Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
IDB Pay to Expand Digital Payment Systems in Latin America and Caribbean
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Pay to Expand Digital Payment Systems in Latin America and Caribbean
MIAMI -- The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) has launched IDB Pay, a new initiative aimed at accelerating the rollout of real-time, low-cost digital payment systems throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to bring financial services to the 30% of the region's population that remains unbanked by 2030.
IDB Pay aims to support countries to build inclusive, interoperable, and secure Fast Retail Payment Systems
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Pay to Expand Digital Payment Systems in Latin America and Caribbean
MIAMI -- The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) has launched IDB Pay, a new initiative aimed at accelerating the rollout of real-time, low-cost digital payment systems throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to bring financial services to the 30% of the region's population that remains unbanked by 2030.
IDB Pay aims to support countries to build inclusive, interoperable, and secure Fast Retail Payment Systems(FRPS) and other Digital Public Financial Infrastructures (DPFI). IDB Pay will use strategic technical cooperation, policy innovation, and flexible financing instruments to support the build-up of inclusive, interoperable, and secure fast retail payment systems that align with global best practices and are tailored to national contexts.
"IDB Pay is designed to accelerate the inclusion of those who have been historically unserved by the financial system. By integrating them into modern payment systems, the door to formal financial ecosystems, we empower individuals, strengthen communities, and uphold the fundamental right to economic participation," said Anderson Caputo Silva, Chief of the IDB's Connectivity, Markets and Finance Division.
The solution was unveiled during the FinnLAC 2025 Forum, an event organized by the IDB Group to discuss the future of the financial industry in Latin America and the Caribbean.
IDB Pay will support:
* Interoperability: As the foundation of a truly inclusive and efficient digital payment ecosystem, IDB Pay supports establishing technical and regulatory standards that allow different payment systems to communicate and operate seamlessly.
* Enabling Regulation: IDB Pay enables creating legal and policy frameworks that support the implementation of FRPS and other Digital Public Financial Infrastructures. IDB support includes co-developing regulatory roadmaps and enabling regulations with financial authorities; facilitating peer learning and regional dialogues to harmonize regulations; and offering policy-based loans to incentivize reforms.
* Market Incentives: A thriving digital financial ecosystem depends on active participation from the private sector. IDB Pay helps in designing policies and mechanisms that encourage private-sector participation, public-private cooperation in innovation, and investment in digital financial services. It supports offering alternative payment system architectures that leverage existing private-sector infrastructure and support pilot programs and public-private partnerships.
* Governance: Strong governance is the backbone of any resilient and inclusive financial system. Without defined oversight, coordination, and accountability, digital financial infrastructures risk fragmentation, inefficiency, and erosion of public trust. IDB Pay supports establishing strong institutional oversight and coordination mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
This initiative builds on the IDB's successful work in countries like Chile, Colombia and Ecuador, and its support for regional digital finance infrastructure, including technology sandboxes and its partnership with the Bank of International Settlements to offer open-source technology among central banks to facilitate the implementation of payment systems and other settlement infrastructures.
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About the IDB Group
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) is the leading source of financing and knowledge for improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. It comprises the IDB, which works with the region's public sector and enables the private sector; IDB Invest, which directly supports private companies and projects; and IDB Lab, which spurs entrepreneurial innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-pay-expand-digital-payment-systems-latin-america-and-caribbean
IDB Issues Its First-Ever Amazonia Bond for $100 Million to Finance Sustainable Development
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Issues Its First-Ever Amazonia Bond for $100 Million to Finance Sustainable Development
The fixed-rate bond is the first in a series of issuances under the IDB's $1 billion Amazonia Bond Program
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SAO PAULO -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has issued its first Amazonia Bond, raising $100 million to fund high-impact sustainable development projects across the Amazon region. This operation marks a pioneering step in leveraging capital markets to protect one of the planet's most
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Issues Its First-Ever Amazonia Bond for $100 Million to Finance Sustainable Development
The fixed-rate bond is the first in a series of issuances under the IDB's $1 billion Amazonia Bond Program
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SAO PAULO -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has issued its first Amazonia Bond, raising $100 million to fund high-impact sustainable development projects across the Amazon region. This operation marks a pioneering step in leveraging capital markets to protect one of the planet's mostvital ecosystems while empowering local communities.
