Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
IDB, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden to Unlock $800 Million for Amazonia and Central America
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden to Unlock $800 Million for Amazonia and Central America
BELEM, Brazil -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Impact Fund Denmark, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) signed a letter of intent today toward establishing a new guarantee. This new partnership is expected to result in approximately $800 million in additional IDB lending capacity for clean-energy projects
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden to Unlock $800 Million for Amazonia and Central America
BELEM, Brazil -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Impact Fund Denmark, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) signed a letter of intent today toward establishing a new guarantee. This new partnership is expected to result in approximately $800 million in additional IDB lending capacity for clean-energy projectsunder the Amazonia Forever and America en el Centro regional programs.
This additional capacity will enable the IDB to scale investments across the Amazon region and Central America by supporting projects that expand energy access, modernize transmission and distribution networks, promote clean electricity systems, advance sustainable transport, scale clean cooking solutions, increase energy-storage capacity, and strengthen emerging clean technology sectors.
The IDB has a strong track record of risk-transfer guarantees. In 2021, a $100 million transaction with Sida unlocked funding for projects focused on poverty alleviation, climate resilience, and support women in Bolivia, Colombia, and Guatemala, followed in 2024 by a second $250 million guarantee with Sida that unlocked $469 million in additional lending for the Amazon region under Amazonia Forever.
The proposed new guarantee - now with Impact Fund Denmark, Norad, and Sida - is expected to further bolster the IDB's regional programs, deepen collaboration with Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and advance the IDB Group's Institutional Strategy by mobilizing additional resources through balance-sheet optimization and innovative risk-sharing with partners.
"We are glad to work closely with Sida, Impact Fund Denmark, and Norad towards a new credit-substitution guarantee - our third with Sida and our first with Impact Fund Denmark and Norad. Through innovative financing, we are facilitating the mobilization of financial resources to strengthen energy security, resilience, and inclusive growth in Amazonia and Central America," said IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn.
"Guarantees are powerful catalysts for climate action. By partnering with the IDB, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are unlocking approximately 800 million dollars for clean energy and sustainable development in the Amazon region. This collaboration shows how innovative financial risk-sharing models can accelerate green investments where they matter most--protecting biodiversity and supporting communities for generations to come," said CEO at Impact Fund Denmark Lars Bo Bertram.
"We are proud to announce the first guarantee under the Norwegian Sovereign Guarantee Scheme, and it is especially rewarding to do so together with Sweden and Denmark. The Amazon region - where Norway has been the most important partner for rainforest conservation during the last 15 years - is extremely energy-poor. This guarantee will address that by enabling close to $800 million in renewable investments, with significant positive effects for the people, environment, and economic development," said Jonas Gahr Store, Prime Minister of Norway.
"This partnership with the IDB demonstrates how innovative financial instruments can multiply development impact. By combining Sweden's, Norway's, and Denmark's guarantee mechanisms, we are helping to unlock substantial new lending capacity for sustainable investments in the Amazon, aligning financing with both climate and development goals," said Assistant Director General and Head of the Department for Trade, the Private Sector, and Financial Instruments at Sida, Kjell Forsberg.
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The IDB Group at COP30
The IDB Group is hosting more than 80 events at COP30 to showcase solutions for closing gaps in financing for resilient development through partnerships, innovation, and a focus on measurable impact in Latin America and the Caribbean. Journalists on site are invited to visit our venues, with no registration required: IDB Group Pavilion in the Blue Zone, IDB Group Pavilion in the Green Zone, and the AMAZONIA SEMPRE Station at the Goeldi Museum. Follow our COP30 page for all news and event schedules.
The IDB Group is acting as a bridge at the conference - connecting governments and investors, the public and private sectors, people and communities - to mobilize at least $6 billion in announcements to help close gaps in financing and support national priorities.
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About Amazonia Forever
Amazonia Forever is the IDB Group's regional coordination program that aims to protect biodiversity and accelerate sustainable development through three lines of action: expanding innovative financing, boosting knowledge exchange, and facilitating regional coordination among the eight countries that the Amazon encompasses. During COP30, it will host the AMAZONIA SEMPRE Station at the Goeldi Museum from November 8 to 21. See the full program here: www.bit.ly/COP30AMAZONIASEMPRE
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About America en el Centro
America en el Centro is a regional development program designed as an umbrella to address common and cross-border challenges faced by countries in Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic (CAPDR). The initiative seeks to unlock the region's potential, promote sustainable development, and foster resilience.
