States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Wash. State Health Dept.: State Revokes, Suspends Licenses, Certifications, Registrations of Health Care Providers
OLYMPIA, Washington, Dec. 18 -- The Washington State Department of Health issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2025:
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State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
The department's Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissions
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OLYMPIA, Washington, Dec. 18 -- The Washington State Department of Health issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2025:
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State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
The department's Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissionsand advisory committees to set licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (e.g., dentists, nurses, counselors). Information about disciplinary action taken against medical doctors and physician assistants can be found on the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) website. Questions about WMC disciplinary actions can be sent to media@wmc.wa.gov.
Information about health care providers is on the agency's website. Click on "Health Care Provider Lookup" under the "Find it Fast" section of the Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov). The site includes information about a health care provider's license status, the expiration and renewal date of their credential, disciplinary actions and copies of legal documents issued after July 1998. This information is also available by calling 360-236-4700. Consumers who think a health care provider acted unprofessionally are also encouraged to call and report their complaint.
Adams County
In November 2025 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended Lisa Ann Adams' (NC10076220) certified nursing assistant credential. In February 2025, the Department of Social and Health Services determined Adams financially exploited a vulnerable adult and placed her on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry effective March 2024. Placement on the registry prohibits Adams from working with or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults. She did not respond to the department's requests for information.
Chelan County
In November 2025 the Department of Health suspended Jose Antonio Vasquez's (NC60897228) certified nursing assistant credential for at least five years. In March 2025, the Department of Social and Health Services determined Vasquez financially exploited a vulnerable adult and placed him on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry effective January 2025. Placement on the registry prohibits Vasquez from working with or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults. He did not respond to the department's request for information.
Clallam County
In October 2025 the Department of Health affirmed that Amanda Renee Dorame's (CG61597956) agency affiliated counselor credential should be rescinded. Between August 2024 and July 2025, Dorame applied for the credential despite a recent felony narcotics conviction. The department had mistakenly issued her an unrestricted credential, then moved to correct the error, determining that granting an unrestricted credential posed public safety risks.
King County
In October 2025 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended Antonio Terrell Dailey's (CM60924382) certified medical assistant credential. In September 2023, Dailey committed sexual misconduct with a patient and was charged with second-degree rape, a class A felony, in January 2024. He did not respond to the department's requests for information.
In October 2025 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission indefinitely suspended Akira Trudie Jackson's (VB61360910) pharmacy assistant credential. In August 2025, Jackson failed to complete a mental examination required under a 2025 agreed order and did not respond to the Commission's request for information.
Pierce County
In November 2025 the Department of Health summarily suspended Amber Lei Martorana's (NA61508944) registered nursing assistant credential, pending further disciplinary action. In October 2025, the Department of Social and Health Services determined Martorana mentally abused a vulnerable adult and placed her on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry effective September 2025. Placement on the registry prohibits Martorana from working with or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults. She did not respond to the department's requests for information.
In November 2025 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended Michelle L. Gonzales' (MA00011078) massage therapist credential. Gonzales failed to comply with required continuing education requirements for the 2024 renewal period and did not respond to the department's request for information.
In November 2025 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended Kiara Joanne Respo's (NA61015574) registered nursing assistant credential. In October 2024, the Department of Social and Health Services determined Respo financially exploited a vulnerable adult and placed her on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry. Placement on the registry prohibits Respo from working with or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults. She did not respond to the department's request for information.
Snohomish County
In November 2025 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended Edna Rogales Abagatnan's (NA60261978) registered nursing assistant credential. In February 2025, the Department of Social and Health Services determined Abagatnan mentally abused a vulnerable adult and placed her on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry effective December 2024. Placement on the registry prohibits Abagatnan from working with or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults. She did respond to the department's requests for information.
In October 2025 the Department of Health revoked Ivan Kay Loughlen Jr.'s (HM61285637) home care aide credential. In October 2024, the Department of Social and Health Services placed Loughlen on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry, prohibiting him from working with vulnerable adults or children and from being certified as a home care aide.
Whatcom County
In November 2025 the Department of Health summarily suspended Nancy Ann Cope's (PC61087406) medical assistant-phlebotomist credential, pending further disciplinary action. In August 2025, the Department of Social and Health Services determined Cope financially exploited a vulnerable adult and placed her on its long-term care abuse and neglect registry effective July 2025. Placement on the registry prohibits Cope from working with or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Yakima County
In October 2025 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended Mercedes Ambrielle Boyakin's (NA61189931) registered nursing assistant credential. Boyakin failed to comply with the terms of a 2025 agreed order on reinstatement by not submitting required quarterly employment declarations.
