Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
FHLBank Chicago and BMO Award $440,000 to Support Emerging Housing Developers
CHICAGO, Illinois, June 3 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago and BMO Award $440,000 to Support Emerging Housing Developers
As part of its leadership in advancing affordable housing, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago), in partnership with member financial institution BMO, has awarded $440,000 through its Community First(R) Developer Program (Developer Program) to two nonprofit organizations in Illinois in 2025. The investment reflects FHLBank Chicago's long-term strategy
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CHICAGO, Illinois, June 3 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago and BMO Award $440,000 to Support Emerging Housing Developers
As part of its leadership in advancing affordable housing, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago), in partnership with member financial institution BMO, has awarded $440,000 through its Community First(R) Developer Program (Developer Program) to two nonprofit organizations in Illinois in 2025. The investment reflects FHLBank Chicago's long-term strategyto strengthen the affordable housing development ecosystem by expanding the pipeline of skilled professionals. The awards come as demand for affordable housing continues to grow across the Midwest, while the number of experienced development professionals remains limited. The funding will support internships and fellowships that prepare the next generation of professionals to advance affordable housing development.
"Expanding access to affordable housing requires leadership and sustained investment in the people who make development possible," said Katie Naftzger, Senior Vice President and Community Investment Officer at FHLBank Chicago. "Through the Developer Program, we are building the capacity of organizations and emerging professionals who will lead affordable housing development across our district for years to come."
The Illinois Housing Council and The Resurrection Project received funding through BMO to support internships and fellowships across real estate development, construction, and housing program delivery. Participants will gain hands-on experience supporting active affordable housing initiatives across Chicago neighborhoods, with exposure to project planning, financial modeling, community engagement and development operations. The investment reflects FHLBank Chicago's broader effort to strengthen the pipeline of professionals needed to support long-term affordable housing development across its district.
BMO has accessed many of FHLBank Chicago's Community Investment programs and uses secured loans, known as advances, to provide liquidity for community lending that supports housing and economic development.
A leader in affordable housing finance and capacity building, FHLBank Chicago has awarded more than $12 million through the Developer Program since 2022 to support career pathways and long-term affordable housing development across its district. Introduced at the recommendation of FHLBank Chicago's Community Investment Advisory Council, the Developer Program reflects FHLBank Chicago's ongoing commitment to supporting affordable housing development through partnerships with member institutions. The 2026 Developer Program will open for applications on June 29.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlbc.com/news/news-detail/2026/06/02/fhlbank-chicago-and-bmo-award--440-000-to-support-emerging-housing-developers
Trump EPA Takes New Action to Eliminate Animal Testing
WASHINGTON, June 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Trump EPA Takes New Action to Eliminate Animal Testing
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For the first time in five years, EPA expands its list of cutting-edge alternatives to animal studies and opens the door for innovators to bring the next generation of tools to the table
WASHINGTON \-Delivering on its commitment to end animal testing, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today took two major steps toward replacing outdated, slow, and inhumane animal studies with modern science that is faster, more humane, and more
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WASHINGTON, June 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Trump EPA Takes New Action to Eliminate Animal Testing
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For the first time in five years, EPA expands its list of cutting-edge alternatives to animal studies and opens the door for innovators to bring the next generation of tools to the table
WASHINGTON \-Delivering on its commitment to end animal testing, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today took two major steps toward replacing outdated, slow, and inhumane animal studies with modern science that is faster, more humane, and morerelevant to human health.
For the first time in five years, EPA is updating its list of cutting-edge alternative test methods to replace the use of animal studies, also known as New Approach Methods (NAMs), for chemical assessments under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). EPA is also introducing a streamlined process for researchers, companies, and other stakeholders to nominate NAMs for consideration in pesticide and chemical assessments.
