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Social Security IG: Enumeration at Birth
WOODLAWN, Maryland, Sept. 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Social Security Administration Inspector General issued an audit report (No. 062501) on September 3, 2026, entitled "Enumeration at Birth."
Here are excerpts:
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OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to determine whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) assigned more than one Social Security number (SSN) to the same infant through its Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program.
BACKGROUND
Under the EAB program, parents may request an SSN for their newborn on the birth registration worksheet at a hospital, at a birthing center, or with a licensed midwife.
Facility
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WOODLAWN, Maryland, Sept. 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Social Security Administration Inspector General issued an audit report (No. 062501) on September 3, 2026, entitled "Enumeration at Birth."
Here are excerpts:
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OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to determine whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) assigned more than one Social Security number (SSN) to the same infant through its Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program.
BACKGROUND
Under the EAB program, parents may request an SSN for their newborn on the birth registration worksheet at a hospital, at a birthing center, or with a licensed midwife.
Facilitystaff or the midwife enter this information into the state's Electronic Birth Registration system. The state then transmits the child's birth information to SSA's National Computer Center through secure electronic interfaces.
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico participate in EAB. Each state's Bureau of Vital Statistics receives the birth information, assigns a birth certificate number (BCN), and registers the birth in accordance with state law. Each state transmits birth information on a daily or weekly basis. SSA depends on each state's Bureau of Vital Statistics to submit accurate and complete EAB birth registration data. The Agency does not create or modify state birth information and processes the records as received. SSA assigns about 99 percent of SSNs for infants through EAB. In Fiscal Year 2024, SSA reportedly assigned over 3.6 million SSNs to newborns through EAB.
SSA should assign an infant a single, unique SSN. If SSA inadvertently assigns multiple SSNs to the same infant, it creates a risk that the individual could later apply for and receive payments or benefits under more than one SSN. For example, the individual could apply for, and receive, Supplemental Security Income under one SSN and later apply for, and receive, Supplemental Security Income or Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits under a second SSN.
In addition, the individual could apply for, and receive, other Federal and state-administered benefits under multiple SSNs, including food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and such state-administered benefits as unemployment insurance.
When SSA determines it has assigned an individual more than one SSN, the Agency should cross-reference all SSNs assigned to that individual to ensure earnings and benefits are properly associated with a single record. SSA designates one SSN as the active SSN and designates all other SSNs assigned to the individual as retired. Although retired SSNs remain in SSA's records, the Agency does not use them for business or benefit purposes.
Cross-referencing records and designating additional SSNs as retired ensures all earnings and benefits are consolidated under the active SSNs. This helps maintain the accuracy and integrity of SSA's records and reduces the risk of payment errors and individuals improperly receiving payments or benefits under more than one SSN.
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The report is posted at: https://oig.ssa.gov/~assets/audits/full/062501.pdf
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III Announces Retirement
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release on Sept. 9, 2026:
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Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III Announces Retirement
14th Secretary To Conclude a Distinguished Career That Includes More Than Three Decades of Smithsonian Service and the Creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
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Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, announced today he will retire from his position, concluding nearly 38 years of service at the Smithsonian and a career that has shaped the museum field in the
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release on Sept. 9, 2026:
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Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III Announces Retirement
14th Secretary To Conclude a Distinguished Career That Includes More Than Three Decades of Smithsonian Service and the Creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
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Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, announced today he will retire from his position, concluding nearly 38 years of service at the Smithsonian and a career that has shaped the museum field in theUnited States and beyond.
"It is with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude that I announce my retirement from the Smithsonian," Bunch said. "I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been. There is no place like the Smithsonian--it has been one of the great loves of my life, and I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished together. I leave with pride and sadness, gratitude and joy, and with enormous confidence in the people who will carry this remarkable institution forward."
Bunch was named Secretary in June 2019, making him the first African American and first historian to serve in the role in the Smithsonian's history. As Secretary, he led the world's largest museum, education and research complex, which includes 21 museums, 20 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers and multiple education units and centers.
Bunch notified Smithsonian Chancellor and Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts, Jr. In receiving the news, Roberts said, "From his days as a young curator at the National Air and Space and American History Museums through his tenure as the founding director of the African American History and Culture Museum and culminating in his distinguished service for the past seven years in the Smithsonian's top job, Secretary Bunch has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation's story. The Regents, and the Smithsonian, have benefited greatly from his wisdom, vision and leadership. We look forward to working with him in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for his successor."