Out of State
Oregon: In November 2025 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended James William Maahs' (MA60761782) massage therapist credential. Between November 2024 and June 2025, Maahs committed sexual misconduct with multiple clients and was terminated by both employers following the reported incidents. He did not respond to the department's request for information.
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Original text here: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/state-revokes-suspends-licenses-certifications-registrations-health-care-providers-12-17-2025
N.J. A.G. Platkin Announces Division on Civil Rights Adopts Landmark Rules on Disparate Impact Discrimination Under New Jersey Law
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 18 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2025:
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AG Platkin Announces Division on Civil Rights Adopts Landmark Rules on Disparate Impact Discrimination Under New Jersey Law
New Rules Are Nation's Most Comprehensive Disparate Impact Liability Regulations
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Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced today that DCR has adopted landmark new rules that codify the prohibition against disparate impact discrimination under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD),
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 18 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2025:
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AG Platkin Announces Division on Civil Rights Adopts Landmark Rules on Disparate Impact Discrimination Under New Jersey Law
New Rules Are Nation's Most Comprehensive Disparate Impact Liability Regulations
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Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced today that DCR has adopted landmark new rules that codify the prohibition against disparate impact discrimination under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD),the oldest and strongest state civil rights law in the country.
The rules announced today, which address disparate impact discrimination in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, financial lending, and contracting, are the most comprehensive state-level disparate impact regulations in the country. The rules cement critical state-law civil rights protections just as the Trump Administration has moved to reverse key protections against disparate impact discrimination at the federal level.
The rules make clear the legal standard for disparate impact liability under the LAD, as well as the burdens of proof in disparate impact discrimination claims. Disparate impact discrimination occurs when a seemingly neutral practice or policy of a covered entity unlawfully results in a disproportionately negative effect based on a protected characteristic, even where there is no intent to discriminate.
"The landmark rules we are adopting today further solidify our state's nation-leading civil rights protections. As the Trump Administration continues its unlawful attempts to dismantle disparate impact protections at the federal level, it's more important than ever that states take action to protect the civil rights of their residents - and that's exactly what we're doing," said Attorney General Platkin. "These landmark rules, which are the most comprehensive disparate impact rules in the country, make clear that the Law Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination in all of its forms, and they confirm New Jersey's commitment to upholding the LAD's protections and continuing our state's longstanding leadership on civil rights."
"The LAD safeguards against not only intentional acts of discrimination but also practices and policies that disproportionately affect members of protected groups," said Yolanda N. Melville, Director of the Division on Civil Rights. "The comprehensive rules announced today provides increased clarity on disparate impact liability and helps improve the way we enforce civil rights in New Jersey."
Disparate impact discrimination liability is a powerful tool to remedy practices and policies that harm members of historically marginalized communities. These rules will provide New Jerseyans with a better understanding of the LAD's protections and provide regulated entities - such as housing providers, employers, and places of public accommodation - with a better understanding of their legal obligations.
The rules adopted today confirm that New Jersey's civil rights laws continue to prohibit disparate impact discrimination - notwithstanding the Trump Administration's unprecedented attempts to dismantle disparate impact standards at the federal level. Not only are those federal attempts to roll back disparate impact liability standards inconsistent with existing federal law, but they cannot and do not change the standards applicable under state law--standards that today's landmark rules now codify in New Jersey.
The newly adopted rules codify existing case law and provide examples to clarify the types of practices and policies that could violate the LAD by having a disparate impact on members of a protected class. The LAD prohibits disparate impact discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, financial lending, and contracting.
The rules provide that disparate impact discrimination is prohibited unless a regulated entity can show that the practice or policy is necessary to achieve a substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest and there is no less discriminatory alternative that would achieve the same interest.
For example, a less discriminatory alternative to a housing provider's automatic denial of applicants with a credit score below 600 is a policy to individually assess each applicant's ability to pay their rent, including by assessing the facts and circumstances of the applicant's consumer credit history beyond the score alone, along with other information relevant to the applicant's ability to reliably pay their rent like a current steady job or income. The rules make clear that a practice or policy that harms a protected group may violate the LAD if there is a less discriminatory alternative practice or policy that would achieve the same interest.
