Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
USPS honors Muhammad Ali with Forever stamps
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS honors Muhammad Ali with Forever stamps
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What: The U.S. Postal Service will honor Muhammad Ali, known as "The Greatest," with two stamps. Ali once said, "I should be a postage stamp, because that's the only way I'll ever get licked." Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, KY, Ali was known across the globe as a champion in and beyond the boxing ring.
The first-day-of-issue event for the Muhammad Ali Forever stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS honors Muhammad Ali with Forever stamps
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What: The U.S. Postal Service will honor Muhammad Ali, known as "The Greatest," with two stamps. Ali once said, "I should be a postage stamp, because that's the only way I'll ever get licked." Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, KY, Ali was known across the globe as a champion in and beyond the boxing ring.
The first-day-of-issue event for the Muhammad Ali Forever stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with thehashtag #MuhammadAliStamps.
Who: The Honorable Ronald A. Stroman, member of the USPS Board of Governors
When: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at noon EST
Where: University of Louisville
L & N Federal Credit Union Stadium
Angel's Envy Bourbon Club
2550 S Floyd St.
Louisville, KY 40208
RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/muhammadalistamps.
Background: Known as "The Greatest," Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion. In his life, he challenged the best fighters in the world and the world itself. At a time when African Americans fought to have a voice, he spoke loud and clear about his beliefs, defying expectations and empowering people around the world on his way to becoming a globally celebrated cultural icon.
Ali's influence extended far beyond the ring. He used his platform to stand for peace, faith and justice, emerging as a global symbol of courage and compassion. His humanitarian work spanned continents supporting medical relief, feeding the hungry and speaking up for those in need. In 1998, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. That same year, Muhammad and his wife, Lonnie, founded the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville.
Muhammad Ali's life was defined not only by his victories but by his conviction, generosity and enduring belief in the power of love and humanity. His spirit continues to inspire people everywhere, and his legacy lives on as "The Greatest."
Postal Products
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, First Day of Issue Ceremonies and stamp inspired products can be found at StampsForever.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 more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining 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 ; Instagram ; Pinterest ; Threads ; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. 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/2025/1215ma-usps-honors-muhammad-ali-with-forever-stamps.htm
Trump Administration Announces Another Historic Milestone Toward Implementing 100% Solution to the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Trump Administration Announces Another Historic Milestone Toward Implementing 100% Solution to the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis
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WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the signing of a historic new agreement between the United States and Mexico, called Minute 333, marking additional significant progress to permanently and urgently end the decades-long Tijuana River sewage crisis. The U.S. and Mexican Sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Trump Administration Announces Another Historic Milestone Toward Implementing 100% Solution to the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis
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WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the signing of a historic new agreement between the United States and Mexico, called Minute 333, marking additional significant progress to permanently and urgently end the decades-long Tijuana River sewage crisis. The U.S. and Mexican Sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission(IBWC) agreed to a list of new actions, including infrastructure projects, research, enhanced monitoring, and planning for operation and maintenance of critical sites and systems that will account for future population growth in Tijuana, a key component that was missing from previous agreements made prior to the Trump Administration.
The Tijuana River Sewage Crisis is a decades-long issue where untreated raw sewage has flowed into Southern California from Mexico. This has resulted in years-long beach closures, foul odors, degradation of the Tijuana River Valley, and lost economic opportunity, while also sickening people on both sides of the border. This crisis has also impacted our Navy SEALs who train in the area.
Moving at Trump Speed, Minute 333 was negotiated and signed in record time. While in the past, Minutes have at times taken years to be agreed upon, the Trump Administration got this done in under five months, beating the December 31st deadline set in the July Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Secretary of the Environment and National Resources of Mexico Alicia Barcena Ibarra in Mexico City. Minute 333 is a direct result of that MOU.
Everything the U.S. identified in Section 4 of the MOU as being a part of the 100% solution to this sewage crisis has been codified in this new Minute. Section 4 of the MOU was specifically designed to account for future population growth in Tijuana and the broader region. Notably, Minute 333 does not obligate any additional U.S. taxpayer funding, including for Mexican-side projects.
