Yearly Archives: 2016

The Portland Water District’s Industrial Pretreatment Program was recently selected by EPA for a “2015 Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program Excellence Award.”

U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) recognized the tremendous hardship and sacrifices made by the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Army, during a fiscal year 2017 budget hearing with Acting Secretary Patrick Murphy and the Chief of Staff, General ...

The House Energy and Power Subcommittee held a hearing on Congressman Bill Johnson’s (R-Marietta) Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act (BRICK Act). The legislation will officially be introduced shortly.

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2015 ( RERA Bill) one of the most important pro-consumer legislation of the Government was today passed in the Rajya Sabha. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who was the Member the Select Panel that examined and ...

U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that Alamogordo will receive $10.45 million from the Army Corps of Engineers to complete construction of the McKinley Channel and repairs to the Alamogordo South Diversion Channel. The two important...

U.S. Senator Tom Udall raised concerns about a potential Gila River diversion project and pushed for continued funding for several water projects important to New Mexico communities at a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. Udall has previously expressed skepticism over the high cost of a Gila River diversion project. He asked Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Estevan R. López for an update and assurances that any proposed project would get a thorough economic and environmental review

During a hearing on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation's (BOR) budgets today, Senator Jon Tester told agency heads that they must prioritize water projects in rural America where access to water is a growing problem.

Senator John Hoeven, who serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded grants totaling $1,923,067 to support a wide variety of housing services across North Dakota. The funds are made available through HUD’s Continuum of Care program, which supports the efforts of non-profit organizations as well as state and local government to address homelessness for individuals and families, especially those fleeing domestic violence, and to promote self-sufficiency

Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the Oregon State Senate passed landmark legislation to end the usage of coal-powered electricity in the state and to increase the percentage of the state’s electricity generated from renewable power sources to 50% by 2040. The legislation, which was previously passed by the Oregon House of Representatives, will now go to the Governor to be signed into law

The Department of Administration (DOA) on Jan. 29 responded to a legislative request for additional information relating to the new energy center and possible demolition of the Docking Building.

Congressman Dave Loebsack today reintroduced legislation to establish a grant program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in renewable and alternative fuel infrastructure. The Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion and Leadership...

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and several local home improvement store are teaming up to provide St. Louis, Jefferson and Franklin county residents with free information, tips and literature to prevent and lessen damage from disasters

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and several local home improvement store are teaming up to provide Springfield and Branson residents with free information, tips and literature to prevent and lessen damage from disasters.

EPA Region 7 reached a settlement with Franklin County, Kan., that requires the county to resolve its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit violations under the Clean Water Act. As part of the settlement, the county is required...

American wind power hailed Oregon’s bipartisan decision to raise the state renewable energy law to 50 percent renewables by 2040. The new state law doubles Oregon’s access to renewable energy, putting the state on the path to cut costs, keep the lights on, and create cleaner air

Aid is still available to residents of Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Faulkner, Jackson, Jefferson, Lee, Little River, Perry, Sebastian and Sevier counties who suffered disaster-related damage. They are encouraged to register for assistance with FEMA befor...

A joint federal/state disaster recovery center is open in Jackson County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding Dec. 26, 2015 – Jan. 22, 2016.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro today announced $157 million will be awarded to South Carolina communities for disaster recovery efforts following significant rainfall and flooding in October 2015. The funds will help to meet remaining unmet housing, economic development, and infrastructure needs that resulted from thousands of homes and small businesses being damaged or destroyed.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today an agreement with First Federal Bank of Kansas City to resolve allegations of ‘redlining’ against African American mortgage applicants.  HUD and two fair housing organizations claimed the lender’s designated service area effectively excluded African American neighborhoods, limiting residential mortgage lending to persons based upon their race

Idaho Housing and Finance Association has announced the appointment of Nancy Vannorsdel to its seven-member Board of Commissioners by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter. Vannorsdel has extensive experience in the areas of banking and business. Her past service as President and CEO of Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce underscores her commitment to creating a thriving economic environment for Idaho communities

Two major initiatives that could provide up to 40 new units of permanent supportive housing to those in the community experiencing chronic homelessness were announced today by members of the Roundtable on Housing and Homelessness

Joint federal/state disaster recovery centers will open Tuesday, March 1, 2016, in Jackson and Little River counties to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding Dec. 26, 2015 – Jan. 22, 2016

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), member of the Energy and Power Subcommittee, released the following statement after a bill he cosponsored with Energy and Power Subcommittee Ranking Member Bobby Rush (D-IL) to improve energy and manufacturin...

At today’s Lower Cape Fear Stewardship Development Coalition Awards Luncheon, two New Hanover County projects received Outstanding Stewardship Awards for innovation and environmental awareness: the newly-renovated 320 Chestnut Street building in downtown Wilmington and New Hanover County Cape Fear Museum Park at 814 Market Street.

