Agencies Extend Public Review Period on Suggested ESA Critical Habitat Regulations

Contacts:

Gavin Shire (FWS), (703) 346-9123, [email protected]

Keely Belva (NOAA), (301) 427-8013, [email protected]

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The U.S.F.W.S. and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (together, the Services) - the 2 federal agencies responsible for administering the Endangered Species Act (ESA) - are extending the public review periods on 2 rules and a policy to enhance the process of designating areas of "critical habitat" and consulting on the effects of federal actions on critical habitat.

The 2 suggested rules are a revision to the definition of "adverse modification" that is used when reviewing the impact federal agency actions may have on critical habitat, and a clarification of the procedures and requirements used for designating critical habitat that would also make certain lands managed by the Department of Defense ineligible for designation as critical habitat. The suggested policy would provide greater predictability, transparency and consistency regarding how the Services consider exclusions from critical habitat designations under section 4(b)(2) of the ESA.

The review periods, which were due to close on July 11, will now close at midnight on October 9, 2014.

For comprehensive information on these suggested rules, including the notices submitted to the Federal Register, visit www.fws.gov/endangered/improving_esa/reg_reform.html.

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