Featured Stories
With Open Access Transition Complete, ACM Posts Strongest JCR and Impact Factor Showing to Date
NEW YORK, July 2 (TNSjou) -- ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, issued the following news release:
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With Open Access Transition Complete, ACM Posts Strongest JCR and Impact Factor Showing to Date
Publications of ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, which completed their transition to full open access publishing in the beginning of 2026, posted their strongest performance to date in the latest Journal Citation Reports (JCR) from Clarivate Analytics, with over 83% of journals increasing or maintaining their impact factor versus the previous year's results. 20 ACM publications
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, July 2 (TNSjou) -- ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, issued the following news release:
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With Open Access Transition Complete, ACM Posts Strongest JCR and Impact Factor Showing to Date
Publications of ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, which completed their transition to full open access publishing in the beginning of 2026, posted their strongest performance to date in the latest Journal Citation Reports (JCR) from Clarivate Analytics, with over 83% of journals increasing or maintaining their impact factor versus the previous year's results. 20 ACM publicationsare in the first quartile in one or more categories, with 12 in the top 10 in one or more categories.
ACM Director of Publications Scott Delman commented, "There is so much to celebrate this year in ACM publications, with our historic move to full open access publishing across our journals, magazines, and proceedings. These landmark JCR results are confirmation of the impact and reach that ACM's top-quality publications can achieve when we embrace openness and open science."
ACM is particularly dominant in the Computer Science, Software Engineering category, occupying five of the top 20 spots, with ACM Transactions on Graphics (TOG) at #2, Communications of the ACM (CACM) at #7, ACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology (TOSEM) and ACM Transactions on Knowledge Discovery from Data (TKDD) sharing the 8th slot, and ACM Transactions on Multimedia Computing, Communications, and Applications (TOMM) at #17.
ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR) continued its ascent, achieving an all-time-high impact factor of 30.4 and retaining its first position in the Computer Science, Theory & Methods category for the third year in a row. ACM Transactions on Graphics (TOG) received an impact factor of 13.0, a 37% increase over the previous year. ACM Transactions on Information Systems (TOIS) saw an over 20% increase in impact factor to 11.2, earning it the 7th slot of 266 in Computer Science, Information Systems. ACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology (TIST) was close behind, with a 62% increase achieving an impact factor of 10.7 and the 9th slot in Computer Science, Information Systems as well as 21/210 (Q1) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence. Flagship magazine Communications of the ACM (CACM) kept a strong showing, with an impact factor of 7.1 securing it Q1 rankings in all three of its categories, with 7/128 in Computer Science, Software Engineering, 5/60 in Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture, and 13/146 in Computer Science, Theory & Methods.
Associate Director of Publications Sara Kate Heukerott added, "We celebrate the amazing achievements of ACM's emerging and established titles in the latest JCR release. We look forward to the continuing achievements of these titles along with our newest titles in our AI journal portfolio, including the groundbreaking ACM AI Letters (AILET), which published its first issues this year; ACM Transactions on AI for Science (TAIS); ACM Transactions on AI Security and Privacy (TAISAP); and ACM Transactions on Probabilistic Machine Learning (TOPML). ACM's Editors-in-Chief, editorial boards, authors, and reviewers should all be very proud of these remarkable results."
ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction (TOCHI) had a banner year, with a more than 45% increase in impact factor to 9.6 placing it 3/34 (Q1) in Computer Science, Cybernetics and 11/266 (Q1) in Computer Science, Information Systems. ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction (THRI) increased its impact factor by more than 27% for an all-time-high 7.0, earning it the 9th slot of 48 (Q1) in the Robotics category. Similarly strong growth was seen for Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies (IMWUT), with a nearly 38% increase to 6.2, placing it 25/127 (Q1) in Telecommunications, 43/266 (Q1) in Computer Science, Information Systems, and 55/369 (Q1) in Engineering, Electrical & Electronic. ACM Transactions on Multimedia Computing, Communications, and Applications (TOMM) continued its track record of strong JCR showings, with an impact factor of 5.6 giving it Q1 rankings in all three of its categories.
Two ACM journals, Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (PACMHCI) and Distributed Ledger Technologies: Research and Practice (DLT), received their first impact factors and rankings. PACMHCI had a particularly strong first showing, with an impact factor of 4.9, placing it 8/34 (Q1) in the Computer Science, Cybernetics category.
