Suspected rhino poacher trampled to death by herd of breeding elephants at South African national park
https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/suspected-rhino-poacher-trampled-death-by-herd-breeding-elephants-south-african-national-park/GGKIEBPI5NHNXCRQJVDPUL2TZE/
Lucas Giolito's final line vs. Red Sox: 1+ IP, 8 H, 8 R (7 ER), 2 BB, 0 K on 54 pitches
Monster super typhoon stirring wind gusts up to 190 mph | Surigae, a powerful super typhoon, was sideswiping the Philippines Monday with heavy rain and strong winds and forecasters expect the storm's impacts will remain a threat for several more days. As of Monday evening, local time, Surigae was packing 10-minute average maximum sustained winds of 132 mph (213 km/h) and wind gusts reaching as high as 190 mph (306 km/h).
https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/surigae-1st-super-typhoon-western-pacific-philippines/934139
Russian military build-up near Ukraine numbers more than 150,000 troops
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/russian-military-build-near-ukraine-135622958.html
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-military-build-up-near-ukraine-numbers-more-than-150000-troops-eus-2021-04-19/
Kyrsten Sinema wears "F*** Off" ring after controversial $15 minimum wage vote
https://www.newsweek.com/kyrsten-sinema-fuck-off-ring-minimum-wage-vote-1584577
Totally expected and well earned, Yuta Watanabe is offered a standard NBA contract from Raptors. No more two-way deal for him
https://twitter.com/SmithRaps/status/1384106556245954575?s=19
Supreme Court passes on Second Amendment cases challenging lifetime gun ownership ban
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/04/19/lifetime-ban-supreme-court-passes-three-second-amendment-cases/7283819002/
MLB has upheld its suspension of Reds OF Nick Castellanos for his actions against the Cardinals on April 3. He will begin his two-game suspension Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. Castellanos had appealed the decision.
The Alex Smith retirement announcement
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CN2kL8jpn0G/
???? VIDEO FOOTAGE SHOWS HE WAS SPRAYED IN THE FACE WITH BEAR SPRAY (CAPSAICIN), WHICH CAUSED THE STROKE: DC's chief medical examiner has determined Officer Brian Sicknick died of natural causes. Sicknick collapsed the evening of Jan. 6 — hours after he was involved in responding to the riots at the US Capitol — and died the next day
https://buzzfeednews.com/article/zoetillman/capitol-police-officer-brian-sicknick-death-insurrection
Bear spray directly contributes to strokes. Brian Sicknick died from murder.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/bear-spray-pepper-riot-dangerous/2021/03/19/053c3870-87fb-11eb-bfdf-4d36dab83a6d_story.html
Closing arguments are over. Judge Cahill is giving final instructions to the jury, warning of "implicit bias".
https://twitter.com/PhilipinDC/status/1384249154453471232
Prosecution rests with: "You were told that Mr. Floyd died because his heart was too big. You heard that testimony. And now having seen all the evidence, you know the truth, and the truth of the matter is that the reason George Floyd is dead is because Mr. Chauvin's heart was too small."
Steph Curry and Kelly Oubre are questionable tomorrow against the Sixers. Curry tweaked his ankle in the fourth quarter last night in Boston. Juan Toscano-Anderson is out. Concussion from his hard fall.
Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler now officially OUT tonight vs. Rockets, along with Adebayo and Oladipo.
https://twitter.com/iraheatbeat/status/1384268322695311366
Judge in Chauvin trial calls out Rep. Waters for 'abhorrent' comment. If he is convicted, her comment can be used to appeal the conviction because she directly tampered with the jury.
https://cnn.com/videos/us/2021/04/19/chauvin-judge-on-maxine-waters-confrontational-comment-vpx.cnn
India is adding more than 250,000 new covid19 infections a day — and if current trends continue, that figure could soar to 500,000 within a month, said Bhramar Mukherjee, a biostatistician at the University of Michigan. The spike is so steep that the increase looks almost vertical — infecting entire families and overwhelming hospitals. Deaths per day are at record highs and climbing. In some cities, crematoriums are running their furnaces around-the-clock.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/india-covid-cases-surge/
Injury report for tonight's game vs. SA: Doug McDermott - Available (left ankle), Domantas Sabonis - Out (lower back), Jeremy Lamb - Out (left knee), Myles Turner - Out (right toe), T.J. Warren - Out (left foot).
https://twitter.com/pacers/status/1384282563057913864
Celtics have downgraded Marcus Smart to out as well. So no Smart, Kemba Walker, Robert Williams, or Evan Fournier vs. the Bulls.
https://twitter.com/chrisforsberg_/status/1384279513069092869
With 6:54 left in the fourth quarter and the Warriors down 81-82, Steph Curry entered the game and proceeded to score 20 points on 5-6 shooting (5-5 from 3) alongside 2 assists, 2 rebounds, and a +- of 11
Nikola Jokic with 47 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists as Nuggets defeat the Grizzlies in 2OT
Stephen Curry Tonight: 49/2/5 on 14/28 shooting, 10/17 from three and 11/12 from the line
The Golden State Warriors (29-29) defeat the Philadelphia 76ers (39-18), 107 - 96
Steph drills the long-range three over Seth to put the Warriors up 9
https://streamable.com/zauwj2
Steph Curry during the postgame interview says he was mad he didn't hit 50: "I got poked in the eye and I missed that free throw."
https://streamable.com/n7n558
Pacers center Myles Turner has a partial tear of plantar plate in the great toe of his right foot and is out indefinitely.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1384266119733682184
Chris Paul tonight: 22/7/13/1 steal with a team high +9 +/- in a 1 point win
Ja Morant against the Nuggets. 36/7/11, 1 block and 2 steals on 50% shooting from the floor.
The war against Russia's spies just cost Putin billions from a cancelled nuclear contract
https://www.businessinsider.fr/us/czechia-diplomat-expulsions-putin-russia-nuclear-contract-2021-4
Colorado judge resigns after using N-word multiple times and using racially insensitive language
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/natalie-chase-colorado-judge-n-word-resigns/
Tatum goes 14/13/10 on 3/17 from the field and 1/4 from three with 5 TOs for the broke mans Triple Double
Walter Frederick "Fritz" Mondale (January 5, 1928 – April 19, 2021) was an American politician, diplomat, and lawyer who served as the 42nd vice president of the United States from 1977 to 1981 under President Jimmy Carter. A U.S. senator from Minnesota from 1964 to 1976, he was the Democratic Party's nominee in the 1984 presidential election, but lost to incumbent Ronald Reagan in an Electoral College and popular vote landslide. Reagan won 49 states while Mondale carried his home state of Minnesota and the District of Columbia. His vice presidential nominee, U.S. Representative Geraldine Ferraro from New York, was the first female vice-presidential nominee of any major party in U.S. history.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Mondale
The United States ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan, is rightfully and bravely refusing to leave the country after the Kremlin "advised" him to return home following new Biden administration sanctions
https://www.axios.com/john-sullivan-ambassador-russia-sanctions-5215f137-c473-42f8-a6ac-a49cf5b1f4b4.html
Chad's newly re-elected president Idriss Deby Itno killed in battlefield fight with rebels. Chad's longtime leader has died of wounds suffered during a visit to front-line troops battling a little-known rebel group, the military announced Tuesday, just hours after he was declared the winner of an election that would have given him another six years in power. The military quickly announced his son as the central African nation's interim leader, succeeding his 68-year-old father who ruled for more than three decades. Ayo Sogunro, a Nigerian lawyer and fellow at the South Africa-based Center for Human Rights, said that under Chadian law the term of an incumbent president who dies is completed not by family members but by the National Assembly. "The army seizing power and conferring it on the son of the president ... is a coup and unconstitutional," Sogunro tweeted Tuesday, calling for the African Union to condemn the transfer of power. Deby's 37-year-old son, Mahamat, is best known as a top commander of the Chadian forces aiding a U.N. peacekeeping mission in northern Mali. The military said Tuesday he now will head an 18-month transitional council following his father's death.
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/military-chadian-president-killed-30-years-power-77183979
Whenever I think of rulers being killed in battle, I think of the Middle Ages.
Mike Tomlin is now under contract to the Steelers through the 2024 season. Tomlin is entering his 15th season with Pittsburgh and he is only the third Steelers' HC since 1969.
https://twitter.com/adamschefter/status/1384493540554780678
The Nuggets are signing free agent G Austin Rivers to a 10-day contract
https://twitter.com/msinger/status/1384521022494306313
Brooklyn Nets officially list 7 players out for tonight's game against the New Orleans Pelicans
Kevin Durant - OUT (Left Thigh Contusion)
James Harden - OUT (Right Hamstring Strain)
Tyler Johnson - OUT (Right Knee Soreness)
Nic Claxton - Out (Health and Safety Protocols)
Reggie Perry - OUT (Health and Safety Protocols)
Chris Chiozza - OUT (Fractured Right Hand)
Spencer Dinwiddie - OUT (Partially Torn Right ACL)
https://twitter.com/BrooklynNets/status/1384498461974929415
Joel Embiid when defended by Kevon Looney last night: 4-14 FG, 2 TOs, in 7 minutes 16 seconds
Republican Missouri House member Rick Roeber faces expulsion after probe finds he sexually, physically abused his children. Witnesses described to the committee a household terrorized by an alcoholic Roeber who sexually abused two children and physically abused all four, frequently beating the children with a belt, and at one point drowned several puppies. Roeber's adult children went public with accusations of abuse last fall in interviews with The Star's Editorial Board. The allegations, which date back to the early 90s, were also documented in a sworn deposition nearly 20 years ago. He was expelled from the Republican caucus upon taking office. In one incident, when Child 2, then a toddler, knocked something over, Roeber flipped the child over and "just started beating [the child's] ass," she said. The child's eyelid was struck by a nail in a board and left a permanent scar, she said. She told the committee that although the Division of Family Services found probable cause abuse had occurred, the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board overturned the finding. Roeber wanted the finding removed from the Central Registry because he was trying to get a position at a church that involved working with children, according to the report. The ex-wife also testified that a judge denied her request for a protective order preventing Roeber from seeing the children. Testifying in his defense before the Committee, Roeber was "combative, defensive, defiant and at times angry," according to the report. He called the accusations a "political hit" and said, "all my kids are Democrats."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/04/20/rick-roeber-abuse-missouri-house/
Welp not so brave afterall: U.S. ambassador to Russia to return to Washington for "consultations"
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-ambassador-russia-john-sullivan-return/
Good: FDA weighs ban on menthol cigarettes
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/04/20/fda-menthol-ban/
"Kevin McCarthy should focus on his own conference, because the Republicans in the House are a mess right now. Perhaps he should sit this one out. When you think that Kevin McCarthy has the nerve to say something about anyone."
https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/1384567542690295808
Jeffries: "Lauren Boebert is a mess. Matt Gaetz is a mess. Marjorie Taylor Greene is a mess. Clean up your mess, Kevin. Sit this one out. You've got no credibility here. We support peaceful protests."
https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/1384570074980229121
Jim Steinman, the composer, lyricist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who wrote all of the songs on Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell and Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, has died. Jim Steinman, the composer, lyricist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who wrote all of the songs on Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell and Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, has died. His work included albums such as Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell (which is one of the best selling albums of all time[3]) and Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, and producing albums for Bonnie Tyler. His most successful chart singles include Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart", Air Supply's "Making Love Out of Nothing at All", Meat Loaf's "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)", the Sisters of Mercy's "This Corrosion" and "More", Barry Manilow's "Read 'Em and Weep", Celine Dion's cover of "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" (originally released by Steinman's project Pandora's Box) and Boyzone's "No Matter What" (the group's first and only single to be popular and chart in the US). The album Bad for Good was released in his own name in 1981.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Steinman
Arkansas House passes unconstitutional bill putting creationism in schools
https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/04/arkansas-representatives-passes-a-bill-to-allow-creationism-in-schools/
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WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following 10 individuals to serve on key Administration boards and commissions.
Deirdre Hamilton for Member, National Mediation Board
Cynthia Hogan for Member, Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service
Catherine McLaughlin for Member, Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service
Shirley Sagawa for Member, Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service
Evelyn M. Fujimoto for Member, Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences
Lori Peek for Member, Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences
Beth Geer for Member, Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority
Robert Klein for Member, Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority
Kimberly Lewis for Member, Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority
Michelle Moore for Member, Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority
Deirdre Hamilton, Nominee for Member of the National Mediation Board
Deirdre Hamilton has worked as a staff attorney at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters since 2014, working exclusively with the IBT's Airline Division. At the IBT she has represented most of the crafts or classes within the airline industry- including pilots, flight attendants, technicians, and aircraft cleaners- at both commercial and cargo air carriers. Before that, she was a staff attorney at the Association of Flight Attendants for twelve years. In her career, she has handled a wide range of legal matters including National Mediation Board elections and mediation, collective bargaining support, contract enforcement, and litigation of Railway Labor Act issues. She began her career as a legal fellow in the General Counsel's office at the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Since 2014, Hamilton has served as a panelist at meetings of the American Bar Association's Labor and Employment Law Committee and Railway and Airline Labor Law Committee. Hamilton also serves as a Senior Editor for the ABA Railway Labor Act Treatise, Fourth Edition.
Hamilton received her J.D. from the University of Michigan in 2000 and her B.A. from Oberlin College.
Cynthia Hogan, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service
Cynthia was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1979, she graduated from Oberlin College with a BA in art history. In 1984, she received a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she served as Notes Editor of The Virginia Law Review. She served in 1984-85 as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Edward Cahn, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and worked as an associate at the Washington, DC law firm, Williams & Connolly, from 1985-1991.
In 1991, Hogan joined the staff of United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, serving as counsel, staff director, and then chief counsel until 1996. From 2009 to 2013, Cynthia served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Counsel to the Vice President of the United States of America. In 2014, Hogan joined the National Football League as Senior Vice President of Public Policy. In 2016, she joined Apple as Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs for the Americas. She resigned from Apple in 2020. In April 2020, then candidate Joe Biden asked Hogan to serve on a committee he formed to assist in the selection of a Vice Presidential candidate. Hogan is married and has two children.
Catherine McLaughlin, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service
Catherine McLaughlin serves as the founding Executive Director of the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware. The Institute, established in 2017, brings students together with accomplished, respected practitioners from a broad diversity of backgrounds and a wide range of policy fields in order to equip aspiring public servants to elevate civil discourse and take on pressing policy challenges facing our nation.
Prior to joining the Biden Institute, McLaughlin served as the Executive Director of Harvard University's Institute of Politics (IOP) for 22 years, where she oversaw all programming including the JFK Jr Forum, the resident and visiting fellows program, and national conferences for new-elected mayors and members of Congress. McLaughlin created a national consortium of IOP-like institutions that brought together students from across the country annually to identify ways to engage college and university students in the political process. She also co-founded the IOP's Biannual Youth Survey on Politics and Public Public Service. She previously served as Tour Manager for the Boston-based band New Kids on the Block and as director of the Office of Alumni Affairs and coordinator in the Press and Public Liaison Offices at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. McLaughlin has her B.A. from Saint Anselm College, where she currently serves as a member of the board of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics.
Shirley Sagawa, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service
Shirley Sagawa is the former CEO of Service Year Alliance and an architect of AmeriCorps. Over the last three decades, she has developed innovative social and education policy, authored groundbreaking reports, and advised national organizations and foundations on strategy. As a partner with sagawa/jospin, she played strategic roles in the creation of America Forward, Cities of Service, Service Year Exchange, and the Presidio Institute Fellows Program.
She has served as a presidential appointee in both Democratic and Republican Administration. She served as First Lady Hillary Clinton's policy assistant and deputy chief of staff, and helped lead the start up of the Corporation for National and Community Service for President Bill Clinton. For President George H. W. Bush, she served as first vice chair of the Commission on National and Community Service, authorized under the National and Community Service Act of 1990, which she drafted and negotiated as a Chief Counsel for Youth Policy on the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee. A Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, Sagawa is author of three books, including The American Way to Change and The Charismatic Organization. She holds degrees from Harvard Law School, London School of Economics, and Smith College.
Evelyn M. Fujimoto, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences
Evelyn Fujimoto is an award-winning design professional with a portfolio of over nine million square feet of building interiors spanning North American, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Evelyn's professional accreditations attest to her expertise in the design and delivery of interior spaces, as well as a commitment to sustainability and resilience. Her projects have received industry recognition for their design excellence including adherence to sustainable design practices, value creation for the business community, and demonstration of leading engineering and construction methods. Most of her projects have been in the workplace sector, but also include residential, retail, hospitality, and civic/institutional projects. In her role as design director for one of the world's leading design firms, some of her most significant projects include the London Stock Exchange in the United Kingdom, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in the United Arab Emirates, BHP Headquarters in Houston, Texas, and the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facilities (TCCFCF) in Austin, Texas.
As a daughter and granddaughter of immigrants, Fujimoto is acutely aware of the opportunities that have been afforded in her lifetime. Living and working abroad, working across multiple cultures, she has learned to embrace diverse views and positions to listen, learn, and bridge divided opinions to achieve consensus. She is an advocate for a more holistic approach to urban planning and more active engagement with a broad section of local communities in setting and reaching community goals. Fujimoto believes the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) professions, the private sector, and government are in a unique position to improve peoples' lives. She looks forward to working with partners from across the industry to make that happen.
Lori Peek, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences
Lori Peek is Director of the Natural Hazards Center and Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder. She studies marginalized populations in disaster and is author of Behind the Backlash: Muslim Americans after 9/11, co-editor of Displaced: Life in the Katrina Diaspora, and co-author of Children of Katrina. Peek helped develop school safety guidance for the nation, which resulted in the publication of FEMA P-1000, Safer, Stronger, Smarter: A Guide to Improving School Natural Hazard Safety.
Peek has conducted field investigations in the aftermath of several major disasters. She is the principal investigator for the National Science Foundation-funded CONVERGE facility, which is dedicated to improving research coordination and advancing the ethical conduct and scientific rigor of disaster research. She also leads the Social Science Extreme Events Research (SSEER) and Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Extreme Events Research (ISEEER) networks. She is past President of the International Sociological Association Research Committee on Disasters and past Chair of the American Sociological Association Section on Environmental Sociology. She is a Board Member for the Bill Anderson Fund, which is an initiative dedicated to increasing the number of persons of color in hazards mitigation and disaster research. Peek received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2005.
Beth Geer, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority
Beth Prichard Geer is Chief of Staff to former Vice President Al Gore and serves as a member of Nashville Mayor John Cooper's Sustainability Advisory Committee. Geer has extensive policy and outreach experience on issues including climate change, environmental justice, and regenerative agriculture. She has served in senior roles in the Clinton-Gore White House, Department of Labor, and United States Senate. As a native of rural Tennessee, she graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University and earned the Public Leadership Executive Certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Managers in Government program. She resides in Brentwood, Tennessee with her husband, Dr. John Geer.
Robert Klein, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority
Robert P. Klein is a lifelong resident of Chattanooga having attending Hamilton County public schools graduating from Tyner High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and National Beta Club. He also attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Klein served in the Tennessee Army National Guard where received an Honorable Discharge.
He begin his professional career at the Chattanooga Gas Company before continuing at the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga (now EPB) where he worked in the Overhead Line Department. He completed the Joint Lineman Apprenticeship Program becoming a Journeyman Lineman in 1982. He furthered his career by becoming a Line Foreman supervising the building and maintaining of the power distribution system. Klein took a leave of absence with EBP to work with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 175 and was appointed in 1998 as an International Representative with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). In 2003 he was appointed as the International Vice President of the IBEW Tenth District, which consists of Tennessee, Arkansas, North and South Carolina. He was re-elected as Vice President at the 37th and 38th IBEW International Conventions.
During his career Klein has served on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the United Way of Chattanooga, Board of Directors for the Tennessee Labor-Management Conference, Board of Directors for the Tennessee Safety and Health Congress, sat on the Tennessee Valley Trades and Labor Council, where is served as President for fourteen (14) years. He also sat on the Tennessee Valley Authority Labor -Management Committee as well as on the Board of Directors for the Southeast Labor-Management Public Affairs Committee. Additionally, he was a Trustee for the IBEW-NECA Family Medical Healthcare Plan. He officially retired from EPB in 2011 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 2015.
Klein, who is known as Bobby to his family, friends and colleagues attends Silverdale Baptist Church and still resides in Chattanooga with his wife, Sharon.
Kimberly Lewis, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority
Kimberly Caudle Lewis of Huntsville, Alabama, is the Chief Executive Officer of PROJECTSYZ, Inc., a business that provides services and products in the areas of engineering, logistics, technical services, manufacturing, and international foreign military sales. She leads a workforce that supports federal and commercial customers across several diverse subsidiaries and at locations across the US and around the world. Lewis has a 25-year career spanning business operations and management, technology, and federal government contacting.
