A typical laboratory is three to four times more energy intensive than an average commercial building and can account for up to 70% of a campus' energy footprint, making laboratories a key focal area for energy and carbon management strategies at universities, corporations, national laboratories, hospitals, and federal agencies. If all laboratory buildings in the country improved their energy efficiency by 20%, annual energy and cost savings could reach about 40 trillion BTUs and $1 billion. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Smart Labs Accelerator helps partners document model strategies that include operational changes, technological upgrades, and strategic energy management approaches. During this webinar, we'll give a demonstration of the Laboratory Benchmarking Tool, focusing on the new features and how best to use them to further your sustainability goals. We'll also explain why a strong benchmarking tool is so important for labs, why submitting your data strengthens the LBT, and where we're planning on expanding the tool's functionality next, including a new module to benchmark operational practices in laboratories. The training will also highlight selected user perspectives.

Effective operations and maintenance (O&M) is one of the most cost-effective methods for ensuring reliability, safety, and energy and water efficiency. Inadequate maintenance of energy- and water-using systems is a major cause of waste in the federal government and the private sector. Energy and water losses from steam, water and air leaks, uninsulated lines, maladjusted or inoperable controls, and poor maintenance and operations are often considerable. Good O&M practices can generate substantial energy and water savings. Moreover, improvements to facility maintenance programs can often be accomplished immediately and at a relatively low cost. The Federal Energy Management Program offers O&M information and resources that provide agencies with technology- and management-focused guidance to improve energy and water efficiency and ensure safer, more reliable operations.

A series of five webinars will explore practical approaches to climate resilience, ecological restoration, and community adaptation. Topics include monitoring projects for ecological outcomes and grant compliance (October 22), planning resilient tree-planting projects and preparing for disasters (October 29), using plants and fungi to remediate environmental pollutants (November 5), establishing natural buffer zones to reduce pollution and protect communities from flooding, heat, and fire (November 12), and using community land trusts to support shared land ownership, climate adaptation, and community decision-making (November 19). All webinars are scheduled for Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. CT/12:00 p.m. PT). You may choose whichever webinar or webinars best align with your interests and schedule; you do not need to attend the entire series.

State Departments of Transportation permitted under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System's municipal separate storm sewer system program must manage their highway stormwater effectively while achieving their mission of safe transport of goods and the public. There are some key differences between how traditional MS4 permittees (cities and counties) manage stormwater and how transportation departments manage stormwater. For example, DOTs have different legal authorities to control stormwater and use mechanisms other than ordinances. In addition, their linear roadway systems often cross multiple watersheds and have limited right-of-way space. Collaboration between state DOT MS4 permittees and state NPDES permitting authorities helps identify these unique challenges and find opportunities to acknowledge and tailor the permit requirements. Join speakers from two states as we explore examples of collaborating to tailor transportation MS4 permits for highway systems and deliver better environmental results.

Attention all public sector employees in the contracting and acquisition career field! In GSA's Market Research As a Service, or MRAS, Customer Training: Effective Market Research (Fed/Military), you'll learn the importance of market research, how and when to conduct it, and how to get the best results by making your data collection methods more efficient. You'll also delve into the regulatory nature of FAR Part 10 and how it ties into other decisions such as acquisition planning, small business set-asides, commercial items, and contract type selection. This one-credit CLP course includes real-life scenarios, expert instructors, and tools from GSA's market research as a service. Take this opportunity to enhance your market research skills and advance your career.

Come learn the basics of property disposal in this introductory course. The training will discuss when to dispose of property, disposal methods, required steps in the disposal process, and what categories of excess property must be reported. This class also includes an overview of programs like Computers for Learning (CFL), the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program, and public sales on GSAAuctions.

A data center houses computer servers, storage, and networking equipment as well as critical support infrastructure such as cooling and electrical systems. Data center operators are challenged to address key mandates: deliver reliable services, operate efficiently, and ensure resilience and flexibility. The objective of this training is to provide data center energy assessment tips and discuss relevant parts of Berkeley Lab's Data Center Energy Assessment Toolkit. These tools provide an essential resource for your assessments. The comprehensive DOE Data Center Energy Practitioner (DCEP) training program offers more in-depth information on the Toolkit and on energy assessments in general. The curriculum includes key energy-assessment courses for people working with data centers, and it has a large set of training material, including software tools with what-if capabilities to reinforce the learning. The Federal Energy Act of 2020 states that each federal agency shall consider having its data centers evaluated once every 4 years by practitioners certified pursuant to the DCEP program. This training is presented by the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) sponsored Center of Expertise for Energy Efficiency in Data Centers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).

