Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
NSF Invests $6.2 Million in EPSCoR Research Fellows
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
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NSF invests $6.2 million in EPSCoR Research Fellows
The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing $6.2 million in 24 exceptional researchers who have been selected as NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Research Fellows. This prestigious program aims to support early- and mid-career scientists in states that receive lower levels of NSF funding, helping them to establish a strong foundation for or relaunch their research careers.
The EPSCoR Research Fellows (ERF)
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
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NSF invests $6.2 million in EPSCoR Research Fellows
The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing $6.2 million in 24 exceptional researchers who have been selected as NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Research Fellows. This prestigious program aims to support early- and mid-career scientists in states that receive lower levels of NSF funding, helping them to establish a strong foundation for or relaunch their research careers.
The EPSCoR Research Fellows (ERF)program offers numerous benefits to fellows, including financial support, mentorship opportunities and access to cutting-edge research facilities. The fellows will receive funding and support from NSF to pursue their research projects and establish strong collaborations at national research facilities. ERF also supports fellows in establishing themselves as leaders in their fields and making valuable contributions to the scientific community.
"EPSCoR is a national program that ensures our federal research dollars reach every corner of our nation, and that the Americans who live in these 25 states and territories have the same opportunities to be part of the STEM workforce, access to world-class facilities and partnerships- all of which unlock breakthroughs that wouldn't happen otherwise." said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. "By funding Research Fellows, the American taxpayers are directly investing in the next generation of discoveries that create jobs, strengthen local economies, and expand America's innovation capacity."
The 24 researchers selected as EPSCoR Research Fellows represent a group of talented individuals who have demonstrated exceptional promise in their respective fields, such as artificial intelligence, translational research, quantum and biotechnology. Moreover, many of these projects are aligned with advanced manufacturing, future manufacturing and semiconductor manufacturing, showcasing a commitment to innovation and industry relevance. By fostering collaboration and innovation across different fields, the researchers are poised to make meaningful contributions to the Nation.
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Original text here: https://www.nsf.gov/news/nsf-invests-62-million-epscor-research-fellows
WEDNESDAY: EPA to join state and local officials in marking the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene in and around Lake Lure, North Carolina
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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WEDNESDAY: EPA to join state and local officials in marking the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene in and around Lake Lure, North Carolina
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LAKE LURE, North Carolina (September 15, 2025) - On September 17, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber will join state and local officials at Old Fort, Lake Lure Dam, Morse Park, Lake Lure Beach and Chimney Rock State Park to mark the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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WEDNESDAY: EPA to join state and local officials in marking the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene in and around Lake Lure, North Carolina
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LAKE LURE, North Carolina (September 15, 2025) - On September 17, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber will join state and local officials at Old Fort, Lake Lure Dam, Morse Park, Lake Lure Beach and Chimney Rock State Park to mark the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.
Officials will highlight the recovery work accomplished over the past year and the work still underway as the region continues to rebuild resilient communities that can withstand future weather events.
Who:
Kevin McOmber, Regional Administrator, EPA Region 4
Tim Baldwin, Engineer, Viable Utilities Unit, Division of Water Infrastructure, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Old Fort, Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Officials
What:
Press tour
When:
September 17, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (multiple stops - see detailed times below)
Where:
9 - 9:45 a.m. ET, Old Fort
Old Fort Police Department
38 Catawba Ave.
Old Fort, NC 28762
10:30 -11:30 a.m. ET, Lake Lure Dam
197 Buffalo Shoals Rd.
Lake Lure, NC 28746
11:50 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET, Morse Park
2948 Memorial Hwy
Lake Lure, NC 28746
12:10 - 12:30 p.m. ET, Lake Lure Beach
2724 Memorial Highway
Lake Lure, NC 28746
12:40 - 1 p.m. ET, Chimney Rock State Park
174 Chimney Rock Park Rd.
Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Note: Reporters are invited to attend a portion of the tour or the full itinerary.
RSVP: C redentialed media who wish to attend should sign up no later than 7 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 at: https://www.epa.gov/ga/forms/epa-region-4-event-rsvp-form.
Background: Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, causing catastrophic flooding and destruction. A Federal Major Disaster Declaration covered 39 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/wednesday-epa-join-state-and-local-officials-marking-one-year-anniversary-hurricane
USPS Operation Santa now accepting letters
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS Operation Santa now accepting letters
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Postal Service today kicked off the 2025 season of USPS Operation Santa, inviting children and families across the country to begin writing and sending letters to Santa Claus. The beloved program, now in its 113th year, connects letter writers with generous individuals and organizations who help fulfill their holiday wishes.
