[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73308-73311]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20314]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2021-0149; FXES1113090FEDR-245-FF09E21000]
RIN 1018-BG02


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical 
Corrections for Seven Species on the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife and Six Species on the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Plants

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule; technical amendments.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the 
correction of errors in the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife 
and Plants (Lists) made in previous publications. These corrections of 
publication errors are editorial in nature and involve no substantive 
changes to the Lists or any applicable regulations.

DATES: This rule is effective September 10, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel London, Manager, Branch of 
Delisting and Foreign Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: ES, 
5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803; telephone 703-358-
2491. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of 
hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or 
TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals 
outside the United States should use the relay services offered within 
their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in 
the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and the List of 
Endangered and Threatened Plants (``Lists''), which are set forth in 
title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at Sec. Sec.  17.11 
and 17.12, respectively, contain certain information on the endangered 
species and threatened species federally listed pursuant to the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.). The information in the Lists includes each listed species' 
common name and scientific name, the geographic area where the species 
is listed for purposes of the ESA, its listing status (e.g., 
endangered), and nonregulatory information providing citations to 
applicable Federal Register publications and regulations.
    The regulations at 50 CFR 17.11(c) and 17.12(b) direct us to use 
the most recently accepted scientific name of any wildlife or plant 
species, respectively, that we have determined to be an endangered or 
threatened species.

Purpose of Final Rule

    This final rule revises the Lists at 50 CFR 17.11(h) and 17.12(h) 
to correct the editorial errors identified below under Summary Table of 
Editorial Corrections. These corrections are purely administrative and 
are based on previously published rulemaking documents.
    We are publishing this rule without a prior proposal because we 
previously provided a public comment period on the proposed rules for 
these taxa and because this is a noncontroversial action that is in the 
best interest of the public and that should be undertaken in as timely 
a manner as possible. None of these changes are regulatory in nature; 
they are for accuracy and clarity. These revisions do not alter 
species' protections or status in any way. Any actions altering a 
species' protection or status would require a separate rulemaking 
action following the procedures of 50 CFR part 424.

Summary Table of Editorial Corrections

    The table below identifies the editorial corrections we are making 
in this rule. The table provides the current listing information for 
each species to be corrected, the type of error and a description of 
the correction we are making, and the correction itself.
    Where the table refers to the ``2016 Reformatting'' that means an 
August 4, 2016, final rule (81 FR 51550) that we published to update 
the format of the Lists. The purpose of the 2016 Reformatting was to 
make the Lists easier to understand by changing the format to reflect 
current practices and standards, to correct identified errors in 
entries such as footnotes and spelling, and to update common names, 
among other changes. Following the 2016 Reformatting's publication, 
however, we identified editorial errors in the updated Lists.
    Where the table refers to the ``1983 Republication'' that means a 
July 27, 1983, final rule (48 FR 34182) in which

[[Page 73309]]

we republished the Lists. At that time we republished the Lists 
annually to incorporate all changes (i.e., additions, 
reclassifications, and deletions) published as final rules in the 
Federal Register to date. We have identified an error in the 1983 
Republication of the List.
    Where the table refers to the ``2003 Rule'' that means an August 6, 
2003, final rule (68 FR 46684) in which we designated critical habitat 
for 15 previously listed species in California and southern Oregon. The 
2003 Rule revised the Lists to add references for each species' newly 
designated critical habitat. However, this rule also introduced several 
errors to the Lists.
    In the table below, ``E'' means ``endangered,'' and ``T'' means 
``threatened.'' These refer to the listing status of a species. The ESA 
defines an ``endangered species'' at 16 U.S.C. 1532(6), and a 
``threatened species'' at 16 U.S.C. 1532(20).
    All corrections described in the table are editorial in nature; 
that is, the correct species' scientific name or listing status were 
already set forth in a previous rulemaking published in the Federal 
Register (FR), which we cite in the table. We also correct erroneous FR 
citations in the Lists, as described in the table below.

