Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
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IDB Launches First Benchmark Amazonia Bond
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Launches First Benchmark Amazonia Bond
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) issued its first Amazonia Bond of 2026, raising a record 1 billion Australian dollars -- the Bank's largest-ever single-tranche bond in the Australian dollar market -- to finance sustainable development projects across the Amazon region.
This is the second transaction under the Amazonia Bond program launched in 2025, building on the Bank's strategy of tapping the full power of capital markets to support conservation,
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Launches First Benchmark Amazonia Bond
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) issued its first Amazonia Bond of 2026, raising a record 1 billion Australian dollars -- the Bank's largest-ever single-tranche bond in the Australian dollar market -- to finance sustainable development projects across the Amazon region.
This is the second transaction under the Amazonia Bond program launched in 2025, building on the Bank's strategy of tapping the full power of capital markets to support conservation,economic opportunity, and community development in the Amazon.
The bond is structured under the Amazonia Bond Issuance Guidelines, co-developed by the IDB and the World Bank, and the IDB's Sustainable Debt Framework, ensuring strict standards for use of proceeds, impact measurement, and transparency.
"This first benchmark issuance under our $1 billion Amazonia Bond Program shows how capital markets can support conservation and development at scale," said Ilan Goldfajn, president of the IDB Group. "Issuing this bond in Australian dollars underscores that protecting the Amazon is a global priority -- and that investors around the world are willing to back it with long-term capital. The proceeds will support projects that protect the forest, strengthen local economies, and deliver measurable results, while providing a model that countries and institutions can use to develop their own Amazonia bond programs."
The bond pays a semi-annual coupon of 4.60% and matures on July 21, 2031. It was priced with a spread of 39 basis points over semi-quarterly asset swap, equivalent to 38.9 basis points over the Australian Government Bond 1.5% due in June 2031. Final order books exceeded AU$3.5 billion, including AU$400 million from joint lead managers.
The Amazonia Bond Program is part of Amazonia Forever, the IDB Group's regional coordination platform for conservation and sustainable development in the Amazon basin. The program focuses on expanding innovative financing, strengthening knowledge and data, and supporting regional coordination among eight Amazon countries.
"This transaction is a significant milestone with proceeds expected to be used to support environmental, social and economic development in the Amazonia region," said Jimmy Choi, global head of capital markets at ANZ. "A first-of-its-kind, this Amazonia Bond unlocks private capital for the region and further strengthens IDB's distinguished track record in the Kangaroo market. We are pleased to have partnered with our longstanding customer, the IDB, on this important project."
"We are honored to support IDB's inaugural Amazonia Bond issuance in the Australian dollar market. The IDB's leadership, robust framework, and commitment to transparency have strongly resonated with investors," said Keiji Machida, chairman and CEO of Daiwa Capital Markets America Inc. "This transaction illustrates how well-structured, high-quality bond issuances can effectively channel global liquidity to where it matters most. Congratulations to the IDB team on an outstanding execution and a well-balanced, high-quality order book that underscores market confidence in both the IDB and its Amazonia initiative."
"Congratulations to the IDB team on pricing its inaugural benchmark in Amazonia Bond format. This innovative structure provides international investors with a AAA-rated, liquid instrument, with proceeds dedicated to fostering sustainable development in the Amazonia region. The depth of demand on this transaction speaks to the IDB's status as a premier issuer within the Kangaroo SSA market. RBC is delighted to have been involved," said Jonathan Hunter, head of global markets of RBC Capital Markets.
Bond Summary Terms:
Issuer: ... Inter-American Development Bank (Ticker: IADB)
Issuer rating: ... Aaa / AAA (Stable / Stable)
Amount: ... AUD 1 billion
Settlement date: ... January 21, 2026 (T+8)
Coupon: ... 4.60% (payable semi-annually)
Coupon payment dates: ... January 21 and July 21, semi-annually up to and including the Maturity Date, with a full coupon on 21 July 2026
Maturity date: ... July 21, 2031
Issue price: ... 99.765%
Issue yield: ... 4.649%
Reoffer spread (bps): ... SQ ASW+39 bps / ACGB 1.5% June 2031 +38.9 bps / EFP+54.4 bps
Listing: ... Not Listed
Clearing systems: ... Austraclear, Euroclear, Clearstream
Joint lead managers: ... ANZ, Daiwa Capital Markets, RBC Capital Markets
ISIN: ... AU3CB0330306
Table: Distribution Summary
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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: https://www.iadb.org/en
Information on bonds for investors is available on the IDB website: https://www.iadb.org/investors
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*/ This press release is not an offer for sale of the securities of the Inter-American Development Bank. Any offering of IDB securities will be made only by means of a prospectus or other definitive offering document that contains important information about the securities, the offering and IDB. Offerings of securities will be made only in compliance with applicable laws.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-launches-first-benchmark-amazonia-bond
IDB Group, Bolivia Agree on Major $4.5 Billion Support Package
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Group, Bolivia Agree on Major $4.5 Billion Support Package
LA PAZ -- The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) and Bolivian authorities agreed on a $4.5 billion package for 2026-2028 to support the new government's ambitious reform agenda to stabilize the economy, restore growth, and expand job creation. It includes targeted financing for social protection, private investment, infrastructure, budget support, and capital mobilization. The package represents nearly six times the
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Group, Bolivia Agree on Major $4.5 Billion Support Package
LA PAZ -- The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) and Bolivian authorities agreed on a $4.5 billion package for 2026-2028 to support the new government's ambitious reform agenda to stabilize the economy, restore growth, and expand job creation. It includes targeted financing for social protection, private investment, infrastructure, budget support, and capital mobilization. The package represents nearly six times theBank's previous allocation to Bolivia.
