WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Three House Democrats voiced strong opposition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Interim Final Rule (IFR) implementing changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The public comment letter, sent to Secretary Brooke Rollins, criticizes the department's decision as a substantial rollback of public involvement in federal decision-making and commitments to environmental protection. NEPA, enacted in 1970, requires federal agencies to assess the enviro  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- A coalition of 37 House Democrats has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing grave concerns regarding the proposed reclassification of the Head Start program as a "federal public benefit." This unpopular change, outlined in a notice published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2025, threatens to exclude approximately 115,000 immigrant children from receiving vital early childhood education. The Congressman emphasized  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- A coalition of 81 environmental organizations has raised strong objections to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Forest Service's (Forest Service) interim final rule (IFR) regarding National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures. The public comment letter, submitted via the USDA's public participation portal, emphasizes concerns over potential adverse impacts on national forestlands and the communities that depend on them. The coalition,   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department (TTD) has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) urging the agency to reject the waiver request from Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC) and Union Pacific Railroad (UP) regarding certain air brake testing regulations. In the letter, TTD, representing 39 affiliated unions, expressed deep concerns over the safety implications of the railroads' petition. The railroads seek exemptions fro  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- AIHA, Falls Church, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency providing feedback on the agency's draft risk evaluations for the chemicals DBP and DEHP. The letter offered suggestions on how the agency could improve its methods for estimating dermal exposure, defining exposure groups and developing occupational exposure values. AIHA addressed the agency's use of a flux-based approach for estimating dermal exposure. The organiza  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The State of Alaska has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture expressing concerns about the interim final rule that rescinds and updates the agency's implementing regulations for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The letter emphasizes the necessity of efficient permitting processes to support Alaska's resource development while minimizing environmental impacts. The letter, addressed to the Chief Environmental Review and Permit  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The American Bird Conservancy has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service expressing strong opposition to a proposed interim final rule that could significantly impact bird conservation efforts. The organization emphasizes that the rule could undermine crucial components of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which plays a vital role in safeguarding bird populations and their habitats across the Americas. In its correspondence, the American   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in support of its recent decision to adopt energy efficiency standards for new construction in HUD- and USDA-financed housing. The ACC expressed appreciation for HUD's analysis, which they believe offers a balanced approach toward enhancing energy efficiency while also considering economic impacts. The ACC highlighted the importance of t  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ACOG expressing strong opposition to HHS's recent reinterpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), which expands the definition of "federal public benefits" that immigrants without qualified status can access. ACOG emphasizes the immediate need for HHS to rescin  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA) has submitted a public comment letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) expressing apprehensions regarding recent changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures. The proposed interim final rule involves rescinding NHTSA's 1975 Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts, a move that ACRA warns may undermine cultural and historic preservation efforts. ACRA, which represe  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) urging the agencies to move forward with the finalized energy efficiency standards for new construction of HUD- and USDA-financed housing. The comment was submitted in response to a notice for comment released by the agencies. Founded in 1894, ASHRAE  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund (AFREF) has submitted a public comment letter urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to swiftly adopt and maintain energy efficiency standards for new housing constructions. This call comes in the wake of a Final Determination issued in April 2024, which set the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as the minimum requirements   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing serious concerns regarding the agency's Interim Final Rule concerning regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The organization, dedicated to protecting animals through the legal system, argues that the proposed changes threaten rigorous environmental protections and public participation. The USDA's Interim Final   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Arizona Farm Bureau Federation (AZFB) submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) addressing the agency's interim final rule aimed at modifying its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations. Representing farmers and ranchers across Arizona, AZFB emphasizes the importance of these changes for the agricultural community, which generates over $31 billion in economic impact for the state. In its comment letter, AZ  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Asian Pacific Health Care Venture Inc., Los Angeles, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opposing the proposed designation of the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. The organization, which represents more than 16,000 patients, argues that this designation contradicts existing law and undermines the mission  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Silver Spring, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) urging the agency to officially designate seven pangolin species as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. This initiative comes as pangolins face severe threats from illegal poaching and trafficking, with the AZA highlighting the critical conservation efforts needed to protect these unique mammals. In its letter, AZ  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Atmos Energy Corp. