Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
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Map: Advancing Major Infrastructure Projects
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Map: Advancing Major Infrastructure Projects
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This is a regularly updated map featuring many of Amtrak's infrastructure investments planned or already underway. To learn more about individual projects, visit AmtrakNewEra.com.
America deserves world-class infrastructure, and here at Amtrak we are doing our part. With new investments, Amtrak is transforming into a modern and efficient intercity passenger rail operator achieving historic ridership demands while leading an innovative construction
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Map: Advancing Major Infrastructure Projects
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This is a regularly updated map featuring many of Amtrak's infrastructure investments planned or already underway. To learn more about individual projects, visit AmtrakNewEra.com.
America deserves world-class infrastructure, and here at Amtrak we are doing our part. With new investments, Amtrak is transforming into a modern and efficient intercity passenger rail operator achieving historic ridership demands while leading an innovative constructionarm that leverages industry expertise to safely and efficiently deliver quality assets.
We're leading a strong American workforce and private-sector partners in building new bridges, tunnels, and trains to help meet the historic demand for intercity passenger rail and improve connections for millions of people in more than 500 cities, towns, and rural areas around the country.
Map last updated: March 23, 2026 | Page originally published: February 19, 2025
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/03/advancing-major-infrastructure-projects/
GSA Announces Opening of 16 Northbound Vehicle Inspection Lanes at the San Luis I Land Port of Entry
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Announces Opening of 16 Northbound Vehicle Inspection Lanes at the San Luis I Land Port of Entry
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Port modernization and expansion project doubles vehicle inspection capacity and enhances security
SAN LUIS, Ariz. - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announce the opening of 16 new northbound vehicle lanes at the San Luis I Land Port of Entry (LPOE) beginning Friday, March 27, 2026.
"The modernization of the San Luis I Land
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WASHINGTON, March 23 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Announces Opening of 16 Northbound Vehicle Inspection Lanes at the San Luis I Land Port of Entry
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Port modernization and expansion project doubles vehicle inspection capacity and enhances security
SAN LUIS, Ariz. - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announce the opening of 16 new northbound vehicle lanes at the San Luis I Land Port of Entry (LPOE) beginning Friday, March 27, 2026.
"The modernization of the San Luis I LandPort of Entry is an investment in the future of Arizona and the entire U.S.-Mexico border region," said Acting Public Buildings Service Commissioner Andrew Heller. "These new vehicle inspection lanes, along with the other improvements being made, will create a more resilient port that can meet the growing demands of cross-border travel for years to come. GSA is proud to support this vital infrastructure project."
The addition of these 16 privately owned vehicle (POV) lanes marks a major milestone, doubling the number of northbound lanes. This expansion will dramatically increase vehicle inspection capacity, improve security, alleviate congestion, and boost the local economy. As the second-busiest non-commercial port in Arizona, San Luis I currently serves 3 million drivers and 2.5 million pedestrians annually.
"This expansion will significantly increase inspection capacity, strengthen border security, support economic growth, and provide a more efficient crossing experience for residents of San Luis and Yuma County, as well as millions of travelers who depend on this vital port each year," said CBP Acting Director of Field Operations for Arizona Carlos Gonzalez.
The new northbound lanes include two shade canopies providing the traveling public, CBP officers, and their service animals with 16,000 square feet of shade protection. During the summer, temperatures in San Luis can exceed 110deg Fahrenheit, some of the hottest conditions in the United States.
This work is part of a larger $356 million modernization and expansion project. The project will transform the port by replacing the original 1984 facility with all-new, efficient, state-of-the-art facilities aimed at reducing the port's energy use and operational costs.
To ensure efficient port operations in the desert environment, the project incorporates advanced building systems; insulation materials; and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It also includes a new 21,000-square-foot pedestrian inspection building, which will increase the number of inspection booths from 10 to 14 and improve the flow of pedestrian traffic. The all-electric design includes a substantial solar panel installation and a microgrid system with battery storage, enabling the port to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, independent of the electric grid, underscoring President Trump's commitment to achieving energy independence. Furthermore, the project seamlessly incorporates the latest inspection technology to support CBP's security mission.