President Ilan Goldfajn reaffirmed the IDB Group's support for Bolivia's economic stabilization and pro-growth reforms during a historic visit -- the first by a Bank president in 15 years. It marks a new phase of collaboration, focused on helping the country address current challenges while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
"We are here to support Bolivia to drive growth that benefits the entire population," said Goldfajn. "Stabilization is essential, but not sufficient. Lasting growth depends on a shared effort, including by the private sector."
"We welcome the support and visit of the Inter-American Development Bank to our country. We fully agree that economic stabilization is only the first step; the real challenge lies in building a sustainable and equitable growth model that reaches every Bolivian household and translates into public works, infrastructure, health, education, and jobs," said Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz.
In the first year, the IDB Group expects to deploy about $2 billion to support a stabilization program that protects the most vulnerable segment of the population and helps restore macroeconomic stability. Immediate actions include direct financing for cash transfers to low-income households. This is part of a coordinated multilateral effort to support fiscal consolidation while helping the most vulnerable.
The IDB Group is also supporting the Bolivia Crece agenda to accelerate economic recovery and attract investment. The program focuses on removing bottlenecks, increasing productivity, and advancing reforms at limited fiscal cost. This includes support for execution capacity, regulatory reform, and key investments in mining, energy, agribusiness, and tourism -- together with efforts to strengthen trade and logistics in the Southern Bioceanic Corridor, supported by the IDB Group's flagship South Connection program.
Beyond financing, the IDB Group brings technical capacity, more than 65 years of experience, and practical solutions drawn from across Latin America and the Caribbean to support Bolivia's agenda. As part of this effort, the IDB is providing non- reimbursable resources of up to $4.5 million in technical assistance to strengthen project preparation and pre-investment for priority initiatives, including under Bolivia's national development plan (PDES), improving access to public and private financing and accelerating execution.
With limited fiscal space, the strategy depends on efforts by all, including the private sector. IDB Invest, the IDB Group's private-sector arm, will expand its portfolio in Bolivia twentyfold, investing up to $450 million over the next three years in agribusiness, infrastructure, industry, and financial inclusion. Enabling reforms include 24-hour customs operations in Santa Cruz, streamlining procedures to support investments, expanding IDB Pay for digital payments and formalization, and simplifying business registration.
To support this, the IDB Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will mobilize private investment at scale, supporting competitive local companies and advancing projects in mining, agribusiness, tourism, energy, sustainable infrastructure, financial inclusion, and value-added manufacturing. In parallel, the IDB Group is discussing ways to advance efforts with the U.S. International Development Finance Cooperation (DFC) to mobilize private capital and support high-impact projects across sectors.
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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-group-bolivia-agree-major-45-billion-support-package
USPS releases 2026 Love stamps
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS releases 2026 Love stamps
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SARASOTA, FL -The U.S. Postal Service today announced the release of its 2026 Love stamps, four charming scenes of stylized birds inhabiting a colorful world where hearts appear -like love itself -in sweet and surprising ways.
Stamp artist James Yang drew inspiration from midcentury American design and Japanese children's book illustrations. The illustrator began with pencil sketches on tracing paper, later scanning and refining them digitally. He said that birds proved
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS releases 2026 Love stamps
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SARASOTA, FL -The U.S. Postal Service today announced the release of its 2026 Love stamps, four charming scenes of stylized birds inhabiting a colorful world where hearts appear -like love itself -in sweet and surprising ways.