A life-long resident of Madison County, Alabama, Lewis would later become the first black female elected as Board Chair of the Huntsville / Madison Chamber of Commerce and most recently, the first minority owner of North Alabama's only locally owned broadcast television station, WTZT-TV.
Lewis' previous career roles and studies in healthcare and information technology set the foundation for starting PROJECTXYZ and where she was previously involved in management of large-scale IT implementations and projects for large healthcare companies. She earned a degree in Computer Information Systems at John C. Calhoun State Community College.
Michelle Moore, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority
A social entrepreneur and former White House official with roots in rural Georgia, Michelle Moore is a purposeful leader with a passion for connecting clean energy with economic growth. Her passion for community power and getting good stuff done is rooted in her faith and the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself." Moore currently serves as CEO of Groundswell, a nonprofit that builds community power through community solar, clean energy, and resilience programs that share power, savings, and economic opportunity with more than four thousand families. Her accomplishments range from building the global green building movement as a senior executive with the U.S. Green Building Council to leading the sustainability and infrastructure delivery teams for the Obama Administration.
Moore got her start in sustainability in 1997 as Director of eBusiness for Interface Inc. in her hometown of LaGrange GA, where working for Ray Anderson showed her how to connect people, planet, and profitability and the pathway to "doing well by doing good." Moore is married to Linwood Boswell, a local music mainstay, father of three, and community real estate agent in Richmond, Virginia.
###
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/04/20/a-proclamation-on-the-death-of-walter-mondale/
A Proclamation on the Death of Walter Mondale
April 20, 2021 • Presidential Actions
Today, our Nation mourns the loss of one of our Nation's most dedicated patriots and public servants. Walter Frederick "Fritz" Mondale served the people of Minnesota as their Attorney General from 1960-1964, as a United States Senator from 1964-1976, as Vice President of the United States from 1977-1981, and as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 1993-1996.
As Minnesota's Attorney General, he drew national attention in a landmark case before the U.S. Supreme Court that established that indigent criminal defendants have the right to legal counsel.
As a Senator, he was instrumental in the passage of The Fair Housing Act to combat racial discrimination in housing, Title IX to provide more opportunities for women, and numerous laws to protect our environment.
Walter Mondale defined the modern vice presidency, elevating the position into a true partnership with the President. As Vice President, he helped lay the groundwork for the 1978 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, the Panama Canal Treaty, and nuclear arms negotiations with the Soviet Union.
As the 1984 Democratic nominee for President, he made history when he became the first Presidential nominee of either party to select a woman as his running mate.
In continuing his service as the United States Ambassador to Japan, he became the voice and face of America to that important ally.
For nearly 60 years he had a remarkable partnership with his wife Joan, a devoted advocate for the arts, who passed away in 2014. We mourned when he lost his daughter Eleanor in 2011 and today our Nation's sympathies lie with his sons Ted and William and his six grandchildren.
On a wall at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, there is a quote from Walter Mondale. It reads, "We told the truth. We obeyed the law. We kept the peace." Walter Mondale did all that and more.
As a mark of respect for Walter Mondale and his life of service to our Nation, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including section 7 of title 4, United States Code, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of April, in the year of our L-rd two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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Vote of 216 to 210: House votes along party lines to table (kill) GOP resolution to censure Rep. Maxine Waters D-CA.
https://twitter.com/jamiedupree/status/1384605619517329410/photo/1
Walker gotta Walk! (he has a lot of walks): [Neil Walker] Officially retired, thank you to everyone that helped me in my journey to live out my childhood dream of being a Major Leaguer, I loved & cherished every day. From Pittsburgh, NY Mets & Yankees, Milwaukee, Miami, and Philly, nothing but love to those Organizations, Cities & Fans!
https://twitter.comGOOD: A federal judge ordered L.A. city and county on Tuesday to offer some form of shelter to the entire homeless population of skid row homeless population by October.
https://www.latimes.com/homeless-housing/story/2021-04-20/judge-carter-la-city-county-shelter-skid-row-homeless-fall
If Derek Chauvin is found guilty, his sentencing won't be decided until weeks later. Chauvin waived his right to have the jury decide his sentence, so the judge will make the decision.
Derek Chauvin found guilty of all three charges (2nd degree murder, 3rd degree murder, 2nd degree manslaughter). WE ALL SAW THE VIDEO. 9 MINUTES AND 29 SECONDS FROM LIVING TO DEAD. WE. WATCHED. IT.
The thing that was so chilling about the George Floyd death scene was Chauvin's defiant stare at horrified bystanders as he kneeled on Floyd's neck. Today, a jury stared back. Chauvin stands convicted of murder. Justice was done.
The real hero here was the person who took the video of Chauvin sitting on George Floyd's neck. Without that video, this may have had an entirely different outcome.
YIKES: Julio Urias today: 7IP, 11K, 1H 1BB, 88 pitches
REMINDER: The remaining officers (Lane, Thao, and Kueng) charged in the death of George Floyd, will be tried together on August 23.
The only people that should be asked to explain their votes are the Republicans that voted to overturn the election.
Please ask Republicans.
Why, on this historic day, did they devote themselves to punishing a Black colleague.
Do they regret it? Please ask them.
Derek Chauvin's key medical witness was sued for covering up an incident "chillingly similar" to George Floyd's murder. The case is still open.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lawsuit-against-derek-chauvins-expert-that-jury-never/id1550656252?i=1000517937896
Yep: VP Harris on a potential guilty verdict earlier to CNN: "It will not take away the pain of the Floyd family. It will not take away the pain of the communities...regardless of their color or geographic location, that felt sadness and anger in what they witnessed in that video."
But if we're being honest with ourselves, we know that true justive is about much more than a single verdict in a single trial. While today's verdict may have been a necessary step on the road to progress, it was far from a sufficient one. We cannot rest. We will need to follow through with the concrete reforms that will reduce and ultimately eliminate racial bias in our criminal justice system. We will need to rebouble efforts to expand economic opportunity for those communities that have been too long marginalized. And as we continue to fight, we can draw strength from the millions of people - especialyl young people - who have marched and protested and spoken up over the last year, shining a light on equality and calling for change. Justive is closer today not simply because of this verdict, but because of their work.
https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1384626851511951360
James Harden suffered a setback with hamstring
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1384630670740361218?s=21
One year ago, George Floyd was murdered, causing unimaginable pain for his family, the community and communities across the nation. We are hopeful that today's decision will serve as a step forward, but it does not ease the pain that continues in an environment where systemic racist exists.
https://twitter.com/Timberwolves/status/1384617352168304644
Justice and Accountability! Things I never thought I would see. There's much more work to do, but this is an amazing start working toward the reform this country NEEDS!
https://twitter.com/KarlTowns/status/1384618383937740805
True justice would be a country where George Floyd would still be alive today. /NeilWalker18/status/1384605058222878723
Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation in turmoil after he and family resign
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/04/19/tony-larussas-animal-rescue-foundation-in-turmoil-after-he-and-family-resign
Pelosi tries to clean up her remarks after saying at a presser on Chauvin verdict (Thank you George Floyd for sacrificing your life for justice. For being there to call out your mom, how heartbreaking was that.): George Floyd should be alive today. His family's calls for justice for his murder were heard around the world. He did not die in vain. We must make sure other families don't suffer the same racism, violence & pain, and we must enact the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicing Act.
https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/1384637552133656581
How impressive has Steph Curry's run been? "We are seeing the greatest shooter ever having his greatest shooting stretch ever. This is the basketball version of Barry Bonds in 2001." We've seen better scoring runs before (Harden scored 30+ in 32 straight 2 years ago!), but we've never seen shooting like this. Never.
https://twitter.com/getnickwright/status/1384485011567611904
What Bonds did in 2004 is like if Steph had his 50/50/90 statline from the last 10 games but for an entire season. Idk how many people here know baseball stats but a .362/.609/.812/1.422 slashline is outrageous. Basically breaking the game. In 2004, Barry Bonds on-base percentage was 5% better than any season in history, and 14% higher than 2nd place that year. He nearly led the league in home runs despite setting the record for most walks in a season.
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will be re-evaluated next week with right foot soreness.
https://twitter.com/shamscharania/status/1384636442769563650
Old Man Winter has already taken the stage for his wintry encore. A storm and associated cold front that blanketed much of the Rockies with snow from Saturday night to Monday night began to track farther east Tuesday. A swath of snow will ultimately stretch from the central Plains through portions of the Great Lakes and into the Northeast. Snow that reached portions of the central Plains overnight Monday continued into the afternoon hours on Tuesday across a large swath of Missouri. During Tuesday afternoon, snow began to fall on parts of southern Michigan and is expected to overtake much of northern Ohio during the evening hours. Due to the quick-moving nature of the storm across the Plains and Great Lakes, snowfall will be limited in terms of just how much can accumulate. As snow spreads farther east, so too will a punch of much colder air. Arctic air that brought temperatures crashing down across the Rockies and north-central U.S. to begin the week will send temperatures tumbling throughout the Plains and Great Lakes.
https://www.accuweather.com/en/winter-weather/midwest-northeast-in-for-a-rude-awakening-as-winter-returns/935409
AG Garland says federal civil rights investigation into George Floyd's death remains ongoing.
https://twitter.com/DavidNakamura/status/1384652944465879041/photo/1
I know that especially in the past four years it feels like our institutions are failing. But I'm really proud of our justice system today. The prosecutors did an excellent job trying their case. The defendant had a zealous defense. And the jury did its job. It can work.
Biden: "Such a verdict is also much too rare. For so many people, it seems like it took a unique and extraordinary convergence of factors," including "a murder that lasts almost 10 minutes in broad daylight."
https://twitter.com/i/status/1384651646953656320
https://twitter.com/AlexThomp/status/1384651646953656320
As of last night, Rudy Gobert is having the greatest defensive season in NBA history, hitting the highest marks ever recorded in two separate metrics for defensive impact, all while leading the Jazz to the best record in the league.
Legislation aims to murder 90% of wolves roaming Idaho
https://apnews.com/article/wildlife-legislation-environment-wolves-bills-ccb1f49f74f0781ebbacd10c48f5abc1
Women held in sexual slavery by Ethiopian and Eritrean troops. They are subjected to constant gang rape and torture.
https://www.reuters.com/world/special-report-health-official-alleges-sexual-slavery-tigray-women-blame-2021-04-15/
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday invited Russian leader Vladimir Putin to meet in war-torn eastern Ukraine, stressing that millions of lives were at stake from fresh fighting the separatist conflict
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210420-ukraine-leader-zelensky-urges-putin-to-meet-in-war-torn-east
40,000 displaced in north Mozambique after assault on Palma
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/40000-displaced-north-mozambique-assault-palma-77183687
Adam Eaton has received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for his aggressive actions and for inciting a benches-clearing incident last Thursday vs. Cleveland. The suspension had been scheduled to be served tonight, however, Eaton has elected to appeal.
https://twitter.com/scottmerkin/status/1384669646759022593
Wyoming, represented by Liz Cheney (left), has about 100,000 fewer people than DC. Republicans are terrorists. Mace: D.C. wouldn’t even qualify as a singular congressional district..
https://twitter.com/i/status/1384517591427805187
Kevin Durant forgot to switch twitter accounts and liked a tweet that saying that he was better than Steph while they were teammates and that Steph "needed another MVP teammate to get the job done" (it was vice-versa, KD needed Steph to get to the NBA Finals). He also recently said Steph was one of the 5 best players he ever played with. I used to love KD. That changed when he personally and continually attacked teenagers on twitter and continued to remain close friends with racist antisemitic conspiracy-theorist Kyrie Irving. I love how the original tweeter immediately sells KD out and tagged everyone he could. This kid is spamming everywhere to get his tweet viral lol. Snake recognize snake. He wasn't even tweeted, he just found the tweet lol. The tweet had zero likes or rts before KD too lmao. The guy who made the tweet has 80 followers. KD is deep in Twitter, probably searching up any tweets that mention him even without the @. I'm a pathetic loser of an adult but KD and his insecurities make me feel like a well-adjusted human being.
https://twitter.com/sleiman_jp/status/1384669928330907661
https://streamable.com/sc55f7
The New York Knicks have won 7 straight games. The longest active win streak in the NBA. The New York Knicks (32-27) extend the winning streak to seven by defeating the Charlotte Hornets (28-29) 109-97.
Julius Randle's improvement from three this season is the most significant midcareer increase in long-distance shooting proficiency in league history
D'Angelo Russell tonight, 28pts / 3rbs / 6ast on 10-13 shooting, 6-8 from three, and 2-2 from the line in 25 minutes coming off the bench
The White House is weighing requests from Kyiv to send additional weaponry to Ukraine as it faces the biggest military buildup of Russian forces on its border since 2014.
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/21/us-weapons-ukraine-russia-483908
President Biden announces new tax credit to reimburse small businesses that give workers paid time off to get vaccinated against Covid-19 as he touts reaching his goal of administering 200M shots in his first 100 days.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-push-more-vaccinations-administration-reaches-200-million-dose-milestone-n1264782
_______________________________________
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/21/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-call-on-all-employers-to-provide-paid-time-off-for-employees-to-get-vaccinated-after-meeting-goal-of-200-million-shots-in-the-first-100-days/
FACT SHEET: President Biden to Call on All Employers to Provide Paid Time Off for Employees to Get Vaccinated After Meeting Goal of 200 Million Shots in the First 100 Days
April 21, 2021 • Statements and Releases
Will Announce New Tax Credit to Fully Offset the Cost for Small Businesses and Nonprofits Who Provide Paid Leave for Employees to Get Vaccinated
Today, President Biden will announce that he expects we will meet his goal of 200 million shots administered in 100 days on Thursday—a goal he doubled after meeting his original goal of 100 million shots by day 58 of the Administration. As the Administration works to get even more people vaccinated, President Biden will call on employers across America to do everything they can to help their employees – and their communities – get vaccinated.
As part of that effort, President Biden is calling on every employer in America to offer full pay to their employees for any time off needed to get vaccinated and for any time it takes to recover from the after-effects of vaccination. He will announce a paid leave tax credit that will offset the cost for employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide full pay for any time their employees need to get a COVID-19 vaccination or recover from that vaccination.
Providing paid time off for vaccinations is an investment in the safety, productivity and health of an employer's own workforce and their community. No working person in this country should lose a single dollar from their paycheck to take time to get the shot or recover from it. The paid leave tax credit that President Biden signed into the law in the American Rescue Plan ensures that no small businesses or non-profits will lose a single dollar by providing such paid leave to workers receiving a vaccination.
This week, we reached a new phase in the vaccination effort. Starting Monday, in response to the President's directive, every adult aged 16 and over in every state and territory is now eligible to get vaccinated. Now is the time to step up our efforts to reach every working-age adult in America, and today's announcement to help employers offset the cost of paid time off is an important step in getting America's workforce vaccinated.
Today's announcements include:
A Tax Credit for Small- and Medium-sized Businesses to Fully Offset the Cost of Paid Leave for Employees to Get Vaccinated and Recover from Any After-Effects of Vaccination. Thanks to President Biden's American Rescue Plan, a paid leave tax credit will offset the cost for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 500 employees for up to 80 hours (i.e. 10 work days) up to $511 per day of paid sick leave offered between April 1 and September 30, 2021. This tax credit will allow these employers to provide paid leave for employees to get a COVID-19 vaccination and for any time their employees may need to recover from that vaccination at no cost to the employer. This tax credit will apply to nearly half of all private sector employees in America. Today, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released and posted a fact sheet to educate employers on how to claim the paid sick leave credit on their quarterly tax filings. For more details on how the paid leave tax credits from the American Rescue Plan will work for employers to enable employees to get vaccinated and recover from after-effects of vaccination, as well as for other purposes, please consult this snapshot from the Department of the Treasury.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/employer-tax-credits-for-employee-paid-leave-due-to-covid-19
https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paid-Leave-Credit-Snapshot.pdf
A Call for Employers – Large and Small – to Take Additional Steps to Help Get Their Employees and Communities Vaccinated. President Biden is also calling on employers to use their unique resources to provide information about how people can get vaccinated and why people should get vaccinated. Consistent with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' "We Can Do This" national campaign, he is also calling on employers to make commitments to provide accurate and timely information and incentivize all Americans to get vaccinated. These commitments could include discounts for vaccinated individuals, product giveaways or brand rewards, messaging in-store, point-of purchase promotions, direct outreach to customers, or Public Service Announcements (PSAs) about the importance of vaccinations. Employers who wish to make a commitment to get their employees and communities vaccinated should do so here.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6t2K1VNQgEqEmbpNlEkQ36KJAIv29jFOvCm6Z-NtLjZUNDBNOFhUN1FGTVIwTVBOWERKRlQ0Q0lKVi4u
Building on today's IRS release and the American Rescue Plan's provisions, the Administration is committed to expanding paid leave more generally. That's why the tax credit in the American Rescue Plan will enable employers with fewer than 500 employees to claim up to $17,110 for 14 weeks of paid leave for each impacted employee not only to get vaccinated, but also to take time off if they have COVID-19 symptoms and are going to the doctor; are getting tested for COVID-19; are under quarantine or isolation order by the government or a doctor (or are caring for someone who is); or have to care for a child whose school or child care provider closed, due to COVID-19. Paid leave has been shown to be a critical tool for stopping the spread of COVID-19, including one study that showed that the paid leave provisions put in place last year prevented approximately 400 COVID-19 cases per day and prevented one COVID-19 case per day per 1,300 workers. And, it will be a critical component of ensuring that Americans can reenter or stay in the workforce as we continue to fight the virus and recover from the economic effects of COVID-19.
The Senate needs to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
Fox News has a massive body count. It is responsible for so much death, destruction and ruined lives.
The Biden administration is moving to end a legal battle with California over the state's authority to regulate auto emissions, setting the stage for stricter regulations on the auto industry
https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-administration-moves-to-unwind-trump-auto-emissions-policy-11619023946
But the controversy confused and dismayed immigrant advocates who had expected Biden to take a more open-arms approach US refugee policy, particularly after promising on the campaign trail to raise the refugee cap to 125,000 or even higher — which Psaki described Monday as more of an "aspirational goal." It also laid bare the practical challenges of restoring an immigration system that Trump sought to dismantle, and revealed the enduring political power of his anti-immigrant and anti-refugee rhetoric. The White House has framed Biden's failure to act on his promises to increase refugee admissions so far as the result of a scarcity of resources and manpower at refugee agencies that were hollowed out by the previous administration. But it seems as though the arrival of record numbers of unaccompanied children at the southern border and Republicans' efforts to label it a "Biden border crisis" may have also stymied momentum on refugee issues, which were once a bipartisan priority. | Unlike many of the president's other policy priorities — some of which have been stalled in the 50-50 Senate — raising the refugee cap is something Biden could do unilaterally by issuing a presidential proclamation. But Psaki said during a briefing on Monday that the "challenge is not the cap." "The challenge is the ability to process, the funding, the staffing [to] welcome refugees," she added. The Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement, which assists in the resettlement and integration of refugees, is already overwhelmed by the immense task of caring for unaccompanied children arriving on the southern border. Psaki said that the Biden administration has been considering reallocating funds to effectively address both the situation on the border and refugee admissions simultaneously, but that the administration is not yet weighing an emergency supplemental budget request to Congress. Nongovernmental organizations that help resettle refugees are also in the process of rebuilding. Under Trump, they saw their federal funding decrease due to lower admissions levels, forcing them to substantially scale back their infrastructure and staffing to keep their resettlement programs afloat. More than 100 resettlement offices closed, and many government staff tasked with processing refugees abroad were laid off or reassigned. The Covid-19 pandemic has further complicated things, particularly after the US paused its refugee program entirely for a period of months last year. It meant that the US only resettled a total of 11,814 refugees in the last fiscal year, falling well short of the ceiling for that year and leaving a total of 35,000 refugees who have already been vetted by the federal government stranded abroad. Anticipating some of those challenges, Biden tempered his campaign promise to resettle 125,000 refugees once he took office, instead setting an initial goal of admitting 62,500 refugees this fiscal year. But Psaki said in a statement Friday that, after evaluating the status of the refugee program, even that reduced goal was looking "unlikely." "It took us some time to recognize how hollowed out these systems were," she said. The task of rebuilding is urgent. The pandemic has only deepened the plight of the world's most vulnerable populations. There are more refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people today than at any time since World War II, and those numbers are only growing due to ongoing crises in Hong Kong, Syria, Venezuela, and other countries. | It's a sign that Trump and his virulently anti-immigrant senior adviser Stephen Miller, were able to change the narrative around the refugee program, which had historically flourished under both Republican and Democratic presidents who acknowledged the US's role in modeling how a powerful country should support people fleeing desperate situations in their home countries. Even in previous Republican administrations seeking to curtail immigration, no one ever set the cap on refugee admissions as low as Trump did. President George W. Bush briefly cut the number of refugees admitted after the 9/11 attacks, but even then, the limit was set at 70,000. Rather than deeming refugees worthy of protection, Trump portrayed them as a terror threat and a drain on US resources. On the campaign trail, Trump sought to stir up fear about Syrian refugees, baselessly suggesting that they were raising an army to launch an attack on the US and promising that all of them would be "going back" if he won the election. He said that he would tell Syrian children to their faces that they could not come to the US, speculating that they could be a "Trojan horse." And in September 2019, he issued an executive order that allowed local governments that do not have the ability to support refugees in becoming "self-sufficient and free from long-term dependence on public assistance" to turn them away, though courts prevented it from going into effect. Miller also lobbied heavily to reduce the refugee cap to zero and has continued to do so since leaving the White House, arguing that the US is already fulfilling its obligations by absorbing migrants arriving on the southern border. In doing so, he disingenuously conflates asylum seekers with refugees. But the two categories are distinct, and the US must protect both populations under its own laws and international human rights agreements. | Migrants can apply for asylum only after they have arrived in the US or at the border and if their claim is found to be valid, the US is under obligation to offer them protection. There is no concrete limit on how many asylees the US accepts in a given year. Refugees, on the other hand, are typically processed by humanitarian agencies abroad and sent to the US for resettlement. Despite the fact that the refugee admissions program and the asylum system are separate, the Biden administration has still used conditions at the border to justify maintaining Trump's refugee cap, echoing some of the Trump administration's talking points. "Welcoming the persecuted is our moral and legal obligation, and it is not a zero-sum game," Blaine Bookey, the legal director for the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, said in a statement. "The United States is more than capable of both resettling refugees and instituting a fair process for families, children, and adults seeking asylum at the border."