Construction is scheduled to last through Spring 2029, with the port remaining fully operational for the duration. Once complete, the new San Luis I Land Port of Entry will provide the traveling public with an enhanced experience that facilitates travel and commerce and better connects the San Luis border communities. For more information visit our San Luis I LPOE page.
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-announces-opening-of-16-northbound-inspection-lanes-at-san-luis-lpoe-03232026
EPA Transfers Oversight of Oil Recovery and Cleanup Operations in Kingman County to State Regulators
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Transfers Oversight of Oil Recovery and Cleanup Operations in Kingman County to State Regulators
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LENEXA, KAN. (MARCH 23, 2026) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has transferred the oversight of remaining oil recovery and cleanup operations of the crude oil discharge that impacted an unnamed tributary and the Chikaskia River in south central Kansas to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). EPA responded to the oil
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WASHINGTON, March 23 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Transfers Oversight of Oil Recovery and Cleanup Operations in Kingman County to State Regulators
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LENEXA, KAN. (MARCH 23, 2026) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has transferred the oversight of remaining oil recovery and cleanup operations of the crude oil discharge that impacted an unnamed tributary and the Chikaskia River in south central Kansas to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). EPA responded to the oildischarge that was reported on February 15, 2026.
"I am very proud of the work our team performed in Kingman County alongside our state partners," said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy. "Working together in line with EPA's commitment to cooperative federalism, our agencies prevented the flow of oil downstream and updated the public about the potential risks to livestock that drink from the Chikaskia River."
KDHE and KCC will continue to work with Atlas Operating LLC to ensure the recovery of remaining oil and oil-impacted debris is completed and that all wastes are disposed of in accordance with all state, federal, and Tribal regulations.
To date, over 240,000 gallons of a water and crude oil mixture have been recovered. More than 740 tons of oil-impacted waste, including vegetation and soil, have been collected and transported off-site to an approved disposal facility.
KCC will work with Atlas Operating LLC to inspect the integrity of its pipeline, make necessary repairs, and ensure it complies with the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. The SPCC rule helps facilities prevent a discharge of oil into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines, and requires facilities to develop, maintain, and implement an oil spill prevention plan.
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Visit the Region 7 Media page
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-transfers-oversight-oil-recovery-and-cleanup-operations-kingman-county-state
EPA to Share Early Design Plans for New Rail Spurs and Seek Public Input for GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA to Share Early Design Plans for New Rail Spurs and Seek Public Input for GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site
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BOSTON, MASS. (Mar. 23, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host a virtual/online public meeting on April 9, 2026, at 6:30pm that will provide the public with information on General Electric's (GE's) Conceptual Design Plan for the Rail Loading Areas on the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site.
During the meeting, GE will present its plan for the two EPA-approved
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WASHINGTON, March 23 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA to Share Early Design Plans for New Rail Spurs and Seek Public Input for GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site
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BOSTON, MASS. (Mar. 23, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host a virtual/online public meeting on April 9, 2026, at 6:30pm that will provide the public with information on General Electric's (GE's) Conceptual Design Plan for the Rail Loading Areas on the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site.
During the meeting, GE will present its plan for the two EPA-approvedrail transload areas located off of Utility Drive in Pittsfield and located adjacent to Woods Pond in Lenox. The presentation will include a summary of pre-design investigations completed for both locations, an outline of applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements, and a description of GE's design process and considerations.
There will be time for questions following GE's presentation. A copy of the Conceptual Design Plan can be found at: https://semspub.epa.gov/src/document/01/699382 (pdf) (36 MB).
EPA will be extending the input period for the submittal to April 16, 2026. Input can be submitted to R1Housatonic@epa.gov.
