Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine: Search for Life Should Be Top Science Priority for First Human Landing on Mars, Says New Report
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (TNSrep) -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
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Search for Life Should Be Top Science Priority for First Human Landing on Mars, Says New Report
A new report (https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/28594/a-science-strategy-for-the-human-exploration-of-mars) from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine identifies the highest priority science objectives for the first human mission to Mars, and says searching for evidence of existing or past life on Mars should be the top priority. Improving
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (TNSrep) -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
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Search for Life Should Be Top Science Priority for First Human Landing on Mars, Says New Report
A new report (https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/28594/a-science-strategy-for-the-human-exploration-of-mars) from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine identifies the highest priority science objectives for the first human mission to Mars, and says searching for evidence of existing or past life on Mars should be the top priority. Improvingour understanding of the effects of Mars' environment on humans, plants, and animals; water cycles; geologic records; and dust storms are also among the 11 science priorities named in the report.
The report presents four possible campaigns for human exploration of Mars, each encompassing a sequence of three missions linked to specific science objectives. For each campaign, the report describes which science objectives could be met, the likely roles of crew members, and the campaign's strengths and weaknesses for meeting scientific goals.
"The first human landing on Mars will be the most significant moment for human space exploration since we first set foot on the moon over 50 years ago," said Linda T. Elkins-Tanton, director of the University of California, Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory; principal investigator, NASA Psyche mission; and co-chair of the committee that wrote the report. "Our report puts science at the center of what will be a remarkable achievement, and outlines the incredible knowledge we'll have the opportunity to glean about our place in the universe, the potential habitability of Mars, and so much more.
Science Objectives
In order of priority, the report names the following as the science objectives that a human mission to Mars should pursue:
1. Search for Life -- Determine if evidence can be found on Mars of existing or extinct life, the planet's habitability, or indigenous prebiotic chemistry.
2. Water and CO2 on Mars -- Characterize the planet's water and CO2 cycles to understand how they may have evolved.
3. Mars Geology -- Characterize and map the geologic record to reveal Mars' evolution.
4. Impact on Crew -- Determine the impact of the Martian environment on crew physiological, cognitive, and emotional health, and on team dynamics.
5. Dust Storms -- Determine what controls the onset and evolution of the major dust storms that make Mars' atmosphere so variable.
6. Explore Resources -- Characterize the Martian environment for in situ resource utilization and processing needs, with an early focus on water and propellants, ultimately to explore materials that support permanent habitation.
7. Effect of Mars on Genomes and Reproduction -- Determine whether the Martian environment affects reproduction or the functional genome across multiple generations in at least one plant species and one animal species.
8. Understanding Microbes -- Determine if microbial population dynamics and the distribution of microbial species in biological systems are stable on Mars, and are not detrimental to astronaut health and performance.
9. Martian Dust -- Characterize the effects of Martian dust on the human body and on hardware.
10. Plants and Animals in an Ecosystem -- Determine the impact of the Martian environment on plant and animal physiology and development across multiple generations, as part of an integrated ecosystem of plants, microbes, and animals.
11. Radiation Sampling -- Characterize radiation at key locations in the crew habitat and at astrobiological sampling sites, both to contextualize sample collection and improve our estimates of the risk to future missions.
Four Campaigns for Mars Science
The top-ranked campaign, which could achieve every science objective named in the report, would include a human landing lasting 30 sols (Mars days, which are slightly longer than an Earth day), an uncrewed cargo delivery, and a longer 300-sol mission. Each of these landings would occur at a single site in an exploration zone approximately 100 kilometers in diameter, and with specific features such as ancient lava flows and known dust storms. Field measurements would require a wide suite of science instruments to be brought to Mars, as well as drilling and meteorological equipment, with more detailed investigations being conducted in a Mars habitat laboratory and further study of samples brought back to Earth.
The second-ranked campaign seeks to optimize achieving the measurements that are the most needed in common across all the science objectives. This approach offers a campaign with looser needs for a specific landing site, as some measurements could be achieved at a range of possible landing sites.
The third-ranked campaign focuses on searching for life on Mars, the top-ranked science priority. This campaign would focus on selecting a site where deep drilling to liquid water would be possible -- followed by core collection and initial analysis of samples on Mars. The bulk of the samples would be returned to Earth for further study of habitability and past and present life on Mars.
