|
Our What's New page tells you what information has been recently added or updated at FedCenter.gov. Stop back here periodically to stay current on all recent activity at FedCenter.
|
September 09, 2025
This training will introduce the audience to the Building Re-Tuning Simulator (BRS), which is a free, easy to use, online tool that helps identify low-cost and no-cost re-tuning measures. Re-tuning relies on building automation system data to identify and implement control measures that ultimately improve the building's energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve occupant comfort. The attendees will learn how to access the BRS tool, develop a building model, and use the re-tuning dashboard to identify energy conservation measures and calculate savings.
September 08, 2025
Curious about TRN Lite or the latest tool updates? Join this informal session for a quick demonstration of new features like resilience solution exports and risk modeling for critical loads and get your questions answered live. Whether you're new to the tool or looking to go deeper, this is your chance to engage directly with experts.
2025 is set to be a busy legislative year against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with increasing state-level reporting obligations, use restrictions, and/or bans across a range of consumer product sectors including personal care, cookware, textiles, electronics and food packaging. At the federal level, the EPA continues to make progress towards its PFAS strategic roadmap, and Canada is also taking new measures to regulate the manufacture, import and use of these substances. Manufacturers, importers and retailers can all expect to continue to see further action to address PFAS, so it is vital to ensure your business is prepared for compliance requirements. Taking place on 18 September, this final day of Regulatory Summit North America – available to book separately or as part of the full summit – will bring together expert stakeholders to address the latest regulatory, legal and scientific developments on PFAS, offer practical advice and lessons learnt for compliance and solutions for managing PFAS in your supply chain.
The Federal Highway Administration has a vision of how they would like all US DOTs to conduct their Digital Project Delivery activities by 2031. This session will delve into the objectives of this vision, the driving motivations behind it, the timeline and milestones, and the support available to ensure success. Additionally, the session will address the evolving roles and responsibilities of DOT consultants, contractors, and technology partners in relation to the Advancing BIM for Infrastructure National Strategic Roadmap.
September 04, 2025
Stormwater assets – the drainage systems and control measures installed to manage stormwater – are vulnerable to system failures that cause upsets, flooding, and system damage if they are not properly maintained and upgraded when necessary. Cities, counties, and states manage roadway stormwater assets to keep waterways clean and prevent localized flooding. Stormwater asset management planning is a proven approach that helps provide reliable levels of service to customers, helps plan system renewal and upgrades, and minimizes the total cost of owning and operating the assets. In this webinar, speakers from three state Departments of Transportation will showcase a variety of approaches to stormwater asset management in the roadway context.
A growing number of smaller and more rural communities are busting the myth that green infrastructure is a "nice to have" bonus part of a project to manage stormwater. Green infrastructure is no longer only available to larger, urban utilities. Join WaterNow to learn about how municipalities in Lancaster, PA, Harrisburg, PA, and Caledon, ON are using green infrastructure to help meet their stormwater challenges. These communities are successfully integrating green infrastructure into their projects to improve quality, reduce localized flooding, and achieve ecological benefits.
September 03, 2025
The Hazardous Waste Information Platform is our new public data site replacing RCRAInfo Web. The HWIP will provide streamlined, comprehensive access to hazardous waste data in a variety of formats.
Join this call to see the new Hazardous Waste Information Platform (HWIP) before it's launch to production on 9/19/2025.
Federal facility energy managers play a critical role in ensuring operational continuity, even when power isn't guaranteed. Join this session to explore how to better understand, plan for, and respond to power outages at your facilities. The discussion will introduce key concepts in grid reliability and resilience, offer methods to assess local outage risks, and provide strategies for evaluating your utility provider's performance. You'll also gain practical tools and questions to guide more effective engagement with utilities and support smarter, location-specific resilience planning and investment decisions.
September 02, 2025
Join us for a National Lab Discovery Series webinar highlighting a novel manufacturing process from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that reduces the cost and increases the scalability of high efficiency III-V solar cells. Named "dynamic hydride vapor phase epitaxy," or D-HVPE, this process is especially promising for high-performance solar applications--such as high-altitude drones, space-based power systems, and remote or off-grid energy platforms--where efficiency, reliability, and lightweight materials are essential.
FEMP is hosting a live training session focused on procuring solar PV systems designed to withstand long-term wind exposure and deliver lasting resilience. Wind smart systems not only reduce lifecycle costs and prevent damage but also enhance agency mission readiness and energy security.? Attend this training to gain practical guidance on purchasing durable PV systems that provide reliable performance for 30 to 50 years.?