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/22346509/humanitarian-border-crisis-biden-unaccompanied-children
https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-0a649290b8a6628900598d4324c3d72b
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/immigration/reports/2020/10/26/492342/rebuilding-u-s-refugee-program-21st-century/
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/04/16/us/biden-news-today#biden-refugees-cap
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/10/world/europe/lesbos-fires-coronavirus.html
https://www.worldvision.org/refugees-news-stories/forced-to-flee-top-countries-refugees-coming-from
https://www.vox.com/2020/5/21/21266419/hong-kong-china-national-security-law-protests
https://www.worldvision.org/refugees-news-stories/syrian-refugee-crisis-facts
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36319877
NO, REALLY? PORTLAND OUTPLAYED THE CLIPPERS THE ENTIRE GAME: The NBA's last 2-minute report determined that the foul call that gave Paul George the eventual game-winning free throws last night, with 4.8 seconds left, was incorrect. "George drives to the basket and marginal contact occurs with McCollum."
https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif/status/1384916112782024711
Frigid air to follow record April snow in parts of US
https://www.accuweather.com/en/winter-weather/freezing-air-record-april-snow-midwest-northeast/936179
The start of the North Atlantic hurricane season is still more than a month away, but a new and unusual tropical system has developed in a part of the Atlantic Ocean where tropical systems rarely occur. Subtropical Storm Potira took shape on Tuesday morning with sustained winds of 40 mph outside of the traditional Atlantic Basin. Instead of spinning up in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea or the northern Atlantic Ocean, it developed south of the equator off the coast of Brazil. | Only a handful of tropical systems have ever been recorded over the Atlantic Ocean south of the equator, although the frequency of this phenomenon has been trending upward in recent years.
https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/subtropical-storm-potira-near-brazil/935912
California Democrat renewing push to expel Marjorie Taylor Greene
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/549410-california-democrat-renewing-push-to-expel-marjorie-taylor-greene
_______________________________________
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/21/readout-of-the-third-national-climate-task-force-meeting/
Readout of the Third National Climate Task Force Meeting
April 21, 2021 • Statements and Releases
Task Force Briefed on Drought in the West, Forms Interagency Working Group to Provide Relief, Announces more than $700 Million in New Conservation Funding to Invest in Climate Resilience and Carbon Removal
Today, ahead of the Leaders Summit on Climate, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy convened the third National Climate Task Force. Cabinet members and White House leaders discussed pathways that will significantly reduce greenhouse gases while growing the economy, creating good-paying, union jobs, and cutting pollution on a sector-by-sector basis, consistent with direction from President Biden to develop a 2030 greenhouse gas target as part fulfilling his promise to re-enter the Paris Agreement.
Another key focus of the virtual meeting was to discuss the severe drought that is gripping the western United States. The Task Force was briefed by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and NOAA scientist Dr. Roger Pulwalty on the severity of the drought. In areas like the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon and northern California, lake levels today are lower than occurred during the Dust Bowl. As has been shown in previous years, severe drought conditions can set the stage for worsening wildfire seasons, which in 2020 alone caused $16.6 billion in damages. The early, severe drought situation is just the latest manifestation of the pervasive and pernicious impacts that climate change is having on American communities.
In response, National Climate Advisor McCarthy, as Chair of the National Climate Task Force, requested that the Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and the Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland form an Interagency Working Group to address the needs of drought impacted communities. The Working Group also will explore opportunities to improve our nation's resilience to droughts and other severe climate impacts that are upending Americans' lives and economic livelihoods.
The National Climate Task Force also discussed how investing in conservation can fight against climate change by enabling forests, range lands, and farm lands to remove and sequester additional volumes of carbon from the atmosphere – while strengthening the resilience of these lands to drought, wildfire, and other climate impacts.
In line with this theme, several cabinet secretaries announced important conservation initiatives that will help fight against climate change by increasing carbon stocks in conserved lands while strengthening the lands' abilities to withstand drought and other adverse climate impacts. In particular:
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA will open enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with higher payment rates, new incentives, and a more targeted focus on the program's role in climate change mitigation – devoting $300 million or more annually to the effort.
CRP is one of the world's largest voluntary conservation programs with a long track record of preserving topsoil, sequestering carbon, and reducing nitrogen runoff, as well providing healthy habitat for wildlife.
CRP is a powerful tool when it comes to climate mitigation, and acres currently enrolled in the program mitigate more than 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). If USDA reaches its goal of enrolling an additional 4 million acres into the program, it will mitigate an additional 3 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent and prevent 90 million pounds of nitrogen and 33 million tons of sediment from running into our waterways each year.
USDA also announced investments in partnerships to increase climate-smart agriculture, including $330 million in 85 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects and $25 million for On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials. Secretary Vilsack chose to make the announcement at White House National Climate Task Force meeting to demonstrate USDA's commitment to putting American agriculture and forestry at the center of climate-smart solutions to address climate change.
2. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced that $78 million in grants have been approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, which will provide the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners the ability to help conserve or restore nearly 500,000 acres of wetland and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, shorebirds and other birds across North America – including Canada and Mexico. The grants, made through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), will be matched by more than $120 million in partner funds. Partners in NAWCA projects include private landowners, states, local governments, conservation organizations, sportsmen's groups, Tribes, land trusts and corporations.
3. Separately, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and additional governmental and private partners announced that they will provide $34 million for nature-based approaches through the National Coastal Resilience Fund. These projects will advance restoration or enhancement of natural features, such as coastal wetlands, dunes, and coral reefs, to protect coastal communities and infrastructure from flooding, while also improving habitat for fish and wildlife.
As outlined by President Biden's January 27 executive order on tackling the climate, the Task Force is chaired by the National Climate Advisor and includes Cabinet-level leaders from 21 federal agencies and senior White House officials to mobilize the Biden-Harris Administration's implementation of a whole-of-government approach.
Task Force membership is comprised of the following government officials:
National Climate Advisor (Chair)
Secretary of the Treasury
Secretary of Defense
Attorney General
Secretary of the Interior
Secretary of Agriculture
Secretary of Commerce
Secretary of Education
Secretary of Labor
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary of Transportation
Secretary of Energy
Secretary of Homeland Security
Administrator of General Services
Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism
Assistant to the President for Economic Policy
###
_______________________________________
The Senate voted to confirm Vanita Gupta to serve as associate AG by a slim margin, with Sen. Lisa Murkowski as the sole Republican supporting her nomination.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1384955315913887750
The Padres traded for Blake Snell, Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove this winter well aware that Dinelson Lamet's arm was problematic. It's always easy to second guess — why didn't he get surgery last year? — but rehab often can delay the inevitable and some players prefer that route.
https://twitter.com/jeffpassan/status/1384983988025106446
Pakistan hotel bomb: Deadly blast hits luxury venue in Quetta
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56834937
The Athletics walk-off the Twins on a throwing error.
https://streamable.com/qtfcxy
Cities Drop Most Charges Against BLM Protesters
https://truthout.org/articles/cities-drop-most-charges-against-blm-protesters-as-cops-fail-to-provide-evidence/
Matisse Thybulle with a big rejection of Devin Booker
https://streamable.com/5t0evh
Joel Embiid checks out of the game and is grabbing at his left knee. Embiid just went down and looked like he might've banged it on the court, but hard to tell.
https://twitter.com/TimBontemps/status/1385031442460200960
Oh no! [Chris] Boucher! He was down clutching his knee and he's heading to the locker room. Here's hoping it's nothing too serious.
https://twitter.com/loung_s/status/1385032804581445635
OG gets a defensive stop on Kyrie, then dunks on Joe Harris
https://streamable.com/m4xobs
Okoro explodes for the dunk off a pick 6
https://streamable.com/vwi72z
Deni Avdija is leaving the court in a wheelchair. This might be a bad one.
https://twitter.com/ChaseHughesNBCS/status/1385023607693266948
Oubre meets Lopez at the rim and declares the area a no fly zone
https://streamable.com/5y0w6m
Jordan Poole gets the technical for being happy
https://streamable.com/2c34ii
Andrew Wiggins Hits 10,000 Career Points
Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray has undergone surgical reconstruction of torn ACL
https://twitter.com/shamscharania/status/1385017157222866948
LeBron's response to the backlash on his Columbus shooting tweet: ANGER does any of us any good and that includes myself! Gathering all the facts and educating does though! My anger still is here for what happened that lil girl. My sympathy for her family and may justice prevail!
https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1385011051087810561
Warriors and Wizards go shaqtin
https://streamable.com/25nwek
The Washington Wizards are currently in a playoff spot for the first time this season
Westbrook with the classic Russ game: a 14/20/10 triple double on 5/17 shooting, 9 turnovers, but also +9 in a 4 point win
Maxi Kleber (low back contusion) questionable to return
https://twitter.com/townbrad/status/1385044104925483008
Nerlens Noel is down and on the floor holding his face. Timeout Knicks.
Chris Paul tonight: 28/3/8/1 steal with 0 turnovers
X-Rays on right ankle of Wizards rookie F Deni Avdija reveal a hairline fracture. MRI tomorrow. Season over, but no surgery expected to be needed.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1385039260080820227
Atlanta's Trae Young just helped off the court by teammates after a bad landing on his left ankle.
https://twitter.com/thesteinline/status/1385046917458006016
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/04/22/a-proclamation-on-earth-day-2021/
A Proclamation on Earth Day, 2021
April 22, 2021 • Presidential Actions
On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans rallied together to protect the right of all of us to live free from environmental hazard and harm. On that first Earth Day, they gathered all across America — on college campuses, in public parks, and State capitals — galvanized by a vision of a healthier, more prosperous Nation where all people could thrive. Their untiring spirit sparked a national movement for environmental protection that endures today in the bedrock laws that protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and treasured wild places and wildlife.
Earth Day was primarily conceived and brought to life by a dedicated public servant: the late Senator Gayl/rd Nelson of Wisconsin. Senator Nelson and his wife, Carrie Lee -– who herself passed away just last month –- were both dear friends who changed my life; it was Senator Nelson who helped persuade me to remain in the Senate after losing my first wife and daughter in a car accident in 1972. Senator Nelson changed the world, too, by building a legacy of environmental protection through Earth Day and all of the progress that has come in its wake –- not because it was popular, but because it was the right thing to do for our children and grandchildren.
Over half a century later, that legacy lives on in the chorus of courageous young people across the world who are rising up to demand action on climate change. They recognize the enormous economic opportunity to build a brighter, more prosperous future, and the dire economic, societal, and national security consequences of failing to act. Our youth remind us that a better world is within our grasp. Today, I say to young people fighting for a brighter future: We hear you. We see you. We will not let you down.
In recent years, climate change has upended the lives of millions of Americans. Record cold weather knocked out the electric grid in Texas this winter, killing at least 111 people and disrupting the lives and livelihoods of millions more. Wildfires tore through more than 5 million acres across the American West — an area roughly the size of the entire State of New Jersey burned to the ground. Last year, back-to-back hurricanes and powerful tropical storms battered the Gulf and East Coasts in the worst Atlantic hurricane season in recorded history. Record floods, hurricane-speed windstorms, and severe droughts devastated families and communities across the Midwest. People have lost homes and irreplaceable memories of their loved ones, small businesses built from years of tireless labor and sacrifice, farmland meant to be passed on to the next generation, and so much more.
At the same time, Black, Latino, Indigenous, and other communities of color continue to be hit hardest by the impacts of climate change. They bear the highest burden of pollution, face higher rates of heart and lung disease, are least likely to have safe drinking water in their homes, and suffer increased risk of death from COVID-19. These communities have also frequently been shut out of government decisions that directly bear on their interests. We have an obligation to correct these historic wrongs and to build a future where all people have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, healthy communities in which they can live, work, and learn, and a meaningful voice in their future.
That is why my Administration is advancing the most ambitious climate agenda in our Nation's history. Our clean energy plan will create millions of good-paying union jobs, ensure our economic competitiveness, and improve the health and security of communities across America. By making those investments and putting millions of Americans to work, the United States will be able to cut our greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.
Our success in confronting the climate crisis will not be ours alone. It will be shaped, bolstered, and ultimately won by a united pledge from global leaders to set the world on a path to a clean energy future. Today, on the fifth anniversary of the United States ratifying the Paris Agreement, we have brought nations from across the world together to meet the moment and raise our climate ambitions.
More than 50 years ago, a generation rallied to confront the environmental crises they faced. They took action in hopes that those in power would listen. Today, a new generation is sounding the alarm louder than ever, demanding that world leaders act. It is in all our interests to rise to that challenge and let our legacy be one of action.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2021, as Earth Day. I encourage all Americans to engage in programs and activities that will promote an understanding of environmental protection, the urgency of climate change, and the need to create a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all people.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of April, in the year of our L/rd two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/22/fact-sheet-president-biden-sets-2030-greenhouse-gas-pollution-reduction-target-aimed-at-creating-good-paying-union-jobs-and-securing-u-s-leadership-on-clean-energy-technologies/
FACT SHEET: President Biden Sets 2030 Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Target Aimed at Creating Good-Paying Union Jobs and Securing U.S. Leadership on Clean Energy Technologies
April 22, 2021 • Statements and Releases
Building on Past U.S. Leadership, including Efforts by States, Cities, Tribes, and Territories, the New Target Aims at 50-52 Percent Reduction in U.S. Greenhouse Gas Pollution from 2005 Levels in 2030
Today, President Biden will announce a new target for the United States to achieve a 50-52 percent reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution in 2030 – building on progress to-date and by positioning American workers and industry to tackle the climate crisis.
The announcement – made during the Leaders Summit on Climate that President Biden is holding to challenge the world on increased ambition in combatting climate change – is part of the President's focus on building back better in a way that will create millions of good-paying, union jobs, ensure economic competitiveness, advance environmental justice, and improve the health and security of communities across America.
On Day One, President Biden fulfilled his promise to rejoin the Paris Agreement and set a course for the United States to tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad, reaching net zero emissions economy-wide by no later than 2050. As part of re-entering the Paris Agreement, he also launched a whole-of-government process, organized through his National Climate Task Force, to establish this new 2030 emissions target – known as the "nationally determined contribution" or "NDC," a formal submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Today's announcement is the product of this government-wide assessment of how to make the most of the opportunity combatting climate change presents.
PUSHING PROGRESS, CREATING JOBS, AND ACHIEVING JUSTICE
The United States is not waiting, the costs of delay are too great, and our nation is resolved to act now. Climate change poses an existential threat, but responding to this threat offers an opportunity to support good-paying, union jobs, strengthen America's working communities, protect public health, and advance environmental justice. Creating jobs and tackling climate change go hand in hand – empowering the U.S. to build more resilient infrastructure, expand access to clean air and drinking water, spur American technological innovations, and create good-paying, union jobs along the way.
To develop the goal, the Administration analyzed how every sector of the economy can spur innovation, unleash new opportunities, drive competitiveness, and cut pollution. The target builds on leadership from mayors, county executives, governors, tribal leaders, businesses, faith groups, cultural institutions, health care organizations, investors, and communities who have worked together tirelessly to ensure sustained progress in reducing pollution in the United States.
Building on and benefiting from that foundation, America's 2030 target picks up the pace of emissions reductions in the United States, compared to historical levels, while supporting President Biden's existing goals to create a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net zero emissions economy by no later than 2050. There are multiple paths to reach these goals, and the U.S. federal, state, local, and tribal governments have many tools available to work with civil society and the private sector to mobilize investment to meet these goals while supporting a strong economy.
SUPPORTING AMERICAN WORKERS
This target prioritizes American workers. Meeting the 2030 emissions target will create millions of good-paying, middle class, union jobs – line workers who will lay thousands of miles of transmission lines for a clean, modern, resilient grid; workers capping abandoned wells and reclaiming mines and stopping methane leaks; autoworkers building modern, efficient, electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure to support them; engineers and construction workers expanding carbon capture and green hydrogen to forge cleaner steel and cement; and farmers using cutting-edge tools to make American soil the next frontier of carbon innovation.
The health of our communities, well-being of our workers, and competitiveness of our economy requires this quick and bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We must:
- Invest in infrastructure and innovation. America must lead the critical industries that produce and deploy the clean technologies that we can harness today – and the ones that we will improve and invent tomorrow.
- Fuel an economic recovery that creates jobs. We have the opportunity to fuel an equitable recovery, expand supply chains and bolster manufacturing, create millions of good-paying, union jobs, and build a more sustainable, resilient future.
- Breathe clean air and drink clean water and advance environmental justice. We can improve the health and well-being of our families and communities – especially those places too often left out and left behind.
- Make it in America. We can bolster our domestic supply chains and position the U.S. to ship American-made, clean energy products — like EV batteries – around the world.
MEETING THE MOMENT
The target is consistent with the President's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050 and of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as the science demands. To develop the target, the Administration:
- Used a whole-of-government approach: The NDC was developed by the National Climate Task Force using a whole-of-government approach, relying on a detailed bottom-up analysis that reviewed technology availability, current costs, and future cost reductions, as well as the role of enabling infrastructure. Standards, incentives, programs, and support for innovation were all weighed in the analysis. The National Climate Task Force is developing this into a national climate strategy to be issued later this year.
- Consulted important and diverse stakeholders: From unions that collectively bargain for millions of Americans who have built our country and work to keep it running to groups representing tens of millions of advocates and young Americans, the Administration listened to Americans across the country. This also included groups representing thousands of scientists; hundreds of governmental leaders like governors, mayors, and tribal leaders; hundreds of businesses; hundreds of schools and institutions of higher education; as well as with many specialized researchers focused on questions of pollution reduction.
- Explored multiple pathways across the economy: The target is grounded in analysis that explored multiple pathways for each economic sector of the economy that produces CO2 and non-CO2 greenhouse gases: electricity, transportation, buildings, industry, and lands.
Each policy considered for reducing emissions is also an opportunity to support good jobs and improve equity:
- The United States has set a goal to reach 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035, which can be achieved through multiple cost-effective pathways each resulting in meaningful emissions reductions in this decade. That means good-paying jobs deploying carbon pollution-free electricity generating resources, transmission, and energy storage and leveraging the carbon pollution-free energy potential of power plants retrofitted with carbon capture and existing nuclear, while ensuring those facilities meet robust and rigorous standards for worker, public, environmental safety and environmental justice.
- The United States can create good-paying jobs and cut emissions and energy costs for families by supporting efficiency upgrades and electrification in buildings through support for job-creating retrofit programs and sustainable affordable housing, wider use of heat pumps and induction stoves, and adoption of modern energy codes for new buildings. The United States will also invest in new technologies to reduce emissions associated with construction, including for high-performance electrified buildings.