"Great progress has been made this year to achieve the 100% solution to the Tijuana River sewage crisis, but it would have all been for nothing if we don't take the appropriate steps to account for the inevitable population growth of Tijuana and surrounding areas. That's what Minute 333 achieves. We have set the framework for tremendous steps to be made, and we now look forward to very quickly hitting the ground running to implement the mutually agreed upon actions. I saw the frustration of San Diego area residents firsthand when I visited in April. I promised them a 100% solution to this issue, and the Trump EPA is doing its part to deliver," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
"As a former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, I know firsthand how the Tijuana River crisis has remained unresolved for decades, and what terrible effects it's had on our downstream coastal communities in California. It's a real tribute to President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Administrator Zeldin that we're finally delivering tangible results that are long overdue. Past Administrations just talked about problems; the Trump Administration solves them," said Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
"Today's signing of Minute 333 marks a historic step forward in our shared commitment to protect the health and environment of communities on both sides of the border. Through close partnership and sustained effort, the United States and Mexico are delivering real solutions to a decades-old challenge. This agreement demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together with urgency, transparency, and mutual respect. I am proud to stand with our Mexican partners as we move toward a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous future for the Tijuana-San Diego region," said U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson.
"Under the leadership of President Trump and working closely with EPA, the USIBWC has been focused on a 100%, permanent solution to finally end the exposure of Americans to Mexican sewage in Southern California. This new Minute, along with the significant improvements we have made at our San Diego plant and Mexico's commitment to finish their projects ahead of schedule, will improve the health and safety of Americans," said USIBWC Commissioner Chad McIntosh.
Previous agreements on this issue, like Minute 328 that was signed by IBWC in 2022, did not go far enough to achieve the 100% solution that San Diego area residents demand. Minute 333 will account for future population growth in Tijuana, build critical Mexico-side infrastructure projects that weren't previously agreed-upon, ensure Mexico does its part to properly operate and maintain existing and new facilities, enhance technical information sharing, promote industry best practices for wastewater and stormwater management in Mexico to be consistent with the United States, and strengthen communications with counterparts and the public.
Some of the top agreed upon actions in Minute 333 include:
* The creation of an operations and maintenance (O&M) account at the North America Development Bank (NADBank) which would set aside a portion of any future dollars provided to Mexico to be held for future O&M costs, with recommendations due within 12 months of signing.
* Mexico will develop a Tijuana water infrastructure master plan within 6 months.
* A Minute 333 binational working group will be created within three months to assess the feasibility of constructing an ocean outfall for the San Antonio de los Buenos Wastewater Treatment Plant (SABWWTP), along with assessing the technical and financial feasibility of expanding SABWWTP from 18.26 million gallons per day (MGD) to 43.37 MGD.
* Mexico will construct a sediment basin in Matadero Canyon (Smuggler's Gulch), which is located near the international boundary, prior to the 2026-2027 rainy season.
* Mexico will construct the Tecolote-La Gloria Wastewater Treatment Plant with a capacity of 3 MGD by December 2028;
To learn more about other agreed upon items, see the full text of Minute 333 here.
With the signing of the new Minute, the Trump Administration will have met all its obligations under the MOU for 2025. That includes the completion of a 10 MGD expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) in 100 days; a 100-day review of all Minute 328 projects to ensure completion at the earliest possible date, which resulted in shedding an additional 9 months off construction timelines for a total of 12 years saved since the July MOU; and issuing the first-ever quarterly public update on MOU implementation progress.
The Trump Administration has not been shy about holding Mexico accountable, working in close coordination with government counterparts to ensure both nations are faithfully implementing all agreed upon actions from this year's agreements. President Trump weighed in on this issue last week in a Truth Social post Exit EPA's website echoing the urgency San Diego residents have been begging for.
To view the MOU that Administrator Zeldin signed in Mexico City, please click here.
