Here you will find links to the latest news on the environment and environmental issues from U.S. government agencies including the EPA, Department of Energy, Department of Interior, National Forest Service and more.

USDA Announces Record Year for Earth Team Volunteers
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2002—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service today announced a record-breaking year for its Earth Team Volunteer Program with more than one million hours of service donated to conservation activities.

EPA seeks comment on revised Washington Aqueduct permit
PHILADELPHIA– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a revised permit for the Washington Aqueduct water treatment plant that would set stricter limits on the discharge of processed water and treated sediments into the Potomac River and Rock Creek.

EPA Approves Ohio Power Plant Rules
CHICAGO (Dec. 16, 2002) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has approved rules submitted by the state of Ohio requiring a 70 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants and other large boilers in the state.

EPA Awards $500,000 to Launch Drinking-Water Security Pilot Program
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- To upgrade the security of the nation’s drinking water systems, U.S. EPA Region 2 has allocated $500,000 to create a pilot project that will provide system operators with real-time information about the safety and quality of their water supplies.

EPA Settles with Two Biotech Seed Production Companies
SAN FRANCISCO The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it has settled cases with two Midwest companies over the alleged mishandling of genetically modified corn grown for seed under strict field testing conditions in Hawaii.

Energy Department Awards $4.4 Million to Develop Energy-Efficient Technologies 
GOLDEN, COLO. – To improve energy efficiency in buildings and in manufacturing, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced awards today totaling $4.4 million to advance energy efficient, environmentally clean production and building technologies.

EPA, State Health Department Approve $1.2 Million in Environmental Projects for Settlement with University of Hawaii
SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Hawaii Department of Health today announced approval of the University of Hawaii's proposal for spending nearly $1.2 million on environmental projects as part of a February 2001 settlement for hazardous waste violations at the university.

EPA Proposes $40,000 Fine Against Napa State Hospital for Oil Spill Violations 
SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a fine of $40,000 against Napa State Hospital today for environmental violations related to a March oil spill that resulted in roughly 230 gallons of diesel threatening the Napa River.

Bush Administration Proposes Steps to Restore Forest and Rangeland Health
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2002---Interior Secretary Gale A. Norton, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman, and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Chairman James L. Connaughton today met with President Bush to discuss their efforts to restore forest and rangeland health and reduce the risks of catastrophic wildfires to communities and the environment as called for by the President’s Healthy Forests Initiative. Following the meeting, they announced several common-sense proposed administrative actions to expedite badly needed forest and rangeland restoration activities that will reduce the risks that catastrophic wildfires pose to communities and the environment.

Agency Seeks Proposals from States for Endangered Species Conservation Grants
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking proposals from states and U.S. territories interested in acquiring land or conducting conservation planning for endangered species.

Sonoran Pronghorn Numbers Down
The Arizona Game and Fish Department, in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, recently completed a range-wide survey of endangered Sonoran pronghorn in the United States. The results show an estimated 21 to 33 animals, which is a substantial decline from previous surveys.

Federal Agencies to Begin Test Flow Release From Glen Canyon Dam Through Grand Canyon
Salt Lake City, Utah - Experimental water releases from Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River above Grand Canyon National Park have received environmental clearances and are now set to begin January 1, 2003.

EPA upgrades environmental status of Presque Isle Bay
PHILADELPHIA - Significant improvements in the environmental health of Presque Isle Bay on Lake Erie has prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to upgrade the bay to an "area of concern in recovery stage" from the previous designation of simply "area of concern."

EPA Approves Arizona Pollutant Discharge Permits Program
SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today approved Arizona's application to administer and enforce the pollutant discharge permits program, under the federal Clean Water Act.