ACM's dominance in logic expands, with ACM Transactions on Computational Logic (TOCL) earning the second slot in the Logic category, and Theory and Practice of Logic Programming, which will be published by ACM starting in 2027, nabbing the top slot. Other highlights include ACM Transactions on Autonomous and Adaptive Systems (TAAS) more than doubling its impact factor to 5.2, earning it a ranking of 28/146 (Q1) in Computer Science, Theory & Methods; the Journal of Data and Information Quality (JDIQ) increasing its impact factor by 72% to 5.0; ACM Transactions on Interactive Intelligent Systems (TiiS) achieving an all-time high impact factor of 6.4 and a Q1 ranking in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence; ACM Transactions on Management Information Systems (TMIS) increasing by 44% to 5.2; ACM Transactions on Internet Technology (TOIT) increasing by 24% to 5.1 and earning a ranking of 22/128 (Q1) in Computer Science, Software Engineering; ACM Transactions on Quantum Computing (TQC) at 6.1, placing it 5/28 (Q1) in Quantum Science & Technology and 17/146 (Q1) in Computer Science, Theory & Methods; and ACM Transactions on the Web (TWEB) increasing nearly 20% to an all-time-high impact factor of 4.9, securing it a ranking of 25/128 (Q1) in Computer Science, Software Engineering.
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About ACM's Publications Program
ACM publishes more than 60 scholarly peer-reviewed journals in dozens of computing and information technology disciplines. ACM's high-impact journals constitute a vast and comprehensive archive of computing innovation, covering emerging and established computing research for both practical and theoretical applications. ACM journal editors are thought leaders in their fields, and ACM's emphasis on rapid publication ensures minimal delay in communicating exciting new ideas and discoveries.
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About ACM
ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. ACM strengthens the computing profession's collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for life-long learning, career development, and professional networking.
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View journal citation reports here: https://clarivate.com/academia-government/scientific-and-academic-research/research-funding-analytics/journal-citation-reports/
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Original text here: https://www.acm.org/media-center/2026/july/impact-factors-2026
[Category: Computer Technology]
SWANA Announces Board of Directors for FY2027 Led by Lynsey Baer
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, July 2 -- The Solid Waste Association of North America issued the following news release:
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SWANA Announces Board of Directors for FY2027 Led by Lynsey Baer
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is pleased to announce President Lynsey Baer has been elected as President of the board of directors. The fiscal year 2027 board begins its term on July 1, 2026, using its experience to guide SWANA's mission to advance from waste management to resource management.
"We are excited to welcome our new officers and board directors," said SWANA CEO Amy Lestition
... Show Full Article
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, July 2 -- The Solid Waste Association of North America issued the following news release:
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SWANA Announces Board of Directors for FY2027 Led by Lynsey Baer
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is pleased to announce President Lynsey Baer has been elected as President of the board of directors. The fiscal year 2027 board begins its term on July 1, 2026, using its experience to guide SWANA's mission to advance from waste management to resource management.
"We are excited to welcome our new officers and board directors," said SWANA CEO Amy LestitionBurke, MA, FASAE, CAE. "They come from all over North America and from many different aspects of the waste and resource management industry. Together, their expertise and individual perspectives will guide SWANA's future and support our members. I look forward to working with them to continue SWANA's progress."
Congratulations to the FY2027 SWANA Board of Directors:
* Lynsey Baer, President
* Kevin Roche, Vice President
* John Welch, Treasurer
* Hailey Tatum, Secretary
* Elizabeth Roe, Past President
* Dana Blumberg
* Scott Bost
* Daniel Cooper
* Debbie Hackman
* Brenda Haney
* John Hawk
* Sebastian Hultberg
* Carla Jordan
* Tom Koutroulis
* Preston Lee
* Achilles Mallari
* Susanne Passantino
* Mary Shanks
* Jeff Smith
* Allison Trulock
The SWANA Board of Directors comprises delegates representing the private sector, technical divisions, young professionals, the 13 geographic regions that encompass the 47 chapters, as well as the officers. The SWANA Young Professional Representative position is currently open for nominations and will be announced in the coming weeks.
View the full slate of SWANA Board of Directors and Advisory Council delegates (https://swana.org/about/board-of-directors).