Taken together, these two actions mark major strides in meeting the Trump EPA's goal of eliminating all mammalian animal testing by 2035 - an ambitious target set during the first Trump Administration that Administrator Lee Zeldin recommitted to meeting earlier this year. The Trump EPA has already made great strides reducing animal testing. For instance, EPA implemented the agency's first-ever lab animal adoption program in April 2025 at one of its premiere research laboratories in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and the agency will continue working to get more animals into loving homes. Last year, EPA used high-quality alternative scientific methods to animal testing in its cancer evaluations for dibutyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate for the first time ever, sparing an estimated 1,600 mice and rats from undergoing lab experiments.
"When the Trump Administration makes a commitment, we deliver. With today's announcement, we're accelerating the shift to modern, gold standard science - without the use of animal testing - by using new, innovative methods to review chemicals," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "By broadening high-quality alternatives and inviting strong new candidates, we can deliver faster, more protective decisions while reducing animal testing."
Under President Trump and Administrator Zeldin's leadership, EPA is prioritizing developing and implementing high-quality alternatives to reduce testing on vertebrate mammals, like rabbits, mice, rats, and dogs, to better align with regulatory requirements, advancing the high bar of gold standard science, and efforts to Make America Healthy Again.
The Biden Administration canceled the agency's animal testing phase-out deadlines, delaying scientific progress on developing alternatives that would save more animals from experimentation. Today's actions get that progress back on track.
TSCA directs EPA to use NAMs whenever scientifically appropriate when evaluating chemicals, and to reduce, refine, or replace vertebrate mammal testing. Modern NAMs, including human cell models and advanced computer-based methods, help EPA identify hazards and exposures faster and often with results that are more relevant to people, not laboratory animals. These tools can cut costs and time, reduce animal use, and provide clearer insight into how a chemical works in the body. The result is quicker, more transparent safety decisions that better protect families, workers, and communities while giving businesses clear, up-to-date expectations.
EPA is adding 13 new NAMs from external authoritative bodies to the agency's approved list that industry, researchers, and other stakeholders use to comply with TSCA testing requirements. New additions to the list include:
* a new method to evaluate eye hazards with reconstructed human cells;
* a method to evaluate phototoxicity using a 3D human cell-based tissue model; and
* combinations of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)-validated in chemico and in vitro test data to identify potential dermal sensitization hazard, dermal sensitization potency, and a quantitative point-of-departure.
EPA last updated its NAMs list in 2021. By updating the list and committing to do so regularly, EPA provides certainty for industry, which anticipates regular updates on the tools the agency recognizes, and increases transparency, helping stakeholders keep track of newly identified methods.
EPA is also launching a streamlined process for researchers, companies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to nominate NAMs for use in pesticide and chemical assessments. Stakeholders bring cutting-edge science, real-world data, and fit-for-purpose methods tailored to specific chemicals and use patterns, helping close data gaps and improve accuracy. Accepted methods will be added to EPA's NAMs list.
This open, gold-standard, science-driven pathway will grow the toolbox of reliable alternatives, improve transparency, reduce animal testing, and help deliver clearer, faster, and more predictable chemical safety decisions that support innovation and U.S. competitiveness.
EPA will review any first-round submissions that are sent to nam@epa.gov and then pursue any promising submissions further by providing the submitter with an in-depth form to complete about the NAM, which will then be evaluated by EPA scientists.
Why it matters
Ending animal testing. NAMs advance humane science by reducing and replacing animal use -without sacrificing quality. In many cases, they improve it.
Faster, better protection. NAMs deliver results more quickly and often with greater human relevance, helping EPA catch real risks sooner and protect workers, communities, and consumers.
Clarity that drives innovation. A robust toolbox of validated methods gives industry regulatory certainty, rewards safer product design, and strengthens American scientific leadership.
How to nominate a New Approach Method
EPA wants to hear from the scientists, companies, and innovators building the future of chemical safety. The process is straightforward:
Step 1 -Tell us about it. Email a short description of your method and its validation status to nam@epa.gov
Step 2 -Make the case. If EPA pursues your submission, you'll be asked to complete an in-depth form with supporting scientific information, which EPA scientists will then evaluate.
