Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Things You Need to Know: EPA Unveils Comprehensive PFAS Strategy -- Nearly $1 Billion and Standards Water Systems Can Actually Meet
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Things You Need to Know: EPA Unveils Comprehensive PFAS Strategy -- Nearly $1 Billion and Standards Water Systems Can Actually Meet
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A recap of Monday's announcement and expert panel, where Administrator Zeldin and Secretary Kennedy laid out a full-lifecycle plan to attack PFAS at the source, protect drinking water, and put the Safe Drinking Water Act back on solid legal ground
WASHINGTON - At EPA headquarters on Monday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Things You Need to Know: EPA Unveils Comprehensive PFAS Strategy -- Nearly $1 Billion and Standards Water Systems Can Actually Meet
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A recap of Monday's announcement and expert panel, where Administrator Zeldin and Secretary Kennedy laid out a full-lifecycle plan to attack PFAS at the source, protect drinking water, and put the Safe Drinking Water Act back on solid legal ground
WASHINGTON - At EPA headquarters on Monday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin andU.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the agency's most comprehensive offensive yet against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The event included remarks from Administrator Zeldin, Secretary Kennedy, and EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer, as well as an expert panel on PFAS destruction technology and rolled out a life-cycle strategy built on three commitments: follow the law, follow the science, and give water systems standards they can build a compliance program around with confidence.
The Announcement at a Glance
Key Takeaways
1. The strongest standards stayed in place
The headline takeaway: the enforceable limits for PFOA and PFOS remain 4.0 parts per trillion each, exactly as set in the 2024 PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation. EPA was clear that the science behind these two chemicals is among the strongest for any contaminant it can regulate -and that all monitoring and reporting deadlines under the April 2024 rule remain in force. The agency framed its work as making the standard workable, not weaker.
2. Water systems were given realistic timelines
Officials illustrated how the previous administration's rule set deadlines many water systems simply could not meet -risking costly violations that punish communities without removing a single part per trillion from anyone's tap. EPA's federal exemption framework gives drinking water systems up to two additional years to comply, with a target date of April 2031, in states, territories, and Tribes that have not obtained primacy for those Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
EPA pointed to three concrete benefits of that extra time:
* Utilities can build the right infrastructure instead of rushing flawed fixes.
* Treatment technology gets cheaper as production scales and innovation matures.
* Ratepayers are protected from rate spikes driven by impossible deadlines.
3. Bolstered legal foundation
EPA proposed to rescind the regulations for four additional PFAS -PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Hazard Index covering those three plus PFBS -citing how the rule was enacted, not the underlying science. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires a sequential process: propose to regulate, take public comment on whether regulation is warranted, finalize that determination, and only then propose a standard. The agency said the prior administration collapsed those steps, denying the public its required chance to weigh in and leaving the rule legally vulnerable.
EPA stressed this proposal corrects that procedural error and nothing more -and that once the fix is final, the agency will evaluate these PFAS for regulation the right way. EPA cannot predetermine the outcome and noted it is entirely possible the result will be more stringent requirements -but built on a record that holds up.
4. The strategy goes upstream, to the source
Rather than asking ratepayers to clean up pollution someone else created, EPA said it is advancing technology-based effluent limits and pretreatment standards for the industrial categories that discharge PFAS -stopping contamination before it reaches a source of drinking water.
5. Nearly $1 billion was directed to the communities that need it most
Through the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant, EPA announced nearly $1 billion to help communities address PFAS and other emerging contaminants, with a focus on small and rural systems. That funding is reinforced by hands-on help through EPA's PFAS OUT and RealWaterTA initiatives -free technical assistance, water-quality testing, technical planning, operator training, and funding navigation -so every system, regardless of size, has a realistic path to compliance.
Inside the Expert Panel
Assistant Administrator Kramer led an expert panel on PFAS health threats and the emerging destruction and disposal technologies designed to eliminate these chemicals for good.
Panelists included:
Dave Ross -Executive Vice President, Veolia North America
Barry Shadrix -Global Director, CETCO
Frank Cassou -Chief Executive Officer, Cyclopure
Michelle Bellanca -CEO and Co-Founder, Claros Technologies
Mathias (Matt) Meersseman -U.S. Chief Executive Officer, Desotec
The discussion centered on how destruction technologies can permanently eliminate PFAS rather than simply relocating it.
