WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management has adopted 65 categorical exclusions (CXs) from various federal agencies to streamline environmental reviews for activities on public lands, effective September 2, 2025. This move, authorized by Section 109 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), allows the BLM to use pre-existing CXs from agencies like the Department of the Navy, Department of Energy, and U.S. Forest Service for actions such   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 -- Forth, Portland, Oregon, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program Guidance. The letter underscores the importance of effective fund deployment to support electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the nation. Forth expressed appreciation for the guidance provided by the agency, noting that the increase in electric vehicle sales necessitates both funding and   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 -- The Higher Education Loan Coalition has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding potential regulations following the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3; P.L. 119-21). The coalition expressed its commitment to improving federal student aid programs and encouraged collaboration with the agency as it moves forward with these regulatory changes. In its communication, HELC highlighted several key issues that might arise from the proposed reg  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 -- The National Animal Interest Alliance, Portland, Oregon, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressing its strong opposition to the potential listing of the Blue Tree Monitor, Varanus macraei, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The organization argues that the species does not meet the necessary criteria for such a designation, citing the species' stable habitat and current population status. The NAIA highlights that the Blue Tr  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 -- The National Potato Council (NPC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor expressing strong support for the proposed rescission of the 2024 Final Rule titled "Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States." The NPC represents American potato growers responsible for over 95% of U.S. potato production, contributing more than $10.8 billion at the farm gate to the economy and supporting over 714,000 jo  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 -- Rep. Andrea Salinas, D-Oregon, issued the following news release: * * * Rep. Salinas's Statement on Border Patrol Arrest and Unconstitutional Treatment of Wildfire Fighter and Constituent * Tualatin, OR - Today, Congresswomen Andrea Salinas (OR-06) released the following statement regarding Border Patrol officials arresting one of her constituents--a wildfire fighter dispatched to Washington State--and denying him his Constitutional rights. "On Wednesday, U.S. Border  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 -- The UCLA Law Center for Reproductive Health, Law, and Policy and UCSF Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urging the agency to maintain its standards for mifepristone based on evidence and sound science. The letter highlights the concerns of 263 reproductive health researchers regarding pressures to reassess existing safety protocols for the medication. The researchers emphasize that dec  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following news release: * * * Wyden Applauds Appeals Court Ruling Striking Down Most Trump Tariffs Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., released the following statement applauding a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which affirmed a lower court ruling that Donald Trump's so-called emergency tariffs are illegal: "Federal Courts have rep  more