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture addressing the adoption of new energy efficiency standards for housing financed by these agencies. The company, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, serves over three million customers across eight states and highlighted its commitment to enhancing energy conservation and sustainability within its service areas. In its letter,   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- B&C Consortia Management LLC submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the draft cumulative risk assessment for phthalates. The consortia commended the agency for its work but identified deficiencies it said prevent the analysis from meeting the requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act to use the best available science. The letter raises concerns about the agency's approach to calculating cumulative risk, particularly   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Barrick Gold of North America Inc. and Nevada Gold Mines LLC submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding its Interim Final Rule on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. This letter highlights essential areas for potential modification to improve clarity and operational efficiency within the new regulations released on July 3, 2025. In partnership with Nevada Gold Mines LLC, Barrick's comments reflect the org  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Benton County Deputy Director of Financial Services & Health Finance Officer for the Community Health Centers Debbie Sessions submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing strong opposition to a Federal Register Notice that reinterprets "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) to include Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) services. The county officia  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Benton County Health Services has filed a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing vehement opposition to a recent Federal Register Notice that would redefine "Federal Public Benefit" to include services provided by Community Health Centers (CHCs). The letter, dated August 11, 2025, highlights the potential harmful impacts of this interpretation on public health access and equity. For nearly three decades, the federal gove  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Blacklight Strategy, a consulting firm specializing in retail fraud prevention, recently submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency addressing pressing issues related to payment fraud mitigation. The letter outlines significant challenges and opportunities for collaboration among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement in combating increasingly sophisticated scams. The firm emphasizes that payment fraud, particularly  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project (BMBP), an environmental nonprofit based in eastern Oregon, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing strong opposition to its interim final rule regarding National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. The BMBP contends that the proposed changes threaten environmental transparency, public engagement, and the protection of biodiversity in federal public lands across the regio  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- BrandSafway, Atlanta, Georgia, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advocating for changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard program. The organization argues that absent revisions to the program's requirements, the Northeast region's last remaining oil refineries could close, resulting in the loss of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, including those at BrandSafway. The letter states that the RFS in its current form threatens the   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Breakthrough Institute (BTI), an independent global research center, has issued a public comment letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) expressing its support for a proposed rule to extend the duration of design certifications from 15 years to 40 years. BTI, which advocates for prudent regulation of nuclear reactors, believes that this rulemaking represents a positive development within the regulatory framework and will not compromise health or environmental  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Building Science Institute Ltd. Co. (BSI), Geronimo, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding the proposed rule for energy efficiency standards in HUD- and USDA-financed housing. BSI, recognized as a Home Certification Organization, emphasizes the importance of adopting robust energy standards to enhance the performance of residential construction across the nation.  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The California Air Resources Board submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency urging it to deny a petition that seeks an exemption from existing regulations on refrigerants used in cold storage warehouses. The petition requests that the agency increase the global warming potential limit for refrigerants in these warehouses from 150 to 700. CARB contends that the petition is "procedurally improper" because it is seeking an exemption from   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Camino Health Center, San Juan Capistrano, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opposing the recent proposal to classify the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit." This designation, they argue, contradicts federal law and threatens the public health mission of community health centers (CHCs) across the nation. The organization argues that the proposed classification is detrimental, as it confli  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Campari America LLC, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) addressing concerns regarding TTB Notice No. 237. This notice pertains to Alcohol Facts Statements in the Labeling of Wines, Distilled Spirits, and Malt Beverages and suggests a reference serving size table that the company argues does not reflect the actual consumption practices of its products. In its comments, Campari America highlights how the pro  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Campbell County Board of Commissioners, Gillette, Wyoming, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging stronger engagement with local governments in the review process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The letter emphasizes the critical role of local collaboration in effectively managing federal lands, particularly in areas with diverse land use including energy production and natural resource management.   