EPA's subject-matter experts will assess each method for scientific soundness -relevance, reliability, transparency, reproducibility, and fitness-for-purpose -and how well it fits specific pesticide and chemical risk decisions and endpoints.
To view the updated NAMs list, learn more about the nomination process, or explore EPA's broader work to reduce vertebrate animal testing, visit EPA's List of Alternative Test Methods and Strategies web page.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/trump-epa-takes-new-action-eliminate-animal-testing
Administrator Lee Zeldin Visits with Energy Producers, Farmers in Oklahoma City
WASHINGTON, June 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Administrator Lee Zeldin Visits with Energy Producers, Farmers in Oklahoma City
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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - On Friday, May 29, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin traveled to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for several events focused on the Trump Administration's energy agenda and efforts to support American farmers.
On Friday night, Administrator Zeldin addressed the National Stripper Well Association where he discussed Trump Administration efforts to unleash energy
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WASHINGTON, June 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Administrator Lee Zeldin Visits with Energy Producers, Farmers in Oklahoma City
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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - On Friday, May 29, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin traveled to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for several events focused on the Trump Administration's energy agenda and efforts to support American farmers.
On Friday night, Administrator Zeldin addressed the National Stripper Well Association where he discussed Trump Administration efforts to unleash energydominance and slash red tape while protecting the environment. The Administrator was presented the "Industry Leader of the Year" award and was joined by U.S. Senator James Lankford.
On Saturday, May 30, Administrator Zeldin participated in a roundtable with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and dozens of member farmers in Mulhall, Oklahoma. Along with EPA Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason, U.S. Senator Alan Armstrong, and U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-06), Administrator Zeldin outlined Trump EPA action to provide much-needed relief from faulty Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems. In a post on X following the event, Administrator Zeldin said:
"A tractor shutting down during harvest because of a faulty Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system has long been a devastating reality for too many farmers across America, but is now becoming a problem of the past as a result of Trump EPA actions this past year. Visited this weekend with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and many of their amazing member farmers."
On March 27, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin announced on the White House South Lawn new guidance to remove DEF sensor requirements that will save Americans billions of dollars annually and countless hours of lost time and productivity.
This latest move is part of a series of Trump EPA actions to provide much needed relief on this issue. Last August, while at the Iowa State Fair, Administrator Zeldin announced new guidance urging engine and equipment manufacturers to revise DEF system software to prevent sudden shutdowns and deratements, while giving operators more time to repair faults without impacting productivity or safety. On February 3, 2026, EPA demanded critical data on DEF system failures from the manufacturers that account for over 80 percent of all products used in DEF systems. In addition, the Trump EPA issued guidance in February restoring farmers' Right to Repair their own equipment, allowing them to spend more time in the field and less money at the repair shop.
In the near future, EPA will also be issuing a new deregulatory proposal that will completely remove all DEF deratements for new vehicles and engines. With these changes, sudden speed losses, which compromise safety and productivity, will be an issue of the past.
Administrator Zeldin has held similar roundtables in many states across the U.S. to solicit direct feedback about how the Trump EPA can continue to support farmers nationwide.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/administrator-lee-zeldin-visits-energy-producers-farmers-oklahoma-city
EPA proposes lower residential lead cleanup level for Butte
WASHINGTON, June 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA proposes lower residential lead cleanup level for Butte
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EPA proposal lowers the existing residential cleanup level and initiates a 30-day public comment period
BUTTE, Mont. -Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the residential cleanup level for lead and the size of the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (BPSOU). EPA's proposal lowers cleanup level for lead in residential soil and interior dust to 456 parts per million (ppm) from the current cleanup
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WASHINGTON, June 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA proposes lower residential lead cleanup level for Butte
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EPA proposal lowers the existing residential cleanup level and initiates a 30-day public comment period
BUTTE, Mont. -Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the residential cleanup level for lead and the size of the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (BPSOU). EPA's proposal lowers cleanup level for lead in residential soil and interior dust to 456 parts per million (ppm) from the current cleanuplevel of 1,200 ppm. EPA is also proposing expanding the BPSOU boundary by approximately 3,637 acres to include an additional 7,100 homes.