Stamp artist James Yang drew inspiration from midcentury American design and Japanese children's book illustrations. The illustrator began with pencil sketches on tracing paper, later scanning and refining them digitally. He said that birds provedto be a versatile and visually interesting metaphor for couples, allowing him to explore themes of affection in playful ways.
"I am a big fan of midcentury design and love the rendering of birds by Charles and Ray Eames and by children's book artists of the era," Yang said. "At the time the stamp art was created, I was also working on the children's book 'Bus! Stop!,' which features two birds throughout the storyline."
The four stamp scenes include a bird duo inspecting leafy branches adorned with small white hearts; a blue bird presenting a heart-shaped flower to a red bird; two white birds resting in a nest beneath a heart-shaped moon; and a pair of birds exploring a flurry of orange and yellow hearts falling like petals.
Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using Yang's images.
The 2026 Love stamps are Forever stamps and will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #LoveStamps.
Postal Products
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, first-day-of-issue ceremonies and stamp-inspired products can be found at stampsforever.com.
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter ; Instagram ; Pinterest ; Threads ; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
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Original text here: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0113-usps-releases-2026-love-stamps.htm
Small Businesses Deserve an Honest Government That Listens
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy issued the following news release:
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Small Businesses Deserve an Honest Government That Listens
In testimony before the House Small Business Committee, Chief Counsel for Advocacy Casey B. Mulligan said that small businesses have too often been harmed by policies built on fiction rather than facts on the ground.
He highlighted widespread misuse of certifications under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which are agency proclamations that a rule will not meaningfully affect small businesses. Mulligan called many of
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy issued the following news release:
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Small Businesses Deserve an Honest Government That Listens
In testimony before the House Small Business Committee, Chief Counsel for Advocacy Casey B. Mulligan said that small businesses have too often been harmed by policies built on fiction rather than facts on the ground.
He highlighted widespread misuse of certifications under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which are agency proclamations that a rule will not meaningfully affect small businesses. Mulligan called many ofthem "fictional" and a problem "bigger than was previously understood." This unlawful practice allowed Biden administration regulators to bypass small-business review panels and avoid meaningful consideration of alternatives, the very problem the Prove It Act is designed to address.
Mulligan repeatedly emphasized that listening to small businesses comes first. Many Advocacy staff work outside Washington, meeting directly with small business owners and bringing those experiences back into policy discussions. As a result, Advocacy's work reflects real-world conditions, not Beltway assumptions.
Pointing to healthcare policy, Mulligan cited Medicare rules that favor hospitals over independent physicians by paying more for the same services. He explained that these regulatory distortions contributed to consolidation, pushing once-independent physician practices into hospital or corporate ownership.
Mulligan said the same listening-based approach applies to trade policy. He told the Committee that fishermen in New England described how "Europeans are stealing our fish and selling them back to us," adding that "finally we have a president who fights back against terrible trade deals." He also described how an entrepreneur raised concerns with Advocacy about imported coffee prices, and that President Trump subsequently issued an Executive Order in November modifying reciprocal tariffs on agricultural products to exempt coffee and other commodities.
After President Biden failed to even nominate a Chief Counsel for Advocacy, last week's hearing revealed that both parties on the Committee now agree that Advocacy is an essential part of the federal government. According to Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), "(I)t sounds like you have the most important job for small businesses in the government... and I recognize that we finally realized that we need to have a voice for our small businesses, because it seems like during the four years of the Biden administration, they got absolutely crushed."
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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/2026/01/12/small-businesses-deserve-an-honest-government-that-listens/
Growth in Demand for Manufacturing Drives Record Surety Bond Guarantees in FY25
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release:
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Growth in Demand for Manufacturing Drives Record Surety Bond Guarantees in FY25
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WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that its Surety Bond Guarantee (SBG) Program delivered record results in fiscal year (FY) 2025 with $10.6 billion in guarantees, marking the strongest year in the program's history. In FY25, the program supported more than 2,200 small businesses - especially those within the construction, contracting, manufacturing, and fabricating sectors.
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release:
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Growth in Demand for Manufacturing Drives Record Surety Bond Guarantees in FY25
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WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that its Surety Bond Guarantee (SBG) Program delivered record results in fiscal year (FY) 2025 with $10.6 billion in guarantees, marking the strongest year in the program's history. In FY25, the program supported more than 2,200 small businesses - especially those within the construction, contracting, manufacturing, and fabricating sectors.
"In addition to surpassing the $100 billion mark in 2025 for small business lending and SBIC investment, the Trump SBA guaranteed a record $10.6 billion through our Surety Bond Guarantee Program to support small manufacturers, contractors, and other job creators across our industrial base," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "With historic backing from the SBA, this Administration is empowering small businesses as they meet new demands for hiring, growth, and investment made possible by the America First economic agenda."
