Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
USPS issues 4-cent Angel's Trumpets stamp
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS issues 4-cent Angel's Trumpets stamp
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KENOSHA, WI The U.S. Postal Service today issued a new 4-cent Angel's Trumpets stamp. The stamp follows the 2024 release of other low-denomination flower stamps the 1-cent Fringed Tulip, 2-cent Daffodils, 3-cent Peonies, 5-cent Red Tulips and 10-cent Poppies and Coneflowers.
The angel's trumpet (genus Brugmansia) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is known to reach more than 20 feet in height in a tropical, sunny climate. Originally native to South America,
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS issues 4-cent Angel's Trumpets stamp
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KENOSHA, WI The U.S. Postal Service today issued a new 4-cent Angel's Trumpets stamp. The stamp follows the 2024 release of other low-denomination flower stamps the 1-cent Fringed Tulip, 2-cent Daffodils, 3-cent Peonies, 5-cent Red Tulips and 10-cent Poppies and Coneflowers.
The angel's trumpet (genus Brugmansia) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is known to reach more than 20 feet in height in a tropical, sunny climate. Originally native to South America,angel's trumpets are now considered extinct in the wild. They have trunks that grow leaves 4 to 12 inches long. Their trumpet-shaped blooms face downward and range from 6 to 24 inches long. Angel's trumpets can propagate easily and are frequently shared among gardeners or passed down through generations as a houseplant or as part of a landscape. With their bold flowers and alluring scent, angel's trumpets are a cherished part of summer nights across the country.
This stamp artwork depicts four peachy-pink angel's trumpets set against a cream-colored background, symbolizing a denomination of 4 cents. Photographer Harold Davis created the image by backlighting the flowers on a lightbox and blending multiple photographic exposures, producing luminous, translucent imagery. "The point of this technique is to create a partially transparent effect using the colors that are passed through flower petals, rather than reflected by the petals, as is the case for most conventional flower photography," Davis says.
The background was created by scanning a sheet of aged paper and, during post-production, incorporating the scan into the floral composition. Davis arranged the flowers and leaves so that the four "trumpets" point upward, rather than hanging downward as they naturally would. "This configuration was selected after experimenting with numerous arrangements," he said.
"In the right climate and location, this is an extremely vigorous grower with spectacular flowers that no longer exist in the wild, making it a very special plant to cultivate," Davis notes. The flowers were grown in his neighborhood in Berkeley, CA.
The stamp was designed by Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, using existing images by Davis.
The 4-cent Angel's Trumpets stamp will be issued in panes of 20 and coils of 10,000. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #AngelsTrumpetStamp.
Postal Products
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, first-day-of-issue ceremonies and stamp-inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com.
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter ; Instagram ; Pinterest ; Threads ; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
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Original text here: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0109-usps-issues-4-cent-angel-trumpets-stamp.htm
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics: Scientists Find More Active Black Holes in Dwarf and Milky Way-sized Galaxies By Cutting Through Glare of Star Formation
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, Jan. 9 -- The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics issued the following news release:
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Scientists Find More Active Black Holes in Dwarf and Milky Way-sized Galaxies By Cutting Through Glare of Star Formation
A new census of more than 8,000 galaxies finds active black holes rising in frequency with galaxy mass, jumping sharply in galaxies similar in mass to the Milky Way
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Astronomers have completed the most comprehensive census of active galactic nuclei (AGN) to date, providing the clearest picture yet of the probability that galaxies of different sizes
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CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, Jan. 9 -- The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics issued the following news release:
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Scientists Find More Active Black Holes in Dwarf and Milky Way-sized Galaxies By Cutting Through Glare of Star Formation
A new census of more than 8,000 galaxies finds active black holes rising in frequency with galaxy mass, jumping sharply in galaxies similar in mass to the Milky Way
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Astronomers have completed the most comprehensive census of active galactic nuclei (AGN) to date, providing the clearest picture yet of the probability that galaxies of different sizeshost active black holes.