During nearly four decades at the Smithsonian, Bunch has helped steward milestones that reflect the breadth of the Institution's mission, from acquiring the Greensboro Lunch Counter for the National Museum of American History to the Smithsonian's role in producing the first image of a black hole, and welcoming two new giant pandas to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
"I have had the honor of working with Lonnie Bunch for more than two decades, first when he was the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and ultimately when he became the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian,"said Franklin D. Raines, Smithsonian Board of Regents Chair. "I have seen firsthand how Secretary Bunch's leadership of our 21 museums and the National Zoo has illuminated the nation's past, opened pathways to new knowledge and powered creativity and innovation. These efforts will help create a better shared future for all. I thank Secretary Bunch for his extraordinary service to the Smithsonian and wish him continued success as he enters what I am sure will be an active retirement."
"As Secretary Bunch prepares to conclude his tenure by the end of the calendar year, the Board of Regents will be focused on ensuring stability during this time of transition," Raines continued. "In due course, the board will announce an Acting Secretary and begin a national search for his successor."
Before becoming Secretary, Bunch served as the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). When he assumed the role in 2005, the museum had no building, no collection, no funding and a staff of one. Over the next 11 years, he worked alongside colleagues, donors and supporters to realize a century-old dream, guiding the museum from concept to its opening on the National Mall in September 2016. Since opening, the museum has welcomed more than 13 million visitors and become one of the Smithsonian's most visited destinations. Later this month, it will mark the 10th anniversary of its opening.
Bunch first joined the Smithsonian in 1978, starting at the National Air and Space Museum and then serving in several curatorial and leadership positions at the National Museum of American History through 2000. As associate director for curatorial affairs, he oversaw the museum's curatorial and collections management staff and helped lead major exhibitions and initiatives exploring American history, culture and identity.
Bunch briefly left the Smithsonian to serve as president of the Chicago Historical Society, where he led a successful capital campaign, guided an institutional reorganization and expanded outreach to new audiences. He returned to the Smithsonian in 2005 to lead the effort to establish NMAAHC, one of the most ambitious projects in the Institution's history.
Throughout his career, Bunch has been a leading voice for museums and public engagement. As Secretary, he oversaw a period of growth and transformation across the Smithsonian while advancing plans for two future museums authorized by Congress: the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum and the National Museum of the American Latino. Most recently, the Smithsonian Board of Regents designated the historic Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall as the permanent home of the National Museum of the American Latino, marking a major milestone in the museum's development.
He also is spearheading the largest capital campaign of a cultural institution, the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, surpassing the goal of raising $2.5 billion, and securing some of the largest donations in the Institution's history.
A widely published historian and author, Bunch has written on subjects ranging from the African American experience and the American presidency to museum leadership and public history. His most recent book, A Fool's Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama, and Trump, chronicles the creation of the museum and the challenges involved in bringing it to life.
His contributions have been recognized with numerous national and international honors, including the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal, the Dan David Prize, France's Legion of Honor, the Freedom Medal from the Roosevelt Institute, lifetime achievement awards from the American Alliance of Museums and the African American Association of Museums and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He has also received over 25 honorary doctorate degrees from various universities.
"It is time for my next chapter, a chapter that will allow me to continue to protect the integrity of the Smithsonian and to champion the importance of a history that illuminates and celebrates the complex story of our nation," Bunch said. "The Smithsonian has been a reservoir of science, history, art and culture that freely allows the public to find knowledge, understanding, clarity, education, hope and a bit of joy. I will always carry the Smithsonian within me."
Additional details regarding the leadership transition will be announced at a later date. A detailed timeline of Bunch's career and accomplishments can be found online.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonian-secretary-lonnie-g-bunch-iii-announces-retirement
SBA IG: U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General - Open Recommendations
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration Inspector General issued the following report entitled "U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General - Open Recommendations."
Here are excerpts:
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This report contains the recommendations from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports that remained open as of December 31, 2025.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is issuing this report to show those recommendations from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports that remained
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration Inspector General issued the following report entitled "U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General - Open Recommendations."
Here are excerpts:
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This report contains the recommendations from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports that remained open as of December 31, 2025.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is issuing this report to show those recommendations from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports that remainedopen as of June 30, 2026. As of that date, there were 155 open OIG recommendations. SBA provided updates for certain recommendations prior to the date of this report which may still be under review by OIG. The status of each recommendation is subject to change as we independently review SBA's ongoing implementation.