See additional quotes from federal and local elected officials on today's announcement below:
Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA-48): "From day one, Administrator Zeldin and his team took on challenges that have been ignored for years or others concluded couldn't be solved. The difference this leadership makes is made real by the remarkable progress in dealing with the Tijuana sewage crisis, rejecting a stale status quo, and advancing a durable solution that is built to last."
Montana Senator and Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy: "This latest agreement between the United States and Mexico is a tremendous step in the right direction. As a SEAL who trained in these waters, I'm grateful to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for their laser focus on bringing a quick, lasting end to the toxic tide that has caused serious health issues for our troops, harming our readiness and our national security."
Representative Scott Peters (D-CA-50): "The San Diego congressional delegation has worked to fix the very serious health danger of toxic wastewater flowing across the U.S.-Mexico border for years and we have secured hundreds of millions of dollars to fix and expand the aging plant. But Congress cannot do this alone; I am extremely grateful to Administrator Zeldin for his steadfast dedication to a 100 percent solution that upholds U.S. obligations and, most importantly, commits Mexico to build, maintain and fund the projects it must have to protect its people now, as well as future population growth. I very much value our partnership with Mexico, and my partnership with the Administration to solve this crisis for San Diegans."
Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49): "I am pleased to see that we are moving forward on a new United States-Mexico agreement that will make progress on addressing this public health crisis. For far too long under both Democratic and Republican administrations, progress has been unacceptably slow, and this is a step in the right direction. Since I first arrived in Congress, addressing cross-border pollution has been a top priority of mine, I was proud to help secure over $300 million to address it under the 2020 USMCA, and grateful our delegation has secured hundreds of millions since. I am glad to see that we are building on those investments with infrastructure and funding commitments from Mexico, and I look forward to seeing this money be put to use to upgrade critical infrastructure to help our communities as quickly as possible. I will not stop until this public health crisis is fully addressed."
California State Assemblyman Carl DeMaio : "For decades, San Diego families have paid the price for Mexico dumping sewage and trash into our communities. Under President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the federal government is finally demanding accountability, speeding up action on the Mexican side of the border, and putting an end to the excuses. This is the kind of enforcement-first leadership San Diego has been waiting for."
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond : "I want to commend the federal government and Administrator Zeldin for continuing to prioritize the Tijuana sewage crisis. This is another important step forward in addressing a decades-long problem that has severely impacted our region. For far too long, our communities, beaches, public health, and environment have paid the price. Sustained federal leadership and accountability are critical, and I'm encouraged to see this issue remain a top priority."
Coronado Mayor John Duncan : "A city greatly impacted by the millions of gallons of Tijuana Sewage flowing across our border, I am extremely grateful for the focus of the current Administration on expediting additional infrastructure and treatment on both sides of the border. Coronado is extremely important to our nation's defense. The military bases here are home to the US Navy SEALs, three nuclear powered aircraft carriers and tens of thousands of Navy sailors and pilots. Thank you to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, IBWC Commissioner Chad McIntosh and the State Department for negotiating and documenting solutions with Mexico via this new Minute Order, Minute 333."
Vista Mayor John Franklin : "President Trump and Administrator Zeldin are making big progress in solving the Tijuana sewage crisis. In his first administration President Trump secured $300 million in the USMCA Agreement for the expansion and upgrade of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP). Money alone isn't enough however. President Trump and Administrator Zeldin's leadership in the early months of his second administration is leveraging the IBWC with the new leadership of Chad McIntosh and putting maximum pressure on our Mexican partners to do their part and honor the more than $650 million in total U.S. investment to solve a problem that severely and negatively affects the people of San Diego County. Competent management, creation of efficient timelines and oversight were the missing ingredients and now we are seeing progress because of the leadership of President Trump and Administrator Zeldin."
California Senate Republican Leader Brian Jones: "The ongoing sewage crisis in the Tijuana River Valley is a longstanding issue that has affected communities across San Diego County and my district for decades. Its impacts on public health and the environment remain a serious concern and will require continued attention in the years to come. I was on the ground in the area as recently as last week and I can tell you firsthand this crisis requires immediate, ongoing and decisive action."
