withdrawn rules that were placed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.

E. Michael Abler,

Deputy Director, Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs.

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement--Long-Term Actions

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Regulation

Sequence No. Title Identifier No.

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102....................... Revisions to 1014-AA53

Decommissioning

Requirements on the OCS.

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United States Fish and Wildlife Service--Proposed Rule Stage

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Regulation

Sequence No. Title Identifier No.

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103....................... Importation, Exportation, 1018-BF16

and Transportation of

Wildlife; Updates to the

Regulations.

104....................... Migratory Bird Hunting; 1018-BI69

2026-27 Migratory Game

Bird Hunting Regulations.

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United States Fish and Wildlife Service--Final Rule Stage

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Regulation

Sequence No. Title Identifier No.

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105....................... Migratory Bird Hunting; 1018-BH65

2025-26 Migratory Game

Bird Hunting Regulations.

106....................... Rescinding the Definition 1018-BI38

of ``Harm'' Under the

Endangered Species Act.

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Bureau of Ocean Energy Management--Proposed Rule Stage

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Regulation

Sequence No. Title Identifier No.

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107....................... Risk Management and 1010-AE26

Financial Assurance for

Outer Continental Shelf

Lease and Grant

Obligations.

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Bureau of Land Management--Proposed Rule Stage

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Regulation

Sequence No. Title Identifier No.

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108....................... Rescission of the 1004-AF32

Intermittent Energy Rule.

109....................... Royalty for Oil and Gas 1004-AF33

Lost from Onshore Federal

and Indian Leases.

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[[Page 45529]]

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Department of the Interior (DOI)

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Bureau of Safety and Environmental Long-Term Actions

Enforcement (BSEE)

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102. REVISIONS TO DECOMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS ON THE OCS [1014-AA53]

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

to 1356a

Abstract: This proposed rule would address issues relating 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; and (3) other operational considerations.

Timetable:

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Action Date FR Cite

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NPRM................................ 07/00/26

NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/00/26

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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: [email protected]

RIN: 1014-AA53

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Department of the Interior (DOI)

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United States Fish and Wildlife Service Proposed Rule Stage

(FWS)

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103. IMPORTATION, EXPORTATION, AND TRANSPORTATION OF WILDLIFE; UPDATES

TO THE REGULATIONS [1018-BF16]

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 33 8(d)-(f); 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; . . .

Abstract: This proposed rule would revise the FWS regulations

governing 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; designating

additional ports for wildlife trade and clarifying the regulations

pertaining to ports; adding sections related to requirements for urine,

feces, and synthetically derived DNA, exempt species, and international

mail; removing a section related to personally owned pet birds;

clarifying language related to declaration and clearance requirements;

streamlining marking requirements; and updating the fee schedule to

better reflect 2025 conditions.

Timetable:

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Action Date FR Cite

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NPRM................................ 08/00/25

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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: [email protected]

RIN: 1018-BF16

104. MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING; 2026-27 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD

HUNTING REGULATIONS [1018-BI69]

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

Abstract: This rulemaking action would establish 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.

Timetable:

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Action Date FR Cite

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NPRM................................ 10/00/25

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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: [email protected]

RIN: 1018-BI69

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Department of the Interior (DOI)

-------------------------------------------

United States Fish and Wildlife Service Final Rule Stage

(FWS)

............................

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105. MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING; 2025-26 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING

REGULATIONS [1018-BH65]

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

Abstract: This rulemaking action would establish 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:

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Action Date FR Cite

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NPRM (Preliminary).................. 01/21/25 90 FR 7056

NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/20/25

Proposed Frameworks................. 04/23/25 90 FR 17300

Proposed Frameworks; Comment Period 05/27/25

End.

Final Frameworks.................... 08/00/25

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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: [email protected]

RIN: 1018-BH65

106. RESCINDING THE DEFINITION OF ``HARM'' UNDER THE

ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT [1018-BI38]

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

[[Page 45530]]

undertaking this change to adhere to the single, best meaning of the

ESA.

Timetable:

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Action Date FR Cite

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NPRM................................ 04/17/25 90 FR 16102

NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/19/25

Final Action........................ 07/00/25

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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: [email protected]

RIN: 1018-BI38

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Department of the Interior (DOI)

------------------------------------------- Proposed Rule Stage

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

............................

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107. RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL ASSURANCE FOR OUTER

CONTINENTAL SHELF LEASE AND GRANT OBLIGATIONS [1010-AE26]

Legal Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1331, OCS Lands Act; E.O. 14154,

Unleashing American Energy

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:

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Action Date FR Cite

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NPRM................................ 01/00/26

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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: [email protected]

RIN: 1010-AE26

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Department of the Interior (DOI)

------------------------------------------- Proposed Rule Stage

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

............................

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108. RESCISSION OF THE INTERMITTENT ENERGY RULE [1004-AF32]

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 rescind the ``Rights-of-Way,

Leasing, and Operations for Renewable Energy'' final rule, issued on

May 1, 2024.

Timetable:

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Action Date FR Cite

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NPRM................................ 10/00/25

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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: [email protected]

RIN: 1004-AF32

109. ROYALTY FOR OIL AND GAS LOST FROM ONSHORE FEDERAL AND

INDIAN LEASES [1004-AF33]

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:

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Action Date FR Cite

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NPRM................................ 10/00/25

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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: [email protected]

RIN: 1004-AF33

[FR Doc. Filed 08-18-25; 0:00 a.m.]

BILLING CODE 4334-63-P

[FR Doc. 2025-18330 Filed 9-19-25; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4334-63-P

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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