Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom: Tajik President Denies Religious Freedom as He Strives for Total Control
WASHINGTON, May 2 (TNSrpt) -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
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Tajik President Denies Religious Freedom as He Strives for Total Control
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Tajikistan:
Tajikistan Country Update - Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's authoritarian government regularly commits particularly severe violations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), restricting nearly all aspects of religious life to mute nonstate religious influences and strengthen its
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WASHINGTON, May 2 (TNSrpt) -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
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Tajik President Denies Religious Freedom as He Strives for Total Control
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Tajikistan:
Tajikistan Country Update - Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's authoritarian government regularly commits particularly severe violations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), restricting nearly all aspects of religious life to mute nonstate religious influences and strengthen itscontrol over the country. This report outlines concerning religious freedom conditions in Tajikistan, including assessing the government's ongoing efforts to control Tajik religious life.
In its 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State redesignate Tajikistan as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for its systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.
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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion or belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at Media@USCIRF.gov.
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REPORT: https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2026-03/USCIRF_2026_AR%20(2).pdf
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Original text here: https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/tajik-president-denies-religious-freedom-he-strives-total-control
SBA Relief Still Available to Washington Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Washington Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Washington of the June 1 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Sept. 23, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Washington counties of Adams, Benton,
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WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Washington Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Washington of the June 1 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Sept. 23, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Washington counties of Adams, Benton,Columbia, Franklin, Grant, Walla Walla, and Whitman.
Under this declaration, SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs -including faith-based organizations -impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
"Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "We're pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 1. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/05/01/sba-relief-still-available-washington-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-drought
Office of Finance Announces First Quarter 2026 Combined Operating Highlights for the Federal Home Loan Banks
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank System Office of Finance issued the following news release:
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Office of Finance Announces First Quarter 2026 Combined Operating Highlights for the Federal Home Loan Banks
The first quarter 2026 combined operating highlights are prepared from the preliminary unaudited financial information of each Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) and are subject to change. The combined and individual FHLBank statements of condition and statements of income highlights are attached as Tables I and II. Each of the FHLBanks has released its unaudited financial
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank System Office of Finance issued the following news release:
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Office of Finance Announces First Quarter 2026 Combined Operating Highlights for the Federal Home Loan Banks
The first quarter 2026 combined operating highlights are prepared from the preliminary unaudited financial information of each Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) and are subject to change. The combined and individual FHLBank statements of condition and statements of income highlights are attached as Tables I and II. Each of the FHLBanks has released its unaudited financialresults for the period ended March 31, 2026, and filed a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Combined Highlights
Net income was $1,297 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 7% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. As of March 31, 2026, total assets were $1,303.4 billion, total liabilities were $1,226.0 billion, and total GAAP capital was $77.4 billion, all of which increased 4%, compared to December 31, 2025.
Table: Combined Financial Condition
The FHLBanks' assets and liabilities expand and contract as the needs of member financial institutions and their communities change over time.
* Advances totaled $734.3 billion at March 31, 2026, an increase of 9% resulting primarily from an increase in advances to depository and insurance company members.
* Investments were $480.7 billion at March 31, 2026, a decrease of 1%.
* Mortgage loans held for portfolio were $80.7 billion at March 31, 2026, an increase of 2% as mortgage loan purchase volume outpaced repayments.
* Consolidated obligations totaled $1,198.9 billion at March 31, 2026, an increase of 4% consisting of a 6% increase in consolidated bonds and a 2% increase in consolidated discount notes.
* Retained earnings grew to $33.2 billion at March 31, 2026, an increase of 1% resulting principally from net income of $1,297 million, partially offset by dividends of $875 million.
Table: Combined Results of Operations
Net income was $1,297 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 7% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, resulting primarily from lower non-interest income and net interest income and higher voluntary housing and community investment expense.
Net interest income was $1,923 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 1% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. Net interest margin was 0.60% for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 2 basis points compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025.
* Interest income was $13,180 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 10% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, due primarily to a decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets, principally advances, driven by the lower interest-rate environment. The average yield on advances was 4.05% for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 67 basis points compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025.
* Interest expense was $11,257 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 11% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, due primarily to the lower average rate on consolidated obligations, driven by the lower interest-rate environment. The average rate on consolidated obligations was 3.72% for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 62 basis points compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025.
Non-interest income was a net gain of $69 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of $64 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, resulting primarily from changes in the fair value of investment securities and derivatives, driven by changes in interest rates.