Beginning today, individuals and families can submit letters following program guidelines available at USPSOperationSanta.com.
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS Operation Santa now accepting letters
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Postal Service today kicked off the 2025 season of USPS Operation Santa, inviting children and families across the country to begin writing and sending letters to Santa Claus. The beloved program, now in its 113th year, connects letter writers with generous individuals and organizations who help fulfill their holiday wishes.
Beginning today, individuals and families can submit letters following program guidelines available at USPSOperationSanta.com.Letters must be postmarked by Dec. 6 to be eligible for adoption and fulfillment. This year, participants now have the option to fulfill wishes from multiple people within a single household by adopting a family letter.
"For more than a century, USPS Operation Santa has brought communities together to make the holidays brighter," said Sheila Holman, USPS marketing vice president. "Each year, we receive far more letters than we have adopters, and this year we want to change that - especially by encouraging participants to adopt family letters, which makes it possible to fulfill the wishes of an entire household at once."
The Postal Service is also making it easier than ever for participants to fulfill holiday wishes. The USPS Operation Santa online gift catalog -- introduced last year to streamline the fulfillment and shipping experience -- will feature a significantly expanded selection with thousands of items. When letter adoption opens on Nov. 17, adopters will be able to shop and ship conveniently and directly from the online catalog.
For more information and full program guidelines, including important dates and details on how to write a letter or participate by fulfilling a letter, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to nearly 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Facebook ; Instagram ; Pinterest ; Threads and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
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Original text here: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2025/0915-usps-operation-santa-now-accepting-letters.htm
SBA Relief Still Available to California Private Nonprofits Affected by Wildfires and Straight-line Winds
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to California Private Nonprofits Affected by Wildfires and Straight-line Winds
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in California of the Oct. 15 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by wildfires and straight-line winds occurring Jan. 7-31.
The disaster declaration covers the California county of Los Angeles.
Under
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to California Private Nonprofits Affected by Wildfires and Straight-line Winds
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in California of the Oct. 15 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by wildfires and straight-line winds occurring Jan. 7-31.
The disaster declaration covers the California county of Los Angeles.
Underthis declaration, SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to PNPs including faith-based organizations providing non-critical services of a governmental nature who suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the 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.
"SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 3.625% and 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.
The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at 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 Oct. 15. 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/2025/09/15/sba-relief-still-available-california-private-nonprofits-affected-wildfires-straight-line-winds
EPA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Carbon Storage Permit for Company in Putnam County, Illinois
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Carbon Storage Permit for Company in Putnam County, Illinois
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EPA will host a public availability session on Oct. 15 and a public hearing on Oct. 29
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a public comment period on its intent to issue a permit for Marquis Carbon Injection LLC to inject and store carbon dioxide underground at an injection well in Putnam County, Illinois.
The process of storing carbon underground is known as "carbon sequestration."
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Carbon Storage Permit for Company in Putnam County, Illinois
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EPA will host a public availability session on Oct. 15 and a public hearing on Oct. 29
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a public comment period on its intent to issue a permit for Marquis Carbon Injection LLC to inject and store carbon dioxide underground at an injection well in Putnam County, Illinois.
The process of storing carbon underground is known as "carbon sequestration."Under the proposed plan, Marquis Carbon Injection would inject up to 1.5 million metric tons of carbon per year, over a period of six years. Marquis would be required to monitor the wells--during the six years of proposed injection and for twelve years afterwards--to ensure that the injection wells work properly, the carbon dioxide does not move from its injected location and drinking water sources are protected.
The formation where carbon will be stored is approximately 3,094 feet below ground. Studies of the site show that there is about 963 feet of rock, including a 404-foot-thick confining zone composed of impermeable shale and carbonates, between the deepest underground source of drinking water and the proposed injection location. EPA has concluded that the well materials, intended operation of the well, and underlying geology are appropriate for carbon sequestration and will prevent endangerment of underground drinking water sources.
EPA will host a public availability session on October 15 to engage in conversation and answer questions on the draft permit and a public hearing on October 29 to hear and record public comments. Comments may also be submitted in writing.
Public Availability Session Information:
* When: Wednesday, October 15
* Time: 6 to 8 p.m. CT
* Where: Putnam County High School in the Media Room
400 East Silverspoon Ave.
Granville, Illinois
Public Hearing Information:
* When: Wednesday, October 29
* Time: 6 to 8 p.m. CT
* Where: Putnam County High School in the Auditorium
400 East Silverspoon Ave.
Granville, Illinois
EPA's public comment period will end on November 3. Comments may be submitted at the public hearing or online here Exit EPA's website. For more information on EPA's injection permit process, click here.
