News from the environmental industry via the Environmental Protection Industry site.
- Microplastics and Pharmaceuticals Added to Federal Water Watch List The draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List marks a historic expansion of the agency’s priorities for monitoring unregulated drinking water threats.
- Ducks Unlimited Honors 2026 Wetland Conservation Leaders The annual awards recognize individuals and organizations making significant strides in North American habitat restoration and waterfowl protection.
- Regional Students Develop Creative Solutions for Plastic WasteHigh schoolers participated in the annual EcoThink program to brainstorm environmental mitigation strategies and explore STEM careers.
- Hanford Contractor Earns National Award for Geospatial InnovationA regional prime contractor received the Making a Difference award for utilizing digital mapping to streamline environmental cleanup efforts.
- Urban Relocation Trends That Are Shaping Sustainable Living SpacesChanging migration patterns within cities are influencing energy use, environmental impact, and the future of sustainable development.
- US Facility Successfully Tests Chlorine-Free Wastewater TreatmentThe trial in Pennsylvania demonstrates performic acid as a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional chemical disinfection.
- Miller Environmental Group Expands Southeast FootprintNew acquisitions of Haz-Mat and Canco bolster industrial waste treatment and disposal capabilities across the Carolinas.
- Ozone Technology Slashes Tijuana River Bacteria LevelsA pilot study using nano-bubble ozone infusion significantly outperformed expectations by reducing coliform bacteria by over 90%.
- New Portable AI Sensor System to Detect PollutantsResearchers are developing a miniaturized monitoring device to identify environmental hazards and ecosystem stress in real time.
- $1.69 Billion Awarded to Strengthen Florida Water Infrastructure and ResilienceFederal funding will support upgrades to Florida’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems, strengthening resilience and improving reliability amid growing climate risks.
- Federal Waiver Expands Access to E15 Gasoline to Ease Pump PricesA EPA fuel waiver expands access to E15 gasoline ahead of summer, aiming to boost supply and provide relief at the pump.
- New AI Platform Simplifies Access to EPA Emissions DataContext Labs launches OpenEPA to transform a decade of greenhouse gas reporting into a searchable and verifiable intelligence layer.
- Global Air Quality Declines as Wildfire Smoke IntensifiesNew IQAir report reveals only 14 percent of cities meet WHO standards while climate change and monitoring gaps threaten public health.
- New Federal Strategy Targets Millions of Abandoned TiresThe EPA plans to reclassify scrap tires as fuel to accelerate the removal of waste piles from American communities.
- Iron Bull Introduces Durable Construction Waste HoppersNew purpose-built hoppers streamline jobsite waste management with forklift-compatible designs and versatile dumping options for various materials.
- EPA Proposes Rule to Streamline Water Infrastructure PermittingProposed changes to Clean Water Act Section 401 aim to clarify requirements, reduce delays, and improve consistency in water quality certification for infrastructure and industrial projects.
- CDC Updates Vessel Sanitation Standards to Combat LegionellaNew regulations require cruise ships at U.S. ports to implement stricter water monitoring and pathogen control protocols.
- New York Approves $250 Million for Water Infrastructure UpgradesState board approves financing and grants to replace lead service lines, treat contaminants, and modernize aging sewer systems across New York.
- The Environmental Cost of Empty OfficesAs hybrid work leaves desks empty, businesses must rethink the "environmental afterlife" of their office space to prevent a waste crisis.
- How Highwall Stabilization Prevents Acid Mine DrainageLearn how engineers use geotechnical reinforcement and chemical sealing to block acid mine drainage at the source and protect global water supplies.
- Phipps Conservatory Earns National Sustainability AwardPublic garden recognized by the American Horticultural Society for leadership in green design and climate action programs.
- New Members Appointed to Clean Air Scientific Advisory CommitteeSeven technical experts will provide scientific guidance to the agency on national air quality standards through 2028.
- UK Water Industry Study Shows Success in Reducing Forever ChemicalsA long-term monitoring program reveals that source control and regulatory bans are more effective than expensive treatment upgrades.
- When Small Environmental Compliance Gaps Become Major RisksSmall environmental compliance gaps—such as overlooked maintenance, poor drainage or ventilation issues—can gradually create hidden hazards that threaten worker safety and facility operations.
- Colorado Launches Interactive Environmental Justice Grants DashboardThe new CDPHE tool provides a transparent look at how three years of grant funding have addressed pollution and climate change statewide.
- New Tools Aim to Help EHS Professionals Manage Environmental ComplianceJ. J. Keller has introduced new software tools designed to help EHS professionals track environmental regulations, manage reporting requirements and streamline compliance programs.
- Program Seeks to Boost Support for Drinking Water and Wastewater SystemsThe EPA initiative will provide technical assistance and support to help drinking water and wastewater systems improve infrastructure and maintain safe, reliable water services.
- HBCU Climate Leaders Convene to Address ResilienceResearchers and students gather to develop resilience strategies and community-driven solutions for frontline environmental challenges.
- Michigan Schools to Receive $156K for Freshwater Literacy ProgramsNew state grants will fund student-led water stewardship projects and provide transportation for K-12 field trips to Michigan’s Great Lakes and inland waterways.
- Savannah River Slashes Waste as Costs SurgeWhile the site hits record milestones in waste reduction, a new federal audit reveals a $75 billion cost surge across the broader DOE complex.
- Henkel Launches Cold Seal for Paper PackagingNew adhesive technology enables high-speed production of recyclable paper structures for heat-sensitive snacks and confectionery.
- New Federal Rule Expands Toxic Chemical ReportingFacilities must now track and disclose PFHxS-Na releases, bringing the total number of tracked PFAS substances to 206.