               Table 1--Editorial Corrections to the Lists
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Current listed name            Error: Action         Correction
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                WILDLIFE
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kangaroo rat, San Bernadino     Error in 2016           63 FR 3835, 1/27/
 Merriam's (Dipodomys merriami   Reformatting:           1998; 63 FR
 parvus).                        Correcting year of      51005, 9/24/
                                 publication in two FR   1998.
                                 citations.
Shapo (Ovis vignei vignei)....  Error in 1983           Ovis vignei; 41
                                 Republication:          FR 24062, 6/14/
                                 Correcting scientific   1976; 41 FR
                                 name and adding         26019, 6/24/
                                 relevant listing        1976.
                                 citation based on 41
                                 FR 24062 (June 14,
                                 1976).
Squirrel, northern Idaho        Error in 2016           Urocitellus
 ground (Spermophilus brunneus   Reformatting:           brunneus; 65 FR
 brunneus).                      Correcting scientific   17779, 4/5/
                                 name based on 80 FR     2000.
                                 35860 (June 23, 2015)
                                 and correcting page
                                 number in one FR
                                 citation.
Gallinule, Hawaiian common      Error in 2016           Gallinula
 (Alae ula) (Gallinula           Reformatting:           galeata
 chloropus (=galeata)            Correcting scientific   sandvicensis.
 sandvicensis).                  name based on 80 FR
                                 35860 (June 23, 2015).
Plover, western snowy [Pacific  Error in 2016           Charadrius
 Coast population DPS]           Reformatting:           nivosus
 (Charadrius alexandrinus        Correcting scientific   nivosus.
 nivosus).                       name based on 77 FR
                                 36728 (June 19, 2012).
Beetle, Ohlone tiger            Error in 2016           66 FR 50340, 10/
 (Cicindela ohlone).             Reformatting:           3/2001.
                                 Correcting month of
                                 publication in one FR
                                 citation.
Fairy shrimp, vernal pool       Error in 2003 Rule:     Status: T.
 (Branchinecta lynchi).          Correcting status
                                 based on 59 FR 48136
                                 (September 19, 1994).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 PLANTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida Brickell-bush           Error in 2016           Status: E.
 (Brickellia mosieri).           Reformatting: Adding
                                 missing status based
                                 on 79 FR 52567
                                 (September 4, 2014).
Hairy Orcutt grass (Orcuttia    Error in 2003 Rule:     Status: E.
 pilosa).                        Correcting status
                                 based on 62 FR 14338
                                 (March 26, 1997).
Sacramento Orcutt grass         Error in 2003 Rule:     Status: E.
 (Orcuttia viscida).             Correcting status
                                 based on 62 FR 14338
                                 (March 26, 1997).
Loulu (Pritchardia affinis)...  Error in 2016           Remove entry for
                                 Reformatting:           Pritchardia
                                 Removing erroneous      affinis, as it
                                 entry based on 80 FR    is the same
                                 35860 (June 23, 2015).  taxon as P.
                                                         maideniana.
Greene's tuctoria (Tuctoria     Error in 2003 Rule:     Status: E.
 greenei).                       Correcting status
                                 based on 62 FR 14338
                                 (March 26, 1997).
Solano grass (Tuctoria          Error in 2003 Rule:     Status: E.
 mucronata).                     Correcting status
                                 based on 43 FR 44810
                                 (September 28, 1978).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The corrections described in the table above are not regulatory in 
nature; they are administrative and for the purposes of accuracy and 
clarity. The corrections do not alter a species' protections or status; 
an action changing a species' protection or status would require a 
separate rulemaking following the procedures set forth at 50 CFR part 
424.

Administrative Procedure Act

    Because we provided a public comment period on the proposed rules 
for these taxa, and because this action to correct the Lists is 
administrative in nature, we find good cause that the notice and public 
comment procedures of 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary for this action. 
We also find good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to make this rule 
effective immediately. This rule is an administrative action to provide 
accurate information for the subject species on the Lists of Endangered 
and Threatened Wildlife and Plants at 50 CFR 17.11(h) and 17.12(h), 
respectively; it does not alter a species' protections or status. The 
public would not be served by delaying the effective date of this 
rulemaking action.

Required Determinations

National Environmental Policy Act

    We have determined that environmental assessments and environmental 
impact statements, as defined under the authority of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not be 
prepared in connection with regulations issued pursuant to section 4(a) 
of the ESA. We published a notice outlining our reasons for this 
determination in the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 
49244).

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and the Department 
of the Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our 
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal 
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with 
Secretary's Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights, 
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act), 
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with 
Tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge 
that Tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal 
public lands, to

[[Page 73310]]

remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make information available 
to Tribes. We have determined that this rule will not affect Tribes or 
Tribal lands.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Plants, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.

