Environment

Marine and Coastal Project Grant Funding Available

NY DEC and New York Sea Grant announced $85,000 in small grant funding for marine and coastal projects supporting conservation, education, research, and recreational fishing. Applications are due May 19, 2026. The program is funded through the Marine and Coastal District Environmental Custom License Plate initiative.

Environmental Conservation Police Operations Report

NY DEC released a press release summarizing Environmental Conservation Police Officers' 2025 activities. The Division responded to over 35,575 complaints and issued 15,673 tickets or arrests for violations including deer poaching, solid waste dumping, illegal mining, illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions violations. Specific cases highlighted include an undercover operation involving an illegal Eastern box turtle sale in Harlem and an illegal deer take investigation in Wayne County resulting in misdemeanor charges.

Federal Register Daily Issue Index

Office of the Federal Register published a daily compilation of 100 documents from 46 agencies across 267 pages. The issue contains 88 notices, 6 rules, 5 proposed rules, 1 presidential document, and 1 significant document. No new regulatory requirements or compliance deadlines are established by this index.

Clemente Appellant Reply Brief - NOAA Regulatory Case

NOAA filed an Appellant Reply Brief in the Clemente regulatory case on March 31, 2025. The brief responds to arguments in an ongoing administrative appeal before a federal court or tribunal. Parties involved in related regulatory matters should review the filing for implications on NOAA enforcement proceedings.

BJG v. NOAA - Administrative Appeal Reply Brief Appendix

NOAA filed BJG's Appellant Reply Brief Appendix in Docket No. NOAA-HQ-2025-1465, supporting reply arguments in an administrative enforcement case. The document provides supplemental materials and exhibits supporting BJG's reply to NOAA's response brief.

NYSDOS Appendix Supporting Documentation for NOAA Rulemaking

NOAA received an appendix filing from the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) as supporting documentation for an open rulemaking docket (NOAA-HQ-2025-1464). The document was submitted via regulations.gov and contains supplementary materials related to the underlying NOAA regulatory action. This is a routine supporting filing in an ongoing consultation process.

NYSDOS Principal Brief in NOAA Administrative Appeal

The New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) filed its principal brief in an administrative appeal before the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The document, filed in docket NOAA-HQ-2025-1464, contains NYSDOS's legal arguments and evidence in support of its position. The subject matter of the underlying dispute relates to NOAA's regulatory jurisdiction.

Clemente v. NOAA - Administrative Appeal Appellant Brief

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration received an Appellant Principal Brief from Clemente in Case No. NOAA-HQ-2025-1464, an administrative appeal. The appellant is challenging an underlying NOAA administrative decision through this legal filing. The document was filed via Regulations.gov under docket NOAA-HQ-2025-1464.

NYSDOS Principal Brief in NOAA Administrative Proceeding

The New York State Department of State filed a Principal Brief in a NOAA administrative proceeding on March 31, 2025. The brief is associated with docket NOAA-HQ-2025-1465 and represents NYSDOS's legal position in the matter.

$4.8M Wastewater Treatment Grant Awarded to Pilot Grove, Missouri

MO DNR awarded $4.8 million in financial assistance to Pilot Grove, MO for wastewater treatment system upgrades through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The funding includes a $2 million loan and $2.76 million grant, with the city contributing nearly $700,000 and securing an additional $750,000 Community Development Block Grant. Project completion is targeted for May 2027.

Celanese Acetate LLC Air Pollution Control Law Violations

VA DEQ has proposed a consent order against Celanese Acetate LLC for violations of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law and applicable permit regulations at the Celanese Narrows Virginia Plant in Narrows, Virginia. The proposed consent order is available for public comment from March 31, 2026 through April 30, 2026.