Structured under the Amazonia Bond Issuance Guidelines, co-developed by the IDB and the World Bank, and the IDB's Sustainable Debt Framework, the bond follows rigorous standards for use of proceeds, impact measurement, and transparency.
The fixed-rate bond, managed by Credit Agricole CIB, is the first in a series of issuances under the IDB's pioneering $1 billion Amazonia Bond Program, whose proceeds will support projects that improve local livelihoods, strengthen economic resilience, promote sustainable forest management, and protect biodiversity. The 5-year bond will pay an annual coupon of 3.802%.
Following this pioneering issuance, the National Treasury of Brazil has expressed its support for the initiative and its intention to explore the possibility of issuing its own bonds under the Amazon Bonds Guidelines, with support from the IDB and the World Bank.
"The issuance of our Amazonia Bonds represents a new chapter in sustainable finance, one that channels investments into nature-based solutions and community-driven progress. As a first mover, our Amazonia Bond Program offers a blueprint for others to follow, mobilizing private capital to protect the Amazon and uplift its people," said Ilan Goldfajn, President of the IDB Group.
In July, the IDB and the World Bank announced a strategic collaboration to support countries and institutions in launching their own Amazonia Bond Issuance Programs, with the IDB agreeing to be the first institution to establish such a program.
The program is part of Amazonia Forever, the IDB Group's regional coordination program for conservation and sustainable development of Amazonia. Spain, Germany and the Green Climate Fund provided key support for the development of the guidelines.
The IDB Group at COP30
The IDB Group is hosting more than 80 events at COP30 to showcase solutions for closing gaps in resilient development financing through partnerships, innovation, and a focus on measurable impact in Latin America and the Caribbean. Journalists on site are invited to visit our venues, with no registration required: IDB Group Pavilion in the Blue Zone, Casa BID in the Green Zone, and the AMAZONIA SEMPRE Station at the Goeldi Museum. Follow our COP30 page for all news and events schedules.
At COP30, the IBD Group is acting as a bridge - connecting governments and investors, the public and private sectors, people and communities - to mobilize at least $6 billion in announcements to help close the gaps in resilient development financing and support national priorities.
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About Amazonia Forever
Amazonia Forever is the IDB Group's regional coordination program that aims to protect biodiversity and accelerate sustainable development through three lines of action: expanding innovative financing, boosting knowledge exchange, and facilitating regional coordination among the eight countries that the Amazon encompasses. During COP30, it will host the AMAZONIA SEMPRE Station at the Goeldi Museum from November 8 to 21. See the full program here: www.bit.ly/COP30AMAZONIASEMPRE
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: www.iadb.org
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-issues-its-first-ever-amazonia-bond-100-million-finance-sustainable-development
Board of Governors to meet Nov. 14
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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Board of Governors to meet Nov. 14
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WASHINGTON The U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors will meet Friday, Nov. 14, in an open session at Postal Service headquarters, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, in Washington, DC. The public is welcome to attend the meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. ET in the Benjamin Franklin Room.
A public comment period will begin immediately following the adjournment of the open session. During this period, members of the public present at the meeting may comment on any item or subject listed
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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Board of Governors to meet Nov. 14
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WASHINGTON The U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors will meet Friday, Nov. 14, in an open session at Postal Service headquarters, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, in Washington, DC. The public is welcome to attend the meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. ET in the Benjamin Franklin Room.
A public comment period will begin immediately following the adjournment of the open session. During this period, members of the public present at the meeting may comment on any item or subject listedon the agenda for the open session. Registration of speakers at the public comment period is required. Speakers must register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bog-11-14-2025. Each registered speaker will be allowed 2 minutes for comment. Registration to speak during the public comment period shall end on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 9 a.m. ET.
Individuals who submit written comments in advance will have their comments read into the record. These submissions must relate to one or more items or subjects listed on the open session agenda. The Postal Service reserves the right to exclude written submissions that do not pertain to items listed on the agenda as required. Additionally, the Postal Service reserves the right to exclude submissions for inappropriate content or language. Written comments must be received by Monday, Nov. 10. Comments may be emailed or mailed to the Office of the Board of Governors:
Email: BOG-inquiries@usps.gov
Mail: Office of the Board of Governors
USPS Headquarters
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260-0004
Participation in the public comment period is governed by 39 C.F.R. 232.1(n).
