Federal - Executive Branch
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from the U.S. Executive Branch, covering all aspects of the Obama administration including cabinet departments, federal agencies, regulatory and independent agencies.
Featured Stories
Repeat Offender From Albuquerque Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking Charge
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 21 -- The Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico issued the following news release:
Michael Gerard Smith, 56, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court to a methamphetamine trafficking charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Smith is being prosecuted under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets "the worst of the worst" offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney's Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico's District Attorneys and state, local and tribal
... Show Full Article
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 21 -- The Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico issued the following news release:
Michael Gerard Smith, 56, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court to a methamphetamine trafficking charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Smith is being prosecuted under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets "the worst of the worst" offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney's Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico's District Attorneys and state, local and triballaw enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Court records reflect that Smith's criminal history includes more than ten prior felony convictions including four for drug trafficking offenses.
Smith was arrested on Feb. 3, 2017, and was charged by criminal complaint with methamphetamine and heroin trafficking offenses, and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the criminal complaint, APD officers seized approximately 94.5 grams of methamphetamine, 34.9 grams of heroin, a handgun, and cash in denominations consistent with street level drug trafficking while executing a search warrant at 's residence.
Smith subsequently was indicted on Feb. 28, 2017, and was charged with possessing methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, Smith committed the crimes on Feb. 2, 2017, in Bernalillo County, N.M. At the time, Smith was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his status as a convicted felon.
During today's proceedings, Smith pled guilty to Count 1 of the indictment charging him with possession of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Smith admitted that on Feb. 2, 2017, he possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intention of distributing the drugs to others.
At sentencing, Smith faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. Smith remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
The case against Smith was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and the APD, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman Cairns.
Novel Simulation Tool Improves Optimization Process for Chemical Reactors
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory issued the following news release:
Chemical reactors--like fluidized beds, transport beds, and gasifiers--are critical and complex components of power generation systems that involve a variety of multiphase chemical reactions. Understanding the reactions and designing optimized reactors requires intricate modeling and simulation. A new toolset being developed by NETL multiphase flow science experts will make the optimization process faster and more efficient.
NETL modeling and simulation experts are creating
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory issued the following news release:
Chemical reactors--like fluidized beds, transport beds, and gasifiers--are critical and complex components of power generation systems that involve a variety of multiphase chemical reactions. Understanding the reactions and designing optimized reactors requires intricate modeling and simulation. A new toolset being developed by NETL multiphase flow science experts will make the optimization process faster and more efficient.
NETL modeling and simulation experts are creatinga new toolset for optimizing chemical reactors with the goal of creating technologies to reduce costs and increase efficiency of coal-based power generation systems.
"The toolset has the potential to redefine how innovation comes about," said Dr. Dirk Van Essendelft of NETL's multiphase flow science team. "These new simulation and modeling tools will change how the technology development community conceptualizes, designs, and builds coal conversion reactors and plants that are economically attractive while reducing the environmental impact of fossil energy use."
The NETL research team's user-friendly simulation tool allows the user to test variables--such as flow rates, temperatures, pressures, injector positions, and others--across a range of conditions. A big advantage to the new approach is that several simulations can be run in parallel and then analyzed to discover if the conditions tested are optimal for specific reactor scenarios.
Optimizing the design and operation of chemical reactors involves many inter-related variables, such as heat exchange, the geometric configuration of the reactor, and the complexity and type of reactions taking place. Using computational tools to investigate various reactor designs enables researchers to investigate more options in less time.
Multiphase models are the foundation of the effort. With the knowledge made available through multiphase models, experts are able to provide accurate predictions of where desired and undesired behavior occurs in the reactor, and then allow researchers to virtually design and test specific reactor designs. Although NETL's research is focused on developing a tool for optimizing reactors used in energy systems, the technology is not limited to these applications.
The toolset resides within NETL's open-source MFIX system, which allows users to quickly set-up computational fluid dynamics models. Equations used to describe the reactions and interactions of multiphase flow are complex, and MFIX allows users to create computer models of reacting multiphase systems. In addition, the new toolset commands MFIX to run a broad sweep of conditions, allowing users to investigate the design space and choose the best conditions and optimal geometries.
