Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Statement by Regional Administrator Josh F.W. Cook on the Siskiyou County Illegal Pesticides Crisis
WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Statement by Regional Administrator Josh F.W. Cook on the Siskiyou County Illegal Pesticides Crisis
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SAN FRANCISCO (July 17, 2025) -- EPA Pacific Southwest Region Administrator Josh F.W. Cook issued the following statement today regarding the ongoing illegal pesticides crisis in California's Siskiyou County.
Statement by Regional Administrator Cook:
I have received correspondence from the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors. They have declared a State of Emergency related to illegal importation,
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WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Statement by Regional Administrator Josh F.W. Cook on the Siskiyou County Illegal Pesticides Crisis
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SAN FRANCISCO (July 17, 2025) -- EPA Pacific Southwest Region Administrator Josh F.W. Cook issued the following statement today regarding the ongoing illegal pesticides crisis in California's Siskiyou County.
Statement by Regional Administrator Cook:
I have received correspondence from the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors. They have declared a State of Emergency related to illegal importation,distribution, and burning of foreign-manufactured pesticides and chemicals as part of in international criminal enterprise.
I take this very seriously; I have directed Region 9 EPA law enforcement to investigate these issues immediately. We will be working with other County, State and Federal agencies to ensure Californians are protected and our environmental laws are upheld.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/statement-regional-administrator-josh-fw-cook-siskiyou-county-illegal-pesticides
OSC Whistleblower Case Uncovers $2.5 Million Owed to Crime Victims, Courts
WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The U.S. Office of Special Counsel issued the following news release on July 16, 2025:
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OSC Whistleblower Case Uncovers $2.5 Million Owed to Crime Victims, Courts
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Today, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) notified the President and Congress that the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) findings in response to a whistleblower disclosure at the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Federal Correctional Institution Three Rivers in Live Oak, County Texas, appears reasonable.
The DOJ's investigation into the whistleblower's disclosure found that BOP officials failed to update
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WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The U.S. Office of Special Counsel issued the following news release on July 16, 2025:
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OSC Whistleblower Case Uncovers $2.5 Million Owed to Crime Victims, Courts
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Today, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) notified the President and Congress that the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) findings in response to a whistleblower disclosure at the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Federal Correctional Institution Three Rivers in Live Oak, County Texas, appears reasonable.
The DOJ's investigation into the whistleblower's disclosure found that BOP officials failed to updaterelevant inmate records and collect nearly $2.5 million in court-ordered financial obligations to crime victims and the courts. Also identified was nearly $70,000 owed by inmates that were no longer collectable due to time limits.
As a result of the investigation, BOP established inmate repayment plans to collect on the millions owed, instituted monthly reminders to staff to identify inmate financial obligations, and made available additional training resources.
"Inadequate oversight of BOP inmate accounts and financial obligations has been a longstanding problem, and I thank the whistleblower for bringing this matter to OSC's attention," said Senior Counsel Charles Baldis. He continued, "I also encourage DOJ to continue to improve accountability in this area and help ensure that inmates are paying restitution to crime victims, covering child support debts, and fulfilling other court-ordered obligations."
Given the significance of the disclosure and the risk taken, OSC encourages DOJ to offer a monetary reward to the whistleblower consistent with the agency's existing statutory authority.
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Original text here: https://osc.gov/News/Pages/OSC%20Whistleblower%20Case%20Uncovers%20$2.5%20Million%20Owed%20to%20Crime%20Victims,%20Courts%20%20Press%20Release%20Template1.aspx
ICYMI: Administrator Zeldin in Fox News: "Trump's EPA Clearing the Regulatory Path for America to Dominate the Global AI Revolution"
WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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ICYMI: Administrator Zeldin in Fox News: "Trump's EPA Clearing the Regulatory Path for America to Dominate the Global AI Revolution"
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WASHINGTON - Upon returning from the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation summit this week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin published an op-ed highlighting steps the agency is taking to reduce burdensome regulations, unleash American energy dominance, and make America the AI capital of the world. In keeping with President Trump's
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WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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ICYMI: Administrator Zeldin in Fox News: "Trump's EPA Clearing the Regulatory Path for America to Dominate the Global AI Revolution"
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WASHINGTON - Upon returning from the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation summit this week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin published an op-ed highlighting steps the agency is taking to reduce burdensome regulations, unleash American energy dominance, and make America the AI capital of the world. In keeping with President Trump'sexecutive order in January to enhance U.S. leadership in AI, EPA is committed to increasing certainty in the permitting process that is crucial to securing power demand for data centers and related facilities.
