Featured Stories
U.S. Chemical Safety Board Video on Fatal BP-Husky Refinery Fire Surpasses 500,000 Views in Just One Week
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release:
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New U.S. Chemical Safety Board Video on Fatal BP-Husky Refinery Fire Surpasses 500,000 Views in Just One Week
Washington, D.C., October 8, 2026 -- A new safety video released just last week by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) already has been viewed more than 500,000 times since it was posted on the CSB's YouTube channel on September 30.
The new video, titled "Alarming Mistakes, Deadly Decisions: Fatal Fire at BP-Husky", examines the massive September 2022 fire at the BP-Husky
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release:
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New U.S. Chemical Safety Board Video on Fatal BP-Husky Refinery Fire Surpasses 500,000 Views in Just One Week
Washington, D.C., October 8, 2026 -- A new safety video released just last week by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) already has been viewed more than 500,000 times since it was posted on the CSB's YouTube channel on September 30.
The new video, titled "Alarming Mistakes, Deadly Decisions: Fatal Fire at BP-Husky", examines the massive September 2022 fire at the BP-Huskyrefinery in Oregon, Ohio, that resulted in the deaths of two workers, who were brothers. Through interviews, animation, and investigative findings, the video lays out the cascading and worsening series of events and decisions made on the day of the incident that ultimately led to the deaths of the two brothers. The video also discusses the safety issues identified by the CSB and the recommendations issued by the agency to help prevent a similar incident from happening again.
CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said, "The tremendous response to this new video in such a short time -- and to the CSB's safety videos in general -- shows that people are concerned by the serious chemical incidents that happen throughout this country on a weekly basis and that they want to know how to keep them from happening again."
The BP-Husky video is the latest example of the CSB's continued reach through its safety-video program. During Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 (which just ended on September 30), the CSB released four new safety videos (including the BP-Husky video) that collectively already have been viewed more than 2 million times.
All told, CSB safety videos overall were viewed more than 6.4 million times on YouTube during FY 2026. The CSB's YouTube channel now has more than 429,000 subscribers, and since 2007, when the CSB's channel started, the agency's 106 videos have been viewed more than 76 million times. The CSB's
YouTube channel can be found at https://www.youtube.com/user/USCSB.
CSB safety videos translate the agency's technical investigations into accessible stories that explain what happened, why it happened, and what companies, workers, standard-setting organizations, and other government agencies can do to prevent similar incidents from occurring. The videos are used by industry, safety professionals, labor groups, educators, and others as a resource for learning from catastrophic incidents and improving safety training. By reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers with the lessons from a serious chemical incident, each CSB video helps increase safety for workers in chemical facilities and for the people who live in communities near those facilities.
The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards that result, or may result, in the catastrophic release of extremely hazardous substances. The agency's core mission activities include conducting incident investigations; formulating preventive or mitigative recommendations based on investigation findings and advocating for their implementation; issuing reports containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations arising from incident investigations; and conducting studies on chemical hazards.
The agency's board members are appointed by the president subject to Senate confirmation. The Board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.
Please visit our website, www.csb.gov. For more information, contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen at Hillary.Cohen@csb.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.csb.gov/new-us-chemical-safety-board-video-on-fatal-bp-husky-refinery-fire-surpasses-500000-views-in-just-one-week/
Trump EPA Continues to Clear Backlogged State Implementation Plans in Oklahoma
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Trump EPA Continues to Clear Backlogged State Implementation Plans in Oklahoma
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DALLAS, TEXAS (Oct. 8, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved final revisions to Oklahoma's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the interstate transport of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) that was submitted in 2021, marking the 15th SIP approval for the state in 2026. This action further reduces the backlog of SIPs left by the Biden Administration and confirms that Oklahoma's plan meets all Clean
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Trump EPA Continues to Clear Backlogged State Implementation Plans in Oklahoma
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DALLAS, TEXAS (Oct. 8, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved final revisions to Oklahoma's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the interstate transport of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) that was submitted in 2021, marking the 15th SIP approval for the state in 2026. This action further reduces the backlog of SIPs left by the Biden Administration and confirms that Oklahoma's plan meets all CleanAir Act (CAA) requirements for SO2 transport. Approving SIPs on time provides certainty to local businesses, strengthens cooperative federalism, and advances EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment, while allowing the economy to continue to grow.
