Proposed Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for Southern Caliornia Edison Etiwanda-Miraloma Transmission Line Reconductor Project, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, CA

Southern California Edison (applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for a 5-year incidental take permit for two species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis), listed as endangered under the Act. It also addresses impacts to the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea), a California State designated Species of Special Concern. Impacts to both species would occur from proposed upgrading of the existing Etiwanda-Miraloma Transmission Line in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, California. A conservation program to mitigate for the project activities would be implemented by the applicant as described in the proposed Southern California Edison (SCE) Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan (proposed plan), which is available for public review. We are requesting comments on the proposed Plan and on the preliminary determination that the proposed Plan qualifies as a ``Low- effect'' Habitat Conservation Plan, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. The basis for this determination is discussed in an Environmental Action Statement and the associated Low-Effect Screening Form (EAS/screening form), which are also available for public review.