Federal Register Opportunities
The Federal Register is a daily publication by the United States Government, known as the newspaper of the federal government. It includes executive orders, public notices, proclamations, and proposed and final administrative regulations for federal agencies. It also provides opportunities for the public to comment on proposed rules before they are finalized. Public comments can be submitted in writing, orally at a hearing, or, in some cases, online via e-mail. Comment periods are typically between 30 and 90 days, though they do vary. Instructions on how, when, and where to submit comments for each proposed regulation are available in the Register and agencies are required to list the name and telephone number of a spokesperson to contact for more information. Agencies are also required to address significant issues introduced in comments and publicize changes made in response.
See below for upcoming meetings and current public comment opportunities on issues relevant to ecology.
Upcoming Public Meetings:
- BLM – Notice of Southwest District Colorado Resource Advisory Council Sheep Grazing Subcommittee Meetings (June 13, July 18, August 15)
- BLM – Public Meetings for the John Day-Snake Resource Advisory Council, Oregon (June 22-23)
- BLM – Public Meetings of the Central California Resource Advisory Council (June 14-15, September 12-13, November 14-15, February 27-28)
- BLM – Rocky Mountain Resource Advisory Council Meeting (June 22)
- BLM – Meetings of the California Desert District Advisory Council (August 25-26, December 8-9)
- BLM – Notice of Public Meetings: Northern California District Resource Advisory Council (August 23-24)
- BLM – Southwest Colorado Resource Advisory Council Public Meetings (June 14, October 10, February 6)
- BLM – Public Meeting for the Missouri Basin Resource Advisory Council (June 20-21)
- BLM – Notice of Public Meeting, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Advisory Committee, Utah (June 27, September 12)
- BLM – Northwest Resource Advisory Council Schedule of Quarterly Public Meetings, Colorado (June 22, October 5)
- BLM – Public Meeting of the Bears Ears National Monument Advisory Committee, Utah (June 22, November 8)
- BLM – Public Meeting of the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council (June 26-27)
- BLM – Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Meeting (June 28-30)
- BLM – Notice of Public Meetings, Utah Resource Advisory Council, Utah (August 15)
- BLM -Public Meetings for the John Day-Snake Resource Advisory Council, Oregon (September 13, October 19-20)
- BLM – Public Meetings for the San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee, Washington (September 27, December 7)
- EPA – Public Meeting of the Science Advisory Board Environmental Justice Screen (EJScreen) Review Panel (June 22)
- EPA – White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council Public Meeting (June 13-15)
- Forest Service – Missoula Resource Advisory Committee Meeting (June 15)
- Forest Service – Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board Meeting (June 14)
- Forest Service – Greater Rocky Mountain Resource Advisory Committee Meeting (June 26)
- Forest Service – Eleven Point Resource Advisory Committee (June 27)
- NOAA NMFS – 31st General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and 16th Scientific Advisory Subcommittee to the General Advisory Committee; Meeting Announcement (June 15)
- NOAA NMFS – Advisory Committee Open Session on Management Strategy Evaluation for North Atlantic Swordfish (June 16)
- NOAA NMFS – Pacific Fishery Management Council Public Meetings (June 22)
- NOAA – Evaluation of Heeia National Estuarine Research Reserve Public Meeting (June 6, comments due June 16)
- NOAA – Evaluation of Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve; Notice of Public Meeting; Request for Comments (June 7, comments due June 16)
- NOAA – U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) Advisory Committee Public Meeting (June 27-29)
- NOAA – Public Meetings of the Science Advisory Board (July 26-27)
- NSF – Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering Meeting (June 15-16)
- NSF – Workshop on U.S. Leadership in Software Engineering & Artificial Intelligence Engineering: Critical Needs & Priorities (June 20-21)
- NPS – Notice of Public Meetings for the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission (September 11)
- NPS – Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Advisory Council Meeting (September 6)
- USGS – Public Meeting of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (June 27-28)
Opportunities for Public Comment and Nominations:
- BLM – Conservation and Landscape Health
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes new regulations that, pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as amended, and other relevant authorities, would advance the BLM’s mission to manage the public lands for multiple use and sustained yield by prioritizing the health and resilience of ecosystems across those lands. To ensure that health and resilience, the proposed rule provides that the BLM will protect intact landscapes, restore degraded habitat, and make wise management decisions based on science and data. To support these activities, the proposed rule would apply land health standards to all BLM-managed public lands and uses, clarify that conservation is a “use” within FLPMA’s multiple-use framework, and revise existing regulations to better meet FLPMA’s requirement that the BLM prioritize designating and protecting Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). The proposed rule would add to provide an overarching framework for multiple BLM programs to promote ecosystem resilience on public lands. Please submit comments on this proposed rule on or before June 20, 2023, or 15 days after the last public meeting. The BLM is not obligated to consider comments made after this date in making its decision on the final rule.
