Editor’s Notes:

The Departments of Agriculture and Homeland Security have officially replaced Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York with a new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Kansas.

HHS Partners with nonprofit to send new mothers baby supplies boxes.

The US Surgeon General has issued an advisory on the Mental Health impacts of social media on youth.

The Department of Energy released over $250 million for various clean energy and technology grants this week.

USDA is investing $265 million in 28 Emergency Watershed Protection 

DOI announced a proposal for the Colorado River Basin, a major water supply source for Western states.

There is “a continued high threat environment across the U.S.” according to DHS’ eighth National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin since January 2021.

Education released a new report titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations“

[End of Editor’s Notes]

Health Care

HHS and Baby2Baby Announce Partnership to Support New Mothers with a Newborn Supply Kit

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Baby2Baby, a non-profit organization, are launching a pilot program to provide one-time Newborn Supply Kits to new mothers and their infants.

The kits contain over 20 items such as diapers, wipes, clothing, hygiene items, blankets, thermometers for newborns, and postpartum pads, lotion, cold packs, breastfeeding supplies, and carriers for new mothers. Full Press Release

Surgeon General Issues New Advisory About Effects Social Media Use Has on Youth Mental Health

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, highlighting potential risks of harm to the mental health of children and adolescents.

Up to 95% of young people ages 13-17 report using social media, with over a third using it almost constantly. Full Press Release

Proposal to Advance Prescription Drug Transparency in Medicaid

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), proposes steps to lower prescription drug costs in Medicaid and enhance transparency on actual drug costs.

The proposed rule would allow Medicaid to hold drug manufacturers more accountable for drug pricing. Full Press Release

Energy

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $150 Million Through Investing in America Agenda for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $150 million investment into the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to advance clean-energy technology, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Key allocations: $93 million for research infrastructure modernization and $57 million for lab renovations and maintenance. Full Press Release

$187 Million to Ensure Widespread And Accelerated Electrification of America’s Transportation Sector

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $99.5 million funding opportunity and selected 45 projects totaling $87 million to boost next-generation electric vehicle (EV) technologies, develop a future electrified transportation workforce, and ensure equitable deployment of clean mobility in disadvantaged communities.

Projects will enhance EV charging infrastructure, especially in underserved communities, develop EV batteries using abundant materials, and educate consumers about EVs. Full Press Release

DOE Announces Nearly $60 Million to Advance Clean Hydrogen Technologies and Improve the Electric Power Grid

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced nearly $42 million funding for 22 projects in 14 states, focused on clean hydrogen production, storage, and deployment technologies.

DOE also declared $17.8 million to create a new North American university research consortium for grid resilience and decarbonization. Full Press Release

$50 Million for States and Tribal Nations to Modernize America’s Electric Grid

DOE has announced that four states and two Tribal nations have been chosen to receive the first round of funding from Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants, amounting to $50 million.

The funds are meant to help modernize the electric grid to minimize the impacts of extreme weather and natural disasters, and ensure power sector infrastructure reliability. This initiative aims to provide affordable, reliable, clean electricity to all communities. Full Press Release

$34 Million to Deploy Clean Energy Technologies in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $34 million in funding to enhance clean energy technology in 18 American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

The investment aims to enhance access to solar power and microgrids, increasing energy security and resilience. Full Press Release

$45 Million to Improve Energy Efficiency for Nonprofit Buildings

DOE introduces the Renew America’s Nonprofits grant, aimed at reducing energy use in buildings owned and operated by 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

This grant, facilitated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), seeks to reduce emissions, cut costs, and redirect savings to mission-critical work. Full Press Release

DOE Launches New Energy Earthshot to Decarbonize Transportation and Industrial Sectors

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the Clean Fuels & Products Shot™, a new initiative aiming to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions from carbon-based fuels and products.

It aims for an 85% reduction in GHG emissions compared to fossil-based sources by 2035, and supports the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Full Press Release

Agriculture & Rural Development

$265 Million for Watershed Infrastructure to Help Communities Recover from and Prepare for Natural Disasters 

USDA is investing $265 million in 28 Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) projects across 16 states, helping communities impacted by extreme weather prepare and recover.

Projects involve streambank stabilization, flood prevention, and watershed restoration and are part of a larger $925 million investment through the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Full Press Release

USDA, DHS Cut Ribbon on National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) celebrated the opening of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas.

The NBAF is the first of its kind in the United States and houses the highest level of biocontainment laboratories.

NBAF will replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York, a biosafety level-3 facility that is over 68 years old. DHS and USDA collaborated on the requirements for this next-gen science facility since 2006. DHS led the design and construction, while the USDA will own and operate NBAF. Full Press Release

USDA to Bring New Jobs and Improved Infrastructure to Rural Partners Network Communities

Through the Rural Partners Network (RPN), USDA is providing loans and grants for improved infrastructure, job opportunities, affordable housing, and healthcare.