"Over the past year, EPA Region 6 has worked diligently to clean up the mess left behind by the Biden Administration and give Oklahoma more control over its air program," said Regional Administrator Scott Mason. "Today's action is a perfect example of Administrator Zeldin's efforts to promote cooperative federalism, give Oklahoma businesses more certainty, and provide all Americans with clean air to breathe."
EPA's approval confirms Oklahoma's SIP has provisions to ensure emissions of SO2 in the state will not significantly affect air quality in neighboring states. To support this decision, EPA considered air quality, emission sources, modeling, and emission trends in Oklahoma and bordering states to identify any sources and emission activities that could potentially impact the downwind air quality in other states. EPA found that Oklahoma's SIP complies with the CAA requirements and there are no SO2 nonattainment concerns in any other state as a result of emissions from Oklahoma sources or emission activities. EPA will continue to work with the state of Oklahoma to develop and approve common sense environmental plans that protect Americans and provide regulatory certainty for businesses.
The final notice and docket materials are available at regulations.gov under docket ID EPA-R06-OAR-2025-2270.
Background
The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires states to develop State Implementation Plans (SIPs). The SIP is a general plan to attain and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in all areas of the country, and a specific plan to attain the standards for each area designated nonattainment for a NAAQS. The core purpose of a SIP is to enforce air standards, reduce pollution, and demonstrate compliance with CAA standards.
Earlier this year, EPA cleared over two decades of backlogged SIPs in Oklahoma by acting on 13 SIP revisions submitted between 2002 and 2025. Clearing the enormous SIP backlog left over from previous administrations is key to achieving EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's mission to protect the environment and grow the economy.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/trump-epa-continues-clear-backlogged-state-implementation-plans-oklahoma
SBA Relief Still Available to California Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by 2025 Late December Storms
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to California Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by 2025 Late December Storms
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in California of the Nov. 6 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the storms occurring Dec. 16 - 26, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the California counties
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to California Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by 2025 Late December Storms
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in California of the Nov. 6 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the storms occurring Dec. 16 - 26, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the California countiesof Alpine, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Madera, Mono, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tuolumne, and Ventura, as well as the Nevada counties of Douglas, Esmeralda, Lyon, and Mineral.
Under this declaration, SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations -- including faith-based organizations -- impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or private nonprofit did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be 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 at 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 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's National Support Network Center at (866) SBA-HELP or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on 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 Nov. 6. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/10/06/sba-relief-still-available-california-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-2025-late
EPA IG: Investigative Summary: The EPA OIG Substantiated Retaliation Allegations Against the Nonprofit Blacks in Green
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-N-0052) entitled "Investigative Summary: The EPA OIG Substantiated Retaliation Allegations Against the Nonprofit Blacks in Green."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Report
Under 41 U.S.C. Sec. 4712, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General is required to conduct investigations of nonfrivolous allegations of reprisal made by employees of EPA or U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board contractors, subcontractors, grantees, subgrantees,
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-N-0052) entitled "Investigative Summary: The EPA OIG Substantiated Retaliation Allegations Against the Nonprofit Blacks in Green."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Report
Under 41 U.S.C. Sec. 4712, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General is required to conduct investigations of nonfrivolous allegations of reprisal made by employees of EPA or U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board contractors, subcontractors, grantees, subgrantees,and personal services contractors for making protected disclosures to certain persons or bodies regarding EPA or CSB contracts or grants. In September 2026, the EPA OIG concluded an investigation into allegations that Blacks in Green, the recipient of an EPA grant, retaliated against an employee for disclosing potential inaccuracies in Blacks in Green's grant documentation in violation of 41 U.S.C. Sec. 4712(a). Blacks in Green is an environmental justice nonprofit based in Chicago, Illinois.