Using simulation tools reduces capital costs while enabling reactors to be designed and built with optimal shape and size for the feedstock--for example, biomass, natural gas, coal--and desired products. The toolset will make a positive impact on the R&D development cycle by cutting development time and costs. Currently, new industrial technologies require approximately 20-30 years using traditional development methods, and enormous capital investment and large financial risks.
Van Essendelft said the team is optimistic about the new toolset's capabilities.
"Information gained from using the toolset will provide users the ability to analyze and understand the simulation and then make design decisions in the quickest fashion," he said. "We'll be providing a valuable pathway for enhancing technology development and ultimately clean energy."
NRC Receives Event Notification on Loss of Emergency Assessment Capability Due to Non-Functional TSC Ventilation
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (52919) involving Byron nuclear plant, Ill.:
LOSS OF EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT CAPABILITY DUE TO NON-FUNCTIONAL TSC VENTILATION
"On August 20, 2017 at 2108 hours CDT, Byron Station Technical Support Center (TSC) ventilation system supply fan (0VV23C) was identified as non-functional. This failure affects the ability of the TSC ventilation system to maintain adequate radiological habitability in the event of an emergency with an airborne radiological release. All other capabilities of the TSC are unaffected
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (52919) involving Byron nuclear plant, Ill.:
LOSS OF EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT CAPABILITY DUE TO NON-FUNCTIONAL TSC VENTILATION
"On August 20, 2017 at 2108 hours CDT, Byron Station Technical Support Center (TSC) ventilation system supply fan (0VV23C) was identified as non-functional. This failure affects the ability of the TSC ventilation system to maintain adequate radiological habitability in the event of an emergency with an airborne radiological release. All other capabilities of the TSC are unaffectedby this emergent condition. Currently troubleshooting/investigation is being performed. This condition is considered a major loss of emergency assessment capability and is reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii). If an emergency is declared requiring TSC activation during this period, the TSC will be staffed and activated using existing emergency planning procedures. If the TSC becomes uninhabitable, the Station Emergency Director will relocate the TSC staff to an alternate TSC location in accordance with applicable procedures.
"This notification is being made in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii) due to the potential loss of an emergency response facility because of the unavailability of the ventilation system. An update will be provided once the TSC ventilation has been restored to normal operation.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
Power Reactor
Event Number: 52919
Facility: BYRON
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: ED SMITH
HQ OPS Officer: BETHANY CECERE
Notification Date: 08/21/2017
Notification Time: 05:30 [ET]
Event Date: 08/20/2017
Event Time: 21:08 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/21/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization): AARON McCRAW (R3DO)
MSRB Amends Municipal Fund Security Advertising Requirements
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board issued the following news release:
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Friday, August 18, 2017 to amend MSRB Rule G-21(e), on municipal fund security product advertisements by municipal securities dealers. The amendments will be effective on November 18, 2017. Read the approval notice.
"These changes ensure investors are alerted to the potential risks of investing in particular investment options of municipal fund securities," said MSRB Executive
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board issued the following news release:
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Friday, August 18, 2017 to amend MSRB Rule G-21(e), on municipal fund security product advertisements by municipal securities dealers. The amendments will be effective on November 18, 2017. Read the approval notice.
"These changes ensure investors are alerted to the potential risks of investing in particular investment options of municipal fund securities," said MSRB ExecutiveDirector Lynnette Kelly.
The approved amendments reflect changes to SEC rules governing money market fund advertisements and improve regulatory consistency of disclosure requirements for those municipal fund securities that invest in money market funds.
The approved amendments limited to Rule G-21(e) were originally introduced as part of a broader request for comment on updating and harmonizing certain provisions of the MSRB's municipal securities dealer advertising rule and establishing similar advertising regulations for municipal advisors. The MSRB continues to consider the comments received on the other aspects of its broader proposal.
