Featured Stories
Wash. State Ecology Dept. Proposes Fallback Plan to Protect Progress on Clean Vehicles in Case of Federal Rollbacks
OLYMPIA, Washington, June 25 -- The Washington State Department of Ecology issued the following news release:
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Ecology proposes fallback plan to protect progress on clean vehicles in case of federal rollbacks
The Washington Department of Ecology has proposed a contingency plan for the state's vehicle emissions standards, which have been challenged at the federal level. The plan is being considered through Ecology's rulemaking process and would ensure that Washington continues decarbonizing transportation, lowering costs for drivers, and protecting communities from harmful air pollution,
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OLYMPIA, Washington, June 25 -- The Washington State Department of Ecology issued the following news release:
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Ecology proposes fallback plan to protect progress on clean vehicles in case of federal rollbacks
The Washington Department of Ecology has proposed a contingency plan for the state's vehicle emissions standards, which have been challenged at the federal level. The plan is being considered through Ecology's rulemaking process and would ensure that Washington continues decarbonizing transportation, lowering costs for drivers, and protecting communities from harmful air pollution,regardless of federal actions.
Vehicle emissions standards are a critical tool for addressing climate change and improving air quality. Washington's standards expand clean car options for consumers and ensure that new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles pollute less.
Gas- and diesel-powered vehicles are the state's biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and a leading source of toxic air pollutants, including those that cause cancer. People living near major transportation corridors are especially vulnerable to these pollutants. As of 2019, nearly one million Washingtonians lived within a quarter mile of heavy traffic roadways. Since then, the state's population has increased by over 500,000 people, with the majority of that growth occurring in major metro areas.
In 2025, Congress attempted to strip Washington and other states of their longstanding authority to protect residents from harmful vehicle pollution by opting for emissions standards that are stronger than the federal government's. Washington is part of a bipartisan, multistate coalition challenging this move. In 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency repealed the "endangerment finding," illegally undoing its own authority to regulate vehicle pollution at the federal level. Washington and 38 other jurisdictions challenged that action in federal court.
If the court rules in Washington's favor, the state's current standards will remain in full force. If the federal government's actions are upheld, all state and federal regulations on vehicle pollution will be weakened or eliminated. The contingency plan proposed by Ecology would reinstate older standards that have so far been unaffected by federal actions. While these standards are not as strong as what Washington currently has in place, they would ensure that the state has the strongest standards available.
All gas- and diesel-powered vehicles sold in Washington already meet the criteria laid out in the older standards, and drivers and businesses that have purchased a vehicle in the state previously won't be affected by these changes. Meanwhile, Ecology and other state agencies are exploring new policies to make clean vehicles more affordable and accessible through Governor Ferguson's ZEVergreen effort.
The rulemaking also includes other changes, such as gathering more data from businesses with vehicle fleets to support electrification planning and funding. Ecology is holding public meetings on the rule in early August and accepting public comments until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2026. More information about this rulemaking, including links to rulemaking documents and a full list of changes being considered, is available on the rulemaking website.
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Original text here: https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2026/ecology-proposes-fallback-plan-to-protect-progress-on-clean-vehicles-in-case-of-federal-rollbacks
Operation Fast Reduces Backlog For Key DEP Land Use Determination By 42 Percent
TRENTON, New Jersey, June 25 -- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
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OPERATION FAST REDUCES BACKLOG FOR KEY DEP LAND USE DETERMINATION BY 42 PERCENT
Through the implementation of an application-review "blitz" and other operational efficiency improvements, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today announced that it has reduced the backlog of applications for Freshwater Wetland Letters of Interpretation by 42 percent since the outset of the Sherrill Administration.
A letter of interpretation (LOI) is a key document issued
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TRENTON, New Jersey, June 25 -- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
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OPERATION FAST REDUCES BACKLOG FOR KEY DEP LAND USE DETERMINATION BY 42 PERCENT
Through the implementation of an application-review "blitz" and other operational efficiency improvements, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today announced that it has reduced the backlog of applications for Freshwater Wetland Letters of Interpretation by 42 percent since the outset of the Sherrill Administration.
