WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has issued a strong rebuke of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) 2025 Interim Final Rule on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH), labeling it a significant setback for fair housing protections. In a detailed letter submitted to HUD, the ACLU argues that the rule undermines the Fair Housing Act's (FHA) mandate to combat residential segregation and discrimination, urging its immediate withdrawal in fa more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has raised alarms over a proposed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy to collect social media identifiers from individuals applying for immigration benefits, warning that it threatens First Amendment rights and privacy. In a detailed letter submitted on May 5, 2025, to USCIS, CDT argues that the plan would lead to unlawful surveillance, chill free expression, and fail to deliver meaningful security benefits.  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Portland International Jetport (PWM) is urging the U.S. Department of Transportation to revise its regulations, citing unnecessary complexity and increased costs. In a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Paul Bradbury, Airport Director for the Portland, Maine-based airport, criticized the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Bradbury stated, "The complicated FAA AIP Handbook (FAA Order 5100.38D) creates eligibility rules more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA) has called on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to revise outdated and burdensome aviation regulations to enhance safety and promote fair competition in the aviation parts industry. In a detailed letter submitted on May 5, 2025, to the DOT's Office of the General Counsel, ASA outlined three critical areas for regulatory reform, highlighting issues that hinder compliance, increase costs, and create competitive disparities. ASA,  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), an international trade group representing over 700 background screening companies, has called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate a proposed rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), arguing it would stifle competition and harm consumers. In a letter addressed to FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson, PBSA expressed deep concerns over the CFPB's proposed amendments to Regulation V, which imp more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Aztalan Bio, Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, a domestic biofuel producer, has lauded the Trump Administration's initiatives in bolstering American energy dominance and curbing the influx of fraudulent biofuel imports, primarily from Asia. In a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Bessent and the Internal Revenue Service, the company expressed its support for the Sec.45Z clean fuel production credit while offering specific recommendations for its implementation. The letter, dat more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Houston-based Renewable Biofuels (RBF) has filed comments with a federal agency expressing concerns and seeking clarification on the implementation of the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit. In a letter addressing IRS Notice 2025-11, RBF CEO Mike Reed emphasized the need for timely guidance to avoid disruptions in the industry. Speaking on behalf of Renewable Biofuels LLC, which operates the "largest independent biodiesel production facility in North America" in Port Nec more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- A coalition of California-based organizations is calling on the U.S. Census Bureau to retain specific Indigenous Mesoamerican categories in the upcoming American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2030 Census race/ethnicity code lists. In a letter sent to Robert L. Santos, Director of the Census Bureau, the groups emphasized the critical importance of detailed data for achieving health equity within their communities. The letter, dated February 14, 2025, specifically praised t more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), representing U.S. cattle producers has formally requested the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ease regulations they say hinder the livestock supply chain. In comments submitted to the agency, the NCBA specifically called for a complete exemption from Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandates for livestock haulers. The NCBA argues that the unique needs of transporting live animals more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- A coalition of prominent civil and human rights organizations, led by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, has called on the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure greater transparency and accuracy in its upcoming revisions to the race and ethnicity code list for the American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2030 Census. In a letter submitted to the agency, the coalition emphasized the critical importance of capturing respondents' true intent and providing clear guidanc more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), a leading civil rights organization, has called on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to scrap its proposal to collect social media identifiers from applicants seeking immigration benefits. In a letter submitted to the agency, the LDF argues that the plan is ineffective for screening security threats, prone to bias, and could severely harm applicants. The proposed new practice, outlined in a recent US more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Indigo Agriculture Inc., headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with commercial operations in Memphis, Tennessee, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the Sec.45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z). In its letter, the company expressed strong support for the credit, while also suggesting several areas for refinement. According to Indigo, if implemented correctly, 45Z has the potential to "greatly increa more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Emend The Mass Media Group, based in Sacramento, California, has submitted a proposal to a federal agency suggesting changes to the American Community Survey (ACS). The company is advocating for a broader framework for individuals classified as "Black." In a letter, Emend The Mass Media Group suggests the creation of two new ACS codes. The first, "BAND ACS code or Black American Negro Descendant," would apply to those who "self-identify as Descendants of those classified b more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), a trade group representing over 1,700 recycled materials companies, has urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reject restrictions on copper exports as part of its ongoing national security investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1964. In a detailed letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, ReMA emphasized that limiting exports of recycled copper would harm the U.S. economy and undermine national security more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- A controversial proposal by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect social media identifiers from over three million immigration applicants annually, including U.S. citizens and legal residents, has drawn sharp criticism for its potential to infringe on constitutional rights. The plan, outlined in a submission to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), would require applicants to provide social media handles, extending in some cases to their mino more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) is urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide clearer regulations regarding the weight of farm implements and commercial driver's licenses. In a letter to the DOT, the NCFC requests clarification to reduce regulatory burdens and promote efficiency within the agriculture industry. The NCFC's letter emphasizes the need for regulatory clarity around the Restricted Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for those more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers, emphasizing the need for a clear and certain definition of "waters of the United States." In a letter signed by Secretary Alexis A. Lambert, the DEP acknowledged the agencies' commitment to clarifying the definition following the Supreme Court's Sackett decision. The letter highlights Florida's extensive experien more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Florida Freedmen Advocacy Center (FLFAC) is calling on the U.S. Census Bureau to adopt two new codes for the American Community Survey and the 2030 Census to provide more specific data on foundational Black American populations. In a letter to the federal agency, FLFAC strongly supported Unity4OurCommunity's proposal for the codes "3020 - BAND ('Black American Negro Descendant'), and 3025 - AMERICAN NEGRO." Ciara Cosby, President and CEO of FLFAC, stated in the letter  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- A City of Industry, California-based hardwood flooring company is urging the U.S. government not to impose additional tariffs on imported wood flooring products. Johnsons Premium Hardwood Flooring Inc., in a letter to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), argues that the tariffs would exacerbate existing economic challenges. The company, which has operations across seven states and employs 45 Americans, emphasized the difficulties it already faces. "We are already fac more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- A coalition of over 580 college and university presidents and chancellors is calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately rescind its Interim Final Rule (IFR) titled "Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration." In a strongly worded letter submitted to the agency on April 10, 2025, the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration argues that the new rule imposes significant economic and social costs, undermines the department's a more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- A proposed interim final rule from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is facing strong opposition from community advocates who argue it will undermine decades of progress in fair housing. In a scathing public comment submitted to the federal agency, William Darnell Chernigan IV of A Solution Group CDC, a 501(c)(3) organization, did not mince words, labeling the rule a "betrayal" of vulnerable residents and a move that will "deepen segregation." Chernigan more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) has called on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to withdraw its 2025 Interim Final Rule on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH), warning that the revisions will exacerbate the nation's housing crisis. In a letter to Secretary Scott Turner, the CRL argued that the new rule "will worsen the fair and affordable housing crisis by weakening essential mandates and stripping away crucial tools from states an more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- A controversial interim final rule from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has ignited fierce criticism from housing advocates, who argue it undermines decades of progress in combating housing discrimination. The rule, titled "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Revisions," published on March 3, 2025, is accused of abandoning HUD's obligation to enforce fair housing laws, potentially deepening racial and economic segregation across the United States. T more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The National Women's Law Center (NWLC) has issued a sharp rebuke of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) recent Interim Final Rule (IFR) on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH), labeling it a significant setback for equitable housing access. In a detailed letter submitted to HUD, the NWLC argues that the rule undermines the Fair Housing Act's (FHA) mandate to combat discrimination and segregation, particularly for women, LGBTQI+ individuals, and f more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- A national non-profit organization, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), has called for the abandonment of a proposed rule by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that would expand the collection of information on immigration forms. In a letter to the agency, the ILRC argues that the rule is legally flawed and would create undue burdens for vulnerable immigrant communities. The letter, addressed to Samantha Deshommes, Chief of the Regulatory Coordinatio more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing immigrant rights, has called