- BLM – Notice of Intent To Amend the California Desert Conservation Area Plan Associated With the Mojave Trails National Monument Management Plan and Prepare an Associated Environmental Assessment
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California State Director intends to prepare a management plan for the Mojave Trails National Monument (MTNM), through an amendment to the approved California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) land use plan, and an environmental assessment (EA). By this notice, the BLM is announcing the beginning of the scoping period to solicit public comments and Identify issues, providing the planning criteria for public review, and issuing a call for nominations for areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs). The BLM requests that the public submit comments concerning the scope of the analysis, potential alternatives, and identification of relevant information and studies, and ACEC nominations by June 20, 2023. - BLM – Notice of Intent To Amend the Las Vegas Resource Management Plan and Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Golden Currant Solar Project in Clark County, Nevada
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Nevada State Director intends to prepare a Resource Management Plan amendment with an associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Golden Currant Solar Project and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the scoping period to solicit public comments and identify issues, and is providing the planning criteria for public review. The BLM requests the public submit comments concerning the scope of the analysis, potential alternatives, and identification of relevant information, and studies by June 9, 2023. - BLM – Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement To Analyze the Potential Environmental Effects From Maintaining Secretary Jewell’s Coal Leasing Moratorium
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and consistent with direction from the U.S. District Court of Montana, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze the potential environmental effects from maintaining or revoking former Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell’s coal leasing moratorium. This notice begins the process of defining the scope of the EIS by providing background on the Federal coal program and the direction received from the United States District Court for the District of Montana in Citizens for Clean Energy, v. U.S. Dep’t of the Interior. With this notice, the BLM also solicits public comments for consideration in establishing the scope and content of the EIS. The BLM invites interested agencies, States, Tribes, local governments, industry, organizations, and members of the public to submit comments or suggestions to assist in identifying significant issues that should be included in the scope of BLM’s review of the potential environmental impacts from maintaining or revoking former Secretary Jewell’s coal leasing moratorium. The BLM will consider all written comments received or postmarked during the public comment period, which will close on June 15, 2023. - BLM – Call for Nominations for the Bears Ears National Monument Advisory Committee, the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area Advisory Council, and the Utah Resource Advisory Council
The purpose of this notice is to request public nominations for the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Bears Ears National Monument Advisory Committee (MAC), the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area Advisory Council (SRS Council), and the Utah Resource Advisory Council (RAC) to fill existing vacancies and for member terms that are scheduled to expire. All nominations must be received no later than June 21, 2023. - BLM – Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Greenlink North Project in White Pine, Eureka, Lander, Churchill, and Lyon Counties, Nevada
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Nevada State Office, Reno, Nevada, intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to consider the effects of a right-of-way (ROW) application for proposed transmission facilities from NV Energy for the Greenlink North Project. Publication of this notice initiates the scoping period to solicit public comments and identify issues to be analyzed in the Draft EIS. The BLM requests the public submit comments concerning the scope of the analysis, potential alternatives, and identification of relevant information and studies by July 10, 2023. - BLM – Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Resource Management Plan Amendments for the Greenlink West Project in Clark, Esmeralda, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Storey, and Washoe Counties, NV
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a draft environmental impact statement (Draft EIS)/resource management plan amendments (RMPA) for the Greenlink West Project and by this notice is providing information announcing the opening of the comment period on the Draft EIS/RMPA. The BLM Nevada State Office is the lead agency for purposes of the NEPA analysis with the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and other agencies serving as cooperating agencies. The 90-day public comment period ends on August 23, 2023. - BLM – Notice of Availability of the Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the 2015 Miles City Field Office Approved Resource Management Plan, Montana