The board's expected agenda is:
1. Call to order and opening remarks from the chairwoman
2. Remarks from the postmaster general and CEO
3. Approval of the meeting minutes
4. Election of the chairman
5. Election of the vice chairman
6. Committee reports
7. Financial matters
1. Fiscal year (FY) 2025 annual financial report
2. FY 2025 10-K and financial statements
3. FY 2025 Annual Report to Congress
4. FY 2026 Integrated Financial Plan and liquidity outlook
5. Authorization to borrow money and issue obligations
6. FY 2027 Congressional Reimbursement request
8. Annual service performance report
9. Approval of the tentative agenda for the Feb. 5 open meeting
10. Adjournment
Public comments
Open session meetings of the USPS Board of Governors are available on live audio webcasts at https://about.usps.com/who/leadership/board-governors/#sessions. Three hours after the conclusion of the open session meeting, a recorded audio file will be available for listening. In compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the audio webcast will be open-captioned.
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/2025/1104-board-of-governors-to-meet-nov-14.htm
SBA Forced to Cancel National Veterans Small Business Week Due to Federal Shutdown
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release:
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SBA Forced to Cancel National Veterans Small Business Week Due to Federal Shutdown
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Senate Democrats voted to block a clean federal funding bill (H.R. 5371), leading to a government shutdown that is preventing the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) from serving America's 36 million small businesses.
Every day that Senate Democrats continue to oppose a clean funding bill, they are stopping an estimated 320 small businesses from accessing $170 million in SBA-guaranteed funding.
As a result
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release:
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SBA Forced to Cancel National Veterans Small Business Week Due to Federal Shutdown
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Senate Democrats voted to block a clean federal funding bill (H.R. 5371), leading to a government shutdown that is preventing the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) from serving America's 36 million small businesses.
Every day that Senate Democrats continue to oppose a clean funding bill, they are stopping an estimated 320 small businesses from accessing $170 million in SBA-guaranteed funding.
As a resultof the shutdown, we wanted to notify you that many of our services supporting small businesses are currently unavailable. The agency is executing its Lapse Plan and as soon as the shutdown is over, we are prepared to immediately return to the record-breaking services we were providing under the leadership of the Trump Administration.
If you need disaster assistance, please visit sba.gov/disaster.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2025/11/03/sba-forced-cancel-national-veterans-small-business-week-due-federal-shutdown
SBA Disaster Relief Still Available to Minnesota Residents, Businesses and Private Nonprofits
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Disaster Relief Still Available to Minnesota Residents, Businesses and Private Nonprofits
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Senate Democrats voted to block a clean federal funding bill (H.R. 5371), leading to a government shutdown that is preventing the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) from serving America's 36 million small businesses.
Every day that Senate Democrats continue to oppose a clean funding bill, they are stopping an estimated 320 small businesses from accessing $170 million
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Disaster Relief Still Available to Minnesota Residents, Businesses and Private Nonprofits
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Senate Democrats voted to block a clean federal funding bill (H.R. 5371), leading to a government shutdown that is preventing the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) from serving America's 36 million small businesses.
Every day that Senate Democrats continue to oppose a clean funding bill, they are stopping an estimated 320 small businesses from accessing $170 millionin SBA-guaranteed funding.
As a result of the shutdown, we wanted to notify you that many of our services supporting small businesses are currently unavailable. The agency is executing its Lapse Plan and as soon as the shutdown is over, we are prepared to immediately return to the record-breaking services we were providing under the leadership of the Trump Administration.
If you need disaster assistance, please visit sba.gov/disaster.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2025/11/03/sba-disaster-relief-still-available-minnesota-residents-businesses-private-nonprofits
Naming of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is an Important Step to Advance Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
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Naming of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is an Important Step to Advance Religious Freedom
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Washington, DC - The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom ( USCIRF ) welcomes President Trump's making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). USCIRF has recommended Nigeria be so designated since 2009 because of the government's engaging and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.