- The United States can reduce carbon pollution from the transportation sector by reducing tailpipe emissions and boosting the efficiency of cars and trucks; providing funding for charging infrastructure; and spurring research, development, demonstration, and deployment efforts that drive forward very low carbon new-generation renewable fuels for applications like aviation, and other cutting-edge transportation technologies across modes. Investment in a wider array of transportation infrastructure, including transit, rail, and biking improvements, will make more choices available to travelers.
- The United States can reduce emissions from forests and agriculture and enhance carbon sinks through a range of programs and measures including nature-based solutions for ecosystems ranging from our forests and agricultural soils to our rivers and coasts. Ocean-based solutions can also contribute towards reducing U.S. emissions.
- The United States can address carbon pollution from industrial processes by supporting carbon capture as well as new sources of hydrogen—produced from renewable energy, nuclear energy, or waste—to power industrial facilities. The government can use its procurement power to support early markets for these very low- and zero-carbon industrial goods.
- The United States will also reduce non-CO2 greenhouse gases, including methane, hydrofluorocarbons and other potent short-lived climate pollutants. Reducing these pollutants delivers fast climate benefits.
In addition, the United States will invest in innovation to improve and broaden the set of solutions as a critical complement to deploying the affordable, reliable, and resilient clean technologies and infrastructure available today.
America must act— and not just the federal government, but cities and states, small and big business, working communities. Together, we can seize the opportunity to drive prosperity, create jobs, and build the clean energy economy of tomorrow.
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Russia to Withdraw Troops From Ukraine Border
https://www.euronews.com/2021/04/22/russia-says-it-is-withdrawing-its-large-deployment-of-troops-near-ukraine-s-border
The Washington Legislature on Tuesday passed a bill to require law enforcement officers to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force in an encounter. Senate Bill 5066 is one of a slew of proposals designed to reshape police tactics and oversight of law enforcement in the wake of last year's protests over the death of Black people at the hands of police. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, now heads to the desk of Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature.
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/washington-legislature-passes-bill-requiring-police-officers-to-intervene-if-they-witness-excessive-force/
Tony Buzbee says 12 of his 22 clients "insist" on attending Thursday's status conference in the lawsuits against Deshaun Watson due to being called liars earlier this week by Watson's lawyer.
https://twitter.com/profootballtalk/status/1385180945783873536
Trump Admin Created Obstacles That Illegally And Unconstitutional Delayed Relief Aid To American Citizens Who Were Victims Of Natural Disasters (Hurricanes, Etc)
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/report-watchdog-finds-trump-admin-created-obstacles-that-delayed-relief-aid-to-puerto-rico
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/22/executive-summary-u-s-international-climate-finance-plan/
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: U.S. International Climate Finance Plan
April 22, 2021 • Statements and Releases
President Biden's Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (E.O. 14008, signed January 27, 2021) called for the preparation of a Climate Finance Plan (herein "Plan"). This Plan – the first of its kind in the U.S. government – focuses on international climate finance. For the purposes of this Plan, "climate finance" refers in part to the provision or mobilization of financial resources to assist developing countries to reduce and/or avoid greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
1. Scaling-Up International Climate Finance and Enhancing its Impact
The Administration is embracing ambitious but attainable goals regarding the quantity of public climate finance provided by the United States, recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis, confronting the sharp drop in U.S. international climate finance during the FY 2018-2021 period, and understanding the need to re-establish U.S. leadership in international climate diplomacy.
The United States intends to double, by 2024, our annual public climate finance to developing countries relative to the average level during the second half of the Obama-Biden Administration (FY 2013-2016). As part of this goal, the United States intends to triple our adaptation finance by 2024. The Biden Administration will work closely with Congress to meet these goals.
U.S. agencies, working with development partners, will prioritize climate in public investments, enhance technical assistance and long-term capacity, align support with country needs and priorities, and boost investments in adaptation and resilience. For example, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will release a new Climate Change Strategy in November 2021, at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26). The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will update its development strategy to not only include climate for the first time, but also to make investments in climate mitigation and adaptation a top priority. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) will adopt a new Climate Strategy in April 2021, centered on investing in climate-smart development and sustainable infrastructure, and aims to have more than 50 percent of its program funding go to climate-related investments over the next five years. Treasury will direct U.S. executive directors in multilateral development banks (MDBs) to help ensure MDBs set and apply ambitious climate finance targets and policies, in partnership with other shareholders.
U.S. departments and agencies will enhance strategic coordination on providing and mobilizing international climate finance and technical assistance to ensure the complementarity of agency efforts, instruments, and expertise. Departments and agencies will increase collaboration and adopt best practices on incorporating climate considerations into their international work and investments, such as screening all projects for climate-related risks to ensure they are resilient.
2. Mobilizing Private Finance Internationally
Public interventions, including public finance, must also mobilize private capital. Several efforts will help mobilize more private finance. For example, MCC will expand partnerships and the use of blended finance to catalyze private capital for climate projects. DFC will increase its climate-related investments beginning in FY 2023, so that at least one-third of its new investments are linked to addressing the climate crisis. The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) will identify ways to significantly increase, as per its mandate, its support for environmentally beneficial, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage exports from the United States. U.S. agencies, including DFC, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, EXIM, the Department of State, MCC, and USAID will work together to build a strong investable project pipeline.
3. Ending International Official Financing for Carbon-Intensive Fossil Fuel Based Energy
Scaling back public investments in carbon-intensive fossil fuel-based energy is the necessary corollary to increasing investments in climate-friendly activities. Departments and agencies will seek to end international investments in and support for carbon-intensive fossil fuel-based energy projects. Departments and agencies will work with other countries, through bilateral and multilateral fora, to promote the flow of capital toward climate-aligned investments and away from high-carbon investments. Treasury, in partnership with other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and other U.S. government departments and agencies, will spearhead efforts to modify disciplines on official export financing provided by OECD export credit agencies, to reorient financing away from carbon-intensive activities.
4. Making Capital Flows Consistent with Low-Emissions, Climate-Resilient Pathways
Financial markets are increasingly demanding investment opportunities that are consistent with low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate-resilient pathways Supporting the flow of capital toward activities that are consistent with those pathways involves building an ecosystem of data, information, practices, and procedures that enable financial market actors to internalize climate-related considerations into their decisions. This concept is embodied in the Paris Agreement's Article 2.1(c) and has been widely embraced by financial policy makers and regulators around the world. The Treasury Department, in coordination with other U.S. agencies and regulatory bodies, as appropriate, will continue to promote improving information on climate-related risks and opportunities; identifying climate-aligned investments; managing climate-related financial risks; and aligning portfolios and strategies with climate objectives.
5. Defining, Measuring, and Reporting U.S. International Climate Finance
Drawing on over a decade of experience in tracking climate finance, the United States intends to ensure that our future reporting is on the cutting edge of transparency and evolves along with our strategic approach to climate finance. This will include more detailed reporting, tracking finance for vulnerable populations, and enhanced reporting on mobilization and impact.
The National Security Council staff will conduct a review of this Plan in FY 2023 to take stock of progress and assess whether changes are needed to increase ambition and impact.
To view the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan in your browser, click here.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/U.S.-International-Climate-Finance-Plan-4.22.21-Updated-Spacing.pdf
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FFS In 9-0 vote, Supreme Court guts FTC and eliminates consumer protections
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/22/9-0-supreme-court-ruling-guts-ftcs-ability-to-seek-redress-for-consumers-484194
Press Release: Idaho Lt. Governor Assembling Task Force To Replace Public School Education (Math, Science, Literature, Language, History) With Right-Wing Christian Conservative Propaganda
https://lgo.idaho.gov/press-release-idaho-lt-governor-assembling-task-force/
John Kerry on the Biden Administration climate commitments: "Is it enough? No. But it's the best we can do today and prove we can begin to move."
https://c-span.org/video/?511159-1/white-house-press-secretary-holds-briefing
Democratic-led Chicago is considering offering guaranteed income to poor residents as it seeks to even out the economic recovery for those who suffered a disproportionate hit from the Covid19 shutdown.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-21/chicago-latest-u-s-city-to-consider-guaranteed-income-for-poor
Britain first country to come out of the pandemic. Or perhaps second. No deaths recorded in Israel today
Biden administration withdraws Trump-era proposal to allow homeless shelters to discriminate against transgender people. HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge reverses yet another Trump administration attempt to roll back civil rights protections.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/04/22/transgender-homeless-shelters-biden-trump/
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/22/fact-sheet-biden-administration-advances-electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure/
FACT SHEET: Biden Administration Advances Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
April 22, 2021 • Statements and Releases
Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, and General Services Administration Announce New Actions to Accelerate Deployment of Electric Vehicles and Chargers
Today, the White House announced new progress on the Administration's goal to accelerate and deploy electric vehicles and charging stations, create good-paying, union jobs, and enable a clean transportation future. This includes actions by federal agencies:
- The Department of Transportation announced guidance on how grants can be used to deploy charging infrastructure and newly designated alternative fuel corridors;
- The Department of Energy announced new funding and partnerships for charger-related research and development; and
- The General Services Administration announced progress on the goal to transition the federal fleet to zero-emission vehicles.
In March, the United States passed the milestone of 100,000 public chargers (as recorded by the Department of Energy's Alternative Fuel Data Center) and these new actions will accelerate deployment to make driving an electric vehicle convenient in every part of the country.
To discuss today's announcements, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited new, fast-charging facility near Union Station in Washington, DC. The charging stations were installed by an American-based company EVGo and enable EV users to recharge rapidly when away from home.
Most electric vehicle drivers will charge at home and work. One of the perks of driving an electric vehicle is never needing to go to the gas station. But public charging infrastructure will provide a key role for people without off-street parking and for longer trips. A robust, convenient, and affordable network of public chargers will increase confidence for drivers that they will always have a charging option when they need it.
President Biden's American Jobs Plan includes a transformational $15 billion investment to fund this vision and build a national network of 500,000 charging stations. Through a combination of grant and incentive programs for state and local governments and the private sector, it will support a transformational acceleration in deployment of a mix of chargers in apartment buildings, in public parking, throughout communities, and as a robust fast charging along our nation's roadways.
Charger installation and maintenance creates good-paying, union jobs right here in America that cannot be outsourced, and the American Jobs Plan also includes incentives to bring more charging equipment manufacturing to the United States. Every element of the plan will promote strong labor, training, and installation standards. The Biden Administration is committed to promoting high quality jobs, fair wages, and safe working conditions through its investments. This means holding both public and private recipients of federal funding accountable to create and support good middle-class jobs. Industry, unions, state, and local governments, higher education institutions like community colleges, and nonprofits will need to work together to prepare workers for the job opportunities these investments will create.
Supporting a Nationwide Charging Network
- Today, the Department of Transportation announced the 5th round of "Alternative Fuel Corridors" designations. This program, created by the FAST Act in 2015, recognizes highway segments that have infrastructure plans to allow travel on alternative fuels, including electricity. The first four rounds of designations included portions of 119 Interstates and 100 US highways and state roads. Round 5 includes nominations from 25 states for 51 interstates and 50 US highways and state roads.
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/alternative_fuel_corridors/
- The cumulative designations (Rounds 1-5) for all fuel types (electric, hydrogen, propane, natural gas) include 134 Interstates and 125 US highways/State roads, covering almost 166,000 miles of the NHS in 49 States plus DC. Of that total, the FHWA has designated EV corridors on approximately 59,000 miles of the NHS in 48 States plus DC. South Dakota and Mississippi are the only two states without an EV corridor designation.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/map.jpg
The DOT also issued a new report clarifying how its programs can be used for EV charging infrastructure. Many existing programs have this as an eligible use and this guidance can expand how many funded entities take advantage of that. This could increase the use for EV charging infrastructure of $41.9 billion in federal grant funding in 15 specific programs.
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/alternative_fuel_corridors/resources/ev_funding_report_2021.pdf
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DOT_map-1105x1280.jpg
Technology and Business Model Innovation
The Department of Energy announced new research funding opportunities on three EV charging related topics:
https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/
- $10 million to research, develop, and demonstrate innovative technologies and designs to significantly reduce the cost of electric vehicle supply equipment for DC Fast Charging that will be needed in large number to support high volumes of EVs.
- $20 million to accelerate the adoption of commercially-available plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and supporting infrastructure through community-based public-private partnerships that demonstrate PEV technologies (for cars, buses, school buses, trucks) and infrastructure in various innovative applications and share resulting data, lessons learned and best practices with a broader audience. Projects that demonstrate the ability to accelerate clean energy jobs or provide new electric transportation solutions to under-served communities are of interest.
- $4 million to encourage strong partnerships and new programs to increase workplace charging regionally or nationally which will help increase the feasibility of PEV ownership for consumers in underserved communities (e.g., demographics that currently have minimal access to home charging).
DOE and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) also announced a national EV charging technical blueprint including fast charging and grid interaction. This blueprint will assess needs in terms of connectivity, communication, protocols from utility down to vehicle, to support electrification of the full vehicle fleet.
DOE announced that Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is partnering with global and domestic Automakers to analyze anonymous vehicle charging data that describe market-level trends of operation and charging behavior for a large sample of U.S. consumer EVs. To guide this work, DOE, INL, and Automakers formed a working group to provide feedback on INL analysis and modeling efforts.
Progress on Federal Leadership
- The Council on Environmental Quality and the General Services Administration are announcing early progress in response to the Executive Order directing the federal government to transition to a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleet. Since inauguration day, the administration has acquired more ZEVs than in the whole previous fiscal year. Additionally, we are on track to triple the number of total ZEVs added to the fleet this year compared to last. Installing EV charging infrastructure at federal facilities is a key component of the transition to a zero-emission fleet.
These actions are a set of initial steps on the path the President's goal of a national network of 500,000 chargers to support convenient and affordable travel by drivers of zero emission vehicles across the whole country.
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House passes bill that would make D.C. the 51st state.
https://www.axios.com/dc-statehood-bill-house-vote-1575b95c-4da2-4992-8c89-1c60b1997d3c.html
The Spurs have announced Patty Mills and Dejounte Murray are out tonight for rest.
https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1385363926456492039
Mark Middleton and Jalise Middleton of Texas have been charged in connection with the Capitol attack. The feds say both assaulted police officers while wearing Trump hats.
https://twitter.com/ryanjreilly/status/1385354904361963522
Warriors forward Damion Lee is entering the league's health and safety protocols for what's expected to be a 10-14 day absence. Lee has been a huge help lately for an already thin rotation.
https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1385375953853947904
Middleton gets the bucket to put the Bucks up 10-0 less than 2 minutes into the game
https://streamable.com/rggzzl
An MRI revealed a Grade 2 lateral sprain on Atlanta All-Star guard Trae Young's left ankle, source tells ESPN. He's expected to be able to return to play once swelling and discomfort are gone. Best possible news after Wednesday night's injury at MSG.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1385366812758577156
Jrue Holiday craftily dribbles through the Sixers defense for a layup
https://streamable.com/vkrjuf
A fantastic defensive possession by Joel Embiid on Jrue Holiday
https://streamable.com/6y2hpi
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/22/president-biden-announces-12-key-climate-and-infrastructure-administration-nominations/
President Biden Announces 12 Key Climate and Infrastructure Administration Nominations
April 22, 2021 • Statements and Releases
WASHINGTON – Today, on Earth Day, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve and further the Biden Administration's commitment to a modern sustainable infrastructure and clean energy future.
Carlos Monje, Nominee for Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, Department of Transportation
Amit Bose, Nominee for Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation
Shalanda Baker, Nominee for Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact, Department of Energy
Asmeret Berhe, Nominee for Director of the Office of Science, Department of Energy
Robert Hampshire, Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, Department of Transportation
Monica Medina, Nominee for Assistant Secretary, Bureau and Oceans and International Environmental and Science Affairs, Department of State
Bryan Newland, Nominee for Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, Department of Interior
Annie Petsonk, Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, Department of Transportation
Frank Rose, Nominee for Principal Deputy Administrator for National Nuclear Security, Department of Energy
Margaret Schaus, Nominee for Chief Financial Officer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Rick Spinrad, Nominee for Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce
Tracy Stone-Manning, Nominee for Director of the Bureau of Land Management, Department of Interior
Carlos Monje, Nominee for Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, Department of Transportation
Carlos Monje Jr. serves as a Senior Advisor to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Monje managed the agency review process for domestic agencies for the Biden-Harris Transition. Monje previously served as Acting Under Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy for the U.S. Department of Transportation where he oversaw implementation of surface transportation programs, the discretionary grant programs, and efforts to promote equity and economic development. He was chief of staff of the White House Domestic Policy Council and Special Assistant to the President during the Obama Administration. Monje is the first in his family born in the United States. His family is from Argentina.
Amit Bose, Nominee for Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation
Amitabha Bose has spent nearly two decades in public service working to build a better, safer, and more sustainable transportation system that provides opportunity to communities across the United States. Bose's leadership in senior-level roles at the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under two secretaries led to the passage of the FAST Act and MAP-21. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Administrator of the FRA, returning to the agency where he was the Deputy Administrator, Chief Counsel, and Senior Adviser. During those years, he guided the agency through the implementation of Positive Train Control, implementation and oversight of the $10 billion intercity passenger rail program, and alcohol and drug testing. Throughout the Obama-Biden Administration, Bose also held positions in the Transportation Secretary's office as Associate General Counsel and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs. Before joining DOT, Bose worked for New Jersey Transit, New Jersey Department of Transportation, and U.S. Congress as a transportation staffer. He has been involved in some of the highest profile rail and transportation projects, including: the Northeast Corridor Gateway Program, California High- Speed Rail, Acela 2021 trainsets, and Liberty Corridor.
In addition to his decades in the public sector, he previously worked at HNTB, an infrastructure solutions firm, and advanced transportation and safety projects. He served as board chair of the Coalition for the Northeast Corridor and on the New Jersey Restart and Recovery Advisory Council. After arriving in the United State at age 5, Bose grew up in DeKalb County, Georgia. He has an AB from Columbia College, a MIA from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, and a JD from the University of Georgia. He resides with his family in Arlington, VA.
Dr. Shalanda Baker, Nominee for Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact, Department of Energy
Shalanda H. Baker is the Deputy Director for Energy Justice in the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the U.S. Department of Energy. Prior to her appointment, she was a Professor of Law, Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Northeastern University. She has spent over a decade conducting research on the equity dimensions of the global transition away from fossil fuel energy to cleaner energy resources. She is the author of over a dozen articles, book chapters, and essays on renewable energy law, energy justice, energy policy, and renewable energy development. In 2016, she received a Fulbright-Garcia-Robles research fellowship to study climate change, energy policy, and indigenous rights in Mexico. She is the Co-Founder and former Co-Director of the Initiative for Energy Justice (www.iejusa.org), an organization committed to providing technical law and policy support to communities on the frontlines of climate change. Her book, Revolutionary Power: An Activist's Guide to the Energy Transition (Island Press 2021), argues that the technical terrain of energy policy should be the next domain to advance civil rights. She received her BS from the United States Air Force Academy and JD from Northeastern University School of Law. She obtained her LLM while serving as a William H. Hastie Fellow at the University of Wisconsin School of Law.
Asmeret Berhe, Nominee for Director of the Office of Science, Department of Energy
Asmeret Asefaw Berhe is a Professor of Soil Biogeochemistry; the Ted and Jan Falasco Chair in Earth Sciences and Geology; and Interim Associate Dean for Graduate Education at the University of California, Merced. Her research is at the intersection of soil science, global change science, and political ecology with an emphasis on how the soil system regulates the earth's climate and the dynamic two-way relationship between the natural environment and human communities. She previously served as the Chair of the US National Committee on Soil Science at the National Academies; was a Leadership board member for the Earth Science Women's Network; and is currently a co-principal investigator in the ADVANCEGeo Partnership – a National Science Foundation funded effort to empower (geo)scientists to respond to and prevent harassment, discrimination, bullying and other exclusionary behaviors in research environments. Her scholarship on how physical processes such as erosion, fire, and changes in climate affect the biogeochemical cycling of essential elements in the earth system and her efforts to ensure equity and inclusion of people from all walks of life in the scientific enterprise have received numerous awards and honors. She is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the Geological Society of America, and a member of the inaugural class of the US National Academies New Voices in Science, Engineering, and Medicine.
Berhe was born and raised in Asmara, Eritrea. She received a B.Sc. in Soil and Water Conservation from the University of Asmara, an M.Sc. in Political Ecology from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Biogeochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. In 2020 she was named a Great Immigrant, Great American by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Robert Hampshire, Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, Department of Transportation
Robert Hampshire serves as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology Policy. Hampshire was previously an associate professor at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. He was also a research associate professor in both the U-M Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) and Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS), and an affiliated faculty member in the Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE).
