Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Office of Advocacy: Chief Counsel Casey Mulligan Champions Trump Administration's Deregulatory Efforts at GlobalChem Conference
WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy issued the following news release on Feb. 24, 2026:
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Chief Counsel Casey Mulligan Champions Trump Administration's Deregulatory Efforts at GlobalChem Conference
Today , Dr. Casey B. Mulligan, Chief Counsel for the Office of Advocacy, highlighted the "unique regulatory moment" ushered in by President Donald J. Trump during his keynote address at the American Chemistry Council's 2026 GlobalChem Conference.
Chief Counsel Mulligan outlined how the Trump 47 Administration has created a regulatory environment where
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy issued the following news release on Feb. 24, 2026:
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Chief Counsel Casey Mulligan Champions Trump Administration's Deregulatory Efforts at GlobalChem Conference
Today , Dr. Casey B. Mulligan, Chief Counsel for the Office of Advocacy, highlighted the "unique regulatory moment" ushered in by President Donald J. Trump during his keynote address at the American Chemistry Council's 2026 GlobalChem Conference.
Chief Counsel Mulligan outlined how the Trump 47 Administration has created a regulatory environment wherefederal agencies are actively seeking and considering input from U.S. small businesses about which regulations should be revised, adjusted, or outright eliminated. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Chief Counsel Mulligan noted, has been among the most responsive in this effort.
Chief Counsel Mulligan also encouraged small businesses to share their feedback via Advocacy's Red Tape Hotline, which was launched in March 2025, about how current regulations affect them to support ongoing discussions with federal agencies and the White House.
Advocacy has worked with small businesses in the chemical sector on multiple occasions. When the EPA initiates a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel on a new chemical regulation, Advocacy assists small chemical companies in offering their input to the process.
Additionally, Advocacy has spoken directly with small businesses in the chemical sector on rules related to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluation as well as reviews of specific chemicals including carbon tetrachloride (CTC) perchloroethylene (PERC) and formaldehyde.
During the first year of the Trump 47 Administration, Advocacy worked with federal agencies to save small businesses $110 billion in regulatory costs. The office met with more than 12,000 small businesses in 48 states and launched the Red Tape Hotline to collect small business' feedback about regulatory burdens and share it with the White House, Congress, and federal agencies with the goal of slashing red tape. Learn more about Advocacy's other highlights in the First Year Report.
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Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent voice for small business within the executive branch. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsel's efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit advocacy.sba.gov or call (202) 205-6533.
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Original text here: https://advocacy.sba.gov/2026/02/24/chief-counsel-casey-mulligan-champions-trump-administrations-deregulatory-efforts-at-globalchem-conference/
GSA and USDA Unlock $1.6 Billion in Savings for Americans with Ag South Disposition
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA and USDA Unlock $1.6 Billion in Savings for Americans with Ag South Disposition
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Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the planned disposition of the Agriculture South (Ag South) building in Washington, DC. The Ag South disposition will deliver significant value to taxpayers while advancing the Trump Administration's objectives to reinvigorate, consolidate, and better utilize the federal real estate portfolio.
"GSA
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA and USDA Unlock $1.6 Billion in Savings for Americans with Ag South Disposition
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Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the planned disposition of the Agriculture South (Ag South) building in Washington, DC. The Ag South disposition will deliver significant value to taxpayers while advancing the Trump Administration's objectives to reinvigorate, consolidate, and better utilize the federal real estate portfolio.
"GSAis enthusiastically committed to executing President Trump's vision of reducing the bloated federal real estate portfolio and turning the fiscal drain of empty space into economic opportunity," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "I applaud Secretary Rollins, Deputy Secretary Vaden, and Senator Ernst for their efforts to save taxpayer money and make our federal workspaces great again."
Currently, taxpayers are carrying a billion-dollar liability for a building that is more than 85 percent vacant. Disposition eliminates risk and avoids $1.6 billion in delinquent maintenance, while achieving President Trump's goal of rightsizing USDA's footprint. As a result, USDA's average utilization will dramatically increase from its current average of 15 percent to 80 percent in their proposed location.
Through a deliberate planning process, USDA developed a comprehensive strategy to better align its workforce with contemporary space to meet their operational needs. USDA's plan to dispose of unnecessary and excessive space aligns with the Administration's goal to hone the federal real estate portfolio.
"This is a long overdue move to protect American taxpayer dollars from being wasted on expensive real estate inside the Washington, D.C. area when our government should be closer to the farmers and ranchers we serve," said Secretary Brooke Rollins. "More than 85 percent of the South Building is unoccupied and there is a $1.6 billion backlog in delinquent maintenance. It is simply unacceptable to put these costs on the taxpayer. We are being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars while also ensuring top notch customer service and fulfilling our promises to American farmers."
