Environment

I Love My Park Day Volunteer Event Registration

NY DEC announced registration is open for the 15th Annual I Love My Park Day, scheduled for May 2, 2026. The event is a partnership with Parks & Trails New York and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, offering volunteer opportunities at over 120 state parks, historic sites, and public lands across New York State.

DEC Does What?! Podcast Episode 32: Moose on the Loose

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released Episode 32 of its 'DEC Does What?!' podcast, titled 'Moose on the Loose.' The episode features conversations with DEC wildlife staff discussing moose population monitoring in New York using aerial surveys, GPS tracking, and public sighting reports. The episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other major podcast platforms.

Visitor Use Management Reports for High Peaks and Kaaterskill Clove

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released two Visitor Use Management (VUM) reports prepared by consultants DJ&A and Otak for the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness and Kaaterskill Clove region. The reports assess impacts from increasing visitation including traffic congestion, parking issues, trail crowding, and facility degradation. Public feedback will be accepted through June 1, 2026.

Blue-Green Algae Health Advisory for Kansas Lakes

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued public health advisories for three Kansas lakes—Frontenac City Lake (Crawford County), King Lake (Lyon County), and Lake Afton (Sedgwick County)—due to confirmed blue-green algae (harmful algal blooms). These blooms pose health risks through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation of aerosols. The advisory period coincides with the Kansas water recreation season from April 1 to October 31.

Wisconsin ozone plan, EPA approval, comment deadline May 4

Wisconsin ozone plan, EPA approval, comment deadline May 4

EPA docket W-98-19 legacy index, 19 pages

EPA docket W-98-19 legacy index, 19 pages

Gulf of Alaska Pollock Fishery Closure Area 620

NMFS has closed directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska effective April 1, 2026. The closure prevents exceeding the A season 2026 total allowable catch of 46,510 metric tons, with 46,310 mt allocated as directed fishing allowance and 200 mt reserved for incidental catch. The closure remains in effect through 1200 hours Alaska local time on September 1, 2026.

Reallocation of Pollock Quotas from Aleutian Islands to Bering Sea

NMFS Alaska issued a temporary rule reallocating 6,300 metric tons of Aleut Corporation pollock DFA and 1,900 metric tons of CDQ pollock DFA from the Aleutian Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea. The reallocation is effective April 3, 2026 through December 31, 2026, to allow Bering Sea sectors to harvest pollock that would otherwise go uncaught in the Aleutian Islands.

Missouri awards $2.4M to Fisk water system

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $2.4 million in financial assistance to the city of Fisk for drinking water system improvements. The funding consists of a $1.8 million grant and a $603,000 loan through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The city will replace all 175 water meters with cellular automatic read systems, upgrade treatment facilities, and replace two existing wells with new shallow sand wells.

Nesters Store Inc. Water Control Violations - Proposed Consent Order

VA DEQ has proposed an enforcement action (Consent Order) against Nesters Store Inc. for violations of State Water Control Board statutes and regulations and applicable permit at their facility in Laurel Fork, Virginia. The proposed Consent Order is available for public review and comment through May 3, 2026.

Building Decarbonization Division Wins USGBC Award for Climate Leadership

MDE's Building Decarbonization Division received the 2026 USGBC Local Leadership Award for Organizational Excellence in Maryland. Buildings emit 15% of Maryland's greenhouse gas emissions and consume 93% of the state's electricity. The division develops regulations promoting clean heat, efficient cooling, and high-efficiency technologies like heat pumps.

Draft Air Quality Permit 7421 for CBNA Halmar Clean Rivers JV Diesel Generator

The DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Air Quality Division has issued a public notice for Draft Air Quality Permit 7421 for CBNA Halmar Clean Rivers JV to construct and operate a 430 kWe non-emergency diesel-fired generator set at 1601 Ohio Drive SW, Washington DC. The draft permit establishes emission limits for NOx, CO, NMHC, and PM, along with visible emissions standards. Public comments on the draft permit are due May 4, 2026.

