Management

Federal agencies plan to spend $770M ramping up their electric vehicle usage this year

The Biden administration has ambitious goals to electrify the federal fleet, but many obstacles remain.

Oversight

EPA Sued Over Failure To Set, Update Pollution Limits

The lawsuit, filed last week, centers on the Clean Water Act.

Oversight

Environmental Groups Sue EPA Over Water Pollution Standards

A coalition of environmental groups claims the EPA has failed for decades to update limits on the discharge of some dangerous chemicals into waterways. Most of the worst polluters are in Texas.

Oversight

The EPA Faces Questions About Its Approval of a Plastic-Based Fuel With an Astronomical Cancer Risk

A senator questioned the EPA chief and a group sued the agency after ProPublica and the Guardian revealed that the EPA gave a Chevron refinery approval to make a fuel that could leave people nearby with a 1-in-4 lifetime risk of cancer.

Workforce

Hiring With Temporary Cash Infusions Won't Force Future Layoffs, Agency Leaders Say

As agencies look to grow their workforces, House Republicans warn they will not be able to support the increased staffing levels in the future.

Management

Biden Administration Opens a $250M Fund for Agencies to Make Their Buildings More Efficient

Agencies will be able to tap into infrastructure law funds as they try to meet Biden's ambitious government sustainability plan.

Defense

Pentagon To Halt Use Of Firefighting Foam That Contains PFAS As Cleanup Costs Mount

The Department of Defense will stop purchasing PFAS-containing firefighting foam later this year and phase it out entirely in 2024.

Oversight

EPA Proposes First-Ever Limits on PFAs in Drinking Water

The standards would force states to begin the arduous process of cleaning out 'forever chemicals' from their water supplies.

Management

Why the White House’s Environmental Justice Tool Is Still Disappointing Advocates

New changes “ended up making the program less focused on people of color than it originally was,” one advocate said.

Oversight

In Preview of Debt Limit Fight, House Republicans Target Climate Funds

A House Environment subcommittee voted to claw back $27 billion from President Biden’s climate law, signaling what the GOP may demand in future budget negotiations.

Workforce

She Grew up under Water Boil Advisories in Jackson. Now She’s Bringing Environmental Justice to the EPA.

In her community outreach role for the EPA, Rosemary Enobakhare is working to prioritize communities in need while “shining a light” on issues affecting them most.

Management

USDA to Use Outdoors Recreation to Boost Economy Around National Forests, Grasslands

The USDA is working on a broader push to help communities reap economic rewards from the growing recreation sector.

Oversight

Burning Man Sues BLM Over Geothermal Project

The nonprofit behind the festival says that the agency failed to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act when it ruled in October that the exploration project would have “no significant impact,” meaning it doesn’t require a more rigorous environmental review.

Management

USPS Plans to Electrify 75% of its Fleet

After improving its financial outlook and receiving a funding jolt from Congress, the Postal Service will only buy EVs starting in 2026.

Oversight

Why the U.S. Is Losing the Fight to Ban Toxic Chemicals

From a powerful chemical industry that helped write the toxic substances law to an underfunded EPA lacking in resolve, the flaws in the American chemical regulatory apparatus run deep.

Management

Air Pollution Harms the Brain and Mental Health, Too – a Large-Scale Analysis Documents Effects on Brain Regions Associated with Emotions

In a systematic review of existing studies, researchers found that air pollution such as fine particulate matter can interfere with regions of the brain responsible for emotional regulation.