On Tuesday, along with President Trump and other administration officials, Administrator Zeldin traveled to Pennsylvania to share how EPA's commitment to partnering with state, local, and Tribal air agencies is promoting ways for Americans to invest and develop AI domestically. A main pillar of Administrator Zeldin's Powering the Great American Comeback initiative is making the United States the AI Capital of the World.
Read what Administrator Zeldin had to say in his exclusive op-ed for Fox News Exit EPA's website :
"The global race to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) has begun. President Donald Trump got it right from the start when he issued an executive order in January to strengthen America's AI - the next great technological forefront.
"From Day One as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator, it was clear that EPA would have a major hand in permitting reform to cut down barriers that have acted as a roadblock so we can bolster the growth of AI and make America the AI capital of the world.
"In fact, it's an endeavor so important, it is a core pillar of my Powering the Great American Comeback initiative.
"Those looking to invest in and develop AI should be able to do so in the U.S., while we work to ensure data centers and related facilities can be powered and operated in a clean manner with American-made energy.
"Let's put this into perspective. The global AI manufacturing market is valued at about $7 billion, but it's expected to explode to $48 billion by 2030. Already industries across every sector are integrating AI into their operations, and in order for this growth to continue, AI needs massive data centers, and data centers need electricity that is always on. Lots of it.
"Power demand for data centers that support AI, which only use 3% to 4% of U.S. electricity, will eat up nearly 10% of U.S. electricity supply in 10 years according to the Energy Information Administration. To support this rapid growth, states need to be able to build more baseload power generation, and that's where EPA comes in.
"EPA wants to increase certainty for owner-operators in the permitting process, making it clear what kind of permits are needed for new and modified projects.
"Policies inherited from the Biden administration have been criticized by many as making EPA a brick wall that impedes the growth of the AI industry.
"In addition, much of current Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for building data centers dates back to the 1990s, when technology was practically prehistoric compared to modern advancements. These rules require companies to install pollution control equipment when they build new facilities or make a change that increases emissions significantly.
"The digital revolution has ushered in new needs and new industries which demand new permitting rules that help, not hamper development.
"Under President Trump's leadership, the permitting reform we are looking to undertake, if finalized, will help clear the way for data center and AI development across the U.S., while ensuring that human health and the environment are protected.
"If a power company wanted to restart a plant that had been out of service to meet increased grid demand, under the Biden EPA they had to go through the entire permitting process all over again.
"Under our upcoming proposed rules, if finalized, utilities would be allowed to restart plants much faster, especially in times of emergencies like storm recovery. Anyone who has lost power during or after a weather event knows how critical it is to get back on the grid.
"Through the CAA permitting process, EPA will seek to address the minimum requirements for public participation when it comes to minor emitters so the protest of a few does not unnecessarily thwart progress for all Americans.
"Our permitting reforms will also help expedite construction of essential power generation and industrial facilities. EPA will be a partner to state, local and Tribal air agencies instead of a hindrance.
" At EPA, we are also working on redefining preconstruction, which would, if finalized, only require a company to obtain an air permit when the company actually breaks ground.
"A company looking to build an industrial facility or a power plant, should be able to build what it can before obtaining an emissions permit. For example, companies could install cement pads or conduct other construction activities that aren't related to regulated air emissions.
"Other countries are racing to be number one. America's AI leadership depends on our ability to build the infrastructure that powers innovation."
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/icymi-administrator-zeldin-fox-news-trumps-epa-clearing-regulatory-path-america
Export-Import Bank of the United States Board of Directors Approves Nearly $297 Million Transaction to Angola
WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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Export-Import Bank of the United States Board of Directors Approves Nearly $297 Million Transaction to Angola
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Washington, DC - The Export-Import Bank of the United States' (EXIM) Board of Directors today approved a transaction to export Boeing aircraft and spare propulsion equipment to Angola.
