Environment

Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project, Alberta, Early Decision, No Further Assessment

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) completed a section 16 early decision review of TransAlta Corporation's Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project in 64 days, determining that no further assessment under the Impact Assessment Act is required. IAAC found that potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction would be limited or addressed through existing federal and provincial legislation, including the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and Alberta's Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Historical Resources Act, Hydro and Electric Energy Act, and Water Act. TransAlta must now seek any necessary federal and provincial authorizations and permits to proceed with the 460-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas facility located approximately 18 km southwest of Rimbey, Alberta.

Early Decision on Mihta Askiy Data Center Project Alberta

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada completed an assessment of the Mihta Askiy Data Center Project and determined that its potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction would be limited or addressed through existing federal and provincial laws and regulations. As a result, no further assessment under the Impact Assessment Act is required and the federal impact assessment process is now complete. The proponent, Cree Ative Datacenter Corp GP, will be required to seek any necessary federal and provincial authorizations and permits for the project.

NEPA FONSI for MHI Bottomfish Annual Catch Limits 2025-2027

NOAA has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for Annual Catch Limits (ACL) governing the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Bottomfish fishery for fishing years 2025, 2026, and 2027. The FONSI completes the environmental review required before implementing these multi-year catch limits for commercially and recreationally significant bottomfish species including Deep 7 species. Fishermen, charter operators, and seafood dealers in Hawaii should anticipate fishing quotas and trip limits consistent with the ACL framework once implemented.

2026 Gag Recreational Season Closure, South Atlantic Federal Waters

NMFS implements an accountability measure closing the 2026 recreational gag season in South Atlantic Federal waters effective August 2, 2026. The closure results from 2025 recreational landings of 187,751 lb exceeding the 2025 ACL of 176,665 lb by 11,086 lb. During the closure, bag and possession limits for gag are zero; the season resumes May 1, 2027.

Targa Pipeline ICR Facility Survey Responses April 2025

Twelve Oil and Gas Information Collection Request facility survey responses were submitted to EPA as attachments to docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-1348 on April 22. The submissions cover production and processing facilities identified by location names including Graham CS, Mathews CS, Ketchum Ranch CS, Dillard CS, and others. These responses are part of the EPA's ongoing data collection process for oil and gas sector emissions and operational information.

Multiple Energy News Items: Rates, Settlements, Public Comments

The WA UTC Energy News page aggregates recent regulatory announcements including a Northwest Natural Gas rate increase proposal open for public comment, a technical conference on large energy loads on April 27, and a $2 million settlement with Cascade Natural Gas. The page also links to multiple orders affecting Puget Sound Energy rates, PacifiCorp tariff updates, and adopted rules for Integrated System Plans.

CenturyLink Penalties, AT&T Transfer, Ziply Sale Updates

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission news page aggregating multiple telecommunications regulatory updates including: UTC staff adjusting a penalty recommendation for CenturyLink from $15.5M to $10.9M; approval of CenturyLink fiber sale with new customer protections; public comment opportunities on transfer of assets from CenturyLink to AT&T; and approval of transfer of control of Ziply Fiber Northwest to Bell Canada.

Central Asia United with UN Partners for Healthy Environment

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen delivered a keynote at the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan on April 22, 2026, calling for enhanced regional environmental collaboration across Central Asia. The speech highlighted shared challenges including accelerating temperature rise, biodiversity loss, shrinking seas, glacier melt, air pollution, and sand and dust storms. Andersen referenced existing mechanisms including the Tehran Convention for the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan's recent constitutional environmental provisions, and the new UN Regional Centre for the SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, while urging greater action on water management, land degradation, drought, and climate.

Speech on Year of Multilateral Environmental Action

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen delivered a speech at the 173rd meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives in Nairobi, Kenya on April 20, 2026. The speech addressed environmental consequences of Middle East infrastructure destruction, including fuel facility fires releasing air pollutants and sea vessel damage causing oil spills into rivers, lakes, and marine waters. Andersen also reported on outcomes from UNEA-7, where member states adopted UNEP's Medium-Term Strategy and 11 resolutions plus three decisions. UNEP will continue monitoring and reporting on environmental issues of regional significance emerging from the conflict.

US$5.2M Initiative Launches for Nairobi Low-Carbon Urban Development

The Government of Kenya, UNEP, and UN-Habitat have launched a US$5.2 million GEF-funded initiative to transform Nairobi into a model for low-carbon, climate-resilient, and nature-positive urban development. The five-year project will pilot green neighbourhood approaches in Kamukunji, targeting improved living conditions for more than 85,000 residents along the Nairobi River corridor, backed by up to US$40 million in future government investment.