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendment and Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 2015 Miles City Field Office Approved RMP that is available for public review and comment. - BLM – Notice of Availability of the Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the 2015 Buffalo Field Office Approved Resource Management Plan, Wyoming
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendment and Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 2015 Buffalo Field Office Approved RMP and by this notice is providing information announcing the opening of the comment period on the Draft RMP Amendment/Supplemental EIS. - Council on Environmental Quality – Columbia River Salmon and Other Native Fish Request for Information
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is issuing a request for information (RFI) to solicit feedback on Columbia River salmon and other native fish restoration and other relevant information to an ongoing mediation. The agency requests comments by July 3, 2023, and must receive comments on or before August 31, 2023. - EPA – Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution: Request for Public Comment
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution to reduce plastic waste and other post-consumer materials in waterways and oceans, as directed by Congress in section 301 of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. This Notice provides the public with an opportunity to share information and provide feedback on the draft strategy, which identifies actions where EPA can work collaboratively with stakeholders to prevent plastic pollution and reduce, reuse, collect, and capture plastic and other waste from land-based sources. EPA is seeking public comment from a broad array of stakeholders engaged in post-consumer materials management and infrastructure, including, but not limited to: state, tribal, territorial, and local governments; industry; researchers; academia; non-profit organizations; community groups; and international organizations. Public comments received will inform the Agency’s efforts to finalize and implement the strategy and further work with stakeholders to implement the actions. Comments must be received on or before June 16, 2023. - Forest Service – Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees
The Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is seeking nominations for the Secure Rural School Resource Advisory Committees (SRS RACs) pursuant to the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (the Act) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Written nominations must be received by June 10, 2023. - Forest Service – Ashley National Forest; Utah and Wyoming; Revision of the Land Management Plan for the Ashley National Forest
The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is revising the Ashley National Forest’s Land Management Plan (Plan). The Forest Service has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for its revised Plan and a draft Record of Decision (ROD). This notice is to inform the public that the Ashley National Forest is initiating a 60-day period where individuals or entities with specific concerns about the Ashley National Forest’s revised Plan and the associated FEIS may file objections for Forest Service review prior to the approval of the revised Plan. This is also an opportunity to object to the Regional Forester’s list of species of conservation concern for the Ashley National Forest. The publication date of the legal notice in the Ashley National Forest’s newspaper of record, the Vernal Express (Vernal, Utah), initiates the 60-day objection period and is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection (36 CFR 219.52(c)(5)). - FWS – Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Colorado Hookless Cactus From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to remove the Colorado hookless cactus ( Sclerocactus glaucus) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants (List) due to recovery. Recent taxonomic studies have indicated that the currently listed entity is actually two species: Sclerocactus glaucus and Sclerocactus dawsonii. The FWS finds that neither species should be listed as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Our review of the best available scientific and commercial data indicates that the threats to the species have been eliminated or reduced to the point that these species no longer meet the definition of a threatened or endangered species under the Act. The FWS requests information and comments from the public regarding this proposed rule and the draft post-delisting monitoring (PDM) plan for Colorado hookless cactus (S. glaucus and S. dawsonii). If this proposal is finalized, Colorado hookless cactus will be removed from the List and the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 7 and 9, will no longer apply to the species. The FWS will accept comments received or postmarked on or before June 12, 2023. - FWS – Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status for the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment of Greater Sage-Grouse With Section 4(d) Rule and Designation of Critical Habitat