Cary St BP Delivery Prohibition Proceeding

VA DEQ has initiated a delivery prohibition proceeding against Cary St BP at 1920 West Cary St, Richmond, VA 23220, due to unresolved compliance issues from an August 5, 2025 underground storage tank inspection. The virtual proceeding is scheduled for April 14, 2026 at 1:30 PM. Delivery prohibition would prevent fuel delivery to the facility until compliance is restored.

Murex Petroleum Crude Oil Spill Notification - Divide County

NDDEQ issued a news release notifying the public of a crude oil spill by Murex Petroleum Corporation in Divide County, North Dakota. The tank failure on March 26 released approximately 238 barrels (9,996 gallons) of crude oil, with 133 barrels impacting adjacent agricultural land. NDDEQ personnel are inspecting the site and monitoring remediation activities.

City of Duluth Settlement for 2024 Fishkill Incident

MPCA announced a settlement with the City of Duluth for a fishkill incident in Tischer Creek. The city will pay a $12,000 fine and $190,000 in natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) compensation. The August 2024 incident killed approximately 2,300 fish, including nearly 1,600 brook trout, after treated drinking water containing chlorine and ammonia was released into the creek.

Veolia ES Landfill partial surrender permit

The Environment Agency issued a partial surrender permit (EPR/EP3136GK/S012) for Veolia ES Landfill Limited's Rainham Landfill site under the Industrial Emissions Directive. This administrative action modifies the existing environmental permit by surrendering certain permit conditions. The notice applies to England only.

Environmental Permit Issued - Bailey Livestock, Fir Tree Farm

The Environment Agency issued an environmental permit to Bailey Livestock Limited for its Fir Tree Farm installation in Middlesborough, England. The permit was issued under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) and carries reference number EPR/KP3426SG/A001. The permit and decision documents are available for public reference.

East Midlands Waste Management Limited - Environmental Permit Application Consultation

The Environment Agency published a consultation notice for East Midlands Waste Management Limited's environmental permit application (EPR/CP3723LV/A001) for Saxon Pit Southern Buttress, Whittlesey. An amendment was issued on 31 March 2026 correcting the waste treatment description from "crushing and screening" to just "screening" as this was an error in the original application. The EA invites public comments on the permit application.

SCDES Daily Ozone Forecasts Resume

SCDES announced the resumption of its seasonal daily ozone forecasting program from April 1 through September 30, 2026. The forecasts provide ground-level ozone concentration predictions to help South Carolinians protect their health on high-ozone days. Citizens can access forecasts via the SCDES website, EPA's EnviroFlash alerts, or the AirNow mobile app.

TSCA Health and Safety Data Reporting Deadline Extension

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed extending the reporting deadline for the TSCA Section 8(d) Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule by one year from May 21, 2026 to May 21, 2027. The proposed extension applies to chemical manufacturers (NAICS 325) and petroleum refineries (NAICS 324110) who manufacture or have manufactured listed chemical substances. Public comments on this proposed action are due April 29, 2026.

Douglas County Revetment Water Quality Certification Request

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has received a Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification application from Gordon Consulting Inc. for a revetment project at 608 Lake Shore Blvd in Douglas County, Nevada. The project involves Regional General Permit 4 (Lake Tahoe Minimal Impact Activities and Structures) and requires federal authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Public comments on certification action number NV-401-26-009 are being accepted until 5:00 PM on April 29, 2026.

Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification - 620 Lake Shore Blvd Revetment

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is soliciting public comments on a Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification application from Gordon Consulting Inc. for a revetment project at 620 Lake Shore Blvd in Douglas County, Nevada. The application is processed under Regional General Permit 4 (Lake Tahoe Minimal Impact Activities and Structures), certification action number NV-401-26-010. Comments must be submitted by 5:00 PM on April 29, 2026.

Artesia WWRF Wastewater Discharge Permit Renewal

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection issued a notice of proposed action for permit number NS0091004, a groundwater discharge permit for the Artesia Wastewater Recovery Facility at Hafen Ranch. Pahrump Utility Company, Inc. seeks permit renewal. Public comments will be accepted until April 29, 2026.