Final Rule: Pesticide Tolerance Actions for Six Active Ingredients Under Registration Review

EPA is finalizing tolerance actions for six pesticide active ingredients—hydrogen cyanide, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid, carboxin, ethofumesate, thiobencarb, and propylene oxide—under registration review conducted pursuant to FIFRA. The final rule establishes modifications to tolerance levels codified at 40 CFR 180.130, 180.155, 180.301, 180.345, 180.401, and 180.491. Affected parties include crop producers (NAICS 111), animal producers (NAICS 112), food manufacturers (NAICS 311), and pesticide manufacturers (NAICS 32532). Objections and hearing requests must be received on or before June 22, 2026 in accordance with 40 CFR part 178.

EPA Proposes NESHAP Technology Review for Crude Oil and Natural Gas Facilities

The EPA is conducting a technology review of National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production and Natural Gas Transmission and Storage Facilities under Clean Air Act section 112. The agency is not proposing revisions to existing emission standards but is proposing methanol standards from regulated emission points, two alternative regulatory approaches for previously unregulated emission points (deferral versus new control standards for acid gas removal units, transport vessel loading, storage vessels, and process controllers), changes to the "associated equipment" definition, and minor technical corrections. Public comments close June 22, 2026; a virtual public hearing is scheduled for May 12, 2026 if requested by April 27.

Governor Armstrong Declares April 22 Earth Day in North Dakota

Governor Kelly Armstrong proclaimed April 22 as Earth Day in North Dakota on April 21, 2026. The proclamation encourages North Dakotans to embrace conservation habits including recycling, public transportation, and tree planting. North Dakota communities recycle over 38,000 tons per year on average. The Bis-Man Earth Day Festival will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, at the Bismarck Event Center.

NESHAP Technology Review: Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production and Natural Gas Transmission and Storage Facilities

The EPA is proposing a technology review of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production Facilities and Natural Gas Transmission and Storage Facilities under Clean Air Act section 112(d)(6). The Agency is not proposing revisions to current emission standards. The EPA is proposing new standards for methanol from regulated emission points and presenting two alternative approaches for previously unregulated emission points, including acid gas removal units, transport vessel loading operations, storage vessels, and natural gas-driven process controllers and pumps. Comments are due by June 22, 2026.

EPA Finalizes Pesticide Tolerances for Hydrogen Cyanide, Naphthaleneacetic Acid, Carboxin, Ethofumesate, Thiobencarb, and Propylene Oxide Under FFDCA

The EPA is finalizing pesticide tolerance actions for six active ingredients—hydrogen cyanide, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid, carboxin, ethofumesate, thiobencarb, and propylene oxide—following registration review conducted under FIFRA. The rule establishes or modifies tolerance levels (legal limits for pesticide chemical residues in or on food) under FFDCA section 408(e), effective April 22, 2026. Affected parties may file objections or request hearings by June 22, 2026.

Stillwater Capital Assets HCP V2 Plan

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service posted the Stillwater Capital Assets Habitat Conservation Plan V2 to Regulations.gov under document FWS-R4-ES-2026-0199. The plan likely addresses mitigation and minimization measures for listed species under a Section 10 incidental take permit. Private parties preparing or reviewing Habitat Conservation Plan applications should consult this document for current FWS guidance.

Stillwater Capital ITP Application, Alabama Beach Mouse, Baldwin County, Alabama

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces receipt of an application from Stillwater Capital Assets LLC for a 50-year Incidental Take Permit under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act. The permit would authorize incidental take of the federally threatened Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates) during construction of a single-family home at 11068 Mobile Street West, Gulf Shores, Alabama, affecting 0.05 acres of occupied habitat. The Service requests public comment on the application, including the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan and the Service's preliminary determination that the action may qualify for a categorical exclusion under NEPA.

Stillwater Capital Assets LLC NEPA Review

The Fish and Wildlife Service has initiated a National Environmental Policy Act review for Stillwater Capital Assets LLC. The review documents are available for download via regulations.gov under docket FWS-R4-ES-2026-0199.

NMFS Closes South Atlantic Gag Recreational Fishing August 2

NMFS implements a temporary rule closing the recreational gag fishery in South Atlantic Federal waters effective August 2, 2026, through January 1, 2027. The closure results from 2025 recreational landings of 187,751 lb exceeding the annual catch limit of 176,665 lb by 11,086 lb. During the closure, bag and possession limits for gag are zero.

