The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is announcing the availability of a plan to streamline the Endangered Species Act (Act) permitting process for oil and gas activities that may impact the American burying beetle (ABB) in Oklahoma. The public, industry and scientific community are encouraged to review and comment on the proposed Industry Conservation Plan (ICP) for the American burying beetle, as well as the draft environmental assessment (dEA) during the 14-day public comment period.
The proposed ICP would cover take of the ABB that is incidental to activities associated with oil and gas exploration and the construction, operation, maintenance, repair and decommissioning of oil and gas pipelines and related well fields. If approved, the ICP would provide oil and gas operators the ability to proceed with projects in covered counties while conserving the American burying beetle and its habitat.
During the public comment period, the Service is requesting public comments on the proposed ICP and dEA. To ensure consideration, we must receive written comments on or before close of business on April 30, 2014. You may obtain copies of the proposed ICP and dEA online at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Oklahoma/ABBICP.htm.