To view a copy of the draft permit, click here. Exit EPA's website
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-seeks-public-comment-draft-carbon-storage-permit-company-putnam-county-illinois
EPA Issues Air Permit for Offshore Deepwater Port for Crude Oil Export, Unleashing American Energy Dominance
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Issues Air Permit for Offshore Deepwater Port for Crude Oil Export, Unleashing American Energy Dominance
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DALLAS, TEXAS (September 15, 2025) - Today, U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Clean Air Act (CAA) permit for the proposed offshore Texas GulfLink (TGL) deepwater port. The permit allows a first-of-its-kind use of vapor capture and control technology mounted on an offshore support vessel at TGL's proposed deepwater port about 30 miles southeast of Freeport, Texas.
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Issues Air Permit for Offshore Deepwater Port for Crude Oil Export, Unleashing American Energy Dominance
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DALLAS, TEXAS (September 15, 2025) - Today, U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Clean Air Act (CAA) permit for the proposed offshore Texas GulfLink (TGL) deepwater port. The permit allows a first-of-its-kind use of vapor capture and control technology mounted on an offshore support vessel at TGL's proposed deepwater port about 30 miles southeast of Freeport, Texas.
"In issuing the first Clean Air Act deepwater port permit since President Trump returned to office, EPA is keeping its promise to unleash American energy dominance and economic prosperity," said EPA Regional Administrator Scott Mason. "By applying proven technology in an innovative way, this project will increase energy production while fulfilling EPA's core mission of protecting human health and the environment."
"Sentinel Midstream is proud to unveil a groundbreaking vapor control application that will revolutionize the loading of Very Large Crude Carriers in the Gulf of America. Developed by our Texas GulfLink team in close collaboration with the EPA, this innovative approach significantly reduces volatile organic compounds, setting a new industry standard for environmental performance and advances the implementation of Best Available Control Technology. We are especially grateful to Regional Administrator Mason for his leadership and to his team for their steadfast support in helping make this achievement possible," said Jeff Ballard, Chief Executive Officer of Sentinel Midstream.
The offshore deepwater port will be able to load very large crude carriers up to 85,000 barrels per hour, or 365 million barrels a year. The final permit will advance the innovative use of an offshore support vessel to control volatile organic compound emissions at a deepwater port. This is the first use of the technology alongside a very large crude oil carrier while it is being loaded and tethered to a single-point mooring buoy at a deepwater port. Similar technology has been used on shuttle tankers in the North Sea for over 20 years with over 96% emission-control efficiency.
The CAA permit, known as a combined synthetic minor New Source Review (NSR) preconstruction and title V operating permit, includes monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements such as semi-annual and annual compliance certifications to ensure compliance with federal standards. The permit is valid for five years from the effective date of issuance, and TGL will need to apply for a renewal at least six months before the date of expiration of the permit to continue operations at the deepwater port.
EPA issued the draft permit for public notice on May 21, 2025. EPA accepted public comments from May 22 to June 27, 2025. The signing today is the final step to issue the CAA permit. Under the Deepwater Port Act, the Maritime Administration in the Department of Transportation (MARAD) issues deepwater port licenses. For the licensing project, see Docket MARAD-2019-0011 at www.regulations.gov Exit EPA's website.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook Exit EPA's website, X Exit EPA's website, Instagram Exit EPA's website, or visit our homepage.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-air-permit-offshore-deepwater-port-crude-oil-export-unleashing-american
EPA Convenes AI Roundtable at White House, Administrator Zeldin Highlights Permitting Reform to Make U.S. the AI Capital of the World
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Convenes AI Roundtable at White House, Administrator Zeldin Highlights Permitting Reform to Make U.S. the AI Capital of the World
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin led an Artificial Intelligence (AI) roundtable at the White House today with AI and data center leaders. Administrator Zeldin touted actions the Trump Administration has taken to advance AI innovation and streamline data center construction. He also sought feedback from participants regarding
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Convenes AI Roundtable at White House, Administrator Zeldin Highlights Permitting Reform to Make U.S. the AI Capital of the World
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin led an Artificial Intelligence (AI) roundtable at the White House today with AI and data center leaders. Administrator Zeldin touted actions the Trump Administration has taken to advance AI innovation and streamline data center construction. He also sought feedback from participants regardingpermitting barriers and other technical input.