Lynsey Baer, P.E., BCEE, incoming President of the SWANA Board of Directors, brings more than 20 years of experience in solid waste management and civil engineering to the role. She currently serves as the Chief of Engineering for the Delaware Solid Waste Authority. Baer's connection to SWANA began early in her career.
"I joined SWANA as a young professional starting out in this industry and quickly found a community that supported my growth and learning," said Baer. "Over the years, SWANA has helped me build professional expertise, earn certifications, connect with colleagues across North America, and give back to an industry that has shaped my career. As president, I look forward to strengthening the value of SWANA membership and continuing to support the people and programs that move waste and resource management forward."
Baer was one of the original founding members of SWANA's Young Professionals (YP) group, served on the YP Steering Committee, and held the very first YP seat on the Board of Directors. Baer replaces Elizabeth Roe as President, who will be shifting to the role of Past President.
Roe shared, "Welcome to the new board of directors. We are fortunate to have such capable volunteer leaders offer their time and talents to our organization. Serving as President of SWANA was an honor. Thank you to the fellow board members, staff, volunteers, and partners who supported me. I look forward to continuing my board service as Past President and celebrating our continued success at RCon(TM) in St. Louis, Missouri."
SWANA expresses its gratitude to the outgoing board members, Past President Tammy Hayes, Director Philip Westmoreland, Director Shannan McGarr, and Director Tiffany Dunn.
Members of the SWANA board of directors are leaders committed to advancing SWANA's work of supporting members through education, professional connections, research, and advocacy to build a more sustainable and resilient waste management infrastructure.
Learn more about the Board of Directors (https://swana.org/about/board-of-directors).
Read the SWANA Member Letters from Past President Elizabeth Roe (https://swana.org/news/blog/swana-post/swana-blog/2026/07/01/a-message-from-swanas-fy26-outgoing-board-president) and President Lynsey Baer (https://swana.org/news/blog/swana-post/swana-blog/2026/07/01/a-message-from-swanas-fy27-incoming-board-president).
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About SWANA
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is a member-based association of professionals from across the waste and resource management industry. SWANA serves industry professionals through technical education, publications and research, and a large offering of technical training courses and credentialing to create a highly skilled workforce.
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Original text here: https://swana.org/news/swana-news-archive/article/2026/07/01/swana-announces-fy2027-BOD
[Category: Environment]
NRF Releases 2026 Top 100 Retailers
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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NRF Releases 2026 Top 100 Retailers
The National Retail Federation today released its annual list of the Top 100 Retailers, compiled by Kantar. The 2026 Top 100 Retailers ranks the industry's largest companies according to 2025 U.S. retail sales. As the largest retailers continue to expand outside of retail revenues, this list focuses only on retail-specific revenues and not overall organizational revenue.
"Despite significant economic challenges over the past year, this year's Top
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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NRF Releases 2026 Top 100 Retailers
The National Retail Federation today released its annual list of the Top 100 Retailers, compiled by Kantar. The 2026 Top 100 Retailers ranks the industry's largest companies according to 2025 U.S. retail sales. As the largest retailers continue to expand outside of retail revenues, this list focuses only on retail-specific revenues and not overall organizational revenue.
"Despite significant economic challenges over the past year, this year's Top100 Retailers list highlights a resilient group of companies," NRF Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews said. "They are adapting to meet changing consumer needs and leaning into new strategies and formats that set them apart."
Walmart leads again as the top retailer with U.S. retail sales of $579.99 billion and 4.2% sales growth in 2025. Amazon follows for the No. 2 spot with U.S. retail sales of $293.85 billion, up 7.3% in 2025. The top five is rounded out by Costco Wholesale ($198.73 billion), The Kroger Co. ($154.74 billion) and The Home Depot ($141.12 billion).
The only movement this year in the top 20 is spot No. 19, where Ace Hardware ($27.55 billion) replaced Dollar Tree ($18.93 billion), which dropped to No. 29 after shedding Family Dollar and posting a 38.1% year-over-year sales decline.
"Companies are doing quite well," Kantar Senior Vice President of Global Insights and Technology David Marcotte said. "We're not seeing movement at the top of the rankings, but there is change outside of the top 20 as the mid-tier companies evolve and grow. And it's much easier to do that in this environment than it was 20 years ago."