- Slash Manufacturing Waste and Costs with Industrial Energy AuditsDiscover how industrial energy audits uncover hidden inefficiencies, reduce carbon emissions, and save manufacturers up to 30% on utility costs.
- EPA Updates Regional Haze Guidance to Include Grid Reliability FactorsThe agency clarifies that states should consider energy impacts and power grid stability when drafting air quality plans for coal plants.
- EPA Mid-Atlantic Administrator tours Pennsylvania infrastructureAmy Van Blarcom-Lackey toured Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley to review brownfield reclamation and water infrastructure.
- EPA Extends Public Comment Period for Pierson's Creek CleanupThe EPA will now accept feedback through March 19 on a plan to remove contaminated sediment from the 1.5-mile Newark waterway.
- EPA to Revamp Clean School Bus Program and Expand Fuel OptionsThe agency is seeking public input on gas, hydrogen, and biofuel options for school fleets while canceling the 2024 rebate funding round.
- Thrive Buildings Launches ThriveIQ to Support Continuous Optimization in Critical FacilitiesThrive Buildings has launched ThriveIQ, a managed services platform using FDD and an independent data layer to sustain optimization in critical environments.
- Colorado Officials Respond to Federal Rollback of Vehicle Emissions StandardsColorado officials said the state will continue pursuing clean transportation and air quality initiatives as it reviews a federal rollback affecting greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks.
- EPA Rescinds 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, Shifting Emissions RulemakingThe agency has revoked its 2009 greenhouse gas endangerment finding, a major shift that could impact Clean Air Act emissions standards and future environmental regulations.
- The Hidden Environmental Cost of Temporary Storage and WarehousingTemporary storage and warehousing offer convenience, but their hidden environmental costs include high energy use, land consumption, transportation emissions, and packaging waste.
- What Is Premises Liability for Environmental Incidents?Premises liability for environmental incidents includes chemical spills, air emissions, runoff violations, and legacy contamination, creating regulatory and legal risk for property owners and operators.
- EPA Pushes Forward on Long-Term Fix for Tijuana River Sewage CrisisAdministrator Lee Zeldin returned to San Diego to highlight progress on a long-term, cross-border plan aimed at stopping sewage flows and reducing environmental and public health impacts.
- EPA Honors New England Wastewater Facilities and Operators with 2025 Regional AwardsEPA Region 1 recognized seven wastewater treatment facilities and professionals across New England for excellence in operations, training, and industrial pretreatment programs.
- Colorado Program Expands Lead Testing and Remediation in School, Child Care Drinking WaterColorado’s Test and Fix Water for Kids Program has tested more than 62,000 drinking water fixtures at schools and child care facilities to reduce lead exposure.
- EnviroVac Announces Partnership with Vecta Environmental ServicesThe transaction expands EnviroVac’s environmental and industrial services capabilities while strengthening the company’s national footprint.
- Michigan EGLE Opens 2026 Grants for Volunteer Stream Cleanup and MonitoringMichigan EGLE is accepting applications for 2026 MiCorps grants supporting volunteer stream cleanup and water quality monitoring across the state.
- Environmental Compliance Challenges in Biotech & Pharma FacilitiesBiotech and pharma facilities face complex environmental compliance challenges involving hazardous waste, emissions, lab safety, and regulatory audits. Learn the risks and best practices.
- EPA Advances Proposed Revisions to State Air Quality PlansProposed updates under the Clean Air Act would affect how state air quality plans addressing ozone pollution are reviewed and implemented.
- EPA Seeks Applicants for Environmental Education GrantsAgency announces up to $3.2 million to support community-based environmental education projects nationwide.
- EPA Targets Major Reduction in Animal TestingThe agency will significantly reduce mammalian animal testing in chemical safety evaluations and expand the use of alternative scientific methods.
- New Water Innovation Guide Maps Path from Concept to AdoptionThe open-access resource outlines how utilities, regulators, and funders support innovation—offering lessons for U.S. water systems.
- Managing Energy Costs in FacilitiesSmall shifts in usage can have a big impact.
- How Scientists Are Trying to Destroy Forever ChemicalsResearchers are exploring emerging methods to break down PFAS and other “forever chemicals,” aiming to reduce long-term environmental and health risks.
- EPA Launches Soil Sampling Program to Validate L.A. Wildfire CleanupEPA will collect soil samples in Los Angeles fire-affected areas to confirm cleanup effectiveness, focusing on lead contamination, with results expected by spring 2026.
- Why Construction Standards Must Catch Up to a Changing ClimateMany building and infrastructure codes still rely on historical climate data, even as storms, heat, and flooding intensify—creating growing risks for communities, economies, and resilience planning.
- Autonomous Monitoring Strengthens Environmental Oversight at Northern Lights CCS FacilityEquinor is using autonomous robotic inspection at its Northern Lights CCS facility to improve CO₂ monitoring and safety.
- Water Quality Considerations When Moving to a New CityDifferences in water sources, treatment methods, and infrastructure can affect household habits, conservation efforts, and long-term sustainability after a move.
- DOD Technologies Launches PFAS Testing DivisionNew DOD Labs unit will provide EPA-approved analytical testing for PFAS in water, soil, and other environmental samples.
- ESG Reporting, AI, and the Risk of Trusting Automation Too MuchAs companies rely more heavily on AI for sustainability reporting, experts warn that unchecked automation can introduce errors, undermine credibility, and increase disclosure risk.
- Michigan Declares January 2026 Radon Action MonthState officials urge residents to test homes during winter heating season, when indoor radon levels are typically highest.