The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a notice of availability on February 2, 2026, announcing receipt of an incidental take permit (ITP) application and habitat conservation plan (HCP) from Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to renew and amend an existing 5-year ITP. The proposed 30-year HCP covers maintenance, replacement, and upgrade of electric power and natural gas systems in Thurston and portions of Pierce Counties, Washington. Covered species are four threatened subspecies of the Mazama pocket gopher and the Taylor's checkerspot butterfly. PSE would offset impacts through 81 acres of permanent mitigation lands at seven locations. The Service also prepared a draft environmental action statement for a potential categorical exclusion under NEPA. Public comments are due March 4, 2026.1