"President Trump made clear his second term would include relocating the sprawling federal bureaucracy to locations outside the National Capital Region," said Deputy Secretary Stephen Alexander Vaden. "The prior administration not only burdened the taxpayer through questionable policymaking but also by maintaining a massive, underutilized real estate footprint that USDA's budget could not sustain. Today's announcement cements the beginning of USDA's larger reorganization, ensuring this Department delivers on its mission to the American people within the bounds of its financial resources."
This is an opportunity to catalyze economic development in Southwest DC and an important first step as we work to prioritize American tax dollars.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $116 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-and-usda-unlock-16-billion-in-savings-for-americans-with-ag-south-disposit-02252026
Smithsonian American Art Museum Presents Programs With the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 -- The Smithsonian Institution American Art Museum issued the following news release:
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Smithsonian American Art Museum Presents Programs With the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is collaborating for the 13th consecutive year with the National Cherry Blossom Festival for a series of cherry blossom-themed public programs. The museum's offerings are part of its hands-on program series, designed to spark learning, creativity and appreciation for the arts.
The museum's popular Cherry Blossom Celebration for children and families
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 -- The Smithsonian Institution American Art Museum issued the following news release:
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Smithsonian American Art Museum Presents Programs With the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is collaborating for the 13th consecutive year with the National Cherry Blossom Festival for a series of cherry blossom-themed public programs. The museum's offerings are part of its hands-on program series, designed to spark learning, creativity and appreciation for the arts.
The museum's popular Cherry Blossom Celebration for children and familiesis Saturday, March 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weather permitting, the event will begin on the museum's F Street plaza with a Japanese taiko performance by the drumming group Nen Daiko. Other performances and activities in the museum's courtyard include an all-vinyl music set of Japanese soul, funk, boogie, pop and disco by Les The DJ, a ballet showcase by Misako Ballet Company and a Japanese model train display from Japan Rail Modelers of Washington, D.C. Children ages 12 and younger can create their own cherry blossom-themed crafts. Visitors can participate in a spring-themed scavenger hunt to explore the museum's galleries. The museum's Courtyard Cafe will offer seasonal treats for purchase. The Cherry Blossom Celebration is free, but registration is encouraged. More information and links to register are available on the museum's website.
A cherry blossom-themed workshop, presented as part of the museum's series "Beyond the Studio," is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, at 1 p.m. Multidiscipline artist and arts educator Lea Craigie will discuss the art of linocut printmaking and lead participants as they prepare, carve and print a cherry blossoms-inspired design of their own creation (cost $20); space is limited, and registration--open March 5 through April 5--is required.
These programs are presented as part of the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Ongoing at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
During the National Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors to the museum can enjoy the special exhibition "Grandma Moses: A Good Day's Work" that sheds new light on the beloved paintings by Anna Mary Robertson "Grandma Moses" (1860-1961), and "Nick Cave: Mammoth," an immersive project commissioned by the museum where the artist focuses on the fundamental connections between people and their environment. The museum's galleries display many remarkable artworks that reflect the profound and long-standing contributions of Asian American and Asian diasporic artists in the United States, including Glenn Kaino's "Bridge" and Shahzia Sikander's "The Last Post." A schedule of daily walk-in, docent-led tours is available on the museum's website.
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About the Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is the flagship museum in the United States for American art and craft. It is home to one of the most significant collections of American art in the world. The museum's main building, located at Eighth and G streets N.W., is open daily (closed Dec. 25) from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The museum's Renwick Gallery, a branch museum dedicated to contemporary craft, is located on Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street N.W. and is open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Check online for current hours and visitor information. Admission is free. Follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Smithsonian information: (202) 633-1000. Museum information (recorded): (202) 633-7970. Website: americanart.si.edu.
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About the National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the world's great celebrations of spring. The 2026 festival takes place March 20-April 12, and includes four weekends of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty and community spirit. The Leadership Circle Sponsors for the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival are Events DC and ANA, All Nippon Airways. Visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org or call 877.44.BLOOM for more information. Get the latest updates via email and follow the festival on social media: Facebook (@CherryBlossomFestival), Instagram (@CherryBlossFest), X (@CherryBlossFest) and YouTube (@CherryBlossFest). View all events on the festival's website.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonian-american-art-museum-presents-programs-2026-national-cherry-blossom
EPA Approves Wyoming's Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Approves Wyoming's Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program
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DENVER - Today, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final approval of Wyoming's partial coal combustion residuals (CCR) program. This will allow Wyoming, rather than the federal government, to permit CCR disposal in surface impoundments and landfills.
