Regulatory Alerts

On March 9, 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published its 12-month finding that the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia [western Joshua tree] and Yucca jaegeriana [eastern Joshua tree]) does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This conclusion comes after a second in-depth review of the two Joshua tree species. The USFWS reviewed threats to the species such as wildfire, invasive species, climate impacts, and habitat loss and fragmentation.

In mid-January, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced an effort to update natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) methods applied to hazardous substance releases under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released an updated agenda for making regulatory changes to its wildlife programs under the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The updated agenda identifies anticipated actions in 2023, such as proposed or final rules, that would change permitting and compliance processes for our big three wildlife laws.