Federal Register - May 2015

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DOI - The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gave notice of intent to collect general information on public users of their products, including Earth Explorer, to gain insight into most common uses of data from Landsat and other remote sensing in order to justify maintain free distribution to Congress.  Comments on this information collection must be submitted by July 6. [Monday, May 4, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 85)]

DOC- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the completion of the Final Science Plan for the NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program after a public comment period. The Science Program describes NOAA’s short- and long-term research priorities, as well as the Program’s structure, parameters, and funding. The RESTORE Act of 2012 is currently up for funding reauthorization in Congress. [Wednesday, May 6, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 87)]

DOA- The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced their intention to revise conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices. These practices will be used in conservation systems that treat erosion susceptible land or in wetlands. There is a comment period open to the public beginning May 6 and ending June 5. [Wednesday, May 6, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 87)]

OSTP- The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) requests public input on the sustained assessment process of the U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA). USGCRP is looking to the public for comments on what climate information is most useful and what the best way to communicate this information to the public is. Comments will be accepted through June 15, 2015. [Wednesday, May 6, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 87)]

DOI - The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) National Geospatial Advisory Committee will hold a meeting covering leadership, crowd-sourced geospatial data, Landsat, 3D Elevation Program, and outreach June 9-10, 2015 at the South Interior Building Auditorium in Washington D.C. The meeting is open to the public but requires registration, due by June 5. [Friday, May 8, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 89)]

EPA - On April 20, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report on emission factors for flaring, wastewater treatment systems, and liquid storage tanks for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). [Monday, May 11, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 90)]

DOD - In conjunction with NASA and the General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Defense (DOD) is proposing amendments to the President’s Climate Action Plan that would offer further guidance to stakeholders in cutting hydroflourocarbon (HFC) emissions and finding feasible alternatives to these HFC refrigerants. The amendments would also redefine reporting requirements for the amount of refrigerant blends containing HFCs used. The involved agencies state that these amendments will help federal agencies mandated by the President’s Plan in finding “climate friendly alternatives” to these HFC materials. [Monday, May 11, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 90)]

DOI - The Office of Natural Resources Revenue requests comments on the paperwork requirements for Royalty and Production Reporting from lessees producing minderals, oil, gas, and geothermal resources on Federal and Indian lands and on the Outer-Continental Shelf. Comments should be submitted by July 14, 2015. [Friday, May 15, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 94)]

DOC - The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Ocean Service (NOS) announced the application procedures for the Regional Coastal Resilience Grant program. This grant program is designed to create and support projects that help make coastal communities stronger. Grant applications are due 11:59 PM EST July 24, 2015. [Monday, May 18, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 95)]

DOI - The Department of the Interior (DOI) released updated coastline maps and continental shelf block diagrams.  The released maps are of the Gulf of Mexico region. These maps are useful for locating minerals, oil and gas, and renewable energy resources. [Monday, May 18, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 95)]

NSF - The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks public comment on various policy changes to the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide.The changes refer to data and information exchange between researchers and the NSF when they submit NSF grant proposals. The NSF is exploring the effectiveness of switching to automated information collection systems.  A highlighted version of the changes can be found here. Written comments should be received by July 20, 2015. [Tuesday, May 19, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 96)]

NASA - On Monday June 8, 2015 from 1–4 pm the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Planetary Protection committee will be meeting to discuss space research and update the public on Mars missions among other topics. [Thursday, May 21, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 98)]

NASA - the Heliophysics Subcommittee of the NASA Advisory Council will hold meetings to solicit scientific and technical information relevant to program planning. Topics will include Heliophysics Division Overview, Staffing, Budget Update, and Flight Mission Status Report. These meetings will be held at NASA headquarters on Tuesday, June 30 from 9am to 5pm; and on Wednesday, July 1 from 9am to 4pm. [Wednesday, May 27, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 101)]

BLM - the Alaska State Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is issuing a call for nominations and comments on tracts for the 2015 National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Oil and Gas Lease Sale. BLM Alaska must receive all comments and nominations by June 29, 2015. [Thursday, May 28, 2015 (Volume 80, Issue 102)]