IPDES Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Stormwater Discharges

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality finalized the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity. The permit was issued on April 2, 2026, and becomes effective May 2, 2026, replacing the prior 2021 version.

USCG Kodiak Seward Sitka Finding of No Significant Impact

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for proposed U.S. Coast Guard activities in Kodiak, Seward, and Sitka, Alaska. The determination concludes that the proposed actions will not result in significant environmental impacts requiring a full Environmental Impact Statement.

Pollock Fishery Closure in Gulf of Alaska Statistical Area 620

NOAA has issued a temporary prohibition on pollock fishing in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska. The closure runs from 1200 hours Alaska local time on April 1, 2026, through 1200 hours Alaska local time on September 1, 2026. This action applies to all vessels operating in the specified statistical area.

Renewal of Incidental Harassment Authorization for USAF Fuel Pier Repair Shemya Island Alaska

NMFS issued a renewal Incidental Harassment Authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for the US Air Force fuel pier repair at Eareckson Air Station on Shemya Island Alaska. The renewal extends the IHA for one year from April 21 2026 through April 20 2027 for construction activities that may incidentally harass marine mammals.

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Fisheries Research

NOAA issued a correction to its proposed rule for takes of marine mammals incidental to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fisheries research activities. The correction addresses the original proposed rule published on 03/18/2026. A 14-day public comment period is now open, closing on 04/17/2026.

Pennsylvania Coastal Management Program Evaluation

NOAA's Office for Coastal Management announces a public meeting and comment period to evaluate Pennsylvania's coastal management program under the Coastal Zone Management Act. The evaluation will assess program performance, public participation opportunities, and consistency with federal coastal management requirements. Comments are due by May 29, 2026.

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

NOAA published a notice announcing a public meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Sub-Committee. The meeting is scheduled for April 20-21, 2026. This is a routine administrative announcement providing notice of an upcoming regulatory proceeding.

North Pacific Swordfish United States Stakeholder Meeting Announcement

NOAA announces a virtual stakeholder meeting on North Pacific swordfish management scheduled for April 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. HST. The meeting is open to U.S. stakeholders in the swordfish fishery, with registration required by April 15, 2026.

Reallocation of Pollock Quotas from Aleutian Islands to Bering Sea

NOAA issued a final rule reallocating pollock fishing quotas from the Aleutian Islands to the Bering Sea for the 2026 fishing year. The rule takes effect immediately at 1200 hours Alaska local time on April 3, 2026, and remains in effect through December 31, 2026. This in-season adjustment modifies existing quota allocations between the two management areas.

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Public Meeting Notice

NOAA announces a public meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel. The meeting will take place from 1:30 p.m. on April 21, 2026, through 12 p.m. on April 23, 2026. This is a routine meeting notice providing scheduling information for stakeholders in the commercial and recreational fishing industry.

Marine Mammal Incidental Take Authorization - Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project

NMFS published a notice of proposed incidental take authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for the Port of San Francisco Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project. The proposed authorization would allow limited takes of marine mammals by harassment during ferry landing construction activities in San Francisco Bay over a 5-year period. Public comments are due by May 4, 2026.

Statewide Waste Characterization Study

SCDES released South Carolina's first comprehensive Statewide Waste Characterization Study, funded by EPA and conducted by MSW Consultants. The study found that food waste comprises 26.2% of disposed municipal solid waste (939,464 tons), making it the No. 1 item in state landfills, while traditional recyclables accounted for 17% of disposed waste with over $91 million in lost market value.

Lakes Parkway Lithium Battery Fire Superfund Site Settlement

EPA Region 4 Southeast proposes an Administrative Settlement Agreement with Corporate Lakes Atlanta, LLC for the Lakes Parkway Lithium Battery Fire Superfund Site in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The settlement addresses EPA's recovery of CERCLA costs for cleanup performed at the site. Public comments on the proposed settlement will be accepted until May 4, 2026.

Draft Environmental Assessment for Yellowstone County Junk Vehicle Facility

The Montana DEQ published a draft Environmental Assessment for a proposed junk vehicle county graveyard (JVCG) in Yellowstone County, Montana. The facility would be located at 3324 E. King Ave., Billings, on approximately 3 acres of county-owned land. DEQ is accepting public comments through May 1, 2026, before making a final licensing decision.