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The report is posted at: https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/SBA%20OIG%20-%20Open%20Recommendations%20Report%20%28June%2030%2C%202026%29_0.pdf
[Category: IGIGRep]
IG: 'Procurement - Company Can Significantly Improve Its Oversight of a Technology Services Contract'
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Inspector General issued the following audit report on August 28, 2026, entitled "Procurement: Company Can Significantly Improve Its Oversight of a Technology Services Contract."
Here are excerpts:
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Our objective for this report was to assess the company's oversight of the cost, schedule, and performance of a technology services contract.
We found that the company can significantly improve its oversight of this contract to effectively manage its cost, schedule, and performance. Specifically, company personnel did
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 -- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Inspector General issued the following audit report on August 28, 2026, entitled "Procurement: Company Can Significantly Improve Its Oversight of a Technology Services Contract."
Here are excerpts:
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Our objective for this report was to assess the company's oversight of the cost, schedule, and performance of a technology services contract.
We found that the company can significantly improve its oversight of this contract to effectively manage its cost, schedule, and performance. Specifically, company personnel didnot ensure supplier invoices were fully supported, calling into question approximately $7.8 million in costs. We also found that weak controls resulted in the company paying at least $201,000 for work that may have been performed offshore without proper approvals. This includes at least $135,000 that we questioned because the company paid for this work at higher onshore rates. In addition, the company chose contract terms associated with a firm-fixed price contract for services that were better suited to a time-and-materials contract, which limited the company's ability to oversee the supplier's costs, adherence to schedule, and performance.
Given there are time and funds remaining on this contract, and because the company may extend it, we made recommendations to improve invoice review and reconciliation practices, evaluate and recover any disallowed costs, strengthen controls over offshore work, and assess whether the contract should be amended to better hold the supplier accountable.
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View full report at https://amtrakoig.gov/sites/default/files/reports/OIG-A-2026-009%20Technology%20Services%20Contract.pdf
Fed IG: The Board Can Strengthen Its Processes for Selecting Certain Federal Reserve Bank Leaders
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Federal Reserve Inspector General issued the following report on September 1, 2026, entitled "The Board Can Strengthen Its Processes for Selecting Certain Federal Reserve Bank Leaders."
Here are excerpts:
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Objective
We assessed the design and implementation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System's processes for appointing, approving, and consulting on the selection of Federal Reserve Bank Class C directors, presidents, first vice presidents, general auditors, senior supervisory officers, and chief financial officers (CFOs) from 2021
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Federal Reserve Inspector General issued the following report on September 1, 2026, entitled "The Board Can Strengthen Its Processes for Selecting Certain Federal Reserve Bank Leaders."
Here are excerpts:
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Objective
We assessed the design and implementation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System's processes for appointing, approving, and consulting on the selection of Federal Reserve Bank Class C directors, presidents, first vice presidents, general auditors, senior supervisory officers, and chief financial officers (CFOs) from 2021through 2024. Our evaluation included the Board's processes for identifying and resolving potential conflicts of interest for candidates for these positions.
To accomplish our objective, we reviewed applicable laws, Board policies and procedures, publicly available information, and leading practices for selecting bank governing boards and defining their roles and responsibilities.
1 We interviewed relevant officials from the Board's Office of the Secretary (OSEC), Division of Reserve Bank Operations and Payment Systems (RBOPS), Division of Supervision and Regulation (S&R), and Legal Division. We also interviewed seven governors and conducted outreach with officials from each of the 12 Reserve Banks. Details on our scope and methodology are in appendix A.
Background
The Federal Reserve System
The Federal Reserve System is the nation's central bank. Pursuant to the Federal Reserve Act, the System consists of the Board; 12 Reserve Banks; and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Among its purposes and functions, the System promotes the effective operation of the nation's economy and serves the public interest.
The Board has seven governors, who are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The Board's responsibilities include conducting general oversight of the 12 Reserve Banks, formulating monetary policy, promoting financial stability, ensuring the safety and soundness of certain financial institutions, and overseeing the nation's payment system. Much of the Board of Governors' decisionmaking occurs in regular board meetings; through notation voting; or through delegations of its authority, including to Reserve Banks. The Board has established a committee structure of seven standing committees and one standing subcommittee. Each standing committee consists of up to three governors, one of whom serves as committee chair. The committees are advisory bodies and do not have decisionmaking authority.