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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: www.iadb.org/en.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-denmark-norway-and-sweden-unlock-800-million-amazonia-and-central-america
Uruguay to Strengthen Public Security With IDB Support of $200 Million
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Uruguay to Strengthen Public Security with IDB Support of $200 Million
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Board of Executive Directors approved a Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) of up to $200 million to support the strengthening of public security and justice in Uruguay.
As part of this credit line, the Board approved an initial individual loan of $25 million for the program "More Security I: Advancing Key Areas of Public Security Management." The program aims to
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Uruguay to Strengthen Public Security with IDB Support of $200 Million
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Board of Executive Directors approved a Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) of up to $200 million to support the strengthening of public security and justice in Uruguay.
As part of this credit line, the Board approved an initial individual loan of $25 million for the program "More Security I: Advancing Key Areas of Public Security Management." The program aims toimprove the effectiveness of the prison system, strengthen criminal investigations, and modernize police training.
Uruguay is facing growing challenges related to organized crime, including multiple issues in its prison system, the need to improve criminal investigations, and the imperative to prepare the police force for future challenges.
To address these, the program will enhance prison management through the construction and equipping of a new Assessment and Referral Center (CED) in the interior of the country, and the implementation of new technologies and protocols to strengthen prison security. It will also promote the modernization of the National Police, incorporating scientific and technological equipment to improve criminal investigations, including cybercrime. A new competency-based police training model will be developed, featuring specialized programs in investigation, leadership, and criminal analysis, all structured within a credit-based university career path.
The project aims to improve safety conditions for inmates and working conditions for prison staff; enhance police capacity to identify perpetrators of homicides and other crimes; and strengthen the institutional capacity of the police to become more effective public servants. This operation is part of the IDB's regional Alliance for Security, Justice, and Development, which promotes evidence-based solutions to strengthen security and justice institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Ministry of the Interior will be the executing agency for the program. The financing is provided under a Specific Investment Loan, with a repayment term of 24.5 years, a six-year grace period, and a five-year disbursement period.
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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.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/uruguay-strengthen-public-security-idb-support-200-million
Uruguay to Improve Secondary Education With IDB Support
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Uruguay to Improve Secondary Education with IDB Support
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is lending $60 million to help Uruguay enhance access and quality in its secondary education system. This operation is the third under a Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects approved in 2016 to finance a broader program of educational support for secondary students.
The new loan aims to lower drop-out rates and the share of students who repeat grades. The program, focusing on students in
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Uruguay to Improve Secondary Education with IDB Support
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is lending $60 million to help Uruguay enhance access and quality in its secondary education system. This operation is the third under a Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects approved in 2016 to finance a broader program of educational support for secondary students.
The new loan aims to lower drop-out rates and the share of students who repeat grades. The program, focusing on students inthe most vulnerable situations, will also expand an educational model that extends school hours to provide more learning opportunities and reinforce student-school ties.
The program will counteract high absenteeism rates, which are more acute in vulnerable contexts. It will implement a tutoring plan for first-time scholarship students to support their transition and overcome learning gaps, focusing on the knowledge they need to continue progressing through their education. In pursuing this objective, the program will also strengthen information systems and attendance records by deploying better technological tools.
The program will directly benefit students in vulnerable situations with 60,000 scholarships and social and educational orientation activities. It will grant an additional 35,000 students the opportunity to attend extended school day centers.
The IDB loan has a 22.5-year repayment term, an 8-year grace period, and an interest rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).
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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: www.iadb.org/en.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/uruguay-improve-secondary-education-idb-support
IDB Supports Reducing Flood Vulnerability in Metropolitan Area of San Salvador
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Supports Reducing Flood Vulnerability in Metropolitan Area of San Salvador
The Executive Board of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) of up to $500 million, aimed at reducing the vulnerability of El Salvador's population to flooding.
As part of this credit line, the Board also approved an initial individual loan of $150 million to finance a project focused on the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (AMSS).
The AMSS
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Supports Reducing Flood Vulnerability in Metropolitan Area of San Salvador
The Executive Board of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) of up to $500 million, aimed at reducing the vulnerability of El Salvador's population to flooding.
As part of this credit line, the Board also approved an initial individual loan of $150 million to finance a project focused on the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (AMSS).
The AMSSpopulation faces high vulnerability to increasingly frequent and intense flood events that cause loss of life, significant economic damage, and disruptions to daily activities. The project financed by the first loan will address the main causes of this vulnerability, including gaps in access to adequate urban drainage services, challenges in planning and strengthening technical capacities for efficient management, the need to improve early-warning systems, and limitations in the proper disposal of solid waste within drainage systems.
