New regs for Thursday: Food stamps, eagles, birds

Thursday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for grocery stores that accept food stamps, as well as fewer protections for bald eagles and other birds.

Here’s what is happening:

Food stamps: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is moving forward with new food stamp rules.

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced Wednesday new eligibility requirements for grocery stores that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which administers food stamps.

These grocery stores must provide customers with more healthy food choices under the changes.

The rule goes into effect in 30 days.

Eagles: The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is moving forward with plans to increase the number of “non-purposeful take permits” it issues for bald and golden eagles.

“These permits allow companies to disturb eagles or their nests, and in some cases, injure or kill small numbers of these birds without the threat of prosecution,” according to an agency spokesperson.

The changes go into effect in 30 days.

“Bald eagle populations have continued to increase throughout the United States, which effectively increases the potential need for permits for activities that may disturb, injure, or kill bald eagles,” the agency wrote.

Birds: The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is proposing to loosen the protections for small birds known as black-capped vireos.

The FWS has listed the black-capped vireo as an endangered species since 1987, but says the bird has now recovered to the point that it no longer needs the government’s protection.

“The threats to this species have been eliminated or reduced,” the agency said Wednesday.

The public has 60 days to comment.

This story was updated at 2:57 p.m.