The 12 Reserve Banks operate in distinct geographic regions. Those Reserve Banks execute certain core functions for the System, including supervising and examining financial institutions, lending to depository institutions, enforcing consumer protection and fair lending laws within the System's jurisdiction, promoting local community development, and fostering safe and efficient payment systems.
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The report is posted at: https://oig.federalreserve.gov/reports/board-selecting-reserve-bank-leaders-sep2026.pdf
Postal Service 'Roadeo' is Coming to Norman, OK
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 -- The U.S. Postal Service posted the following news release:
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Postal Service 'Roadeo' is Coming to Norman, OK
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NORMAN, OK -Next week, the U.S. Postal Service will hold its annual logistics symposium in Norman, OK, in conjunction with the 2026 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
Postal Service tractor-trailer operators, motor vehicle operators, and more than 300 logistics managers from across the country will gather Sept. 14 - 16 at the USPS National Center for Employee Development in Norman. Topics of discussion include safe driving strategies and driver technology,
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 -- The U.S. Postal Service posted the following news release:
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Postal Service 'Roadeo' is Coming to Norman, OK
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NORMAN, OK -Next week, the U.S. Postal Service will hold its annual logistics symposium in Norman, OK, in conjunction with the 2026 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
Postal Service tractor-trailer operators, motor vehicle operators, and more than 300 logistics managers from across the country will gather Sept. 14 - 16 at the USPS National Center for Employee Development in Norman. Topics of discussion include safe driving strategies and driver technology,as well as participation in driver training sessions designed to promote a safe working environment.
During the event, 54 drivers -including mail carriers -will be recognized for 1 million miles of safe driving practices. On Sept. 15, the Postal Service Roadeo -a professional driving competition for large trucks -will be held to find the best tractor-trailer and motor vehicle drivers in the organization.
"I look forward to the symposium every year," said Robert Cintron, USPS logistics vice president. "Postal Service logistics managers and our drivers are some of the best in the shipping industry. The symposium gives them a chance to get together to discuss new innovations in safety and logistics, hear from others in the industry, and acknowledge the outstanding drivers we have in the organization."
"Roadeo" Competition
Unlike mail carriers who drive vans, next-generation delivery vehicles and the smaller Long Life Vehicles to deliver mail to homes and businesses, operators of the larger trucks and tractor trailers transport the mail between processing and sorting facilities and Post Office locations throughout the country. These drivers must not only drive on major highways, but also the more congested city streets and parking lots where navigating difficulties such as parked cars and tight turns can be tricky.
The Postal Service has one of the largest private fleets in the nation. With more than 11,000 drivers, the competition is no easy feat. The drivers of the large trucks and tractor-trailers compete locally for a chance to represent their region at the competition. Out of a total of 11,588 motor vehicle and tractor-trailer operators, the eight best drivers are selected to participate in the roadeo. The drivers compete on a closed course with obstacles designed to test their ability to perform tight maneuvers. The winners of the roadeo are recognized as the best drivers in the country.
Training Center of Excellence
This week the Postal Service will also showcase the center of excellence (COE) for driver training in Norman. The center is scheduled to open later this year.
Driver trainees have in-class instruction and once classes are complete, participating drivers will be assigned an on-the-job instructor (OJI) who will accompany them for two weeks of hands-on training. The OJI is a veteran postal employee who trains new hires and helps them transition from classroom learning to on-the-job duties.
After driver trainees complete both the classroom and OJI training, they will be assigned driving routes and begin their postal driving career.
"Postal drivers are responsible for transporting the nation's mail safely and reliably," said Pete Routsolias, USPS chief logistics officer, "By having the COE available, the Postal Service will make it easier for interested drivers to receive more than standard driver training but also prepare them for a career with the Postal Service."
Safety Recognition
Another highlight during this year's symposium is the recognition of 54 postal drivers who have earned the National Safety Council Million Mile Award.
The award recognizes drivers with 1 million miles of driving or 30 accumulated years driven without a preventable incident on their record. To put it in perspective, 1 million miles equals more than four round trip journeys to the moon and back. It is the trademark of the expert driver and is recognized as the nation's highest award for safe driving.
The drivers recognized for this achievement are part of a prestigious group of more than 30,000 past and present USPS drivers.