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, announced almost $2 million in federal funding to support affordable housing in North Dakota for those lacking a safe place to live.

After a ten-month criminal investigation into drug trafficking activities in and around the Veterans Memorial housing complex in Woonsocket, the Woonsocket Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the RI DEA Drug Task Force, and Attorney G...

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that Iowa now generates over 31.3% of its energy from wind. According to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Iowa is now the first and only state in the United States that...

Providence, R.I., –The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, and SmartPower today announced the results of their Fall 2015 Solarize Rhode Island campaign across the communities of Barrington, Foster, Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, and South Kingstown. The successful 14-week program, which ended on February 15, resulted in 250 solar contracts being signed by local residents and businesses totaling more than 1,700 kW of new clean energy capacity. "Increased adoption of clean energy solutions offers homes, businesses, and the public sector the opportunity to support local job growth, reduce energy costs and protect our environment," Governor Gina M. Raimondo said. "The continued success of this community-driven program is one of many programs and initiatives now underway to expand economic growth in our clean energy industries, while stabilizing energy prices and shrinking our collective carbon footprint." Solarize Rhode Island seeks to increase the adoption of small-scale solar electricity in participating communities through a competitive tiered pricing structure that increases the savings for everyone as more homeowners sign contracts. Now in its third year, Solarize Rhode Island has resulted in nearly 390 residents and business owners signing contracts for small-scale solar electricity systems, while educating hundreds more about the economic and environmental benefits of solar electricity, energy efficiency and other clean energy technologies. "Community-based adoption of solar energy presents tangible energy, economic, and environmental benefits for Rhode Islanders and the cities and towns in which they live," said State Energy Commissioner Marion Gold. "Solarize Rhode Island is helping local residents and businesses reduce their net energy consumption from the grid, while supporting new investment and job growth opportunities for our local clean energy economy." Along with the Towns of Barrington, Foster, and South Kingstown, the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission submitted a joint application on behalf of Middletown, Newport and Portsmouth to participate in Solarize Rhode Island's Fall 2015 campaign. Community interest in solar energy was significant, with 1,300 residents registering for more information about solar for their homes. Of this number, 676 residents received in-home solar assessments from the pre-selected solar installer working with their municipality. "Once again, the success of Solarize RI is showing how we can both build a more sustainable Rhode Island while at the same time lowering energy costs for homeowners and small businesses," said Darin Early, President of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. "This represents not only a new opportunity for green business in the state, but also frees up resources that can be deployed to foster economic growth and job creation in Rhode Island." "Solar just makes sense for Rhode Island," said SmartPower President Brian F. Keane. "And Rhode Island residents and communities are leading the way with Solarize Rhode Island. We're showing our friends and neighbors – indeed New England and the nation -- that together, solar is simple and affordable." Solarize Rhode Island and its community-centric model will be expanded in the coming months. A new application round for interested municipalities is already underway, and community selections will be announced on March 15. For more information on the Solarize Rhode Island program, please contact Shauna Beland of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources at (401) 574-9111. About Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources - The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) is the lead state agency on energy policy and programs. OER's mission is to lead Rhode Island to a secure, cost-effective, and sustainable energy future. OER works closely with private and public stakeholders to increase the reliability and security of our energy supply, reduce energy costs and mitigate price volatility, and improve environmental quality. www.energy.ri.gov. About Rhode Island Commerce Corporation - The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is the official economic development organization for the state of Rhode Island. The Commerce Corporation's mission is to work with public, private and non-profit partners to create the conditions for businesses in all sectors to thrive and to improve the quality of life for our citizens by promoting the state's long-term economic health and prosperity. The corporation manages the state's Renewable Energy Fund, which provides grants and loans for renewable energy projects with the potential to make electricity in a cleaner, more sustainable manner, while stimulating job growth in the green technology and energy sectors of Rhode Island's economy. www.commerceri.com. About SmartPower - SmartPower is the nation's leading non-profit social marketing firm dedicated to promoting clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Named the "Best Non-profit Marketing Firm in the US," SmartPower's mission is to help Americans make smart energy choices by creating on-the-ground campaigns that engage the public and generate measurable energy actions. www.smartpower.org.

At the Administration’s Monday morning press conference today, Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that six communities are receiving grants for the State Innovation Model (SIM) Initiative. These six communities spanning 20 counties will engage in broad-based health care system and payment reforms over the next three years that will lead to better health outcomes and lower costs.

Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senate leaders, including Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, announced an agreement to move forward on a package of emergency funding to help Flint, Michigan with its water crisis and to help other cities across the country avert similar crises by investing in repairs and replacements for crumbling water infrastructure.