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that they are reopening the comment periods on our October 28, 2013, proposed rules to list the Bi-State distinct population segment (DPS) of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) (hereafter Bi-State DPS) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act with a section 4(d) rule and to designate critical habitat for the Bi-State DPS. The District Court for the Northern District of California vacated the March 31, 2020, withdrawal of the October 28, 2013, proposed listing rule, and that action serves to reinstate the proposed listing rule. We will initiate a new status review to determine whether the Bi-State DPS meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. We request new information to inform this status review. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparing the final determination. Comments must be submitted on or before June 26, 2023. - FWS – National Wildlife Refuge System; Drain Tile Setbacks
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes new regulations pertaining to wetland easements to bring consistency, transparency, and clarity for both easement landowners and the Service in the administration of conservation easements, pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act. The proposed regulations would codify the process by which the Service establishes drain tile setbacks in wetland easement contracts. Setback distances would be calculated based upon the best available science considering soil characteristics, tile diameter, the depth of the tile below the surface, and/or topography sufficient to the easement contract’s standard of protection that ensures no drainage of adjacent protected wetland areas. The proposed regulations would apply only to setbacks provided by the Service beginning on the effective date of the final rule. USFWS will accept comments received or postmarked on or before June 27, 2023. - FWS – Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews for 67 Southeastern Species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is initiating 5-year status reviews under the Endangered Species Act for 67 animal and plant species. A 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review to ensure the accuracy of the species classification. USFWS is requesting submission of any such information that has become available since the previous status review for each species. To ensure consideration of the information in their reviews, FWS must receive comments or information on or before July 10, 2023. - FWS – Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Swale Paintbrush. USFWS will accept comments received or postmarked on or before August 7, 2023.
- NASA – Request for Information: NASA Public Access Plan for Increasing Access to the Results of NASA-Supported Research
NASA seeks public input on the “NASA’s Public Access Plan, Increasing Access to the Results of Scientific Research” (NASA Public Access Plan). NASA has a decades-long history of providing public access to scholarly publications and data resulting from the research it supports, including through the 2014 Open Access Plan. In 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released a memorandum on “Ensuring Free, Immediate, and Equitable Access to Federally Funded Research” that establishes new guidance for improving public access to scholarly publications and data resulting from Federally supported research. The NASA Public Access Plan outlines the proposed approach NASA will take to implement the new guidance, consistent with its longstanding commitment to public access. For the request for information published on May 18, 2023, submit comments by August 17, 2023. Early comments are encouraged. - NASA – Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is proposing to amend and update its regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The proposed amendments would update NASA’s regulations to better align with the Agency’s current and near future actions, adjust the level of NEPA review and documentation required for certain actions, and provide more concise descriptions of NASA actions. Additionally, consistent with NASA’s requirement to review existing Categorical Exclusions (CatExs) at least every seven years to determine whether modifications, additions, or deletions are appropriate, this proposed rule incorporates updates to NASA’s CatExs based on that review. Submit comments on or before July 3, 2023. - NOAA and EPA – Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program: Proposal To Find That Michigan Has Satisfied Conditions on Earlier Approval