Statutory Affordable Housing Program assessments result from individual FHLBank income subject to assessments. Affordable Housing Program assessments were $146 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 7% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. In addition, an FHLBank may make voluntary contributions to the Affordable Housing Program or other housing and community investment initiatives, which are in addition to the Affordable Housing Program assessments. Voluntary housing and community investment expense was $114 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, an increase of 21% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025.
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About the FHLBanks
The FHLBanks, as member-owned cooperative institutions, provide financial products and services to their members and housing associates that assist and enhance the financing of housing and community lending. In addition, the FHLBanks support community development through affordable housing and community investment. Each FHLBank is privately capitalized and independently managed.
The FHLBanks have delivered innovation and service to the U.S. housing market since 1932, and currently have approximately 6,300 members serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Please contact Tom Heinle at 703-467-3646 or theinle@fhlb-of.com for additional information.
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Statements contained in this release, including statements describing the objectives, projections, estimates, or future predictions of the FHLBanks and the Office of Finance, may be "forward-looking statements." These statements may use forward-looking terminology, such as "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "may," "should," "will," "would," or their negatives or other variations on these terms. Investors should note that forward-looking statements, by their nature, involve risks or uncertainties. Therefore, the actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements or could affect the extent to which a particular objective, projection, estimate, or prediction is realized. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: changes in the general economy; changes in interest rates and housing prices; size and volatility of the residential mortgage market; disruptions in the credit and debt markets and the effect on the FHLBanks' funding costs, sources, and availability; levels and volatility of market prices, rates, and indices that could affect the value of investments or collateral held by the FHLBanks as security; monetary and fiscal policies; widespread health emergencies; geopolitical instability or conflicts; trade disruptions; demand for FHLBank advances; competitive forces, including other sources of funding available to FHLBank members; changes in investor demand for consolidated obligations; executive, legislative, regulatory, judicial, or other developments; and changes resulting from any modification of the credit ratings of the U.S. government or the FHLBanks. Investors are encouraged to consider these and other risks and uncertainties that are discussed in periodic combined financial reports posted on the Office of Finance website, www.fhlb-of.com, and in reports filed by each FHLBank with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any duty to update these forward-looking statements is disclaimed
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Original text here: https://fhlb-of.com/ofweb_userWeb/resources/2026Q1FHLBCombinedOperatingHighlights.pdf
FACT CHECK: Wrong Again, New York Times! EPA Debunks False Claims, Affirms Science at Agency Remains Top Priority
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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FACT CHECK: Wrong Again, New York Times! EPA Debunks False Claims, Affirms Science at Agency Remains Top Priority
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These errors follow 17 corrections The New York Times issued to admit its false claims about Trump EPA
WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued a comprehensive fact-check addressing an unsubstantiated report circulating about scientific research at the agency, work that remains a top priority. When The New York Times contacted EPA with questions about
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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FACT CHECK: Wrong Again, New York Times! EPA Debunks False Claims, Affirms Science at Agency Remains Top Priority
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These errors follow 17 corrections The New York Times issued to admit its false claims about Trump EPA
WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued a comprehensive fact-check addressing an unsubstantiated report circulating about scientific research at the agency, work that remains a top priority. When The New York Times contacted EPA with questions aboutthe agency's new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Studies (OASES), we proudly shared seven full paragraphs of information about the office and its cutting-edge work. Sadly, the reporter omitted any reference to OASES in the final article, effectively ignoring the office and its contributions altogether.
The Trump EPA is no stranger to this pattern. The New York Times has issued at least 17 corrections to false claims about the agency under President Trump -a number that likely understates the full scope of errors.
Moreover, the article relied on unverified claims and failed to adequately fact-check sources. EPA has thoroughly reviewed and debunked these assertions, as outlined below.
LIE #1: EPA no longer has "an independent unit designed to be free from political interference."
FACT CHECK: EPA just set up the OASES with the explicit goal of putting more gold-standard science directly at the service of the agency's core mission, protecting human health and the environment.
Don't forget, during the Biden Administration, EPA's Office of Research and Development was led by a political appointee, with other political appointees serving as part of the ORD leadership structure. And let's not forget that the previous administration forced their radical agenda of wasteful DEI programs and 'environmental justice' instead of advancing EPA's core mission of protecting human health and the environment.
LIE #2: "Scientists at the E.P.A. had created a way to search for fluorinated chemicals in water supplies, allowing them to detect a toxic man-made substance known as GenX in North Carolina's Cape Fear River Basin. Many of those researchers have been reassigned."