His unique blend of engineering systems research with public policy has made him a leader in not only transportation research, but also on the disparate impact of policy decisions in transportation systems. This has led to important strides in our understanding of transportation equity. His research applies operations research, data science, and systems approaches to analyze novel transportation systems such as smart parking, connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles, ride-hailing, bike sharing, car sharing, as well as, pedestrian and bicyclist safety. His research focuses on environmental impacts, equity, and access to opportunities. His work has been cited widely, and covered by major press outlets. He has worked extensively with both public and private sector partners worldwide. He has also been a faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University and a visiting professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Hampshire received a PhD in operations research and financial engineering from Princeton University.
Monica Medina, Nominee for Assistant Secretary, Bureau and Oceans and International Environmental and Science Affairs, Department of State
Monica P. Medina is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, and a Senior Associate on the Stephenson Ocean Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of Our Daily Planet, an e-newsletter on conservation and the environment. A former Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, she also served as General Counsel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. Earlier in her career, Medina served as the Senior Counsel to former Senator Max Baucus on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, as the Senior Director for Ocean Policy at the National Geographic Society, and in senior roles in other environmental organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the nonprofits SkyTruth and the Service Women's Action Network (SWAN) and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She received the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and the Army Meritorious Service Medal. She attended college on an Army R.O.T.C. scholarship, and began her career on active duty in the Army General Counsel's Office, after being selected for its Honors Program. Medina has a Bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and a J.D. from Columbia Law School.
Bryan Newland, Nominee for Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, Department of Interior
Bryan Newland is a citizen of Bay Mills Indian Community (Ojibwe), and was born and raised on the Bay Mills Reservation on the southern shore of Lake Superior. He recently completed his tenure as the elected President of Bay Mills Indian Community, where he previously served as Chief Judge of the Bay Mills Indian Community Tribal Court. From 2009 to 2012, Newland served as a Counselor and Policy Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Interior – Indian Affairs under President Obama.
Newland is a graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law, with a certificate from the Indigenous Law and Policy Center. He also received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. He is married to Erica Newland, and they have two children – Graydon and Meredith.
Annie Petsonk, Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, Department of Transportation
Carol A. ("Annie") Petsonk is Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs at the United States Department of Transportation. She has over three decades of experience in international negotiations, including bilateral, regional, and multilateral negotiations on aviation, trade, and the environment. She is an internationally recognized expert in these fields, has attended Assemblies of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) since 2013, and served from 2014 to 2021 as an expert observer on ICAO's Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection. She helped develop ICAO's landmark Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), a global program supported by the U.S. aviation industry. She also assisted in drafting standards to implement CORSIA, and developed policy recommendations to advance sustainable aviation fuels. She has testified in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, and authored and co-authored more than seventy articles, book chapters, presentations, blogs, and other materials.
During her previous federal government service in the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Petsonk represented the United States in cases of strategic significance to the Executive Branch, organized the international work of DOJ's Environment and Natural Resources Division, and participated in interagency development of international policy, including trade and environmental policy. At the United Nations Environment Programme (Nairobi), she was involved in the development of one of the world's most successful environmental agreements, the 1987 Montreal Protocol on the Ozone Layer. She served for twenty-five years as international counsel at the non-partisan, non-profit Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). She has worked in the private sector, and she has taught for over two decades as a member of the adjunct faculty of the George Washington University Law School. She is a member of the bars of Massachusetts and Colorado. Petsonk is a graduate of Harvard Law School and of The Colorado College, which also awarded her an honorary degree. She is married to John Watts. They have one son, Nicholas.
Frank Rose, Nominee for Principal Deputy Administrator for National Nuclear Security, Department of Energy
Frank A. Rose is a senior fellow and co-director of the Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology in the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution. Prior to joining Brookings, Rose served as U.S. assistant secretary of state for arms control, verification, and compliance from 2014-17. From 2009-14, Rose served as the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for space and defense policy. He has also held positions at the U.S. Department of Defense, in the U.S. Congress, and the private sector. Rose received his bachelor's degree in history from American University in 1994 and a master's degree in war studies from King's College, University of London in 1999.
Margaret Schaus, Nominee for Chief Financial Officer, National Aeuronatics and Space Administration
Margaret Vo Schaus is a career member of the Senior Executive Service. Over the past decade, she has held numerous leadership roles with responsibility for the financial management and business operations of science and engineering organizations at the Departments of Energy and Defense. She currently serves as the Director for Business Operations in the Office of the Under Secretary Research and Engineering at the Department of Defense, where she is responsible for oversight of a multibillion dollar budget. Schaus has been recognized with awards including the Office of the Secretary of Defense's Exceptional Civilian Service Award, the Department of Energy's Distinguished Career Service Award, and the Secretary of Energy's Honor Award. She is a first-generation Vietnamese American, born in Michigan and raised in southern California. She received a B.A. in Science, Technology, and Society as well as English from Stanford University, and a M.S. in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University.
Rick Spinrad, Nominee for Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce
Dr. Rick Spinrad is a Professor of Oceanography at Oregon State University (OSU), and a member of the Ocean Studies Board of the National Academies. In 2016 he retired as Chief Scientist of NOAA, appointed by President Obama. He was the VP for Research at OSU, and was the head of NOAA's Research Office and the National Ocean Service. He co-led the White House Committee developing the nation's first set of ocean research priorities. Dr. Spinrad was a Senior Executive with the US Navy, and was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Award (highest Navy civilian award), has held faculty appointments at three universities, and was President of Sea Tech, Inc. He also created the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, and was the U.S. representative to the United Nations' Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
Spinrad received Presidential Rank Awards from Presidents Bush and Obama, and is a Fellow of 4 professional societies. He holds degrees from The Johns Hopkins University and OSU.
Tracy Stone-Manning, Nominee for Director of the Bureau of Land Management, Department of Interior
Tracy Stone-Manning has spent her career devoted to public service and conservation. As senior advisor for conservation policy at the National Wildlife Federation, she advocates for the wise stewardship of our nation's lands and waters. Before joining the Federation, she served as Montana Governor Bullock's chief of staff, where she oversaw day-to-day operations of his cabinet and the state's 11,000 employees. She stepped into that post after serving as the Director of the state's Department of Environmental Quality, overseeing the state's water, air, mining and remediation programs. She served as a regional director and senior advisor to Senator Jon Tester during his first term, focusing on forestry issues. Early in her career, she led the Clark Fork Coalition, a regional conservation group, as it advocated successfully for Superfund cleanups that created thousands of jobs and revitalized a river. The group also co-owned and managed a cattle ranch in the heart of the Superfund site.
Raised in a big, Navy family — her dad commanded a submarine – she was guided into public service from childhood. She is a backpacker, hunter and singer, and has been married to the writer Richard Manning for 30 years. She lives in Missoula, Montana and holds a M.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana and an B.A. from the University of Maryland.
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/22/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-special-presidential-envoy-for-climate-john-kerry-and-national-climate-advisor-gina-mccarthy-april-22-2021/
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, Gina. Hello. And thank you very much, Gina. I'm really happy to be here and share this day and this subject matter with all of you.
And I want to begin by just sharing with you what a spectacular job Gina and her team have done. You may remember the executive order which said the President will aim to announce the NDC at the summit. The aim was not that he had any question about wanting to do that; the aim was whether or not Gina or anybody could pull together all the parties that had to be part of preparing an NDC — a gigantic, administrative, organizational task, which Gina and her entire team have done really superbly. And I mean that. That's not a pro forma comment. It is hard to get all of the disparate elements of your government together.
And the President, by issuing his executive order to make this — the climate issue — an all-of-government enterprise and instructing every single Cabinet officer and every single agency officer to comprehensively factor climate consequences into every decision that they were making. And they have done that.
And Gina created this task force. We've never had an all-of-government task force on this subject ever before. We had it now because Gina's creation, and — and it's worked. And that's what brought everybody together to get this ambitious but appropriate, achievable goal in place. So I salute her and I thank her for that; it's a great service.
And everywhere that I went in the world, in the course of the last months, first question out of people's mouths was, "What's your NDC going to be? What are you guys going to do? You've destroyed your credibility. You've left the Paris Agreement. How can we trust you? What's going to happen in the next four years?" To which there is a very, very powerful answer, which is: No politician, I think, could change what is now happening globally in the marketplace. And that is part of the message of what's happened here today and in the last few days.
You've had — yesterday we announced the Net-Zero Bank Alliance; we announced that the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero; and we have some 43 financial institutions across the world worth some — I forget the exact sum — forty-some trillion dollars or something, in terms of assets managed.
And just yesterday, a number of banks announced — six banks, to be precise — that they are allocating or setting — or making a commitment that they will invest into climate-related efforts, initiatives, investments — $4.16 trillion over the next 10 years. That's been a really missing element in all of this.
So I'm really happy to be here today for a number of reasons. First of all, just parenthetically, five years ago today, I had my granddaughter on my knee in New York and signed the Paris Agreement. And that was a great moment for everybody in the world when everybody came together in New York excitedly to set out on this venture.
Regrettably — without any facts, without any science, without any rationale that would be considered reasonable — the former President decided to pull out. He was the only President in the entire world — the only Chief of State in the entire world, who, without any scientific evidence, decided to pull out of the Paris Agreement.
So, when President Biden was elected — having made climate one of the most critical issues of his agenda — we had a big step to get up. We had to restore America's credibility. We had to prove that we were serious. And, I think, today does that in many ways, and not in a chauvinistic — in a way that's, sort of, inappropriate to our relationship with other countries, but in a way that reinforces the fact that this is multilateral; that we need to bring all the countries of the world to the table; and we all need to raise ambition. That's the central theme of this meeting today. We must all raise ambition.
And you heard that in, I thought, profoundly, meaningful, moving, understandably frustrated and angry words — tame for anger — words that came from Xiye Bastida. And that's where a lot of the younger generation is today, appropriately — pretty upset at the adults — the alleged adults who are not getting their act together to make happen what needs to happen. We aren't there yet either.
But today we built a huge, foundational building block in the effort to get there. So, the importance of today in my judgment is this: The world came together. President Xi, Prime Minister Modi, President Putin, presidents of small countries and big countries, President Macron, the Chancellor of Germany; the EU itself, independently; people in the financial marketplace and others — all of them in agreement that this — this is a crisis. It is the climate crisis, and it's going to require an enormous lift to get where we need to go.
So, what happened today — just to underscore where we are — on January 19th, we were nowhere; we were in deficit with respect to our efforts. And because of President Biden's leadership in calling the summit, in putting us on the line to do this, we now have about 55 percent of the global GDP committed to levels of reductions that keep faith with holding the Earth's temperature at 1.5 degrees.
That is a big chunk of difference. And we've done that working with countries — sitting down with them — with Japan; with Korea; with Australia; with — you have Indonesia; with India; with the Middle East — with 11 countries at one meeting where even oil-producing countries stepped up and made things clearer; and, of course, China, included; as well as some Latin American countries and African countries.
So, I'm pleased with where we are, but I'm — I'm not sanguine. The next six months of diplomacy are going to be absolutely critical to the capacity to make Glasgow what it needs to be.
I do believe Glasgow remains our last best hope to be able to coalesce the world in the right direction and to get the critical mass of countries of the 20 biggest emitters, who are responsible for 81 percent of all the emissions — all 20 of them were here today, and almost all 20 of them were pledging to do additional things. So that's our job is to be to clarify it over the course of these next weeks and months.
I'd just clarify very quickly: Japan said they'd cut emissions 46 to 50 percent by 2030 — strong efforts towards achieving a 50 percent reduction — up from its existing 26 percent reduction. Canada strengthening from a current 30 percent to a 40 to 45 percent. The Republic of Korea terminating overseas coal finance and preparing to update its NDC consistent with the 2050 net-zero goal. India, in partnership with the United States, to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power. Why is that important? Because if we can do that — which is where our finance component of this is so critical — if we do that, India is on track to hold the 1.5 degrees centigrade. So, Argentina announced a package of important measures. The UK, last week, just announced 78 percent target by 2035. And yesterday, EU announced a new law to embed the 55 percent reduction for 2030, and also the net zero.
So, you know, I think that it's progress, but we still have a heavy lift, and no one should doubt the challenges of the road ahead. So, I'm happy to be here.
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Q Thank you. Secretary Kerry, to you, first: When it comes to the pledge, how can you realistically make this pledge to the rest of the world when there's no guarantee that Republicans will get on board with your plan once you release it?
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, a lot of the plan is executable through just executive order — I'm going to let Gina speak to this — but a lot of the plan is executable through order. But that's the power of having the private sector here. That is the real reason why I'm saying to you that no politician in the future is going to undo this because, all over the world, trillions of dollars, trillions of yen, trillions of euros are going to be heading into this new marketplace. And the future belongs to the countries, as you heard today from any number of leaders, that are the ones who develop hydrogen — green hydrogen fuel, or storage, or battery storage, or direct carbon capture for the atmosphere. Some technology is going to break through here, folks. And one of the things I know the President is thinking about is how to accelerate the innovation and the research and development that's going to push that curve.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/22/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-special-presidential-envoy-for-climate-john-kerry-and-national-climate-advisor-gina-mccarthy-april-22-2021/
ADMINISTRATOR MCCARTHY: Sure. Just to indicate to you that this is — is really a result of understanding what our authorities are at the federal government, but also what's happening at the local and state level, what's happening in the business community, what kind of technologies that are ready to be deployed now, how many jobs can be created by this. This is not just a bottoms up; it's also a values down. It's also looking at how we grow as a country and be sustainable. The plan that the President has put in place and the plan that we're relying on here is a plan that we can deliver because we have the wherewithal to do it in terms of policies and programs, but we also have carefully looked at what we can deliver in terms of change. And the world is changing: It's not going backwards; it is moving forward. And the exciting thing about this is that this plan has received endorsements from the AFL-CIO, the Chamber of Commerce, the Edison Electrical Institute, and the IBEW. Does it get better than that? You know, this is because all of them recognize that we have to invest in America again. That's what the American Jobs Plan is all about. That's what we anticipate our country will do, because we know how to make this happen, we can put people back to work, and it's time for us to think about hope and opportunity and get past the year that we're finishing.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/22/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-special-presidential-envoy-for-climate-john-kerry-and-national-climate-advisor-gina-mccarthy-april-22-2021/
SECRETARY KERRY: No, I just had a lot of people who would say — stay here if (inaudible) — a lot of people would say, you know, if you hadn't — if the President hadn't put the plan forward, you'd be asking why you haven't put the forward to do the building out of a transmission system for America or whatever it is. He put it forward, and it's a legitimate thing to say, "Now can it get passed? Can you get there?" But this is the — this job future is not something conjured up out of anybody's imagination. This is the most real thing in the world. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says there are three jobs that will actually more than 50 percent this year. The first is 62 percent growth in wind turbine technician. The second is nurse practitioners, for obvious and unfortunate reasons. And the third is solar panel installer at 51 percent. So, the jobs are growing there. I'm not offering that job to somebody who may feel, "Oh my G-d, I got a better job. I don't want to lose that job," et cetera. But the job market here is going to be gigantic. And for electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, steelworkers, heavy-equipment operators — all of these people — building out America's grid and transitioning us to this new future is — is going to happen in countries all over the world. We need to make sure we're not left behind — in fact, that we're leading in the creation of the new technologies and new opportunities.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/22/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-special-presidential-envoy-for-climate-john-kerry-and-national-climate-advisor-gina-mccarthy-april-22-2021/
ADMINISTRATOR MCCARTHY: And the only thing I will tell you is: Electric vehicles are another interesting piece. That's actually going to be a big part of our future. I'm going to go check out a charging station and look at some of those vehicles. But the thing I would encourage you to think about is that we've had many of the large car companies stand up and say, "100 percent EVs by 2035." We didn't say that. I didn't even say "electric vehicles." It was the very first thing they said to me is that that's the future. And that's what this is all about: What does our future look like? Who are we grabbing it for?
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/22/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-special-presidential-envoy-for-climate-john-kerry-and-national-climate-advisor-gina-mccarthy-april-22-2021/
Q What specifically can you — you probably can't give specific numbers to those things on electric vehicles on the road then. But given what you witnessed with the last President, what — if President Biden is not to win again in 2024, what specifically can you do now to make sure that the next President, with a stroke of the pen, can't reverse progress you're trying to make right now?
SECRETARY KERRY: I'll answer that very directly, but I want to begin by pointing out to you that there's a company called Tesla, which is the highest-valued automobile company in the world. Why? All it makes is one product: electric vehicles. That is what is happening. That's a signal. That's the market saying, "Here we are. This is going to happen." And GM has now already announced, on its own, that they are only going to produce electric vehicles, as of 2035. And Ford Motor Company — ask the president of Ford. I heard him at an event, standing up and saying the electric car is a better car. They love it. And I don't know if you've driven one, but they're fabulous. They're really great. And so, my — my feeling is that — that is going to take place because the market is sending signals and the consumer is sending signals. Now, that said, how do you prevent somebody from coming along and preventing the stroke-of-a-pen change? Here's — here's what is going to happen, no question about it: Because the world, as a whole, is moving in this direction; because these companies have made this critical, long-term, strategic marketing judgment — and that is the way the market is moving — no politician, no matter how demagogic or how potent and capable they are, is going to be able to change what that market is doing, because it will have moved. It'll have four years of entrenchment. And those jobs will be there. And people will see that this is the product people want to buy. And they will also increasingly, I believe — more and more are convinced by the heat in the summer, by the floods, by the weather, by the intensity of storms, by the rising of sea level that we got to get moving. And I don't think anybody is going to get back from that fast, because we're way behind the eight ball on that. And the chances of seeing more damage before we see the progress is very, very real.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/22/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-special-presidential-envoy-for-climate-john-kerry-and-national-climate-advisor-gina-mccarthy-april-22-2021/
So, I believe in what the young folks are doing out there today. They're trying to get adults to be adults and do what we're supposed to do, which is take facts into consideration and respond to those facts and, as public officials, exercise the precautionary principle of governance that when you get information that says X, Y, and Z are going to happen, and there's not a 5 or 6 or 10 percent chance it's going to happen — like whether you might have a car accident and you get insurance, or your home might burn and you get insurance, or you might get sick and you get health insurance — it's 100 percent certain that most of these things are going to happen — that the ice is melting; that the sea is rising; that — warming — and yet, we're not buying insurance. And so you're darn right they're angry, and I share that anger. It's a frustration. But how do you get from here to there to get it done? And I believe what President Biden is doing is leading to get us from here to there. What's happening here today is a huge step forward to get us from here to there by setting these targets, by getting nations invested. By getting leaders to say publicly, "We have to do this," you begin to get a foothold on holding them accountable and on moving forward and getting it done. Is it enough? No, but it's the best we can do today and prove we can begin to move and get the technologies and find the easier path and then, hopefully, get the job done. And I really believe that. I think we will get the job done, as President Biden said today, because of our capacity for innovation and research and development, and producing great products in the future, and meeting big challenges. And we've always done that. And I think Americans are really anxious to do something like that. That's why I'm here doing this, folks, and not, you know, in the private sector or retired and doing some things. It's because I believe this moment is the moment, heading to Glasgow, where we need to get on track.
Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated from playoff contention
The Dallas Mavericks (32-26) defeat the Los Angeles Lakers (35-24) (with Anthony Davis, who missed a significant amount of this season), 115 - 110
Yikes: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to receive deadly AstraZeneca vaccine on Friday
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-to-receive-astrazeneca-vaccine-on-friday-1.5399030
Zimbabwe to sell hunting rights for endangered elephants
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/22/africa/zimbabwe-elephants-hunting-intl-hnk/index.html
Following a stretch of winterlike cold, a dangerous weekend is in store across the South as large areas of severe storms are expected to fire up from Texas and Oklahoma to the Atlantic coast. On Friday morning, some areas of the Southeast were under freeze warnings and frost advisories, with several cities dipping to below-normal and even record-challenging temperatures. One of those cities was Memphis, Tennessee, which reported a low of 37 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking the old record of 39 from 1927. However, conditions are expected to flip, and storms bringing hail, damaging winds and flooding downpours are forecast to ignite across the region this weekend. Humidity levels will increase on Friday across the southern Plains as the Gulf of Mexico feeds moisture into the region, and a warm front is forecast to sweep through.
https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/severe-weather-to-kick-back-into-high-gear-across-south/937325
Navalny to end prison hunger strike
https://apnews.com/article/world-news-russia-government-and-politics-hunger-strikes-europe-562f5a56ccbc48ae74d33fcdf152aabb
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/23/fact-sheet-biden-administration-outlines-key-resources-to-invest-in-coal-and-power-plant-community-economic-revitalization/
FACT SHEET: Biden Administration Outlines Key Resources to Invest in Coal and Power Plant Community Economic Revitalization
April 23, 2021 • Statements and Releases
White House Releases Initial Report Detailing Existing Resources for Energy Communities
Department of Energy Announces $109.5 Million to Support Energy Jobs, Executive Director to Spearhead Interagency Efforts
Today, the White House Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization released a report that was delivered to President Biden and included the initial recommendations from the Interagency Working Group to catalyze economic revitalization, create good-paying, union jobs, and support workers in energy communities – hard-hit coal, oil and gas, and power plant communities – across the country.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/02/26/readout-of-the-white-houses-first-interagency-working-group-on-coal-and-power-plant-communities-and-economic-revitalization/
https://netl.doe.gov/IWGInitialReport
The Interagency Working Group identified nearly $38 billion in existing federal funding that could be accessed by energy communities for infrastructure, environmental remediation, union job creation, and community revitalization efforts. This funding includes the over $260 million in existing resources already mobilized by the Department of the Interior to support abandoned mine land reclamation, predominantly in Appalachia. This funding will be bolstered by the historic investment in energy communities proposed by President Biden's American Jobs Plan.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-investing-over-260-million-help-create-jobs-and-revitalize-land-coal
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan/#:~:text=The%20American%20Jobs%20Plan%20is%20an%20investment%20in,by%20more%20than%2040%20percent%20since%20the%201960s.
