Regulatory Reform

NANA Regional Corporation, an Alaska Native Corporation, supports the proposed regulatory reform by arguing that National Park Service Bulletin 38 is inconsistent with Alaska-specific laws (ANCSA and ANILCA) and creates unnecessary burdens on mining projects. They specifically request that Bulletin 38 be revised to exclude "landscapes" from eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places and recommend the revocation of the BLM's Public Lands Rule.

The Alaska Miners Association (AMA), a trade organization representing the mining industry, supports the Department of the Interior's regulatory reform Request for Information (RFI). They advocate for specific actions including rescinding the June 2024 Ambler Road Record of Decision, lifting Public Land Order 5150, and repealing certain Roadless Rule applications to facilitate mineral development and economic growth in Alaska.

The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) opposes any regulatory reforms that would weaken the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) regulations, BIA Social Services programs, or protections for Tribal lands and cultural heritage. They argue that these regulations are essential for upholding Tribal sovereignty, protecting Native children, and fulfilling federal trust obligations.

WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband, a national trade association representing rural telecommunications carriers, supports the Department of the Interior's efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. They argue for specific reforms to streamline permitting and right-of-way processes, including electronic filing systems, better inter-agency coordination, and the use of "shot clocks" or presumptions of approval to accelerate rural broadband deployment.

The commenter argues that the NAGPRA regulations are essential for the respectful repatriation of Native American human remains and cultural objects. They emphasize that these regulations protect Tribal Sovereignty and facilitate necessary communication between tribes, museums, and the federal government.

The American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA), a trade association for cultural resources management, supports the Department of the Interior's goal of reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining statutory obligations. They advocate for streamlining the Section 106 review process through programmatic agreements and emphasize the need for adequate funding and staffing for state and tribal historic preservation offices.

The Essential Minerals Association (EMA), representing approximately 100 mining companies, supports the proposed regulatory reform by requesting the rescission of several burdensome rules and resource management plans. They argue that these regulations, particularly those regarding conservation and landscape health, exceed the Bureau of Land Management's authority, create "pay-for-play" systems, and hinder the domestic supply chain of essential minerals.

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is advocating for the Department of the Interior to streamline and standardize the permitting process for installing broadband infrastructure on federal lands. They propose specific reforms, including pre-application meetings, online application portals, and a maximum 270-day processing "shot clock" to reduce delays and costs for rural providers.

The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) expresses concern that proposed regulatory changes to domestic energy resources might exclude local communities from the consultation process. While they support streamlining and process improvements, they emphasize the need for adequate staffing and funding to maintain the quality and integrity of historic preservation reviews.

Grid Action, a non-profit public interest advocacy organization, supports the Department of the Interior's efforts to streamline regulations and reform Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Notices to Proceed (NTP). They argue that current NTP processes cause significant delays for critical transmission projects and recommend specific reforms, such as a 90-day issuance deadline and limits on stipulations, to advance American energy independence.