The program will fund the development and maintenance of urban drainage infrastructure, including the construction of detention ponds and the rehabilitation and operation of sustainable urban drainage systems. It will also support the rehabilitation of vaults designed to store large volumes of rainwater during intense storms and release it in a controlled manner, as well as the recovery and strengthening of culverts.
This project will directly benefit about 5,100 households (15,200 people) and approximately 700 establishments (businesses, public institutions), which will have access to adequate urban drainage.
Additionally, 100% of the AMSS population will benefit from an improved early warning system and awareness campaigns. Likewise, 70% of the personnel participating in the planned workshops will obtain certifications in urban drainage management and early warning systems.
The project also includes institutional strengthening of the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation and improving the effectiveness of the flood early warning system.
The first individual loan of $150 million has a repayment term of 23 years, a grace period of 7.5 years, and an interest rate based on SOFR
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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: www.iadb.org
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-supports-reducing-flood-vulnerability-metropolitan-area-san-salvador
IDB Launches Scholarships for Technology and Innovation Program in Korea
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Launches Scholarships for Technology and Innovation Program in Korea
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is now accepting applications for the Korea-LAC Tech Corps Program, a scholarship initiative funded by the Knowledge Partnership Korea Fund for Technology and Innovation.
This program offers up to 23 fully funded scholarships to mid-level public sector professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean who are eager to enhance their leadership and management skills through advanced
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Launches Scholarships for Technology and Innovation Program in Korea
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is now accepting applications for the Korea-LAC Tech Corps Program, a scholarship initiative funded by the Knowledge Partnership Korea Fund for Technology and Innovation.
This program offers up to 23 fully funded scholarships to mid-level public sector professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean who are eager to enhance their leadership and management skills through advancedtechnological innovation tools.
Over an 18-month period in Korea, selected participants will pursue a Master of Public Management (MPM) and an MBA in Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology Business at Ajou University, one of Korea's premier academic institutions. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and other program-related costs.
Eligible applicants must have at least five years of experience in public service and currently work in public institutions in Latin America or the Caribbean. The program is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership through the strategic use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
The Korea-LAC Tech Corps Program is part of the IDB's efforts, through its Competitiveness, Technology and Innovation Division (CTI), to strengthen institutional capacities in the region's public sector. The initiative promotes knowledge exchange with Korea -- a global benchmark in digital transformation -- and promotes the adoption of innovation-driven management practices across public institutions.
Application deadline: December 19, 2025
More information and eligibility requirements: https://korealactechcorps.com
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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.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-launches-scholarships-technology-and-innovation-program-korea
ICYMI: Trump EPA Finalizes Approval of North Dakota's Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program, Advances Cooperative Federalism
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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ICYMI: Trump EPA Finalizes Approval of North Dakota's Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program, Advances Cooperative Federalism
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WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, alongside North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong at the North Dakota state Capitol, approved North Dakota's coal combustion residuals (CCR) program application. This program allows the state, rather than the federal government, to permit CCR disposal in surface impoundments
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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ICYMI: Trump EPA Finalizes Approval of North Dakota's Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program, Advances Cooperative Federalism
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WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, alongside North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong at the North Dakota state Capitol, approved North Dakota's coal combustion residuals (CCR) program application. This program allows the state, rather than the federal government, to permit CCR disposal in surface impoundmentsand landfills, and ensures EPA's commitment to advancing cooperative federalism with state, local and Tribal partners. EPA will continue working with these partners to prioritize timely action and empower those with local expertise to oversee more effective CCR disposal operations.
Read coverage below on EPA's action to advance cooperative federalism.
North Dakota Monitor: EPA puts coal waste regulation into North Dakota's hands Exit EPA's website
"... Zeldin said the move helps cut red tape and puts more decision-making in the hands of the state, where it belongs... 'States should be more in charge of their own destiny,' Zeldin said."
KX News: Gov. Armstrong and EPA administrator Lee Zeldin finalize agreement to implement coal program Exit EPA's website
"... The Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Permit Program intends to make the recycling of coal ash safer and more efficient, while helping to reduce costs for coal producers. The program will allow the state, rather than the federal government, to permit CCR disposal."
Inside EPA: EPA Approves North Dakota's CCR Program, Boosting Push For Other States Exit EPA's website
"... Zeldin also responded to a question regarding EPA's future involvement in North Dakota's CCR permitting, saying that the agency will 'be a very close and trusted partner with the state,' but that 'what North Dakota is gaining primacy over, as far as that regulatory oversight, is substantial.'"