August 29, 2025
USFWS proposes to list the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), a small, fossorial snake species from the coastal plains and sandhills across the southeastern United States, as a threatened species under the ESA. This determination also serves as their 12-month finding on a petition to list the southern hognose snake. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, they find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, they propose to list the southern hognose snake as a threatened species with protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act ("4(d) rule"). If finalized this rule as proposed would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species. They find that designating critical habitat for this species is prudent but not determinable at this time. Comments must be received by 28 October 2025. POC is Christy Johnson-Hughes, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South Carolina Ecological Services Field Office; 843-727-4707; christy_johnsonhughes@fws.gov. (Federal Register 29 August 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 42151-42178)
Join us for a National Lab Discovery Series webinar highlighting a novel manufacturing process from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that reduces the cost and increases the scalability of high efficiency III-V solar cells. Named "dynamic hydride vapor phase epitaxy," or D-HVPE, this process is especially promising for high-performance solar applications--such as high-altitude drones, space-based power systems, and remote or off-grid energy platforms--where efficiency, reliability, and lightweight materials are essential.
FEMP is hosting a live training session focused on procuring solar PV systems designed to withstand long-term wind exposure and deliver lasting resilience. Wind smart systems not only reduce lifecycle costs and prevent damage but also enhance agency mission readiness and energy security.? Attend this training to gain practical guidance on purchasing durable PV systems that provide reliable performance for 30 to 50 years.?
August 28, 2025
The Utility Open Houses for Federal Customers (https://www.energy.gov/femp/utility-open-houses-federal-customers?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery) initiative serves as a platform for facilitating connections and informed discussions between federal agencies and utility providers, as well as raising awareness and educating federal agencies about utility programs to advance key federal energy objectives. By working with utilities, federal agencies can access cost-effective energy solutions, optimize operations, and strengthen energy infrastructure. These partnerships help agencies navigate the evolving energy landscape while maximizing savings and operational reliability.?
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.
August 27, 2025
Web-based application used by multiple Federal agencies to document findings of environmental or safety noncompliance and the actions taken to correct noncompliance. Additionally, CPTrack™ is used to document activities with potential environmental/safety impact at individual Federal facilities.
This 2-hour workshop will focus on seed collection strategies for these major tree species groups: large-seeded hardwoods (red oak, white oak, hickory), small-seeded hardwoods (red/sugar maple, black cherry), and conifers (eastern white pine, white spruce). We will rely on content from the Woody Plant Seed Manual, Seeds of Ontario Trees and Shrubs, and Field Guide to Native Oak species of eastern North America. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will also provide a brief update and additional information about NY state reforestation efforts.
Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) and pondcypress (Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium) are two species commonly found in forested wetland ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Both species can improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat, mitigate flood waters, and help control erosion, making them ecologically important trees. However, baldcypress and pondcypress are both hosts for the baldcypress leafroller (Archips goyerana), a native defoliating pest first documented in southeastern Louisiana in 1983. Baldcypress leaf roller defoliation events can cause reduced tree growth, crown dieback, and, in some cases, host tree mortality. But what do we know about this pest and how do we reduce its impact?
A tool based on the TEAM Guides produced by ERDC-CERL for sponsoring agencies to create custom checklists and compare requirements across jurisdictions.
August 26, 2025
NORC is the premiere conference for outdoor recreation professionals with opportunities for learning, networking, and field-based case studies. During each conference, we create a program that inspires, challenges, and empowers the broad community of outdoor recreation professionals. The 2026 conference will take place in Duluth, MN in partnership with Duluth Area Outdoors Alliance. The engaging program will include 4 days (May 11-14, 2026) of classroom and field workshops, concurrent sessions, and a stellar lineup of keynotes. We will open a request for proposals in late summer/early fall 2025 for the 2026 conference.