Regulation Promulgation

    For the reasons given in the preamble, we amend part 17, subchapter 
B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set 
forth below:

PART 17--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; and 4201-4245, unless 
otherwise noted.


0
2. Amend Sec.  17.11, in paragraph (h), in the List of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife, by:
0
a. Under MAMMALS, revising the entries for ``Kangaroo rat, San 
Bernadino Merriam's '', ``Shapo'', and ``Squirrel, northern Idaho 
ground'';
0
b. Under BIRDS, revising the entries for ``Gallinule, Hawaiian common 
(Alae ula)'' and ``Plover, western snowy [Pacific Coast population 
DPS]'';
0
c. Under INSECTS, revising the entry for ``Beetle, Ohlone tiger''; and
0
d. Under CRUSTACEANS, revising the entry for ``Fairy shrimp, vernal 
pool''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  17.11  Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Listing citations
           Common name               Scientific name        Where listed         Status        and  applicable
                                                                                                    rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Mammals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Kangaroo rat, San Bernadino        Dipodomys merriami   Wherever found.....  E               63 FR 3835, 1/27/
 Merriam's.                         paryus.                                                   1998; 63 FR 51005,
                                                                                              9/24/1998; 50 CFR
                                                                                              17.95(a).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Shapo............................  Ovis vignei........  Wherever found.....  E               41 FR 24062, 6/14/
                                                                                              1976; 41 FR 26019,
                                                                                              6/24/1976.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Squirrel, northern Idaho ground..  Urocitellus          Wherever found.....  T               65 FR 17779, 4/5/
                                    brunneus.                                                 2000.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Birds
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Gallinule, Hawaiian common (Alae   Gallinula galeata    Wherever found.....  E               32 FR 4001, 3/11/
 ula).                              sandvicensis.                                             1967.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Plover, western snowy [Pacific     Charadrius nivosus   Pacific Coast        T               58 FR 12864, 3/5/
 Coast population DPS].             nivosus.             population DPS--                     1993; 50 CFR
                                                         U.S.A. (CA, OR,                      17.95(b).\CH\
                                                         WA), Mexico
                                                         (within 50 miles
                                                         of Pacific coast).
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Insects
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Beetle, Ohlone tiger.............  Cicindela ohlone...  Wherever found.....  E               66 FR 50340, 10/3/
                                                                                              2001.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Crustaceans
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Fairy shrimp, vernal pool........  Branchinecta lynchi  Wherever found.....  T               59 FR 48136, 9/19/
                                                                                              1994; 50 CFR
                                                                                              17.95(h).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
3. Amend Sec.  17.12, in paragraph (h), in the List of Endangered and 
Threatened Plants, under FLOWERING PLANTS, by:
0
a. Revising the entries for ``Brickellia mosieri'', ``Orcuttia 
pilosa'', and ``Orcuttia viscida'';
0
b. Removing the entry for ``Pritchardia affinis''; and
0
c. Revising the entries for ``Tuctoria greenei'' and ``Tuctoria 
mucronata''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  17.12  Endangered and threatened plants.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

[[Page 73311]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Listing citations
         Scientific name               Common name          Where listed         Status        and  applicable
                                                                                                    rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Flowering Plants
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brickellia mosieri...............  Florida Brickell-    Wherever found.....  E               79 FR 52567, 9/4/
                                    bush.                                                     2014; 50 CFR
                                                                                              17.96(a).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Orcuttia pilosa..................  Hairy Orcutt grass.  Wherever found.....  E               62 FR 14338, 3/26/
                                                                                              1997; 50 CFR
                                                                                              17.96(a).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Orcuttia viscida.................  Sacramento Orcutt    Wherever found.....  E               62 FR 14338, 3/26/
                                    grass.                                                    1997; 50 CFR
                                                                                              17.96(a).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Tuctoria greenei.................  Greene's tuctoria..  Wherever found.....  E               62 FR 14338, 3/26/
                                                                                              1997; 50 CFR
                                                                                              17.96(a).\CH\
Tuctoria mucronata...............  Solano grass.......  Wherever found.....  E               43 FR 44810, 9/28/
                                                                                              1978; 50 CFR
                                                                                              17.96(a).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Martha Williams,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-20314 Filed 9-9-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P