Key findings include the strong performance of regional grocers, with Publix Supermarkets (No. 12) and H.E. Butt Grocery (No. 16) expanding faster than some larger competitors. Discount retailers are also gaining traction, including TJX Companies (No. 15), with the strength of their apparel business and a broader mix of mid-priced offerings. In addition, smaller hardware and home improvement retailers such as Ace Hardware (No. 19) and True Value Co. (No. 67) are performing strongly, driven by sustained demand from consumers focused on home maintenance and smaller-scale projects. Lastly, DICK'S Sporting Goods jumped to No. 27 (up from No. 35 last year), driven by its strategic decision to acquire Foot Locker which led to a 48.5% increase in U.S. sales.
The Top 100 Retailers are ranked by past 52/53-week annual retail sales. In almost all instances, sales used to rank companies are for retail activity in the United States only.
Visit the link here (https://nrf.com/research-insights/top-retailers/top-100-retailers/top-100-retailers-2026-list) to view the full 2026 Top 100 Retailers list, along with insights on the methodology and answers to frequently asked questions.
For additional insights, view NRF's 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers (https://nrf.com/research-insights/top-retailers/top-50-global-retailers/top-50-global-retailers-2026) and 2025 Hot 25 Retailers (https://nrf.com/research-insights/top-retailers/hot-25-retailers/2025-hot-25-retailers-list) lists.
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About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs -- 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
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About Kantar
Kantar is the world's leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world's top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioral data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future.
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URL: Kantar
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Original text here: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-releases-2026-top-100-retailers
[Category: Business]
IPAA and DEPA Consolidate Under Unified IPAA Brand, Creating a Stronger Voice for America's Independent Oil and Natural Gas Producers
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Independent Petroleum Association of America issued the following news release:
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IPAA and DEPA Consolidate Under Unified IPAA Brand, Creating a Stronger Voice for America's Independent Oil and Natural Gas Producers
The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance (DEPA) announced that their memberships have voted to consolidate under the IPAA brand, effective July 1, uniting two influential organizations into one stronger, national voice for America's independent oil and natural gas producers.
For nearly a century,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Independent Petroleum Association of America issued the following news release:
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IPAA and DEPA Consolidate Under Unified IPAA Brand, Creating a Stronger Voice for America's Independent Oil and Natural Gas Producers
The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance (DEPA) announced that their memberships have voted to consolidate under the IPAA brand, effective July 1, uniting two influential organizations into one stronger, national voice for America's independent oil and natural gas producers.
For nearly a century,IPAA has served as the leading trade association for independent producers, while DEPA has grown into a highly effective advocacy organization under the leadership of Harold Hamm. Together, the unified organization will expand its reach and strengthen its ability to advocate for the men and women who represent the backbone of the American energy industry.
America's independent producers have played a central role in transforming the United States into the world's leading energy producer.
By combining IPAA's longstanding industry leadership in Washington with DEPA's nationwide grassroots network, the unified organization will strengthen its ability to advance policies that support domestic energy production, bolster national security, defend access to capital, and ensure the United States continues to lead the world in energy abundance.
Edith Naegele, IPAA President and CEO: "This consolidation will strengthen our ability to represent independent producers at a critical moment for American energy leadership. By unifying our two organizations, we are enhancing the IPAA brand and expanding our reach to ensure the voice of the independent producer is heard clearly and effectively in Washington and beyond."
Mike Hillebrand, Huntley & Huntley CEO, IPAA Chairman: "This announcement reflects the best of our industry: practical leadership, shared purpose, and the ability to adapt to meet the needs of the moment. By aligning our resources and expertise, we are positioning IPAA to meet today's challenges and seize tomorrow's opportunities on behalf of independent producers across the country."
Harold Hamm, Chairman of Continental Resources and Executive Chairman of DEPA: "America's independent oil and gas producers are stronger together. Independent producers led the shale revolution, restored American energy strength and changed the balance of power in the world. This consolidation is about protecting that legacy and building on it. A unified IPAA will give America's independent producers the strong, clear voice they deserve as we fight for the policies that keep energy affordable, keep America secure and keep our nation leading the world."
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IPAA is a national upstream trade association representing independent oil and natural gas producers and service companies across the United States. Independent producers operate 95 percent of the nation's oil and natural gas wells and are responsible for 85 percent of onshore U.S. oil production and 90 percent of onshore natural gas production.
DEPA was established to advance the priorities of domestic energy producers through advocacy and producer-led policy leadership. Among its successes, DEPA successfully led the charge to lift the crude oil export ban in 2015.