FACT CHECK: Great news! EPA's thorough research on GenX was completed and published in 2015, over a decade ago, and you can read it here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.5b01215 Exit EPA's website. Even better news: today, EPA still maintains the expertise and capability to conduct and advance this research in OASES as well as EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pesticide Pollution (OCSPP) and EPA's Office of Water (OW).
The New York Times wanted its readers to believe EPA stopped research supporting clean water, but the truth is the agency is doing more work than ever before, with researchers reassigned to the Office of Water, where their expertise is keeping every glass of American water crystal-clear.
LIE #3: "While the Trump administration has rolled back science work across the government, the E.P.A.'s research was a particular target because its findings have often led to tighter air and water regulations, costing industries billions of dollars."
FACT CHECK: EPA's reorganization was about making our research more effective and better integrating gold standard science into every program office, and that's exactly what happened. It had nothing to do with industry -so much for this wishful thinking from The New York Times.
LIE #4: "Within months of Mr. Trump's return to the White House, funding for [Great Lakes] and other research stalled. Meeting with scientists outside of E.P.A. buildings required special approval. New rules made it harder to publish research."
FACT CHECK: Great Lakes funding never "stalled." EPA's efforts to protect the Great Lakes and ensure improvements in water quality have never stopped. This work is led by EPA's Great Lakes Coastal Science Branch and laboratory within the OASES Coastal Science Solutions Division. In partnership with the Great Lakes National Program Office, EPA will continue to advance research and efforts to protect the watershed and share advancement with EPA offices across the nation.
LIE #5: "Scientists said the E.P.A. was now less likely to have information that might provide the basis to strengthen regulations of air and water pollution or toxic chemicals."
FACT CHECK: This speculation had no factual basis whatsoever. Science and research continue throughout the agency. In fact, with approximately 500 staff members, OASES prioritizes practical, solution-oriented projects that are closely coordinated with EPA program and regional offices, directly advance the Agency's statutory requirements, and support cooperative federalism through collaboration with states and Tribes. This means more gold-standard scientific information is available than ever before to inform policy decisions and everything the agency does.
LIE #6: "ORD scientists have been laid off, reassigned or pressured to retire."
FACT CHECK: This is flatly incorrect. Not one member of ORD has been laid off as part of EPA's reorganization efforts.
LIE #7: 124 researchers remain and must decide whether to remain employed or "move to different parts of the agency, or the country."
FACT CHECK: This is not true. As we told The New York Times, a majority of the 124 will not be moving location. Only 34 have been identified for a location reassignment to fill priority vacancies in various parts of the Agency.
LIE #8: "The science office operated the world's only laboratory specializing in controlled human-exposure studies to determine the health effects of vehicle exhaust, wildfire smoke, ozone and other pollutants. That laboratory has been closed."
FACT CHECK: We explicitly told The New York Times that while the UNC facility is no longer being utilized by EPA, all the laboratory functions and staff have transferred to our Research Triangle Park laboratory facility to ensure continuity of any operations. This move was due to a lease expiration.
LIE #9: "Some colleagues were working with the oil and gas industry on ways to reduce leaks of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Others were studying how to protect drinking water when climate-fueled wildfires burned plastic pipes that leach chemicals like benzene, a carcinogen. When Mr. Trump took office, 'It just stopped,' Dr. Hubbell said."
FACT CHECK: Wrong again, New York Times! This is false. Work on this now takes place directly in EPA's Office of Air and Radiation (OAR). Staff are now able to directly support and work on the regulations impacting these industries.
LIE #10: EPA "stopped quantifying the benefit of saving a human life when setting emissions limits."
FACT CHECK: The New York Times has done some historically poor reporting on this topic to date. As we have told this so-called newspaper ad nauseam, EPA, like the agency always has, is still considering the impacts that PM2.5 and ozone emissions have on human health, but the agency will not be monetizing the impacts at this time.
In fact, Biden administration also didn't monetize many air pollutants in their rules. No one questioned if they were following the agency's core mission of protecting human health and the environment. Not monetizing DOES NOT equal not considering or not valuing the human health impact. In every action, EPA applies the highest gold standard of science and analysis. The agency's ongoing work to refine its economic methodologies demonstrates, not diminishes, its commitment to protecting human health and the environment through science-based decision-making.