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Center for Food Safety and Food & Water Watch submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the interim final rule on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The rule, which was published on July 3, 2025, proposes broad modifications to USDA's NEPA procedures that they claim undermine decades of robust environmental review. The organizations argue that the new procedures promote hurried decisions and lack transparency, creating a   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Central Virginia Health Services Inc. (CVHS), New Canton, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing grave concerns over the agency's reinterpretation of "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The organization, which represents 20 community health center sites across Virginia, argues that the new definition could severely u  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Cereals Canada, Winnipeg, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency supporting a proposed maximum residue limit for the herbicide pyraflufen-ethyl on oats. The organization argues that aligning the U.S. and Canadian MRLs would positively impact trade between the two countries. The organization stated that Canada is the primary supplier of oats to the USA and that having established MRLs is crucial for market access. The proposed MRL in   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- ChesPenn Health Services has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing strong opposition to a proposal that would classify the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The organization argues that this change would not only contradict existing federal law but also jeopardize the public health mission of communit  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Children's Action Alliance (CAA), a nonprofit advocacy organization based in Arizona, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding proposed changes to the interpretation of "Federal Public Benefit" that could severely impact the Head Start program. In light of the agency's notice concerning the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, CAA expresses deep concerns over the implications for  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- ClifTaylor Enterprises Inc., Houston, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding Notice 2025-10, which pertains to the Clean Fuel Production Credit under Section 45Z of the Internal Revenue Code. The company is seeking clarification on key aspects of the proposed regulations. In its correspondence, ClifTaylor emphasized the need for clearer definitions within the draft text of the regulations. The organization pointed out   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (CODNR) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing its support for the Interim Final Rule while emphasizing the need for increased state agency involvement in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The letter outlines CODNR's recommendations aimed at improving coordination between federal and state agencies in environmental reviews. In its letter dated August 4,   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Colorado Energy Office has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development expressing support for the adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019 as the minimum energy codes for projects receiving funding from HUD and U.S. Department of Agriculture affordable housing programs. The organization emphasizes that these standards will not only lead to energy cost savings but also   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The CommuniCare+OLE Health Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing strong opposition to a proposed designation of the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit." The organization, which serves nearly 55,000 community residents, argues that such a designation would conflict with existing laws and jeopardize the health and well-being of both insured and uninsured individuals, including immigrants.   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties, Oregon, expressed their deep concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' recent public comment letter aimed at clarifying the definition of "Federal Public Benefits" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. The letter, dated August 12, 2025, highlights conflicts with long-standing federal guidance and potential negative impacts on public health. In their co  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Delaware Riverkeeper Network submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) expressing concerns regarding recent changes made to the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The organization's comments focus on the lack of adherence to the notice-and-comment procedures mandated by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). In the letter, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network highlights that the FHWA, along with the Federa  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- DHI Mortgage Co. Ltd., Austin, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) expressing critical concerns regarding the proposed adoption of new energy efficiency standards for housing. The letter addresses the findings of HUD's Notice of Preliminary Determination issued in April 2024, which concluded that the proposed updates to energy codes would not adversely affect housing availability and affordability. DHI Mor  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Early Matters San Antonio, a collective impact organization representing over 70 community organizations and businesses, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging the agency to withdraw a proposed interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) concerning "federal public benefits." The organization argues that the proposed changes would have detrimental effec  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- East Valley Community Health Center Inc. (EVCHC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) challenging a recent proposal to categorize the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit." The organization argues that this classification would undermine public health initiatives and conflict with federal mandates established to ensure the availability of healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their immigration  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Eastern Shawnee Companies LLC, Overland Park, Kansas, sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Defense urging changes to acquisition processes under Executive Order 14265 to better support small businesses, including those owned by tribes, Alaska Native corporations and Native Hawaiian organizations. Eastern Shawnee Companies argued that the agency should cut procurement timelines by expanding direct awards under the Small Business Administration's 8(a) prog  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- El Proyecto del Barrio Inc., Arleta, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services raising strong objections to a proposal that would classify the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). This proposed interpretation, published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2025, has sparked concerns regarding its potential har  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Elevate, Chicago, Illinois, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development supporting the adoption of energy efficiency standards for HUD and USDA-financed housing. The group focuses on providing clean and affordable energy access in underserved communities across the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, expressing that updated energy requirements will