The final commitment of nearly $297 million for TAAG Angola Airlines will support the export of Boeing 787-10 passenger aircraft and General Electric Aerospace spare engines.
"With nearly 1,400 jobs
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WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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Export-Import Bank of the United States Board of Directors Approves Nearly $297 Million Transaction to Angola
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Washington, DC - The Export-Import Bank of the United States' (EXIM) Board of Directors today approved a transaction to export Boeing aircraft and spare propulsion equipment to Angola.
The final commitment of nearly $297 million for TAAG Angola Airlines will support the export of Boeing 787-10 passenger aircraft and General Electric Aerospace spare engines.
"With nearly 1,400 jobssupported across the United States through this transaction, EXIM continues to fulfill its mandate to support jobs through exports," said Acting President and Chairman James Cruse. "With today's approval, we are supporting the nation's economic security while bolstering Angola's economy through the export of these aircraft and engines."
This transaction is expected to support approximately 1,400 jobs in South Carolina, Ohio, and throughout the United States in both companies' supply chains.
ABOUT EXIM:
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation's official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. Learn more at www.exim.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.exim.gov/news/export-import-bank-united-states-board-directors-approves-nearly-297-million-transaction
Export-Import Bank of the United States Board of Directors Approves Nearly $297 Million Transaction to Angola
WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Export-Import Bank of the United States Office of Inspector General issued the following news release:
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Export-Import Bank of the United States Board of Directors Approves Nearly $297 Million Transaction to Angola
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Washington, DC - The Export-Import Bank of the United States' (EXIM) Board of Directors today approved a transaction to export Boeing aircraft and spare propulsion equipment to Angola.
The final commitment of nearly $297 million for TAAG Angola Airlines will support the export of Boeing 787-10 passenger aircraft and General Electric Aerospace spare
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Export-Import Bank of the United States Office of Inspector General issued the following news release:
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Export-Import Bank of the United States Board of Directors Approves Nearly $297 Million Transaction to Angola
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Washington, DC - The Export-Import Bank of the United States' (EXIM) Board of Directors today approved a transaction to export Boeing aircraft and spare propulsion equipment to Angola.
The final commitment of nearly $297 million for TAAG Angola Airlines will support the export of Boeing 787-10 passenger aircraft and General Electric Aerospace spareengines.
"With nearly 1,400 jobs supported across the United States through this transaction, EXIM continues to fulfill its mandate to support jobs through exports," said Acting President and Chairman James Cruse. "With today's approval, we are supporting the nation's economic security while bolstering Angola's economy through the export of these aircraft and engines."
This transaction is expected to support approximately 1,400 jobs in South Carolina, Ohio, and throughout the United States in both companies' supply chains.
ABOUT EXIM:
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation's official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. Learn more at www.exim.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.exim.gov/news/export-import-bank-united-states-board-directors-approves-nearly-297-million-transaction
EPA Announces Next Phase of Organizational Improvements to Better Fulfill Statutory Obligations to Deliver Clean Air, Land, and Water to All Americans, Modernize Mission Support
WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces Next Phase of Organizational Improvements to Better Fulfill Statutory Obligations to Deliver Clean Air, Land, and Water to All Americans, Modernize Mission Support
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the next phase of organizational improvements at the agency to better fulfill statutory obligations and provide clean air, water, and land for all Americans and modernize mission support. These workforce changes impact the Office of Mission Support, Office
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WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces Next Phase of Organizational Improvements to Better Fulfill Statutory Obligations to Deliver Clean Air, Land, and Water to All Americans, Modernize Mission Support
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the next phase of organizational improvements at the agency to better fulfill statutory obligations and provide clean air, water, and land for all Americans and modernize mission support. These workforce changes impact the Office of Mission Support, Officeof the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, and Office of Land and Emergency Management.