" USCIRF applauds President
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
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Naming of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is an Important Step to Advance Religious Freedom
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Washington, DC - The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom ( USCIRF ) welcomes President Trump's making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). USCIRF has recommended Nigeria be so designated since 2009 because of the government's engaging and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.
" USCIRF applauds PresidentTrump for speaking out on the religious freedom crisis in Nigeria and making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern," said USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler. "The US Government can now develop a tough plan with Nigeria to ensure that perpetrators of violence are held to account, people of faith are protected, and those held hostage are rescued."
During the first Trump Administration, the State Department designated Nigeria as a Special Watch List Country in 2019 and as a CPC country in 2020. Violent attacks against religious communities in Nigeria have become tragically commonplace. In June, gunmen killed at least 200 people, including internally displaced persons housed in a Benue State Catholic mission. In August, militants killed at least 27 in Katsina State during a mosque attack during early morning prayers. These and other violent incidents targeting religious communities are escalating tensions and threatening Nigerians' ability to freely express their religion or belief.
" In addition to the tragic violence at the hands of nonstate actors, the United States must also hold the Nigerian government accountable for allowing the enforcement of blasphemy laws in 12 states, " said USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood. " Enforcing these laws and tolerating violence targeting Christians, Muslims, and other communities justify the CPC designation, now the administration can use this opportunity to impose Presidential Actions under the International Religious Freedom Act to incentivize needed change in the country."
In May 2025, USCIRF held a hearing on Governance in Nigeria: A Foundation for Securing Freedom of Religion or Belief. In July 2025, USCIRF published a country update on religious freedom concerns in Nigeria.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at media@uscirf.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/naming-nigeria-country-particular-concern-important-step-advance
EPA Initiates Cleanup of Uranium Mine Waste at Lukachukai Superfund Site on Navajo Nation
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Initiates Cleanup of Uranium Mine Waste at Lukachukai Superfund Site on Navajo Nation
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FLAGSTAFF, ARIZ. (Nov. 3, 2025) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is beginning the cleanup of 13,000 cubic yards of uranium mine waste rock at the Mesa V complex of three former mines in the Lukachukai Mountains on the Navajo Nation. This location is part of the Lukachukai Mining District Superfund Site in Cove, Arizona. EPA has selected Arrowhead Contracting, a company owned by the Southern
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Initiates Cleanup of Uranium Mine Waste at Lukachukai Superfund Site on Navajo Nation
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FLAGSTAFF, ARIZ. (Nov. 3, 2025) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is beginning the cleanup of 13,000 cubic yards of uranium mine waste rock at the Mesa V complex of three former mines in the Lukachukai Mountains on the Navajo Nation. This location is part of the Lukachukai Mining District Superfund Site in Cove, Arizona. EPA has selected Arrowhead Contracting, a company owned by the SouthernUte Tribe, to complete the work under EPA oversight.
"Removing mine waste at this Superfund site is a significant milestone in EPA's work to clean up uranium contamination on the Navajo Nation," said EPA Pacific Southwest Region Superfund Director Michael Montgomery. "This action follows the cleanup completed earlier this fall at the nearby Cove Transfer Stations and shows EPA's continued commitment to protecting human health and the environment of the Navajo people."
Many Navajo families reside adjacent to the Lukachukai Mountains, where the Mesa V mine complex is located. The area is used for livestock grazing, recreation and hunting, and is culturally significant to the Navajo people. If left in place, the uranium waste rock would continue to erode into nearby drainages and be transported downstream, further impacting the Navajo community of Cove and the greater Cove watershed.
EPA will oversee the cleanup as well as the construction of an on-site repository where the Mesa V mine waste will be placed. The repository will be engineered to safely contain the uranium waste rock, with an evapotranspiration cap placed as a permanent cover to prevent rainwater from entering the repository.
Following the $13 million cleanup, EPA will restore the impacted areas with native vegetation. EPA anticipates the entire project will take about a year to complete.
This project supports Pillar One of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which is ensuring clean air, land, and water for all Americans.
To find out more about EPA's Navajo abandoned uranium mines work and for updates on the project, please click here.
Learn about EPA's Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook Exit EPA's website, Instagram Exit EPA's website, and X Exit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-initiates-cleanup-uranium-mine-waste-lukachukai-superfund-site-navajo-nation
