The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making corrections to a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register of 12 November 2024, that finalized several revisions to EPA's lead-based paint (LBP) regulations. Subsequent to publication, the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) informed the Agency that there were errors in the amendatory instructions that describe specific revisions for two sections of the regulation. The corrections to the amendatory instructions will allow for the proper revisions to be incorporated into the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This final rule correction is effective 13 January 2025. POC is Claire Brisse, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7404M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 564-9004; email: brisse.claire@epa.gov. (Federal Register 16 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 101489-101490)

EPA is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register of 12 November 2024, that finalized several revisions to EPA's lead-based paint (LBP) regulations. Subsequent to publication, the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) informed the Agency that there were errors in the amendatory instructions that describe specific revisions for two sections of the regulation. In the Federal Register of 16 December 2024, EPA published a technical correction to the final rule that explained the errors and the corresponding technical corrections that the Agency believed would address the errors identified by the OFR. Unfortunately, that technical correction did not fix the amendatory instructions prior to the effective date of the final rule. As a result, when the final rule became effective on 13 January 2025, three subparagraphs of regulatory text were inadvertently deleted--a change to the post-abatement regulatory activities that EPA did not intend to make. This action corrects that error by restoring the inadvertently deleted text in the regulations. Effective 9 July 2025. POC is Claire Brisse; tele: (202) 564-9004; email: brisse.claire@epa.gov. (Federal Register 9 July 2025 [Rule] Pages 30211-30213)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to amend the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) to remove program obligations for most source categories, including the distribution segment of the petroleum and natural gas systems source category (subpart W--Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems), and suspend program obligations for the remaining subpart W segments until reporting year 2034. Comments must be received on or before 3 November 2025. POC is Jennifer Bohman, Greenhouse Gas Reporting Branch, Climate Change Division, Office of Atmospheric Protection (MC-6207A), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343-9548; email address: GHGReporting@epa.gov. (Federal Register 16 September 16, 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 44591-44618)

This system contains full-text Records of Decision (RODs), ROD Abstracts, ROD Amendments (AMDs) and Explanations of Significant Differences (ESDs). Using RODS, you can search by state, site name or EPA ID for specific ROD documents, or by keyword (such as a contaminant or remediation type) across all ROD documents. A ROD provides the justification for the remedial action (treatment) chosen at a Superfund site. It also contains site history, site description, site characteristics, community participation, enforcement activities, past and present activities, contaminated media, the contaminants present, scope and role of response action and the remedy selected for cleanup.

EPA's Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization (OBLR) plans to make available approximately $40 million in Recovery Act funding to supplement Revolving Loan Fund capitalization grants previously awarded competitively under section 104(k)(3) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9604(k)(3). This action is effective April 10, 2009.

This website provides technical assistance for restoration programs to help them consider where to invest their efforts for greater likelihood of success, based on the traits of their own geographic area's environment and communities. There are three main website components. Step-by-step instructions in recovery potential screening provide watershed managers with a methodology for comparing restorability differences among their waters. The steps in the methodology link to several online tools and resources that are used in recovery potential screening. A library of recovery potential indicators offers technical information on specific recovery-related factors (ecological, stressor, and social), how they influence restorability, and how to measure them.

EPA designated landscaping products such as mulch, hoses, and edging under the Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG) program to promote the use of materials recovered from municipal solid waste (MSW). Recycled-content recommendations for each item are listed on the website.

This center conducts research and outreach on environmental and material properties of recycled materials and catalyzes their wise and appropriate use in the marketplace.

This site is a showcase for recycle-content products. RecycleStore showcases innovative recycled-content products and puts you in touch directly with their manufacturers.

Parks settings are particularly difficult to manage regarding recycling and litter prevention. While all programs experience challenges, some communities have demonstrated how systematic planning and creative strategies can deliver higher diversion and cleaner parks. This webinar featured two case study presentations, including a successful campaign to address chronic trash problems in an urban park, and a phased approach to design, implement and refine a recycling program across 300 park locations.

The USFWS recently proposed to change the status of the red-cockaded woodpecker from "endangered" to "threatened." The Service also proposed a "4(d) rule" – new regulations that will govern how landowners can manage their forests when this species is present. In this webinar, the General Counsel & Director of Regulatory Affairs at Forest Landowners Association will provide an overview of the USFWS proposal, an analysis of how it affects forest landowners, a summary of the key issues.

U.S. EPA and the U.S. Botanic Garden 9-minute on-line video, that highlights green techniques such as rain gardens, green roofs and rain barrels to help manage stormwater runoff. The film showcases green techniques that are being used in urban areas to reduce the effects of stormwater runoff on the quality of downstream receiving waters. The goal is to mimic the natural way water moves through an area before development by using design techniques that infiltrate, evaporate, and reuse runoff close to its source.

Developed by The Nature Conservancy's California Program, this report evaluates nine green infrastructure case studies in California and makes a case for conservation as an effective tool to reduce risks of a changing climate. Each case study improves flood or coastal protection, provides habitat and preserves or restores the natural dynamics between water and land. The report reviews the available data on the costs and benefits of each case and, where possible, compares this information with the costs and benefits of a gray alternative at the same site.