The rules adopted today cover how disparate impact liability may apply to many examples of practices and policies in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, financial lending, and contracting, including employer policies and practices regarding the consideration of a person's criminal history in hiring; language restrictions, citizenship requirements not based on Federal or State law, and dress or appearance requirements in the workplace; housing provider policies and practices regarding the consideration of a person's consumer credit history or criminal history; housing provider minimum income requirements, financial standards, or income standards; practices and policies maintained by places of public accommodation regarding religious garb or other articles of faith; disciplinary policies or practices of educational institutions; contractor bid selection and recruitment practices and policies; law enforcement patrolling practices and policies; and disciplinary practices and policies of correctional facilities.
The rules adopted today also explains how disparate impact liability applies to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated decision-making tools in the employment context. The rules adopted today mark the latest action by DCR as part of its Civil Rights and Technology Initiative, which seeks to address the risks of discrimination stemming from the use of AI and other advanced technologies. The rules explain how employers' use of automated online application tools or facial analysis software in hiring employees may have a disparate impact based on protected characteristics under the LAD.
The adoption was published in the New Jersey Register on December 15, 2025. A copy can be found here, and a fact sheet on disparate impact discrimination claim analysis can be found here. The new rules can be found at N.J.A.C. 13:16. The adopted rules do not create additional liability under the LAD. Rather, the new rules clarify how DCR and the courts analyze disparate impact claims under the LAD.
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The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights enforces the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, and the Fair Chance in Housing Act, and works to prevent, eliminate, and remedy discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation throughout New Jersey.
To find out more information or to file a complaint, go to www.njcivilrights.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-platkin-announces-division-on-civil-rights-adopts-landmark-rules-on-disparate-impact-discrimination-under-new-jersey-law/
N.H. A.G. Formella: Consumer Instructions on Accessing $700 Million Google Settlement
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Dec. 18 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Consumer Instructions on Accessing $700 Million Google Settlement
Attorney General John M. Formella is directing consumers' attention to new information and instructions to receive funds from a $700 million settlement with Google secured by Attorney General Formella and a coalition of 52 other attorneys general. Preliminary approval has been granted, triggering the court's notice and approval process.
"Granite Staters deserve a fair and competitive digital marketplace," said
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Dec. 18 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Consumer Instructions on Accessing $700 Million Google Settlement
Attorney General John M. Formella is directing consumers' attention to new information and instructions to receive funds from a $700 million settlement with Google secured by Attorney General Formella and a coalition of 52 other attorneys general. Preliminary approval has been granted, triggering the court's notice and approval process.
"Granite Staters deserve a fair and competitive digital marketplace," saidAttorney General Formella. "This settlement both compensates consumers who were harmed and requires Google to stop the anticompetitive conduct that caused those harms. We want to ensure that New Hampshire residents know what to expect and how to receive the payments they are entitled to. The settlement website linked below is the best place for consumers to receive information."
If the settlement is approved by the court at a hearing on April 30, 2026, the majority of the settlement funds will be distributed to consumers who (i) made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and (ii) were harmed by Google's anticompetitive conduct. Google will also make changes to stop its anticompetitive practices that harmed consumers and app developers.
Beginning December 2, 2025, consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google's anticompetitive practices began receiving notices about the distribution process for the settlement funds. Most affected consumers do not need to take further action to receive a payment from the settlement fund. The settlement fund will make the majority of payments automatically, and no claim form is necessary in most cases.
Once the settlement has been approved by the court, consumers will receive an email from PayPal or a text from Venmo notifying them of their incoming payment at the email address or mobile phone number associated with their Google Play account. If that email address or phone number is also associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then the payment will be made directly to that account. If that email address or phone number does not match an email address or phone number associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then consumers have the option to create a new account or direct the payment to a PayPal or Venmo account at another email address or phone number.
There will be a supplemental claims process after the automatic payments process is complete for consumers who either:
* Do not have an existing PayPal or Venmo account and do not want to sign up for PayPal or Venmo;
* No longer have access to the email address or mobile phone number associated with their Google Play account; or
* Were expecting to receive a payment but did not.
If consumers would like to be notified by email when the supplemental claims process starts, they may submit their name, email address, and mobile phone number on the settlement website (http://www.googleplaystateagantitrustlitigation.com/).
Attorney General Formella encourages all affected consumers to keep track of important upcoming dates in the settlement approval process:
* Consumers who do not want to receive payment from the settlement fund and want to bring their own case against Google must submit a request to be excluded online or in writing by February 19, 2026.
* Consumers who want to object to the settlement can file a written objection by February 19, 2026.
