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                    Most Recent Reports**1 - 20 of 1614 Reports**
	
	

	
	  **Released on   Apr 15, 2024**
          Persistent Chemicals: Navy Efforts to Address PFAS at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
    GAO-24-106812
      Published:   Apr 15, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Apr 15, 2024
.
    PFAS—a group of synthetic chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are used in firefighting foams and other products. Some PFAS are linked to environmental contamination and human health problems. This Q&A covers our work on the Department of Defense's detection and treatment of PFAS contamination at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. In 2022, 1,300 gallons of firefighting foam was accidentally released there. As of February...
      **Released on   Apr 10, 2024**
          Justice40: Additional Efforts Needed to Improve Tribal Applicants' Access to Federal Programs   Under Environmental Justice Initiative
    GAO-24-106511
      Published:   Apr 10, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Apr 10, 2024
.
    Underserved communities, such as Tribes, face barriers to accessing federal funding—like cost-share requirements that require participants to contribute some funding up front. The Justice40 Initiative aims to increase underserved communities' access to funding, with a goal of directing 40% of the benefits of covered federal programs to such communities. However, some Justice40 program requirements also create access barriers. For example, competitive grants can include significant...
      **Released on   Mar 19, 2024**
          Air Quality Sensors: Policy Options to Help Address Implementation Challenges
    GAO-24-106393
      Published:   Mar 19, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Mar 19, 2024
.
    Portable, low-cost air quality sensors could identify pollution hot spots, improve wildfire smoke warnings, and provide air quality information in rural areas. Current sensors are accurate enough to accomplish these tasks for some pollutants, but more capabilities are still in development. Also, there are challenges to using these sensors. For example, users may not have access to the expertise and information they need to deploy...
          Port Infrastructure: U.S. Ports Have Adopted Some Automation Technologies and Report Varied Effects
    GAO-24-106498
      Published:   Mar 19, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Mar 19, 2024
.
    All 10 of the largest U.S. container ports are using some form of automation technology to process and handle cargo. At least 1 terminal at each port uses it to track and communicate container movements. Port operators consider factors like costs, profitability, priorities, and labor agreements when deciding whether to automate. Some port stakeholders said automation can improve worker safety, simplify tasks, and increase efficiency...
      **Released on   Feb 14, 2024**
          Environmental Cleanup: DOD Should Communicate Future Costs for Red Hill Remediation and Closure
    GAO-24-106185
      Published:   Feb 14, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 14, 2024
.
    In November 2021, a large fuel spill at the Red Hill facility—part of a fuel storage system the Navy manages on O'ahu, Hawaii—contaminated portions of the surrounding area and a nearby well. DOD plans to close the facility but cleaning up the contamination could take decades. Yet the agency's reports to Congress about the work haven't included cost estimates beyond FY 2024. As a result...
      **Released on   Dec 15, 2023**
          Farm Credit System: Policy Considerations for a Potential Grant Program for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
    GAO-24-106646
      Published:   Nov 17, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Dec 15, 2023
.
    Minorities and women may have trouble getting loans to buy and run farms. According to lending industry representatives, these socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers are more likely to operate smaller, lower-revenue farms; have weaker credit histories; or lack clear title to their agricultural land. The Farm Credit System provides low-cost credit to farmers and ranchers. Establishing a grant program for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers...
      **Released on   Dec 12, 2023**
          Artificial Intelligence: Agencies Have Begun Implementation but Need to Complete Key Requirements
    GAO-24-105980
      Published:   Dec 12, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Dec 12, 2023
.
    Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the world and could improve government operations. For example, federal agencies can use AI to analyze drone photos and large datasets. But safeguards are needed to manage AI risks. Federal law and guidance have several requirements for agencies implementing AI, but they haven't all been met. For example, there's no government-wide guidance on how agencies should acquire and use AI...
      **Released on   Nov 28, 2023**
          Small Business Research Programs: Information Regarding Subaward Use and Data Quality
    GAO-24-106399
      Published:   Nov 28, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Nov 28, 2023
.
    Agencies that participate in the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs have helped small businesses bring new technologies to market—such as a low-cost, energy-efficient alternative to fluorescent lights. Small businesses that receive these awards are allowed to use subcontractors and consultants (such as other companies, academic institutions, and nonprofits) to assist with these projects. We estimated that about 70% of award...
      **Released on   Nov 8, 2023**
          Puget Sound: Further Actions Could Improve Efforts to Address Impaired Water Quality That Threatens Salmon
    GAO-24-105687
      Published:   Nov 8, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Nov 8, 2023
.
    Poor water quality has played a key role in the decline of salmon populations in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Salmon are culturally significant to area Tribes and are a cornerstone of the local economy. The Clean Water Act requires states to develop lists of bodies of water that don't meet quality standards. The Environmental Protection Agency approves these lists, which are used...
      **Released on   Sep 29, 2023**
          Air Pollution: EPA Needs to Develop a Business Case for Replacing Legacy Air Quality Data Systems
    GAO-23-105618
      Published:   Sep 6, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Sep 29, 2023
.
    EPA primarily uses two legacy IT systems to manage outdoor air quality data that tribal, state, and local air monitoring agencies collect. Data from these systems helps to identify areas that don't meet air quality standards and communicate information about air pollution levels to the public. But these aging systems present maintenance and usability challenges for EPA and other users. For example, EPA has had...