"It was great to meet with some of the brightest minds powering the artificial intelligence revolution. The American people gave President Trump a mandate to catapult our nation into a golden age of prosperity. A major part of doing so will require us to tap into pro-growth policies that will make the United States the AI capital of the world. At the EPA, we are proudly implementing President Trump's AI action plan to tremendously boost these efforts. We will cut red tape for projects powering AI infrastructure and data centers, expedite permits, and accelerate AI integration to meet the needs of AI development nationwide," said EPA Administrator Zeldin.
"The Trump Administration and today's roundtable with EPA Administrator Zeldin, is advancing efforts to ensure the United States maintains leadership in AI, including both technology development and critical digital infrastructure. As the digital infrastructure leader, QTS is focused on responsibly and sustainably building the future of our country and economy," said QTS Data Centers Co-CEO Tag Greason. "We continue to listen and engage with the communities we call home with a steadfast commitment to providing job opportunities, fostering economic growth, working with local suppliers, and operating as trusted neighbors. The Administration's historic investment will directly benefit communities where we are developing data centers for AI."
Roundtable participants included Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL-06), White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios, EPA Office of Air and Radiation Assistant Administrator Aaron Szabo, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Director Jeff Clark, (Oracle CEO Safra Catz, Equinix Executive Chairman Charles Meyers. Aligned Data Centers CEO Andrew Schaap, Clayco CEO Anthony Johnson, CyrusOne CEO Eric Schwartz, Cloud HQ Founder and CEO Hossein Fateh, QTS Co-CEO Tag Greason, Iron Mountain President and CEO William Meaney, Data Center Coalition President Josh Levi, Holder Construction President and CEO Beth Lowry, Vantage Data Centers North America President Dana Adams, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 15 President and Business Manager Tom Callahan, and Hitachi Americas President and CEO Charlie Takeuchi).
President Trump's Executive Order 14179, "Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI)," boldly calls for America to advance dominance in technological innovation through the creation of an AI Action Plan. "America's AI Action Plan," released in July 2025, is comprised of three pillars--innovation, infrastructure, and international diplomacy and security--that provide the foundational framework for victory in this hypercompetitive global race. Inspired by this vision, EPA is focused on strengthening America's energy foundation and ensuring our nation remains the global leader in AI and the infrastructure that powers it.
Recent EPA Action on Permitting Reform
Specifically, EPA reissued the "no second guessing" memo under New Source Review (NSR) regarding the Actual-to-Project-Actual Applicability (APTA) test. This test is used to determine if a proposed project at an existing source triggers NSR preconstruction air permitting comparing pre-project baseline actual emissions with the project post-project actual emissions. This permitting reform action provides much needed certainty for preconstruction permit requirements for manufacturing and data center facilities. EPA will not "second-guess" pre-project emissions projections unless there is clear error or violation of recordkeeping requirements.
Also, in the NSR space, EPA issued a memo explaining that the agency will no longer apply its prior Reactivation Policy in its NSR permitting determinations and enforcement proceedings, or in its oversight of state, local, and Tribal air permitting programs nationally. The "Reactivation Policy" determines whether an NSR permit is required to resume the operation of a stationary source that had been idled. Under the Reactivation Policy, EPA presumed a major stationary source that was idle for two or more years was permanently shut down and thus subject to NSR permitting requirements applicable to a newly constructed source prior to restarting operations. This new policy allows for idled facilities like power plants which are desperately needed to provide electricity much faster.
EPA has acted on a backlogged determination concluding that certain next-generation power generators are not regulated as stationary or mobile internal combustion engines. In doing so, EPA is getting out of the way of new, innovative technology that will strengthen economic, national, and energy security. These generators have the ability to power data centers, the electric grid, and military installations. As these generators fall outside the scope of EPA's engine standards, they can be deployed without triggering additional permitting requirements.
Additionally, earlier this month, EPA issued NSR guidance on Begin Actual Construction, which redefines preconstruction, clarifying that companies need only obtain air permits when they break ground. This allows construction to begin on new projects without any unnecessary delays in air permitting from EPA. The agency intends to codify this in a future rulemaking with more substantive changes.
Background
Making America the AI Capital of the World is a core pillar of Administrator Zeldin's Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative. In July, Administrator Zeldin attended the Pennsylvania Energy & Innovation Summit and participated in a roundtable alongside President Trump and National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) partners where industry leaders announced over $90 billion in investments in the Keystone State, creating jobs and helping to unleash American energy to power the AI revolution.
In a Fox News op-ed published following the trip, Administrator Zeldin highlighted for the first time, EPA's proposals to streamline permitting and regulations to accelerate American data center development. EPA will continue to do its part to advance America's leadership in AI while maintaining its core mission of protecting human health and the environment.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-convenes-ai-roundtable-white-house-administrator-zeldin-highlights-permitting