Cleanup at the BPSOU will continue under the current plan while the agency's proposal goes through public comment and finalization.
"Today marks a major step forward toward reducing lead exposure in Butte and delivering lasting results for the community," said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. "In the proposal, EPA is establishing a clear, accelerated cleanup approach and collaborating early with state and local partners to provide multiple layers of protection for children and families."
In October 2025, EPA released the Residential Soil Lead Directive for CERCLA Sites and RCRA Hazardous Waste Cleanup Facilities (2025 Directive). The 2025 Directive streamlines response actions by setting a single regional screening level of 200 ppm and a single target blood-lead level of five micrograms per deciliter, enabling faster decisions that are built to quickly address risks posed by lead in residential soil and interior dust. The 2025 Directive evaluates and incorporates site-specific conditions to develop and select protective cleanup levels, which will help accelerate cleanups and deliver health and environmental protections to communities.
Residences with the most vulnerable populations, including those with young children and pregnant and nursing mothers, are currently prioritized under existing cleanup protocols and will continue to be prioritized in EPA's new proposal.
The proposed changes modify the existing cleanup plan outlined in the 2006 Record of Decision (ROD), which was later modified by the 2011 Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) and the 2020 ROD Amendment (RODA). If finalized, residential properties within the current BPSOU boundary would continue to be sampled and evaluated to determine whether cleanup is needed. Properties previously sampled but not warranting cleanup under the former 1,200 ppm cleanup level would also be reevaluated to determine if cleanup is needed. Mandatory sampling, evaluation, and any necessary cleanup of residential properties within the expanded BPSOU boundary is anticipated to take approximately 15 years from 2026.
EPA's proposal will undergo a 30-day public comment period, which will run from June 1 through June 30, 2026. A formal public meeting where verbal public comments can be submitted for the record will be held on Tuesday, June 16, from 6-7 p.m. in the Library Auditorium at Montana Tech. A stenographer will be present to record public comments. Hybrid joining information will be made available on the Butte community engagement calendar. Community members joining in-person are also invited to attend an open house from 5-6 p.m. in the gathering area outside the library auditorium.
While verbal public comments can only be submitted at the formal public meeting, written public comments will be accepted throughout the public comment period. Please submit comments via email to EPAButtePPcomments@epa.gov or U.S. mail through June 30, 2026.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ATTN: Butte Superfund Site Team
10 W 15th Street, Suite 3200
Helena, Montana
59626
Following the conclusion of the public comment period, EPA will consider all public comments and provide responses in a formal Responsiveness Summary in the Record of Decision Amendment.
EPA's proposal is available for review on the Butte website along with a fact sheet explaining the proposed changes. The supporting Administrative Record is also available for review.
These documents will also be available for review at the library at Montana Tech (1300 W Park Street, Butte, Montana) and at EPA's Helena office (10 W 15th Street, Suite 3200, Helena, Montana).
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-proposes-lower-residential-lead-cleanup-level-butte
EPA and Ohio EPA to Terminate Settlement after Port Clinton, Ohio, Completed Required Wastewater Upgrades
WASHINGTON, June 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA and Ohio EPA to Terminate Settlement after Port Clinton, Ohio, Completed Required Wastewater Upgrades
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The City of Port Clinton invested $15 million to improve wastewater systems that prevent combined sewer overflows
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency agreed to terminate the settlement with the City of Port Clinton, Ohio, after the city completed all required actions-upgrading its water system and nearly eliminating combined sewer overflows.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA and Ohio EPA to Terminate Settlement after Port Clinton, Ohio, Completed Required Wastewater Upgrades
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The City of Port Clinton invested $15 million to improve wastewater systems that prevent combined sewer overflows
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency agreed to terminate the settlement with the City of Port Clinton, Ohio, after the city completed all required actions-upgrading its water system and nearly eliminating combined sewer overflows.