The fourth uses three short missions at different locations on Mars to achieve a variety of the top science objectives, and would enable exploration of widely varying environments. The report suggests three possible types of sites that could be selected for this campaign: an area with igneous and impact melt geology; a site with sedimentary rocks to search for evidence of ancient life or prebiotic processes; and glaciers located within a dust-storm-forming region of Mars.
"By imagining different ways that priority science could be pursued during actual human missions, our report shows there are many different options for humans to explore Mars and achieve great scientific breakthroughs," said committee co-chair Dava Newman, Apollo Program Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Importantly, it also offers a synergistic review of science priorities enhanced by human exploration."
Recommendations for NASA
The report offers recommendations for NASA that would help the agency lay the groundwork for meeting scientific objectives. For example, to enable many of the scientific and exploration objectives for investigating regions on Mars that could possibly support life and to protect the scientific integrity of the results, NASA should continue to collaborate on the evolution of currently limiting planetary protection guidelines, the report says. NASA should also include a surface laboratory on Mars in its mission plans, return samples to Earth from every human mission to Mars, and start a recurring summit on teaming between humans, robotic exploration tools, and artificial intelligence to support Mars missions.
The study -- undertaken by the Committee for a Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars -- was sponsored by NASA. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, engineering, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/search-for-life-should-be-top-science-priority-for-first-human-landing-on-mars-says-new-report
FHLBank Chicago Invests $2.5 Million to Expand Housing Counseling Across Wisconsin
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 10 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago Invests $2.5 Million to Expand Housing Counseling Across Wisconsin
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) has awarded $2.5 million to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) for 2025 through its Community First(R) Housing Counseling Resource Program. The increased funding compared to last year allows WHEDA to expand its network of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-certified
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 10 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago Invests $2.5 Million to Expand Housing Counseling Across Wisconsin
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) has awarded $2.5 million to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) for 2025 through its Community First(R) Housing Counseling Resource Program. The increased funding compared to last year allows WHEDA to expand its network of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-certifiedcounseling agencies, helping more Wisconsin families prepare for sustainable homeownership.
"Together with WHEDA, we're expanding pathways to successful and sustainable homeownership across Wisconsin," said Katie Naftzger, Senior Vice President and Community Investment Officer at FHLBank Chicago. "Housing counseling provides families with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions and create stability that lasts."
Launched in 2022, the Housing Counseling Resource Program expands access to financial education, credit preparation, and homebuyer support services for people working toward long-term housing stability. The program also empowers current homeowners in the maintenance of their homes through post-purchase education and, should they incur financial instability, foreclosure prevention counseling.
With WHEDA leading Wisconsin's efforts and the Illinois Housing Development Authority managing Illinois services, FHLBank Chicago has invested $13 million in strengthening housing counseling access across both states.
"Housing counseling gives people the knowledge they need to navigate the path to homeownership and make informed decisions. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago's investment ensures current homeowners and first-time buyers have the support to secure a stable home," said Elmer Moore Jr., Executive Director and CEO of WHEDA. "Homeownership provides working families with stability and strengthens community connections. This partnership is a game-changer, and we are so very grateful."
In 2023 and 2024, HUD-certified housing counseling agencies receiving funding through the Housing Counseling Resource Program have served more than 14,000 Wisconsin households, with over 1,600 achieving their goal of homeownership. This individualized support equips families with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions and establish lasting financial stability.
One success story: Kathryn Hazleton, a first-time homebuyer, worked with La Casa de Esperanza, to become mortgage-ready with Waukesha State Bank and secure a $10,000 grant through FHLBank Chicago's Downpayment Plus(R) (DPP(R)) Program.
"La Casa de Esperanza's homebuyer program helped me understand what I needed to do to buy a home," said Hazleton. "The grant I secured through the DPP Program was extremely helpful, and I didn't need to spend all my savings on the down payment. I had been saving for years, and I finally did it. Now I can afford to update my home and make it my own. Being a homeowner makes me feel free, and it's relaxing to know I have my own place and my payments are controlled."