San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones: "As a San Diego County native, I have seen this problem only get more and more serious, affecting the health of local residents and hurting our environment. Like many tough issues, it takes collaboration and a commitment to take action. Today is a solid step forward toward finally working together for a permanent solution."
Imperial Beach Mayor Mitchell D. McKay: "The City of Imperial Beach wishes to express its renewed sense of cautious optimism in this critical & formal step forward - the memorializing of the previous MOU into an official Treaty minute - Minute 333. We appreciate the current Administration's EPA and IBWC timely efforts to move the needle forward on this issue of paramount importance. This strategic legal contract between the governments of Mexico and the United States contains measurable progress of necessary infrastructure projects - on both sides of the border - moving us closer toward a final 100% Solution for our region's long-standing Transboundary Sewage Crisis. We look forward to significant progress in the near term and future days when our precious beaches will once again be open for our residents, businesses and visitors to enjoy."
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells: "I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for the timely and meaningful progress they have made in addressing the Tijuana sewage crisis. It is refreshing to see government working as it should. The City of El Cajon and the greater San Diego County region are grateful."
San Diego County Supervisor of District 2 Joel Anderson: "I'm grateful to the Trump Administration and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for making this issue a priority. Administrator Zeldin's detailed and direct approach included hard deadlines, separating it from previous Administrations. We thank President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for their continued focus and proactive work on an issue that has negatively impacted the San Diego region for decades."
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/trump-administration-announces-another-historic-milestone-toward-implementing-100
SBA Launches Deregulation Strike Force to Support President Trump's Affordability Agenda
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release:
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SBA Launches Deregulation Strike Force to Support President Trump's Affordability Agenda
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WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched a new Deregulation Strike Force Link is external, dedicating a full team to the mission of identifying and eliminating excessive Biden-era regulations that have disproportionately increased costs for America's small businesses and consumers. The strike force, led by the SBA's Office of Advocacy, is working across all federal agencies
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release:
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SBA Launches Deregulation Strike Force to Support President Trump's Affordability Agenda
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WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched a new Deregulation Strike Force Link is external, dedicating a full team to the mission of identifying and eliminating excessive Biden-era regulations that have disproportionately increased costs for America's small businesses and consumers. The strike force, led by the SBA's Office of Advocacy, is working across all federal agenciesto cut regulations that have needlessly driven up prices in key industries such as housing, healthcare, agriculture, and energy.
"Bidenomics brought historic new highs in inflation that crushed working families and small businesses, driven in part by the massive bureaucracy that heaped trillions in new federal regulations onto the backs of hardworking Americans," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "Through our Deregulation Strike Force, SBA is leveraging its unique authority to deregulate across the federal government and cut senseless red tape that drove up costs for small businesses and consumers - especially in industries hit hardest by Bidenflation. Our efforts will add to President Trump's ongoing work to cut prices, from energy to food to housing, by delivering meaningful relief on Main Street."
According to the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, the Biden Administration imposed Link is external an estimated $6 trillion in cumulative regulatory costs on American families and small businesses. The new rules and reporting requirements amounted to an additional Link is external 356 hours of paperwork for every job creator in America and contributed substantially to inflation that reached 40-year highs in 2024.
SBA is the only cabinet-level agency authorized to review and fight regulations that burden small businesses - including those that are costly, duplicative, or which otherwise constrain the success of job creators. Empowered by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, SBA's Office of Advocacy will lead the Deregulation Task Force by soliciting feedback from small businesses to identify the most burdensome regulations across key industries. Advocacy will further conduct a government-wide review of Biden-era regulations to cut costs for job creators and promote small business growth and formation.