A letter of interpretation (LOI) is a key document issuedby the DEP prior to the initiation of a development project that indicates the presence or absence of freshwater wetlands and their transition areas, or buffers. Efficient processing of LOIs provides applicants with certainty and minimizes stranded costs that can impact job creation, economic growth and community ratables associated with development projects.
The DEP's Watershed and Land Management Program has reduced the backlog from 1,102 at the start of the Administration to 638 as of June 18.
The effort is supported by DEP's Operation FAST (Facilitated Approvals for Sustainable Transformation), a comprehensive effort to make the DEP more responsive to the public while continuing to implement the state's high standards for protection of the environment and public health.
"The Sherrill Administration is laser-focused on its mission to make New Jersey more affordable and government more efficient," Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak said. "While there is more work to do to eliminate the backlog completely, in the coming months these efforts will dramatically reduce the average amount of time it takes to process this important determination. This would not be possible without the hard work from the dedicated professionals at the DEP."
LOIs and Wetlands Protection
The Watershed and Land Management program is the arm of the DEP that oversees environmental permitting and compliance and enforcement functions pursuant to the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act Rules, Coastal Zone Management Rules, Flood Hazard Area Control Act Rules, and Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act Rules.
Over the last year, the program has received 5,500 applications for permits and jurisdictional determinations. Of these, some 730 were applications for LOIs, which is the first step in determining the applicability of freshwater wetland regulations.
The issuance of an LOI is based on careful scientific evaluations of a site's hydrology, soil, and plant communities. The LOI helps potential purchasers and developers determine how much of a site is subject to freshwater wetland regulation requirements before they apply for a permit.
Due to several factors, LOI application reviews were not keeping up with the rate of LOI application submissions. DEP reviews became backlogged, with an average processing time of one year. To reduce the backlog, the Watershed and Land Management program realigned staff and reallocated workload to undertake a short-term "blitz" on LOI reviews.
"The DEP has been able to achieve this significant backlog reduction without compromising the quality of our review process," said DEP Assistant Commissioner for Watershed and Land Management Jennifer Moriarty. "We are continuing our reviews of pending LOIs to eliminate the backlog. Through the blitz, we have identified a number of pending applications that require more information from applicants in order to conclude our review. We encourage those applicants to provide the needed information or withdraw the application as soon as they can."
About Operation Fast
Through Operation FAST, the DEP is implementing concrete, achievable efficiencies that fulfill the Governor's pledge for more effective government through the Administration's "Saving You Time & Money Agenda" and her executive orders addressing the state's affordability crisis.
Operation FAST directly supports Executive Orders 2 and 5 to reduce costs and delays for residents and businesses in New Jersey by bringing greater accountability and transparency to the State's permitting and regulatory processes.
Through Operation FAST, the DEP is committed to:
* Supercharging the Office of Permitting & Project Navigation to ensure early coordinated consultations on priority projects speed up review times
* Aligning key permitting programs to leverage cross-program collaborations
* Recruiting and training new staff across permitting programs to advance efficiency
* Supplementing technical staff capacity to accomplish targeted reviews to reduce backlogs
* Streamlining review procedures to support faster decisions
* Modernizing technology for automated submissions and upgrading dashboard systems for online e-Permitting
* Implementing robust and expedited coordination for energy projects through a FAST Team coordinated by OPPN for energy projects to lower costs and help meet electricity generation shortfalls
* Increasing staff, improving culture and upgrading IT infrastructure
As it implements Operation FAST, the DEP is committed to working with the public and all stakeholders to better understand the barriers they face, develop solutions and explore innovative opportunities for improvement while protecting public health, safety, and natural resources.
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Original text here: https://dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0035/
NCDHHS, NCDIT Announce Three Programs to Improve Health Care as Part of North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program
RALEIGH, North Carolina, June 25 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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NCDHHS, NCDIT Announce Three Programs to Improve Health Care as Part of North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology today announced three new programs to improve the digital infrastructure of rural health care through new digital solutions and tools. This partnership advances statewide implementation of NC's Rural Health Transformation
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, June 25 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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NCDHHS, NCDIT Announce Three Programs to Improve Health Care as Part of North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology today announced three new programs to improve the digital infrastructure of rural health care through new digital solutions and tools. This partnership advances statewide implementation of NC's Rural Health TransformationProgram (NCRHTP) digital health and technology initiative, funded by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
"All North Carolinians should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live," said Governor Josh Stein. "Technology has immense potential to deliver, and thanks to the strong partnership between DIT and DHHS, we are moving closer to building a North Carolina that is healthier in every single community."