TMWA Groundwater Discharge Permit NS2025503

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) issued a Notice of Proposed Action for Groundwater Discharge Permit NS2025503 for the Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) in Reno, Nevada. The permit covers the Advanced Purified Water Facility's discharge operations. Public comments on the draft permit and fact sheet will be accepted until April 29, 2026.

PFAS Impact Study on Stocked Trout - Upper Melville Pond Fishing Closure

RI DEM and RIDOH announced a collaborative study with EPA, Roger Williams University, and the Town of Portsmouth to examine PFAS accumulation in stocked trout at Upper Melville Pond in Portsmouth. The pond will be closed to fishing from May 4 through July 2, 2026, to protect study integrity. This is the first study of its kind in Rhode Island and results are expected next year.

DNR Investigating Hamilton County Manure Spill Near Ellsworth

Iowa DNR issued a news release announcing investigation of a manure spill reported on March 28 near Ellsworth in Hamilton County. Certified applicator Hovick Hauling was transporting liquid manure when the tank rolled into a road ditch, releasing an unknown amount into a surface tile intake that traveled approximately 1.5 miles before discharging to an unnamed tributary of the South Skunk River. The applicator contained part of the spill with an earthen dam, but an unknown quantity reached the river. DNR field staff found no evidence of fish kill. The department will determine if enforcement action is warranted.

MDEQ beach water quality advisories continue through September

MDEQ beach water quality advisories continue through September

Grants for Invasive Species Control and Habitat Restoration

NY DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced $5.1 million in grants to 51 projects statewide for invasive species control and habitat restoration. The funding supports four categories: aquatic invasive species prevention ($467,810), early detection/rapid response ($1.66M), research ($699,142), and restoration/resiliency ($2.29M). Recipients include SUNY Albany, RPI, Syracuse University, and Soil & Water Conservation Districts across New York State.

Bar-B Ranch Conservation Easement Protects Everglades

Florida DEP secured a 1,668-acre conservation easement over Bar-B Ranch in Martin County through the Florida Forever Program. The easement permanently protects a working cattle ranch that supports Everglades restoration by storing and filtering water while preventing future development. This acquisition was approved by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet.

Oregon DEQ Environmental Enforcement Penalties - February 2026

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 10 civil penalties totaling $145,903 in February 2026 for environmental violations including asbestos abatement, stormwater discharge, and hazardous waste mismanagement. Fines ranged from $1,600 to $27,785 across 10 organizations including contractors, wood products companies, paint manufacturers, and a university.

Tilefish fisheries 2026 proposed rule

Tilefish fisheries 2026 proposed rule, comment deadline Apr 14

Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Framework Adjustment 40 Specifications

NMFS published an interim final rule implementing Atlantic Sea Scallop Framework Adjustment 40, establishing fishing year 2026 and 2027 specifications including days-at-sea limits, limited access general category allocations, and modified area designations to prevent overfishing and optimize yield-per-recruit.

EPA Proposes Extending TSCA Section 8(d) Reporting Deadline

The EPA has proposed extending the reporting deadline for the Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(d) by one year. This proposed rule is open for public comment until April 29, 2026.

Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan Adjustment 40

NOAA has implemented Framework Adjustment 40 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan, establishing specifications for fishing years 2026 and 2027. This interim final rule aims to prevent overfishing and optimize yield by setting days-at-sea, general category allocations, and modifying area designations.

Court Rulings Affirm Agency Procedural Safeguards for Climate Infrastructure Funds

Federal courts have ruled that agencies must follow procedural requirements when administering climate infrastructure funds. Decisions in Washington and D.C. invalidated agency actions that froze EV-charging funding and terminated DOE grants based on political affiliation, impacting billions in infrastructure projects.

Renewable Market Distress: Preserving Value and Capturing Opportunity

Sheppard Mullin LLP hosted a panel discussing distress in the renewable energy market due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Panelists warned of potential capital shortfalls and advised proactive contingency planning for project developers and investors facing valuation shifts.