News coverage and stakeholder conversation surrounding the announcement can be found below:
KRCR: EPA, HHS announces nearly $1B for states to tackle unsafe-levels of PFAS in drinking water Exit EPA's website
OAN: EPA: $1B in grant funding targeted at combating PFAS or 'forever chemicals' in drinking water Exit EPA's website
Newsmax: EPA Proposes New PFAS Drinking Water Plan Exit EPA's website
Washington Examiner: EPA and HHS propose rescinding parts of Biden's PFAS limits in drinking water Exit EPA's website
WUSF: EPA announces plans to change restrictions on some 'forever chemicals' Exit EPA's website
NTD: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Make Major PFAS Announcement Exit EPA's website
KKTV: Colorado to receive $44.3 million to address "forever chemicals" in drinking water as EPA cuts regulations Exit EPA's website
PA Environmental Digest: EPA Announces $39.2 Million For Pennsylvania To Address PFAS 'Forever Chemicals,' Emerging Contaminants In Drinking Water Exit EPA's website
MAHA Action on X: Lee Zeldin and the EPA are declaring war on forever chemicals.... Exit EPA's website
MAHA Action on X: RFK Jr. says PFAS contamination in drinking water has harmed communities all across America for decades... Exit EPA's website
Eric Daugherty on X: JUST IN: EPA chief Lee Zeldin just revealed $1 BILLION to help address "forever chemicals" in drinking water of rural and small communities... Exit EPA's website
Additional details about the PFAS announcement can be found here.
Full length footage of the event can be found here Exit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/things-you-need-know-epa-unveils-comprehensive-pfas-strategy-nearly-1-billion-and
Small Business Administration: Administrator Loeffler Applauds Signature of Investing in All of America Act
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on May 21, 2026:
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Administrator Loeffler Applauds Signature of Investing in All of America Act
H.R. 2066 strengthens the SBIC program, expanding access to capital for rural communities and critical industries
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Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), applauded President Donald J. Trump for signing H.R. 2066, the Investing in All of America Act, into law. The legislation, which was sponsored by U.S. House Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Member
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on May 21, 2026:
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Administrator Loeffler Applauds Signature of Investing in All of America Act
H.R. 2066 strengthens the SBIC program, expanding access to capital for rural communities and critical industries
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Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), applauded President Donald J. Trump for signing H.R. 2066, the Investing in All of America Act, into law. The legislation, which was sponsored by U.S. House Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee MemberDan Meuser (R-PA), strengthens SBA's Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program by increasing existing leverage caps and expanding access to capital for investments in rural communities, manufacturing, and other critical industries.
"Powered by private investment, the Investing in All of America Act will expand the SBIC's capacity to power our nation's industrial resurgence by getting more capital to entrepreneurs and manufacturers in rural communities," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "This means faster scaling, more innovation, and the ability to compete in the critical industries that will strengthen America's economic and national security. I applaud Congressman Meuser and his colleagues for advancing this important legislation, and I am grateful to President Trump for signing it into law for America's small business owners and workers."
The SBIC program is a zero-subsidy public-private partnership that supports investment in American small businesses. Since 1958, the program's mission has been to stimulate and supplement the flow of financing that small businesses require to build, scale, and innovate. The SBA issues licenses to professionally managed equity and debt investment funds, which may access long-term capital to invest in qualifying small businesses. In FY2025, the SBIC program achieved a record $53 billion in combined private capital and SBA leverage.
H.R. 2066 will further President Trump's pro-growth economic agenda, which is unleashing business investment, by modernizing the SBIC program through updated leverage caps, stronger taxpayer protections, and reforms designed to attract long-term private investment. Those changes will help direct more capital to rural America and local businesses by ensuring investments in rural areas, manufacturing, and critical technologies do not count against an SBIC's leverage cap. In turn, the legislation will help small manufacturers and other job creators expand, innovate, and compete in the industries that are vital to America's economic strength.
To learn more about becoming an investor or partner of the SBIC program, visit https://www.sba.gov/partners/sbics.