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (the Federal agencies) invite public comment on the Federal agencies’ proposed finding that Michigan has satisfied all conditions the agencies established as part of their 1997 approval of the state’s coastal nonpoint pollution control program (coastal nonpoint program). The Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA) directs states and territories with coastal zone management programs previously approved under section 306 of the Coastal Zone Management Act to develop and implement coastal nonpoint programs, which must be submitted to the Federal agencies for approval. Prior to making such a finding, NOAA and the EPA invite public input on the two Federal agencies’ rationale for this proposed finding. Comments are due by June 12, 2023. - NOAA NMFS – Notice To Reopen the Call for Nominations to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Public Advisory Committee
A request for nominations was published by the Department of the Interior in the Federal Register on January 26, 2023, for specific positions on the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Public Advisory Committee (Committee). The nomination period is now open through until June 20, 2023. - NOAA NMFS – Endangered and Threatened Species: Designation of Nonessential Experimental Populations of Chinook Salmon Upstream of Shasta Dam, Authorization for Release, and Adoption of Limited Protective Regulations Under the Endangered Species Act Sections 10(j) and 4(s)
NMFS proposes a rule to designate and authorize the release of nonessential experimental populations (NEPs or experimental populations) of Sacramento River (SR) winter-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Central Valley (CV) spring-run Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) in the McCloud and Upper Sacramento Rivers upstream of Shasta Dam (the NEP Area), California, and, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), establish a limited set of take exceptions for the experimental populations. Successful reintroduction of populations within the species’ historical ranges would contribute to viability and further conservation of these species. The issuance of limited protective regulations for the conservation of these species would provide regulatory assurances to the people in the Upper Sacramento River and McCloud River watersheds. This proposed rule also announces the availability for comment of a draft environmental assessment (EA) analyzing the environmental impacts of this proposed experimental population designation and the associated take exceptions. Comments on this proposed rule and EA, must be received no later than June 12, 2023. - NOAA NMFS – Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Amendment 23 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has submitted the Black Sea Bass Commercial State Allocation Amendment (Amendment 23) to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Amendment 23 proposes to establish commercial state-by-state black sea bass allocations in the Federal fishery management plan and regulations, to change the trigger for the in-season closure accountability measures, and change the state-overage payback. Amendment 23 is intended to address the allocation-related impacts of the significant changes in the distribution of black sea bass that have occurred since the original allocations were implemented. Comments must be received by June 14, 2023. - NOAA NMFS – Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Smalltail Shark as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act
NMFS announces a positive 90-day finding on a petition to list the smalltail shark (Carcharhinus porosus) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The petitioner also requests designating critical habitat. NMFS finds that the petition and information readily available in their files present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the smalltail shark as threatened or endangered may be warranted. Therefore, they are commencing a review of the status of the smalltail shark to determine whether listing under the ESA is warranted. To support a comprehensive status review, NMFS is soliciting scientific and commercial data regarding this species. Scientific and commercial data pertinent to the petitioned action must be received by July 24, 2023. - NOAA – Solicitation for Members of the NOAA Science Advisory Board
NOAA is soliciting nominations for members of the NOAA Science Advisory Board (SAB). The SAB is the only Federal Advisory Committee with the responsibility to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans, Atmosphere, and NOAA Administrator on long and short range strategies for research, education, and application of science to resource management and environmental assessment and prediction. The SAB consists of approximately fifteen members reflecting the full breadth of NOAA’s areas of responsibility and assists NOAA in maintaining a complete and accurate understanding of scientific issues critical to the agency’s missions. Nominations should be sent to the web address specified below and must be received by June 15, 2023. - NOAA – Solicitation for Applications for Advisory Councils Established Pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and Executive Order. See individual websites for information about deadlines.
- NOAA – Request for Public Comment on a Draft Standard Ocean Mapping Protocol. Comments are due July 28 (comment period extended).
