Federal Register #2026-06458

National Security Exemption for Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities under the Endangered Species Act

This notice addresses a regulatory exemption for federal oil and gas activities in the Gulf of America: - Government Buyer: - Endangered Species Committee (Departments of the Interior, Army, EPA, Agriculture, Commerce, and Council of Economic Advisors) - U.S. International Trade Commission (mentioned in related context) - Scope of Exemption: - National security exemption granted for oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities in the Gulf of America - Exemption applies to activities managed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) - Avoidance and minimization measures from National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) biological opinions and consultation decisions remain in effect - Products/Services: - No procurement of products or services; this is a regulatory exemption, not a contract opportunity - Animal feed-grade L-lysine (lysine HCL, lysine sulfate, liquid lysine) is mentioned in a separate context related to trade investigations, not procurement - Unique Requirements: - Exemption is based on national security findings by the Secretary of War - Applies to federal waters, state waters and lands, coastal areas, ports, airspaces, and waterways in the Gulf of America - No specific contract deliverables, quantities, or part numbers are associated with this notice - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or vendors are named in connection with the exemption - In the trade investigation context, Archer Daniels Midland, CJ Bio America, and Evonik Corporation are mentioned as petitioners (not as vendors for procurement) - Locations: - Washington, DC (federal office) - Federal waters and associated areas of the Gulf of America (place of performance) - No estimated contract value, as this is not a procurement action

Description

The Endangered Species Committee held a public meeting on March 31, 2026, in Washington, DC, to address a national security exemption request from the Secretary of War regarding Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities. The Committee unanimously exempted these activities from the requirements of the Endangered Species Act under section 7(h), including avoidance and minimization measures described in relevant biological opinions and consultation decisions. This exemption allows federal agencies involved to proceed without compliance with certain procedural and substantive mandates of the Act for the duration of these activities. The decision is effective immediately and subject to judicial review in specified U.S. Courts of Appeals.

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