Following four years of massive regulatory overreach, SBA's Deregulation Strike Force will focus on cutting regulations for small businesses in the following industries:
* Housing and construction
* Healthcare and medical services
* Agriculture and food production
* Energy and utilities
* Transportation and logistics
* Other goods and services
The SBA has already helped to eliminate an estimated $98.9 billion in federal regulations since President Trump took office - including the FinCen Beneficial Ownership Rule, Biden-era energy efficiency regulations, and Green New Deal rules on diesel exhaust fluid. In total, the Trump Administration has eliminated Link is external 48 old regulations for every new regulation enacted for an estimated Link is external regulatory savings of nearly $200 billion.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and 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/2025/12/15/sba-launches-deregulation-strike-force-support-president-trumps-affordability-agenda
EPA announces $8M for recycling projects in AK and WA
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA announces $8M for recycling projects in AK and WA
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SEATTLE - On December 11 th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected 17 local governments for grants totaling $58 million for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Political Subdivisions. In Region 10, two projects were selected under this grant cycle - Shoreline Reuse Center and Developing Recycling Infrastructure in Washington and Vehicle End-of-life (Unalaska DRIVE) in Alaska.
The City of Shoreline proposed establishing
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA announces $8M for recycling projects in AK and WA
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SEATTLE - On December 11 th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected 17 local governments for grants totaling $58 million for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Political Subdivisions. In Region 10, two projects were selected under this grant cycle - Shoreline Reuse Center and Developing Recycling Infrastructure in Washington and Vehicle End-of-life (Unalaska DRIVE) in Alaska.
The City of Shoreline proposed establishingthe Shoreline Reuse Center, a one-stop shop for residents and businesses seeking to responsibly acquire, donate, repair, and repurpose goods while inspiring innovative solutions to reduce waste. By co-locating a salvaged building supply collection and resale space, tool library, and a community bike shop with second-hand bike sales and repair services, with space for local reuse and repair organizations to provide additional waste reduction services, the City of Shoreline will divert more than 670 tons of reusable materials that would otherwise become municipal solid waste over the course of the grant period. Funding amount: $4,448,848
The project Developing Recycling Infrastructure and Vehicle End-of-life (Unalaska DRIVE) is structured around five key components: a program to process and remove abandoned vehicles; purchasing processing equipment and storage units for material sorting and shipment; a public education program discussing recycling procedures and the disposal of hazardous materials; employment or training of personnel dedicated to vehicle processing and recycling; and finally, a focus on ensuring that all investments are sustainable for long-term use. Funding amount: $3,800,480
This is a major win for the communities of Shoreline and Unalaska," said EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon. "I am thrilled to see these grants empowering our cities with the resources they need to make a lasting positive impact. By updating recycling infrastructure and programs, we are not only addressing current waste management challenges but also paving the way for a cleaner future for generations to come."
The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is a program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, providing funding to improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure, support improvements to local post-consumer materials management and recycling programs, and assist local authorities in making improvements to their waste management systems. The law also focuses on improving the effectiveness of residential and community recycling and composting programs through public education and outreach.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-8m-recycling-projects-ak-and-wa
EPA Selects Local Governments from Utah and South Dakota to Receive Over $8.3 Million in Solid Waste Infrastructure Grants
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Selects Local Governments from Utah and South Dakota to Receive Over $8.3 Million in Solid Waste Infrastructure Grants
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DENVER - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has selected two local governments from Region 8 to receive over $8.3 million in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants to help improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure. EPA selected Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District in Utah to receive over $3.4
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Selects Local Governments from Utah and South Dakota to Receive Over $8.3 Million in Solid Waste Infrastructure Grants
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DENVER - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has selected two local governments from Region 8 to receive over $8.3 million in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants to help improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure. EPA selected Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District in Utah to receive over $3.4million and Rapid City in South Dakota to receive over $4.9 million.
"I am proud to announce Region 8's selectees of the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants, emphasizing our commitment to fostering local economic growth," said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. "By empowering local governments with the resources they need, we are enhancing recycling infrastructure while creating valuable jobs and proving that environmental protection and economic growth go hand-in-hand."
"I'm grateful EPA has chosen Rapid City to receive this SWIFR grant funding," said U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL). "This will help Rapid City continue to provide quality waste management to its residents and keep South Dakota clean."
