View Rule
View EO 12866 Meetings | Printer-Friendly Version Download RIN Data in XML |
DOC/NOAA | RIN: 0648-BI06 | Publication ID: Fall 2019 |
Title: Designation of Critical Habitat for the Mexico, Central American, and Western Pacific Distinct Population Segments of Humpback Whales Under the Endangered Species Act | |
Abstract:
This action will propose the designation of critical habitat for three distinct population segments of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered Species Act. The three distinct population segments of humpback whales concerned--the Mexico, Central American, and Western Pacific distinct population segments--were listed under the Endangered Species Act on September 8, 2016, thereby triggering the requirement under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act to designate critical habitat to the maximum extent prudent and determinable. Proposed critical habitat for these three distinct population segments of humpback whales will include marine habitats within the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea and will likely overlap with several existing designations, including critical habitat for leatherback sea turtles, North Pacific right whales, Steller sea lions, southern resident killer whales, and the southern distinct population segment of green sturgeon. Impacts from the designations for humpback whales would stem from the statutory requirement for Federal agencies to consult with NMFS, under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, to ensure that any action they carry out, authorize, or fund will not result in the destruction or adverse modification of humpback whale critical habitat. Within many of the areas we are evaluating for potential proposal as critical habitat for the humpback whales distinct population segments, Federal agencies are already required to consult on effects to currently designated critical habitat for other listed species. Federal agencies are also already required to consult with NMFS under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act to ensure that any action they authorize, fund or carry out will not jeopardize the continued existence of the listed distinct population segments of humpback whales. |
|
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC) | Priority: Other Significant |
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage |
Major: No | Unfunded Mandates: No |
EO 13771 Designation: Regulatory | |
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226 | |
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. |
Legal Deadline:
|
||||||||||||
Timetable:
|
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes | Government Levels Affected: Undetermined |
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations | Federalism: No |
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No | |
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes | |
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting Director, Office of Protected Resources Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone:301 427-8400 |