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild, Baltimore MD

NMFS has received a request from the Federal Highway Administration for two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations to take marine mammals incidental to the Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild project in Baltimore, MD. The proposal would authorize Level B harassment take of Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins during pile driving activities. NMFS is requesting public comments on the proposed IHAs and possible 1-year renewals.

NOAA Office of Education Scholarship, Fellowship, and Internship Programs OMB Review

NOAA is submitting to OMB a revision and extension of an approved information collection (OMB Control No. 0648-0568) for its Office of Education Higher Education Scholarship, Fellowship, and Internship Programs. The collection supports the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program and the Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI). Changes include additions of Travel Request Forms and Onboarding/Scholar Information Form, and removals of demographic data collection and certain application surveys.

NMFS Finalizes 21 Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports Under MMPA

NMFS has finalized 21 marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) under Section 117 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), covering the 2018-2022 period for Alaska, Atlantic, Gulf of America, and Pacific regions. The revisions primarily update human-caused mortality and serious injury (M/SI) estimates and abundance estimates for affected stocks. NMFS responded to public comments from the Marine Mammal Commission and Center for Biological Diversity, addressing concerns about lost fishing gear, plastic pollution, and alternative data collection methods.

Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorizations for Sparrows Point Container Terminal Marine Mammal Take

NMFS has received a request from Tradepoint TiL Terminal, LLC (TTT) for two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to incidentally take Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins (Level B harassment only) during construction of the Sparrows Point Container Terminal in Baltimore County, MD. NMFS is requesting public comments on the proposed IHAs and possible one-time 1-year renewals by May 22, 2026. Neither TTT nor NMFS expect serious injury or mortality to result from the activity.

Shotley Holdings Limited Environmental Permit Variation EPR/SP3239BB/V012 for Folly Farm Waste Management Facility, Ipswich

The Environment Agency has issued a permit variation (EPR/SP3239BB/V012) to Shotley Holdings Limited for the Folly Farm Waste Management Facility in Ipswich. The variation incorporates requirements under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) into the facility's environmental permit. The variation notice and decision document have been published on GOV.UK and apply to England only.

Radioactive Substances Activity Permit for NORM Waste Decommissioning, Consultation Open

The Environment Agency has opened a public consultation on an environmental permit application from Petrofac Facilities Management Limited for managing Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) wastes arising from the offshore Hewett 48/29A-P and FTP topside and jacket decommissioning campaign. The application, reference EPR/WB3053TU/A001, covers the Central Complex in the Southern North Sea. Members of the public may submit comments on the application, and the Environment Agency will determine whether to grant or refuse the permit and what conditions to include.

Veolia ES Consults on Bristol Waste Permit Application

The Environment Agency is consulting the public on Veolia ES (UK) Limited's application for an environmental permit to operate Avonmouth Dockside Wood Transfer Station in Bristol under permit reference EPR/RP3220MV/A001. The consultation covers waste operations, installations, water discharge activities, and medium combustion plant. The public may submit comments on the application, and the EA will subsequently decide whether to grant or refuse the permit and what conditions to include if granted.

Transitional Energy Certificates Criteria Published

DESNZ published criteria for Transitional Energy Certificates (TECs) on 21 April 2026, providing further detail on the conditions for granting TECs. The government introduced TECs under the North Sea Future Plan to support the management of existing fields for their operational lifetime. Oil and gas operators in the North Sea should review the published criteria to understand eligibility requirements for certificate grants.

Reformed National Pricing: Consultation on Siting and Investment Levers

DESNZ has published a consultation on reforms to siting and investment levers under the Reformed National Pricing programme, which replaces the prior Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA). The consultation seeks views on proposed electricity market reforms described in Chapter 2 of the RNP delivery plan. Responses must be submitted online by 11:59pm on 2 June 2026. Affected energy sector participants should review the proposed siting and investment framework changes and prepare submissions before the deadline.

UK Government Transforms Ofgem to Strengthen Energy Consumer Protections

The UK government has announced major reforms to Ofgem's regulatory powers and remit, the first significant update since the regulator was founded in 2000. The reforms grant Ofgem direct enforcement powers to act without going through courts, authority to ban energy executive bonuses for rule-breaking, and expanded scope to regulate new areas of the market including heating oil customers. Ofgem's focus will be streamlined toward economic and consumer protection, with oversight of home upgrade schemes transferred to the new Warm Homes Agency within government.

The Era of Clean Energy Security

Ed Miliband, UK Energy Secretary, delivered a policy speech at the Good Growth Foundation's National Growth Debate on April 21, 2026, outlining the government's case for clean energy as a path to energy, financial, and national security. The speech cites recent government actions including contracts for small modular reactors, consenting the UK's largest solar project, and historic investments in hydrogen and floating wind. Miliband argued that two fossil fuel shocks in under five years demonstrate the UK's vulnerability to international markets, with 30% of electricity from gas, 90% of families reliant on gas or oil for heating, and 90% of vehicles running on petrol or diesel. The government committed to accelerating its clean energy mission rather than scaling back.