The report is a first step, delivered to the President 60 days following Executive Order 14008, which established the Interagency Working Group. In addition to identifying resources available for immediate deployment, the report identifies urgent geographic areas, hard-hit by past coal mine and plant closures and vulnerable to more closures, that are priorities for investment and engagement and next steps for the Working Group to deliver on the President's long-term commitment to support energy workers and communities.
In connection with the report release, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced $109.5 million in funding for innovative projects that will catalyze next generation industries to retain and create jobs directly in energy communities, including
- $75 million in funding to engineer carbon capture projects – This funding will support customized engineering designs to install carbon capture and storage technology for power and industrial plants. Retrofitting with carbon capture technology could employ a similar workforce that exists today in energy communities and position American industry to compete in a global economy that is rapidly turning toward decarbonization.
- $19.5 million in funding awards for critical mineral extraction from coal and associated waste streams – Critical minerals are vital to the manufacture of batteries, magnets, and other important components for making electric vehicles (EV) and other clean energy technology. Coal communities and workers could be well-positioned to see new industrial jobs extracting critical materials from the waste left behind by coal mining and coal power plants in many areas.
- $15 million for geothermal energy research projects at West Virginia University and Sandia National Laboratories – DOE will provide up to $15 million for two projects to help drive down costs and risks associated with the discovery of new geothermal resources for power production and heating-cooling. West Virginia University (WVU) will use the funding to explore year-round deep-direct use heating and cooling on campus in preparation for the 2027 planned closure of the existing coal-fired cogeneration plant that supplies steam for the school. WVU will drill an exploratory well with a full logging and coring program critical to developing the resource under the campus and will evaluate shallow reservoirs for energy storage, away from fossil fuels and transitioning to a fully clean grid by 2035. Sandia National Laboratories will use innovative approaches to conduct electromagnetic surveys to refine geothermal exploration methods and aid drillers as they explore for geothermal energy in the Western United States, a potential opportunity to create jobs for laid-off oil and gas workers.
The Interagency Working Group also named Brian Anderson as its Executive Director. A longtime resident of West Virginia and a descendant of coal miners, Anderson serves as director of DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory with facilities in Morgantown, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Albany, Oregon, and is a renowned scientist with extensive expertise in technology development for carbon management in hard-to-decarbonize sectors. In addition, DOE identified senior staff from DOE's Office of Economic Impact and Diversity, Office of Energy Jobs and Office of Indian Energy who will also support the work of the Interagency Working Group.
President Biden is committed to robust federal leadership in direct partnership with energy communities to foster investment and economic revitalization, ensure the creation of good-paying jobs that provide a choice to join a union, remediate mining and drilling lands and plant sites to address environmental degradation, and secure the benefits workers have earned.
During his first week in office, President Biden established the Interagency Working Group to coordinate an integrated, whole-of-government approach to supporting energy communities. As its first action, the Interagency Working Group convened stakeholder roundtable sessions to hear from community and worker representatives as well as sector experts on the needs and most promising strategies for economic development and transition. The Working Group also identified existing federal resources that can be immediately deployed to support hard-hit energy communities.
Today, the Interagency Working Group, issued an initial report identifying key federal programs that could spur economic revitalization in energy communities.
https://netl.doe.gov/IWGInitialReport
EXISTING FEDERAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT TO ENERGY COMMUNITIES:
As a first task, the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization identified existing federal resources that can be immediately deployed to support hard-hit energy communities. When deployed in key energy communities, these funds will:
Invest in Job Creating Infrastructure Projects
- Fund Critical Infrastructure Investments in Coal Country – On April 7, 2021, the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced a $2.5 million grant to the Pea Ridge Public Service District of Barboursville, West Virginia, that according to grantee estimates is expected to retain 851 jobs and generate $14.6 million in private investment by extending public sanitary sewer services to support local businesses and encourage future economic growth. These funds were provided under EDA's Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) initiative which provides grants to coal communities for a range of activities including economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities. In FY21, EDA received $33.5 million under the ACC initiative which has ongoing availability, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. The Department of Commerce is also revising EDA investment priorities to promote projects that meet the needs of coal and power plant communities. The updated guidance will apply to all EDA funding, including the $3 billion received through the American Rescue Plan.
https://www.eda.gov/news/press-releases/2021/04/07/barboursville-wv.htm
- Provide Access to Rural Broadband – The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has three broadband grant programs with funding totaling $1.5 billion. These programs collectively focus on bringing broadband access to tribal communities, minority communities, and those regions that have households without access to broadband at speeds of at least 25 megabytes per second (MBps) for download and 3 MBps for upload. Energy Communities with broadband needs will be eligible to apply for deployment grants from these programs. The NTIA is exploring how to facilitate increased participation from Energy communities through targeted outreach.
- Fund Transportation Infrastructure – The Department of Transportation releases the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program solicitation annually. RAISE is an approximately $1 billion competitive grant program that provides flexible capital funding that can support multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional projects. Applicants can include municipalities, counties, tribal governments, and states. For the upcoming RAISE Notice of Funding Opportunity for FY2021, DOT is determining how to integrate the transportation needs of applicants like Energy Communities that are focusing on job creation and climate change response.
Create Jobs through Pollution Mitigation and Environmental Remediation
- Provide access to $1.3 billion in grants, loans and technical assistance to address Mine-Impacted Water – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) is a program that provides financing for rural communities to establish, expand, or modernize water treatment and waste disposal facilities. Energy Communities can utilize WEP to address issues related to mine runoff or mine-impacted water. Recently, a rural Michigan town received WEP funding to treat a water source that was contaminated with high levels of magnesium and iron due to mining. WEP currently has $967 million available for loans, $308 million in grant funds, and $36 million in technical assistance and training funds.
- Revitalize Brownfields – The Environmental Protection Agency anticipates releasing the guidelines for its Brownfields Assessment, Cleanup, and Revolving Loan Fund Grant programs in Fall 2021. Brownfields grants are competitively awarded and provide funding to empower states, communities, tribes, and non-profit organizations to inventory, assess, and clean up brownfields. Brownfield grants facilitate environmental cleanup and economic redevelopment in communities across the country. Success stories include projects in communities adversely affected by closed or abandoned power stations and mining sites. The competition for FY2022 assessment, clean up, and revolving loan fund grants will open in fall 2021.
- Create Good Jobs by Reclaiming Abandoned Mine Lands – Last month, the Department of Interior's Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation, and Enforcement (OSMRE) announced the availability of $152.2 million in annual reclamation grants and began disbursing $115 million to eligible states and tribes for coal mine reclamation projects that support economic revitalization efforts through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization grant program. These projects directly address the economic development needs of Energy Communities. OSMRE also has an additional $24.8 million available in FY2021 to provide administrative and technical support for coal reclamation projects in certain states and tribal areas. DOI also highlighted $4.2M of funding at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to remediate orphan wells on public lands. This funding is estimated to address 39 of the 102 orphan wells in BLM's most recent orphan well inventory, with another $8.7 million to remediate wells in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve. Dislocated oil and gas workers living in energy communities would be ideal candidates for employment on these projects.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-investing-over-260-million-help-create-jobs-and-revitalize-land-coal
Catalyze Next Generation Industries
- Provide $8.5 billion in loans for breakthrough carbon capture technologies – DOE's Loan Programs Office (LPO) has $8.5 billion in funding for carbon capture projects through LPO's Title 17 Innovative Energy Loan Guarantee Program. LPO is open for business and ready to help deploy carbon capture technology to enable low-carbon manufacturing of cement, steel, and other industrial products in addition to power plants. Retrofitting with carbon capture technology would draw upon a similar workforce that exists today in energy communities and could create thousands of new jobs while positioning American industry to compete in a global economy that is rapidly turning toward decarbonization.
Fund Civic Infrastructure that Sparks New Economic Activity
- Fund Small Businesses – The American Rescue Plan provided $10 billion to the Department of Treasury's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a program that supports state, territorial, and tribal programs that finance small businesses, including in economically disadvantaged and minority communities. The Department of Treasury is exploring ways to encourage the use of SSBCI funding in Energy Communities including by highlighting the objectives of Executive Order 14008 in related program guidance and outreach.
- Fund Non-Profit Job Creators – The Department of Health and Human Services announced its intent to prioritize energy communities in its upcoming solicitation for the Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary grants program. The CED is a $13.6 million grant program for non-profit community development corporations in disinvested communities for purposes of creating new jobs for low-income individuals, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients. HHS will provide additional consideration under the solicitation to applications that demonstrate that the project will support energy communities.
Invest in Economic Revitalization in Appalachia – The Appalachian Regional Commission announced the next round of funding availability for its Partnership for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative grants. The program supports Appalachian communities that have experienced job losses in coal mining, coal-fired power plant closures, and coal-related supply chain and logistics industries. Applicants to this competitive program should have a transformational vision for diversifying the regional economy, addressing both short-term response and long-term restructuring. Applications should also be regional, collaborative, large-scale, and outcome-driven. Priorities for funding include workforce development, entrepreneurship, industry clusters, substance use disorders, and broadband access. Current funding availability is $55 million.
Secure Benefits and Opportunity for Energy Workers
- Finance Economic Development Aligned Workforce Training –The Department of Labor announced the next round of Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) demonstration grants, which makes up to $29.2 million available to support rural communities in aligning workforce development efforts with economic development plans. Grant activities can include classroom training; work-based learning, including apprenticeships; skills and needs assessments; job matching assistance; online and technology-related learning strategies, including expanding broadband access; supportive services; employer services; and supporting individuals impacted by substance use disorder. The funding notice includes an additional emphasis on Energy Communities and will be administered in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA).
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20210422-0
AMERICAN JOBS PLAN INVESTMENTS IN ENERGY COMMUNITIES
President Biden's American Jobs Plan will provide a historic investment in the economic revitalization of energy communities. Specifically, the plan will:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan/#:~:text=The%20American%20Jobs%20Plan%20is%20an%20investment%20in,by%20more%20than%2040%20percent%20since%20the%201960s.
Invest in Job Creating Infrastructure Projects
Increase investment by $115 billion to modernize the bridges, highways, roads, and main streets that are in most critical need of repair. This includes funding to improve air quality, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce congestion. The plan will modernize 20,000 miles of highways, roads, and main streets, not only "fixing them first" but "fixing them right," with safety, resilience, and all users in mind. It will also repair the worst 10,000 smaller bridges, including bridges that provide critical connections to rural and tribal communities.
Upgrade and modernize America's drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, tackle new contaminants, and support clean water infrastructure across rural America – including by providing $56 billion in grants and low-cost flexible loans to states, Tribes, territories, and disadvantaged communities across the country. President Biden's plan also provides $10 billion in funding to monitor and remediate PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water and to invest in rural small water systems and household well and wastewater systems, including drainage fields. Further, President Biden's plan will invest $45 billion to replace 100 percent of the nation's lead pipes and service lines, which will create jobs and reduce lead exposure in homes and 400,000 schools and childcare facilities.
Produce, preserve, and retrofit more than a million affordable, resilient, accessible, energy efficient, and electrified housing units. Through targeted tax credits, formula funding, grants, and project-based rental assistance, President Biden's plan will extend affordable housing rental opportunities to underserved communities nationwide, including rural and tribal areas.
Put union building trade workers to work upgrading homes and businesses to save families money. President Biden's plan will upgrade homes through block grant programs, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and by extending and expanding home and commercial efficiency tax credits. President Biden's plan also will establish a $27 billion Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator to mobilize private investment into distributed energy resources; retrofits of residential, commercial and municipal buildings; and clean transportation. These investments have a particular focus on disadvantaged communities that have not yet benefited from clean energy investments.
Deliver affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband to every American through a historic investment of $100 billion to build high-speed broadband infrastructure to reach 100 percent coverage. The President's plan prioritizes building "future proof" broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas so that we finally reach 100 percent high-speed broadband coverage. It also prioritizes support for broadband networks owned, operated by, or affiliated with local governments, non-profits, and co-operatives—providers with less pressure to turn profits and with a commitment to serving entire communities. Moreover, it ensures funds are set aside for infrastructure on tribal lands and that tribal nations are consulted in program administration. Along the way, it will create good-paying jobs with labor protections and the right to organize and bargain collectively. President Biden's plan will promote price transparency and competition among internet providers and the President is committed to working with Congress to find a solution to reduce internet prices for all Americans, increase adoption in both rural and urban areas, hold providers accountable, and save taxpayer money.
Create Jobs through Pollution Mitigation and Environmental Remediation
Put the energy industry to work plugging orphan oil and gas wells and cleaning up abandoned mines. Hundreds of thousands of former orphan oil and gas wells and abandoned mines pose serious safety hazards, while also causing ongoing air, water, and other environmental damage. Many of these old wells and mines are located in rural communities that have suffered from years of disinvestment. President Biden's plan includes an immediate up-front investment of $16 billion that will put hundreds of thousands to work in union jobs plugging oil and gas wells and restoring and reclaiming abandoned coal, hardrock, and uranium mines. In addition to creating good jobs in hard-hit communities, this investment will reduce the methane and brine that leaks from these wells, just as we invest in reducing leaks from other sources like aging pipes and distribution systems.
Invest $5 billion in the remediation and redevelopment of Brownfield and Superfund sites, as well as related economic and workforce development – turning this idle real property into new hubs of economic growth and job creation.
Mobilize the next generation of conservation and resilience workers. This $10 billion investment will put a new, diverse generation of Americans to work conserving our public lands and waters, bolstering community resilience, and advancing environmental justice through a new Civilian Climate Corps, all while placing good-paying union jobs within reach for more Americans.
Catalyze Next Generation Industries
Build next generation industries in distressed communities. President Biden believes that the market-based shift toward clean energy presents enormous opportunities for the development of new markets and new industries. For example, by pairing an investment in 15 decarbonized hydrogen demonstration projects in distressed communities with a new production tax credit, we can spur capital-project retrofits and installations that bolster and decarbonize our industry. The President's plan also will establish ten pioneer facilities that demonstrate carbon capture retrofits for large steel, cement, and chemical production facilities, all while ensuring that overburdened communities are protected from increases in cumulative pollution. In addition, in line with the bipartisan SCALE Act, his plan will support large-scale sequestration efforts that leverage the best science and prioritize community engagement. And to accelerate responsible carbon capture deployment and ensure permanent storage, President Biden's plan reforms and expands the bipartisan Section 45Q tax credit, making it direct pay and easier to use for hard-to-decarbonize industrial applications, direct air capture, and retrofits of existing power plants.
Jumpstart clean energy manufacturing through federal procurement. The federal government spends more than a half-a-trillion dollars buying goods and services each year. As a result, it has the ability to be a first-mover in markets. The President is calling on Congress to enable the manufacture of electric vehicles, charging ports, and electric heat pumps for residential heating and commercial buildings, as well as critical technologies like advanced nuclear reactors and fuel, here at home through a $46 billion investment in federal buying power, creating good-paying jobs and reinvigorating local economies, especially in rural areas.
Strengthen manufacturing supply chains for critical goods. President Biden believes we must produce, here at home, the technologies and goods that meet today's challenges and seize tomorrow's opportunities. President Biden is calling on Congress to invest $50 billion to create a new office at the Department of Commerce dedicated to monitoring domestic industrial capacity and funding investments to support production of critical goods.
Advance U.S. leadership in critical technologies and upgrade America's research infrastructure. President Biden is calling on Congress to provide $30 billion in additional funding for R&D that spurs innovation and job creation, including in rural areas. His plan also will invest $40 billion in upgrading research infrastructure in laboratories across the country, including brick-and-mortar facilities and computing capabilities and networks. These funds would be allocated across the federal R&D agencies, including at the Department of Energy.
Support small, medium and rural manufacturers. President Biden is calling on Congress to quadruple support for the Manufacturing Extensions Partnership —increasing the involvement of minority-owned and rurally-located small- and-medium-sized enterprises in technological advancement. He is also calling to invest $14 billion in NIST to bring together industry, academia, and government to advance technologies and capabilities critical to future competitiveness.
Increase access to capital for domestic manufacturers. America's manufacturing industry needs to innovate, adapt, and scale to win the industries of the future. President Biden is calling on Congress to invest more than $52 billion in domestic manufacturers. The President is calling on Congress to invest in existing capital access programs with a proven track record of success, with a focus on supporting rural manufacturing and clean energy. The President's plan also includes specific supports for modernizing supply chains, including in the auto sector, like extending the 48C tax credit program. He also will call for the creation of a new financing program to support debt and equity investments for manufacturing to strengthen the resilience of America's supply chains.
Fund Civic Infrastructure that Sparks New Economic Activity
Invest billions in critical physical, social and civic infrastructure including through the Economic Development Agency's Public Works program, "Main Street" revitalization efforts through HUD and USDA, the Appalachian Regional Commission's POWER grant program, the Department of Energy retooling grants for idled factories (through the Section 132 program), and dedicated funding to support community-driven environmental justice efforts – such as capacity and project grants to address legacy pollution and the cumulative impacts experienced by frontline and fence line communities.
Partner with rural and Tribal communities to create jobs and economic growth in rural America. Today, despite the fact that rural and Tribal communities across the country are asset-rich, more than 8 in 10 persistent poverty counties fall outside of a metropolitan area. President Biden is proposing to transform the way the federal government partners with rural and Tribal communities to create jobs and spur inclusive economic growth. As part of his plan to ensure that all communities recover – regardless of geography – President Biden is proposing a $5 billion for a new Rural Partnership Program to help rural regions, including Tribal Nations, build on their unique assets and realize their vision for inclusive community and economic development. This program will empower rural regions by supporting locally-led planning and capacity building efforts, and providing flexible funding to meet critical needs.
Make it in ALL of America. The President believes we must build social infrastructure to support innovation and productivity across the country. He is calling on Congress to invest $20 billion in regional innovation hubs and a Community Revitalization Fund. At least ten regional innovation hubs will leverage private investment to fuel technology development, link urban and rural economies, and create new businesses in regions beyond the current handful of high-growth centers. The Community Revitalization Fund will support innovative, community-led redevelopment projects that can spark new economic activity, provide services and amenities, build community wealth, and close the current gaps in access to the innovation economy for communities of color and rural communities that have suffered from years of disinvestment.
Invest in community college infrastructure. Investing in community college facilities and technology helps protect the health and safety of students and faculty, address education deserts (particularly for rural communities), grow local economies, improve energy efficiency and resilience, and narrow funding inequities in the short-term, as we rebuild our higher education finance system for the long-run. President Biden is calling on Congress to invest $12 billion to address these needs. States will be responsible for using the dollars to address both existing physical and technological infrastructure needs at community colleges and identifying strategies to address access to community college in education deserts.
Secure Benefits and Opportunity for Energy Workers
Empower Workers. President Biden is calling on Congress to update the social contract that provides workers with a fair shot to get ahead, overcome racial and other inequalities that have been barriers for too many Americans, expand the middle class, and strengthen communities. He is calling on Congress to ensure all workers have a free and fair choice to join a union by passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, and guarantee union and bargaining rights for public service workers. His plan also ensures domestic workers receive the legal benefits and protections they deserve and tackles pay inequities based on gender.