Harrison County Man Sentenced for Drug Possession
CLARKSBURG, W.Va., Aug. 21 -- The Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, issued the following news release:
Eric Scott Barker, of Mount Clare, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months incarceration for drug possession, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Barker, age 37, pled guilty to one count of "Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Para-Fluorofentanyl" in June 2017. The crime took place in Doddridge County on September 15, 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf
... Show Full Article
CLARKSBURG, W.Va., Aug. 21 -- The Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, issued the following news release:
Eric Scott Barker, of Mount Clare, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months incarceration for drug possession, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Barker, age 37, pled guilty to one count of "Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Para-Fluorofentanyl" in June 2017. The crime took place in Doddridge County on September 15, 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalfof the government. The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the West Virginia State Police, and the Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
America Pulls Into Changi Naval Base to Support USS John S. McCain
CHANGI NAVAL BASE, Singapore, Aug. 21 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following story:
Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) arrived Aug. 21 at Changi Naval Base and is moored across the pier from the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56).
While in Singapore, America will provide messing and berthing services to McCain crew members and to support damage control efforts on board. America will also support ongoing searches for 10 missing Sailors. Ship Repair Facility divers are on scene as well to assess the damage to the hull.
McCain was involved in a collision with the merchant
... Show Full Article
CHANGI NAVAL BASE, Singapore, Aug. 21 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following story:
Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) arrived Aug. 21 at Changi Naval Base and is moored across the pier from the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56).
While in Singapore, America will provide messing and berthing services to McCain crew members and to support damage control efforts on board. America will also support ongoing searches for 10 missing Sailors. Ship Repair Facility divers are on scene as well to assess the damage to the hull.
McCain was involved in a collision with the merchantvessel Alnic MC while underway east of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore early in the morning on Aug. 21 (as reported 6:24 a.m. Japan Standard Time) and arrived at Changi Naval Base in the afternoon.
Significant damage to the hull resulted in flooding to nearby compartments, including crew berthing, machinery and communications rooms. Damage control efforts by the crew halted further flooding.
There are currently 10 Sailors missing and five injured. Four of the injured were medically evacuated by a Singapore Armed Forces Puma helicopter to a hospital in Singapore for non-life threatening injuries. The fifth injured Sailor did not require further medical attention.
Search and rescue efforts continue in coordination with local authorities. Royal Malaysian Navy ships joined the search this afternoon, providing KD Handalan, KD Gempita, and KM Marudu and a Super Lynx helicopter.
Earlier in the day, Republic of Singapore Navy Fearless-class patrol ships RSS Gallant (97), RSS Resilience (82), and a Singaporean Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark (PH 55) rendered assistance. Gallant along with an SAF Super Puma helicopter and Police Coast Guard vessels Tiger Shark (PH 54) and Sandbar Shark (PH 56) continue to provide assistance.
U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopters and MV-22 Ospreys from USS America are also supporting search efforts at sea.
Alnic MC is a Liberian-flagged 600-foot oil and chemical tanker with a gross tonnage of 30,000.
The incident will be investigated to determine the facts and circumstances of the collision.
Access to March 2017(P) I-94 Arrivals Data Now Available
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration's National Travel and Tourism Office issued the following news release:
National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) March 2017 (P) I-94 arrivals data can be viewed at: http://travel.trade.gov/view/m-2017-I-001/index.asp. March 2017 (P) arrivals data are preliminary with these data subject to revisions.
NTTO's monthly visitation data will become available based on a rolling delivery schedule beginning with regional and top 20 country data released first.nMonthly arrivals data are scheduled to become available
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration's National Travel and Tourism Office issued the following news release:
National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) March 2017 (P) I-94 arrivals data can be viewed at: http://travel.trade.gov/view/m-2017-I-001/index.asp. March 2017 (P) arrivals data are preliminary with these data subject to revisions.
NTTO's monthly visitation data will become available based on a rolling delivery schedule beginning with regional and top 20 country data released first.nMonthly arrivals data are scheduled to become availableapproximately five months after the end of the reported month.
