Targeted News Service

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 14 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news on March 13, 2026:

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DEP Reaches Settlement with Four Companies for Bishop Tube Site Cleanup in Chester County

Four parties agree to fund cleanup of site's contaminated groundwater, soil, and surface water to address risks to public health and safety

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East Whiteland Township, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has reached agreement with four companies for remediation of longstanding contamination at the former Bishop Tube site in East ... Show Full Article HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 14 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news on March 13, 2026: * * * DEP Reaches Settlement with Four Companies for Bishop Tube Site Cleanup in Chester County Four parties agree to fund cleanup of site's contaminated groundwater, soil, and surface water to address risks to public health and safety * East Whiteland Township, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has reached agreement with four companies for remediation of longstanding contamination at the former Bishop Tube site in EastWhiteland Township, Chester County. The agreement with Whittaker Corporation (Whittaker), Johnson Matthey Inc. (JMI), Marcegaglia USA, Inc. (Marcegaglia), and Constitution Drive Partners, L.P. (CDP), may be filed as a proposed consent decree in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania after a notice and comment period.

"Responsible parties should be held accountable for cleaning up these old contaminated industrial sites in the Commonwealth," said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. "I applaud the dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure the site will be addressed in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment and the cooperation of the four companies that came together to fund the cleanup of the site."

The four companies have agreed to establish a qualified settlement trust to fund the Remedial Response Action to remediate the contamination of the site. JMI and Whittaker have jointly agreed to pay $7,335,000; CDP has agreed to pay $1,250,000; and Marcegaglia has agreed to pay $400,000. In addition, JMI, Whittaker, and Marcegaglia have established a reserve of $2,500,000 in the trust that may be used for certain additional response actions.

CDP will serve as a Settlor Work Party to utilize the money in the trust to clean up the site in accordance with DEP's Statement of Decision(opens in a new tab). Among other things, the Consent Decree provides for DEP oversight and approvals of the remediation work, and it establishes a cleanup schedule.

A copy of the Consent Decree and the Qualified Settlement Fund Agreement can be found on DEP's Bishop Tube webpage. DEP will receive and consider comments relating to these documents for sixty (60) days until May 14, 2026. Written comments can be mailed to Dustin A. Armstrong, Environmental Protection Specialist at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 2 East Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401 or by email to RA-EP-SEROECB@pa.gov and darmstrong@pa.gov. Please include "Bishop Tube Consent Decree Public Comment" in the subject of the email or letter.

Several industrial businesses manufactured stainless steel tubes at the 13.7-acre former Bishop Tube facility from the 1950s to 1999. In 2000, DEP declared it a Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) program site as its groundwater, soil, and surface water were contaminated with Trichloroethene (TCE), which is classified as a known human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). TCE is a chlorinated solvent and considered the primary site-related contaminant of concern. Other contaminants of concern include volatile organic compounds, polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and inorganic compounds.

On September 12, 2022, DEP issued a Statement of Decision(opens in a new tab) identifying the remediation plan it would require for cleanup of the Bishop Tube site. Under that plan, the site must be cleaned up to attain a combination of background, statewide health, and site-specific standards in accordance with the Land Recycling Program. After considering several courses of action, DEP chose a combination of in situ chemical injections, soil mixing, engineering practices, institutional controls, and long-term monitoring to address the contamination. The injection of chemical oxidation or reducing agents creates a chemical reaction that destroys harmful contaminants and produces harmless byproducts. It is commonly described as "in situ" because it is conducted in place, without having to excavate soil or pump out groundwater for aboveground cleanup.

In 2023, JMI and Whittaker connected the only residential property with an impacted well to an existing public water line.

For more information, please visit DEP's Bishop Tube webpage (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/dep-regions/southeast-regional-office/bishop-tube).