benefit both builders and residents. In its l  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding proposed changes to the biographic information collection process associated with deferred action, OMB Control Number 1615-0008. The coalition's letter stresses the vital importance of maintaining specific filing categories and granting employment authorization documents to support vulnerable immigrant survivors of domestic violence. The letter out  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Enterprise Community Partners has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding the adoption of energy efficiency standards for new housing construction financed through the two agencies. The organization expressed support for the agencies' commitment to implementing the updated 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 standards. In its communication, En  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Environmental Law & Policy Center, Chicago, Illinois, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Transportation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urging them to abandon their recent changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures. In the letter, the organization argued that the revisions compromise long-established environmental protection  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Environmental Law & Policy Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Energy expressing concern over recent changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. The letter argues that the revisions undermine decades of established environmental protections, which Congress has mandated to ensure every American has a healthy environment. The letter specifically addresses the interim rules rec  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Erikson Institute, Chicago, Illinois, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing deep concern over a recently proposed notice that it claims could undermine the mission of Head Start and harm vulnerable communities nationwide. The organization, dedicated to advancing early childhood education and research, believes that the new directive threatens access to essential services for children from low-income families. In   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Famcare Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing strong opposition to a recent change in the interpretation of "Federal public benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The organization highlights that this reinterpretation, shifting nearly 30 years of legal precedent, could restrict access to vital health programs for millions of individuals, particula  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Father Joe's Villages Village Health Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing strong opposition to the agency's proposal to classify the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit." This classification, the organization argues, poses serious challenges to the core mission of community health centers and could undermine the care provided to underprivileged populations. In its letter, the V  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- First 5 Alameda County, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services expressing urgent opposition to a reinterpretation of the definition of "federal public benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The redefinition restricts eligibility to 13 essential programs, including Head Start and various community health services, impacting "qualified immigrants" and th  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Wasatch Homeless Healthcare dba Fourth Street Clinic has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing their grave concerns regarding the proposed reinterpretation of "Federal Public Benefit." The letter warns that this change could include services provided by Community Health Centers (CHCs), thereby jeopardizing healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations. The organization emphasizes that redefining CHCs as providi  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Georgetown University Developmental Psychology Professor Deborah A. Phillips has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing grave concerns regarding proposed changes to the interpretation of "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). Phillips, who has dedicated five decades to research on early childhood development, warns that including Hea  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Georgia Historic Preservation Division (HPD) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) addressing the agency's proposed revisions related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The HPD, which serves as the State Historic Preservation Office for Georgia, aims to provide insights and recommendations that affect the preservation of historic properties within the state. The HPD expresses concern that the USDA's proposed c  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Georgia Historic Preservation Division (HPD) has issued a public comment letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) expressing concerns about the agency's proposed updates to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures. As the State Historic Preservation Office for Georgia, HPD emphasizes its interest in how these changes could affect compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). In the letter, HPD outlines a rang  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Georgia Historic Preservation Division (HPD), Atlanta, has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment regarding the agency's proposed revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures. The HPD aims to ensure that any changes to NEPA regulations adequately consider the impact on historic properties in Georgia, as the division plays an essential role in preserving the  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Great Old Broads for Wilderness has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, expressing deep concerns regarding the recent revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. The revisions, characterized as the USDA NEPA Regulation Revision Interim Final Rule, are believed to undermine longstanding principles aimed at preserving the nation's environmental integrity. The organization emphasizes that both NEPA and the W  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) emphasizing the need for streamlined environmental regulations to support the development of affordable housing. The organization, which has been working towards providing safe and affordable homes for families since 1976, expressed appreciation for the USDA's interim final rule revising its implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NE  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Health Center Association of Nebraska (HCAN) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing concerns over the agency's reinterpretation of "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). HCAN represents seven Federally Qualified Health Centers operating in 87 locations across Nebraska. The letter argues that the new interpretation could under  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Hilltown