on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to scrap a proposed rule that would require immigrants to submit social media identifiers as part of their immigration applications. In a detailed letter submitted on May 5, 2025, to Samantha Deshommes, Chief of the Regulatory Coordination Division at USCIS, the ILRC argues that the rule violates constituti more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- A national immigration advocacy group has strongly condemned a proposed rule by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that would mandate the collection of social media identifiers on various immigration forms. In a comment submitted to the agency, the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild (National Immigration Project) labeled the initiative the "Social Media Surveillance Rule" and urged its complete rescission. The proposed rule, published more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the American Immigration Council have called for the immediate withdrawal of a new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Interim Final Rule (IFR) that imposes a universal registration requirement on an estimated 2-3 million noncitizens. In a detailed comment submitted to USCIS, the organizations argue that the rule, published on March 12, 2025, violates federal law, imposes undue burdens, and infringes on c more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- State insurance regulators are calling for enhanced coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in disaster response efforts, emphasizing their critical role in supporting communities and protecting consumers in the aftermath of catastrophic events. In a letter submitted to the Department of Homeland Security, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) outlined several recommendations to improve the partnership between state regulators a more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- PureField Ingredients, a Kansas-based ethanol producer, has called on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to expedite the finalization of regulations related to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. In a comment letter to the agency, PureField emphasized the importance of these rules for the future of clean transportation fuel production in the United States. "We commend the Treasury Department, IRS, and Department of Energy (DOE) for their diligent work in drafting 45Z reg more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI), a statewide nonprofit poverty law and policy center, is strongly urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw a proposed new data collection initiative by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that would require the collection of social media identifiers on nine immigration forms. In a letter submitted electronically to USCIS, MLRI argues that the proposal underestimates the burden on applicants, lac more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Legal Aid Society (LAS), the nation's oldest and largest not-for-profit legal services organization, has strongly condemned proposed information collection requests by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), arguing they represent a "significant overreach" by the government. In a letter submitted to the federal agency, LAS voiced its opposition to the new requirements that would add numerous questions to various immigration forms. According to the letter, th more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Legal Aid Society (LAS), the nation's oldest and largest not-for-profit legal services organization, has voiced strong opposition to a proposed rule by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that would require immigrants applying for benefits to disclose their social media identifiers. In a letter submitted to the federal agency, LAS argues the rule is "onerous for our clients, vague, and a potential violation of our clients' Due Process and First Amendment r more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Los Angeles County Public Works has submitted its final recommendations to federal agencies regarding the definition of "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) in light of the Supreme Court's recent Sackett decision. In a letter dated April 23, 2025, the county outlined key areas where it believes clarity and specific exclusions are needed to ensure effective and fair implementation of the Clean Water Act. The letter addresses several critical aspects of the WOTUS definition more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) has submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), expressing concerns about the agency's draft risk assessment on PFAS in sewage sludge. LASAN believes the assessment could lead to problematic new restrictions on biosolids management. In a letter to the EPA, LASAN Director and General Manager Barbara Romero stated that while LASAN "is encouraged to see EPA working to address the threats more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Hampton Lumber, Portland, Oregon, a fourth-generation family-owned wood products manufacturer, has urged the Department of Commerce to refrain from imposing new tariffs on Canadian Western SPF lumber. In a letter to Secretary Howard Lutnick, CEO Randy Schillinger expressed concern about the potential impact on American lumber buyers. Hampton Lumber, which operates sawmills in both the United States and Canada, acknowledged the administration's efforts to support domestic w more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Lydian Labs Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, has called on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to expedite the implementation of the Clean Fuel Production Credit (CFPC). In a letter submitted to the agency, the company emphasized the importance of clear guidelines for the industry. Lydian, which is commercializing technology to produce jet fuel from CO2 emissions, water, and clean electricity, stressed the need for finalized rules. "The Clean Fuel Production Credit is alread more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has submitted detailed comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its Draft Water Quality Standards (WQS) Handbook Chapters, urging the agency to provide greater clarity and consistency in its guidance. The comments, submitted on April 29, 2025, address key aspects of water quality standards, including designated uses, antidegradation, and