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Original text here: https://www.ipaa.org/ipaa-and-depa-consolidate/
[Category: Energy]
Consumer Confidence Edges Higher as Economic Signals Remain Mixed
CHICAGO, Illinois, July 2 [Category: Business] (TNSrep) -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Consumer Confidence Edges Higher as Economic Signals Remain Mixed
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New data released yesterday showed The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose 0.6 points to 91.2 in June, up from a downwardly revised 90.6 in May. Consumers are feeling better about the outlook, a bit more optimistic about making major purchases and not as strongly about the labor market today.
The Present Situation Index, which measures how consumers feel about business
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, July 2 [Category: Business] (TNSrep) -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Consumer Confidence Edges Higher as Economic Signals Remain Mixed
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New data released yesterday showed The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose 0.6 points to 91.2 in June, up from a downwardly revised 90.6 in May. Consumers are feeling better about the outlook, a bit more optimistic about making major purchases and not as strongly about the labor market today.
The Present Situation Index, which measures how consumers feel about businessand labor conditions right now, fell 3 points to 116.4. The Expectations Index, which captures the six-month outlook for income, business, and jobs, rose 3 points to 74.4.
Sentiment on the present situation weakened because labor-market perceptions deteriorated. Views of current business conditions improved slightly, but was more than offset by a softer read on jobs. The share of consumers saying jobs are "hard to get" climbed to 22.5%, the highest level since January 2021. The labor market differential, the gap between those who say jobs are plentiful and those who say jobs are hard to get, narrowed to just +2.4 percentage points. Households are seeing weaker job availability and a less favorable labor-market backdrop.
Declining oil prices are helping reduce inflation fears and lift confidence. Despite rising job uncertainty, consumers are feeling better about making large purchases. Plans to buy big-ticket items improved, with consumers shifting from "no" to "maybe," alongside a modest pickup in the share saying "yes." Auto buying plans kept rising on a six-month moving-average basis. Homebuying expectations rose on a six-month rolling basis. These are the most rate-sensitive, most confidence-sensitive purchases a household makes, and they firmed in a month when consumers said they felt worse about current labor-market conditions.
Plans to spend more on services over the next six months also shifted from "no" to "maybe," with restaurants, streaming, and personal care leading the list. Yet consumers' view of their family's current financial situation deteriorated for a third straight month, even as their view of their future financial situation brightened back to where it sat at the start of the year.
The June report (https://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence/) leaves a mixed message. Lower energy prices and slightly brighter expectations are helping keep confidence from weakening further, while the labor market and current household finances are leaving consumers more caution. That combination points to a consumer who may still spend, but with less conviction. And with confidence readings now less tightly linked to actual spending, the hard data on jobs, income, and retail activity will matter more than the mood survey alone.
In related news, recent Chicago Fed research finds the relationship between traditional sentiment measures and annual real consumer spending growth has weakened sharply since 2020. Even the Conference Board index is now far less correlated with real spending growth than at any point in the past 40 years. Confidence still tells us something about mood, but it is telling us less than it once did about what consumers will actually do.
NMMA will continue tracking consumer sentiment and its impact on the industry. Members are encouraged to leverage tools such as the Monthly Industry Data Summary and Marine Leadership Barometer to support planning and navigate evolving market dynamics. For more economic updates and data-driven insights, visit nmma.org/statistics or contact the NMMA Business Intelligence team at BI@nmma.org.
This analysis was prepared by NMMA and Dr. Shawn DuBravac on behalf of NMMA.
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Original text here: https://www.nmma.org/press/article/25552
American Trucking Associations, 19 Co-Signers Issue Letter to DEA, HHS, Justice, Transportation Depts.