Bismarck Tribune: EPA gives North Dakota authority over coal waste; environmental groups may challenge Exit EPA's website
"Federal officials are handing off authority of many coal waste regulations to a North Dakota state agency. The move has been long sought by the state..."
WDAY Radio: EPA approves North Dakota's coal combustion residuals program Exit EPA's website
"... 'By entrusting state experts with the authority to oversee their own resources, we are reinforcing our commitment to both cooperative federalism and permitting reform,' EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said."
American Ag Network: Fedorchak joins EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Governor Kelly Armstrong for approval of North Dakota Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program Exit EPA's website
"... 'EPA is proud to support North Dakota's leadership and local expertise in managing its own coal combustion residuals program responsibly,' said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. 'This approval reflects that practical, state-driven solutions can deliver both environmental results and American energy opportunity.'"
Lignite Energy Council: Lignite Energy Council Applauds EPA Approval of North Dakota's Coal Combustion Residuals Program Exit EPA's website
"... Administrator Zeldin's decision to make this announcement in North Dakota highlights the importance of coal country to the nation's energy future. His visit underscores the state's record of balancing strong environmental performance with the reliable, affordable energy that keeps homes, businesses, and industries powered."
WZFG The Flag: EPA approves North Dakota's coal combustion residuals program Exit EPA's website
"... 'North Dakota has regulated coal combustion residuals effectively for more than 40 years, protecting both the environment and public health, and we appreciate the EPA and Administrator Zeldin for recognizing the strength and responsibility of our state-led approach,' North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong said."
E&E News: EPA hands North Dakota oversight of coal ash dumps Exit EPA's website
"...The approval is the latest sign of EPA blazing forward with Trump administration priorities during the government shutdown..."
KFYR TV (VIDEO): EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin in Bismarck to approve of ND authority to regulate coal ash waste Exit EPA's website
"EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin came from Washington to make the announcement with Governor Armstrong in Bismarck... Zeldin says North Dakota's department of environmental quality can take over [the coal combustion residuals program]..."
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/icymi-trump-epa-finalizes-approval-north-dakotas-coal-combustion-residuals-permit
EPA Issues Additional Decisions on Small Refinery Exemptions
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Issues Additional Decisions on Small Refinery Exemptions
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Agency Continues Work to Get Renewable Fuel Standard Program Back on Track
WASHINGTON U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is delivering on President Trump's promise to restore America's energy dominance by continuing to process Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) petitions. Today, the agency is acting on 16 individual SRE petitions from eight refineries seeking an exemption from their Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations for
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Issues Additional Decisions on Small Refinery Exemptions
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Agency Continues Work to Get Renewable Fuel Standard Program Back on Track
WASHINGTON U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is delivering on President Trump's promise to restore America's energy dominance by continuing to process Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) petitions. Today, the agency is acting on 16 individual SRE petitions from eight refineries seeking an exemption from their Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations forcompliance years 2021-2024. In consultation with the Department of Energy (DOE), EPA reviewed and considered information submitted by each petitioning small refinery. EPA then evaluated each SRE petition consistent with the Clean Air Act and case law. After carefully reviewing all information, EPA is granting full exemptions to two petitions, granting partial exemptions to 12 petitions, and denying two petitions. Concurrent with issuing these decisions, EPA is updating the SRE website to reflect these decisions on the 16 small refineries.
Today's announcement is part of the Trump EPA's commitment to get the RFS program back on track with an approach that recognizes some small refineries are impacted more significantly than others and that EPA's relief should reflect those differences. It also builds upon the agency's decisions made on August 22, 2025, for 175 individual SRE petitions from 38 refineries. Consistent with our August Decisions Action, EPA is reaffirming the agency's policy of returning RFS compliance credits, known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), previously retired for compliance when a small refinery receives an exemption for a prior compliance year. While no actual RINs will be returned today, EPA will follow standard agency policy and instruct those impacted to contact the EPA Fuels Program Helpdesk to initiate the RINs return process.
With most of the old petitions now cleared, EPA is committed to working with DOE to address new petitions as quickly as possible and within the 90-day statutory review period, a stark contrast from the Biden-Harris Administration which did not act on a single one.
Furthermore, on September 16, 2025, the agency announced a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) that takes into consideration the expected impacts of the August 22, 2025, SRE decisions. EPA is reviewing comments on the supplemental proposed rule as the agency continues to work on final regulations for the "Set 2" rule. As stated in the SNPRM, EPA intends to update the agency's projections of exempted gasoline and diesel volumes in the final rule based on any additional SREs issued after the proposal, including the petition decisions in this action.
Please see EPA's RFS program website for more information.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-additional-decisions-small-refinery-exemptions