EPA continues to recognize the clear and well-documented benefits of reducing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone. The United States has made substantial progress, achieving reductions in PM2.5 and ozone concentrations of 37% and 12%, respectively, since 2000. After careful review, EPA is working to enhance the methods for monetization of the economic impacts associated with additional PM2.5 and ozone emission reductions in regulatory actions as applicable. As national concentrations of these pollutants have declined, the incremental impacts of further reductions have become smaller and more complex to model with precision.
Given this increased analytical complexity, the agency is working towards refining its methods to ensure that future monetized estimates reflect the most accurate and transparent understanding of public health and environmental outcomes. EPA remains committed to accurately quantifying emissions changes and will resume monetizing these impacts as soon as updated models meet the agency's rigorous analytical standards.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/fact-check-wrong-again-new-york-times-epa-debunks-false-claims-affirms-science-agency
EPA Responds to Michigan's Request for Emergency Fuel Waivers Amid Widespread Flooding in Cheboygan County
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Responds to Michigan's Request for Emergency Fuel Waivers Amid Widespread Flooding in Cheboygan County
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CHICAGO (May 1, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA), today issued a five-day emergency fuel waiver for Cheboygan County, Michigan, where widespread flooding has disrupted fuel deliveries to the region.
The flooding, driven by rapid snowmelt, has created unsafe river conditions
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Responds to Michigan's Request for Emergency Fuel Waivers Amid Widespread Flooding in Cheboygan County
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CHICAGO (May 1, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA), today issued a five-day emergency fuel waiver for Cheboygan County, Michigan, where widespread flooding has disrupted fuel deliveries to the region.
The flooding, driven by rapid snowmelt, has created unsafe river conditionsand cut off normal fuel supply routes. EPA's action responds directly to the State of Michigan's request following its declaration of a state of emergency, and it extends the use of "winter" gasoline in the county to keep supplies moving and prices low for residents.
Specifically, under the agency's CAA authority, EPA is waiving the summertime RVP standard of 9.0 psi, which would otherwise apply on May 1, 2026, to allow the delivery of wintertime gasoline of 13.5 psi through May 5, 2026. EPA, along with its federal and state partners, will continue to monitor the fuel supply situation in Michigan to ensure Michiganders have the fuel they need to get to work, get their children to school, and run their businesses. If flooding or fuel delivery logistical issues persist, EPA will evaluate whether additional short-term relief is warranted.
Across the nation, EPA is actively assessing the country's fuel supply. In March, EPA issued Exit EPA's website a national emergency fuel waiver to fortify the domestic gasoline supply chain and provide relief at the pump ahead of the summer driving season. This is one of the many actions EPA has taken under EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to bolster U.S. energy independency and reduce reliance on imported fuels. The Trump EPA is committed to doing its part to ensure available supply of fuels across the U.S., while lowering the cost of energy for American families.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-responds-michigans-request-emergency-fuel-waivers-amid-widespread-flooding
EPA Clarifies When Oil and Natural Gas Producers Can Flare After Phase Out Deadline
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Clarifies When Oil and Natural Gas Producers Can Flare After Phase Out Deadline
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance clarifying that current federal regulations allow oil and natural gas producers to continue routine flaring of associated gas at new oil wells in limited circumstances after the May 7, 2026, phase out deadline. This clarification is in direct response to concerns from several oil and natural gas owners and operators' that circumstances
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Clarifies When Oil and Natural Gas Producers Can Flare After Phase Out Deadline
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance clarifying that current federal regulations allow oil and natural gas producers to continue routine flaring of associated gas at new oil wells in limited circumstances after the May 7, 2026, phase out deadline. This clarification is in direct response to concerns from several oil and natural gas owners and operators' that circumstancesbeyond their control could otherwise force them to halt production of American energy. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), EPA's clarification will allow for the continued production of tens of thousands of oil barrels per day, helping to reduce gasoline and diesel prices nationwide.
"America already produces energy better and cleaner than anywhere else in the world. That should not stop," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "EPA is providing certainty that oil operators and owners already have the flexibility under our regulations to navigate situations beyond their control and continue unleashing American energy. In doing so, the Trump EPA is advancing American energy dominance and lowering energy costs across the nation."
"The world needs more American energy, and we're delivering it responsibly," said Secretary of the Department of Energy Chris Wright. "This action gives operators the certainty they need to keep producing while continuing to reduce emissions. Forcing unnecessary shut-ins doesn't reduce demand, it just raises prices and shifts production elsewhere."