      **Released on   Sep 27, 2023**
          Persistent Chemicals: Detecting, Limiting Exposure To, and Treating PFAS Contamination
    GAO-23-106970
      Published:   Sep 27, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Sep 27, 2023
.
    A group of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—PFAS—are used in manufacturing, fire safety, and consumer products including nonstick cookware. But the chemicals contaminate the environment, and some may cause human health problems. This Snapshot report covers our work on government and other efforts to detect PFAS, prevent exposure, and treat contamination. For example, technologies like granular activated carbon filters can remove most PFAS from...
      **Released on   Aug 3, 2023**
          Climate Change: State and Local Efforts to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Vehicles
    GAO-23-106022
      Published:   Aug 3, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Aug 3, 2023
.
    The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. State and local agencies play a key role in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles—such as by investing in electric vehicle infrastructure that could reduce emissions. However, some of these agencies face challenges, including: Lacking readily available emissions data or staff with the right subject matter expertise Trouble quantifying...
      **Released on   Jul 26, 2023**
          Hanford Cleanup: DOE Should Consider Including Expedited Nuclear Waste Treatment Alternatives in Upcoming Analysis
    GAO-23-106151
      Published:   Jul 26, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jul 26, 2023
.
    The Department of Energy must treat 54 million gallons of radioactive waste that it is holding in aging and leak-prone underground storage tanks in Hanford, Washington. DOE also has to develop plans every few years that model and evaluate different waste treatment options. DOE has been working to find effective alternatives to deal with the waste—including speeding up treatment. However, the agency hasn't fully evaluated...
      **Released on   May 16, 2023**
          Priority Open Recommendations: Environmental Protection Agency
    GAO-23-106460
      Published:   May 9, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   May 16, 2023
.
    Each year, we make more than 1,000 recommendations to help the federal government save money, address issues on our High Risk List , and significantly improve government operations. This letter to the Environmental Protection Agency outlines 15 open recommendations that it should prioritize. For example, 4 of the recommendations would help EPA protect bodies of freshwater by monitoring, forecasting, and preventing algae overgrowths that can...
      **Released on   May 12, 2023**
          Lake Pontchartrain Basin: Additional Transparency and Performance Management Could Improve EPA's Restoration Program
    GAO-23-105547
      Published:   May 12, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   May 12, 2023
.
    Stormwater, sewage, and agricultural runoff have polluted waters of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin for decades. From 2002 to 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency awarded about $31 million for projects to help restore this basin by, for example, improving local sewer systems. EPA has a plan that describes restoration goals for this basin and projects that could help reach the goals. However, it doesn't have a...
      **Released on   Apr 26, 2023**
          American Rescue Plan Act: Implementation of Economic Development, Environment, and Wildlife Provisions
    GAO-23-105795
      Published:   Apr 26, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Apr 26, 2023
.
    As part of the pandemic response , the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 appropriated funds to three agencies: $3 billion to the Economic Development Administration, $100 million to the Environmental Protection Agency, and $105 million to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The funds would help the agencies create jobs and improve public health. We looked at how the agencies have used the funds so...
      **Released on   Mar 28, 2023**
          Oversight of Agency Spending: Implementing GAO Recommendations Could Help Address Previously Identified Challenges at Commerce, DOE, and EPA
    GAO-23-106726
      Published:   Mar 29, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Mar 28, 2023
.
    The U.S. Departments of Commerce and Energy and the EPA have received billions in funding in recent years for clean energy, water and infrastructure, and climate resilience programs and projects (among others). This testimony discusses these agencies' challenges with effectively managing such programs and projects, including keeping costs on track. For example, DOE spent $472 million on the definition and design of 4 carbon capture...
      **Released on   Mar 13, 2023**
          Wildfire Smoke: Opportunities to Strengthen Federal Efforts to Manage Growing Risks
    GAO-23-104723
      Published:   Mar 13, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Mar 13, 2023
.
    Smoke from increasingly frequent catastrophic wildfires has created unhealthy air quality for tens of millions of Americans. The EPA has partnered with other federal agencies to help communities deal with the smoke. One effort with the Forest Service produced an online map showing air quality, fire locations, and smoke direction. But, EPA's actions have been ad hoc and spread across program and regional offices. Better...
      **Released on   Feb 23, 2023**
          EPA Chemical Reviews: Workforce Planning Gaps Contributed to Missed Deadlines
    GAO-23-105728
      Published:   Feb 17, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 23, 2023
.
    In 2016, Congress set deadlines for the Environmental Protection Agency to review health and environmental impacts of certain chemicals already in use, starting initially with 10 chemicals. It also required EPA to determine the safety of certain new chemicals before they can be manufactured. We found that EPA: Missed most deadlines for reviews of existing chemicals since 2016 Typically met the deadline less than 10%...
      **Released on   Jan 25, 2023**
          Clean Water Act: EPA Should Track Control of Combined Sewer Overflows and Water Quality Improvements
    GAO-23-105285
      Published:   Jan 25, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jan 25, 2023
.
    Combined sewer systems collect sewage and storm runoff in the same pipes for treatment. This means heavy rainfall can overwhelm system capacity, causing raw sewage to overflow into waterways. About 700 U.S. municipalities have such systems. In 1994, the Environmental Protection Agency told these municipalities to develop plans to address overflows and comply with the Clean Water Act. The 11 municipalities we reviewed faced challenges—such...
    
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