Through its Surety Bond Guarantee Program, the SBA provides a guarantee on surety bonds for certain surety companies, which allows the companies to offer surety bonds to small businesses that might not meet the criteria for other sureties. Surety bonds help small businesses compete for and win public and private contracts by providing the customer with a guarantee that the work will be completed.
The results underscore the agency's broad success in expanding access to capital, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and helping small businesses reduce their regulatory burdens. Last year, the agency approved record lending through its 7(a) and 504 loan programs, totaling $45 billion to more than 85,000 small businesses. Combined with capital deployed through the SBIC and SBIR programs, the agency supported over $100 billion in capital in FY25.
Surety Bond Guarantee Program Record Performance Highlights:
* $10.6 billion in total contract value supported through guaranteed bid and final bonds, surpassing last year's record by 15%.
* More than 2,200 small businesses assisted, the highest number in the past decade.
* $3.4 billion in contracts generated for small businesses, exceeding the previous annual record by 19%.
* 75 bonds guaranteed for manufacturers and fabricators, a 36% increase over FY2024.
For questions regarding the Surety Bond Guarantee Program, please visit sba.gov/surety-bonds or contact suretybonds@sba.gov.
About the Surety Guarantee Bond Program
The mission of the SBA's Office of Surety Guarantees (OSG) is to provide and manage surety bond guarantees for qualified small and emerging businesses in direct partnership with surety companies and their agents. The SBA helps small businesses by guaranteeing bid, performance, payment, and maintenance bonds issued by participating surety companies for contracts and subcontracts up to $9 million. The SBA can guarantee bonds for federal contracts up to $14 million if a federal contracting officer certifies that SBA's guarantee is necessary for the small business to obtain bonding. The SBA also offers a simplified bond guarantee application under its QuickApp, accommodating contracts up to $500,000 with minimal paperwork and approvals in about one day.
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/2026/01/13/growth-demand-manufacturing-drives-record-surety-bond-guarantees-fy25
EPA Proposes CWA Section 401 Rule to Streamline Permitting, Unleash Economic Growth, and Protect America's Waterways
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Proposes CWA Section 401 Rule to Streamline Permitting, Unleash Economic Growth, and Protect America's Waterways
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule that would return Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 to its proper statutory purpose, protecting water quality while eliminating regulatory overreach that has imposed unnecessary burden on critical infrastructure projects. This proposed rule would fulfill EPA's statutory role to ensure the
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Proposes CWA Section 401 Rule to Streamline Permitting, Unleash Economic Growth, and Protect America's Waterways
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule that would return Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 to its proper statutory purpose, protecting water quality while eliminating regulatory overreach that has imposed unnecessary burden on critical infrastructure projects. This proposed rule would fulfill EPA's statutory role to ensure thewater quality certification process operates within the clear boundaries established by Congress, maximizing permitting efficiency and eliminating unwarranted delays that have stifled economic growth. The changes directly support the essential role that state co-regulators and authorized tribes play in protecting water resources while advancing the Trump Administration's commitment to cooperative federalism.
This action would correct a fundamentally flawed 2023 Biden EPA rule that allowed delay tactics and protracted certification timelines inconsistent with the Clean Water Act. The 2023 rule's expansion of Section 401's scope enabled certain states to abuse this provision, creating substantial regulatory burdens that unnecessarily delayed or blocked vital energy, infrastructure, and development projects critical to America's economic and national security. The Trump EPA's proposal would eliminate these regulatory hurdles, restoring the law to its intended function while removing impediments to responsible development.
"Today's proposal restores the Clean Water Act to its intended purpose, protecting America's water quality and ending the weaponization of the law that has been obstructing infrastructure and energy projects vital to our nation's economy," said Administrator Lee Zeldin. "By returning Section 401 to its clear statutory boundaries, we're strengthening the role of state and tribal partners while ensuring environmental protections are implemented lawfully, efficiently, and consistent with congressional intent."
"The EPA's new rule aligns with my longstanding legislative efforts to update the Section 401 certification process to streamline infrastructure development. The EPA's update reverses costly Biden-era policies that allowed states to weaponize Section 401 to block infrastructure projects for reasons unrelated to water quality. I commend Administrator Zeldin's work to expedite critical infrastructure development and help America build faster," said Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).
"I commend Administrator Zeldin for bringing common sense back to the Clean Water Act section 401 process and ensuring the Act's focus is on clean water - not on weaponizing it to block infrastructure projects for reasons that have nothing to do with clean water. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is pursuing this same goal through the PERMIT Act, which we passed out of the House in December, and I look forward to both the rule and the PERMIT Act moving forward," said House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO-06).