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 currently pursuing a transformation 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, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
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Original text here: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0908-best-driver-competition-is-part-of-national-postal-logistics-symposium.htm
EPA Begins Final Phase of Post-Fire Battery Cleanup at Moss Landing
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Begins Final Phase of Post-Fire Battery Cleanup at Moss Landing
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Crews begin building demolition and processing of remaining batteries for disposal
MOSS LANDING, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the start of the final phase of battery cleanup at Vistra's battery energy storage facility in Moss Landing, California, following the January 2025 fire at the facility. EPA will now oversee the removal and processing of all remaining, severely
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Begins Final Phase of Post-Fire Battery Cleanup at Moss Landing
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Crews begin building demolition and processing of remaining batteries for disposal
MOSS LANDING, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the start of the final phase of battery cleanup at Vistra's battery energy storage facility in Moss Landing, California, following the January 2025 fire at the facility. EPA will now oversee the removal and processing of all remaining, severelydamaged batteries and remnant material for transport to off-site disposal facilities. The burnt battery storage building is being demolished to allow crews to reach the remaining material.
"The beginning of the final phase of battery removal at Moss Landing is a huge milestone in this unprecedented lithium-ion battery cleanup," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Mike Martucci. "Thanks to our experts' coordination and close oversight, we're one step closer to safely eliminating the threat of these potentially dangerous batteries once and for all."
Following the cleanup of Moss Landing batteries that were safer to access, Vistra, under EPA's oversight, has now begun removing all remaining, previously inaccessible battery material. To safely transport this material off-site for disposal at specialized facilities, severely damaged batteries will first be treated on-site at Moss Landing. This remnant battery material and fire debris will be tested for waste characterization purposes, and finally sent for proper disposal at EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)-approved facilities. EPA intends to post these waste characterization sampling results on its Moss Landing webpage. Material that can be isolated for recycling will continue to be recycled at appropriate facilities.
During this final phase of the cleanup, Vistra will continue the complex process of demolishing the fire-impacted building to allow for the removal of the remaining batteries. Air monitoring and air sampling activities, fire and smoke watch, water collection and testing, battery temperature monitoring, and dust mitigation and suppression activities - such as the application of encapsulants - will continue throughout the process as necessary to immediately detect any safety risks and protect workers and the surrounding community.
EPA continues to take every precaution to mitigate the risk of a fire incident on-site and to closely coordinate with local agencies to ensure they are informed and prepared in the event of an emergency. Vistra will activate an EPA-approved response plan if any fire incident occurs on-site. Based on current projections, EPA anticipates the battery removal process and building demolition will be completed in mid-2027.
For more information on the cleanup and safety measures being put in place to protect workers, the community, and wildlife throughout the process, visit EPA's Moss Landing Battery Fire Response webpage.
Background
On January 16, 2025, a fire broke out at Vistra's 300-megawatt battery energy storage facility in Moss Landing. The facility contained approximately 100,000 lithium-ion battery modules, of which about 55 percent were damaged in the incident. The fire continued until January 18 and experienced a flare-up on February 18, 2025. EPA has remained involved in the response since the first night of the fire.
Damaged lithium-ion batteries pose an ongoing risk of fire. Lithium-ion battery fires can produce hydrogen fluoride and other flammable or toxic gases. To reduce the risk of another fire, the building was stabilized and all accessible batteries were delinked, removed from the fire-damaged building, and de-energized for safe transport to EPA-approved recycling facilities.
Over the past year, EPA oversaw the first phase of battery removal work, targeting the removal and preparation of as many batteries as were safely accessible for recycling off-site at EPA-approved facilities. During this time, EPA also oversaw work to stabilize and demolish portions of the fire-damaged Moss Landing building. This work allowed crews to access, remove, de-energize, and transport nearly 40,000 intact batteries for recycling, including more than 5,600 batteries accessed over the past several weeks. Batteries from the first phase were sent to EPA-approved recycling facilities in Nevada and Ohio.
Vistra is considered a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). In July 2025, the company entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent, in which Vistra agreed to perform and pay for the costs of battery removal and disposal under EPA's oversight. EPA will continue to oversee cleanup activities at Moss Landing 300 until the batteries and related materials have been removed from the site.
Learn about EPA's Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on FacebookExit EPA's website, InstagramExit EPA's website, and XExit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-begins-final-phase-post-fire-battery-cleanup-moss-landing