"Today's approval is cooperative federalism in action," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "By empowering state experts to manage their own resources,
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Approves Wyoming's Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program
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DENVER - Today, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final approval of Wyoming's partial coal combustion residuals (CCR) program. This will allow Wyoming, rather than the federal government, to permit CCR disposal in surface impoundments and landfills.
"Today's approval is cooperative federalism in action," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "By empowering state experts to manage their own resources,landscapes, facilities, and communities, Wyoming will use its local expertise to protect the environment and promote economic growth. This approval highlights how collaboration between EPA and states can drive American energy growth, generate employment, and Power the Great American Comeback."
"Wyoming has been America's leader in coal production for nearly 40 years, and at a time when energy security is front and center, that leadership matters more than ever," said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. "This approval strengthens our ability to deliver reliable baseload power for the nation while boosting energy independence and economic stability, allowing Wyoming to continue balancing strong environmental safeguards with the economic benefits coal provides to communities."
"For America to be energy dominant, we need Wyoming coal," said Senator John Barrasso (R-WY). "I applaud the Environmental Protection Agency for recognizing that Wyoming is best positioned to manage coal ash - not Washington. With this final approval, Wyoming workers and Wyoming coal will continue to be a major source of power for our nation now and far into the future."
"The Trump administration has done more to unleash Wyoming's coal industry than any other administration in a generation, and today's announcement is yet another example of the commitment to unleash American energy in action," said Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). "By returning permitting authority to the state, where it belongs, the EPA is trusting Wyoming's experts to manage Wyoming's resources-and that's exactly how it should work. This is a great day for Wyoming's coal communities, our economy, and for every American who depends on the reliable, affordable energy the Cowboy State produces."
"Wyoming coal keeps America warm every winter and cool in the summer. Recent freezes nationwide once again demonstrated the need to support Wyoming's coal industry as America's top producer of this life-saving resource," said Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY). "The EPA's order to release federal authority to the state is an important step to clearing barriers for prosperity and reinforcing the power grid. President Trump's energy dominance agenda runs on Wyoming coal. I am proud to see the Trump EPA become a partner with the kind of cooperative federalism that will lead to a cleaner environment and a brighter future."
CCR is produced primarily as a byproduct from burning coal in coal-fired power plants. EPA worked closely with Wyoming to assess the state's program application, gaining valuable insights into how the state will implement its program within its borders. After reviewing Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality's application, EPA determined that its application meets the standards for approval. With this approval, Wyoming is the fifth state in the nation, joining Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas, and North Dakota, to take control of their CCR permitting and oversight.
EPA is committed to cooperative federalism, empowering states to lead on local issues with strong federal support. EPA will be proposing decisions for at least four states and is working with several other states to propose additional decisions later this year. EPA stands ready to work with all states to help craft approvable CCR permit programs, from initial conversations to final approvals, to deliver for the American people.
For more information about this approval, visit the Wyoming CCR permit program webpage Exit EPA's website.
Background
CCR is a byproduct of burning coal in coal-fired power plants that, without proper management, can pollute waterways, groundwater, drinking water and the air. CCR contains contaminants like mercury, cadmium, chromium and arsenic associated with cancer and other health effects.
EPA issued a final rule in April of 2015 regulating CCR under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and establishing minimum national standards governing the disposal of CCR from electric utilities in landfills and surface impoundments. At the time the CCR rule was issued, EPA did not have authority under RCRA to approve state permit programs for CCR units. Instead, utilities were responsible for directly implementing the requirements of EPA's 2015 CCR rule, which were enforceable only through citizen suits.
Congress recognized the essential role of the states in its passage of the 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act. Among other changes, the Act amended RCRA to provide EPA with authority to approve state permit programs to operate in place of the federal regulations, provided the state requirements meet the federal standards. Applications must provide evidence of permit programs or other systems of prior approval and show that state requirements will be as protective as the federal regulations. Once approved, the state permit programs operate in place of the federal program for CCR disposal.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-approves-wyomings-coal-combustion-residuals-permit-program-0
Cosmic wonders coming to a Post Office near you
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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Cosmic wonders coming to a Post Office near you
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WASHINGTON -Today, the U.S. Postal Service released new Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express stamps featuring breathtaking images captured by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) James Webb Space Telescope (Webb).