FHLBank Chicago remains committed to strengthening housing counseling resources and creating pathways to homeownership for families across Wisconsin and Illinois. Photo caption: First-time homebuyer Kathryn Hazleton celebrates achieving homeownership with housing counseling support from La Casa de Esperanza and $10,000 in down payment assistance through FHLBank Chicago's Downpayment Plus(R) Program.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlbc.com/news/details/2025/12/09/fhlbank-chicago-invests--2.5-million-to-expand-housing-counseling-across-wisconsin
SBA Relief Still Available to Florida Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Florida Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida of the Jan. 5 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought and excessive heat occurring March 11, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers counties of Alachua, Bradford, Brevard,
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Florida Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida of the Jan. 5 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought and excessive heat occurring March 11, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers counties of Alachua, Bradford, Brevard,Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Flager, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Lake, Lee, Levy, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, St Johns, Sumter and Volusia.
Under this declaration, SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
"Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "We're pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 5, 2026. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or 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/2025/12/09/sba-relief-still-available-florida-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-drought-0
SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Bethel
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Bethel
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in the Lower Kuskokwim REAA to assist businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, flooding and remnants of Typhoon Halong occurring Oct. 8-13.
As of yesterday, Monday, Dec. 8, SBA customer service representatives are on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Bethel
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in the Lower Kuskokwim REAA to assist businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, flooding and remnants of Typhoon Halong occurring Oct. 8-13.
As of yesterday, Monday, Dec. 8, SBA customer service representatives are on hand at the Disaster Loan OutreachCenter (DLOC) in Bethel to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.
The center's hours of operation are as follows:
LOWER KUSKOKWIM REAA
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Bethel City Hall - Meeting Rm.
300 Chief Eddie Hoffman Hwy.
Bethel, AK 99559
Mondays - Fridays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The following location is also open and continues to serve survivors:
MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
University of Alaska Anchorage
1901 Bragaw St.
Ste. 199, Training Rm.
Anchorage, AK 95508
Mondays - Fridays, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
"When disasters strike, SBA's Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. "At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery."
Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.
The SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations including faith-based organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 3% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Dec. 22, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 22, 2026.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, 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/2025/12/09/sba-disaster-loan-outreach-center-bethel
Peru to Enhance Early Childhood Development With IDB Support
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Peru to Enhance Early Childhood Development with IDB Support
A plan to bolster the National Cuna Mas Program will benefit over 320,000 children under age 36 months.
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The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $50 million loan to boost the quality of early childhood development services for children younger than 36 months living in impoverished households in Peru.
The initiative will support efforts to strengthen the National Cuna Mas Program
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Peru to Enhance Early Childhood Development with IDB Support
A plan to bolster the National Cuna Mas Program will benefit over 320,000 children under age 36 months.
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The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $50 million loan to boost the quality of early childhood development services for children younger than 36 months living in impoverished households in Peru.
The initiative will support efforts to strengthen the National Cuna Mas Programby improving its governance, information systems and technological infrastructure, and staff training to ensure its operational capacity and the quality of its services.
The program will also improve the infrastructure of the Comprehensive Child Care Centers, making them more energy-efficient and climate-resilient. It will build 25 new centers and renovate another 28 with bioclimatic architecture, efficient water-use standards, and materials with low environmental impacts.
These measures will allow Peru to offer high-quality and sustainable early childhood development services.
The program will directly benefit over 320,000 children under 36 months of age in 522 urban municipalities and 1,240 rural or remote municipalities. Of these beneficiaries, 65,371 speak or are learning an Indigenous language as their native language. The program will also benefit the staff of the National Cuna Mas Program, as well as families and caretakers.
The operation aligns with the Amazonia Forever program, particularly its pillar of sustainable infrastructure and better service quality for populations in the Amazon region. It takes cultural relevance into account and engages with community stakeholders.
