Iowa DNR Enforcement Actions: $23K Penalties for Wastewater, Open Burning Violations
Iowa DNR published enforcement actions summarizing five cases including $23,000 in total administrative penalties. Violations involved open burning, wastewater treatment facility deficiencies, and improper certification activities. Affected parties include individuals, a cooperative, a city, and a county entity required to pay penalties or surrender certifications.
Iowa DNR Warns of Illegal Dumping Penalties, Environmental Hazards During Spring Cleaning
Iowa DNR issued a news release warning residents about illegal dumping and open burning regulations during spring cleaning. The release outlines prohibited materials for burning including household trash, plastic, tires, and construction debris, along with limited exceptions for landscape waste and recreational fires. Several Iowa counties have active burn bans due to dry conditions, and violators face cleanup costs reaching thousands of dollars.
NAGPRA Inventory Completion: UT Austin TARL Human Remains, El Paso County, Texas
The National Park Service published a NAGPRA inventory completion notice for the University of Texas at Austin Texas Archeological Research Laboratory, completing an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects from site 41EP25 in El Paso County, Texas. TARL has determined cultural affiliation with the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Repatriation of remains representing at least one individual and four associated funerary objects may occur on or after May 11, 2026.
Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District
The National Park Service published a NAGPRA notice on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, regarding the intended disposition of human remains representing one Native American individual and 127 associated funerary objects recovered from the Caldwell Creek site in Wayne County, Missouri. The Osage Nation has been designated with priority for disposition. Written claims for disposition must be submitted by April 9, 2027.
Navy Completes NAGPRA Inventory for Human Remains from San Nicolas and San Clemente Islands
The National Park Service published notice that the Department of the Navy, Naval Base Coronado has completed its NAGPRA inventory, identifying at least 30 Native American human remains from San Nicolas and San Clemente Islands, California. The Navy determined cultural affiliation with Indian Tribes and set repatriation to occur on or after May 11, 2026.
Navy Completes NAGPRA Inventory, Human Remains Culturally Affiliated
The Department of the Navy, Naval Base Ventura County completed a NAGPRA inventory identifying human remains of at least 81 individuals from San Nicolas Island and San Clemente Island, California. NPS published the notice determining cultural affiliation between the remains and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Repatriation may occur on or after May 11, 2026.
U.S. Navy Completes NAGPRA Inventory of Human Remains and Funerary Objects
The U.S. Department of Defense, Department of the Navy (Navy Region Southwest) has completed a Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) inventory identifying human remains of at least five individuals and 363 associated funerary objects removed from San Nicolas Island, California between 1905 and 1962. The Navy has determined cultural affiliation with multiple listed Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. Repatriation may occur on or after May 11, 2026.
University of Missouri completes NAGPRA inventory
University of Missouri completes NAGPRA inventory
Beach Water Contact Advisories Issued for Bay St. Louis and Gulfport Beaches
MDEQ's Beach Monitoring Program has issued water contact advisories for Bay St. Louis Beach (Station 4: Box Culvert to Ballantine St.) and Gulfport Central Beach (Station 10: Alfonso Dr. to Arkansas Ave.) due to elevated bacteria levels. The beaches remain open but carry increased risk of illness for swimmers. Four other advisories remain in effect statewide.
Sea Turtle Research Permit - Arizona State University
NOAA NMFS published notice of application from Arizona State University researcher Jesse Senko for permit to take green, hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley sea turtles for scientific research to develop technologies reducing bycatch in pound nets and gillnets in North Carolina and Virginia waters. The permit would authorize annual takes of up to 557 sea turtles across both locations over 5 years. The notice opens a 32-day public comment period ending May 11, 2026.
Marine Mammal Research Permit Application - Nova Southeastern University 7-Year Study
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service received a permit application from Nova Southeastern University for a 7-year marine mammal research permit. The research would study genetic diversity and population structure of marine mammals across Florida, Caribbean, South America, and Antarctica, including various whale, dolphin, and seal species. Public comments are being accepted until May 11, 2026.
Exempted Fishing Permit Application - Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute Lobster Genomics Study
NMFS Greater Atlantic Region has received an Exempted Fishing Permit application from the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute to conduct lobster genomics research. The EFP would exempt up to 8 federally permitted fishing vessels from 50 CFR 697.20(c) (Lobster Mutilation regulations) to allow landing of legs from ovigerous female lobsters for stock structure analysis. The project runs June 2026 through September 2027 in Statistical Areas 515, 562, 526, 537, and 616.