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About the Small Business Investment Company Program
Since 1958, the mission of the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program has been to stimulate and supplement the flow of private equity capital and long-term debt financing that American small businesses need to operate, expand and modernize their businesses. SBA does this by licensing and providing capital to professionally managed equity and debt investment funds as Small Business Investment Companies. SBA capital comes in the form of a government-guaranteed loan to the fund to match privately raised capital. The SBA-guaranteed loan, paired with private capital, increases access to financing for qualifying U.S. small businesses and startups while potentially improving risk-adjusted returns for private investors.
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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/2026/05/21/administrator-loeffler-applauds-signature-investing-all-america-act
SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Saipan to Help Small Businesses Impacted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Saipan to Help Small Businesses Impacted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Saipan County to assist businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations, and residents affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku occurring April 11 - 18.
Beginning Tuesday, May 26, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the BRC
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Saipan to Help Small Businesses Impacted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Saipan County to assist businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations, and residents affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku occurring April 11 - 18.
Beginning Tuesday, May 26, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the BRCin Saipan to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can also schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
The center's hours of operation are as follows:
SAIPAN MUNICIPALITY
Business Recovery Center
Marianas Business Plaza
Second Floor, Suite 201-A
Nauru Loop, Susupe
Saipan, MP 96950
Opens Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m.
Mondays - Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
"SBA's Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "Business owners can visit these centers to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery."
Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
The SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and PNPs -including faith-based organizations -with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP 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.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
SBA representatives will also provide help to business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers when they are opened in the impacted area.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to 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 Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 22. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 25, 2027.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/05/22/sba-opens-business-recovery-center-saipan-help-small-businesses-impacted-super-typhoon-sinlaku
Inter-American Development Bank: 'Global Production Networks and Imperfect Competition.'
WASHINGTON, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following white paper in May 2026 entitled "Global Production Networks and Imperfect Competition."
Here are excerpts:
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Introduction
Global value chains (GVCs) have transformed economic activity, as firms today transact with buyers and suppliers worldwide (e.g., Bernard and Moxnes, 2018; Antras and Chor ' , 2022). Both trade and market reforms have contributed to this development, with the rise of China after it joined the WTO in 2001 being a prominent example. This allowed great numbers of Chinese suppliers
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following white paper in May 2026 entitled "Global Production Networks and Imperfect Competition."
Here are excerpts:
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Introduction
Global value chains (GVCs) have transformed economic activity, as firms today transact with buyers and suppliers worldwide (e.g., Bernard and Moxnes, 2018; Antras and Chor ' , 2022). Both trade and market reforms have contributed to this development, with the rise of China after it joined the WTO in 2001 being a prominent example. This allowed great numbers of Chinese suppliersto enter and thicken otherwise highly concentrated international goods markets, which in turn prompted producers around the world to restructure their supplier base. Yet GVCs today face policy polarization: Alongside a rise in trade disintegration (e.g., Brexit, US-China trade war) and protectionist industrial policy (Juhasz et al. ' , 2024), new deep trade agreements increasingly combine tariff cuts with regulatory harmonization, trade promotion, and competition policy, to facilitate firm entry and firm-to-firm transactions (Maggi and Ossa, 2021).
We study how firm network formation and imperfect supplier competition interact to shape GVCs and the welfare effects of trade and industrial policy. Intuitively, reforms that lower the costs of supplier entry, buyer-supplier matching, or international trade can each affect firms' marginal costs and ultimately consumer prices through two channels: Firms can both match with a larger set of potentially more productive suppliers (Antras et al. ` , 2017) and benefit from lower input markups due to tougher supplier competition (Alviarez et al., 2023). While these mechanisms have typically been studied in isolation, we show that the interaction of endogenous firm linkages and strategic supplier interaction has first-order consequences for the impact of policy on consumer welfare and heterogeneous firms.
We first develop a quantifiable model with two-sided firm heterogeneity, matching frictions, and oligopolistic competition upstream. In the model, more productive buyers match with more suppliers, inducing stronger competition among them, lower input costs, and higher profits.
Entry upstream benefits primarily high-productivity buyers, while lower trade or matching costs favor mid-productivity buyers. Exploiting rich customs data, we then empirically confirm that Chilean and French firms (especially large ones) import higher quantities at lower prices as more Chinese suppliers enter, and that suppliers charge diversified buyers lower markups. Finally, we estimate the model by adapting recent methods for combinatorial, discrete-choice problems to the context of network formation with strategic pricing. Counterfactual analysis reveals that the interaction of endogenous networks and markups significantly amplifies the welfare gains from policies that facilitate supplier entry or firm matching, as well as from modern trade agreements that combine trade cost cuts with such policies.