"These structural changes reinforce EPA's unwavering commitment to fulfill its statutory obligations and uphold fiscal responsibility. By partnering our operations and mission support services, we can deliver results for American communities while remaining good stewards of taxpayer dollars," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
This action is the latest part of EPA's comprehensive reorganization efforts to address agency inefficiencies by delivering organizational improvements to personnel structure that directly benefit the American people and improve EPA's ability to fulfill its core mission while powering the Great American Comeback.
The new Office of Finance and Administration creates a streamlined, one-stop-shop for all financial and administrative operations. This will create new efficiencies and improve coordination of EPA's facilities and other critical assets nationwide, acquisition activities (contracts), grants management, human capital, information technology, and information management activities. It will also improve communication within the agency, Congressional committees and staff, and other government organizations that conduct oversight or assessments. This will help ensure the agency is being a good steward of tax dollars.
Changes to the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance will better address pollution problems that impact American communities by re-aligning enforcement with the law to deliver economic prosperity and ensure compliance with agency regulations.
Updates to the Office of Land and Emergency Management will better equip the agency to swiftly and efficiently fulfill statutory obligations like preventing contamination, cleaning up and returning land to productive use, and responding to emergencies.
Phase One of EPA's reorganization efforts established a first-of-its-kind Office of State Air Partnerships within the Office of Air and Radiation, implemented changes to the Office of Water to better align regulatory actions with the science that underpins it, created the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, and added support to the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention to work on the backlog of new chemicals and pesticides, among many other improvements.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-next-phase-organizational-improvements-better-fulfill-statutory
EPA Administrator Zeldin Reaffirms EPA's Indian Policy, Hosts National Tribal Caucus Meeting in DC
WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Administrator Zeldin Reaffirms EPA's Indian Policy, Hosts National Tribal Caucus Meeting in DC
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WASHINGTON \- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted the National Tribal Caucus (NTC) Executive Committee to discuss human health and environmental protection priorities in Indian country. During the meeting with National Tribal Caucus Executive Chair Tabitha Langston of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Vice Chair Scott Clow of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Secretary Shavonne
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Administrator Zeldin Reaffirms EPA's Indian Policy, Hosts National Tribal Caucus Meeting in DC
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WASHINGTON \- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted the National Tribal Caucus (NTC) Executive Committee to discuss human health and environmental protection priorities in Indian country. During the meeting with National Tribal Caucus Executive Chair Tabitha Langston of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Vice Chair Scott Clow of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Secretary ShavonneSmith of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, Administrator Zeldin reaffirmed the EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations (pdf) (Indian Policy).
"EPA is committed to working government to government with federally recognized Tribes," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "Our engagement with Tribes is central to achieving EPA's core mission of protecting human health and the environment and Powering the Great American Comeback."
"The EPA's unique federal trust relationship with Tribal governments is foundational to our shared efforts to ensure clean air, land, and water for all Americans," said NTC Executive Committee Chair Tabitha Langston. "Administrator Zeldin's reaffirmation today underscores EPA's enduring commitment to the principles set forth in the Indian Policy."
EPA was one of the first federal agencies with a formal policy specifying how it would interact with Tribal governments and to consider Tribal interests in carrying out its mission. The Indian Policy contains nine fundamental principles to guide EPA's work with Tribes, including consultation and recognizing Tribes as the appropriate entities to set standards, make environmental policy decisions, and manage programs for reservations. The Indian Policy has been reaffirmed by EPA Administrators since it was established in 1984, and it remains the cornerstone of EPA's Tribal program today.
The NTC Executive Committee also met with other EPA senior leadership while in D.C., including representatives from the Office of the Chief Financial Office and the Office of International and Tribal Affairs.
The National Tribal Caucus is a group of high-level Tribal leaders and environmental professionals who work with EPA to exchange information and advice on EPA's Tribal program planning and implementation. The NTC is comprised of 20 Tribal representatives from each of EPA's 10 Regions. Collectively, the NTC and EPA's senior leadership forms the National Tribal Operations Committee.
For more information about the EPA's relationship and work with Tribal governments, visit our webpage.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-administrator-zeldin-reaffirms-epas-indian-policy-hosts-national-tribal-caucus