The results show that AGN are more common in dwarf galaxies than most previous surveys suggested, but also reveal a sharp increase in AGN frequency in galaxies around the same mass as the Milky Way.
The new census was presented today in a press conference at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix, Arizona.
Scientists from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reassessed more than 8,000 nearby galaxies for black hole activity. While most previous work found about ten active black holes in every 1,000 dwarf galaxies, the new census puts the number closer to between 20 and 50. That's still far behind the 16-27%of medium-sized galaxies and 20-48%of large galaxies that show signs of AGN activity.
"The intense jump in AGN activity between dwarf galaxies and mid-sized, or transitional galaxies tells us something important is changing between the two," said Mugdha Polimera, an astronomer at the CfA and the lead author of the new census. "It could be a shift in the galaxies themselves, or a sign that we're still not catching everything in the smaller ones and need better detection methods. Either way, it's a new clue we can't ignore."
The team grouped the galaxies by mass and used the latest innovations in analysis of optical, infrared, and X-ray data to catch even the faintest signs of black hole activity. The findings give scientists a stronger starting point for figuring out how black holes form and grow, helping them cut through the glare of star formation to understand what's really happening in the hearts of nearby galaxies.
"Cutting through the glare of star formation reveals massive black holes that have slipped under the radar in dwarfs, but we're still trying to figure out why black holes are suddenly more common in galaxies like our own," said Sheila J. Kannappan, professor of physics and astronomy at UNC and co-author of the new census. "We believe that the Milky Way was formed from many smaller galaxies that merged, so the dwarf galaxies' massive black holes should have merged to form the Milky Way's supermassive black hole. These results are essential for testing models of black hole origins and their role in shaping galaxies."
Because vigorous star formation can hide faint accreting black holes, these new percentages are approximate and as observations become more complete, the team suspects the census will change. The team is currently in the process of releasing the processed measurements used in the study to allow other researchers to reproduce and expand on the results.
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About the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is a collaboration between Harvard and the Smithsonian designed to ask--and ultimately answer--humanity's greatest unresolved questions about the nature of the universe. The Center for Astrophysics is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, with research facilities across the U.S. and around the world.
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Original text here: https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/news/scientists-find-more-active-black-holes-dwarf-and-milky-way-sized-galaxies-cutting-through-glare
EPA Disapproves Colorado's Regional Haze Plan and Supports State's Coal Plants
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Disapproves Colorado's Regional Haze Plan and Supports State's Coal Plants
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing the full disapproval of Colorado's revised 2022 Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP), preventing the premature closure of power plants. EPA determined that Colorado's proposal to shut down coal fired power plants, without consent from all of the plants, does not comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA). These plants are vital to delivering
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Disapproves Colorado's Regional Haze Plan and Supports State's Coal Plants
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing the full disapproval of Colorado's revised 2022 Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP), preventing the premature closure of power plants. EPA determined that Colorado's proposal to shut down coal fired power plants, without consent from all of the plants, does not comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA). These plants are vital to deliveringreliable and affordable energy to Colorado families.
Shutting down these power plants is not necessary to meet Regional Haze requirements, and including forced closure deadlines for facilities that want to stay open would have been a misuse of the CAA.
Today's final action reflects EPA's commitment to fulfilling all statutory obligations and ensuring Coloradans have affordable baseload power while meeting CAA visibility obligations in Colorado's national parks and wilderness areas.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's Powering the Great American Comeback initiative prioritizes cooperative federalism, and the agency actively looks for ways to work with states to achieve measured results. EPA stands ready to assist Colorado in creating a regional haze plan that fulfills all statutory requirements.
"Reliable baseload energy sources are essential to Powering the Great American Comeback and ensuring families have cost-effective energy. The Trump EPA has repeatedly demonstrated that we can achieve our statutory obligations, support baseload power, and improve visibility within our national parks. This is what the American people voted for," said EPA Administrator Zeldin. "EPA is ready and willing to work full-heartedly with Colorado to revise its SIP, ensuring full compliance with the Clean Air Act as written."