Community Health Centers Inc., Huntington, Massachusetts, has recently submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing strong opposition to the proposed designation of the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The organization, which serves nearly 9,000 patients in Western Massachusetts, argues that this d  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Home Innovation Research Labs has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding its proposal to adopt energy efficiency standards for new construction of HUD- and USDA-financed housing. The organization expressed strong support for HUD's efforts to promote high-performance housing while maintaining affordability. In its comments, Home Innovation Research Labs emphasized the importance of recognizing third-party e  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Building Resilient Housing Task Force is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to maintain the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 building codes as essential minimum standards for programs affected by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The task force emphasized that these energy efficiency guidelines are cru  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Housing Assistance Council (HAC), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to building homes and communities in rural America, has addressed a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The letter outlines the organization's support for the adoption of updated energy efficiency standards for new housing financed by these federal agencies. HAC, with over 50 years of experience in  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The International Code Council (ICC) submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding the adoption of energy efficiency standards for new construction of HUD- and USDA-financed housing. The letter emphasizes the importance of utilizing the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to enhance energy performance and reduce costs. The ICC, a nonprofit organization aime  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) and GPA Midstream Association have jointly issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) advocating for significant reforms to the Pipeline Safety Regulations (PSR). This action comes in response to PHMSA's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at refining regulatory frameworks to facilitate domestic energy resource development while enhancing governm  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Kentucky Distillers' Association (KDA), Frankfort, has submitted a public comment letter to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) voicing significant concerns about proposed changes to labeling requirements for distilled spirits. The KDA represents 72 producers licensed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and produces approximately 95% of the world's Bourbon. The association highlights that the proposed changes regarding the inclusion of alcohol facts and majo  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- La Familia Medical Center dba La Familia Health, Santa Fe, New Mexico, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing strong discontent regarding a recent Federal Register Notice. The notice, released on July 14, 2025, clarifies the interpretation of "Federal Public Benefits" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) and has raised significant concerns among community health ad  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- LCH Health and Community Services, Pennsylvania, has raised serious concerns in a public comment letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the recently published Federal Register Notice that seeks to clarify the interpretation of "Federal public benefits." The organization, which has served residents of southern Chester County for over five decades, expressed disappointment over changes that may affect service delivery models and threat  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Lewis County General Hospital, Lowville, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services opposing two of the agency's proposals related to hospital payments and quality reporting. The letter argues against CMS' plan to accelerate the timeline for recouping funds from hospitals and its proposal to conduct a drug acquisition survey. Lewis County General Hospital expressed opposition t  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Lynn Community Health Center, Massachusetts, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing strong opposition to the proposed classification of the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The organization argues that labeling the Health Center Program in this manner contradicts existing law and could severely damage th  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Mendocino Coast Clinics has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing strong opposition to the potential designation of the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The organization, which represents nearly 10,000 patients along the North West California Coast, raised concerns that this change contradicts long-standi  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), Los Angeles, California, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing serious concerns regarding the agency's recent notice on the interpretation of "federal public benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The letter argues that the proposed reinterpretation may restrict access to vital fede  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Midtown Community Health Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing concerns regarding proposed changes to the interpretation of federal public benefits under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The health center, serving underserved communities in Northern Utah, emphasized that the redefinition posed threats to both service delivery and patient care across the region  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Midtown Community Health Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing concerns regarding the agency's recent interpretation of public benefits under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The letter emphasizes the potential negative implications this change could have on community health centers (CHCs) and the vulnerable populations they serve. In the letter, Midtown, whi  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Midtown Community Health Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing strong concerns regarding the agency's recent clarification of federal public benefits under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The letter emphasizes the implications this reinterpretation may have on the health services provided to underserved communities in Northern Utah, where Midtown serves over   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The National Association of Counties (NACo) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture expressing significant concerns regarding interim final rules (IFRs) that limit local governments' roles in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. NACo