USDA Extends Roadless-Rule Comment Deadline to Oct. 6
USDA extended public comments on its proposed repeal of the national roadless-area rule to Oct. 6, giving people 15 more days to respond.
Environmental Policy
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EPA updates how states should address plant startup pollution
EPA’s September guidance changes how it plans to review state air plans for startup, shutdown and malfunction emissions, not current facility permits.
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Appeals court blocks EPA’s immediate clawback of $20 billion in climate grants
A divided D.C. Circuit preserved a temporary bar on EPA’s March 2025 termination notice, but it did not release new money or settle the grants’ future.
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EPA watchdog says agency missed critical systems in cyber inventory
An EPA inspector general audit found three of six sampled systems met high-value-asset criteria but were not classified that way. No breach was reported.
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Endangered Species Act overhaul changes future wildlife protections
Three finalized federal rules change future threatened-species protections, critical-habitat exclusions and how regulators interpret habitat-related harm.
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Forest Service proposal would end national roadless rule for about 59 million acres
The Forest Service proposed rescinding the 2001 roadless rule. No logging or road project is approved, but future decisions could shift to individual forests.
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EPA Proposal Could Give States More Control Over Public Input on Minor Air Permits
EPA has proposed letting state and local agencies decide more of the public-participation process for minor air permits. Comments are due August 21.
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Washington proposes Clean Vehicles rule changes as Aug. 13 comment deadline nears
Ecology is proposing updated emissions standards, fallback rules and fleet-reporting authority. Virtual public hearings are Aug. 4 and 5, and written comments are due Aug. 13.
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Ridgefield Reviews Tree Rules as Environmental Commission Sends Draft to Council
Ridgefield is reviewing a proposed tree-ordinance rewrite after the Environmental Commission recommended a draft to the Mayor and Council; no amendment is documented as adopted.
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St. Cloud PFAS Pilot Begins Phase 3 Sludge Testing
A St. Cloud wastewater pilot has completed Phase 2 testing of Class A biosolids and begun Phase 3 on untreated sludge, with results still pending.
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Virginia Beach EPS (Styrofoam) food-container ban fully in effect: what changes
Virginia Beach EPS/Styrofoam food-container ban is fully in effect July 1, 2026. Here’s what prepared-food vendors must change—and how exemptions work.
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EPA opens comment on draft TSCA peer-review documents for five chemicals
EPA opened public comment and independent TSCA peer review for draft technical support documents on five chemicals. Written input due July 23.
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EPA proposes NEPA overhaul; comments due July 27
United States Energy Environment and Federal Rules – EPA wants faster, more predictable environmental reviews, but the proposal is still open for comment through July 27, 2026.
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Steuben County biosolid moratorium keeps Bath-area sludge permits on hold
Steuben County adopted a six-month moratorium on new biosolid land-application permits after a May 18 Bath hearing, citing PFAS concerns.