Total funding of $394 million will support 52 projects in specified locations, benefiting Tribal communities, Southern communities, and parts of Appalachia. Full Press Release

USDA, University of Kentucky Break Ground on New Forage Research Building

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the Forage-Animal Production Research Unit (FAPRU) at the University of Kentucky.

The new FAPRU facility, expected by 2026, will include around 52,600 sq. ft. of office, research labs, collaborative areas, and greenhouses. It will host six ARS scientists, seven university researchers, along with technicians and administrative personnel. Full Press Release

Interior & Public Lands

$62.5 Million for Endangered Species Recovery Planning

The Department of the Interior has announced a $62.5 million investment from the Inflation Reduction Act for the planning of endangered species recovery efforts.

This funding is expected to benefit over 300 species currently listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The funding will allow the hiring of additional biologists to ensure that recovery plans are in place. Full Press Release

Proposal to Protect the Colorado River Basin

The Department of the Interior has announced a consensus-based system conservation proposal for the Colorado River Basin.

This proposal, agreed upon by the three Lower Basin states, commits to conserving at least 3 million-acre-feet (maf) of system water by the end of 2026. Full Press Release

$48 Million for Water Sanitation, Irrigation, Power and Dam Safety Projects in Indian Country

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced a $48 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to improve Tribal water sanitation systems, irrigation and power projects, and dam safety.

This is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides over $13 billion directly to Tribal communities, including $250 million for Tribal dams and water projects over five years. Full Press Release

Secretary Haaland Appoints New Members to the National Park System Advisory Board

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland appointed 15 new members to the National Park System Advisory Board.

The Board advises the Secretary and the Director of the National Park Service (NPS) on matters related to the Service’s work. Full Press Release

Biden-Harris Administration Continues Commitment to Protect the Stability, Sustainability of Colorado River Basin

The Department of the Interior has announced new investments to improve and protect the stability and sustainability of the Colorado River System.

The funding will support water conservation, water efficiency improvements, and protection of critical environmental resources.

The Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation is finalizing eight new system conservation agreements, which will conserve up to 393,000-acre feet of water in Lake Mead through 2025. Full Press Release

Transportation

$52 Million in Advanced Technology Grants to Improve Safety and Reduce Travel Times

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced grants worth over $52 million from the Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) program.

The grants aim to improve the travel experience for users of highway and transit systems by implementing technology-based solutions.

The grants will support intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies to enhance mobility and safety, including real-time traffic information, transit signal timing systems, and seamless transit payment systems. Full Press Release

Justice & Labor

$12M in Grant Funding Available to Support Worker Safety, Health Training Initiatives

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced over $12.7 million in funding for the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program.

The program aims to promote safe and healthy workplaces by supporting training initiatives that create good jobs for the U.S. workforce.

The funding includes opportunities for Targeted Topic Training, Training and Educational Materials Development, and Capacity Building training grants for nonprofit organizations. Full Press Release

Homeland Security

DHS Issues National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin

Secretary Mayorkas has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding a continued high threat environment across the U.S. This is the eighth bulletin of its kind since January 2021.

The persistent threat comes from lone offenders and small groups driven by various ideological beliefs and personal grievances. Full Press Release

DHS Announces First Department-Wide Policy on Body-Worn Cameras

As directed by President Biden’s Executive Order, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the first Department-wide policy on Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) for its law enforcement officers and agents.

A phased implementation is planned, pending Congressional approval for funding.

Within 180 days, all U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies are required to create or update their individual BWC policies to meet or surpass the Department-wide policy. Full Press Release

Public & Affordable Housing

HUD Awards $95.5 Million for Affordable Housing and Community Development Activities in Native American Communities

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $95 million to 55 communities through the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program.

The ICDBG program is a competitive grant initiative designed to support a variety of eligible activities in reservations and related areas. Full Press Release

HUD Provides $688 Thousand in Funding for Public Housing Authorities to Help Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is making $688 thousand available to 12 public housing authorities (PHAs) in 9 states to address foster youth homelessness during National Foster Care Month.

The funding will provide a total of 80 Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative vouchers to PHAs in states such as California, Oregon, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Full Press Release

Education

U.S. Department of Education Shares Insights and Recommendations for Artificial Intelligence

U.S. Department of Education released a new report titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations“.

The report discusses the potential and risks of AI in teaching, learning, research, and assessment. Full Press Release

U.S. Department of Education Supports Government of Puerto Rico’s Move to Decentralize the Puerto Rico Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education has expressed support for Puerto Rico’s decision to decentralize its Department of Education.

Puerto Rico’s education system currently operates as a unitary system, serving as both the State Educational Agency (SEA) and the Local Educational Agency (LEA). This change will separate these functions, facilitating a swift and effective deployment of federal resources. Full Press Release

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