- NRCS – Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee Nominations
The Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC). The UAIPAC advises the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices. The 12 members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture are expected to serve a 3-year term. This specific nomination period includes four vacancies, including: the urban producer representative; the higher education or extension program represenative; the business and economic development representative; and a representative with related experience in urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices. USDA will consider nominations received via email or postmarked by July 15, 2023. - NSF – Request for Information (RFI) on Developing a Roadmap for the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships at the National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation (NSF) requests input from the full range of institutions and organizations across all sectors—industry, academia, non-profits, government, venture capital, and others—to inform the development of a roadmap for its newly-established Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate, in accordance with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. This legislation tasks the TIP Directorate to develop a roadmap to guide investment decisions in use-inspired and translational research over a 3-year time frame, working towards the goal of advancing U.S. competitiveness in the identified key technology focus areas and addressing the identified societal, national, and geostrategic challenges. Investments would be in use-inspired research, translation of research results to impact, and education, training, and development of talent in the key technology areas and societal, national, and geostrategic challenges. Interested persons or organizations are invited to submit comments on or before 11:59 p.m. (EST) on July 27, 2023. - NSF – Request for Recommendations for Membership on Directorate and Office Advisory Committees
The National Science Foundation (NSF) requests recommendations for membership on its scientific and technical Federal advisory committees. Recommendations should consist of the name of the submitting individual, the organization or the affiliation providing the member nomination, the name of the recommended individual, the recommended individual’s curriculum vita, an expression of the individual’s interest in serving, and the following recommended individual’s contact information: employment address, telephone number, fax number, and email address. Self-recommendations are accepted. If you would like to make a membership recommendation for any of the NSF scientific and technical Federal advisory committees, please send your recommendation to the appropriate committee contact person. The mailing address for the National Science Foundation is 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314. Web links to individual committee information may be found on the NSF website: NSF Advisory Committees. - OSTP – Request for Information; National Nanotechnology Initiative Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Strategy
The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO), on behalf of the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the Committee on Technology, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), seeks public input in updating the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Research Strategy. The NNI’s current strategy was prepared in 2011, with substantial public engagement. Federal agencies participating in NSET’s Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group have begun to review the 2011 NNI EHS Research Strategy and request input to help inform a revised and updated EHS strategy. Interested persons and organizations are invited to submit comments on or before 5 p.m. ET June 16, 2023 (comment period extended).
- OSTP – Request for Information; National Priorities for Artificial Intelligence
The Biden-Harris Administration is developing a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy that will chart a path for the United States to harness the benefits and mitigate the risks of AI. This strategy will build on the actions that the Federal Government has already taken to responsibly advance the development and use of AI. To inform this strategy, OSTP requests public comments to help update U.S. national priorities and future actions on AI. Interested individuals and organizations are invited to submit comments by 5:00 p.m. ET on July 7, 2023. - State Department – United States Ocean Acidification Action Plan Call for Public Comment
The Department of State and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be accepting public comments on the proposed scope for the upcoming United States Ocean Acidification Action Plan (OA–AP). Drafting a national OA–AP is a commitment made by all members of the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification (OA Alliance). The document will highlight our leadership in reducing carbon emissions, strengthening monitoring, research and coordination research efforts, and investing in adaptive measures. The comment period will be open for 30 days from the publication of this notice (June 16, 2023). - USGS – Assessment of Biodiversity and Climate Change; Request for Public Comment and Nomination
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides science to support the mission of the Department of the Interior. In the FY22 budget, Congress charged the USGS with developing an assessment of the linkages between biodiversity and climate change. The USGS, in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Mexico’s La Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad (CONABIO), and with assistance from the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation’s John S. McCain III National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution (National Center), will undertake a two-year (2023–2025) regional assessment of biodiversity and climate change, culminating in the first-ever assessment report addressing these two challenges together for the United States, Canada, Mexico, U.S. territories, and Freely Associated States. This notice announces the opportunity for the public to comment on the draft prospectus for the assessment, provide nominations for membership on the assessment authoring team (administered by the USGS), and provide expressions of interest in serving on the Biodiversity and Climate Change Assessment Guidance Committee (Guidance Committee) which will be convened by the National Center. Comments regarding the draft prospectus must be submitted no later than July 7, 2023. - White House Council on Environmental Quality – Ocean Justice Strategy. CEQ will accept comments received or postmarked on or before August 7, 2023.