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 2 (TNSletter) -- The American Trucking Associations, with 19 co-signers issued the following letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration, departments of Health and Human Services, Justice and Transportation:
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Here is the text of the letter:
June 29, 2026
The Honorable Todd Blanche
Acting Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20530
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The Honorable Terrance Cole
Administrator
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
700 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, Virginia, 22202
-
The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Secretary
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 2 (TNSletter) -- The American Trucking Associations, with 19 co-signers issued the following letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration, departments of Health and Human Services, Justice and Transportation:
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Here is the text of the letter:
June 29, 2026
The Honorable Todd Blanche
Acting Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20530
-
The Honorable Terrance Cole
Administrator
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
700 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, Virginia, 22202
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The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Secretaryof Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
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The Honorable Sean Duffy
Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590
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Dear Acting Attorney General Blanche, Administrator Cole, Secretary Kennedy, and Secretary Duffy:
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we write to express serious safety concerns regarding the DEA's proposed action to transfer all marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Unless the necessary steps are taken to preserve employers' ability to test safety sensitive transportation workers for marijuana, this change could have significant consequences for the safety of the traveling public and the entire transportation sector. While we understand the urgency to finalize this rulemaking under President Trump's Executive Order on Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research, we urge your agencies to work together as the forthcoming administrative hearing and rulemaking proceeds to ensure that adverse effects on the Department of Transportation's (DOT) drug testing program - one yielding proven safety benefits - are fully considered and addressed.
Our organizations represent a wide range of industries: trucking, aviation, rail, intermodal, hazardous materials, pipeline, and other critical highway safety stakeholders. While we recognize that the rescheduling is being expedited through statutory rulemaking, we are deeply concerned that the current process has not adequately accounted for the impact on transportation safety or the agencies charged with protecting the traveling public. These concerns were reflected in joint comments filed by many members of this coalition in response to the Drug Enforcement Administration's 2024 proposal.1
The DOT's drug and alcohol testing program - which accounted for more than 7 million tests last year, of which 55,587 yielded positive results for Delta-9 THC across all modes of transportation2 - depends on Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs and HHS certified laboratories. Although DOT has expressed its intent to continue testing for marijuana, a commitment we deeply appreciate, it is unclear whether DOT will retain the ability to rely on HHS procedures and certifications following the rescheduling. Without that alignment, DOT may maintain the authority to test but lack the scientific and procedural infrastructure to do so.
Practically, this would mean truck and bus drivers, pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, air mechanics, rail operating personnel, dispatchers and signal personnel, transit operators, and pipeline workers could continue performing safety-critical, high-risk duties without any reliable means of confirming they are not actively using marijuana. Furthermore, because no validated test exists to measure real time marijuana impairment, transportation safety relies heavily on controlled substance testing to identify recent use and prevent potentially impaired individuals from performing safety sensitive duties. Rescheduling could create legal or regulatory gaps that weaken the existing drug testing framework upon which regulated employers rely. Absent clear guidance, these employers will face immediate compliance uncertainty, with direct repercussions for public safety. This concern is shared by the National Transportation Safety Board, which has warned that any final rule must not compromise marijuana testing for safety sensitive transportation employees.3
Data underscores the risk. Marijuana remains one of the most frequently detected drugs in transportation testing programs. Routinely, marijuana (9-THC) accounts for approximately 60% of all positive drug tests in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.4 DOT's 2024 testing data reflects that more than 2,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-mandated drug tests indicated a "Positive for Marijuana,"5 prompting immediate action to maintain aviation safety. Research has also linked recreational marijuana legalization and decriminalization to increases in injury and fatal crash rates. Regardless of the broader policy goals of rescheduling, the federal government should not proceed without a clear plan to preserve transportation drug testing programs and mitigate the risks of increased and unchecked impairment on our roadway, railroads, public transit systems, pipelines, airspace, and maritime corridors. Accordingly, we urge your agencies to:
* Safeguard marijuana testing for all safety sensitive transportation workers over the long term;
* Affirm the authority of DOT regulated employers to conduct such testing;
* Ensure HHS laboratory certification and testing guidelines remain available and aligned with DOT's safety mission; and
* Establish a coordinated federal strategy to address the transportation safety implications of rescheduling.
The traveling public and the workers who keep our transportation system functioning safely deserve a process that ensures these safeguards remain firmly in place before any final action is taken.