"Today's action recognizes Port Clinton's completion of its long-term wastewater upgrades and underscores our shared commitment to protecting Lake Erie," said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. "By dramatically reducing combined sewer overflows and strengthening safeguards for the remaining outfall, the city is delivering cleaner water, safer beaches, and healthier habitats for the people and wildlife that depend on the lake."
"Today's milestone reflects decades of work to modernize Port Clinton's wastewater system and better protect Lake Erie," Ohio EPA Director John Logue said. "Ohio EPA worked closely with the city throughout this process by providing technical assistance and supporting more than $15.6 million in low-interest financing for improvement projects. We look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen wastewater infrastructure, protect the lake, and its watershed for future generations."
"As a community on the shores of Lake Erie, we feel a great responsibility to be stewards of Lake and so we prioritized this important work," said Mayor Mike Snider. "The lifting of the consent decree is going to open the doors for opportunities in the City of Port Clinton, and we will continue to plan for the future of the wastewater treatment plant and the of growth of our community."
In 1999, EPA, DOJ and the State of Ohio entered into a settlement with the city for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, including frequent combined sewer overflows. These events happen when a municipality's sewer system collects rainwater runoff, domestic sewage and industrial wastewater into one pipe prior to transportation to a treatment plant. During periods of heavy rainfall or flooding, the runoff can overflow, sending untreated stormwater and wastewater into nearby waterways, exposing residents to harmful bacteria and parasites, and endangering the Lake Erie watershed.
The settlement required the city to develop and implement a long-term control plan for its wastewater treatment plant and build a collection system to eliminate combined sewer overflows. The city was also required to ensure the improvements met the necessary requirements of the Clean Water Act.
The city invested millions in upgrades and completed construction of all projects associated with the long-term control plan. With the upgrades in place, the city has eliminated all but one of its combined sewers. For the combined sewer that remains, the city installed a duckbill valve that prevents flow except as authorized by permit. As a result of these measures, the city has achieved and maintained compliance with all provisions of the consent decree and its permit, meeting the qualifications to close the settlement.
Learn more about the Clean Water Act.
Learn more about EPA's enforcement process.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-and-ohio-epa-terminate-settlement-after-port-clinton-ohio-completed-required
EPA Files Case Against Chemical Supplier for Failing to Disclose Imports of Hundreds of Millions of Pounds of Toxic Chemicals and Their Intended Use
WASHINGTON, June 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Files Case Against Chemical Supplier for Failing to Disclose Imports of Hundreds of Millions of Pounds of Toxic Chemicals and Their Intended Use
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has filed an administrative complaint against Wego Chemical Group of Great Neck, N.Y., and related companies, for violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The complaint stems from Wego's years-long failure to properly report its import and domestic distribution of chemical substances.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Files Case Against Chemical Supplier for Failing to Disclose Imports of Hundreds of Millions of Pounds of Toxic Chemicals and Their Intended Use
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has filed an administrative complaint against Wego Chemical Group of Great Neck, N.Y., and related companies, for violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The complaint stems from Wego's years-long failure to properly report its import and domestic distribution of chemical substances.Since at least 2016, Wego has imported hundreds of millions of pounds of hundreds of toxic chemicals, mostly from China, without meeting basic federal reporting requirements. The company initially failed to submit its required 2020 Quadrennial Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) submission, a filing essential to EPA's ability to screen, assess, and manage chemical risks. When Wego ultimately submitted CDR data, it omitted required information on how any of the chemicals will be used, information that EPA needs to evaluate public health risks. The complaint also alleges that at least one chemical Wego imported could not lawfully have been imported at all.