Create good jobs. The President's plan demands that employers benefitting from these investments follow strong labor standards and remain neutral when their employees seek to organize a union and bargain collectively. He is asking Congress to tie federal investments in clean energy and infrastructure to prevailing wages and require transportation investments to meet existing transit labor protections. He also is calling for investments tied to Project Labor, Community Workforce, local hire, and registered apprenticeships and other labor or labor-management training programs so that federal investments support good jobs and pathways to the middle class. Finally, he is asking Congress to include a commitment to increasing American jobs through Buy America and Ship American provisions.
Call for a $40 billion investment in a new Dislocated Workers Program and sector-based training. This funding will ensure comprehensive services for workers, who have lost jobs through no fault of their own, to gain new skills and to get career services they need with in-demand jobs. Sector-based training programs will be focused on growing, high demand sectors such as clean energy and manufacturing, helping workers of all kinds to find good-quality jobs in an ever-changing economy.
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/23/fact-sheet-president-bidens-leaders-summit-on-climate/
FACT SHEET: President Biden's Leaders Summit on Climate
April 23, 2021 • Statements and Releases
On Day One, President Biden fulfilled his commitment to rejoin the Paris Agreement. Days later, he took executive actions to ensure we tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad – all while creating jobs and strengthening our economy. This week, he held a historic summit with 40 world leaders to show that America is back.
Over the course of two days and eight sessions, President Biden convened heads of state and government, as well as leaders and representatives from international organizations, businesses, subnational governments, and indigenous communities to rally the world in tackling the climate crisis, demonstrate the economic opportunities of the future, and affirm the need for unprecedented global cooperation and ambition to meet the moment.
On the first day of the summit, President Biden upped the ante. He announced the United States will target reducing emissions by 50-52 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. He underscored America's commitment to leading a clean energy revolution and creating good-paying, union jobs – noting that the countries that take decisive action now will reap the economic benefits of the future.
In the United States, the Biden-Harris Administration has mobilized a whole-of-government approach to unleash economic opportunities, create good jobs, and advance environmental justice. From the national to the local level and across all agencies, the federal government is not only working to help those hit hardest by climate impacts, but also creating a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous future.
While the Biden-Harris Administration has committed itself to addressing the climate crisis, countries across the globe must also step up. Given that more than 85 percent of emissions come from beyond U.S. borders, domestic action must go hand in hand with international leadership. All countries – and particularly the major economies – must do more to bend the curve on global emissions so as to keep a 1.5 degree C limit on global average temperature rise within reach. President Biden's Leaders Summit helped ensure the international community is working together to tackle the climate crisis and support the most vulnerable. Together with the new United States 2030 target along with those announced in the run-up to and at the summit, more than half of the world's economy is now committed to the pace of action we need to limit warming to 1.5 degree C. And this coalition is growing.
President Biden convened the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate, a group the United States first convened during the George W. Bush Administration. Together, the 17 MEF economies are responsible for approximately 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and global GDP. At the Summit, alongside the United States, the other MEF participants committed to take the necessary steps to set the world up for success in this decisive decade. The heads of state and leaders of the MEF participants were also joined by the leaders of countries that are especially vulnerable to climate impacts, as well as countries charting innovative pathways to a net-zero economy. Business leaders, innovators, local officials, and indigenous and youth representatives participated in the summit, sharing their insights and planned contributions to help tackle the climate crisis.
For our part, the United States is leading the way with a range of bold new commitments across the federal government that demonstrate its leadership, create jobs, rally the rest of the world to step up, mobilize finance, spur transformational innovations, conserve nature, build resilience, strengthen adaptation and drive economic growth for communities. U.S. commitments include:Enhancing climate ambition and enabling the transformations required to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. President Biden is galvanizing efforts by the world's major economies to reduce emissions during this critical period. From reducing short-lived climate pollutants and supporting the most vulnerable to investing in nature-based solutions, these transformational changes are critical to keep a 1.5 degree C limit on global average temperature rise within reach. Just as importantly, they will create new, good-paying jobs today to drive tomorrow's economy.
The Biden-Harris Administration's whole-of-government approach is ensuring that climate considerations are incorporated across U.S. engagements both at home and abroad. Some of the initiatives that were announced today include:
- Launching a Global Climate Ambition Initiative. The U.S. government will support developing countries in establishing net-zero strategies, implementing their nationally determined contributions and national adaptation strategies, and reporting on their progress under the Paris Agreement. The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), working with other agencies, will coordinate U.S. government efforts to support countries around the world to enhance and meet their climate goals in ways that further their national development priorities. We will engage strategically with governments, the private sector, civil society, and communities to support transformational policies and programs, build human and institutional capacity, and create momentum toward a zero-emissions, climate-resilient future.
- Setting ambitious benchmarks for climate investments at DFC. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is committing to achieve a net zero investment portfolio by 2040, the earliest target of any G7 or G20 development finance institution (DFI), and to make at least one-third of all its new investments have a climate nexus beginning in FY 2023. DFC will make climate issues central to its development strategy for the first time and bring all of its tools to bear to ensure a just transition that supports sustainable economic growth in developing countries. Working with the Rockefeller Foundation, DFC will support distributed renewable energy and other innovative climate investments to benefit millions worldwide. It has released a rolling call for proposals for climate investment funds, is bringing onboard its first Chief Climate Officer, and has established a $50 million climate technical assistance facility. These pioneering goals are unique among its peer institutions, and DFC will collaborate with other DFIs and encourage them to raise their own ambitions.
- Committing to climate investments at MCC. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) will expand and deepen work to address climate change challenges across its investment portfolio and business operations—investing in climate-smart development and sustainable infrastructure. Over the next five years, MCC commits that more than 50 percent of its program funding will go to climate-related investments. MCC will promote low-carbon economic development, help countries transition away from fossil fuels, and maintain a coal-free policy across its portfolio of grants.
- Launching a Greening Government Initiative. The Greening Government Initiative launch marks the first international convening on greening national plans for sustainable government operations. Co-chaired by Canada and the United States, GGI countries seek to lead by example in developing and implementing climate action plans that increase the resilience of and mitigate emissions from national government operations and real property. Through coordinating our national priorities and collaborating on common goals, we hope to foster and inspire a global "race to the top" of government efforts toward achievement of the goals of the Paris Agreement. The United States and Canada will lead this initiative through cooperation in the management of national government procurement and real property, helping both nations achieve their individual goals of a net-zero emissions economy, 100 percent clean electricity usage, and a zero-emissions vehicle fleet.
Mobilizing financing to drive the net-zero transition and adapt to climate change. Finance plays a vital role in accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy and building a climate-resilient future. Current financial flows are inadequate for addressing the scale of the climate crisis. Through President Biden's international climate finance plan, the U.S. government will make strategic use of multilateral and bilateral channels and institutions to assist developing countries in implementing ambitious emissions reduction measures, protect critical ecosystems, build resilience against the impacts of climate change, and promote the flow of capital toward climate-aligned investments and away from high-carbon investments. To more effectively mobilize public and private finance to address the climate crisis, the United States announced it is:
- Scaling up international financing to address climate needs. The United States intends to double by 2024 our annual public climate finance to developing countries relative to the average level during the second half of the Obama-Biden Administration (FY 2013-2016). As part of this goal, the United States intends to triple its adaptation finance by 2024. The Biden Administration will work closely with Congress to meet these goals.
- Issuing the first U.S. International Climate Finance Plan. The United States is publishing its first-ever U.S. international climate finance plan, which lays out how federal agencies and departments responsible for international climate finance will work together to deliver that finance more efficiently and with greater impact.
- Launching an international dialogue on decreasing fiscal climate risk through national budgets. Earlier this month, the United States announced a more than $14 billion increase in the President's Budget over FY 2021 enacted levels across the entire government to tackle the climate crisis, the largest in history. The United States is launching an international dialogue on aligning the budget with climate risks and opportunities. The dialogue will build both on U.S. leadership in climate budgeting and assessing climate risk and on the pioneering work already being done in multilateral fora. The United States will engage with participating countries through bilateral and multilateral channels to collaborate on cost-effective strategies across participating countries to increase climate investments while creating good-paying jobs. The dialogue will also explore how to improve climate risk analysis in national operations that could help countries optimize and expand investments in adaptation and reduce national exposure to the impacts of climate change.
Transforming energy systems. The potential of solar energy, wind power, and electricity storage technologies has improved dramatically over the past few years. But we need to go further and faster. To support accelerated action, new commitments include:
- Establishing a Net-Zero Producers Forum. In support of efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by midcentury, the United States, together with the energy ministries from Canada, Norway, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, representing 40 percent of global oil and gas production, established a cooperative forum that will create pragmatic net-zero strategies, including methane abatement, advancing the circular carbon economy approach, development and deployment of clean-energy and carbon capture and storage technologies, diversification from reliance on hydrocarbon revenues, and other measures in line with each country's national circumstances.
- Establishing a U.S.-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership. The United States is working with allies and partners around the world to set ambitious 2030 targets for climate action and clean energy innovation and deployment. The U.S.-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership will elevate ambitious climate action as a core theme of U.S.-India collaboration and support the achievement of India's ambitious targets, including reaching 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. The Partnership will aim to mobilize finance and speed clean energy deployment; demonstrate and scale innovative clean technologies needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across sectors including industry, transportation, power, and buildings; and build capacity to measure, manage, and adapt to the risks of climate-related impacts.
- Supporting ambitious renewable energy goals and pathways in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Department of State announced scaled-up technical assistance to countries participating in the Renewable Energy for Latin America and the Caribbean (RELAC) initiative, a regional effort led by Colombia, Chile, and Costa Rica to increase renewable energy capacity to at least 70 percent by 2030. Expanded U.S. support through the Low Emission Development Strategies Global Partnership and the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory will center on peer learning and training on policies and technical measures for achieving high levels of renewable energy grid integration. U.S. support to enable current RELAC countries and motivate additional countries to join RELAC will be delivered in cooperation with the InterAmerican Development Bank, the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), and the Global Power System Transformation Consortium.
- Supporting clean energy mineral supply chains. The Energy Resource Governance Initiative (ERGI) is a multinational effort founded by Australia, Botswana, Canada, Peru, and the United States to help build sustainable supply chains and promote sound sector governance for the minerals vital to technologies powering the energy transition, such as solar panels, electric vehicles, and battery storage. The United States has committed more than $10.5 million in bilateral technical assistance in support of ERGI principles in more than ten countries around the world. The Initiative's focus is now expanding to include greening mining operations, as well as re-use and recycling of key minerals and metals. The United States will also join the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining in support of international cooperation on the minerals and metals that make the renewable energy transition possible.
Revitalizing the transport sector. The transformation of the transport sector offers some of the biggest opportunities for deep emissions cuts, new jobs, and healthier cities. To jump-start this revolution, the United States is committing to:
- Sparking the zero-emission transportation revolution – at home and abroad. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is taking a comprehensive approach to addressing the climate crisis and expanding ways for all modes of transportation to transition to zero emissions. This includes funding for lower-emission buses, expanding access to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, using our public rights of way in climate-supportive ways, and working with partners around the world bilaterally, regionally, and in multilateral fora to help catalyze the transition to zero-emitting transportation as swiftly as possible.
- Joining the Zero Emission Vehicle Transition Council. The United States will join a coalition of governments representing more than half of new vehicle sales globally that is dedicated to accelerating the global transition to zero emission vehicles.
- Reducing emissions from international shipping. The international shipping sector contributes approximately three percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the sector's emissions are only projected to increase. In support of the global effort to keep within reach a 1.5 degree C limit on global average temperature increase, and in support of global efforts to achieve net-zero GHG emissions no later than 2050, the United States is committing to work with countries in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt a goal of achieving zero emissions from international shipping by 2050 and to adopt ambitious measures that will place the sector on a pathway to achieve this goal.
- Reducing emissions from international aviation. The United States is committed to working with other countries on a vision toward reducing the aviation sector's emissions in a manner consistent with the goal of net-zero emissions for our economy by 2050, as well as on robust standards that integrate climate protection and safety. The United States intends to advance the development and deployment of high integrity sustainable aviation fuels and other clean technologies that meet rigorous international standards, building on existing partnerships, such as through ASCENT– the Aviation Sustainability Center – and pursue policies to increase the supply and demand of sustainable aviation fuels. In the International Civil Aviation Organization, we will engage in processes to advance a new long-term aspirational goal in line with our vision for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector, and continue to participate in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
Building workforces for the future and ensuring U.S. competitiveness. Climate action is an opportunity to spur job creation while enabling all communities and workers to benefit from the clean energy economy. To create opportunities for American-made solutions to tackle the climate crisis abroad, the United States is announcing new commitments to:
- Launching a Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will launch the Global Partnership to connect U.S. industry to major energy and transportation infrastructure investments in emerging markets. This initiative will support the rebuilding of the U.S. middle class through the export of U.S.-manufactured goods and services, while enhancing economic recovery through climate-smart infrastructure development for our partners and allies globally. The Global Climate-Smart Infrastructure Partnership will leverage USTDA's project preparation and partnership-building tools to support the use of U.S. technologies and services in overseas climate-smart infrastructure projects.
- Creating the EXIM Chairman's Council on Climate. The U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) will create a Chairman's Council on Climate, a sub-committee of EXIM's Advisory Committee dedicated to advising EXIM on how to better support U.S. exporters in clean energy, foster the transition to a low-carbon economy, and create clean U.S. jobs at home. Membership will be comprised of a wide range of representatives which could include, for example, members of U.S. industry, the financial sector, trade associations, labor, academia, think tanks, and civil society organizations. EXIM will open applications to the public in summer 2021.
- Supporting workers and communities in the shift to a global clean energy future. As the United States moves towards a clean energy economy, it is committed to helping energy workers and communities address the challenges and equitably capitalize on the opportunities associated with this transition. The U.S. Secretary of Energy convened the energy ministers of Canada, India, and the European Commission, along with representatives from the labor and advocacy communities, to begin a discussion on global efforts to address this critical issue. To continue the dialogue, the Department of Energy announced that it is joining Canada, the European Union, and Chile to launch the Empowering People initiative at the Clean Energy Ministerial this June.
Promoting innovation to bring clean technologies to scale. Innovation will spur the technology and transformations necessary to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change at scale, while also creating enormous new economic opportunities to build the industries of the future. To build the future we want, the United States announced:
- Clean energy innovation and manufacturing. The United States commits to accelerating the technology progress critical to advancing sustainable development and achieving a net-zero global economy. The effort will spur good-paying American jobs focused on developing, manufacturing, and exporting cost-effective products that support sustainable development across the world. The U.S. Department of Energy will define a series of performance targets and coherently leverage the diverse expertise and talent at American universities, businesses, and national laboratories to accelerate research and development in top linchpin technologies, beginning with: hydrogen, carbon capture, industrial fuels, and energy storage. The targets and roadmaps will look beyond incremental advances and aim, instead, at the game-changing breakthroughs that will secure American leadership in the manufacture of net-zero carbon technologies and support sustainable development around the world. In the coming weeks, the U.S. Department of Energy will convene experts from American academia, business, and the national laboratories to announce the first of these moonshot-style ventures and catalyze the game-changing breakthroughs that will grow new businesses and new jobs domestically and export these net-zero carbon technologies all around the world.
- Reinvigorating leadership and participation in Mission Innovation. The Biden-Harris Administration has announced plans to quadruple clean energy innovation funding over the next four years, and the United States is playing a key role in advancing international collaboration on innovation and supporting the launch of Mission Innovation 2.0, including:
--- Launching, and leading together with international partners, a major Mission Innovation international technology mission on carbon dioxide removal at COP26.
--- Joining Mission Innovation's hydrogen mission and co-leading, with Denmark, a mission to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in international shipping, both slated to launch at the June 2021 Mission Innovation ministerial.
--- Planning to host the co-located 2022 Mission Innovation and Clean Energy Ministerial meetings.
- Leading the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate. The United States will lead the creation of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate along with the United Arab Emirates and in coordination with several other partner countries. The goal of this initiative is to accelerate innovation and research and development in agricultural and food systems in order to spur low-carbon growth and enhance food security. The initiative will be advanced at the UN Food Systems Summit in September 2021 and launched at COP26 in November 2021 through the UK's COP26 Campaign for Nature.
- Joining the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). The United States will join the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), along with co-founders Sweden and India. LeadIT convenes countries and companies committed to speeding innovation in technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in energy-intensive sectors and speed progress to net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Launching a Global Power System Transformation (G-PST) Consortium. To speed progress toward a carbon-free power system by 2035 at home and around the world, the United States, along with the United Kingdom, joined leading power system operators, world-class research institutes, and private institutions from countries at the forefront of power system transitions to launch this new consortium, which couples cutting-edge research with knowledge diffusion to share best-in-class operational, engineering, and workforce development solutions with power system operators around the world. The G-PST Consortium aims to help system operators to permanently change their emissions trajectories while simultaneously improving grid reliability, resiliency, and security and supporting economic growth.
- Launching the FIRST Program to support the use of small modular reactors. In support of the Administration's commitment to increasing reliable energy access worldwide while meeting carbon reduction targets, the Department of State is launching the Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Program with an initial $5.3 million investment. FIRST provides capacity-building support to enable partner countries to benefit from advanced nuclear technologies and meet their clean energy goals under the highest standards of nuclear security, safety, and nonproliferation.
Providing urgent support for vulnerable countries to adapt and build resilience to the climate crisis. The climate crisis is already posing challenges to communities at home and around the world. Millions of Americans feel the effects of climate change each year when agriculture fields are flooded, wildfires destroy neighborhoods, and storms knock out power. Communities of color and low-income communities around the country are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Abroad, many vulnerable countries already are facing catastrophic climate impacts. They must build their resilience to the climate crisis now. To strengthen our capacity to help people, reduce future risks and improve resilience, the United States is announcing it is:
- Supporting environmental justice and climate resilience. EPA will fund $1 million in grants/cooperative agreements through the Commission on Environmental Cooperation (CEC) to work with underserved and vulnerable communities, including indigenous communities, in Canada, Mexico, and the United States to prepare them for climate-related impacts. This initiative will provide funding directly to community-based organizations to help them develop community-driven solutions to the challenges of climate change. These projects could involve vulnerable communities converting workers to clean jobs, addressing extreme weather impacts, transitioning to clean energy and/or transportation, or utilizing traditional ecological knowledge. Following a competitive process, the most innovative and impactful projects will be approved by consensus by the environment ministers of the three countries. The United States currently chairs the CEC Council.
- Partnering with islands to lead on climate and energy resilience. The United States is committed to partnering with small islands in their efforts to combat the climate crisis in ways that reflect their unique cultures and development challenges by building resilience in the face of a changing climate. Working together, the Department of State, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will launch a new partnership to advance the inclusion of locally generated climate information, knowledge, data and decision support tools in ongoing and emerging sustainability and resilience endeavors in island regions. The Department of State will support a unique island-led partnership, the Local2030 Island Network, which links U.S. island jurisdictions with those around the world in developing common solutions in a shared cultural context. NOAA will work with this network and other partners to enhance the capacity of island nations to integrate climate data and information, and it will apply effective coastal and marine resource management strategies to support sustainable development. DOE will launch the Energy Transitions Initiative – Global, which will focus on transforming the energy systems of and increasing resilience for islands and remote communities, starting in the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific and growing to include other vulnerable communities. USAID, through the Pacific Climate Ready project and the Caribbean Energy and Resilience initiatives, will support small island developing states to strengthen their systems and capacities to become more climate resilient in ways that are country-driven, coordinated, inclusive, and equitable.
- Reducing black carbon by investing in clean cookstoves. Household energy emissions have a significant impact on the climate, environment, human health, gender, and livelihoods. In addition, the reduction of short-lived climate pollutants, such as methane and black carbon, can in the short term contribute significantly to keeping a 1.5 degree C limit on global average temperature rise within reach. Given the urgent need for tangible, ambitious, and global action, the U.S. government is announcing that it is resuming and strengthening its commitment to the United Nations Foundation's Clean Cooking Alliance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will work with the Clean Cooking Alliance, other governments, and partners to reduce emissions from home cooking and heating that contribute to climate change and also directly affect the health and livelihoods of almost 40 percent of the world's population.
- Mitigating black carbon health impacts in Indigenous Arctic communities. EPA, working through our partners in the Arctic Council, is pleased to announce the Black Carbon Health in Indigenous Arctic Communities project to be implemented by the Aleut International Association. Indigenous Arctic communities need tools to understand their exposure to black carbon emissions, to help them identify significant local sources, and to share best practices for preventing and mitigating the health impacts of air pollution and climate. The project will help these communities measure, analyze, and addresses black carbon exposure and strengthen their capacity to develop and promote black carbon mitigation strategies.