"Administrator Zeldin and the Trump Administration are laser focused on ensuring Americans have an abundance of highly reliable and affordable energy," said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. "EPA's denial of Colorado's SIP revision delivers this outcome in a manner that's fully compliant with the Clean Air Act while simultaneously providing for clean air for all Americans."
Section 110 of the CAA requires states to provide necessary assurances that provisions within SIPs, such as the inclusion of an enforceable closure deadline, are not prohibited under federal or state law. However, Colorado did not provide the required necessary assurances when submitting its SIP. Specifically, the state did not properly consider and explain whether the nonconsensual closure of Colorado Springs Utilities' Nixon Unit 1 power plant would be an act of taking private property without compensation. The Trump EPA is unequivocally committed to following the CAA and EPA legally cannot approve Colorado's SIP revision.
Additionally, EPA has concerns that, if approved, Colorado's SIP would harm grid reliability. Years after submitting this SIP revision, and after EPA proposed action on the submission, Colorado withdrew another closure deadline for Comanche Unit 1 after realizing changing circumstances on the ground required additional power supply. This concern is also echoed by the fact that the Department of Energy issued an emergency order on December 30, 2025, under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, requiring Craig Station Unit 1 coal power plant in Craig, Colorado, to remain operating due to grid reliability concerns. Coal fired power plants are essential sources of baseload power necessary for addressing surging energy demand, increases in American manufacturing, national security interests, and turning the United States into the Artificial Intelligence capital of the world. Ensuring affordable and reliable energy supplies is a top priority of the Trump Administration. Under Administrator Zeldin's leadership, EPA has worked tirelessly to fulfill President Trump's executive orders that promote energy dominance. As EPA delivers on the president's agenda, finding a path forward that provides reliable energy for Colorado families and businesses remains a priority.
Colorado is now required to submit a revised, approvable SIP, or EPA will need to complete a federal implementation plan (FIP), either of which must be done within two years. The FIP or SIP will need to fully address statutory requirements, including revisions to Colorado's long-term strategy. The line of communication between Colorado and EPA is open, and the agency looks forward to working hand in hand with Colorado to accomplish a revised SIP.
To read EPA's full final action disapproving Colorado's SIP revision, please click here Exit EPA's website.
Background
On July 16, 2025, EPA proposed a partial approval and partial disapproval of Colorado's regional haze second planning period SIP revision and took public comment on the proposed action for 60-days.
The CAA and Regional Haze Rule (RHR) require states, in coordination with EPA and other federal partners, to develop and implement plans to improve visibility impairment in national parks and wilderness areas. Historically, the implementation of this program has imposed significant costs on power plants and other sectors, calling into question the supply of affordable and reliable energy for American families. After years of implementation and feedback from stakeholders, it is clear that the Regional Haze program is broken and needs significant revisions to clarify requirements and alleviate the unnecessary burdens on states and the regulated community, and more closely align with Congressional intent.
On December 31, 2025, Administrator Zeldin signed a final rule revising the current RHR to extend the due date from July 31, 2028, to July 31, 2031, for the third planning period of SIPs. EPA is extending this deadline to ensure that states and regional planning organizations have adequate time to adapt third planning period SIPs to any changes EPA makes to the RHR as part of the ongoing effort to restructure existing regulations. This action was first announced through an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. This final rule does not impact EPA's decision on Colorado's SIP revision for the second planning period, as the second period required SIP revisions by 2021.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-disapproves-colorados-regional-haze-plan-and-supports-states-coal-plants
VIDEO: Amtrak's Transformative Renovation of Philadelphia's Gray 30th Street Station
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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VIDEO: Amtrak's Transformative Renovation of Philadelphia's Gray 30th Street Station
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Amtrak's transformative modernization project will preserve this historic landmark while improving the travel experience for millions of Amtrak, SEPTA, and NJ TRANSIT customers.
Nearly 500,000 square feet of renovated space will bring new shops, restaurants and Amtrak corporate office space, as well as a reimagined Market Street Plaza, all while creating local construction jobs and supporting economic growth.