Marine Mammal Permit Application; File No. 29467
NOAA/NMFS received a permit application from University of Rochester researcher Jing Guo (File No. 29467) requesting authorization to import, export, and receive cetacean parts for scientific research over an 8-year period. The research aims to study molecular mechanisms underlying exceptional longevity, stress resistance, and cancer suppression using parts from up to 60 individual cetaceans annually.
Central Gulf Rockfish Program 2025 Cost Recovery Fee Notice
NMFS publishes standard ex-vessel prices and a 3.00% fee percentage for cost recovery under the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program for the 2025 fishing year (April 1 through November 15). Rockfish cooperatives holding quota share for primary species (northern rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, and dusky rockfish) and secondary species (Pacific cod, rougheye rockfish, shortraker rockfish, sablefish, and thornyhead rockfish) must pay cost recovery fees calculated against ex-vessel value.
NOAA Proposes Marine Mammal Take Authorization for Columbia University Atlantic Survey
NMFS has received a request from Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory for authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during a geophysical survey in the Western Central Atlantic Ocean. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, NMFS is requesting public comments on the proposed incidental harassment authorization and a possible one-year renewal. Comments are due by May 11, 2026.
North Pacific Albacore United States Stakeholder Meeting Announcement
NMFS announces a virtual U.S. stakeholder meeting on May 21, 2026 to discuss North Pacific albacore (NPALB) fishery management. The meeting will review preliminary results of the 2026 stock assessment and gather stakeholder input for upcoming IATTC and WCPFC NC discussions. Registration closes May 14, 2026.
Suffolk County Spring Turkey Season Opens May 1
NY DEC announced the 2026 spring turkey season in Suffolk County will run May 1-31, with youth season April 25-26. The department introduced a streamlined online reservation system via ReserveAmerica for state-managed lands, replacing the previous drawing-based method. Hunters must obtain valid New York State hunting licenses and turkey permits to participate.
Timbrook Summer Camp Scholarship Winner Announced for Camp Rushford
NY DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced Grover Bennett Villari from Genoa, Cayuga County, as the 2026 recipient of the Timbrook Summer Camp Scholarship. The scholarship, created in memory of former Camp Rushford camper Emily Timbrook, provides one returning camper annually with free attendance at the Rushford Environmental Education Camp in Caneadea, Allegany County. Funds are administered through the Natural Heritage Trust.
MPRSA Research Permit Adjudicatory Hearing Request
EPA filed an adjudicatory hearing request document (EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0198) in the MPRSA research permit proceeding. Environmental groups Friends of the Earth, Biofuelwatch, and OceanCare submitted public comments opposing the permit for Carboniferous-related activities in the Gulf of Mexico. Scientific declarations from researchers Craig R. McClain and Samantha B. Joye were filed, referencing journal articles on the Orca Basin's marine snow distribution and microbial ecology.
Missouri Air Quality Rule 10 CSR 10-5.570 Redline Markup
EPA Region 7 is reviewing and soliciting comments on proposed amendments to Missouri air quality regulation 10 CSR 10-5.570, which governs specific air emission requirements for affected sources in Missouri. The redline markup document details specific text changes proposed to the existing state rule.
Summer Flounder Quota Transfer, Virginia to Massachusetts
NMFS announces a temporary rule transferring 894 lb of 2026 commercial summer flounder quota from Virginia to Massachusetts. The transfer, effective April 7 through December 31, 2026, is to repay landings made by an out-of-state permitted vessel under a safe harbor agreement. Revised quotas: Virginia 2,434,000 lb and Massachusetts 1,041,297 lb.
Summer Flounder Quota Transfer, NC to NJ
NMFS announces that North Carolina is transferring 100,000 lb of its 2026 commercial summer flounder quota to New Jersey. The revised quotas are North Carolina, 2,920,221 lb and New Jersey, 2,096,380 lb. The transfer is effective April 7 through December 31, 2026, under the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.