"I am grateful for the partnership with NCDIT that will increase access to care for millions of people in rural North Carolina," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "We are bridging gaps in underserved communities and modernizing services so everyone gets the care they need, when and where they need it."
"Through this partnership, we are putting the state's technology expertise to work for North Carolina's rural communities," said NC Department of Information Technology Secretary Nate Denny. "By strengthening health information exchange, investing in new digital solutions and tools, and expanding digital health literacy, we are making it easier for providers to deliver high-quality, coordinated care and for people to confidently navigate their health online. These investments ensure that no matter where you live in North Carolina, you can benefit from modern, secure, and connected health care."
NCDHHS and NCDIT are launching the Rural Health Innovation Fund, expanding provider agreements with NC HealthConnex and improving digital health literacy. Together, these agreements represent a coordinated statewide effort to modernize rural health care delivery, strengthen digital health capacity, and expand access to emerging technologies.
Rural Health Innovation Fund Administration
This program establishes the new Rural Health Innovation Fund -- a statewide investment fund that will distribute $20 million annually for up to five years to help rural providers assess digital needs and modernize infrastructure. The fund will launch this fall and will provide an opportunity to test and scale new digital solutions and emerging technologies to improve care, streamline workflows, and enhance patient engagement. More information for providers will be available leading up to the launch date.
Health Information Exchange Connectivity and Training
This program supports connecting rural health care providers to the NC Health Information Exchange Network (NC HealthConnex) and provides operational, technical, and financial support for establishing and sustaining connections. NC HealthConnex is North Carolina's secure, state-designated health information exchange that enables doctors, hospitals, and other care providers to quickly access and share medical records to help improve care coordination. The program includes establishing new connections and upgrading existing connections to the platform to improve statewide data quality, availability, and timeliness. This partnership will help rural providers adopt the latest technology and tools for information exchange and clinical decision support, enabling data-driven care.
Digital Health Literacy
This program expands access to digital health literacy for rural residents through online, phone-based, and in-person supports. It builds on the NC 211 Digital Navigation Program, which provides multilingual assistance, one-on-one training, and digital skills resources for North Carolina communities. Starting on July 1, 2026, when a caller dials 211, they will be able to connect to a Digital Health Navigator for support from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program will empower rural residents to more fully access care online and participate in the rapidly advancing digital world.
For more information, visit the NC Rural Health Transformation Program (https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/office-rural-health/rural-health-transformation-program) website and the NCRHTP Initiative Six webpage (https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/office-rural-health/rural-health-transformation-program/ncrhtp-initiative-six-digital-health).
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Original text here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/06/24/ncdhhs-ncdit-announce-three-programs-improve-health-care-part-north-carolinas-rural-health
Mich. Environment Dept. Brownfield Grant Ensures Contaminated Site Safe for Expansion of Grand Rapids School
LANSING, Michigan, June 25 -- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy issued the following news release:
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EGLE brownfield grant ensures contaminated site safe for expansion of Grand Rapids school
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is awarding a $745,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to a project that will help Grand Rapids University Preparatory Association (GRUPA) expand its University Preparatory Academy. GRUPA plans to add a Learning and Wellness Center that will allow it to increase capacity and offer more services to students.
"The
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LANSING, Michigan, June 25 -- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy issued the following news release:
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EGLE brownfield grant ensures contaminated site safe for expansion of Grand Rapids school
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is awarding a $745,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to a project that will help Grand Rapids University Preparatory Association (GRUPA) expand its University Preparatory Academy. GRUPA plans to add a Learning and Wellness Center that will allow it to increase capacity and offer more services to students.
"TheCity of Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority supports the partnership with EGLE on this grant to support the University Preparatory Academy project" said Sarah Rainero, executive director of the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. "EGLE has been a strong partner in Grand Rapids, and this project will help continue the city's momentum along Division (Avenue South) by activating key infill opportunities."