The IDB loan has a 17-year repayment term, a 6.5-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 grow 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/peru-enhance-early-childhood-development-idb-support
Foreign National Indicted and Extradited to the United States for Role in Two Russia-Linked Cyber Hacking Groups
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Foreign National Indicted and Extradited to the United States for Role in Two Russia-Linked Cyber Hacking Groups
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Conspiracy charges against defendant allege attacks against U.S. public water systems
WASHINGTON On December 9, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) announced that a Ukrainian national has been charged with participating in conjunction with two Russia-linked
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Foreign National Indicted and Extradited to the United States for Role in Two Russia-Linked Cyber Hacking Groups
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Conspiracy charges against defendant allege attacks against U.S. public water systems
WASHINGTON On December 9, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) announced that a Ukrainian national has been charged with participating in conjunction with two Russia-linkedcriminal groups that conducted dozens of cyberattacks internationally, including against the United States.
The indictments against Victoria Eduardovna Dubranova, 33, also known as Vika, Tory, and SovaSonya, were unsealed today in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. Today, Dubranova was arraigned on a second indictment charging her for her actions supporting NoName057(16) ( NoName ). Dubranova pleaded not guilty in both cases, and is scheduled to begin trial in the NoName matter on Feb. 3, 2026, and on April 7, 2026, for the CARR matter.
Dubranova was extradited to the United States earlier this year on an indictment charging her for her actions supporting CyberArmyofRussia_Reborn (CARR), also known as Z-Pentest. CARR was founded, funded, and directed by the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU). CARR has conducted dozens of destructive cyberattacks around the world, including attacks against critical infrastructure in the United States.
The CARR indictment charges Dubranova with one count of conspiracy to damage protected computers and tamper with public water systems, one count of damaging protected computers, one count of access device fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
"The defendant's illegal actions to tamper with the nation's public water systems put communities and the nation's drinking water resources at risk," said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Craig Pritzlaff. "These criminal charges serve as an unequivocal warning to malicious cyber actors in the U.S. and abroad: EPA's Criminal Investigation Division and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate threats to our nation's water infrastructure and will pursue justice against those who endanger the American public. EPA is unwavering in its commitment to clean, safe water for all Americans."
"Today's actions demonstrate the Department's commitment to disrupting malicious Russian cyber activity whether conducted directly by state actors or their criminal proxies aimed at furthering Russia's geopolitical interests," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. "We remain steadfast in defending essential services, including food and water systems Americans rely on each day, and holding accountable those who seek to undermine them."
"Politically-motivated hacktivist groups, whether state-sponsored like CARR or state-sanctioned like NoName, pose a serious threat to our national security, particularly when foreign intelligence services use civilians to obfuscate their malicious cyber activity targeting American critical infrastructure as well as attacking proponents of NATO and U.S. interests abroad," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. "The charges announced today demonstrate our commitment to eradicating global threats to cybersecurity and pursuing malicious cyber actors working on behalf of adversarial foreign interests."
"When pro-Russia hacktivist groups target our infrastructure, the FBI will use all available tools to expose their activity and hold them accountable," said FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Brett Leatherman. "Today's announcement demonstrates the FBI's commitment to disrupt Russian state-sponsored cyber threats, including reckless criminal groups supported by the GRU. The FBI doesn't just track cyber adversaries - we work with global partners to bring them to justice."
According to the indictment, CARR claimed credit for hundreds of cyberattacks against victims worldwide in support of Russia's geopolitical interests. CARR primarily hacked industrial control facilities and conducted distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Some of CARR's victims included public drinking water systems across several U.S. states, resulting in damage to controls and the spilling of hundreds of thousands of gallons of drinking water. CARR also attacked a meat processing facility in Los Angeles in November 2024, spoiling thousands of pounds of meat and triggering an ammonia leak in the facility.
If convicted of these charges, Dubranova would face up to a statutory maximum sentence of 27 years in federal prison.
The law enforcement actions against CARR are part of Operation Red Circus, one of the FBI's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian state-sponsored cyberthreats to United States critical infrastructure and interests abroad. Concurrent with today's announcement, the U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program Exit EPA's website, administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, announced a reward of up to $2 million for information on individuals associated with CARR. On July 19, 2024, Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions Exit EPA's website targeting two CARR members for their roles in cyber operations against U.S. critical infrastructure.
The investigation into CARR was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, and the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
More information on today's indictment is available in the Department of Justice's press release Exit EPA's website.