Heat Pump Ready Programme Round 2 Innovation Funding Competition

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) published information on 21 April 2026 about the Heat Pump Ready Programme Round 2 innovation funding competition. The page provides access to draft guidance and multiple supporting declaration and claim forms including bid declaration, conflict of interest, standard selection questionnaire, GDPR, statement of non-collusion, and modern slavery statement documents. Applicants may download the materials to prepare submissions for this net zero innovation funding opportunity.

RNP Delivery Plan Replaces REMA Consultation

DESNZ has published the Reformed National Pricing (RNP) delivery plan, which replaces the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) concluded in July 2025. The delivery plan covers three reform areas: siting and investment levers, constraints management, and balancing and settlement, with the goal of reducing system costs, improving efficiency, and strengthening day-to-day system operation. A consultation on reforms to siting and investment levers is open until 11.59pm on 2 June 2026, with a public webinar on 23 April 2026.

CCUS NPT Pathfinder Selection Process Opens for ECC Teesside

DESNZ has opened the NPT Pathfinder selection process for non-pipeline transport CCUS projects seeking connection to the ECC Teesside network by 2032. The application package includes guidance documents and multiple template forms covering project plans for Power CCUS, Industrial Carbon Capture, Hydrogen, Greenhouse Gas Removal, and Power BECCS technologies, plus financial statements, cost assessment, and supply chain mapping templates. Eligible carbon capture, usage and storage project developers may submit applications for the competitive selection process.

UK Raises Electricity Generator Levy From 45% to 55% to Break Gas-Electricity Price Link

The UK government has raised the Electricity Generator Levy (EGL) rate from 45% to 55%, effective immediately, to tax excess profits of electricity generators during gas price spikes. About 30% of Britain's power supply is still exposed to wholesale prices set by gas, leaving households vulnerable to international fossil fuel market volatility. The government expects this measure to ensure an increased proportion of extraordinary revenues generated during high gas prices is available to support businesses and households with cost-of-living impacts. The announcement also includes voluntary long-term fixed-price contracts for low-carbon generators covering around a third of Britain's power supply.

Minnesota Seeks Volunteer Water Monitors for Lakes and Streams

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is recruiting volunteers for its Volunteer Water Monitoring Program, which has been operating since 1973. Volunteers conduct water clarity tests twice monthly from April to September on lakes and streams across Minnesota's 12,000+ lakes and 92,000+ miles of streams. The program provides all equipment and training, with over 1,400 current volunteers contributing data to help determine whether Minnesota's waters meet quality standards.

Hawthorne Army Depot Class 2 Hazardous Waste Permit Modification

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is requesting public comment regarding the Class 2 Permit Modification to the RCRA Hazardous Waste permit at the HWAD – Main Base facility located in Hawthorne, Nevada. The Class 2 Permit Mod revises current permit language by changing "munitions" to "U.S. Government controlled assets" and expands permitted activities to include recycling and storage of U.S. government controlled assets and/or batteries. Comments may be submitted during the 45-day public comment period that begins on April 17, 2026 and ends on June 01, 2026 at 5pm PDT.

Inks Lake State Park Hosts Fourth Annual Fun for All Accessible Recreation Event on April 25

Inks Lake State Park will host the fourth annual Fun for All event on April 25, 2026, offering free adaptive recreational activities including kayaking, fishing, and demonstrations of specialized mobility equipment such as all-terrain track chairs from a mobile adaptive recreation trailer. The event is open to individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers with no registration required and free day-use park admission for the special event. Partners including the NextEra Energy Foundation, Jeanie Rabke Wyatt Family Foundation, BNSF Railway Foundation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation funded the equipment trailer for statewide use.

Wisconsin DNR Monitors Manure Spill in Buffalo County

The Wisconsin DNR is monitoring a manure runoff event in Buffalo County near the Village of Waumandee that has impacted Danuser Creek, a Class 2 Trout Stream and tributary to Waumandee Creek. On April 19, an angler reported dead trout to a local Conservation Warden; DNR staff confirmed the finding during a site visit and discovered manure runoff from saturated farm fields. The DNR continues to monitor the situation as the farm works to address the discharges.