Grants for improving, restoring, protecting Puget Sound stream habitats

Washington State Department of Ecology announced a competitive grant program for Puget Sound riparian habitat restoration. Approximately $3 million in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding is available through awards of $150,000 to $600,000 per project. Eligible applicants include local governments, Tribes, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations seeking to improve, restore, and protect stream and river habitats in the Puget Sound region.

Beach Water Contact Advisory - Pass Christian West Beach

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued a beach water contact advisory for Pass Christian West Beach (Station 5) due to elevated bacteria levels. The beach remains open but swimmers are warned of increased illness risk. The advisory applies to the area from Fort Henry Ave. east to Elliot St. Four additional advisories remain in effect for other Mississippi beaches.

RESTORE Act Gulf Coast Restoration Project Idea Submissions

MDEQ is soliciting new restoration project ideas and revisions for Mississippi's 2026 Multiyear Implementation Plan and State Expenditure Plan amendments under the RESTORE Act. Project submissions are due by May 15, 2026 through the Mississippi Restoration Project Portal. Final funding is subject to approval by the U.S. Department of Treasury and Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council.

Wisconsin DNR Recruiting Conservation Wardens for 2027 Class

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced it will hire approximately 14 full-time conservation wardens for the 2027 training class. Applications will be accepted from April 30 through May 14, 2026. No prior law enforcement experience is required; applicants must meet minimum requirements and possess skills in communication, public service, and self-motivation.

Devil's Lake State Park Expands 100 Acres Permanent Protection

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced finalization of a deal to permanently protect 100 acres that will expand Devil's Lake State Park. The land was previously one of the largest privately owned parcels inside the park and was acquired by The Conservation Fund in 2025 to prevent development. The expansion was made possible through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

Forest Rangers Week in Review: Search and Rescue and Wildfire Response Activities

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers published a weekly activity summary covering March 19-28, 2026. The summary includes a Basic Wildland Fire Suppression training course for 15 volunteers from four fire departments, an 18-acre prescribed burn at Albany Pine Bush, and a 1.5-acre wildland fire response in Schuyler County caused by railroad equipment. DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions and extinguished 202 wildfires in 2025.

Free learn-to-fish events at Onondaga Lake

NY DEC and Onondaga County Parks announce free family-friendly learn-to-fish events at Onondaga Lake from April 11 to September 12, 2026. The catch-and-release events are open to all ages and abilities at five locations; no fishing license or registration required, with equipment and bait provided.

Nearly 700 Acres Added to East Otto State Forest

NY DEC and The Nature Conservancy completed acquisition of 689 acres in Cattaraugus County to expand East Otto State Forest to 2,071 acres. The $2.39 million purchase was funded through the Environmental Protection Fund and supports New York's 30x30 open space conservation initiative.

Pacific Cod Reallocation, Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

NMFS issued a temporary rule reallocating 930 metric tons of Pacific cod TAC from jig gear vessels to catcher vessels under 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. The action, effective April 2 through December 31, 2026, allows unused jig gear allocation to be harvested by vessels with remaining capacity. This is the third reallocation affecting 2026 Pacific cod quotas established in the March 10, 2026 harvest specifications.

Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program Cooperative Allocations 2026

NMFS published a temporary rule announcing 2026 Rockfish Program cooperative allocations for the Gulf of Alaska groundfish fishery under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Allocations are provided for five cooperatives including Pacific Ocean Perch, sablefish, and halibut PSC limits. The rule is effective April 1 through December 31, 2026.

Gulf Reef Fish Amendment 62 - Red Grouper Management Measures

NMFS has published Amendment 62 to the Gulf Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan for public comment. The amendment proposes revisions to Gulf red grouper catch limits and sector allocations based on updated scientific information, and would remove the February-March shallow-water grouper recreational seasonal closure in Gulf Federal waters. Comments are due by June 1, 2026.