Recordings of the lower carbon construction materials webinars are now available on the EPA website. The webinars covered topics related to new programs made possible by a $350 million investment from the Inflation Reduction Act such as a new carbon labelling program for construction materials and products, how to improve data on embodied greenhouse gas emissions and new programs to help businesses calculate and report these emissions.

This newly issued report (January 2008) contains 17 case studies from across North America that show the economic viability of LID practices. Using these practices in construction projects can lower costs while improving environmental results. The report highlights examples that, in most cases, reduce project costs while improving environmental performance. Total capital savings ranged from 15 to 80 percent, with a few exceptions in which LID project costs were higher than conventional stormwater management costs. As LID practices become more common, it is likely that they will become cheaper to use.

This EPA website provides waste reduction tips for home, work, travel, in your community, and during holidays and events.

Coral reefs provide the ecological foundation for productive and diverse fish and invertebrate communities. Yet, reefs continue to be threatened by human activities. It is often difficult to predict the indirect consequences and benefits of decisions. There is a need for a decision framework which integrates environmental concerns with social and economic needs. EPA scientists have developed the ReefLink Database utilizing a systems approach to do just that. The database employs the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework as one approach that can assist in the decision making process.

In this final action, the EPA is amending its reformulated gasoline (RFG) regulations to reflect the reclassification of several ozone nonattainment areas as Severe for the 2008 ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). The subject areas are the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area (Dallas), the Denver-Boulder-Greeley-Fort Collins-Loveland, CO area (Denver), and the Eastern Kern County, CA area (Eastern Kern). The reclassification of the Dallas and Denver areas as Severe for the 2008 ozone NAAQS was effective on November 7, 2022, and results in the prohibition of the sale of conventional gasoline throughout the entire nonattainment area under the Clean Air Act (CAA) on 7 November 2023. Similarly, the reclassification of the Eastern Kern area was effective on 7 July 2021, and the Federal RFG requirement applied to the area on 7 July 2022. This final rule is effective 13 November 2023. POC is Mark Coryell, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, EPA, 2000 Traverwood, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; email: coryell.mark@epa.gov. (Federal Register 12 October 2023 [Rule] Pages 70602-70605)

Historically, EPA has required that persons servicing, disposing, or recycling air-conditioning (other than motor vehicle air conditioning) and refrigeration equipment certify to the appropriate EPA Regional Office that they have acquired (built, bought, or leased) refrigerant recovery or recycling equipment and that they are complying with the applicable requirements of this rule. This certification must be signed by the owner of the equipment or another responsible officer and sent to the appropriate EPA Regional Office. However, EPA no longer requires that persons servicing stationary air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment certify that they have acquired refrigerant recovery or recycling equipment and that they are complying with the applicable requirements Equipment must still meet EPA standards. Equipment certified to meet these standards can be identified by a label that states: "This equipment has been certified by AHRI/UL to meet EPA's minimum requirements for recycling and/or recovery equipment intended for use with [appropriate category of appliance]." For more information, please visit the EPA's website.

A United States Government website produced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the General Services Administration (GSA). This site provides access to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), The Federal Register, the e-CFR (a prototype of a daily updated version of the CFR), the system where you can comment on proposed regulations, and a discussion on how the rulemaking process works

Each April, EPA Region 2 honors individuals and organizations who have significantly improved the environment in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. One of the award categories is Federal, State, Local or Tribal Government or Agency, Nominations are due February 22, 2010.

EPA Region 7 awards program website.

Seminar was held on June 10, 2008 in Region I. The related documents provide the seminar agenda and various presentations.

Within each EPA Region, the Regional Administrator has designated Regional Asbestos Coordinators and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) Asbestos Coordinators to oversee the Asbestos efforts within the Region. EPA is also providing a list of State Asbestos Contacts for the convenience of our users.

REED, a project of Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, allows users to generate reports and download underlying data showing the impacts of ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. REED will help inform a broad range of policy issues, including energy, economic, and air quality planning, and help demonstrate the long-term, money-saving benefits of energy efficiency investments. The database currently includes 2011 electric and gas energy efficiency program data and will expand this fall to include 2012 data from Delaware and the District of Columbia, as well as the states currently in the database.

This is a mandatory, market-based effort in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states will cap and then reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector 10% by 2018.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science's Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues (AAAS EPI Center), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water (EPA OW), and the White House is hosting a webinar in a series that highlights regional examples of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. In this event, speakers will discuss their work across the Northwest to plan and implement unique green infrastructure and nature-based solutions.

The RSL website is the source of screening levels for all the EPA regions. The RSL tables provide comparison values for residential and commercial/industrial exposures to soil, air, and tapwater (drinking water). Here you will find tables of risk-based screening levels, calculated using the latest toxicity values, default exposure assumptions and physical and chemical properties, and a calculator where default parameters can be changed to reflect site-specific risks.