"I am grateful for the EPA's commitment to empowering local governments like Davis County to lead with innovation in all aspects - even our waste," said U.S. Representative Blake Moore (R-UT-01). "This grant will help the Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District invest in our community through enhanced compost education and collection, and I look forward to seeing this grant's positive impact throughout Davis County."
Rapid City will use the SWIFR grant funding to open a new commercial recycling program and update equipment, which will double recycling rates and improve the quality of materials collected.
Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District will use the SWIFR grant funding to expand a compost facility, fund curbside organics collection receptacles for local cities and implement new education and outreach activities to increase public participation.
Rapid City and Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District are among 17 local governments selected to receive funding through the SWIFR grants for political subdivisions program. More than 300 local governments applied for $58 million in grant funds under this program.
EPA's SWIFR grant program funds enhancements to local recycling programs and assists waste management authorities in upgrading their systems. This initiative supports economic development in communities across the nation.
Learn more about SWIFR grants for political subdivisions and the selectees on EPA's SWIFR website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-selects-local-governments-utah-and-south-dakota-receive-over-83-million-solid
EPA IG: Audit of the U.S. Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board's Compliance With the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 for FY 2025
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-N-0004) on Dec. 10, 2025, entitled "Audit of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's Compliance with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 for Fiscal 2025:"
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To: Mr. Steve Owens
Chairperson
U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
1750 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 910
Washington, D.C. 20006
Dear Mr. Owens:
The Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which also provides oversight
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-N-0004) on Dec. 10, 2025, entitled "Audit of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's Compliance with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 for Fiscal 2025:"
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To: Mr. Steve Owens
Chairperson
U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
1750 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 910
Washington, D.C. 20006
Dear Mr. Owens:
The Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which also provides oversightfor the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, or CSB, contracted with the independent accounting firm SB & Company LLC to initiate an audit of the CSB's compliance with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014, or FISMA.
While conducting the audit of the CSB's compliance with FISMA for fiscal year 2025, OIG Project No. OA-FY25-0042, SB & Company identified issues that may have a significant impact on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the CSB's information technology resources. The OIG decided to issue this management alert to inform the CSB of these security concerns because they could affect the CSB's ability to fulfill its mission and carry out its obligations under FISMA and Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-25-04. See SB & Company's enclosed memorandum documenting the identified issues.
We agree with SB & Company's findings and adopt them as our own.
You are not required to respond to this report because this report contains no recommendations. If you submit a response, however, it will be posted on the OIG's website, along with our memorandum commenting on your response. Your response should be provided as an Adobe PDF file that complies with the requirements of section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The final response should not contain data that you do not want to be released to the public; if your response contains such data, you should identify the data for redaction or removal along with corresponding justification.
We will post this report to our website at https://www.epa.gov/oig.
Sincerely,
Nicole N. Murley, Acting Inspector General
Enclosure
cc: Steven Messer, Senior Advisor and Acting General Counsel, CSB
Sylvia Johnson, Board Member, CSB
Sabrina Morris, EPA OIG Liaison and Director of Administration/Board Affairs, CSB
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MEMO
To: US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
Date: August 22, 2025
Updated: August 29, 2025
From: Julie Paris, SB & Company, LLC
During the review of the CSB's cyber security program for FISMA, the following issues were identified that may have significant impact on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the agency's IT resources. Improvements are needed related to managing privileged user access, availability of audit logs and maintaining an accurate inventory. We believe these security concerns should be brought to your attention before we issue our FISMA report. Our report may include matters not contained in this memo.
1. The CSB did not properly monitor and track privileged user access or retain sufficient audit logs of individuals with system privileges. Specifically, the CSB did not adequately manage access to global administrator accounts, which provides privileged users with the highest level of system access. Also, the CSB did not provide evidence that sufficient audit logs are maintained for monitoring and tracking user access and the historical usage of privileged accounts. The current system only retains audit logs for 30 days. If the CSB's privileged accounts are misused or compromised by threat actors, they will lack historical information to aid in their investigation.