Participants will need to register to receive a unique website link or URL to join the meeting. For any issues accessing the Conceptual Design Plan and/or registering for the meeting, please contact Olivia Lopez at lopez.olivia@epa.gov.
Join online:
April 9, 2026
6:30 - 8:00pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/Ciar4_8ASOO6X7VAeU5s-w Exit EPA's website
After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For more information about the Plans and site, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ge-housatonic.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-share-early-design-plans-new-rail-spurs-and-seek-public-input-ge
EPA Expedites Review of Requests from New Hampshire Under the Clean Air Act
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Expedites Review of Requests from New Hampshire Under the Clean Air Act
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BOSTON (March 23, 2026) - In accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin's commitment to cooperative federalism, EPA is expeditiously working to review the state of New Hampshire's two Clean Air Act (CAA) submissions seeking to repeal the state's vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program and to remove the state from the Ozone Transport Region (OTR) ahead of the typical
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WASHINGTON, March 23 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Expedites Review of Requests from New Hampshire Under the Clean Air Act
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BOSTON (March 23, 2026) - In accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin's commitment to cooperative federalism, EPA is expeditiously working to review the state of New Hampshire's two Clean Air Act (CAA) submissions seeking to repeal the state's vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program and to remove the state from the Ozone Transport Region (OTR) ahead of the typical18-month timeline. In June 2025, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte signed a law repealing the state's Vehicle Emissions I/M program, including the emissions testing program in its entirety.
In December 2025, New Hampshire asked the EPA to approve a change to its State Implementation Plan (SIP) that would remove the state's vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program. Currently, New Hampshire is part of the Ozone Transport Region (OTR), a group of northeastern states required to include ozone-reduction measures in their SIPs, even if they already meet federal ozone standards. Because of this, New Hampshire's SIP includes the I/M program. Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the state must get EPA approval before implementing its June 2025 law to end the program. To do that, New Hampshire must first be removed from the OTR.
EPA has up to 18 months to decide on state petitions under the CAA, but after receiving New Hampshire's petitions on December 24, 2025, the agency plans to move much faster. The EPA expects to share its proposed decision by early summer and issue a final decision before the end of the year, well ahead of schedule. This reduced timeline shows the Trump EPA's focus on working closely with states to adhere to all statutory requirements and finish projects efficiently. Before the final decision is made, the public will have a chance to weigh in on the proposal.
"This process is a direct reflection of cooperative federalism based on New Hampshire's needs. EPA is working at record speed with the state to ensure all decisions are made in accordance with requirements under the Clean Air Act and to provide the people of New Hampshire relief from burdensome regulations," said EPA Administrator Zeldin. "The Trump EPA firmly believes that collaborating with our state air partners is the best way to deliver results and ensure clean air for all Americans."
"New Hampshire is a valued partner in protecting air quality across New England," said EPA Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn. "We will continue to work with all New England states to ensure EPA meets our mission of protecting human health and the environment."
Background
Ozone Transport Region \- The CAA sets out specific requirements for a group of northeast states that make up the OTR. States in the OTR are required to include in their SIPs certain measures addressing emissions of pollutants that form ozone, even if the states already meet the ozone standards.