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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/newsroom/2026-03-13-dep-reaches-settlement-with-four-companies-for-bishop-tube-site-cleanup-in-chester-county

Governor Spanberger Statement on Sine Die Adjournment of Legislative Session, Passage of Full Affordable Virginia Agenda

RICHMOND, Virginia, March 14 -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following news release:

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Governor Spanberger Statement on Sine Die Adjournment of Legislative Session, Passage of Full Affordable Virginia Agenda

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RICHMOND, VA -Governor Abigail Spanberger tonight released the following statement on the adjournment of the 2026 General Assembly legislative session -and reaffirmed her focus on lowering costs for Virginia families.

"I'm tremendously grateful to legislators for their work this session to address the challenges facing Virginia families, Virginia businesses, and ... Show Full Article

Governor Morrisey Awards West Virginia Distinguished Service Medal to SPC Sarah Beckstrom

CHARLESTON, West Virginia, March 14 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news:

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Governor Morrisey Awards West Virginia Distinguished Service Medal to SPC Sarah Beckstrom

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Charleston, WV - Governor Patrick Morrisey today posthumously awarded the West Virginia Distinguished Service Medal to Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia Army National Guard, honoring her service and ultimate sacrifice.

During a ceremony attended by members of the West Virginia National Guard and Beckstrom's family, Governor Morrisey presented the medal to her parents, Evalea ... Show Full Article

Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes Statements on Revolution Wind Delivering First Power to the New England Grid

HARTFORD, Connecticut, March 14 -- Gov. Ned Lamont, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:

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Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes Statements on Revolution Wind Delivering First Power to the New England Grid

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(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes released the following statements regarding the announcement that the Revolution Wind offshore wind project has begun delivering its first power to the New England grid:

Governor Lamont said, "This project is key to diversifying our energy supply ... Show Full Article HARTFORD, Connecticut, March 14 -- Gov. Ned Lamont, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: * * * Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes Statements on Revolution Wind Delivering First Power to the New England Grid * (HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes released the following statements regarding the announcement that the Revolution Wind offshore wind project has begun delivering its first power to the New England grid: Governor Lamont said, "This project is key to diversifying our energy supplyand lowering utility costs for families and businesses. I congratulate the project's developer and the many skilled Connecticut workers who've made Revolution Wind possible on achieving its first power deliveries to the grid. As Revolution Wind ramps up in the coming months, we look forward to it delivering affordable, reliable, clean electricity that will power 350,000 homes."

Commissioner Dykes said, "Today is good news for Connecticut and the region's ratepayers, who will save hundreds of millions of dollars a year on their electricity bills thanks to Connecticut and Rhode Island's efforts to bring Revolution Wind online. As we've seen from the harsh winter we've had, and the impacts to fossil fuel prices as a result of the Iran war, having diverse sources of stable, reliable power that both perform strongly in the winter and are insulated from geopolitical events is beneficial to Connecticut ratepayers. These first power deliveries are an important milestone, with greater benefits yet to come as the project heads to completion and full operation later this year."

Revolution Wind is a 704 megawatt (MW) offshore wind project under construction approximately 15 nautical miles southeast of Point Judith, Rhode Island. The project began construction in 2023 and is expected to reach full commercial operation later in 2026. Once fully operational, Revolution Wind will deliver enough electricity to the New England grid to power 350,000 homes, equivalent to about 2.5% of the region's electricity supply. Connecticut will purchase 304 MW of the final output from Revolution Wind with the remaining 400 MW to be delivered to Rhode Island. Connecticut's share will meet about 5% of the state's overall electricity demand.

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Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/03-2026/governor-lamont-and-commissioner-dykes-statements-on-revolution-wind-delivering-first-power

Ark. Agriculture Dept.: Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Votes to Protect Producer Funded Research From Foreign Competitors

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, March 14 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:

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Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Votes to Protect Producer Funded Research From Foreign Competitors

The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board has adopted a policy aimed at protecting agricultural research from benefiting foreign competitors. In a unanimous decision on March 12, the board voted to prohibit the use of state soybean checkoff dollars for any research that would benefit foreign countries such as Brazil, Argentina, or China.