represents over 3,000 counties, parishes, and boroughs across the nation, and it underscores the pivotal role that county governments play as co-regulators in environmental review alongside   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in support of the agency's interim final rule aimed at modernizing and simplifying the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This update, which took effect on July 3, 2025, is viewed by the NAHB as a positive development, though the organization also emphasizes the importance of further recommendations to enhance the rule's effectiveness,   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has voiced strong opposition to the recent energy efficiency standards proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) urging them to rescind the Final Determination before it significantly affects the availability and affordability of new construction housing. The trade organization, representing over 700 associations across the nation, has submitted detailed   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency opposing Ripple Labs Inc. application for a national trust bank charter under the name Ripple National Trust Bank, N.A. The letter was directed to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), asserting that the charter would enable harmful regulatory arbitrage and undermine consumer protections. NCRC, a coalition comprising mo  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) advocating for the retention of energy efficiency standards for new construction of HUD- and USDA-financed housing. The letter aligns with HUD's and USDA's recent Final Determination adopting the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as minimum requirements aimed at improving housing affordability and   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) advocating for the adoption of updated energy efficiency standards for federally financed housing. NEMA, which represents over 300 member companies and employs more than 460,000 workers in the U.S., argues that enhancing these standards is essential for ensuring safe and energy-efficient homes across the country. In t  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The National Head Start Association (NHSA) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) strongly opposing the agency's recent reinterpretation of the term "federal public benefit" to include the Head Start program. This policy change, published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2025, challenges the very foundation of Head Start's mission to provide educational opportunities to all children regardless of circumstance. The NH  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) has expressed strong opposition to a recent public comment letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which criticized the agency's new interpretation of "Federal public benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). This reinterpretation has raised concerns about its implications for millions of immigrants and their access to crucial healthcare and  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The National Right to Life (NRLC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expressing strong support for a proposed rule aimed at reinstating the exclusion of abortion and abortion counseling from the VA medical benefits package and Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). The organization asserts that the proposed rule is a necessary restoration of the VA's medical services, aligning wit  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Native American Contractors Association sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Defense pushing for acquisition changes under Executive Order 14265 to enhance support for native-owned small businesses in federal contracting. Native American Contractors Association argued that the agency should shorten procurement timelines by increasing direct awards through the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program for Native entities, enabling unlimited contract va  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Nevada Primary Care Association, Carson City, Nevada, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing grave concerns over the new interpretation of "Federal public benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The organization, which represents more than 60 community health center sites, argues that this reinterpretation could jeopardize the mission of heal  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC), San Fernando, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing strong opposition to the proposed designation of the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). This letter was prompted by recent interpretations published in the Federal Register. NEVHC argue  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation advocating for the establishment of a federal program that allows states to assume responsibility for administering Section 404 of the Clean Water Act in relation to transportation projects. The proposal aims to streamline the environmental review and permitting process, ultimately enhancing project delivery timelines and efficiency. ODOT's letter su  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Our Children's Trust, a law firm dedicated to advocating for the rights of youth in environmental matters, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging the agency to reconsider its interim final rule regarding the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The organization argues that the USDA's recent policy changes undermine critical protections designed to safeguard children from the impacts of climate change and fossil fuel p  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Outdoor Alliance, a coalition representing outdoor recreationists, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing significant concerns over the Interim Final Rule (IFR) implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The letter specifically targets the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), which manages vast public lands critical to recreation activities such as hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. The organization, which comp  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) expressing support for the collection of information regarding waivers of Coastwise Trade Laws for small passenger vessels. The letter, dated August 6, 2025, addresses the implications of permitting foreign-built vessels to operate in U.S. coastwise trade, a significant concern for domestic vessel builders and operators. The PVA is the national trade associa  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) expressing strong support for the adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Standard as minimum energy efficiency requirements for homes financed under federal programs. PIMA, which represents the North American polyisocyanurate insulation industry, emphasizes that   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Recover Alaska has submitted a public comment letter to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) strongly advocating for the proposed rule that would require allergen labeling on wines, distilled spirits, and malt beverages. The