Offshore Wind Projects Successfully Challenge BOEM Suspension Orders

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued suspension orders for five offshore wind projects, citing national security concerns. Developers successfully challenged these orders in court, obtaining preliminary injunctions by February 2, 2026, arguing the suspensions were arbitrary and capricious.

FEMA FY 2024-2025 BRIC Grant Funding Opportunity Released

FEMA has released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the FY 2024-2025 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, making $1 billion available for hazard mitigation. The program has narrowed eligible activities to focus on infrastructure and construction projects, with new compliance requirements for applicants. Applications are due July 23, 2026.

Mobile District Regional Conditions Public Notice - Alabama

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District has issued a public notice regarding regional conditions for permits in Alabama. This notice updates existing conditions and provides information on regulatory requirements for activities in waters and wetlands.

USCG Kodiak Seward Sitka Final EA

The Fish and Wildlife Service has posted the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the USCG Kodiak Seward Sitka project. This notice serves to make the final EA publicly available.

USCG Kodiak Seward Sitka Final ITR

The Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a final rule regarding Integrated Turtle Regulations (ITR) for the USCG Kodiak, Seward, and Sitka areas. This notice provides a 100-word summary of the final rule, which is intended to update and clarify regulations related to sea turtles in these specific locations.

USCG Kodiak Seward Sitka Final ITR Literature Cited

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has posted the literature cited section for the Final "Integrating Traditional Knowledge and Western Science for Endangered Species Act Decision-Making" (ITR) document concerning USCG operations in Kodiak, Seward, and Sitka. This update provides the reference materials supporting the final decision.

Final Rule: Incidental Take of Northern Sea Otters in Alaska

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a final rule authorizing the nonlethal, incidental take of small numbers of northern sea otters during marine construction and pile driving activities in Seward, Sitka, and Kodiak, Alaska. This rule is effective for five years from March 27, 2026.

Permit revoked, two waste sites shut down in waste crackdown

The Environment Agency has revoked the environmental permit for Windmill Services Ltd and shut down two illegal waste sites following a multi-agency crackdown in West Lancashire. This action targets waste crime and aims to reduce the negative impact on local communities.

Farmer Sentenced for Illegal Waste Dumping

The Environment Agency has prosecuted a North Yorkshire farmer, Hayden Fortune, for operating an illegal waste site. Fortune was sentenced to a suspended prison term, fined, and ordered to clear thousands of tonnes of waste from his land within two years.

EPA Fact Sheet for MPRSA Research Permit

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a fact sheet regarding a research permit under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). This document provides information about the permit and its associated research activities.

Endangered Species Act Consultation for Carboniferous Inc. Project

The EPA has issued a notice regarding an Endangered Species Act consultation for the Carboniferous Inc. project. This document is part of the regulatory review process for the project's environmental impact.

EPA Addendum for Coronado Generating Station Evaporation Pond Analysis

The Environmental Protection Agency has posted an addendum related to the evaporation pond analysis for the Coronado Generating Station. This document is part of an ongoing review process and provides additional information for public consideration.

EPA Tribal Consultation Summary for Research Project

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a notice summarizing its tribal consultation process for a research project. This document outlines the engagement undertaken with tribal nations regarding the project's scope and potential impacts.

Proposed Rule: Extend TSCA Compliance Dates for PCE and CTC

The EPA is proposing to extend compliance dates for perchloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The proposed extensions affect initial monitoring, exposure limits, regulated areas, and exposure control plans for non-federal entities, aligning them with federal agency deadlines.

Proposed Rule Withdrawn: Toxic Substances Act Compliance Date Extensions

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has withdrawn a proposed rule concerning compliance date extensions under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The withdrawal was due to an administrative error where the document was not initially filed with the correct Federal Register Number (FRN) in the docket.