The middle and high school at 512 Division Avenue South opened in 2012. It's grown significantly over the last few years and is now at capacity. The $7.4 million redevelopment project will create a 10,158 square foot expansion with classrooms, labs, extra learning space, expanded student health programs, and a basketball/volleyball gym. The new parking lot will have an underground stormwater management system.
The EGLE grant will be used to remove contamination left behind by former businesses on the site, including a gas station, auto repair shop, and small manufacturing companies. Environmental assessments done through EGLE's Expanded Triage Program and Brownfield Site Assessment Program found petroleum contamination in soil and groundwater, and metals in fill material that was brought on the site when older buildings were torn down.
Grant money will pay for additional environmental assessments, removal of contaminated soil, and demolition needed to prepare the property for the planned expansion.
Brain Cloyd, board chair of the Grand Rapids University Preparatory Association, said, "The Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy Learning and Wellness Center represents a transformative investment in both people and place. This project will convert an underutilized property into a vibrant, purpose-driven space that supports student success, community wellness, and long-term neighborhood revitalization. We are grateful for EGLE's partnership in helping us responsibly address environmental conditions so that this site can fully serve future generations. This is exactly how thoughtful redevelopment should work - remediating the past while building opportunity for the future."
Grand Rapids University Preparatory Association says the Learning and Wellness Center will be accessible to students from throughout the district and neighboring communities. Construction is expected to be finished in the fall of 2027, and students should be able to start using it that fall.
More than half of EGLE's annual budget supports local projects, protects public health and the environment, and helps create economic growth and jobs for Michigan workers. Redevelopment increases the value of brownfield sites and other nearby properties. In 2025, the EGLE Brownfield program provided more than $23 million in brownfield incentives to 76 projects in 52 Michigan communities. These projects are projected to create more than 440 housing units, 600 jobs, and result in more than $675 million in capital investment.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/press-releases/2026/06/24/egle-brownfield-grant-ensures-contaminated-site-safe-for-expansion-of-grand-rapids-school
Gov. Newsom Convenes the First Meeting of California's Tech Fraud Task Force to Help Strengthen Consumer Protections
SACRAMENTO, California, June 25 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 24, 2026:
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Governor Newsom convenes the first meeting of California's Tech Fraud Task Force to help strengthen consumer protections
What you need to know: As California remains at the forefront of responsible innovation, Governor Gavin Newsom highlights the state's efforts at the first convening of the Tech Fraud Task Force. Through partnerships with the best and brightest tech policy experts, the Golden State continues to foster innovation while protecting Californians.
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SAN
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SACRAMENTO, California, June 25 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 24, 2026:
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Governor Newsom convenes the first meeting of California's Tech Fraud Task Force to help strengthen consumer protections
What you need to know: As California remains at the forefront of responsible innovation, Governor Gavin Newsom highlights the state's efforts at the first convening of the Tech Fraud Task Force. Through partnerships with the best and brightest tech policy experts, the Golden State continues to foster innovation while protecting Californians.
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SANFRANCISCO - On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom convened the first meeting of California's Tech Fraud Task Force as part of the Governor's Innovation Council. The Council was first announced last December to bring together state agencies, experts, and tech leaders to leverage opportunities and address risks posed by emerging technologies.
The task force builds on the Governor's work, which has positioned California as a leader in responsible innovation -- embracing the benefits of artificial intelligence while protecting Californians from those who use new tools to exploit seniors, consumers, and small businesses.
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California has helped build the modern digital world, and we can't allow bad actors to twist that progress into a tool for fraud. Tackling consumer fraud is critical to protecting affordability for Californians. The scope and scale of the problem require an all-of-California approach. I am grateful for the work of this task force to protect California consumers and businesses.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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Leading responsible innovation in the Golden State
Last December, Governor Newsom launched the Governor's Innovation Council, which leverages the collective knowledge of the nation's top tech policy experts to help California develop and strengthen its technology policy. The council tackles issues ranging from empowering workers to countering tech fraud to protecting children online.