Join the EPA for a webinar on the Agency's proposal to ban all consumer uses and many industrial and commercial uses of perchloroethylene (PCE), a majority of which would be fully implemented in 24 months after the rule is finalized, except for dry cleaning which would be subject to a 10-year phaseout with compliance dates depending on the type of machine in which PCE is used. For uses in industrial manufacturing, industrial processing, and certain commercial uses important for national security, aviation, and other critical infrastructure that EPA is not proposing to prohibit, EPA is proposing a workplace chemical protection program with strict exposure limits and workplace controls for laboratory use to better protect workers. This webinar will be useful for anyone looking for an overview of the proposed regulatory action or to provide input on the proposed program, including industry groups, nonprofit organizations, Tribes, and other stakeholders. EPA is particularly looking for participation from employers and workers who can give perspective on the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed requirement for worker protections.

Also known as the Battle of the Buildings, this is a national competition among commercial buildings to save energy and water, and fight climate change. Competitors will work off the waste through improvements in energy and water efficiency with help from EPA's ENERGY STAR program. Applications will be accepted through May 16, 2014

On Friday, September 27, 2013, the United Soybean Board will be hosting a Biobased Products Stakeholder's Workshop in New York City. Come, learn, and participate. Join federal, state, local and other government staff, industry, and farmers at the USB-sponsored workshop, "Country & City Connect for Sustainability: Bringing the Benefits of Biobased to the New York Region." There is no charge to attend, but registration is required and space is limited.

Offered by the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP), This workshop is intended to provide professionals with classroom style instruction to prepare for the REM examination. The examination will be administered on the second day of the two (2) day workshop. Attendees must purchase the REM Printed Study Guide at least two weeks prior to the workshop. Attendees are responsible for bringing their guide with them to the workshop location.

Registration is now open for FEMP 50, a special two-day celebration organized by the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) to commemorate 50 years of federal energy management. FEMP invite you to join them for a virtual training session on 12 and 13 September 2023. FEMP 50 is an opportunity for all energy and water management enthusiasts to come together, learn, collaborate, and celebrate the remarkable achievements made in the realm of federal energy management over the past five decades. This event will feature engaging training sessions, insightful discussions, and the chance to interact with leaders from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and FEMP.

USFWS are revising current regulatory authorizations and adding new regulatory authorizations for possession of migratory birds and eagles and for other purposes. These regulatory revisions will allow them to authorize the general public, educators, and government agency employees to possess migratory birds and eagles in certain specific situations and still meet their obligations to protect migratory birds and eagles under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. They also are changing the Airborne Hunting Act regulations to clarify what Federal authorizations may be used to comply with that statute. This final rule is effective 31 December 2024. POC is Jerome Ford, Assistant Director-Migratory Birds Program, USFWS, tele: 703-358-2606, email:MB_mail@fws.gov. (Federal Register 31 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 107026-107043)

FedCenter has added "Ports and Harbors" to its Facility Regulatory Tour, outlining the regulatory requirements that pertain to a variety of activities which take place in and around ports and harbors throughout the United States that impact the environment.

USFWS are issuing this final rule to comply with a district court order that vacated their 3 November 2020, rule removing the gray wolf (Canis lupus) from the ESA. As a result of the court's order, the regulatory protections under the ESA, apply to the gray wolf in all or portions of the 45 U.S. States and Mexico where the species was listed at the time they issued the delisting rule. The court order went into effect on 10 February 2022. Thus, this final rule implements the court's order by correcting the CFR and officially reinstating threatened status for gray wolf in Minnesota; endangered status for gray wolf in all or portions of the remaining 44 U.S. States and Mexico where the species was listed prior to our November 2020 delisting rule; critical habitat for gray wolf in Minnesota and Michigan; and the rule promulgated under section 4(d) of the Act for gray wolf in Minnesota. Gray wolves in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, the eastern third of Washington and Oregon, and north-central Utah (collectively, the Northern Rocky Mountains) retain their delisted status and are not affected by this final rule. This rule does not have any effect on the separate listing of the Mexican wolf subspecies (Canis lupus baileyi) as endangered under the Act. This action is effective 3 November 2023. POC is Rachel London , USFWS, Headquarters Office, MS:ES, 5275, Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803; tele (703) 358–2491.

This course focuses on aspects of the RD/RA phase of a Superfund project and the objectives, issues and challenges that Remedial Project Managers (RPM) face during response planning and implementation.

The purpose of this EPA handbook is to provide Remedial Project Managers (RPMs) with an overview of the remedial design (RD) and remedial action (RA) processes. The handbook may be used by the entire range of RPMs from those who have had little experience with RD or RA projects to those who have managed several. It should be most useful for Federal-lead sites where the Superfund Trust Fund is used to finance the RD or RA. The management principles outlined herein, however, apply generally to all lead sites. The RD/RA Handbook focuses on how an RPM can use project management principles to implement effectively a selected remedy in accordance with the Record of Decision (ROD). It is not a conventional engineering manual, but rather a general reference document for issues that arise during the RD/RA process. This is EPA publication EPA 540/R-95/059.