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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VIDEO: Amtrak's Transformative Renovation of Philadelphia's Gray 30th Street Station
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Amtrak's transformative modernization project will preserve this historic landmark while improving the travel experience for millions of Amtrak, SEPTA, and NJ TRANSIT customers.
Nearly 500,000 square feet of renovated space will bring new shops, restaurants and Amtrak corporate office space, as well as a reimagined Market Street Plaza, all while creating local construction jobs and supporting economic growth.The project will be completed in phases, with full completion expected in late 2028.
We're building a new era of rail in Philadelphia and beyond. Learn more at AmtrakNewEra.com.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/01/video-amtraks-transformative-renovation-of-philadelphias-gray-30th-street-station/
On One-Year Anniversary of California Wildfires, SBA Extends Disaster Relief Deadlines as Local Bureaucrats Stall Recovery
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release on Jan. 7, 2026:
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On One-Year Anniversary of California Wildfires, SBA Extends Disaster Relief Deadlines as Local Bureaucrats Stall Recovery
Today, on the one-year anniversary of the Los Angeles County wildfires, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it is once again extending disaster relief deadlines for survivors amid state and local permitting delays that have prevented rebuilding for thousands of residents. This action will allow homeowners and business owners to draw down their
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release on Jan. 7, 2026:
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On One-Year Anniversary of California Wildfires, SBA Extends Disaster Relief Deadlines as Local Bureaucrats Stall Recovery
Today, on the one-year anniversary of the Los Angeles County wildfires, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it is once again extending disaster relief deadlines for survivors amid state and local permitting delays that have prevented rebuilding for thousands of residents. This action will allow homeowners and business owners to draw down theirapproved SBA loan funds, including Home and Business Physical Disaster Loans, until June 30, 2026.
In total, SBA has approved over $3.2 billion in funding for Los Angeles County - representing over half of all disaster assistance delivered by the agency in Fiscal Year 2025.
"The wildfire recovery effort in California has been a national disgrace under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass. While the Trump Administration surged every imaginable resource to the state - including an unprecedented $3.2 billion in SBA loans - virtually zero survivors have been able to rebuild due to local permitting backlogs," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "Once again, the SBA is extending deadlines to give innocent residents more time to secure their permits and access the loans they need to begin construction. But make no mistake: Los Angeles will remain devastated as long as its state and local leaders continue to impose bureaucracy and stall recovery."
Typically, disaster survivors have six months from the date of SBA loan approval to fully disburse their approved funds. The agency initially extended its disaster loan disbursement deadlines in October of last year after determining that "extraordinary" delays for rebuild permits and widespread backlogs were preventing California borrowers from drawing down approved loan funding.
Although Governor Gavin Newsom has characterized Link is external the state's disaster response as "historic," only about 2,600 rebuild permits have been issued across the City Link is external and County Link is external of Los Angeles, where the wildfires destroyed an estimated Link is external 16,000 structures. In total, less than Link is external 15% of all homes destroyed by the fires have received necessary approvals to rebuild.
Likewise, Mayor Karen Bass initially celebrated completion of the "first" rebuilt home in November of last year, but media reports later revealed Link is external that the home's contractors had secured its rebuild permit before the wildfires struck, as part of a planned demolition. As of today, Los Angeles County reports Link is external that just seven structures have been completed in the year since the wildfires took place.
Borrowers with questions about their loan status or disbursement process should contact the SBA's Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and 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/2026/01/07/one-year-anniversary-california-wildfires-sba-extends-disaster-relief-deadlines-local-bureaucrats
EPA, Rio Blanco County Achieve Successful Containment of Crude Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA, Rio Blanco County Achieve Successful Containment of Crude Oil Spill
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On Jan. 5, 2025, a tanker was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Highway 139, spilling approximately 220 barrels (roughly 9,250 gallons) of crude oil into West Douglas Creek. The accident occurred between Rangely and Grand Junction, Colorado.