Sincerely,
Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety
Airlines for America
Alliance for Chemical Distribution
American Pyrotechnics Association
American Short Line and Regional
Railroad Association
American Trucking Associations
Association of American Railroads
Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
Gases and Welding Distributors Association
Institute for Safer Trucking
Institute of Makers of Explosives
Intermodal Association of North America
National Industrial Transportation League
National Private Truck Council
National Tank Truck Carriers
Parents Against Tired Truckers
Truck Safety Coalition
Truckload Carriers Association
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Original text here: https://www.trucking.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Marijuana%20Reclassification%20Stakeholder%20Letter%20June%202026.pdf
News Release here: https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/ata-led-coalition-seeks-address-marijuana-rescheduling-safety-risks
[Category: Transportation]
American Counseling Association Forms New Advisory Council
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 2 -- The American Counseling Association issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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American Counseling Association Forms New Advisory Council
Today, the American Counseling Association (ACA) has seated its inaugural Advisory Council for 2026 to 2027, consisting of representatives from each of ACA's 20 divisions and four regions, plus one student representative. The establishment of the Advisory Council alongside a newly seated Board of Directors represents an important moment in the evolution of ACA's governance structure, which is intended to prepare
... Show Full Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 2 -- The American Counseling Association issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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American Counseling Association Forms New Advisory Council
Today, the American Counseling Association (ACA) has seated its inaugural Advisory Council for 2026 to 2027, consisting of representatives from each of ACA's 20 divisions and four regions, plus one student representative. The establishment of the Advisory Council alongside a newly seated Board of Directors represents an important moment in the evolution of ACA's governance structure, which is intended to preparethe association for a more sustainable future.
The Advisory Council will provide advice, counsel, expertise and insight to the ACA Board of Directors on major initiatives and matters of strategic importance to the association, including issues of concern, threats and opportunities for the profession, as well as recommendations for policy changes and content development.
"ACA divisions play an important role in representing the many areas of counseling practice and expertise. They bring unmatched perspective and, within our new structure, will act as a critical bridge between leadership and members," said incoming ACA President Victoria Kress, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC. "In addition to providing advice and counsel to the board, they will have influence over the development and communication of strategic initiatives that we undertake to respond to concerns in the counseling profession."
2026-2027 Advisory Council Members
* Raime Thibodeaux, LPC-S, NCC - American College Counseling Association
* Michael Todd Hartley, PhD - American Rehabilitation Counseling Association
* Rochelle Cade, PhD, LPC-S - Association for Addiction and Justice-Involved Counseling
* Janelle Jones, PhD, NCC - Association for Adult Development and Aging
* Casey A. Barrio Minton, PhD, NCC - Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling
* Hayley L. Stulmaker, PhD, LPC-S - Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling
* Ruth Ouzts Moore, PhD, LPC, NCC - Association for Creativity in Counseling
* Mariaimee Gonzalez, PhD, LMHC, LPC - Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
* Amanda M. Evans, PhD, LPC, NCC - Association for Humanistic Counseling
* Angela Coker, PhD, LPCC, LPC - Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development
* Kendra L. Jackson, PhD, LPC, LSC - Association for Specialists in Group Work
* Craig Scott Cashwell, PhD, LPC, NCC - Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling
* Frances L. McClain, PhD, LCPC - Association of Counseling Sexology and Sexual Wellness
* Duane K. L. France, MBA, LPC - Military and Government Counseling Association
* Kathy M. Evans, PhD, LPC, CCC - National Career Development Association
* Lauren Shure, PhD - Counselors for Social Justice
* Mark A. Saunders Sr., PhD, LMFT, LPC - International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors
* Latoya A. Haynes-Thoby, PhD, LPC, NCC - International Association for Reliance and Trauma Counseling
* Seneka Rachel Gainer, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT - National Employment Counseling Association
* Robert McKinney, PhD - Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender * Expansive Identities
* Rebecca L. Christiansen, LPC-MH, LPCC, NCC - Midwest Region
* Elizabeth Boyer Fier, LPC, NCC - North Atlantic Region
* BJ Broadan Barksdale, MEd, LPC-S, NCC - Southern Region
* Amanda C. DeDiego, PhD, LPC, NCC - Western Region
* Jackeline Bicas - Graduate Student Member
Learn more about ACA's new governance structure on the website.
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About the American Counseling Association
Founded in 1952, the American Counseling Association (ACA) is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. ACA represents more than 62,000 members and is the world's largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings. Driven by the belief that all people can benefit from the power of counseling, ACA's mission is to promote the professional development of counselors, advocate for counselors, and ensure that ethical, culturally inclusive practices protect our members' clients and all people who seek counseling services. For more information, visit the ACA website and follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky and YouTube.
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Original text here: https://www.counseling.org/publications/media-center/article/2026/07/01/american-counseling-association-forms-new-advisory-council
[Category: Psychiatry/Psychology]