Offered by the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Coucil (ITRC), this guidance presents a recommended process for remediation management at complex sites, termed "adaptive site management." The adaptive site management process is presented in a flow chart and each step is described in detail. This guidance incorporates and refers to best management practices, tools, and technologies described in previous publications by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Department of Defense (DOD), ITRC, and others. The guidance also includes numerous case studies that describe real-world applications of remediation and remediation management at complex sites. A team of state and federal environmental regulators, federal agency representatives, industry experts, community stakeholders, and academia developed the guidance document.

A tool for screening potentially applicable technologies for a remediation project. The matrix allows the user to screen 64 in situ and ex situ technologies for either soil or groundwater remediation. Variables used in screening include contaminants, development status, overall cost, and cleanup time. In-depth information on each technology is also available, including direct links to the database of cost and performance reports written by FRTR members.

The focus of this site is assisting the government remedial project managers (RPMs) in the evaluation process and to enhance technology transfer among Federal agencies. The site allows the RPM to pursue questions based on contamination problems as well as specific technology issues depending on their need.

This factsheet, published by the Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable (FRTR), identifies and summarizes selected reports prepared by federal and state agencies to assist project managers in selecting and designing remediation technologies. Remediation Technology Assessment Reports are based on practical field experience with either specific technologies (such as permeable reactive barriers) or, in a few instances, specific contaminants (such as arsenic). As of February 2006, the Web site provides access to 70 of these reports.

This web site provides information about remediation technology demonstration projects.

Please join The White House Council on Environmental Quality and George Washington University (GW) for the 2015 GreenGov Symposium on June 10th in GW's Jack Morton Auditorium.

The 2015 GreenGov Symposium will bring together public and private sector leaders in policy, energy management, acquisitions and other areas important to sustainability to discuss strategies for achieving the goals articulated in the new Executive Order, "Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade," signed by President Obama on March 19, 2015. For those who cannot attend in-person, the symposium will be livestreamed and listeners will have opportunities to submit questions and comments online.

The 2015 GreenGov Symposium is a free, one-day event that will feature innovative thought leaders who will share ideas and strategies for achieving energy efficiency, clean energy targets, waste reduction, sustainable supply chains, greener fleets, and water reduction. Speakers include EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, White House Council on Environmental Quality Managing Director Christy Goldfuss, and a slew of expert panelists.

CLOSES FRIDAY MAY 3! The Federal sustainability community is cordially invited to attend the 2019 Federal Environmental Symposium, October 30-31, 2019, hosted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the Natcher Center campus in Bethesda, MD. This year's theme is Federal Agencies Leading Environmental Change, for the purpose of sharing best practices, success stories, partnerships, and challenges and achievements of the federal practitioner community. The event schedule, registration dates, call for presentation abstracts (closes Friday, May 3rd), and continuous updates to the event can be found on the conference website.

The date for the 2019 Federal Environmental Symposium has moved to October 30-31, 2019 so that federal employees can attend both the August 20-22, 2019 Energy Exchange and the 2019 Federal Environmental Symposium. Federal employees and sponsored contractors are invited to attend the Symposium, to be held at the Natcher Conference Center, NIH Bethesda Campus on October 30-31, 2019. The theme of the event will be Federal Facilities Leading Environmental Change, and it will bring together federal staff and their contractors to discuss environmental regulations, success and challenges. The event is FREE so mark your calendar and stay tuned to FedCenter for more information in the coming weeks! See attached flyer.

This memo communicates EPA's policy to allow generators, transporters, and receiving facilities to execute electronic signatures through system-to-system communication for their non-registered employees and contractors via registered users who are remotely located from the hazardous waste shipment.

USFWS removing 21 species from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to extinction. This action is based on a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that these species are no longer extant and, as such, no longer meet the definition of an endangered species or a threatened species under the ESA. Check the federal register for list of delisted species and associated POCs. This rule is effective 16 November 2023. (Federal Register 17 October 2023 [Rule] Pages 71644-71682)

USFWS are removing Colorado hookless cactus (Sclerocactus glaucus) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. Recent taxonomic studies have indicated that the currently listed entity is actually two species: Sclerocactus glaucus and Sclerocactus dawsoniae (previously identified as S. dawsonii in the proposed rule). After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, they find that delisting Colorado hookless cactus is warranted. Their review indicates that the threats to the Colorado hookless cactus have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the ESA. Accordingly, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 4 and 7, will no longer apply to the Colorado hookless cactus. This rule is effective 30 June 2025. POC is Nathan Darnall, tele 970-628-7181. (Federal Register 29 May 2025 [Rule] Pages 22650-22670)

The Department of the Air Force is rescinding its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations because the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) NEPA regulations, which they were meant to supplement, have been rescinded, and because the DoD is promulgating Department-wide NEPA procedures that will guide DAF's NEPA process. This interim final rule is effective July 1, 2025. Comments must be received on or before July 31, 2025. For further information, contact Mr. Jack Bush at 703–695–1773 or by email at af.a4c.nepaworkflow@us.af.mil. (Federal Register 1 July 2025 [Final Rule] Pages 28021-28024)