"EPA will ensure that importers of potentially harmful chemicals fully comply with the law. We cannot have companies profit from importing unknown and toxic Chinese chemicals, distributing them without oversight, and threatening unprepared American communities," said Jeffrey A. Hall, EPA Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Companies must disclose what toxic chemicals they are importing and how they will be used. This civil enforcement complements our broader work to protect our borders and prevent illegal, toxic chemicals and pesticides from entering the United States."
"EPA is committed to holding companies accountable when they fail to comply with federal chemical import requirements," said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. "Protecting public health and the environment requires full transparency and adherence to reporting requirements, and we will continue to enforce these standards for the benefit of our communities."
The 10-count complaint alleges eight categories of TSCA violations reflecting a sustained pattern of failing to report, notify, and certify as required by law.
Specifically, the complaint alleges that Wego:
* Failed to timely submit CDR data for hundreds of chemicals across two reporting cycles;
* Never reported required use information for those chemicals in either submission;
* Failed to submit a Pre-Manufacture Notification (PMN) before importing a new chemical substance;
* Failed to file a required TSCA compliance certification at the time it unlawfully imported that new chemical;
* Failed to submit significant new use notices as required;
* Failed to notify EPA of the export to Canada of two chemicals that were subject to significant new use rules;
* Filed a Notice of Commencement claiming it had begun importing a chemical when, in fact, it had not; and
* Filed a false certification stating it had not imported a chemical under a TSCA Risk Evaluation during the previous five years, when, in fact, it had.
EPA's investigation into Wego's TSCA compliance began in May 2021. This administrative complaint initiates the formal enforcement process.
Learn more about EPA's enforcement program.
Learn about the Toxic Substances Control Act.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-files-case-against-chemical-supplier-failing-disclose-imports-hundreds-millions
EPA Encourages Hurricane Preparedness Across the Southeast for Hurricane Season
WASHINGTON, June 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Encourages Hurricane Preparedness Across the Southeast for Hurricane Season
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ATLANTA (June 1, 2026) - Atlantic hurricane season officially starts today, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging residents, businesses, and state and local governments across the Southeast to take proactive steps to prepare for potential hurricanes, flooding, and severe weather events.
Advance planning and preparedness can help protect lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment
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WASHINGTON, June 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Encourages Hurricane Preparedness Across the Southeast for Hurricane Season
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ATLANTA (June 1, 2026) - Atlantic hurricane season officially starts today, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging residents, businesses, and state and local governments across the Southeast to take proactive steps to prepare for potential hurricanes, flooding, and severe weather events.
Advance planning and preparedness can help protect lives, property, infrastructure, and the environmentbefore storms make landfall.
"Preparation remains one of the most effective tools communities have during hurricane season," said EPA Region 4 Administrator Kevin McOmber. "Taking steps now to secure homes, safeguard hazardous materials, and strengthen emergency response plans can help reduce risks to public health, protect the environment, and support faster recovery efforts after a storm."
EPA continues to work with federal, state, tribal, and local partners to support emergency preparedness and response efforts throughout hurricane-prone areas of the Southeast. The agency is also reminding facility operators of their responsibilities to prevent, minimize, and report chemical releases that may result from severe weather and storm-related flooding.
EPA's hurricane preparedness resources provide guidance for:
* Preventing and reporting chemical releases during severe weather
* Preparing drinking water and wastewater utilities
* Managing storm debris safely and effectively
* Protecting communities and emergency responders from environmental hazards
Because hurricanes can often be tracked days before landfall, EPA encourages facilities and communities to use that time to implement protective measures and emergency response procedures.
Explore EPA's central hub for hurricane and disaster preparedness information.
Access preparedness resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at:
English FEMA resources Exit EPA's website
Recursos de FEMA en espanol: Exit EPA's website
Find weather alerts and forecasts from the National Weather Service. Exit EPA's website
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-encourages-hurricane-preparedness-across-southeast-hurricane-season