The webinar will build knowledge and skills to evaluate soil health at forest and woodland agricultural sites, understand key soil health indicators, identify soil health resource concerns using the NRCS Forestland In-Field Soil Health Assessment (FIFSHA), and utilize NRCS conservation practices to address resource concerns and improve soil health in forested landscapes. Attendees will be able to transfer knowledge gained from this course to NRCS staff and members of the public.

Demonstrate the capabilities and features of the Cover Crop Species Selector and Cover Crop Seeding Rate Calculator. The Vegetation Specification Suite, is developed through a partnership between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agricultural Research Service, and North Carolina State University. The suite includes Decision Support Tools (DSTs) for conservation plantings, estimated cover crop economics, seeding rates, and more. These tools are grounded in decades of data to help make the best possible choices for your location, goals, constraints, and available budget.

Resources for Implementing Energy Management Information Systems in Federal Facilities

To help incorporate soil health practices into irrigation planning to increase conservation benefits and meet producer objectives To improve understanding of how incorporating soil health principles through soil health practices can improve the efficiency of the applied irrigation by allowing for more of the irrigation water (and rainfall) absorbed into, and retained within, the soil. This is the key take-home message, though soil health has a much broader physical, chemical, and biological impact on soil functions than just its water conservation potential. This webinar looks to assist planners addressing producers' soil and water resource concerns on irrigated land. The focus is on understanding two key areas of conservation and how they interact: soil health and irrigation water management.

EPA is co-proposing two approaches to revising the existing 2026 and 2027 small refinery exemption (SRE) reallocation volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program in response to a higher volume of 2025 SREs than previously projected when the Agency set the renewable fuel volumes and percentage standards on 1 April 2026. One approach would reallocate the additional 2025 SRE volume equally between the 2026 and 2027 SRE reallocation volumes, while the other approach would reallocate all the additional 2025 SRE volume to the 2027 SRE reallocation volume. Additionally, given the proposed revision to the 2026 standards, this proposed action may extend the existing 2026 compliance reporting deadline of 31 March 2027. Comments must be received on or before 4 December 2026. POC is Dallas Burkholder; tele: 734-214-4766; email: RFS-Rulemakings@epa.gov. (Federal Register 16 October 2026 [Proposed Rule] Pages 65699-65711)

A bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit the taking, importation, exportation, and breeding of certain cetaceans for public display. (Congressional Record 9 October 2026 [House] Pages H6034-H6035)

A bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to change certain requirements regarding certain allowed take of marine mammals. (Congressional Record 9 October 2026 [House] Pages H6034-H6035)

This five-day virtual learning event will help you plan earlier, buy smarter, and execute with confidence. Starting FY27 with practical training equips federal acquisition professionals to navigate shifting procurement priorities, integrate AI and new technologies, and drive strong program outcomes from day one. Participants will build a solid foundation by mastering core federal contracting principles, essential skills, and best practices, while shaping tomorrow by exploring upcoming acquisition changes, innovative AI-enabled technologies, and evolving policies. Through practical application, attendees will gain actionable insights across market research, small business strategies, and performance-based acquisitions. Register to earn up to 10 Continuous Learning Points for this event, which is open exclusively to government employees including federal, military, state, local, and tribal personnel.

Attention all public sector employees in the contracting and acquisition career field! In GSA's Market Research As a Service, or MRAS, Customer Training: Effective Market Research (Fed/Military), you'll learn the importance of market research, how and when to conduct it, and how to get the best results by making your data collection methods more efficient. You'll also delve into the regulatory nature of FAR Part 10 and how it ties into other decisions such as acquisition planning, small business set-asides, commercial items, and contract type selection. This one-credit CLP course includes real-life scenarios, expert instructors, and tools from GSA's market research as a service. Take this opportunity to enhance your market research skills and advance your career.