USFWS proposes to remove the Gila chub (Gila intermedia) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. Their review indicates that, based on the best scientific and commercial data available, the Gila chub is not a valid taxonomic entity and does not meet the definition of a species under the ESA. Accordingly, they propose to delist the Gila chub. If finalized this rule as proposed, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 7 and 9, would no longer apply to the Gila chub. They will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 18 August 2025. POC is Heather Whitlaw, Field Supervisor, USFWS, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, 9828 North 31st Avenue Suite C3, Phoenix, AZ 85051-2517; tele 602-242-0210. (Federal Register 17 June 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 25552-25559)

USFWS proposes to remove the northeastern bulrush (Scirpus ancistrochaetus) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, they find that delisting the species is warranted. Their review indicates that the threats to the northeastern bulrush have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under ESA. Accordingly, they propose to delist the northeastern bulrush. If finalized, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through Sections 7 and 9 would no longer apply to the northeastern bulrush. They will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 30 September 2024. POC is Audrey Mayer, Field Supervisor, New England Ecological Services Field Office, 70 Commercial Street, Suite 300, Concord, NH 03301; tele 603-223-2541. (Federal Register 31 July 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 61387-61396)

USFWS proposes to remove the Roanoke logperch (Percina rex) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to recovery. The species is currently listed as endangered. Their review of the best available scientific and commercial data indicates that the threats to the Roanoke logperch have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or a threatened species under the ESA. Populations of Roanoke logperch are shown to be stable or expanding and reproducing (as evidenced by sustained recruitment) since the time of listing in each of the following river systems: Upper Roanoke River, Pigg River, Smith River, and Nottoway River. The number of streams where the Roanoke logperch has been observed has increased from 14 streams from the time of listing in 1989 to 31 streams in 2019. Accordingly, they propose to delist the Roanoke logperch throughout all of its range, which is in Virginia and North Carolina. If finalized this rule as proposed, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, would no longer apply to the Roanoke logperch. We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 3 June 2024. POC is Cindy Schulz, Field Supervisor, USFWS, Virginia Ecological Services Field Office, 6669 Short Lane, Gloucester, VA 23061; tele 804-654-1842. (Federal Register 2 April 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 22649-22662)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is removing the Roanoke logperch (Percina rex), a freshwater fish in the perch family (Percidae), from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, they find that delisting the species is warranted. Their review indicates that the threats to the Roanoke logperch have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Accordingly, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 7 and 9, will no longer apply to the Roanoke logperch. This rule is effective 21 August 2025 For more information, contact Troy Anderson, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Ecological Services; tele: 804-728-0695; email: troy_anderson@fws.gov. (Federal Register 22 July 2025 [Final Rule] Pages 34372-34384)

USFWS are removing the Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache), a fish native to Arizona, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. Their review indicates that the threats to the Apache trout have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the ESA. Accordingly, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through section 4 and 7, will no longer apply to the Apache trout. This rule is effective 7 October 2024. POC is Heather Whitlaw, Field Supervisor, Arizona Ecological Services Office, USFWS, 9828 North 31st Ave #C3, Phoenix AZ 85051-2517; tele: 602-242-0210. (Federal Register 6 September 2024 [Rule] Pages 72739-72757).

USFWS are removing the dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, they find that delisting the species is warranted. Their review indicates that the threats to the dwarf-flowered heartleaf have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the ESA. Accordingly, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 4 and 7, will no longer apply to the dwarf-flowered heartleaf. This rule is effective 7 August 2025. POC is Janet Mizzi, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Asheville Ecological Services Field Office; janet_mizzi@fws.gov; tele 828-258-3939. (Federal Register 8 July 2025 [Rule] Pages 30004-30018)

On July 13, 2022, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), proposed to delist the Puerto Rican boa (Chilabothrus inornatus, but listed as Epicrates inornatus), an endemic snake from Puerto Rico. USFWS announced a 60-day public comment period on the proposed rule, ending September 12, 2022. They are reopening the comment period for 30 days to hold a public hearing and to allow all interested parties additional time to comment on our proposal. Comments previously submitted will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule and do not need to be resubmitted. They will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 2 March 2023. POC is Edwin Muñiz, Field Supervisor, USFWS, Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622; email: Caribbean_es@fws.gov; tele: (787) 405-3641. (Federal Register 31 January 2023 [Proposed Rule] Pages 6220-6222).