WQS variances. In a letter to Sara Hisel-McCoy, D more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC) has submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urging a complete overhaul of the current "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) rule. In a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, dated April 29, 2025, NDPC President Ron Ness called for the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (agencies) to "fully eliminate all references to the 'significant nexus' standard" and to "reaffirm that 'adjacent wetlands' are only more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- NEC Corporation of America, Irving, Texas, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce, advocating for a focused approach to export controls on facial recognition technology. In a letter dated October 15, 2024, the company's letter, addressed to Assistant Secretary for Export Administration Thea D. Rozman Kendler, responds to a proposed rule regarding changes to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The company expressed its support for the Bureau of I more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Ashley O'Flaherty, a Design Engineer at Mt. Wheeler Power in Ely, Nevada, has voiced strong support for permit applications submitted by Deseret Generation and Transmission Cooperative. In a letter to the EPA, O'Flaherty emphasized the critical need for affordable and reliable electricity in her community. O'Flaherty highlighted the benefits of the proposed projects, stating that they "will ensure long-term energy stability while improving environmental responsibility." Th more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- New York State's Office for New Americans (NY ONA) has urged the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reconsider its proposal to collect social media identifiers from a wide range of immigration benefit applicants. In a strongly worded letter submitted to the federal agency, NY ONA argues that the proposed "Generic Clearance for the Collection of Social Media Identifier(s) on Immigration Forms" raises significant constitutional concerns and could ne more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Niskanen Center, a non-profit public policy organization, has voiced its concerns to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding a proposed new information collection that would require social media identifiers on immigration forms. In a letter to the Office of Management and Budget, the Center argued that the expanded collection is "unnecessary for the proper performance of the agency and could negatively impact USCIS efficiency." Cecilia  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) has submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), offering feedback on the EPA's Draft Water Quality Standards (WQS) Handbook Chapters. In a letter dated April 30, 2025, ODEQ Water Quality Program Manager Connie Dou expressed support for the EPA's effort to provide guidance but also raised concerns about certain aspects of the draft. ODEQ's comments address designated uses, antidegradation policies, a more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing over 79,000 pilots, has voiced its support for a proposed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness directive affecting Airbus A300-600 series airplanes. The directive, prompted by the need for "new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations," would mandate revisions to existing maintenance and inspection programs. In a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, ALPA stated its position clearly. "ALPA  more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), a public interest research center, has submitted comments to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) strongly opposing the agency's plan to collect social media identifiers on immigration forms. In a letter dated May 5, 2025, EPIC argued that this proposed information collection is unnecessary, ineffective, and poses significant threats to civil liberties and privacy. USCIS announced the new collection activity in more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Raft River Rural Electric Co-op, Inc., located in Malta, Idaho, has expressed its strong support for Deseret Generation and Transmission Cooperative's permit applications to upgrade its Bonanza Power Plant. In a letter to the EPA, Raft River Electric emphasizes the projects' importance in securing a reliable and sustainable energy future. The proposed upgrades include adding Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to Bonanza Unit 1 and installing Gas Peaking Units a more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- RavahTech, Inc., Dover, Delaware, a company specializing in agricultural innovation, has submitted policy recommendations to a federal agency, urging swift and clear implementation of the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. The company argues that the credit offers a "transformational opportunity" to boost rural economies and drive agricultural innovation, but only if implemented properly. In its submission, RavahTech emphasizes the need for timely action, stating, " more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The San Bernardino County Flood Control District (SBFCD) has submitted comments to federal agencies, requesting that local districts be granted the authority to determine what constitutes "relatively permanent waters" following a Supreme Court decision. In a letter to the EPA and USACE, the SBFCD expressed concern about the costs and complexities associated with federal jurisdictional determinations. "We request that it be clarified in the Final Rule, that local flood cont more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has requested the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to clarify proposed modifications to the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant Assurances, citing a lack of clarity and potential legal issues. In a letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet, representing the City and County of San Francisco, urged the agency to revise the proposal and extend the public comment period. SFO, r more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), representing the ports of Seattle and Tacoma in Washington state, has called on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to address the abuse of the de minimis program, which allows low-value