Summary of Findings
Our investigation substantiated allegations that Blacks in Green terminated an employee and removed the employee's supervisory duties in retaliation for the employee disclosing potential inaccuracies in Blacks in Green's grant documentation. We did not substantiate the allegation that Blacks in Green removed the employee from meetings in retaliation for the employee's disclosures.
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The report is posted at: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-09/_epaoig_20260929-26-n-0052_summary_cert_0.pdf
EPA IG: Inspection of the Sunnyvale, California, Water Treatment Project Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to Verify Compliance With Domestic Preference Requirements
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 27-E-0001) entitled "Inspection of the Sunnyvale, California, Water Treatment Project Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to Verify Compliance with Domestic Preference Requirements."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Report
We conducted this inspection to determine the extent to which an Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act-funded water infrastructure project complies with federal domestic preference requirements. In fiscal year 2022, the EPA awarded
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 27-E-0001) entitled "Inspection of the Sunnyvale, California, Water Treatment Project Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to Verify Compliance with Domestic Preference Requirements."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Report
We conducted this inspection to determine the extent to which an Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act-funded water infrastructure project complies with federal domestic preference requirements. In fiscal year 2022, the EPA awardedthe California State Water Resources Control Board approximately $127.3 million. The Sunnyvale Project received the largest allocation of all Clean Water State Revolving Fund projects funded under IIJA in that fiscal year.
Summary of Findings
The Sunnyvale Project demonstrated compliance with federal domestic preference requirements. Project staff could improve compliance documentation by requiring that certification letters or supporting documentation contain more specific product descriptions. Project staff could also improve documentation by having manufacturers, rather than suppliers, provide certification letters or by ensuring that the location of specific manufacturing processes is included in all certification letters.
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The report is posted at: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-10/_epaoig_20261006-27-e-0001_cert.pdf
Amtrak IG: 'Safety and Security: Results of an Audit Assessing Physical Security at Penn Coach Yard'
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. OIG-A-2026-010) on September 24, 2026, entitled "Safety and Security: Results of an Audit Assessing Physical Security at Penn Coach Yard."
Here are excerpts:
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Our objective for this report was to reassess the company's efforts to ensure the physical security of employees, contractors, and assets at Penn Coach Yard in Philadelphia.
Our assessment of the company's efforts to ensure the physical security of employees, contractors, and assets at Penn Coach Yard
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. OIG-A-2026-010) on September 24, 2026, entitled "Safety and Security: Results of an Audit Assessing Physical Security at Penn Coach Yard."
Here are excerpts:
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Our objective for this report was to reassess the company's efforts to ensure the physical security of employees, contractors, and assets at Penn Coach Yard in Philadelphia.
Our assessment of the company's efforts to ensure the physical security of employees, contractors, and assets at Penn Coach Yardresulted in two recommendations. In commenting on a draft of this report, the Executive Vice President, Capital Delivery, in coordination with the Vice President, Corporate Security & Chief of Police, agreed with our recommendations and described ongoing and planned actions to address them.
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View full report at: https://amtrakoig.gov/sites/default/files/reports/OIG-A-2026-010%20Physical%20Security%20-%20summary.pdf
Amtrak Advances Planning for Replacement of Bush and Gunpowder River Bridges in Maryland
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak Advances Planning for Replacement of Bush and Gunpowder River Bridges in Maryland
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EDGEWOOD, MD - Amtrak has achieved a major milestone for two bridge replacement projects in Maryland: Bush River Bridge and Gunpowder River Bridge. Amtrak has selected HNTB for architectural and engineering services for both projects, which will include community engagement to inform the final design.