The two stamps celebrate America's continued exploration of deep space with extremely high-definition images captured by Webb, which has been revolutionizing our understanding of space since its launch in 2021. More than
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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Cosmic wonders coming to a Post Office near you
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WASHINGTON -Today, the U.S. Postal Service released new Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express stamps featuring breathtaking images captured by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) James Webb Space Telescope (Webb).
The two stamps celebrate America's continued exploration of deep space with extremely high-definition images captured by Webb, which has been revolutionizing our understanding of space since its launch in 2021. More thanjust a functional piece of postage, these stamps serve as a reminder of our endless curiosity and our drive to explore the unknown. Whether purchased by space enthusiasts, stamp collectors or casual letter writers, these stamps bring the wonders of the universe a little closer to home.
Crab Nebula
The Crab Nebula, located about 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus, is the remnant of a massive star's explosive death. The supernova that created it was so bright that astronomers in China and Japan recorded its appearance in 1054 A.D., describing a "guest star" visible even during daytime for weeks. The remains of that explosion have since expanded into a vast cloud of gas and dust, with a rapidly spinning neutron star -called a pulsar -at its center.
Webb's infrared-sensitive instruments have provided a fresh look at the nebula, revealing previously unseen details of its intricate filaments and glowing clouds. Unlike optical telescopes that capture visible light, Webb detects infrared radiation, allowing it to peer through cosmic dust and unveil structures hidden from view. Its observations of the Crab Nebula offer new insights into how supernova remnants evolve and influence their surroundings, contributing to our broader understanding of stellar life cycles.
This new Priority Mail stamp allows anyone to send a package adorned with one of the most striking images of the cosmos ever captured.
The Crab Nebula stamp costs the same as a Priority Mail Flat-Rate Envelope, $11.95, and will be issued in a pane of four stamps.
Galaxy Pair
The Galaxy Pair image featured on the 2026 Priority Mail Express stamp showcases two interacting galaxies in exquisite detail, offering valuable insights into the nature of galactic evolution, star formation, and the fundamental forces shaping the cosmos.
Captured by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope in the mid-infrared and Hubble Space Telescope at visible and ultraviolet light, this composite image is the highest resolution view of galaxies IC 2163 and NGC 2207 to date. The smaller galaxy to the left, IC 2163, "slithered" behind the larger one at right, NGC 2207, a few million years ago. The image was captured by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope in mid-infrared and the Hubble Space Telescope in visible and ultraviolet light.
The Galaxy Pair stamp costs the same as a Priority Mail Express Flat-Rate Envelope, $33.25, and will be issued in a pane of four stamps.
Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed both stamps using photos courtesy of NASA. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtags #CrabNebulaStamp and #GalaxyPairStamp.
Postal Products
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, or at select Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. The stories behind the stamps and more are available 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/2026/0224-cosmic-wonders-coming-to-a-post-office-near-you.htm
U.S. Chemical Safety Board Releases Investigation Report on Fatal Hydrogen Sulfide Release at the PEMEX Deer Park Refinery in Texas
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (TNSrpt) -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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U.S. Chemical Safety Board Releases Investigation Report on Fatal Hydrogen Sulfide Release at the PEMEX Deer Park Refinery in Texas
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) today released its final investigation report into the fatal October 10, 2024 release of toxic hydrogen sulfide at the PEMEX Deer Park Refinery in Deer Park, Texas. Two contract workers died as a result of exposure to the toxic gas, 13 others were transported to local medical facilities,
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (TNSrpt) -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release on Feb. 23, 2026:
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U.S. Chemical Safety Board Releases Investigation Report on Fatal Hydrogen Sulfide Release at the PEMEX Deer Park Refinery in Texas
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) today released its final investigation report into the fatal October 10, 2024 release of toxic hydrogen sulfide at the PEMEX Deer Park Refinery in Deer Park, Texas. Two contract workers died as a result of exposure to the toxic gas, 13 others were transported to local medical facilities,and dozens more were treated at the scene. Over 27,000 pounds of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas were released during the incident, and a shelter-in-place order was issued for two neighboring cities.
The release occurred at approximately 4:23 p.m. on October 10, 2024, during maintenance activities in the refinery's Amine Unit when contract workers from Repcon, Inc. (Repcon) mistakenly opened a flange on piping that contained pressurized hydrogen sulfide. The workers were supposed to open a different flange on piping that was located approximately five feet away. One Repcon worker was fatally injured when the gas was released. The hydrogen sulfide vapor subsequently traveled downwind into an adjacent unit, where a worker employed by another contractor (ISC) inhaled the toxic gas and was also fatally injured.