EPA is taking interim final action to provide for the temporary use of incineration units subject to commercial and industrial solid waste incinerator (CISWI) regulations during disaster recovery. Currently, only other solid waste incinerators (OSWI) are authorized to combust debris from a disaster or emergency on a temporary basis without having to comply with applicable Clean Air Act (CAA) section 129 requirements. We are also authorizing such temporary use for incinerators (including air curtain incinerators (ACI)) subject to CISWI regulations by adding temporary-use provisions that essentially mirror those in the OSWI regulations to existing Federal CISWI rule subparts. The EPA is requesting comments on all aspects of this interim final rule and will consider all comments received after the conclusion of the comment period. This interim final rule is effective on 26 August 2025. Comments on this rule must be received on or by 10 October 2025. POC Dr. Felica Davis tele: (919) 541-4857 and email: davis.felica@epa.gov. (Federal Register 26 August 2025 [Rule] Pages 41508-41516)
EPA is finalizing, pursuant to the statutory framework established in the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act), the eligibility of six applications to continue to receive priority access to allowances to produce or import hydrofluorocarbons. In this final rule, EPA establishes the framework for how EPA interprets the statutory criteria for assessing whether to renew the eligibility of applications to receive application-specific allowances and sets out determinations to renew or not renew each of the six applications that currently receive application-specific allowances. EPA is also finalizing revisions to the Technology Transitions regulations relevant to the specific applications under review, a procedural process for submitting a petition to designate a new application as eligible for priority access to allowances, the methodology used to allocate allowances to application-specific allowance holders for calendar years 2026 and beyond, and limited revisions to existing regulations. In addition, EPA is authorizing an entity to produce regulated substances for export. Lastly, EPA is finalizing certain regulatory confidentiality determinations for newly reported information. This rule is effective on 25 September 2025. (Federal Register 26 August [Rule] Pages 41676-41724).
August 25, 2025
The purpose of the meeting is for EPA to seek the Board's consultation and recommendations regarding the e-Manifest system on the meeting theme, "Accelerating the Future: Phasing out Paper Manifests to Unlock the Full Potential of e-Manifest." All e-Manifest Advisory Board meetings are open to the public.
August 22, 2025
Stormwater assets – the drainage systems and control measures installed to manage stormwater – are vulnerable to system failures that cause upsets, flooding, and system damage if they are not properly maintained and upgraded when necessary. Cities, counties, and states manage roadway stormwater assets to keep waterways clean and prevent localized flooding. Stormwater asset management planning is a proven approach that helps provide reliable levels of service to customers, helps plan system renewal and upgrades, and minimizes the total cost of owning and operating the assets.
In this webinar, speakers from three state Departments of Transportation will showcase a variety of approaches to stormwater asset management in the roadway context.
EPA published two new model permit modules on preparedness and prevention and contingency plans as well as an updated module on general facility conditions. The new Preparedness and Prevention module contains conditions covering those standards in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 264, subpart C. This module includes sections on design and operation of the facility, required equipment, testing and maintenance of emergency equipment, access to communications or alarm systems, required aisle space, and arrangements with local authorities. The new Contingency Plan module contains conditions covering those standards and the emergency procedures standards required by 40 CFR part 264, subpart D. This module includes sections on implementation of contingency plans, content, emergency coordinators and procedures, copies, and amendments. EPA also updated the General Facility Conditions Applicable to All RCRA Permits module.
EPA posted several quick start guides to provide Tribes with summarized information on how to safely manage specific wastes and operate small-scale transfer stations on Tribal lands.
August 21, 2025
August 20, 2025
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has been improperly managing and storing dangerous waste at its Seattle Bulk Mail Center in Federal Way. Washington Department of Ecology issued a $33,000 penalty for violations found during a 2024 inspection.
At the Seattle Bulk Mail Center, leaking or damaged packages are set aside for disposal. If those damaged packages contain materials classified as dangerous waste, such as insecticides, propane, paints, or cleaning products, the facility is required to properly identify it, assess its hazards, and then safely store and dispose of the materials.
Ecology inspections in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2024 all found deficiencies in how the center was identifying and storing packages containing dangerous wastes, along with other hazardous wastes from the facility's operations and vehicle maintenance.
The amount of dangerous waste fluctuated but was significant at times; in 2022, USPS estimated that there were 9,195 pounds (4.6 tons) on site. While awaiting disposal, containers were often unlabeled and stored in crowded areas, increasing the risk of unintended chemical reactions that could pose a threat to human health and the environment.
USPS has since corrected the violations that needed to be immediately addressed.
August 19, 2025
August 18, 2025
Some people need a quick prompt to remind them. Others respond to evidence that it makes a difference or that it's a normal thing everyone does. Nudging people to consistently recycle or adopt waste reduction practices isn't easy but it is possible. Key to unlocking zero waste behavior is a thoughtful messaging strategy grounded in the distinct values, social context and other factors that guide a person's actions.