These bridges span a critical section of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Baltimore and Wilmington,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak Advances Planning for Replacement of Bush and Gunpowder River Bridges in Maryland
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EDGEWOOD, MD - Amtrak has achieved a major milestone for two bridge replacement projects in Maryland: Bush River Bridge and Gunpowder River Bridge. Amtrak has selected HNTB for architectural and engineering services for both projects, which will include community engagement to inform the final design.
These bridges span a critical section of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Baltimore and Wilmington,each carrying over 100 Amtrak, MARC commuter, and freight trains per day. Full replacement of both bridges will help improve safety and reliability, while enabling Amtrak and MARC to add more train service in the future as needed to accommodate record growth.
Amtrak Executive Vice President, Capital Delivery Laura Mason:
"Today marks a critical step in the long journey to replace both the Bush River and Gunpowder River Bridges, key to improving the travel experience as record Amtrak ridership is projected to continue growing over the next decade. These projects are two important examples of Amtrak's long-term vision to modernize the Northeast Corridor's century-old tunnels, bridges, and more."
Why it matters: The Bush and Gunpowder River Bridges serve over 100 trains from Amtrak, MARC and Norfolk Southern every day. This aging infrastructure restricts train speeds, demands constant maintenance, and bottlenecks both intercity and commuter services. Adding to the unreliability, the outdated structure of the moveable Bush River Bridge requires a 20-person crew during summer weekends to open for marine traffic, an extensive resource strain.
About the projects: Replacing the Bush and Gunpowder River Bridges will address critical state-of-good repair needs and deliver modern, reliable structures featuring several benefits, including:
* Upgrades to track alignment, signal systems, and electric traction over a 10-mile stretch of the NEC, expanding track capacity once both projects are constructed;
* Higher speeds of up to 145 miles per hour for Gunpowder River Bridge and 160 for Bush River Bridge (compared with 125 mph today); and
* A fixed-span Bush River Bridge structure that better supports marine traffic needs and no longer requires a crew.
Schedule details: Preliminary engineering is on track to conclude in 2029. HNTB has supported Amtrak on several bridge projects along the NEC in the past, including ongoing work for replacement of the Susquehanna River Bridge in Maryland and Portal North Bridge in New Jersey.
About the bridges: Completed in 1913, Gunpowder River Bridge is located between Chase and Joppatowne, Maryland. To the north is Bush River Bridge, another 113-year-old bridge located between Edgewood and Perryman, MD. Due to their age and deteriorating condition, the bridges experience reliability issues. Bush River Bridge must open for boat traffic, and its outdated infrastructure requires a team to hand crank open the structure. When the bridge has failed to close in the past, Amtrak trains between New York, Philadelphia, and Washington face massive delays. In 2019 alone, more than 72 hours of train delays for Amtrak and MARC trains were caused directly by the Bush River Bridge.
How it's paid for: This step in the planning process is primarily funded by a grant from the Federal Railroad Administration, along with contributions from Amtrak and the Maryland Transit Administration. Both bridges are listed as key priorities on the FRA's NEC Project Inventory. Work is currently funded through preliminary engineering and NEPA review; additional future funding would be required for final design and construction.
The big picture: Amtrak and partners are advancing several major infrastructure projects. Recent milestones across Amtrak's portfolio of major bridge projects include:
* Portal North Bridge: Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT opened the first track on the new bridge earlier this year. The second and final track will open this fall, providing increased reliability to rail customers for generations to come.
* Dock Bridge: Amtrak will soon begin work to rehabilitate this nearly century-old bridge in New Jersey after awarding key construction and project management contracts this summer.
* Sawtooth Bridges: Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT are moving forward with initial construction for the Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project. This $133 million Federal-State Partnership grant for "enabling components" will support critical improvements along the Northeast Corridor, delivering long-term reliability and operational benefits for more than 200,000 daily customers.
* To learn more about recent progress on other Amtrak projects, visit our infrastructure updates page.
Gunpowder River Bridge and Bush River Bridge:
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/10/amtrak-advances-planning-for-replacement-of-bush-and-gunpowder-river-bridges-in-maryland/