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View full text here: https://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/Global-Production-Networks-and-Imperfect-Competition.pdf
[Category: IADB]
Inter-American Development Bank: 'An Anatomy of the Great Reallocation in US Supply Chain Trade'
WASHINGTON, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following white paper in May 2026 entitled "An Anatomy of the Great Reallocation in US Supply Chain Trade."
Here are excerpts:
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Introduction
Over the past decade, international trade and the conduct of trade policy have been severely upended by a series of events in quick succession. For the US, the wheels were set in motion with its adoption of unilateral tariff actions starting in 2018 under the first Trump administration.
These especially targeted imports from China, notably with the Section 301 tariffs
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following white paper in May 2026 entitled "An Anatomy of the Great Reallocation in US Supply Chain Trade."
Here are excerpts:
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Introduction
Over the past decade, international trade and the conduct of trade policy have been severely upended by a series of events in quick succession. For the US, the wheels were set in motion with its adoption of unilateral tariff actions starting in 2018 under the first Trump administration.
These especially targeted imports from China, notably with the Section 301 tariffsintended ostensibly to counter China's unfair practices on trade and market access. Implemented over four rounds in 2018-2019, these drove the US' average tariff rate against China up by around an additional 20 percentage points as of the end of 2019 (Bown, 2021; Chor and Li, 2024).1 By 2020-2021, amid the supply chain disruptions and bottlenecks during the Covid-19 pandemic, this push to reduce the US' dependence on China gained urgency with calls for more "friendshoring", "nearshoring", and even "reshoring".
These tariff shocks initiated a reshuffling in international trade and sourcing patterns, shifting the US away from China as a trade partner. Between 2017-2022, China's share in US direct imports fell from around 21% to 16%, with countries such as Vietnam and Mexico gaining much of this US import market share (see also, Dang et al., 2023; Grossman et al., 2024; Freund et al., 2024; Garred and Yuan, 2025). In our prior work (Alfaro and Chor, 2023), we had characterized this "great reallocation" in US supply chains as "looming" on the horizon. However, it is fair to say that this adjective can now be dropped without qualifications. While there was some initial uncertainty over whether the Biden administration might roll back the turn toward protectionism, it became clear by the middle of the 2020-2024 presidential term that the 2018-2019 tariff policies would remain largely in place for the foreseeable future. Hopes of a return to freer trade have since been further dashed by the Liberation Day tariff salvos fired off on 2 April 2025 by the second Trump administration.
In this paper, we set out to provide an update on this shakeup in US import patterns, to document the far-reaching impact of this ongoing reallocation in global trade and supply chain activity that has been centered for decades on the US as a key destination market. Our agenda is inherently descriptive. With a longer span of trade data up to 2025 now available, we are able to document the response of US import sourcing to the 2018-2019 wave of tariff shocks over the short- to medium-run. We investigate more closely the responses in these trade flows for detailed product codes (up to the HS 6-digit level of disaggregation), while correlating these with industry and product characteristics to ascertain the types of goods in which these sourcing shifts are occurring. We also take a preliminary look at the early aftermath of the Liberation Day tariff announcements, to examine the imprint these already have made on US import sourcing decisions.
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View full text here: file:///Users/moirasirois/Downloads/An-Anatomy-of-the-Great-Reallocation-in-US-Supply-Chain-Trade.pdf
[Category: IADB]
EPA IG: Independent Audit of the EPA's Fiscal Years 2024 and 2023 Pesticides Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund Financial Statements
WASHINGTON, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-F-0031) entitled "Independent Audit of the EPA's Fiscal Years 2024 and 2023 Pesticides Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund Financial Statements."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Audit
To accomplish these objectives:
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act, requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General to perform an annual audit of the financial statements for
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-F-0031) entitled "Independent Audit of the EPA's Fiscal Years 2024 and 2023 Pesticides Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund Financial Statements."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Audit
To accomplish these objectives:
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act, requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General to perform an annual audit of the financial statements forthe Pesticides Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund. Our primary objectives were to determine whether:
* The financial statements were fairly stated in all material respects.
* The EPA's internal controls over financial reporting were in place.
* The EPA's management complied with applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements.
Pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the EPA is responsible for reassessing the safety of older pesticide registrations against modern health and environmental testing standards, a process known as reregistration. To expedite the reregistration process, Congress authorized the EPA to collect fees from pesticide manufacturers. The EPA deposits these fees into the Pesticides Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund. The Act also requires the EPA to establish and publish performance measures, such as the number of pesticide products reregistered, canceled, or amended.
The EPA Received an Unmodified Opinion for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2023
We rendered an unmodified opinion on the EPA's fiscal years 2024 and 2023 Pesticides Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund, also known as the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or FIFRA, Fund, financial statements. This means that the statements were fairly presented and free of material misstatement.
Material Weakness Noted
We noted the following material weakness: The EPA did not appropriately allocate an expense paid to the U.S. General Services Administration for the use of government facilities.
Compliance with Applicable Laws, Regulations, Contracts, and Grant Agreements
We did not identify any instances of noncompliance with any applicable laws, regulations, contracts, or grant agreements. In addition, the Agency complied with the statutory performance measure requirements.
Recommendation and Agency Corrective Action We recommended that the chief financial officer and chief administrative officer record an adjustment to recognize a rent expense in the fiscal year 2024 FIFRA Fund financial statements. The EPA agreed with the recommendation and has completed the corrective action.
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The report is posted at: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-05/_epaoig_20260519-26-f-0031_cert.pdf
EPA IG: Independent Audit of the EPA's Fiscal Years 2024 and 2023 Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund Financial Statements
WASHINGTON, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (26-F-0032) entitled "Independent Audit of the EPA's Fiscal Years 2024 and 2023 Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund Financial Statements."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Did This Audit
To accomplish this objective:
We conducted this audit pursuant to the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act. The Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to prepare and the Office of Inspector General to audit the accompanying financial statements of the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (26-F-0032) entitled "Independent Audit of the EPA's Fiscal Years 2024 and 2023 Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund Financial Statements."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Why We Did This Audit
To accomplish this objective:
We conducted this audit pursuant to the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act. The Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to prepare and the Office of Inspector General to audit the accompanying financial statements of theEPA's Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund. Our primary objectives were to determine whether the:
* Fund's financial statements were fairly stated in all material respects.
* EPA's internal control over financial reporting was in place.
* EPA's management complied with applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements.
The Act also requires the OIG to analyze the fees collected and disbursed, the fee structure, the level of use of the Electronic Manifest system, and the success of the system in operating on a self-sustaining basis.
To support this EPA mission-related effort:
* Operating efficiently and effectively
The EPA Receives an Unmodified Opinion for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2023
We rendered an unmodified opinion on the EPA's fiscal years 2024 and 2023 Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund, known as the e-Manifest Fund, financial statements, meaning that the statements were fairly presented and free of material misstatement. We did not identify any matters that we consider to be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the fund.
Compliance with Applicable Laws, Regulations, Contracts, and Grant Agreements
We did not identify any instances of noncompliance that could result in a material misstatement to the audited financial statements.
Other Governmental Reporting Requirements We performed the audit requirements outlined in the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act. Specifically, we analyzed the (1) fees collected and disbursed, (2) reasonableness of the fee structure to meet current and projected costs, (3) level of use of the e-Manifest system, and (4) the success of the system in operating on a self-sustaining basis.
The e-Manifest system is a national system designed to track hazardous waste. Manifests are required shipping forms that detail the type and quantity of waste being transported and instructions for handling it. As authorized by the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act to support e-Manifest system costs, the EPA charges facilities fees for each manifest they submit. The fees vary based on the type of manifest submitted.
Our analysis did not identify any indication that the fee structure was not reasonable.
According to the EPA's data, from the launch of the e-Manifest system in fiscal year 2018 through fiscal year 2024, the Agency billed for more than 10.8 million manifests that were submitted by facilities receiving hazardous waste. Also, based on our analysis, it appears that the EPA has collected sufficient fees for the system to operate on a self-sustaining basis. However, despite the Agency's goal that facilities would submit at least 75 percent of their manifests electronically by 2022, as of September 2024 they had submitted less than 0.5 percent electronically. The EPA intends to conduct outreach activities that will assist with electronic manifest adoption.
This report does not contain any findings or recommendations.
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The report is posted at: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-05/_epaoig_20260519-26-f-0032_cert.pdf