* The court will hold a hearing on April 30, 2026, to consider whether to approve the settlement.
The New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau investigates unfair, deceptive or unreasonable practices involving New Hampshire consumers. To file a complaint with the New Hampshire Department of Justice, call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454 or file a complaint online at https://www.doj.nh.gov/consumer/complaints.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/consumer-instructions-accessing-700-million-google-settlement
Md. Housing Dept.: State of Maryland Announces $34 Million in Awards to Community Development Projects in Metro Region
LANHAM, Maryland, Dec. 18 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2025:
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State of Maryland Announces $34 Million in Awards to Community Development Projects in Metro Region
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today announced that counties in the Metro region have received a combined $34.1 million through the state's State Revitalization Programs for 59 projects and activities that promote community development and economic growth.
"In order to build a Maryland that is more resilient, more affordable,
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LANHAM, Maryland, Dec. 18 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2025:
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State of Maryland Announces $34 Million in Awards to Community Development Projects in Metro Region
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today announced that counties in the Metro region have received a combined $34.1 million through the state's State Revitalization Programs for 59 projects and activities that promote community development and economic growth.
"In order to build a Maryland that is more resilient, more affordable,and more competitive, we have to start at the local level," said Gov. Moore. "Across Maryland, these investments will fuel local visions, strengthen small businesses, expand housing options, and lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity. This is how we grow an economy that lifts everyone, and this is how we win the decade."
The state's six State Revitalization Programs support revitalization and redevelopment projects and activities including: business expansion and retention; facade and streetscape improvements; homeownership and home rehabilitation incentives; commercial improvement programs; community facilities; mixed-use development, and demolition activities.
Projects in Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George's counties were awarded. Some of these projects include:
* Rehabilitation of a historic building to host a small-scale food hall in downtown Frederick (Frederick County);
* Renovation of 173-unit property located in a transit oriented area in Wheaton that will modernize units, improve site conditions and increase the number of affordable units (Montgomery County);
* Providing competitive down payment assistance funding in order to strengthen community neighborhoods, reduce commutes, and continue to improve the economy (College Park, Prince George's County).
"When we invest in the character, vitality, and potential of our communities, we unlock new opportunities for the people who live and work there. We know that when we invest in great places, Great Places Win," said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. "These projects will strengthen local economies and support thriving, lovable communities. We're proud to stand with our partners across the state as we build great places in partnership."
The Fiscal Year 2026 State Revitalization Program awards include 226 projects, awarded a total $69.5 million. Projects in 23 of Maryland's jurisdictions received awards through one or more of the programs. For a full list of awards, visit FY26 State Revitalization Program Awards.
For more information about the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and each of the State Revitalization Programs, visit our website (https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Communities/Pages/StateRevitalizationPrograms/default.aspx).
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dhcd/2025/12/17/state-of-maryland-announces-34-million-in-awards-to-community-development-projects-in-metro-region/
Md. A.G. Brown Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration's Unlawful Attempt to Stop Funding for EV Charging Infrastructure
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Dec. 18 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration's Unlawful Attempt to Stop Funding for EV Charging Infrastructure
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 17 states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for unlawfully suspending two bipartisan grant programs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure that would reduce pollution, expand access to clean vehicles, and create thousands of green jobs. Without any explanation or notice,
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Dec. 18 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration's Unlawful Attempt to Stop Funding for EV Charging Infrastructure
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 17 states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for unlawfully suspending two bipartisan grant programs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure that would reduce pollution, expand access to clean vehicles, and create thousands of green jobs. Without any explanation or notice,the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has quietly refused to approve any new funding under two electric vehicle charging infrastructure programs created in the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA): Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program (CFI) and the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator (Accelerator) Program (together, the EV Charging Infrastructure Programs). In the lawsuit, Attorney General Brown and the coalition allege that these unexplained and secretive actions violate the constitutional separation of powers and the Administrative Procedure Act.
"The Trump administration has unlawfully frozen millions of dollars to build charging stations in communities and along travel corridors throughout Maryland. These projects provide an important source of employment and improve our air quality," said Attorney General Brown. "We're suing to unlock this funding and protect Maryland's clean energy future."
In 2022, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, the CFI and Accelerator programs are five-year programs created by IIJA for building or repairing EV chargers. USDOT and the Federal Highway Administration have refused all new obligations of funds under both programs since the spring of 2025.
