Additional Comments Sought on Permit Regulations Relating to Habitat Conservation Plans, Safe Harbor Agreements, and Candidate Conservation Agreements With Assurances

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) published a final rule on June 17, 1999, amending parts 13 and 17 of title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The final rule, among other things, contained a number of changes to existing Service regulations that apply to permits issued under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The changes were designed to alter the applicability of the Service's general permitting regulations in 50 CFR part 13 to permits issued under section 10 of the Act for Habitat Conservation Plans, Safe Harbor Agreements, and Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances. We are seeking additional public comment on a number of the regulatory changes finalized in the June 17, 1999, rule. During the period in which additional public comments are solicited, the regulations published in the final rule of June 17, 1999, will remain in full force and effect. Based on public comments received, we will decide whether portions of the June 17, 1999 final rule should be reproposed. Aspects of the June 17, 1999 final rule that are not included in this document are unaffected.