Pacific Cod Trawl Closure Central Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. The closure, effective April 7 through September 1, 2026, prevents the sector from exceeding its 5,233 metric ton A season total allowable catch. The directed fishing allowance is set at 4,483 metric tons with 750 metric tons reserved for incidental catch in other groundfish fisheries.
Oil and Natural Gas NSPS Reconsideration Approval Letter
EPA issued an approval letter resolving a reconsideration request for New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) applicable to the oil and natural gas sector. The agency determined the final rulemaking position on affected emission sources and compliance pathways. Operators in the oil and gas industry should review the letter to understand any updated regulatory requirements or clarifications affecting their facilities.
Oil and Gas NSPS Reconsideration - Climate Review Final Rule
EPA has issued a final rule reconsidering standards of performance for new, reconstructed, and modified sources and emissions guidelines for existing sources in the oil and natural gas sector (RIN 2060-AW35). The rule modifies 40 CFR Part 60 standards under the Clean Air Act. Affected parties include oil and gas producers, natural gas processors, and related infrastructure operators who must review and update compliance programs accordingly.
EPA Amends 40 CFR Oil and Gas Facility Regulations
EPA finalized amendments to 40 CFR affecting oil and gas facilities. The rule updates air emission standards and compliance requirements for crude oil and natural gas production, processing, and transmission operations. Energy companies operating affected facilities must implement new operational and monitoring requirements.
EPCRA Sections 311 and 312 Community Right-to-Know Reporting Extension
The EPA is soliciting public comments on a proposed extension of Information Collection Request (ICR) EPA ICR Number 1352.17 (OMB Control Number 2050-0072) for Community Right-to-Know Reporting Requirements under EPCRA Sections 311 and 312. The ICR is currently approved through August 31, 2026. Comments must be submitted by June 8, 2026.
Missouri Rule 10 CSR 10-5.570, Sulfur Emissions from Stationary Boilers
The EPA Region 7 is proposing to approve Missouri State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted on November 10, 2020, by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The revisions amend Missouri Rule 10 CSR 10-5.570 to remove references to a revoked state regulation and make other minor administrative changes. The EPA views this as a non-controversial administrative action consistent with the Clean Air Act.
EPA Response to Comments on Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review Standards
The EPA published its response to selected public comments on the reconsideration of standards of performance for new, reconstructed, and modified sources and emissions guidelines for existing sources in the oil and natural gas sector. The document addresses stakeholder concerns submitted during the climate review rulemaking process. Energy sector operators should review the Agency's positions to prepare for upcoming compliance obligations.
Reconsideration of Oil and Gas Sector Emissions Standards and Guidelines
The EPA has issued a final rule reconsidering standards of performance for the oil and natural gas sector under the Clean Air Act. The rule addresses methane and greenhouse gas emissions from new, reconstructed, and modified sources, as well as emissions guidelines for existing sources. The rule takes effect June 8, 2026, and affects the entire oil and gas production and processing supply chain.
Safety Light Corporation CERCLA Cost Recovery Settlement, Bloomsburg, PA
EPA has published a proposed CERCLA cost recovery settlement for the Safety Light Corporation Site in Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pennsylvania. The settlement would resolve liability for response costs incurred at the contaminated property. EPA is accepting public comments on the settlement for 32 days.
Community Right-to-Know Reporting Requirements Under EPCRA Sections 311 and 312
The EPA is soliciting public comments on information collection requirements under Sections 311 and 312 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). The agency seeks feedback on EPA ICR Number 1352.17 (OMB Control Number 2050-0072). This 60-day comment period provides stakeholders an opportunity to address reporting burdens and data quality considerations for community right-to-know chemical inventory disclosures.
Rhode Island Regional Haze SIP Second Implementation Period Approval
EPA has approved Rhode Island's Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the second implementation period. The approval addresses Prong 4 (visibility protection) requirements under the 2015 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard. This final rule is effective May 11, 2026.
Colorado Serious Ozone Attainment Plan Approved: RACT Requirements and Contingency Measures for Denver Metro/North Front Range
The EPA approved Colorado's Serious Attainment Plan for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the Denver Metro/North Front Range nonattainment area. The rule approves Reasonably Available Control Technology requirements and contingency measures as part of the state's State Implementation Plan. Affected facilities include industrial sources with actual emissions of 25 tons per year or more of VOCs or NOx.
Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Control of Sulfur Emissions From Stationary Boilers
EPA is approving revisions to Missouri's State Implementation Plan under the Clean Air Act, specifically amendments to Rule 10 CSR 10-5.570 governing sulfur emissions from stationary boilers. The direct final rule was published on April 9, 2026, with a 30-day effective period. Affected facilities in Missouri including power plants and industrial operations may need to review permits for compliance with updated emission standards.
Missouri Air Plan Approval for Sulfur Emissions from Stationary Boilers
EPA proposes to approve Missouri's revised air quality plan under the Clean Air Act, specifically amendments to Rule 10 CSR 10-5.570 controlling sulfur emissions from stationary boilers. The revisions update emission standards and compliance requirements for affected industrial facilities. EPA is accepting public comments on this proposed approval for 32 days.
SEDAR 98 Gulf red snapper workshop announced
SEDAR 98 Gulf red snapper workshop announced
SEDAR 103 Caribbean Fisheries Assessment Workshop - Public Meeting Scheduled
NOAA announces the SEDAR 103 Data Webinar 3 for Caribbean fisheries assessment methods, to be held April 29, 2026 from 1-4 p.m. EST. The webinar is open to the public and will continue fisheries independent data review, ecosystem and life history data review, and morphometrics database review. The SEDAR process involves the Gulf, South Atlantic, and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils in conjunction with the National Marine Fisheries Service.
West Coast Fisheries Participation Survey - 30-Day Comment Extension
NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center is seeking public comments on a revised survey instrument for the West Coast Fisheries Participation Survey (OMB Control No. 0648-0749). The revised survey removes one question on identity in underserved groups and converts two open-ended questions to multiple-choice format to reduce respondent burden. Comments are due within 30 days of publication.
FWS Initiates 5-Year Status Reviews for Eskimo Curlew, Spectacled Eider, Sea Otter
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is initiating 5-year status reviews under the Endangered Species Act for the Eskimo curlew, spectacled eider, and Southwest Alaska distinct population segment of the northern sea otter. The agency is requesting new scientific and commercial data on these species since the last review in 2021. Public comments will be accepted until June 8, 2026.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a notice announcing receipt of recovery permit applications under the Endangered Species Act. The notice solicits public comments on the applications before any permits are issued. Affected parties may submit comments by May 11, 2026.
Notice of Information Collection; Bird Banding Permit Renewal Comment Request
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking public comment on renewing an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act for its Bird Banding Laboratory permit program. The program oversees more than 9,000 federally permitted banders who monitor migratory bird populations under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Comments are due by June 8, 2026.
Essex Skip-Hire Boss and Firm Plead Guilty to Waste Crime Charges
The Environment Agency prosecuted Roy Brett and RJ Brett Contracts Ltd for operating a skip-hire business in Essex without an environmental permit between 2024 and 2026. The company stored excessive waste in an undersized yard, ignored repeated warnings over two years, and undercut competitors by evading permit fees. Both parties pleaded guilty to environmental law breaches.
Adam Pettitt Environmental Permit Application - Old Cholmeleians Sports Club
The Environment Agency has published a public notice regarding Mr. Adam Pettitt's environmental permit application (EPR/KP3521LV/A001) for Old Cholmeleians Sports Club at 28 Hendon Wood Lane, London NW7 4HR. The notice covers waste operations, installations, water discharge activities, and medium combustion plant. The public may submit comments on the application before the Agency decides whether to grant or refuse the permit.
Governor's Energy Task Force Concluding Open House Series in Colstrip
Montana DEQ announces Governor Gianforte's Energy Task Force will conclude its series of public open houses with an event in Colstrip on April 15, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Business Innovation Center. The open house offers attendees a chance to talk directly with task force members and state agency staff to ask questions and provide feedback on energy topics. The task force was established by executive order in September 2025 and will submit recommendations to the Governor in September 2026 and January 2027.
60,000 Trout Stocked in Over 100 Waterbodies
Rhode Island DEM announced stocking of 60,000 brook, brown, rainbow, and golden rainbow trout across over 100 freshwater waterbodies ahead of the April 11 opening day. The annual Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for May 2-3, during which residents and visitors may fish without a license or trout stamp. Upper Melville Pond in Portsmouth will be closed to fishing from May 4 through July 2 to support a PFAS accumulation study.