The Innovation Council includes four working groups or task forces to help target state efforts in different areas impacted by evolving technology including:
* Protecting Child Online Safety and Countering Image-Based Abuse (led by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom with the California Health and Human Services Agency, California Department of Public Health, State Board of Education and the California Department of Technology)
* Modernizing Government Service Delivery (led by the Government Operations Agency, including the California Department of Technology and the Office of Data and Innovation)
* Technology, Economic Development, and Workforce (led by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency)
The Tech Fraud Task Force is led by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) in collaboration with the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency (BCSH). The Task Force is comprised of:
* AARP
* American Fintech Council
* Anthropic
* Apple
* Aspen Institute
* Atlantic Council
* AT&T
* California Bankers Association
* California Department of Justice
* California Low Income Consumer Coalition
* California's Credit Unions
* Chainalysis
* Comcast
* Consumer Bankers Association
* Eleven Labs
* Google
* Innovative Payments Association
* Latino Prosperity
* LinkedIn
* Match Group
* Meta
* Microsoft
* Operation Shamrock
* Sardine.AI
* Saver Life
* T-Mobile
* TRM Labs
* Unidos US
Birthplace of modern tech
California is home to 33 of the top 50 private AI companies in the world, and no state has taken more aggressive action to strengthen the safety, security, and consumer privacy of technology and online platforms.
In 2023, Governor Newsom made California the first state to take action on Generative AI policy, announcing an executive order to both responsibly adopt this technology in state government and begin studying its risks. The Governor convened world-leading academic experts to draft the California Report on Frontier AI Policy, providing the state with policy recommendations that helped lead to the Governor's signature on the first state legislation nationwide, the Transparency in Frontier Technology Act (Senate Bill 53, Wiener) to help ensure that this technology moves forward responsibly. The law has since been replicated and modeled in similar laws adopted in other states.
This builds on other legislation signed by Governor Newsom to create strong protocols for child safety and protections against self-harm, crack down on sexually explicit deepfakes and require AI watermarking, protect performers' digital likenesses, and prevent scams from AI-generated robocalls. In addition, it supplements the Governor's March 2026 executive order, which strengthened civil rights and privacy in California's procurement of AI technology and expanded California's adoption of AI to improve government services.
Fighting fraud
California fights fraud on all fronts. From securing refunds for mortgage fraud victims to cracking down on deceptive practices by businesses, California is both protecting consumers from fraud and addressing fraud against the government.
See fraud? Report It.
Californians can learn more about California's efforts to combat government fraud, waste, and abuse and report it directly through stopfraud.ca.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/06/24/governor-newsom-convenes-the-first-meeting-of-californias-tech-fraud-task-force-to-help-strengthen-consumer-protections/
Ga. Gov. Kemp Announces Atlanta Judicial Circuit Appointments
ATLANTA, Georgia, June 25 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on June 24, 2026:
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Gov. Kemp Announces Atlanta Judicial Circuit Appointments
Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the following judicial appointments: the Honorable Debbie-Ann R. Rickman to the Superior Court of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Shermela Williams; David H. Emadi to the Superior Court of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Jane C. Barwick; and, recognizing her recent
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ATLANTA, Georgia, June 25 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on June 24, 2026:
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Gov. Kemp Announces Atlanta Judicial Circuit Appointments
Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the following judicial appointments: the Honorable Debbie-Ann R. Rickman to the Superior Court of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Shermela Williams; David H. Emadi to the Superior Court of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Jane C. Barwick; and, recognizing her recentelection to the Atlanta Judicial Circuit, Nikia Smith Sellers to the Superior Court of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit to fill a vacancy that will arise upon the appointment of the Honorable Paige Reese Whitaker to the Georgia Court of Appeals.
Judge Debbie-Ann R. Rickman currently serves as a Magistrate Judge in Fulton County, where she presides over both criminal and civil cases. Following her graduation from law school, Judge Rickman began her legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in the Atlanta Judicial Circuit. She later joined the DeKalb County Solicitor-General's Office as an Assistant Solicitor-General where she was recognized as the 2017 prosecuting attorney of the year.
Judge Rickman is actively involved in the legal community. She is a member of the Benchbook Committee for the Council of Magistrate Court Judges and previously served as co-chair of the Public Affairs Committee for the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, of which she remains a member. She is a Master of the Logan E. Bleckley Inn of Court and a member of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta.
Judge Rickman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with honors, from Florida International University and a Juris Doctor, with honors, from the University of Florida. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their eleven-year-old son.
