Proposed Nationwide Conservation Benefit Agreement for Bumble Bees

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing an enhancement of survival permit under a nationwide conservation benefit agreement to support at-risk bumble bees on energy and transportation lands across the lower 48 states. The proposal would streamline consultation and permitting for energy and transportation projects and directly supports the Trump administration’s priority to facilitate energy production and delivery while conserving listed and at-risk species.

The agreement also aligns with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” which directs federal agencies to remove regulatory barriers and improve permitting efficiency for domestic energy development. It supports the goals of Secretary’s Order 3418, which directs the Department of the Interior to remove impediments to responsible energy production and infrastructure. The agreement provides regulatory assurances to enrolled private and non-federal partners if any covered bumble bee species are listed under the Endangered Species Act in the future.

By establishing a unified, nationwide framework, the agreement reduces permitting uncertainty for energy developers, utilities and transportation agencies working to modernize and expand America’s infrastructure. It also maintains strong conservation outcomes for vulnerable pollinator species.

The University of Illinois Chicago, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and other partners, proposed the agreement to conserve millions of acres of pollinator habitat across the country. The agreement covers 11 bumble bee species found across the lower 48 states, including the endangered rusty patched and Franklin’s bumble bees, and nine at-risk species such as the American, western and yellow-banded bumble bees.

The proposed agreement will be published in the Federal Register on January 23, 2026. A 30-day public comment period will remain open through February 23, 2026. Comments may be submitted at regulations.gov by searching docket number FWS–R3–ES–2025–0245.