Sustainable acquisitions are environmentally preferable products and services that help the federal government "buy green" while stimulating market demand. This training enables learners to recognize and comply with federal sustainability requirements prior to, as well as during, the purchase of products and services, and the benefits that result to the federal government, the community, and the environment from compliance with these requirements.

EPA is finalizing an extension to the compliance date for Facility Response Plans (FRPs) required by the Clean Water Act (CWA) addressing potential worst-case discharges of CWA hazardous substances. These requirements apply to onshore non-transportation-related facilities that could reasonably be expected to cause substantial harm to the environment from a CWA hazardous substance worst-case discharge to navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the exclusive economic zone. This action is also finalizing language modifications to remove references to climate change and environmental justice in the FRP requirements to align with Executive Order 14148 of January 20, 2025. EPA is revising the compliance deadlines in light of serious concerns that facilities may be unable to comply with the relevant requirements by the existing deadline. These changes are necessary to allow the Agency to consider implementation and compliance assistance tools that regulated facilities may be able to take advantage of when complying with the new requirements, and to ensure proper planning for all communities while promoting a science-based and risk-based approach to planning. EPA also recognizes that a delay would provide time for EPA to consider whether revisions are necessary before facilities must comply. This final rule is effective on 14 December 2026. POC is Melissa Kaps, tele: (202) 566-0501; email: kaps.melissa@epa.gov

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is proposing to extend certain compliance dates applicable to certain entities subject to the regulation of trichloroethylene (TCE) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) until 31 December 2027, including for certain chemical processors in meeting the prohibition compliance deadline for the processing of TCE, industrial and commercial use of TCE as a processing aid, and associated wastewater disposal; and for refrigerant manufacturers in meeting the compliance deadline for phasing down TCE feedstock in the production of HFC-134a. This proposed compliance extension would allow for necessary and reasonable transition periods for regulated entities under TSCA section 6(d). Comments must be received on or before 13 November 2026. POC is Simon Regenold, tele: (202) 566-1537; email: TCE.TSCA@epa.gov. (Federal Register 14 October 2026 [Proposed Rule] Pages 65148-65154)

EPA is finalizing an extension to the compliance date for Facility Response Plans (FRPs) required by the Clean Water Act (CWA) addressing potential worst-case discharges of CWA hazardous substances. These requirements apply to onshore non-transportation-related facilities that could reasonably be expected to cause substantial harm to the environment from a CWA hazardous substance worst-case discharge to navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the exclusive economic zone. This action is also finalizing language modifications to remove references to climate change and environmental justice in the FRP requirements to align with Executive Order 14148 of January 20, 2025. EPA is revising the compliance deadlines in light of serious concerns that facilities may be unable to comply with the relevant requirements by the existing deadline. These changes are necessary to allow the Agency to consider implementation and compliance assistance tools that regulated facilities may be able to take advantage of when complying with the new requirements, and to ensure proper planning for all communities while promoting a science-based and risk-based approach to planning. EPA also recognizes that a delay would provide time for EPA to consider whether revisions are necessary before facilities must comply. This final rule is effective on 14 December 2026. POC is Melissa Kaps, tele: (202) 566-0501; email: kaps.melissa@epa.gov.

Enhancing energy efficiency through building envelope technologies doesn't just improve building performance – it can also play a key role in protecting bird populations. This webinar explored how adopting smart lighting considerations and specialized glass patterns in new and existing buildings can minimize bird collisions with windows while optimizing energy efficiency.

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to initiate interim remedial actions with respect to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances at certain installations of the Department of Defense. (Congressional Record 24 September 2026 [Senate] Pages S4993-S4996)

A bill to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to make improvements to that Act. (Congressional Record 30 September 2026 [Senate] Pages S5259-S5261)

This session addresses the massive challenge to Underground Storage Tank (UST) and Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) programs of a wave of aging UST systems nationally. How big of an issue is it, really? What does it look like in terms of national data, and from the inside of a 30 year old system? Most states don't yet require older UST systems be removed, so this session will communicate how some states have attempted to limit their downsides and require or encourage the removal of older UST systems through various regulatory, compliance assistance, or funding approaches. What did they do, and what did they learn? What lessons might be helpful for your own state?