"I was the first Governor in ... Show Full Article LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, March 14 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on March 13, 2026: * * * Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Votes to Protect Producer Funded Research From Foreign Competitors The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board has adopted a policy aimed at protecting agricultural research from benefiting foreign competitors. In a unanimous decision on March 12, the board voted to prohibit the use of state soybean checkoff dollars for any research that would benefit foreign countries such as Brazil, Argentina, or China. "I was the first Governor inthe nation to kick communist China off our farmland and out of our state, and I remain committed to safeguarding Arkansas farmers from foreign interference," said Governor Sanders. "I fully support yesterday's decision by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, because the research done by Arkansas' farmers should never fall into the hands of our foreign adversaries."

"Arkansas farmers invest in research to strengthen Arkansas agriculture, not to subsidize the competitive edge of foreign producers," said Brad Doyle, Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Chair. "This policy reinforces our board's commitment to Arkansas soybean producers and aligns with the state's clear direction on protecting Arkansas agriculture."

"Arkansas agriculture will not allow foreign competitors to profit from Arkansas producer-funded research," said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. "Farm security is national security, and this decision draws a clear line: Arkansas-funded research belongs to Arkansas farmers."

The Soybean Promotion Board exists to support the growth and competitiveness of the state's soybean sector and is funded by assessments on soybeans grown in Arkansas. In FY 2025, the board funded $3.4 million in research projects focused on topics from breeding and genetics to disease management. By restricting funding for projects that could be shared with foreign competitors, the board aims to ensure that Arkansas-developed varieties, traits, and research findings remain exclusively available to Arkansas and U.S. farmers.

This action aligns with the state's broader legislative efforts and a national push to strengthen protections against foreign adversaries. In 2023, Governor Sanders signed Act 636 into law, restricting certain foreign entities from owning agricultural land and increasing oversight of foreign involvement in the state's agriculture industry. That same year, Governor Sanders became the first governor in the country to remove Communist China from Arkansas farmland.

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Original text here: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/news/arkansas-soybean-promotion-board-votes-to-protect-producer-funded-research-from-foreign-competitors/

Ariz. House Republicans Advance Bills to Expand Land Supply, Lower Housing Costs, and Make Home Ownership More Affordable for Arizonans

PHOENIX, Arizona, March 14 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:

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House Republicans Advance Bills to Expand Land Supply, Lower Housing Costs, and Make Home Ownership More Affordable for Arizonans

With housing costs squeezing working families across Arizona, House Republicans have passed a targeted package of legislation aimed at making homeownership more attainable for Arizona families by addressing the root causes of high housing costs: limited supply and government-made cost pressures.

"Affordability is top of mind for Arizona families, ... Show Full Article PHOENIX, Arizona, March 14 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on March 13, 2026: * * * House Republicans Advance Bills to Expand Land Supply, Lower Housing Costs, and Make Home Ownership More Affordable for Arizonans With housing costs squeezing working families across Arizona, House Republicans have passed a targeted package of legislation aimed at making homeownership more attainable for Arizona families by addressing the root causes of high housing costs: limited supply and government-made cost pressures. "Affordability is top of mind for Arizona families,especially when it comes to housing," said Majority Leader Michael Carbone. "As rents rise, home prices climb, and fewer attainable single-family options remain on the market, more Arizonans are being priced out of the communities they call home and further away from the dream of homeownership. House Republicans are passing targeted reforms to reduce unnecessary government-driven costs, expand housing opportunities, and make it easier for Arizona families to buy a home of their own."

The bills are part of the House Republican Majority Plan to preserve the American Dream and protect private property rights by cutting burdensome regulations, pushing back on executive overreach, and increasing the supply of land and housing needed to lower living costs for Arizona families.

The housing affordability package includes:

* HB 2946 (Powell) reins in excessive local development fees that raise the cost of new homes by capping fees on accessory dwelling units, locking in rates for builders for 24 months, and closing a loophole that allowed municipalities to shift new growth costs onto existing ratepayers through inflated water and wastewater rates.