David H. Emadi has served since 2019 as the Director of the State Ethics Commission of Georgia, which is charged with investigating, regulating, and prosecuting violations of campaign finance laws by elected officials, candidates for public office, lobbyists, and special interest groups. Before serving in his current role, David spent 7 years in the District Attorney's Office of Douglas County where he prosecuted all types of major crimes and violent felonies. David also served as the Chief Assistant District Attorney for the judicial circuit.
Previously, David spent time as a Major League Baseball scout with the Cincinnati Reds organization. In 2017, David was named a Rising Star by the Daily Report as one of the top 30 lawyers in Georgia under the age of 40 at the age of 29.
David earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his Juris Doctor from Georgia State College of Law where he currently serves on the Board of Alumni.
Nikia Smith Sellers is a veteran prosecutor with more than a decade of service in the Fulton County District Attorney's Office. As Deputy District Attorney, Nikia has supervised prosecutions in Drug Court, Behavioral Health Treatment Court, and Veterans Court and has lead prosecutions on a specialized Competency Docket addressing criminal law and mental health.
Raised by educators and the granddaughter of sharecroppers from Southwest Georgia, Nikia comes from a family deeply rooted in public service. She is the niece of civil rights leader Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, as well as other relatives recognized with Presidential awards for contributions to education, public health, and social justice.
A product of Atlanta Public Schools, she attended Shaw University on an athletic and academic scholarship. She earned her Juris Doctor from The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law, receiving a merit scholarship and Public Interest Advocate Certification. She is a member of the Atlanta Bar Association and the Georgia Association for Black Women Attorneys.
Nikia is a devoted wife and mother of four, married to an educator and ordained Presbyterian elder, and remains active in mentoring youth through her church, the arts, and community service. Additionally, she serves in leadership roles in multiple organizations that empower people through dance, cultural arts education, mentorship, and community service.
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Original text here: https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-06-24/gov-kemp-announces-atlanta-judicial-circuit-appointments
During Dairy Month, N.Y. State Agriculture Department Announces Success of $21.6 Million Dairy Modernization Program
ALBANY, New York, June 25 -- The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets issued the following news on June 24, 2026:
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During Dairy Month, State Agriculture Department Announces Success of $21.6 Million Dairy Modernization Program
90 Percent of Projects are Underway or Complete So Far, Providing Unprecedented Support of New York's Dairy Farmers to Invest in New Equipment, Expand Storage Capacity, and Strengthen Operations
Second Round of the Dairy Modernization Grant Program Will Open for Applications Later this Summer
Round 3 of the Program Included in the Governor's Executive
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ALBANY, New York, June 25 -- The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets issued the following news on June 24, 2026:
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During Dairy Month, State Agriculture Department Announces Success of $21.6 Million Dairy Modernization Program
90 Percent of Projects are Underway or Complete So Far, Providing Unprecedented Support of New York's Dairy Farmers to Invest in New Equipment, Expand Storage Capacity, and Strengthen Operations
Second Round of the Dairy Modernization Grant Program Will Open for Applications Later this Summer
Round 3 of the Program Included in the Governor's ExecutiveBudget and Final 2026-27 Enacted Budget
Department Encourages New Yorkers to Support New York's Dairy Industry by Buying Local, Visiting a Taste NY Market
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The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets today, during Dairy Month, announced significant progress of on-farm projects awarded through Round 1 of the $21.6 million Dairy Modernization Grant Program, with 90 percent of the projects currently underway or completed. The funding, first announced in the Governor's 2024 State of the State address, provides unprecedented support to the dairy industry in New York, helping New York's dairy farmers and dairy cooperatives invest in new equipment, expand storage capacity, and strengthen their operations. Another $8.5 million will be available through Round 2 of the program later this summer, and Round 3, which will provide an additional, nearly $13 million to dairy farmers, was approved in the final 2026-27 Enacted Budget.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "New York has a long legacy as a leading dairy state, and the Dairy Modernization Grant Program aims to protect that legacy by giving our hardworking dairy farmers and cooperatives the tools they need to grow, innovate, and lead in a changing market. As we celebrate June is Dairy Month, it's the perfect time to spotlight the projects that will help deserving farmers continue to provide the very best milk and dairy products while keeping up with operations, even in the event of severe weather or emergency events. I'm proud to see how much progress is already underway and look forward to announcing another round of funding through this critical program soon."