TCEQ Approves Environmental Enforcement Penalties Against 40 Entities

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved penalties totaling $1,265,590 against 40 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations. Enforcement orders included 12 air quality, 3 industrial wastewater discharges, 1 multi-media, 11 municipal wastewater discharges, 3 petroleum storage tank, and 7 public water system violations under agreed orders, plus 3 default orders for hazardous waste, multi-media, and water quality violations.

OCS Renewable Energy Facilities Information Collection Renewal

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is seeking public comment on the renewal of an information collection related to Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) renewable energy facilities under OMB Control Number 1014-0034. The collection is being renewed pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Comments on this information collection request are due June 1, 2026.

FOI Requests Log - Transparency Disclosures

Ofwat published its Q3-Q4 2018 Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests log, documenting 11 information requests received between July and December 2018. The log records request dates, subjects, disclosure outcomes (full, partial, or none), exemptions applied, and response timeframes.

Kansas HAB season starts April 1st

Kansas HAB season starts April 1st

Connecticut New Source Review Permit Program State Plan Approval

The EPA Region 1 approved Connecticut's New Source Review permit program state plan revision under 40 CFR Part 52. This final action allows Connecticut to implement its NSR program for regulating air emissions from new and modified stationary sources. The rule is effective May 4, 2026.

Mojave Desert Air Quality Plan Correction

The EPA issued a correction to the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District's air quality plan, replacing outdated requirements in the State Implementation Plan under 40 CFR 52. This correction affects the California district under EPA Region 9 oversight and is effective immediately upon publication.

Oregon 2024 Vehicle Inspection Program Air Plan Approval

The EPA approved Oregon's 2024 Vehicle Inspection Program updates as a revision to the state's State Implementation Plan under the Clean Air Act. The final rule modifies the vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program for the Portland and Medford areas. The rule is effective May 4, 2026.

Ohio Hazardous Waste Program Authorization

The EPA granted Ohio final authorization to operate its hazardous waste management program under RCRA. This authorization permits Ohio to implement its own hazardous waste program, with EPA-R05-RCRA-2025-1675 as the docket number. The authorization affects hazardous waste generators, transporters, and treatment/storage/disposal facilities in Ohio.

Air Plan Approval Michigan Detroit SO2 Redesignation and Maintenance Plan

EPA Region 5 finalized approval of Michigan's request to redesignate the Detroit nonattainment area for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) to attainment, along with the state's associated maintenance plan. The rule approves the redesignation under Clean Air Act Section 107(d)(3) and becomes effective April 2, 2026. Regulated facilities in the affected area may see changes to permitting requirements as the area transitions from nonattainment to maintenance status.

Ohio Muskingum River SO2 Redesignation and Maintenance Plan Approval

The EPA approved Ohio's State Implementation Plan revision for the Muskingum River area, redesignating the 2010 sulfur dioxide nonattainment area and approving its maintenance plan. The rule is effective April 2, 2026, and makes no new federal requirements. EPA Region 5 issued this approval under docket EPA-R05-OAR-2025-0165.

Ohio Air Permit Rules Approval

EPA Region 5 approved revisions to Ohio's air permit rules as part of the state's Clean Air Act implementation plan. The rule affects facilities operating under Ohio air permits and modifies the federally approved State Implementation Plan (SIP). The final rule is effective May 4, 2026.

Lead-based paint poisoning prevention for residential structures

The EPA published a final rule under 40 CFR 745 establishing requirements for lead-based paint poisoning prevention in certain residential structures. The rule affects owners, landlords, and contractors engaged in renovation, repair, or painting activities in pre-1978 residential properties. Compliance with EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (RRP) standards is required.

Earth Month Community Cleanups and Spring Services Announcement

The District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment announced 18 Earth Month cleanup events, including the 10th Annual Spring Cleanup on April 25, 2026. DPW expanded food waste collection, launched a recycling partnership with DC Housing Authority, and assumed administration of the Mayor's Office of the Clean City and Adopt a Block program. DDOT released its 2026 Paving Plan covering 81 miles of roads and 40 miles of sidewalks.