Ensuring that all Americans have access to clean and safe water is part of the first pillar of Administrator Zeldin's Powering the Great American Comeback initiative. Cyberattacks represent a significant threat to this mission as evidenced by today's criminal charges, which underscore that the water sector remains a target for advanced threat actors sponsored by or supportive of adversarial nation-states. Regardless of the motivation and sophistication of the threats, EPA's message remains consistent: all drinking water and wastewater systems should ensure strong resilience to malicious cyber activity by, at a minimum, adopting basic cybersecurity measures that can be implemented with little or no cost.
As the Sector Risk Management Agency entrusted with leading Federal efforts to secure the water sector, EPA supports the efforts of our nation's drinking water and wastewater systems to protect themselves against cyberattacks, and works with private and public sector partners to mitigate risks using an extensive array of tools, training, funding support, and direct technical assistance. EPA works with utilities to conduct cybersecurity assessments to determine their vulnerabilities and develop risk mitigation plans to systematically address security gaps. The Agency also proactively identifies and helps utilities eliminate internet-exposed industrial control devices at their water systems. These efforts protect communities including homes, hospitals, schools, businesses, and military facilities from potential disruptions and threats to vital water services. Additional information on the range of EPA's cybersecurity assistance to the water sector is available on EPA's Cybersecurity for the Water Sector webpage.
Additional information on protecting the nation's water and wastewater sector from cybersecurity threats are available from EPA's websites:
* Enforcement Alert: Drinking Water Systems to Address Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
* Drinking Water and Wastewater Resilience website
* Is Your Utility Cyber Aware? webpage
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/foreign-national-indicted-and-extradited-united-states-role-two-russia-linked-cyber
EPA Enforces Clean Water Act to Protect Massachusetts Waters
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Enforces Clean Water Act to Protect Massachusetts Waters
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BOSTON, MASS. (Dec. 9, 2025) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has signed a consent agreement and final order (CAFO) with E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc., Trojan Recycling, Inc., Nauset Disposal Holdings, Inc., and Arrowhead Environmental Partners LLC, resolving EPA's claims against the companies for Clean Water Act (CWA) stormwater violations. Between the companies, a total of seven Massachusetts' waste and recycling processing
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Enforces Clean Water Act to Protect Massachusetts Waters
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BOSTON, MASS. (Dec. 9, 2025) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has signed a consent agreement and final order (CAFO) with E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc., Trojan Recycling, Inc., Nauset Disposal Holdings, Inc., and Arrowhead Environmental Partners LLC, resolving EPA's claims against the companies for Clean Water Act (CWA) stormwater violations. Between the companies, a total of seven Massachusetts' waste and recycling processingand vehicle maintenance operations facilities were allegedly discharging industrial waste into waters of the United States without required CWA permits. These companies are indirect subsidiaries of Waste Connections U.S. Holdings, Inc.
"Under the Clean Water Act, the federal government, states, and tribes each have an essential role in protecting the quality of our nation's waters by reviewing applications and issuing permits addressing pollutants discharged into our waterbodies," said EPA New England Administrator Mark Sanborn. "Clean water is essential to our health, our environment, and our economy."
Affected waters in the CAFO include the Paskamansett River, Weweantic River, Salisbury Plain River, Hedges Pond, Seine Pond, and Bennetts Brook. In order for certain types of industrial facilities to safely discharge stormwater into these waters, they must obtain authorization under EPA's 2021 Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (MSGP).
E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc., Trojan Recycling, Inc., Nauset Disposal Holdings, Inc., and Arrowhead Environmental Partners LLC have now applied for and received coverage under the MSGP for all seven facilities and agreed to a $170,000 penalty, which is documented in the signed CAFO.
Copies of the CAFO are available upon request.
Background:
CWA Section 301(a) prohibits the discharge of pollutants to navigable waters unless in compliance with, among other things, a CWA Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") permit. For stormwater discharges, facilities can apply for coverage under a general permit.
In states not authorized to administer the NPDES program, such as Massachusetts, EPA's MSGP applies. The MSGP requires facilities to submit a Notice of Intent to be covered under the general permit, prepare and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, conduct inspections, monitoring and sampling, and meet other requirements, all designed to prevent the discharge of stormwater containing pollutants to surface waters.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-enforces-clean-water-act-protect-massachusetts-waters