Maryland stands to lose more than $56 million in federal funding that would install 91 new electric vehicle charging stations across the state, repair 44 broken charging ports, and build truck charging depots along the I-81 and I-78 freight corridors. The Maryland Clean Energy Center secured $15 million to install 58 community charging stations statewide, but despite meeting all federal requirements in June 2025, the funding remains frozen--resulting in lost site approvals, expired permits, and mounting costs. An additional $33.5 million award for 33 corridor chargers along Maryland highways is similarly stalled. The Maryland Department of Transportation's $4.4 million to fix broken chargers and $3.4 million share of a regional electric truck charging project are also blocked. These projects would expand charging access for Maryland drivers, reduce air pollution in our communities, create clean energy jobs, and support the transition to cleaner vehicles--but all remain frozen under "administrative review" with no timeline for resolution.
The complaint alleges that the Trump administration's refusal to spend the funds that Congress appropriated for EV infrastructure is unlawful because it violates the separation of powers and the Administrative Procedure Act. The programs were created by statute, and federal agencies have a duty to faithfully execute those statutes. The complaint asks the court to declare that the defendants' actions are unlawful and to permanently stop the Trump administration from withholding these funds.
In filing this lawsuit, Attorney General Brown is joined by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Arizona, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, Washington, and Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Files-Lawsuit-Against-Trump-Administration%e2%80%99s-Unlawful-Attempt-to-Stop-Funding-for-EV-Charging-Infras.aspx
Creating Jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania: Gov. Shapiro Secures $13.2 Million Investment From Calgon Carbon Corporation to Expand Its Manufacturing Operations in Allegheny County
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 18 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2025:
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Creating Jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania: Governor Shapiro Secures $13.2 Million Investment from Calgon Carbon Corporation to Expand its Manufacturing Operations in Allegheny County
The Commonwealth is investing an additional $300,000 in grant funding to support the growth of Pittsburgh-based Calgon Carbon Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of activated carbon products, helping create 23 new, high-paying jobs and retain 405 existing positions in Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania,
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 18 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2025:
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Creating Jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania: Governor Shapiro Secures $13.2 Million Investment from Calgon Carbon Corporation to Expand its Manufacturing Operations in Allegheny County
The Commonwealth is investing an additional $300,000 in grant funding to support the growth of Pittsburgh-based Calgon Carbon Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of activated carbon products, helping create 23 new, high-paying jobs and retain 405 existing positions in Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania,which competed aggressively against several states for this expansion project, is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have competed for and won over $32.5 billion in private sector investments that are creating more than 18,000 new jobs and driving economic growth across the Commonwealth.
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Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Commonwealth has secured a $13.2 million investment from Calgon Carbon Corporation - the world's largest manufacturer of activated carbon filtration products used for air and water treatment, among 700 other applications -- to expand operations at two of its facilities in Pittsburgh. The Commonwealth is investing $300,000 in the project, which will create 23 new, high-paying jobs over the next four years and retain 405 existing positions.
The company, headquartered at 300 GSK Drive in Moon Township, will construct an 11,000-square-foot expansion of its activated carbon recycling plant and warehouse at 200 Neville Road Unit 1 in Neville Township. The company will also construct an additional 35,000-square foot expansion to its equipment fabrication operation at its second Neville Township facility, located at 4301 Grand Avenue.
Pennsylvania competed against several other states to win both of these expansion projects, including Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas.
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"Under my Administration, Pennsylvania is competing aggressively -- and winning -- against other states on both the national and global stage," said Governor Shapiro. "This announcement underscores why Pennsylvania is now one of the top economies in the Northeast and the only state in the region with a growing economy. Our strategic focus on strengthening Pennsylvania's business environment is helping us secure major investments. With an exceptionally skilled workforce, a strategic location, and countless advantages for companies looking to grow and thrive, we'll continue making bold, strategic investments that strengthen our economy and deliver real opportunity for Pennsylvanians."
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Calgon Carbon Corporation received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $300,000 Pennsylvania First grant.
"We're proud to support a long-standing Pennsylvania business like Calgon Carbon Corporation, a strong manufacturing company that has had a presence in western Pennsylvania for over 80 years," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. "This expansion will allow Calgon Carbon to increase its production and recycling capabilities in Pittsburgh, while also creating more high-paying manufacturing jobs in the region. We're laser focused on making strategic investments that strengthen businesses and continue to make Pennsylvania an economic development leader."
