NOAA and EPA seek comment on the agencies’ proposed finding that Alabama has satisfied each of the conditions the agencies included as part of their 1998 approval of Alabama’s coastal nonpoint pollution control program. 

DOI finalized regulatory amendments to its renewable energy regulations that eliminate unnecessary requirements for the deployment of meteorological buoys, increase survey flexibility, improve the project design and installation verification process, establish a public renewable energy leasing schedule, reform the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's renewable energy auction regulations, tailor financial assurance requirements and instruments, and clarify safety management system regulations.

NOAA approved a boundary expansion for the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Prudence Island, Rhode Island, under the CZMA.

NOAA approved a boundary expansion for the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve in Charleston, Oregon. 

DOE announced the availability of the preliminary list of potential national interest electric transmission corridors, the designation of which would focus public and policymaker attention on the areas of greatest transmission need and unlock valuable federal financing and permitting tools to advance transmission development.

EPA finalized a CWA regulation to revise the technology-based effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the steam electric power generating point source category applicable to flue gas desulfurization wastewater, bottom ash transport water and legacy wastewater at existing sources, and combustion residual leachate at new and existing sources. 

EPA withdrew from Agency regulation and management two designated ocean dredged material disposal sites, the Nome East and Nome West Sites, located near Nome, Alaska, pursuant to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.

United States v. Sunoco Pipeline, L.P., No. 1:24-cv-00238-SJD (S.D. Ohio Apr. 29, 2024). Under a proposed consent decree, a settling CWA defendant must pay a civil penalty of $550,000 in addition to $1,250,000 to compensate for harm to natural resources in connection with crude oil escaping from a ruptured pipeline, contaminating waters of the United States, and causing damage to natural resources.

DOE amended its regulations for the timely coordination of federal authorizations for proposed interstate electric transmission facilities pursuant to the Federal Power Act.

United States v. Dow Silicones Corp., No. 19-11880 (E.D. Mich. Apr. 24, 2024). A proposed consent decree modification extends a deadline for a settling CWA defendant’s implementation of a stormwater capacity and pollutant evaluation from January 24, 2023, to January 24, 2026, and also includes requirements to mitigate any environmental harm associated with the extension of the deadline.