Speakers discuss the design and testing of UST systems at marinas. Applicable standards, recommended practices, fire codes, and the Federal UST regulation are discussed.

This training video aims to raise awareness of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to new generations of planners and responders, state, tribal, and local political officials, emergency management leadership and the public. It presents a basic level of understanding of the roles and requirements of EPCRA to maintain effective participation to protect communities from chemical accidents.

To obtain Tier II reporting procedures and requirements for your state or territory, please click on the state or territory where the reporting facility is located. At this time, EPA is not aware of any tribes that are implementing the hazardous chemical inventory reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) sections 311-312. If your facility is on tribal lands, please contact your state and tribe to determine your reporting requirements.

A bill to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to require public disclosure when certain pesticides are used on Federal land. (Congressional Record 28 September 2026 [House] Pages H6010-H6011)

A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations for the development of regional management frameworks for the take of double-crested cormorants. (Congressional Record 24 September 2026 [Senate] Pages S4993-S4996)

This is a 40 Hour Hybrid course (3 days of virtual class plus 2 days of in-person). This 5-day course is designed for personnel involved with the investigation and remediation of uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and, to a lesser extent, response to an incident involving hazardous substances. It provides basic information needed to meet the 40-hour training requirements of the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 (e)(3)(i) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard. Participants will be trained in hazardous waste operations, team functions, personnel health and safety procedures, and operation of field monitoring equipment.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to revise the List of Birds Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by both adding and removing species and changing names to conform to accepted use by the scientific community. Reasons for the proposed changes to the list include adding species based on new taxonomy and new evidence of natural occurrence in the United States or U.S. territories, removing species no longer known to occur within the United States or U.S. territories, and changing names to reflect currently accepted taxonomy and nomenclature. The net increase of 25 species (32 added and 7 removed) would bring the total number of species protected by the MBTA to 1,131. They also propose to revise the names of species subject to specific migratory bird permit regulations to reflect currently accepted taxonomy and nomenclature. They are taking this proposed action because an accurate and up-to-date list of species protected by the MBTA is essential for public notification, regulatory, and law-enforcement purposes, and to ensure consistency in the use of common and scientific names across Service regulations. LINK TO RULE

Live Online Federal Facility RPM, a 3-day training course, is geared toward Federal Facility (FF) Remedial Project Managers (RPM) to facilitate an understanding of how the FF RPM role, responsibilities and authorities differ from a private or Fund-financed Superfund EPA RPM. This course is specifically designed for EPA FF RPMs of all experience levels, however State and Tribal stakeholders may also benefit from the course. Participants with one to two years of experience with the Superfund Program may derive the most benefit. Tuesday, November 3: 11:00 am to 3:30 pm (ET) Wednesday, November 4: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (ET) Thursday, November 5: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (ET)

The primary focus of this presentation is to provide current information on the in situ management of PFAS in groundwater. The presentation will provide an overview of the most promising PFAS treatment approaches including enhanced attenuation/sequestration using colloidal activated carbon (CAC) and other amendments and engineered in situ treatment systems. It will also present the current state of knowledge related to destructive technologies and discuss whether PFAS Monitored Retention, a variant of Monitored Natural Attenuation, may be a future option in a treatment train approach. The presentation will conclude with a brief discussion on how in situ treatment fits into site management strategies.

Learn about the Office of Centralized Acquisition Services and its vital role in the Federal Procurement Consolidation initiative. This session highlights how OCAS provides a centralized, enterprise-wide approach to simplify federal government acquisition of common goods and services. By eliminating disparate and duplicative efforts, OCAS supports agency missions and builds strong relationships with industry partners.