USFWS propose to remove Ute ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. This determination also serves as their 12-month finding on a petition to delist Ute ladies'-tresses. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, they find that delisting the species is warranted. Their review indicates that the threats to Ute ladies'-tresses have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the ESA. Accordingly, they propose to delist Ute ladies'-tresses. If finalized this rule as proposed, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 7 and 9, would no longer apply to Ute ladies'-tresses. They request information and comments from the public regarding this proposed rule and the draft post-delisting monitoring (PDM) plan for Ute ladies'-tresses. They will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 10 March 2025. POC is George Weekley, Field Office Supervisor, USFWS, Utah Ecological Services Field Office, 2369 West Orton Circle, Suite 50, West Valley City, UT 84119; tele 801-239-0561. (Federal Register 7 January 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 1054-1078)

USFWS propose to remove Virginia sneezeweed (Helenium virginicum) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. Their review indicates that the threats to Virginia sneezeweed have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the ESA. Accordingly, they propose to delist Virginia sneezeweed. If finalized the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 7 and 9, would no longer apply to Virginia sneezeweed. They will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 6 October 2025. POC is Troy Andersen, Field Office Supervisor, Virginia Field Office, 6669 Short Lane, Gloucester, VA 23061; tele: 804-728-0695. (Federal Register 5 August 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 37445-37457)

USFWS proposes to remove the white sedge (Carex albida) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants (i.e., "delist" the species). Their review of the best available scientific and commercial data indicate that the white sedge is not a discrete taxonomic entity and does not meet the definition of a species as defined by the ESA. White sedge has been synonymized with Lemmon's sedge (Carex lemmonii). This taxonomic revision means that the white sedge is no longer a scientifically accepted species. If finalized, this rule as proposed, would remove the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 7 and 9, for the white sedge. They will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 3 September 2024. POC is Michael Fris, Field Supervisor, USFWS, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825; tele 916-414-6700. (Federal Register 2 July 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 54758-54761)

This NPRM proposes to revise the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to remove redundant pages contained in an Appendix that repeats references already listed in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Comments must be received on or before 2 September 2025. See Federal Register posting for POC information. (Federal Register 1 July 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 28544-28548).

USFWS propose to remove the Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis) and fat threeridge (Amblema neislerii), both freshwater mussels, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to recovery. These species occur in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Their review of the best available scientific and commercial data indicates that the threats to the Chipola slabshell and fat threeridge have been eliminated or reduced to the point that both species have recovered and no longer meet the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the ESA. Accordingly, they propose to delist the Chipola slabshell and the fat threeridge. If finalized the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 4 and 7 for the Chipola slabshell and sections 7 and 9 for the fat threeridge, would no longer apply to these species. This proposed rule also serves as the completed status review initiated under section 4(c)(2) of the Act. USFWS will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 30 December 2024. POC is Gian Basili, Deputy State Supervisor, Florida Ecological Services Office, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256-7517; telephone 904-731-3079; email gianfranco_basili@fws.gov. (Federal Registrar 29 October 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 85909-85934)

USFWS are removing the plants island bedstraw (Galium buxifolium) and Santa Cruz Island dudleya (Dudleya nesiotica) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants on the basis of recovery. Both of these native plant species occur in the Channel Islands National Park off the coast of California. This final rule is based on their review of the best available scientific and commercial data, which indicates that the threats to island bedstraw and Santa Cruz Island dudleya have been eliminated or reduced to the point that these species have recovered and no longer meet the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the ESA. This rule is effective 7 December 2023. POC is Stephen P. Henry, Field Supervisor, USFWS, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003; tele 805–644–1766. (Federal Register 7 November 2023 [Rule] Pages 76679-76696)

USFWS are removing Nelson's checker-mallow (Sidalcea nelsoniana) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. Our review of the best available scientific and commercial data indicates that the threats to Nelson's checker-mallow have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the ESA. This rule is effective 16 November 2023. POC is Kessina Lee, Project Leader, USFWS, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office, 2600 SE 98th Ave., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97266; tele: 503–231–6179. (Federal Register 17 October 2023 [Rule] Pages 71491-71504)

EPA's Federal Green Challenge Web Academy will host a free webinar "Understanding the Role of Behavioral Change in Implementing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects" on Thursday, June 27, 2013 from 1:30-3:00PM EDT. The webinar examines the pivotal role of behavioral change in implementing sustainability projects, specifically the development of renewable energy projects and energy efficiency efforts at federal facilities. The webinar describes concrete steps to install large scale photovoltaic arrays, improved boiler efficiency, and procure energy efficient products. Everyone is welcome to attend, but space is limited. To register, please go to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/776190082.

This webinar provides an overview of tools available to local governments to help them get renewable energy projects built on contaminated land in their community. Included in the webinar are discussions about some of the recent tools developed by EPA, including two decision trees that were created to screen potentially contaminated and underutilized sites for solar and wind potential and a draft best practice guide for siting solar on landfills. Also presenting will be representatives from DOE, the National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals (NALGEP), and the Clean Coalitions describing available best practices guidance and other tools.

This eTraining introduces a five-phase process for implementing federal on-site renewable energy projects to meet agency goals. The course reviews current statutory and Executive Order renewable energy goals, introduces available procurement pathways, reviews best practices from successful federal projects, and provides up-to-date technical tools and resources to support project success. The course is part of FEMP's four-course Certificate Series, Planning and Financing Renewable Energy Projects, which discusses the fundamentals of renewable energy systems, including primary components, requirements, and best practices for utilizing renewable energy for electricity, heating, cooling, and other applications at Federal facilities.