This webinar will feature two sustainability behavior experts discussing messaging strategies rooted in science, from extensive CBSM-style campaigns to simple signage prompts. Their presentations will cite best practices and real-world case studies of public engagement initiatives that have resulted in meaningful improvements.
August 15, 2025
U.S. EPA is updating and improving the RCRAInfo public website. RCRAInfo's Hazardous Waste Information Platform will replace RCRAInfo Web on 19 September 2025. The CSV file downloads from RCRAInfo Web are not changing and will be available on the new website on September 19. The Hazardous Waste Information Platform will provide streamlined, comprehensive access to hazardous waste data in a variety of formats. If you have questions, please join our next e-Manifest User Call on 2 September 2025, at 2:00 pm ET.
USFWS proposes to list the Borneo earless monitor (Lanthanotus borneensis), a lizard species from Borneo, as a threatened species under the ESA. This determination also serves as their 12-month finding on a petition to list the Borneo earless monitor. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, they find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, they propose to list the Borneo earless monitor as a threatened species with protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act ("4(d) rule"). If finalize this rule as proposed would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species. Comments must be received by 14 October 2025. Rachel London, Manager, Branch of Delisting and Foreign Species, Ecological Services Program, USFWS; email rachel_london@fws.gov; tele 703-358-2171. (Federal Register 14 August 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 39161-39173)
The TSCA Inventory is a list of all existing chemical substances manufactured, processed or imported in the U.S. under TSCA that do not otherwise qualify for an exemption or exclusion. This biannual update to the TSCA Inventory includes EPA's regular posting of non-confidential TSCA Inventory data. The next regular update of the TSCA Inventory is planned for winter 2026.
EPA is also updating the TSCA Master Inventory File, which includes the full, specific chemical identities claimed as confidential. The TSCA Master Inventory File now contains 86,862 chemicals of which 42,578 are active (currently known to be in use) in U.S. commerce. Other updates to the TSCA Inventory include updates to commercial activity data, unique identifier data and to regulatory flags (e.g., Significant New Use Rules and test orders).
August 14, 2025
This SERDP and ESTCP webinar will highlight DoD-funded research results on advanced modeling tools developed to predict and simulate PFAS fate and transport in vadose zone source areas at Department of DoD sites. Presenters will discuss how advanced model tools will enhance understanding of long-term PFAS-impacted sites and support remediation planning. This SERDP and ESTCP webinar will highlight DoD-funded research results on advanced modeling tools developed to predict and simulate PFAS fate and transport in vadose zone source areas at Department of DoD sites. Presenters will discuss how advanced model tools will enhance understanding of long-term PFAS-impacted sites and support remediation planning.
In this workshop, participants will explore best practices for analyzing fleet utilization and right-sizing using a sample fleet dataset. Using an example fleet dataset, attendees will learn how to identify low-use vehicles and prioritize fleet assets based on data-driven insights. The session will provide a practical framework and best practices for determining which vehicles to flag for potential elimination or downsizing to reduce fleet costs, while still maintaining agency fleet mission requirements.
This webinar will provide hands-on examples of evaluating potential cost savings from alternative utility rates and net metering policies using the REopt® web tool. Learning objectives include: Recognize key utility rate information to glean from utility bills and rate documentation; identify how to model simple to complex rate structures in the REopt web tool; understand how to evaluate and compare the cost of energy of different utility rates for a specific site; and identify how to model net metering policies in the REopt web tool and assess their impacts.
This webinar will spotlight successful utility energy service contract (UESC) projects that are enabling federal agencies to meet critical statutory and policy goals related to energy resilience and cost efficiency. By leveraging partnerships with serving utilities, federal sites are implementing comprehensive solutions that cut energy waste, improve infrastructure reliability, and reduce operational costs without upfront capital investment. Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) experts and agency panelists will speak to real-world projects and share best practices, lessons learned, and strategies to replicate success across the federal government.
August 12, 2025
Improving the resiliency and efficiency of central plants can present organizational, technological, financial, and implementational challenges. This webinar will showcase how Better Buildings Initiative partners have overcome these challenges by implementing novel retrofit solutions. In addition, this webinar will provide an overview of a new resource offering guidance for optimization upgrades, retrofits, or complete replacement of a central plant.
August 11, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|