Oregon OSHA Requires 811 Contact Before Excavation Projects

In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, Oregon OSHA, the Oregon Utility Notification Center, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission issued a joint media release reminding employers of existing excavation safety requirements. Oregon law requires employers to notify OUNC at least two working days before starting excavations, estimate the location of underground utilities, and protect or support underground installations while excavations are open. Nationally, an estimated 196,977 instances of damage occurred in 2024, with 17 percent caused by failing to contact 811 before digging.

New EU Pet Travel Rules Take Effect for GB Residents

From 22 April 2026, new EU rules on non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats, and ferrets from Great Britain take effect. GB residents can no longer use EU pet passports for entry to the EU—instead, they must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a UK official veterinarian for each trip, though the certificate remains valid for up to six months for onward EU travel and re-entry to GB. Key changes include a five-pet limit per private vehicle (previously five per person) and requirements for written owner permission when someone else travels with the pet, with the pet required to travel within five days of the owner.

Precision Bred Soy Bean Plant Release Notice PBR/26/004 in England

DEFRA has published notice PBR/26/004 of intention to release a precision bred soy bean plant in England under schedule 1 of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Regulations 2025. The release is authorised on or after 6 May 2026. Interested parties may contact the DEFRA precision breeding team at pb-regulation@defra.gov.uk for further information.

Risk Assessment: Equine Infectious Anaemia Virus Introduction to Great Britain from EU and EFTA Member States

DEFRA published a qualitative risk assessment on 21 April 2026 evaluating the likelihood of equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) introduction into Great Britain from EU and EFTA member states. The assessment covers England, Scotland and Wales, considering both the probability of virus entry and subsequent exposure risk for domestic equids including horses and donkeys. It also examines the potential consequences of an outbreak should introduction occur.

EPR Packaging Payment Calculations 2026 to 2027

DEFRA and PackUK have published methodology and procedure for calculating extended producer responsibility payments to local authorities for 2026 to 2027 (year 2). The guidance includes methodology documentation plus separate payment values documents for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Worked examples based on the local authority costs and performance model are also referenced. This guidance does not impose new compliance obligations but explains how existing EPR payment calculations apply for year 2.

Four New Forestry Commission Commissioners Appointed by Royal Warrant

By Royal Warrant, His Majesty King Charles III has appointed four new Commissioners to the Forestry Commission. Rebecca Heaton and Mike Kapur were appointed for four-year terms while Pamela Abbott and John Varley were appointed for three-year terms. All four appointments commenced on 1 April 2026 and were made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

EPA Evaluates Future Reuse for Remediated Sites

EPA Region 1 posted a document related to evaluating future reuse options for remediated sites under the Superfund program. The document is available as a PDF download via regulations.gov. No substantive text content, obligations, or deadlines are provided in the listing.

Baird McGuire OU1 ROD Amendment Proposed Plan

EPA Region 1 is proposing an amendment to the Record of Decision (ROD) for Operable Unit 1 (OU1) at the Baird McGuire Superfund site. The proposed plan amendment modifies the previously selected cleanup approach and is subject to a 30-day public comment period. The EPA is accepting written comments on the proposed amendment through April 30, 2026.

EPA Region 1 Superfund Groundwater OU1 Annual Report Oct 2014-Sep 2015

EPA Region 1 published its Operable Unit 1 (OU1) annual report covering groundwater remediation activities from October 2014 through September 2015. The document is filed under docket EPA-R01-SFUND-2026-0430. The source content consists solely of a navigation page with a PDF download link; no substantive regulatory text, obligations, or deadlines are present in the provided content.

EPA Guidance for Upper Confidence Limits at Hazardous Waste Sites

EPA has published guidance on applying upper confidence limits (UCL) at hazardous waste sites. The document, issued by EPA Region 1, addresses statistical methods for estimating upper bounds of contaminant concentrations when assessing cleanup actions. Site owners, contractors, and environmental consultants involved in Superfund and hazardous waste remediation should review the guidance to ensure statistical analyses meet EPA expectations.

Institutional Control Notice, Superfund Site 25-129-02-0

EPA Region 1 issued an Institutional Control Notice for Superfund Site 25-129-02-0. Institutional controls establish legally enforceable restrictions on land or resource use at Superfund cleanup sites to protect human health and the environment from residual contamination. The notice provides official documentation of these controls and any associated requirements for the affected property.

EPA Issues Institutional Control Notice for Superfund Sites

EPA has issued a notice regarding institutional controls at Superfund sites. The notice addresses requirements for maintaining and monitoring institutional controls at contaminated properties cleaned up under the Superfund program. Institutional controls are non-engineering measures such as deed restrictions, easements, or zoning requirements used to limit land or resource use at contaminated sites.