SIPs are a collection of regulations and documents used by a state, territory, or local air district to implement, maintain, and enforce the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and to fulfill other requirements of the CAA. Examples of EPA-approved documents and materials associated with a SIP may include NAAQS attainment and maintenance plans, preconstruction permitting programs, stationary source emission control regulations, vehicle I/M plans, stack testing and monitoring rules, and more.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-expedites-review-requests-new-hampshire-under-clean-air-act
EPA Determines Phoenix-Mesa Area Will Not Be Unfairly Punished for International Emissions
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Determines Phoenix-Mesa Area Will Not Be Unfairly Punished for International Emissions
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Agency Finalizes Use of Clean Air Act International Transport Provision to Prevent Phoenix-Mesa from a Higher Non-Attainment Determination
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its determination to not reclassify the Phoenix-Mesa area from Moderate to Serious nonattainment under the 2015 O zone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Citing Section 179B of the Clean Air
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WASHINGTON, March 23 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Determines Phoenix-Mesa Area Will Not Be Unfairly Punished for International Emissions
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Agency Finalizes Use of Clean Air Act International Transport Provision to Prevent Phoenix-Mesa from a Higher Non-Attainment Determination
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its determination to not reclassify the Phoenix-Mesa area from Moderate to Serious nonattainment under the 2015 O zone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Citing Section 179B of the Clean AirAct (CAA), EPA finds that the Phoenix-Mesa area would have met federal ozone air quality standards by its August 3, 2024, deadline had it not been for emissions coming to the area from outside the United States. The agency's decision will ensure that manufacturers and citizens in the Phoenix-Mesa area are not punished for emissions out of their control.
"This action is yet another example of the Trump EPA making sure we are not punishing Americans for emissions from countries that do not have our same environmental standards," said EPA Acting Regional Administrator Mike Martucci. "Cooperative federalism is a key pillar of this EPA, and while the Phoenix-Mesa area continues working toward cleaner air, it is important EPA works with them. EPA stands ready to help the area achieve attainment."
"We are proud to work with Maricopa Association of Governments to ensure that Phoenix-Mesa is not economically harmed by air emissions they have no control over," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Aaron Szabo, "We look forward to working with other EPA Regions and state and local governments around the United States to utilize all provisions under the Clean Air Act to ensure that we can continue to grow our economy while protecting our air quality."
Under the CAA, areas that fail to attain the federal ozone air quality standards by their attainment date are reclassified to a higher nonattainment level, which triggers more stringent requirements. However, CAA Section 179B allows EPA to exempt areas from reclassification when the agency determines that a nonattainment area would have met its attainment requirement if it were not for the interference of international emissions. Prior to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's leadership, states had an unnecessarily difficult time demonstrating that foreign air pollution harmed Americans within their borders and their ability to achieve attainment because of unworkable guidance. On April 7, 2025, Administrator Zeldin rescinded the Guidance on the Preparation of Clean Air Act Section (CAA) 179B Demonstrations for Nonattainment Areas Affected by International Transport of Emissions and pledged that through cooperative federalism the agency would work with state and local air agencies to develop the evidence necessary to grant regulatory relief under CAA Section 179B.
On September 24, 2025, the Maricopa Association of Governments submitted adequate evidence demonstrating that the area would have otherwise attained federal air quality standards by the statutory deadline. Today's determination marks the first time EPA has used Section 179B authority since Administrator Zeldin rescinded the burdensome 179B guidance.
As a result of this determination, the Phoenix-Mesa area is not subject to reclassification requirements, nor the additional more difficult permitting and emission offset requirements of a Serious nonattainment classification. Additionally, requirements for the State of Arizona to submit contingency measures for attainment and reasonable further progress no longer apply to this area. All other requirements for a Moderate ozone nonattainment area continue to apply. EPA is committed to providing clean air for all Americans and working with the Phoenix-Mesa area to ultimately achieve attainment. EPA held a 30-day public comment period on the proposal regarding Phoenix-Mesa's attainment status.
Background
EPA established the 2015 Ozone NAAQS standards at 70 parts per billion to protect public health and the environment. The Phoenix-Mesa area is designated as nonattainment for this standard and had a Moderate attainment date of August 3, 2024.
Learn more about the Clean Air Act and NAAQS Exit EPA's website.
Learn about EPA's Pacific Southwest Region Exit EPA's website. Connect with us on Facebook Exit EPA's website, Instagram Exit EPA's website, and X Exit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-determines-phoenix-mesa-area-will-not-be-unfairly-punished-international-emissions
