The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it will follow the First Responder Network Authority’s NEPA procedures on an interim basis with modifications to account for NTIA's internal organization and establish 30 new categorical exclusions in compliance with NEPA, CEQ regulations, and other related authorities. 

EPA entered into a proposed consent decree in Sierra Club v. EPA, No. 3:24-cv-00130 (S.D.W. Va.), concerning allegations that the Agency failed to perform a mandatory duty under the CWA to establish TMDLs for certain waters located in the Lower Guyandotte River Watershed in West Virginia that are impaired due to ionic toxicity. 

EPA finalized facility response plan requirements for worst case discharges of CWA hazardous substances for onshore non-transportation-related facilities that could reasonably be expected to cause substantial harm to the environment by discharging a CWA hazardous substance into or on the navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or exclusive economic zone. 

EPA adopted two categorical exclusions from DOE under NEPA for drop-off, collection, and transfer facilities for recyclable materials and for installation or relocation of machinery and equipment.

EPA announced the availability of its final general NPDES permit for water discharges from facilities classified as low threat located in the Navajo Nation.

United States v. General Recycling of Washington, LLC, No. 2:24-cv-00329 (W.D. Wash. Mar. 12, 2024). Under a proposed consent decree, settling CERCLA, CWA, and OPA defendants must construct, monitor, and maintain a habitat restoration project and pay a total of $360,558.12 for assessment costs in connection with natural resource damages caused by releases of hazardous substances and discharges of oil from facilities located near the Lower Duwamish River. 

United States v. Crowley Marine Services, Inc., No. 2:24-cv-00307 (W.D. Wash. Mar. 7, 2024). Under a proposed consent decree, settling CERCLA, CWA, and OPA defendants must purchase credits in a habitat restoration project constructed along the Lower Duwamish River, pay a total of $210,000 for natural resource damages, and pay $64,325.63 to reimburse assessment costs in connection with natural resource damages caused by releases of hazardous substances and discharges of oil from facilities located along and near the river. 

EPA Region 4 reissued the NPDES general permit for existing and new sources and new dischargers in the offshore subcategory of the oil and gas extraction point source category located and discharging to the outer continental shelf of the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

BLM announced its intent to revise the Bureau's policies and procedures for compliance with NEPA, various executive orders, and CEQ's NEPA implementing regulations by proposing to remove four administratively established categorical exclusions (CEs) and to incorporate two CEs established by Congress.