The Biden-Harris Administration's 2024 Clean Air Act (CAA) rules for oil and natural gas, commonly known as OOOOb/c, phase out routine flaring of associated gas by May 7, 2026. Producers operating in the Williston Basin, including the Bakken Formation, and the Permian Basin, raised concerns that scenarios outside their control could require flaring past that deadline, with the alternative being the shutdown of production at some well sites.
After assessing the concerns, EPA determined that current regulations for oil and natural gas already provide flexibility to temporarily flare after the phase out deadline in the specific scenarios raised by the stakeholders. Therefore, EPA is reaffirming this in today's guidance to ensure the continuation of essential energy production.
EPA's guidance is consistent with current regulations, as well as the agency's rulemaking record for OOOOb/c flaring regulations. Today's guidance reaffirms that flexibility. It does not change any regulation or rule; it serves as a clarifying reference for EPA's regulatory entities.
Over the last year, the Trump Administration has prioritized energy dominance and has made significant progress in reducing the cost of living for American families. The Trump EPA understands we can both protect human health and the environment and grow the economy at the same time. This guidance supplements the comprehensive reconsideration of OOOOb/c the Trump EPA is currently undertaking to provide relief and bring commonsense back to oil and natural gas rulemaking.
EPA's guidance can be found here.
Background
On March 12, 2025, Administrator Zeldin announced a comprehensive reconsideration of the 2024 CAA rule for oil and natural gas, commonly known as OOOOb/c, to unleash energy dominance and continue the Nation's trajectory as a leader in clean energy and emissions reductions.
On July 31, 2025, EPA issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) to extend several compliance deadlines in the 2024 Final Rule to provide more realistic timelines for owners and operators to comply with the 2024 Final Rule.
On December 3, 2025, EPA issued a final rule reaffirming the extensions in the IFR. In response to comments received on the IFR, the December 3, 2025, final rule also provided an additional 180-day extension to the compliance dates related to net heating value monitoring of flares and enclosed combustion devices, as well as a 360-day extension for owners and operators to submit initial annual reports.
On April 9, 2026, EPA took another step in the comprehensive reconsideration by finalizing revisions to certain aspects of the 2024 OOOOb/c rule. The agency is currently developing another proposal to further amend the 2024 Final Rule to address additional issues raised by stakeholders that will further drive down the cost of living for all Americans.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-clarifies-when-oil-and-natural-gas-producers-can-flare-after-phase-out-deadline
Argentina to Modernize Tax Administration With IDB Support
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Argentina to Modernize Tax Administration with IDB Support
The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved $100 million in financing to improve governance and institutional capacity at the Tax Collection and Customs Control Agency (ARCA, its Spanish acronym) and to strengthen tax revenue administration.
The project finances a comprehensive transformation--both functional and digital--based on four pillars:
* Improving ARCA's management and institutional
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Argentina to Modernize Tax Administration with IDB Support
The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved $100 million in financing to improve governance and institutional capacity at the Tax Collection and Customs Control Agency (ARCA, its Spanish acronym) and to strengthen tax revenue administration.
The project finances a comprehensive transformation--both functional and digital--based on four pillars:
* Improving ARCA's management and institutionalcapacity through the redesign of tax processes, optimization of human resources management, and enhanced coordination with other government agencies.
* Strengthening taxpayer services by improving citizen engagement processes, including registration, filings, inquiries, and complaints, among others.
* Implementing a comprehensive risk management system to enable data-driven tax control, segmented risk profiling, and greater transparency in audit processes.
* Digitally modernizing ARCA, including a new data management model, upgrades to its technological infrastructure, and the development of its cybersecurity system, among other advances.
The program will help reduce the value-added tax (VAT) compliance gap and tax compliance costs through the digitalization and automation of systems, as well as the adaptation of regulations, processes, and functions. It will also promote greater accessibility to tax services, by focusing on digital inclusion and meeting the needs of different taxpayer profiles.
Approximately 19,000 ARCA staff will benefit from access to training and more efficient processes, and 6.8 million taxpayers and private sector actors will directly benefit from improved services and a more transparent tax administration.
The $100 million IDB financing has a 25-year maturity, a 5.5-year grace period, and an interest rate based on SOFR. The project will be implemented in coordination with a results-based loan from the World Bank.
This loan is the first operation under a new Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) of up to $600 million, aimed at strengthening the effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency of public revenue management in the country.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/argentina-modernize-tax-administration-idb-support