shipments to enter the U.S. duty-free. In a letter to CBP, NWSA CEO John Wolfe highlighted the program's negative impact on U.S. jobs and port competitiveness. The NWSA argues that the de minimis rule has led to cargo diversion to Canadian ports, more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC), based in Arlington, Virginia, a trade association representing the North American tank truck industry, has submitted formal comments to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), urging the agency to revise or eliminate several existing regulatory requirements. The NTTC, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, argues that these regulations impose unnecessary administrative burdens without enhancing safety or the effectiveness of more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The National Taxpayers Union (NTU), the nation's oldest taxpayer advocacy organization, has formally submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), urging the agency to aggressively identify and eliminate unnecessary and burdensome regulations. In a letter to Mr. Daniel Cohen of the DOT's Office of the General Counsel, NTU President Pete Sepp outlined several key areas where the organization believes significant cost savings and efficiency improvements c more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- A biometric technology company is urging the U.S. Department of Commerce to reconsider proposed export controls on facial recognition systems, warning that overly restrictive regulations could undermine U.S. technological leadership and national security interests. Rank One Computing Corporation (ROC), a small employee-owned business headquartered in Denver, Colorado, submitted a detailed comment letter to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on October 15, 2024, addre more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Prysmian Cables and Systems USA, LLC, a major U.S. manufacturer of copper cables based in Highland Heights, Kentucky, has submitted comments to the Department of Commerce regarding its Section 232 national security investigation into copper imports. In a letter dated April 1, 2025, the company expressed strong support for the administration's efforts to secure a domestic copper supply chain but cautioned against overlooking derivative products like copper cables. Robert L. more ST

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) has voiced significant concerns over proposed U.S. Department of Commerce export control regulations that could reshape global technology supply chains. In a letter dated October 8, 2024, to Assistant Secretary for Export Administration Thea D. Rozman Kendler, ITI, representing leading tech firms, warned that the proposed rules could undermine U.S. technological leadership and global competitiveness. The regulations, outlin more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Brown Farms, located in Beryl, Utah, has voiced strong support for permit applications submitted by Deseret Generation and Transmission Cooperative. In a letter to the EPA, owner Michael W. Brown emphasized the importance of affordable and reliable energy for the local farming community. Brown's letter highlights the benefits of the proposed projects, stating that they "represent an important step in securing a reliable and sustainable energy future for our community and t more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Utah Municipal Power Agency (UMPA), located in Spanish Fork, has voiced its strong support for two Minor New Source Review (MNSR) permit applications submitted by Deseret Generation and Transmission Cooperative. In a letter to the EPA, UMPA emphasizes that these projects are a "critical investment" in the region's energy infrastructure. The applications pertain to the addition of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to Bonanza Unit 1 and the installation of G more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), calling for a plain and straightforward interpretation of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) following the Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA. In a letter dated April 23, 2025, DEQ Director Michael S. Rolband emphasized the need for a "brightline" rule to reduce confusion and delays for Virginia citizens and state agencies. Virginia ha more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Waterkeeper Alliance, a global environmental organization, along with 17 U.S. Waterkeeper groups, has submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), calling for stronger action on PFAS contamination in U.S. waterways. The comments, submitted to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, support the EPA's draft Clean Water Act (CWA) national recommended ambient water quality criteria (AWQC) for certain PFAS chemicals but urge the agency to go further. The Waterkee more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- A coalition of transportation departments from Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming has voiced its support for a federal interim final rule that would eliminate existing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations. In a letter submitted to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the state agencies argue that the move aligns with a recent presidential executive order and addresses concerns about the CEQ's statutory authority to en more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The White Pine Chamber of Commerce, located in Ely, Nevada, has voiced its support for Deseret Generation and Transmission Cooperative's permit applications to upgrade its Bonanza Power Plant. In a letter to the EPA, the Chamber emphasizes the project's role in securing a reliable and sustainable energy future. The proposed upgrades include adding Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to Bonanza Unit 1 and installing Gas Peaking Units at the site. White Pine Chamb more ST

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The Woodwell Climate Research Center, a leading scientific organization focused on understanding and combating extreme weather trends, has submitted comments to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council, detailing both positive and negative experiences with the agency's disaster response efforts. In its submission, Woodwell highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of disasters across the United States, citing its work with communities facing he more ST