In June 2025, New York State announced that 103 dairy farms and cooperatives were awarded nearly $21.6 million through Round 1 of the Dairy Modernization Grant Program, which is being administered by Farm and Food Growth Fund. Projects range from $50,000 to $250,000 and include priorities such as the purchase/installation of milk storage tanks, including bulk tanks, and milk silos; milk tankers for transport; milk pipelines; farm milk loading systems, and more. The goal of the projects is to facilitate the installation of critical technological and infrastructural improvements that will improve dairy supply chain efficiency and avoid the need for raw milk dumping during emergency events. To date, 30 projects have been completed and 63 are underway. The few remaining projects will begin later this year. A video about the impact of the Dairy Modernization Grant Program can be found here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8ELgSlagBE).
Farm and Food Growth Fund President and CEO Todd Erling said, "With the majority of the New York's dairy farms being family-run and generational operations, the impact of this grant program is significantly forward-reaching. Providing the next generation with the technology to be able to safeguard their product and improve efficiencies with expanded storage and milking systems will improve their ability to be competitive and sustainable. Thanks to the inclusion of a Round 3 in the State Budget, we will be able to continue to support this important segment of the state's agro- economy."
This investment builds on the commitment that Governor Hochul has made to support New York's dairy industry, including dedicating record funding to programs such as the Climate Resilient Farming grant program and the Agricultural Non-Point Source Abatement and Control program that are helping farms to implement environmentally sustainable practices and combat climate change. New York State has also supported the expansion of the dairy manufacturing sector in New York, celebrating a number of recent investments across the state, including the $650 million fairlife production plant in Webster, a $30 million expansion to the Agri-Mark cheese manufacturing facility in Chateaugay, and Chobani's $1.2 billion facility in Rome, helping New York continue to be the leading producer of milk in the Northeast. There are currently nearly 300 world-recognized dairy processing plants across New York.
In recognition of New York's hardworking dairy producers, cooperatives and processors, the Governor issued a Proclamation declaring June as Dairy Month. In addition, the Department of Agriculture and Markets encouraged New Yorkers to buy local dairy products and announced new promotions at the State's Taste NY Markets located in the State's Welcome Centers. All Taste NY Markets are featuring New York dairy products throughout the month of June, with some holding additional special sampling events highlighting New York dairy producers, such as Dygert Farms Creamery, Argyle Cheese Farmer, Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Chaseholm Farm, Ronnybrook Farm Dairy, Yancey's Fancy (cheese), Muranda Cheese, and many more.
For a schedule of sampling events through the end of June at each of the participating Taste NY Markets, visit taste.ny.gov.
Sarena Brown, Taste NY Assistant Manager, Mohawk Valley Welcome Center operated by Liberty ARC of Montgomery County, said, "National Dairy Month to the Mohawk Valley Welcome Center means promoting local dairy farms, such as Dygert Farms Creamery, one of our oldest vendors to date. They are a 300-year-old farm, with over 13 generations. The owner even delivers their product to us, giving a sort of personal feel to their farm and business."
Amy Slick-Willis, Taste NY Market Manger, Taste NY at Front Street and the Southern Tier Welcome Center (Director of Food Systems Projects, CCE Broome County), said, "As Taste NY observes June as Dairy Month, we recognize New York farmers in shaping dairy as one of the States' most important agricultural commodities. Their dedication to producing nutritious products, supporting local jobs, and strengthening rural communities is a testament to the value of agriculture in New York. We celebrate their achievements and thank them for their dedication as we showcase their items in our stores not only this month but every month."
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About the Dairy Industry in New York State
New York State has roughly 3,000 dairy farms that produce over 16 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation's fifth-largest dairy state. The dairy industry is the state's largest agricultural sector, contributing significantly to the state's economy by generating nearly half of the state's total agricultural receipts and providing some of the highest economic multipliers. New York's unique and talented dairy producers and processors contribute significantly to the state's agriculture industry, economy and the health of our communities.
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Original text here: https://agriculture.ny.gov/news/during-dairy-month-state-agriculture-department-announces-success-216-million-dairy
