FWS amended portions of our regulations for section 4 of the ESA. Specifically, FWS revised regulations related to section 4(b)(2) of the Act. Section 4(b)(2) requires consideration of the economic impact, the impact on national security, and any other relevant impact of designating any particular area as critical habitat and authorizes the exclusion of areas from critical habitat if the benefits of excluding the area outweigh the benefits of designating it as critical habitat. These revisions articulate when and how they determine whether the benefits of excluding an area outweigh the benefits of designating the area as critical habitat (exclusion analysis). This rule reflects the Service's experience and existing case law. The intended effect of this rule is to provide greater transparency and certainty for the public and stakeholders regarding the 4(b)(2) exclusion process. This rule is effective 20 August 2026. POC is John Tirpak, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Conservation and Classification; 703-358-2163; john_tirpak@fws.gov. (Federal Register 21 July 2026 [Rule] Pages 45662-45683)