In response to implementation challenges with the flawed 2023 Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification rule, the Trump EPA took swift action in the spring of 2025, issuing a memo that clarified the specific roles of states and authorized tribes under Clean Water Act Section 401. The agency also sought public input this summer to inform the updates being proposed in this action.
The proposed rulemaking would ensure predictability in Clean Water Act Section 401 implementation by standardizing approaches for certification requests and decisions, eliminating back-and-forth delay tactics on certification submissions, adhering to statutory timelines for certification decisions, and defining a clear process for both applicants and certifying authorities.
Additionally, the proposed rule would ensure that states and tribes are no longer able to use Section 401 to shut down projects for reasons that fall outside of the Clean Water Act's statutory requirements and appropriate and applicable water quality-related regulations.
Following the proposed rule's publication in the Federal Register, EPA will open a 30-day public comment period. The agency will quickly review comments received as it works to develop a final rule in the spring of 2026.
Learn more about the proposal.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-proposes-cwa-section-401-rule-streamline-permitting-unleash-economic-growth-and
EPA Announces Soil Sampling Initiative to Help LA Residents Further Validate Fire Cleanup Success and Strengthen Future Wildfire Response
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces Soil Sampling Initiative to Help LA Residents Further Validate Fire Cleanup Success and Strengthen Future Wildfire Response
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Voluntary sampling effort builds on historic cleanup operations, establishes advanced best practices for nationwide wildfire response
LOS ANGELES - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced it will conduct soil sampling at randomly selected properties in the Eaton fire area to help residents validate the effectiveness of Los Angeles wildfire
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces Soil Sampling Initiative to Help LA Residents Further Validate Fire Cleanup Success and Strengthen Future Wildfire Response
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Voluntary sampling effort builds on historic cleanup operations, establishes advanced best practices for nationwide wildfire response
LOS ANGELES - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced it will conduct soil sampling at randomly selected properties in the Eaton fire area to help residents validate the effectiveness of Los Angeles wildfirecleanup efforts and develop best practices for future wildfire responses nationwide. This voluntary effort, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), follows the successful completion of EPA's historic cleanup operations in February 2025.
Following those operations, EPA has continued to support Californians by initiating additional testing to confirm cleanup success and refine future response strategies. This proactive step goes beyond the agency's standard disaster response protocols and demonstrates EPA's commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. The sampling will focus on lead, based on scientific evidence from an extensive study conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in September 2025.
EPA will collect soil samples at two depths, at the bottom of excavations completed during debris removal and approximately 6 inches below, to measure lead concentrations and develop a statistical model that will inform future wildfire response protocols. The county's study, which analyzed various contaminants including heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, and furans, found that lead was the only fire-related pollutant detected across the Eaton area after debris removal.
"The Trump EPA successfully completed one of the most ambitious wildfire cleanup operations in our nation's history, safely removing hazardous debris from thousands of affected properties in record time," said Administrator Lee Zeldin. "This additional sampling effort demonstrates our continued commitment to Los Angeles residents. By establishing data-driven best practices today, we're ensuring that EPA and our partners will be even better prepared to protect American communities in future wildfire disasters."
To ensure accuracy, EPA is applying an incremental sampling methodology that provides a reliable average of contaminant levels across each property. Crews will collect 30 small soil samples from different locations on each parcel, combine them into a composite sample, and send it for laboratory testing. This approach offers a more representative picture of site conditions than testing from just a few individual points.
The sampling effort will document post-cleanup soil conditions, confirm that cleanup methods successfully addressed contamination, and establish evidence-based protocols that will strengthen wildfire response efforts nationwide.
EPA is working closely with LA County, the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and other partners throughout this process. Individual property owners will receive reports with their lead results and guidance on available resources from local and state agencies. EPA will also share aggregated findings with county officials to support long-term recovery and resilience planning. Results from the sampling effort are expected by the end of spring 2026.
Following the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing EPA to complete Phase 1 hazardous material removal within 30 days so that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) could proceed with Phase 2 debris removal. The Administration's coordinated response became one of the largest and fastest federal wildfire recoveries in U.S. history.
EPA's Los Angeles response marked the agency's largest wildfire cleanup ever. In just 28 days, EPA teams surveyed and cleared 13,612 residential and 305 commercial properties for debris removal, safely disposing of more than 1,000 lithium-ion batteries from vehicles, homes, and other devices. More than 1,600 EPA staff from all ten regional offices deployed to support this unprecedented operation.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-soil-sampling-initiative-help-la-residents-further-validate-fire-cleanup
