June 22, 2023 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
New jointly proposed changes will improve the agencies’ ability to conserve and recover listed species. Comments on the proposed rules are due by August 21,2023.
During this 50th anniversary year of the Endangered Species Act, NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are proposing a series of revisions to the joint regulations that guide their implementation of this landmark statute.
These revisions are published as two proposed rules. One proposed rule addresses the listing, delisting, and reclassification of species, as well as the designation of critical habitats. The second proposed rule addresses federal consultations under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
The proposed changes are intended to improve both agencies’ ability to fulfill their responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act to protect and recover listed species.