The Renewable Energy Potential (reV) model is a first-of-its-kind detailed spatial-temporal modeling assessment tool that empowers users to calculate renewable energy capacity, generation, and cost based on geospatial intersection with grid infrastructure and land-use characteristics. More specifically, this open-source research and modeling assessment tool allows users to explore regional and statewide renewable energy supply possibilities, identify options for connecting those energy sources to the grid, and evaluate how much those solutions can cost.

EPA is extending the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance reporting deadline for the 2024 compliance year. EPA is also making several minor amendments and technical corrections to other RFS provisions. This rule is effective on 13 March 2025. For operational purposes under the Clean Air Act (CAA), this final rule is effective as of 7 March 2025.POC is For questions regarding this action, contact Nick Parsons, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Division, EPA, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; tele: (734) 214-4479; email: RFS-Rulemakings@epa.gov. (Federal Register 14 March 2025 [Rule] Pages 12109-12114)

Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to determine the applicable volume requirements for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for years after those specified in the statute. This action proposes the applicable volumes and percentage standards for 2023 through 2025 for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel. This action also proposes the second supplemental standard addressing the remand of the 2016 standard-setting rulemaking. Finally, this action proposes several regulatory changes to the RFS program including regulations governing the generation of qualifying renewable electricity and other modifications intended to improve the program's implementation. Comments must be received on or before 10 February 2023. POC is David Korotney, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Division, EPA, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; tele: 734-214-4507; email: RFS-Rulemakings@epa.gov. (Federal Register 30 December 2022 [Proposed Rule] Pages 80582-80756)

(Federal Register 18 September 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 45007-45017)

The national trade association for the U.S. ethanol industry. The RFA promotes policies, regulations and research and development initiatives that will lead to the increased production and use of fuel ethanol.

The Foundation has three annual awards to recognize outstanding achievements in the renewable resources fields. The Sustained Achievement Award recognizes a long-term contribution and commitment to the protection and conservation of natural resources by an individual. The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes a project, publication, piece of legislation, or similar concrete accomplishment that occurred during the three years prior to nomination for the award. (An individual cannot receive this award.) RNRF's Excellence in Journalism Award, established in 2001, honors and encourages excellence in print journalism about natural resources.

Through the RRFA program, the Western Area Power Administration works with the Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) to help Federal agencies meet renewable energy goals, reduce emissions and foster markets for emerging technologies. RRFA coordinates the purchase of renewable energy and/or its benefits for Federal facilities with a streamlined purchase process that contains costs and gives agencies greater choice in the type of renewable projects they support.

The Media Kit, developed by EPA, features communications resources to educate followers, viewers and others about the risks of lead exposure, how to find and hire lead-safe certified contractors and using DIY lead-safe work practices during renovation projects on pre-1978 homes.

USFWS announced that they are reopening the comment periods for proposed rules pertaining to three insect species: monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), bleached sandhill skipper (Polites sabuleti sinemaculata), and Suckley's cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus suckleyi). They also announce a public hearing for the bleached sandhill skipper. Comments previously submitted on these proposed rules need not be resubmitted as they are already incorporated into the public records for these rulemaking actions and will be fully considered in our development of the final rules. The comment periods on the proposed rules that published on 12 December 2024, at 89 FR 100662, on 17 December 2024, at 89 FR 102074, and on 8 January 2025, at 90 FR 1421 are reopened until 19 May 2025. For information related to the monarch butterfly, bleached sandhill skipper, or Suckley's cuckoo bumble bee, contact John Tirpak, Manager of the Division of Conservation and Classification, USFWS, Headquarters Office; tele 703-358-2163. (Federal Register 19 March 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 12694-12695).

FEMP is excited to offer additional support for Federal REopt® web tool users! Our Federal REopt User Support Sessions are a chance for users to gain experience with REopt and its energy cost savings and resilience evaluation capabilities for on-site distributed energy resources. The sessions are open to all Federal employees and will include: An overview of the latest tool features, new resources, and trainings Federal REopt case studies and success stories, when users can share their own stories and hear from peers; Opportunities to provide user feedback on tool capabilities and usability; Time for questions and answers, fielded by FEMP and NREL experts.

This web tool helps building owners evaluate the economics of grid-connected solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage at commercial sites. It identifies the optimal PV system size and battery dispatch strategy to minimize the life cycle cost of energy at a specific site. The web tool also estimates the amount of time a PV and battery system can sustain the site's critical load during a grid outage. The REopt Lite web tool was developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energys (DOEs) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office, and the nonprofit Clean Energy Groups Resilient Power Project, with support from The Kresge Foundation.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently developed and released a new geothermal heat pump technology module as part of the REopt™ web tool. The new module allows users to simulate the impacts that converting conventional heating and cooling systems to geothermal heat pumps have on on-site consumption of fuels and electricity, utility costs, and CO2 emissions. Facility owners, technology vendors, policy makers, and others can now model multiple variables to see how they interact to help determine the best opportunities for a site.