The release continued for nearly one hour until refinery emergency responders reassembled the leaking flange and stopped the discharge. Because of the release, local officials in the neighboring cities of Deer Park and Pasadena, Texas, issued shelter-in-place orders that remained in effect for several hours. Although the refinery did not sustain physical structural damage, the company reported approximately $12.3 million in property damage related to loss of use of the Amine Unit and downstream processes.
CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said, "Two people died and the surrounding community was put at risk because of a completely preventable mistake. Companies must ensure that hazards are clearly identified and that effective procedures are in place to protect workers in facilities like this and the people who live and work nearby."
The CSB's final report concludes that the incident resulted from the failure to positively identify the correct equipment before mistakenly opening the piping that contained hydrogen sulfide instead of the piping that had been clear of the toxic gas. Contributing to the severity of the incident was the refinery's failure to adequately assess the hazards of conducting pipe-opening activities in an active unit next to an area where numerous other workers were present. The investigation also found that deviations from established policies and procedures contributed to the event.
The CSB's final report further identifies several key safety issues:
* Positive Equipment Identification: The CSB found that the refinery lacked an effective method to clearly identify the correct piping flange before work began. Drawings and flange lists were insufficient to distinguish nearly identical segments, and the identification tag for the correct flange was placed out of view. Without reliable identification, workers searched for unlocked flange devices similar to what they had seen elsewhere in the refinery. The CSB noted that accidental releases from opening the wrong equipment are common in the chemical and refining industries and that no industry-wide standard currently addresses this issue.
* Work Permitting and Hazard Control: The refinery issued a broad work permit covering multiple jobs with varying hazards and without clear hold points. Workers overlooked a written instruction to stop work and obtain an operator's presence before opening the hydrogen sulfide piping. The permit also failed to address the hazard of opening piping in an operational unit upwind of other contractors.
* Turnaround Contractor Management: On the day of the incident, workers were reassigned from a shutdown unit to a partially operational unit containing hydrogen sulfide. This abrupt change, combined with the proximity of the units, led workers to believe they were still working in the shutdown environment, and they were not specifically informed of the risks in the operational unit.
* Conduct of Operations: The CSB identified gaps between written procedures and actual practices at the facility. While the refinery's policies aligned with industry standards, management and operations personnel often misunderstood or deviated from them, contributing to failures in work permitting and hazard evaluation.
CSB Investigator-in-Charge Tyler Nelson said, "Opening hazardous process piping is a common maintenance activity that can be performed safely with effective equipment identification and work permitting practices. This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of equipment identification methods that are clear, consistent, and verified by both facility operators and contract workers before equipment is opened. Strong equipment marking practices, effective work controls, and disciplined operations are essential to preventing deadly releases like this one."
The CSB's report issues several safety recommendations to PEMEX Deer Park Refinery and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The CSB is recommending that PEMEX Deer Park label all piping in the relevant unit at the refinery in accordance with ANSI/ASME A13.1, implement procedures to ensure that workers reassigned to units in "Positive Isolation Status" are clearly informed of associated hazards and safeguards before beginning work, and establish a comprehensive conduct of operations system consistent with the Center for Chemical Process Safety's guidance on operational discipline, including enforceable performance metrics and routine audits. Separately, the CSB recommended that ASME develop written guidelines establishing a standard practice for marking equipment prior to opening, including clear identifiers and requirements for removing markings after work is complete.
The CSB is an independent, nonregulatory 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 to identify root cause of releases; 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.
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REPORT: https://www.csb.gov/assets/1/6/PEMEX_Investigation_Report_Final.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.csb.gov/us-chemical-safety-board-releases-investigation-report-on-fatal-hydrogen-sulfide-release-at-the-pemex-deer-park-refinery-in-texas/
Administrator Zeldin Releases Statement Following President Trump's State of the Union Address
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Administrator Zeldin Releases Statement Following President Trump's State of the Union Address
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WASHINGTON -Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin released the following statement on the heels of President Trump's State of the Union Address:
"Tonight, the American people witnessed a State of the Union that was nothing short of historic. President Trump delivered a powerful vision for America's future, one centered on lowering costs for families, unleashing
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Administrator Zeldin Releases Statement Following President Trump's State of the Union Address
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WASHINGTON -Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin released the following statement on the heels of President Trump's State of the Union Address:
"Tonight, the American people witnessed a State of the Union that was nothing short of historic. President Trump delivered a powerful vision for America's future, one centered on lowering costs for families, unleashingAmerican energy, securing our borders, and keeping our communities safe," said Administrator Lee Zeldin. "One year in, our nation is stronger, safer, and more affordable. America's golden age is here!"
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/administrator-zeldin-releases-statement-following-president-trumps-state-union-address