These security issues undermine the CSB's ability to verify whether their privileged roles are appropriately granted or disabled when no longer needed. Without retaining a historical record of global administrators with system access, it becomes difficult to demonstrate:
* Enforcement of the minimum access permissions required to perform specific tasks.
* Compliance with internal access control policies.
* Completion of access reviews for high-risk roles.
* Documentation of an audit trail of privileged user activity.
Left uncorrected, this increases the risk of unauthorized access, misuse of privileged accounts, and audit findings related to access management control weaknesses. Documenting both the granting and removal of global administrator access is essential for maintaining a secure and compliant environment.
2. The CSB did not demonstrate that they maintained a comprehensive and accurate inventory of all IT assets connected to its network. Although the CSB has Asset Management software, it does not have a documented process for regularly reviewing and validating their inventory. Our review of the inventory management dashboard revealed that over 50% of the software on the devices is classified as unknown. The absence of a complete inventory hinders effective cybersecurity risk management, as it prevents full visibility into potential vulnerabilities, unauthorized devices, and configuration compliance. Without an accurate inventory, it is difficult to enforce security controls, detect unauthorized changes, or respond effectively to security incidents.
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The report is posted at: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-12/_epaoig_20261210-26-n-0004_cert.pdf
EPA Announces Over $351 Million to Fort Worth for Water and Recycling Infrastructure Projects
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces Over $351 Million to Fort Worth for Water and Recycling Infrastructure Projects
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DALLAS, TEXAS (December 15, 2025) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced over $351 million in funding for the city of Fort Worth, Texas. The funds include an approved loan of $347 million from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program and selection of Fort Worth to receive $4,817,344 million from the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR)
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces Over $351 Million to Fort Worth for Water and Recycling Infrastructure Projects
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DALLAS, TEXAS (December 15, 2025) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced over $351 million in funding for the city of Fort Worth, Texas. The funds include an approved loan of $347 million from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program and selection of Fort Worth to receive $4,817,344 million from the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR)grant program.
Fort Worth's WIFIA loan will be used to upgrade wastewater collection and treatment and support beneficial water reuse. A newly designed and built water reclamation facility will meet the needs of a growing population while treating wastewater to be reused for industrial and irrigation purposes. The SWIFR grant will help launch the Reuse Program and Recycling Enhancement Project to collect appliances, building materials, furniture, and electronics for reuse at drop-off locations.
"Fort Worth's growth has made it a premier destination in Texas for families and businesses, and has created a greater need for clean water infrastructure and materials management services," said Regional Administrator Scott Mason. "Funding from EPA can help this great city increase capacity to meet those needs and continue the historic pace of growth."
"Fort Worth is committed to making smart, future-focused investments that keep our city strong and affordable for the families and businesses who call it home," said Mayor Mattie Parker. "The EPA's WIFIA loan for the Mary's Creek Water Reclamation Facility allows us to stretch every dollar by securing low interest rates and flexible repayment terms. The solid waste grant helps us expand the reuse and recycling services our community relies on. Together, these investments are a major win for our wastewater and solid waste ratepayers and reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective services as Fort Worth continues to grow."
The WIFIA program aims to accelerate investment in the nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. Through its flexible financing features and competitive interest rates, WIFIA helps communities save money. By pairing the WIFIA program's federal funding with state, local, and private investment, EPA accelerates water infrastructure investment worth billions of dollars.
The WIFIA program's rolling selection process allows a wide variety of borrowers from across the country to access WIFIA financing. For example, in the last round of funding, the WIFIA program selected two private entities and five small communities to submit loan applications. To date, EPA's WIFIA program has announced $22 billion to help finance over 140 projects across the country. These projects are creating over 160,000 jobs across the country.
EPA's SWIFR program provides grants to improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure; support improvements to local post-consumer materials management and recycling programs; and assist local waste management authorities in making improvements to local waste management systems. This initiative supports economic development in communities across the nation.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-over-351-million-fort-worth-water-and-recycling-infrastructure-projects