* HB 2100 (Griffin) helps make single-family home ownership more attainable by giving counties a path to approve small subdivisions and bring more lots to market, reducing land scarcity and cost pressure.

* HB 2426 (Griffin) requires the State Land Department to develop a five-year plan to sell state trust lands suitable for development near incorporated areas, helping unlock additional land supply and ease one of the biggest drivers of new-home costs.

"Housing prices are not complicated. When supply is choked off, prices rise," said Majority Leader Carbone. "Too often, government policies make it harder for families to buy a home by piling on local fees, restricting where housing can be built, and failing to bring buildable land to market. House Republicans are taking the opposite approach: increasing land availability, expanding housing supply, and removing barriers that drive up the cost of a new singlefamily home so more Arizona families have a fair shot at homeownership."

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Michael Carbone is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 25 which includes portions of Yuma, Maricopa, and La Paz Counties. He also serves as House Majority Leader. Follow him on X at @MichaelCarbone.

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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260313CARBONEAFFORDABILITY.pdf

Ala. Workforce Dept.: Tuskegee University Partnership Expands Access, Experience, and Paid Pathways Into Nursing Careers

MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 14 -- The Alabama Department of Workforce issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:

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Tuskegee University Partnership Expands Access, Experience, and Paid Pathways into Nursing Careers

Alabama reached a historic milestone in workforce development with the approval of its first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to register a nursing apprenticeship program. Tuskegee University, in partnership with Baptist Health System, now offers the Registered Nursing Apprenticeship Program. This program, registered through the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship ... Show Full Article MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 14 -- The Alabama Department of Workforce issued the following news release on March 13, 2026: * * * Tuskegee University Partnership Expands Access, Experience, and Paid Pathways into Nursing Careers Alabama reached a historic milestone in workforce development with the approval of its first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to register a nursing apprenticeship program. Tuskegee University, in partnership with Baptist Health System, now offers the Registered Nursing Apprenticeship Program. This program, registered through the Alabama Office of Apprenticeshipof the Alabama Department of Workforce, establishes a transformative pathway that integrates classroom instruction, paid on-the-job learning and clinical experience, and structured one-on-one mentorship for aspiring nurses at the university.

In addition to early workforce engagement, the program addresses financial barriers that often prevent students from completing nursing degrees. Baptist Health System serves as Tuskegee University's "last dollar" scholarship provider, covering remaining tuition or eligible school-related expenses not met through other financial aid. Apprentices will earn wages working on-the-job while completing clinical rotations across specialty departments which is a benefit not traditionally available to nursing students despite extensive clinical hour requirements.

"This apprenticeship represents a different way of thinking about how we prepare Alabama's healthcare workforce," said Meredith Smith, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. "By blending education with paid and structured on-the-job learning, we are expanding opportunity for students while helping healthcare employers build a strong, sustainable talent pipeline."

The student nurse apprenticeship program was created by efforts by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, the Alabama Community College System, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and employers. Tuskegee University joins thirty other postsecondary education institutions in offering the program, marking them as the first four-year HBCU. By combining education with paid on-the-job learning, individualized mentorship, and financial support, this apprenticeship at Tuskegee University strengthens Alabama's healthcare workforce while expanding access to high-demand, high-quality careers.

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About the Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program

Alabama's Student Nurse Apprenticeship program launched in March 2022. Through this innovative model, student nurse apprentices can begin hands-on practice earlier in their academic careers. Apprentices are paired one-on-one with experienced nurse mentors, allowing them to gain meaningful, real-world experience with an individualized approach that significantly boosts student support and clinical readiness.

The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and the Alabama Department of Workforce continue to work with education, healthcare, and industry partners statewide to expand apprenticeship opportunities that meet employer needs and create meaningful career pathways for Alabamians.

For more information about apprenticeship opportunities in Alabama, visit the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship's website at alapprentice.org.

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Original text here: https://adol.alabama.gov/2026/03/tuskegee-university-partnership-expands-access-experience/

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