EPA Region 8, in collaboration with the trucking company, Rio Blanco County and BLM, responded to the incident.
Crews are currently on site with vacuum trucks to remove as
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA, Rio Blanco County Achieve Successful Containment of Crude Oil Spill
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On Jan. 5, 2025, a tanker was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Highway 139, spilling approximately 220 barrels (roughly 9,250 gallons) of crude oil into West Douglas Creek. The accident occurred between Rangely and Grand Junction, Colorado.
EPA Region 8, in collaboration with the trucking company, Rio Blanco County and BLM, responded to the incident.
Crews are currently on site with vacuum trucks to remove asmuch oil as possible while minimizing impact to the local ecosystem. The spill has been successfully contained within West Douglas Creek.
The land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Currently there have been no changes to access or public land closures. The spill impacted a BLM grazing allotment. The Responsible Party is providing alternative drinking water for the cattle on the allotment.
At this time there is no estimate when cleanup will be complete. A damage assessment will occur after initial cleanup to determine any remaining impacts to natural resources.
EPA is committed to keeping the public informed and will provide regular updates on the response efforts through our response website: https://response.epa.gov/Highway139CrudeOilSpill
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-rio-blanco-county-achieve-successful-containment-crude-oil-spill
EPA to host open house for update on the Olin Chemical Superfund Site
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA to host open house for update on the Olin Chemical Superfund Site
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BOSTON (Jan. 8, 2026) - On January 21, 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold an open house to update residents on the agency's investigation and cleanup activities at the Olin Chemical Superfund Site in Wilmington, Massachusetts. Community members are invited to stop by to interact directly with representatives from EPA, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the redeveloper of the
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA to host open house for update on the Olin Chemical Superfund Site
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BOSTON (Jan. 8, 2026) - On January 21, 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold an open house to update residents on the agency's investigation and cleanup activities at the Olin Chemical Superfund Site in Wilmington, Massachusetts. Community members are invited to stop by to interact directly with representatives from EPA, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the redeveloper of the51 Eames Street property, and ask questions about the site.
What: Olin Chemical Superfund Site Open House
When: January 21st 6:00-8:00
Where: Wilmington High School Library
159 Church Street
Wilmington, MA 01887
The open house will cover the following topics:
* Community Involvement
* Superfund Process
* Groundwater Contamination
* Cleanup Plans
* Redevelopment
Site Background
The site includes the Olin property and the surrounding areas that have been impacted by contaminant releases from manufacturing and waste disposal activities formerly conducted at the Olin property.
Chemical manufacturing by a series of owners and operators began at the Olin property in 1953 and continued until the facility closed in 1986. Olin Corporation purchased the property in 1980. The facility was used to produce blowing agents, stabilizers, antioxidants, and other specialty chemicals for the rubber and plastics industries. Prior to the early 1970s, chemicals were discharged into several unlined pits and ponds in the central portion of the property. Later on, lined lagoons were used, however leaks in the liners resulted in additional releases of fluids. As the liquid materials moved downward through the soil, they reached the groundwater table.
Ultimately, contaminated groundwater migrated nearly a mile to the west and northwest of the Olin property and resulted in the Town of Wilmington placing its municipal drinking water supply wells in the Maple Meadow Brook aquifer off-line due to contamination from the site.
The cleanup plan for the site was selected by EPA in 2021 in a Record of Decision (ROD) (pdf) (218 MB) and includes interim actions to remove ongoing sources of contamination in groundwater and final cleanup actions for addressing contaminated soil, sediments, and surface water at the site. In parallel to the cleanup, studies are ongoing under a separate 2007 EPA settlement agreement to improve the characterization of the bedrock and further define the extent of groundwater contamination. These studies will be used to evaluate long-term groundwater cleanup options, leading to the selection in the future of a final cleanup plan for groundwater. In the near term, these aquifer studies will help identify the best places to locate groundwater extraction wells for the cleanup.
Visit: www.epa.gov/superfund/olin for more information about the site.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-host-open-house-update-olin-chemical-superfund-site