On May 8, 2024, the EPA published the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): Gasoline Distribution Technology Reviews and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) Review for Bulk Gasoline Terminals final rule ("2024 Final Rule"). The EPA is reconsidering various provisions of the 2024 Final Rule in this proposed rule, including the operating limits and continuous compliance requirements for air emission control devices, and the vapor tightness requirements for gasoline cargo tanks. The EPA is also reconsidering the modification criteria in the NSPS and proposing other technical corrections and clarifications. The EPA does not anticipate that this proposed action will impact volatile organic compound (VOC) or hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions generated by gasoline distribution facilities because the proposed amendments do not impact the stringency of the emission standards set by the 2024 Final Rule. As such, the EPA expects the proposed amendments will have no impact on air quality or overall human health. The EPA is not reopening any other aspect of the 2024 Final Rule and does not intend to respond to comments addressing any other issues or provisions not specifically addressed in this proposed rulemaking. LINK TO RULE

The Federal Energy Management Program's Low or Zero Water Building Strategies resource provides information and strategies for designing and implementing buildings that significantly reduce potable-water consumption. The resource addresses approaches that can be incorporated into new construction and existing-building projects to improve water efficiency and reduce dependence on potable water supplies.

Concrete and asphalt infrastructure at DoW sites with historical aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) use can serve as ongoing sources of PFAS through leaching, infiltration, and transport through pore networks and cracks. PFAS contamination can also complicate the disposal, recycling, and beneficial reuse of pavement materials. These projects evaluate PFAS leachability from AFFF-impacted concrete and asphalt surfaces, stockpiles, and pavement debris under a range of disposal and reuse scenarios, while assessing sealants and surface treatments as potential approaches to reduce PFAS mobility and leaching. Laboratory and bench-scale studies combine established leaching methods with advanced PFAS analytical techniques to characterize the fate and transport of PFAS from impacted pavement materials. The results support a decision-making framework that considers treatment performance, site conditions, operational requirements, cost, feasibility, and long-term management objectives. Together, the projects provide a structured, criteria-based approach to support site-specific decisions for mitigating PFAS releases and managing AFFF-impacted concrete and asphalt materials at DoW installations.

The transition from PFAS-based aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) to fluorine-free firefighting foams (F3) creates a need for formulations that provide effective fire suppression, fuel resistance, and burnback protection without fluorinated surfactants. These projects investigate the interfacial and chemical mechanisms that control F3 performance and identify strategies to improve foam stability and fire suppression. Research combines fire testing, interfacial characterization, rheology, molecular dynamics simulations, and analytical chemistry to evaluate how surfactant composition and fuel-foam interactions affect foam formation, stability, fuel pick-up, emulsification, and vapor transport. Catanionic mixtures of anionic and cationic surfactants are being evaluated for their ability to form interfacial assemblies and bilayer vesicles that reduce surface tension and potentially slow foam coarsening and coalescence. Complementary studies examine fuel pick-up and three-phase foam flammability as factors that can limit F3 effectiveness, particularly for gasoline fires and under demanding environmental conditions. Results are being used to develop interfacial engineering and emulsification strategies to increase fuel tolerance, improve burnback resistance, and narrow the performance gap between F3 and conventional AFFF for DoW fire suppression applications.

The Federal Energy Management Program's Life-Cycle Cost Analysis Framework for Water Efficiency Measures provides federal agencies with a technical framework for evaluating the costs and benefits of water conservation and water-efficiency projects. The framework describes life-cycle cost analysis methods, metrics, equations, and examples for evaluating water-efficiency measures over their useful lives. It is intended to support federal agencies in complying with statutory water-efficiency requirements and making informed project investment decisions.

A bill to amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require additional information and analysis in environmental impact statements prepared for major Federal actions that involve the acquisition of private property. (Congressional Record 3 September 2026 [House] Pages H5506-H5509)

Across the federal portfolio, many on-site energy generation systems are sitting idle or underperforming due to equipment age, deferred maintenance, or outdated controls. These "stranded assets" represent lost value and missed opportunities to boost energy reliability and cut utility costs. With grid capacity tightening and demand charges rising, optimizing on-site generation has never been more critical. Through an ESPC or UESC, agencies can restore or repower these assets without using appropriated funds. By leveraging third-party financing to fund diagnostics, repairs, and system optimization--paid back through verified savings--agencies can recover lost generation capacity, enhance resilience, and strengthen fiscal stability. This webinar will feature a real-world ESPC case study, with representatives from the federal agency and ESCO who are partnering to restore an on-site generation system along with other energy conservation measures (ECMs) as part of a comprehensive project.