In this action, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to repeal all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants. The EPA is proposing that the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires it to make a finding that GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants contribute significantly to dangerous air pollution, as a predicate to regulating GHG emissions from those plants. The EPA is further proposing to make a finding that GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants do not contribute significantly to dangerous air pollution. The EPA is also proposing, as an alternative, to repeal a narrower set of requirements that includes the emission guidelines for existing fossil fuel-fired steam generating units, the carbon capture and sequestration/storage (CCS)-based standards for coal-fired steam generating units undertaking a large modification, and the CCS-based standards for new base load stationary combustion turbines. Comments must be received on or before 7 August 2025. POC is Ms. Lisa Thompson tele: (919) 541-5158; and email: thompson.lisa@epa.gov. (Federal Register 17 June 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 25752-25781)

The report, "Water/Wastewater Utilities and Extreme Climate and Weather Events: Case Studies on Community Response, Lessons Learned, Adaptation, and Planning Needs for the Future" examines how water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities - and other local water resource managers - make decisions in response to recent extreme weather events. The report is based on the results of six local workshops, organized to include participants that experienced different types of extreme events throughout a river basin or watershed in various regions of the U.S. The study examines what happened, how information was used to inform decisions, what institutional dynamics helped or hindered, and how water utilities and their communities plan to manage impacts and build resiliency for future extreme events. The research was jointly sponsored by EPA, NOAA, Water Environment Research Foundation, Water Research Foundation, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, and Noblis. Click here to access the report.

This report is an updated description of possible elements of the voluntary nanoscale materials program EPA is developing.

Through this initiative EPA is soliciting applications from states, tribes, regional governments, and communities that want to evaluate the potential development of renewable energy on potentially or formerly contaminated properties. Applications are due 20 May 2011.

This tool guides interested parties through a process to screen sites for their suitability for solar photovoltaics or wind installations. The tool addresses the following types of sites: potentially contaminated sites (Superfund, Brownfield, RCRA, mine site); landfill (municipal solid waste, construction and demolition or similar unit); underutilized (abandoned parcels, parking lots; and rooftop (Solar PV only; Commercial / Industrial roofs).

On January 6th, 2015, the Department of Energy published a Request for Information in the Federal Register to solicit comments on proposed definitions of Zero Energy Buildings. The RFI requests review of the document "A Common Definition for Zero Energy Buildings." Comments are due by February 20, 2015.

This notice announces the competition for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. EPA established the Clean Air Excellence Awards Program (CAEAP) in February 2000. The intent of the program is to recognize and honor outstanding, innovative efforts that help to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The CAEAP is open to both public and private entities. Entries are limited to efforts related to air quality in the United States. There are five general award categories: (1) Clean Air Technology; (2) Community Action; (3) Education/Outreach; (4) State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations; and (5) Transportation Efficiency Innovations. There are also two special award categories: (1) Thomas W. Zosel Outstanding Individual Achievement Award; and (2) Gregg Cooke Visionary Program Award. All submissions of entries for the Clean Air Excellence Awards Program must be postmarked by 30 November 2021. Additional information on this awards program, including the entry form, can be found on EPA's Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC) website.

The Public is invited to comment on the Federal Bay-Delta Work Plan. The Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, and the Army, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Council on Environmental Quality are committed to developing a plan by December 15, 2009, that will lay out specific short-term federal goals and actions in this effort. Public input is sought on the key issues that should be addressed within the short-term plan being developed.

The International Center for Technology Assessment (CTA) and a coalition of consumer, health, and environmental groups today filed a formal legal petition with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), calling on the agency to address the human health and environmental risks of untested and unlabeled nanomaterials in consumer products. The petition is the first U.S. legal action filed to address the potential human health and environmental risks of nanotechnology.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of "harm" in the Endangered Species Act (ESA or the Act) regulations. The existing regulatory definition of "harm," which includes habitat modification, runs contrary to the best meaning of the statutory term "take." They are undertaking this change to adhere to the single, best meaning of the ESA. Comments must be received by 19 May 2025. POC is Gina Shultz, Acting Assistant Director, Ecological Services, at 703-358-2171 or ADEcologicalServices@fws.gov. (Federal Register 17 April 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 16102-16105)

This EPA website contains links to funding opportunities and tools and other resources to help in the project development and application process.

Dated January 2009, this is an EPA report examining building trends in the 50 largest metropolitan areas from 1990 to 2007. The report shows that while a large share of new residential construction still takes place on previously undeveloped land at the urban fringe, more than half of the county's larger metro regions have seen a sharp increase in residential building in urban core areas.

This Resource Directory introduces and describes key EPA water programs or initiatives that our partners can explore as they work to make their own program operations, communities, water resources, and infrastructure more resilient to the changing climate.

RCRA gave EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from the "cradle-to-grave." This includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA also set forth a framework for the management of non-hazardous wastes.