organization emphasized that this initiative marks a significant leap toward enhancing public health safety and transparency for consumers, particularly those with food allergies. Recover Alaska, a statewide coalition committed to reduci  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Reproductive Health Access Project (RHAP) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in strong opposition to the agency's recent interpretation regarding the term "Federal public benefit" as defined under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). RHAP, a national nonprofit organization, advocates for the integration of reproductive healthcare services, including abortion and c  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Valencia, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) challenging the agency's recent proposal to classify the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The organization argues that this proposed designation would undermine healthcare access for millions and contradict ne  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- San Miguel Board of County Commissioners, Colorado, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture expressing strong opposition to proposed changes outlined in its Interim Final Rule (IFR) USDA-2025-0008. The commissioners argue that the IFR undermines essential environmental protections and public participation mechanisms originally established by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In their letter, officials emphasized that federal  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (SBMTD), California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation addressing a sharp decline in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 funding. The letter highlights the critical issue of the agency's funding status and proposes the establishment of a Medium-Sized Transit Intensive Cities (MTIC) program to alleviate the financial challenges faced by transit agencies in urbanized ar  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, Albany, New York, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opposing a proposed change regarding the definition of "federal public benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. The organization argues that this interpretation threatens the well-being of low-income families, both immigrant and non-immigrant, by potentially stripping acces  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) advocating for the revision of the agency's interim final rule concerning the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining thorough environmental reviews and cultural resource protections in light of recent regulatory changes. The SAA, established in 1934, represents a diverse group of nearly 7,  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network and Family Voices, Newark, New Jersey, have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expressing their concerns about the proposed reinterpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). Their stance reflects years of advocacy supporting families and youth while underscoring the negative implications of the current public charge rule on immigrant communiti  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Sulphur Institute has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT/PHMSA) requesting the rescindment of guidance Revision 5 and the restoration of the previous Revision 4 for One Time Movement Approvals (OTMAs). This move is aimed at improving the efficiency of hazardous materials transportation in rail cars, addressing concerns that have surfaced since the implementation of the   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, Greensboro, North Carolina, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the renewal of its information collection request for reporting chemical risks. The company's comments focused on improving the efficiency and scientific soundness of the agency's data collection process. Syngenta acknowledged the value of the agency's efforts to protect human health and the environment and offered input on seve  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Taurean, Boerne, Texas, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Defense urging it to implement initiatives that would increase small business participation in the defense industrial base. The letter addresses a decline in the number of small businesses that have worked with the DOD despite high spending. Taurean expressed support for the agency's modernization efforts to streamline acquisition processes. To further support these goals, the organization  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Unity Care NW, Bellingham, Washington, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing strong opposition to a proposal that would classify the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The initiative, published in the Federal Register in July 2025, has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on community hea  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems Senior Researcher Michelle Miller submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation on the National Freight Strategic Plan underscoring the need for a national strategy that addresses bottlenecks in the perishable food distribution network and improves market and food access for rural communities. According to the researcher, an analysis of food flow data indicates that  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA), St. George, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, expressing strong reservations regarding proposed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations. This letter highlights the potential impact on the rights of citizens who utilize public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). UPLA emphasizes that its members, who actively recreate on the approximately 8  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Western Urban Water Coalition (WUWC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing concerns about an interim final rule that amends the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations. The coalition, which comprises numerous urban water utilities serving millions across the West, seeks to bring attention to issues concerning predictability, efficiency, and accountability in environmental review processes  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- The Wyoming County Commissioners Association (WCCA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing concerns over the newly proposed Interim Final Rule regarding the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The letter emphasizes potential challenges that the rule could impose on Wyoming's local governments, which play a crucial role in managing federal lands and resources in the state. The WCCA represents all 23 counties in W  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, Washington, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services concerning the proposed designation of the Health Center Program as a "Federal Public Benefit" under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The organization expresses strong opposition to this designation, arguing that it contradicts legal standards and threatens the public health mission of c  more