Implementing nature-based solutions. Nature is a critical part of reaching net-zero emissions and enhancing community resilience. The world's ocean and forests are critical carbon sinks and a source of life and livelihoods. Recognizing nature's vital role, the United States is announcing new resources and support for:
- Investing in tropical forests to drive towards a net-zero world. Halting deforestation globally, and restoring forests and other ecosystems, is critical to reaching a net-zero emissions world by 2050. The United States is joining together with other governments and private sector companies today to announce the Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest finance (LEAF) Coalition. The LEAF Coalition expects to mobilize at least $1 billion this year to incentivize tropical and subtropical countries in reducing emissions from forests by paying for verified emissions reductions that meet a high environmental and social standard. This is a crucial component to raising global climate ambition and to halting and reversing deforestation by 2030.
- Funding nature-based approaches to coastal community and ecosystem resilience. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and additional governmental and private partners will provide $34 million for nature-based approaches through the National Coastal Resilience Fund. These projects will advance restoration or enhancement of natural features, such as coastal wetlands, dunes, and coral reefs, to protect coastal communities and infrastructure from flooding, while also improving habitat for fish and wildlife. NOAA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation commit to advancing the science and practice of implementing nature-based approaches to coastal resilience with international communities of practice by participating in exchanges and dialogues to share the lessons and innovations learned from these projects. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners will also provide $78 million in grants to help conserve or restore nearly 500,000 acres of wetlands in Canada, Mexico, and the United States through the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission.
- Promoting resilience in the Southern Ocean. The United States is supporting the three marine protected area proposals in the Southern Ocean before the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). These unique areas are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and they must be protected. The United States is calling on all CCAMLR members to adopt these marine protected areas at this year's meeting.
Promoting safety and security at home and abroad. Climate change has been identified by the Department of Defense (DoD) as a critical national security threat and threat multiplier. As a result, DoD has undertaken assessments of the impacts that the climate crisis has on American military instillations. Today the United States is announcing:
- Conducting climate exposure assessments on all U.S. installations. The DoD is announcing a plan to complete climate exposure assessments on all major U.S. installations within 12 months and all major installations outside the continental U.S. within 24 months using the Defense Climate Assessment Tool (DCAT). The DCAT helps identify the climate hazards to which DoD installations are most exposed, which is the first step in addressing the potential physical harm, security impacts, and degradation in readiness resulting from global climate change.
- Supporting assessments in partner countries around the world. The DoD is also announcing its commitment to share the DCAT with a number of attending allied partners and militaries.
Supporting action at every level. Fully addressing the climate crisis requires an all-of-society response. President Biden is committed to working with sub-national actors, business, civil society, indigenous communities, and youth to facilitate collective ambitious action that yields lasting results.
- Advancing subnational and non-state engagement abroad. The United States will step up engagement with subnational governments and non-state actors around the world to accelerate climate action. It will also partner with U.S. cities, states, territories, and Tribes in the context of its diplomatic outreach globally, supporting their engagement at UN Climate Change summits and working with other countries to elevate similar efforts.
- Catalyzing subnational action and participation in COP26. The United States endorses Race To Zero, a global campaign for net-zero targets from businesses, cities, and regions, and will work to seek additional U.S participants. The United States also announced an intent to commission analysis of the emission reduction potential from subnational leadership worldwide and to work with national and subnational partners globally to achieve this potential.
Today's announcements are additional steps in the Biden-Harris Administration's work to advance an unprecedented whole-of-government response to climate change while creating good-paying, union jobs and advancing environmental justice. On his first day in office, President Biden fulfilled his promise to rejoin the Paris Agreement, and one week later he signed an Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. As part of this Order, the President charged federal agencies to take a comprehensive approach to addressing the climate crisis. From reducing emissions to advancing a just transition, the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to working hand in hand with international leaders, civil society, businesses, and communities and getting countries around the world to step up and meet this global challenge.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/27/executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/
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Biden has pledged a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, but the White House hasn't set any specific targets yet for agriculture, which accounts for 10 percent of all US emissions, and Democrats are silent on sustainable agriculture and veganism, veganism being the 100% only solution to saving the planet.
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/22/climate-change-biden-agriculture-484351
45 years ago today, the Ramones released their self titled debut album. It is unreal that all 4 Ramones have since died.
https://open.spotify.com/album/5uYDAwW0SZgcfOFkxrST64?si=LjuFaa0CR4-ns8d7knbs1g
Derek Chauvin's sentencing has just been set for June 16th. Prosecutors want a harsher sentence than guidelines recommend - arguing Chauvin treated George Floyd with "particular cruelty".
https://twitter.com/ChrisJansing/status/1385668545355341825
As we approach the May 1st special election in Texas' 6th Congressional District, all eyes are watching to see if this historically Republican district's increasingly suburban Democratic electorate will result in a win for a Democratic candidate. In a new poll conducted by Data for Progress of 344 likely TX-06 voters between April 5th and April 12th, we find that Republican candidate Susan Wright leads the field by eight points, polling at 22 percent, while the next highest candidate, Democratic candidate Jana Lynne Sanchez, polls at 16 percent. However, with 14 percent of voters supporting one of 16 candidates unlikely to win, the race is still very much in flux. With no candidate currently receiving the required majority of votes to be declared the winner, our polling indicates the race will likely go to a runoff election on May 24th. We simulated a runoff between Wright and Sanchez and found that Wright is the likely winner, supported by 53 percent of likely voters; Sanchez trails 10 points behind, with 43 percent support.
https://www.dataforprogress.org/blog/tx-06-special-election
I appreciate the Cubs scoring 18 runs a game or 1 run a game. So far it's only innining 3.
https://www.espn.com/mlb/playbyplay/_/gameId/401227339
Kansas City is trading its first-round pick Thursday night, along with three other picks in the 2021 and 2022 drafts, to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for Pro Bowl OT Orlando Brown and one pick in the 2021 draft and another in 2022, per sources.
https://twitter.com/adamschefter/status/1385669527405572103
Kansas City gets: 🏈 OT Orlando Brown 🏈 2021 second-round pick (No. 58) 🏈 2022 6th round pick. Baltimore gets: 🏈 2021 first-round pick (No. 31) 🏈 third-round pick (No. 94) 🏈 fourth-round pick (No. 136) 🏈 2022 fifth-round pick
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1385670034110959630
Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the appointment of Ambassador Jeff Feltman as U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa
April 23, 2021 • Statements and Releases
Today, the State Department announced the appointment of Ambassador Jeff Feltman as the U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa. Ambassador Feltman's work will build on our ongoing efforts to address the urgent crises in Ethiopia, where we continue to urge the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean forces, the cessation of hostilities by all parties, and unimpeded humanitarian access. We also urge leaders of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan to come together and resolve their disputes around the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam and their shared water resources. The United States is ready to work with our allies and partners to promote shared peace and prosperity across the Horn of Africa.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/23/statement-by-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivan-on-the-appointment-of-ambassador-jeff-feltman-as-u-s-special-envoy-for-the-horn-of-africa/
Newsom orders end to fracking in California by 2024, work toward phasing out all in-state oil production by 2045
https://www.bakersfield.com/news/newsom-orders-end-to-fracking-in-california-by-2024-work-toward-phasing-out-all-in/article_8200b8ba-a464-11eb-be8b-4b83ebb0e6a3.html
Biden will allow US embassies worldwide to fly lgbtq flag, reversing a Trump administration decision
https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-to-allow-us-embassies-to-fly-pride-flag-reversing-a-trump-decision-2021-4
High-profile climate summit at the White House. Low-profile ride back to State. My EV isn't jealous...
https://twitter.com/ClimateEnvoy/status/1385704140211429376
The Cubs had 34 runs in their first 13 games. They have 55 in their last 6 games.
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/23/readout-of-the-biden-harris-administrations-first-meeting-of-the-white-house-council-on-native-american-affairs/
Readout of the Biden-Harris Administration's First Meeting of the White House Council on Native American Affairs
April 23, 2021 • Statements and Releases
Today, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice convened the first meeting of the White House Council on Native American Affairs in the Biden-Harris Administration. The Council will coordinate with Tribal Nations as it advances work on key issues such as climate change, Tribal homelands and treaties; economic development, energy and infrastructure; health; education; public safety and justice; and international Indigenous issues.
Ten Cabinet Secretaries and other top government officials participated in discussions focused on strengthening the Nation-to-Nation relationship, improving tribal consultation, and formalizing the working committees of the Council.
In addition, the White House today announced that it will hold a White House Tribal Leaders Summit in late 2021. The purpose of the Summit is to provide an opportunity for the leaders from the 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations to have an opportunity to interact directly with the President and representatives from the highest levels of the Administration.
The White House Council on Native American Affairs was established by Executive Order in 2013. The Council languished in the last Administration. President Biden reinstated the Council in less than 100 days in office.
Participants at the virtual meeting included agency leadership and senior White House officials representing:
Department of the Interior
Domestic Policy Council
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Education
Department of Energy
Environmental Protection Agency
Health and Human Services
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Office of Management and Budget
Office of Personnel Management
Office of Management and Budget
Small Business Administration
Social Security Administration
Department of State
Department of Transportation
Department of Treasury
Department of Veterans Affairs
US Ambassador to the United Nations
US Trade Representative
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Denali Commission
Gender Policy Council
Office of Science and Technology Policy
National Climate Advisor
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
Cabinet Affairs
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/23/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-kentucky-disaster-declaration-2/
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Kentucky Disaster Declaration
April 23, 2021 • Statements and Releases
Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and ordered Federal assistance to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from February 27 to March 14, 2021.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Johnson, Lee, Magoffin, Martin, and Powell.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available to commonwealth and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides in the counties of Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Cumberland, Elliott, Floyd, Franklin, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Magoffin, Marion, Martin, Mason, Morgan, Ohio, Pike, Powell, Rockcastle, and Wolf.
Lastly, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire commonwealth.
Robert J. Fenton, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named John Brogan as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation/2021/04/23/bills-signed-s-164-s-415-s-422-s-578/
Bills Signed: S. 164, S. 415, S. 422, S. 578
April 23, 2021 • Legislation
On Friday, April 23, 2021, the President signed into law:
S. 164, the "Advancing Education on Biosimilars Act of 2021," which authorizes the Food and Drug Administration to educate consumers and health care providers on biologic products, including biosimilars;
S. 415, which clarifies the definition of a new chemical entity for the purposes of an application for approval by the Food and Drug Administration;
S. 422, the "Senate Shared Employee Act," which allows Senators, Senators-elect, committees of the Senate, leadership offices, and other offices of the Senate to share employees; and
S. 578, the "Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act of 2021 or the FASTER Act of 2021," which adds sesame to the list of major allergens for purposes of food labeling.
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A Proclamation on World Intellectual Property Day, 2021
April 23, 2021 • Presidential Actions
This year, on World Intellectual Property Day, we celebrate the innovators and creators who enrich our lives and create the products, services, companies, and industries of tomorrow. We especially recognize the power of intellectual property protection in allowing our small businesses to compete, thrive, and play their important role as the heart and soul of our communities and the engines of our economic progress.
Small businesses are critical to our success as a Nation. They make up 90 percent of businesses in the United States, employ nearly half of America's private sector workers, and create two-thirds of new jobs, and bring opportunity to every corner of our Nation. Inventions born in the garages of small towns can have just as much impact as those developed in high-tech labs. This year's World Intellectual Property Day highlights the critical role these small businesses play in our society and the ways intellectual property can help support their continued growth and resilience.
Every small business starts with one person's or one family's dream. When that dream is coupled with grit and determination, ideas turn into products, brands, and creative works. Pair those ideas with the strength of our intellectual property system and you have the foundation necessary for new business opportunities, increased employment, and greater economic prosperity.
The various types of intellectual property — trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets — help to ensure that small businesses will be compensated for, and be able to prosper from their creations and their customer service. Without these protections, a small business's success could easily prove to be its undoing, as unscrupulous competitors could seek to copy, steal, and unduly profit from the small business's ideas and its hard-earned customer goodwill.
We must also recognize the important role science and technology play in safeguarding our intellectual property. Investing in and strengthening our digital infrastructure promotes innovation that helps small businesses and protects the rights of our citizens.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Lanham Act, which is this Nation's fundamental trademark law. Trademark protection enables small businesses to benefit from the investments that they make to establish brand awareness and brand loyalty. In addition, trademarks help to protect consumers from counterfeits and other deceitful practices that defraud them and endanger their health and safety.
When the pandemic hit, singers, songwriters, and artists from all across America used their talents to lift us up, and to inspire us to support one another in these difficult times. Copyright protection rewards them for their creativity and allows them to continue to create.
We are proud to be a Nation of inventors and my Administration is committed to bolstering American industrial and innovative strength so we can continue to lead in making the cutting-edge products and services of tomorrow. My Administration is also committed to giving everyone, no matter where they are from, a chance to succeed and to contribute to creating the strongest, most resilient, innovative economy in the world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 26, 2021, as World Intellectual Property Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day by supporting their neighborhood small businesses and celebrating the creativity, hard work, and passion that lies behind each one of them.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of April, in the year of our L-rd two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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Defense Sec. Austin has ordered long-range bombers and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier to help provide security for U.S. troops as they withdraw from Afghanistan, Pentagon press sec. says.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/defense-secretary-austin-orders-aircraft-carrier-bombers-guard-u-s-n1265153
Iraq: Rockets hit near Baghdad airport base with US troops | Three rockets landed near the area of the airport that houses US forces. More rockets were defused from the rooftop of an empty house. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
https://www.dw.com/en/iraq-rockets-hit-near-baghdad-airport-base-with-us-troops/a-57306040
Zach Collins (ankle) said he'll miss rest of regular season.
https://twitter.com/jwquick/status/1385735376870903810
Tyler Glasnow became the second pitcher in MLB history to have 4+ strikeouts and allow 4+ runs in the same inning. The other was Doc White on July 21, 1902 for the Phillies against the Brooklyn Superbas.
https://twitter.com/StatsBySTATS/status/1385746089870045194
Terrible call, or 1000 IQ intentional play by Greinke? || Jared Walsh was ruled out for being outside of the baseline when Zack Greinke's throw hit him. This isn't a reviewable play.
https://twitter.com/FabianArdaya/status/1385750849612181505
Folks, wild night Friday night Facebook posts from #TX24 Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R) apparently in response to two Politico reporters asking about turmoil in her staff (1/)
https://twitter.com/kirk_bado/status/1385755754704089091
The freshman Republican has had high staff turnover, and in February her campaign's chief of staff, Chris Dillard, shot and killed himself outside her home.
https://twitter.com/kirk_bado/status/1385755902788186112
Among the allegations against Van Duyne suggested in the posts: a missed media interviews because she was hungover, "inappropriate relationships with married men," and a campaign staffer receiving a $12k PPP loan (3/3)
https://twitter.com/kirk_bado/status/1385758385606385670
Jacob deGrom now has more RBI than earned runs allowed on the season
https://twitter.com/MLBRandomStats/status/1385753122866401287?s=19
Jacob deGrom sets career high for 15 strikeouts in a game
Astudillo homers on a pitch at eye level to put the Twins up 1-0
https://bdata-producedclips.mlb.com/33f58c36-59e0-4fe6-8b1e-da0670a22e49.mp4
Interpreters who helped Australian forces in Afghanistan plead for visas to escape 'extreme threats'
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/24/interpreters-who-helped-australian-forces-in-afghanistan-plead-for-visas-to-escape-extreme-threats
U.S. landl-rds pursue evictions despite CDC ban
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/special-report-giant-us-landlords-pursue-evictions-despite-cdc-ban-2021-04-23/
Hotels are rightfully pulling out of Biden's $87 million contract to imprison Latin American immigrants. PUT HOMELESS AMERICAN CITIZENS IN THOSE HOTELS ALREADY.
https://www.businessinsider.com/hotels-pull-out-of-bidens-plan-to-house-migrants-axios-2021-4
Montana governor illegally and unconstitutionally eliminates weapons restrictions
https://apnews.com/article/montana-government-and-politics-gun-politics-9eb35c9efef4c7c0faa384819860d30c
US begins to move equipment out of Afghanistan and approves deployment of forces to protect withdrawal operations
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/23/politics/afghanistan-military-withdrawal-equipment/index.html
Russell Westbrook Tonight: 37/11/11 on 14/23 shooting, 3/4 from three and 6/7 from the line
Golden State Warriors (30-30) defeat Denver Nuggets (38-21) by 119 - 97 with 32 points from Steph Curry and monster performances from Wiggins of Andrew and Tsunami Papii
Draymond Green Tonight: 2/12/19 on 1/3 shooting and 0/2 from three. You may not like it, but this is what peak performance looks like. Who needs to score when you can get others to do it for you.
Draymond Green the type of dude to miss out on a triple double because he didn't score enough points. Draymond Green once missed a 5x5 (at least 5 pts, rebs, asts, stls, AND blks), because he didn't have enough points. It was a 5x5 and Quadruple double he missed because of points. Had rebounds, assists, and steals for an improbable triple double, just missed the points for quadruple double. And somehow had 5 blocks to go with it, just ends with 4 points.
Stephen Curry goes off on the ref after a missed call. Campazzo intentionally and maliciously committed a criminally negligant foul to stop Steph from shooting and injure him to get him out of the game. He was already playing hurt (ankle injury 1st quarter) and the refs knew it, and they still decided not to protect him.
https://streamable.com/xlgsnw
The Washington Wizards have won 7 straight games
The Atlanta Hawks (33-27) take a big step forward in the race for the 4th seed by defeating the Miami Heat (31-29), 118-103
Ja Morant with 33 points and 13 assists on 11/17 FGs as Grizzlies defeat the Trail Blazers
Russell Westbrook has recorded 16 triple doubles in his past 20 games; the Wizards are 12-8 in this span, and have won 9 of their last 10 games
Warriors' unsung hero tonight: Kelly Oubre, with 23/6/3/3/2 against the Denver Nuggets.
The Memphis Grizzlies (30-28) defeat the Portland Trail Blazers (32-27), 130 - 128
Paul George tonight: 33/13/4/3 steals on 10/27 from the field and 10/10 from the line
Nikola Jokic tonight: 19 points, 7/16 FG, 0/3 3PT, 6 AST, 6 Rebounds, and a -18
Joe Harris with 20/4/3, and 1 block on 50% shooting and a team high +18 against the Celtics
Stephen Curry Does Not Get Foul Calls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td7Z36BfU7U
Gary Trent Jr: "[The West] is completely different from the East, it's kind of run-and-gun, it's more chucking 3's. The East is kind of grind-it-out... they'll still throw into the post... you don't really get too much of that in the West."
DeMar DeRozan, on teams choosing not to double him in big moments down the stretch: "If you want to stay on the island with me, I'm going to be the one to get the pineapple first … whatever the hell that means."
https://twitter.com/jmcdonald_saen/status/1386158165163532292
With 0.9 seconds left in the half Jokic completes a full-court pass to Dozier, who throws it down
https://streamable.com/3h2jns
Democrat Troy Carter wins New Orleans-based US House seat
https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-cedric-richmond-new-orleans-elections-campaigns-19b00c58d8b0360d7bac5c72199f617f
Elected Republicans all over the country keep getting arrested for DWIs: State Republican Rep. Dan Huberty arrested for DWI after accident Friday night
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/04/24/dan-huberty-texas-rep-dwi/
A day after homering twice off Clayton Kershaw, Fernando Tatis Jr. of the Padres has homered twice off Trevor Bauer. He's the 6th player with a multi-HR game off a former Cy Young winner twice in one season, and he's the first to do it in back-to-back games.
https://twitter.com/statsbystats/status/1386160732413341703
The once-a-decade battle to redraw the U.S. political map promises to be one of the most contentious ever when it kicks off this week
https://bloomberg.com/graphics/2021-congress-reapportionment
Monte Hellman
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Hellman
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0375494/
Steph drills another 35-foot triple. He now has 83 threes in April, the most in a month in NBA history.
https://streamable.com/1blr7g
Steph drills a logo 3 to beat the shot clock
https://streamable.com/ex7lwj
Oubre successfully 'distracts' Holmes at the free throw line in the fourth quarter
https://streamable.com/2xgpbx
Steph turns it over under his own hoop while up 1 and Buddy Hield feels like repaying the debt
https://streamable.com/pqjp99
Zion Williamson reaches 2,000 points in 79th game, fastest since Michael Jordan
https://www.nba.com/news/zion-williamson-reaches-2000-points-in-79th-game-fastest-since-michael-jordan
The Atlanta Hawks (34-27) defeat the Milwaukee Bucks (37-23), 111 - 104
Steph Curry makes a deep 3 as he goes for the two-for-one to end the half
https://streamable.com/zkrkcn
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