During a prior economic development trip to Japan to promote international business investments and trade in Pennsylvania, Secretary Siger visited Calgon Carbon Corporation's parent company to advocate for this expansion project to occur in the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is aggressively promoting the Commonwealth's rich culture and strong economic momentum to international business leaders, economic development professionals, trade experts, and other key stakeholders to encourage businesses from around the world to grow and expand in Pennsylvania.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Calgon Carbon Corporation is the world's largest manufacturer of activated carbon products. The company provides innovative activated carbon solutions for over 700 applications including drinking water, wastewater, pollution abatement, PFAS treatment, and industrial processes. Calgon Carbon employs approximately 1,740 people and operates manufacturing, reactivation, and innovation facilities across the United States, Asia, and Europe.
The Neville Township recycle facility is the only operation that currently provides the material used by the U.S. Department of Defense and Allied Nations for making military gas masks and collective protection filters to protect soldiers against chemical, biological, and radiological warfare agents. The Neville Township plant handles final processing of the military grade material, which is released to gas mask manufacturers and collective protection manufacturers.
"Pennsylvania has been Calgon Carbon's home for decades, and this investment reinforces our long-term commitment to growing in the Pittsburgh region," said Steve Schott, President and CEO, Calgon Carbon Corporation. "By expanding our Neville Township operations, we are strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity and supply reliability for customers who depend on activated carbon and reactivation services to support essential applications across the country. We appreciate Governor Shapiro and DCED's partnership as we create new high-quality jobs and build for long-term resilience."
This project was coordinated by Governor Shapiro's BusinessPA team, an experienced group of economic development professionals dedicated to helping businesses succeed in Pennsylvania through tailored guidance, strategic partnerships, and financial resources. Whether based in the Commonwealth, another state, or across the globe, the team moves at the speed of business to set up companies for long-term growth and success here in Pennsylvania.
All across Pennsylvania, manufacturers are expanding and creating jobs -- from DrinkPAK in Philadelphia, Farm Plast in Lycoming County, US Durum in Dauphin County, First Quality in Mifflin County, Eos in Allegheny County, Nichols Portland in Elk County, Imperial Systems in Mercer County, Qualex in Venango County, and Tate in York County.
Pennsylvania's Business Climate and Growing Economy is Getting National Recognition
* Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy, according to a report from Axios based on analysis done by Moody's Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi. This latest recognition builds on growing evidence that Pennsylvania's economy is strong, competitive, and on the rise.
* Recently, Area Development ranked Pennsylvania among the top 20 "Best States for Business" -- the only Northeastern state to make the list -- and placed the Commonwealth in the top 10 for "Site Readiness Programs."
* Site Selection Magazine has named Pennsylvania one of the top business climates in the nation. The Commonwealth is 11th in the 2025 Business Climate Rankings, up seven spots from last year.
Unleashing Pennsylvania's Economic Potential, Streamlining Permitting to Drive Economic Growth, and Supporting Pennsylvania's Small Businesses
* Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made Pennsylvania more competitive -- cutting red tape, streamlining permitting and licensing, and attracting over $32.5 billion in private-sector investment that has created more than 18,000 good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth. That includes the largest private-sector investment in Pennsylvania history -- Amazon's initial $20 billion investment to build new AI and cloud computing campuses, creating thousands of high-tech and construction jobs.
* Governor Shapiro has made economic competitiveness and government efficiency top priorities, launching Pennsylvania's first comprehensive economic development strategy in nearly two decades, cutting permit backlogs -- including eliminating the Department of Environmental Protection's backlog of 2,400 permits -- and investing $550 million to prepare more sites for business expansion, strengthen main streets, and support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
* The Governor's 2025-26 budget continues to make historic progress on permitting reform, funds key staff at agencies responsible for processing permits, licenses, and certifications, and invests in Pennsylvania's main streets.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, and discover how the Administration is creating economic opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/gov-shapiro-secures--13-2m-investment-from-calgon-carbon-corp--
Calif. Gov. Shapiro's Legal Action Again Averts Historic Price Spike Across 13 States, Saving Consumers Billions More and Underscoring Urgent Need for PJM Reform
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 18 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2025:
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Governor Shapiro's Legal Action Again Averts Historic Price Spike Across 13 States, Saving Consumers Billions More and Underscoring Urgent Need for PJM Reform
Governor Shapiro took action to protect consumers from rising electricity prices -- and the settlement with PJM saved another $9.9 billion in the latest auction, underscoring the critical need to reform PJM before the next uncapped auction in June 2026.
In July, Governor Shapiro's settlement saved consumers
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 18 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Dec. 17, 2025:
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Governor Shapiro's Legal Action Again Averts Historic Price Spike Across 13 States, Saving Consumers Billions More and Underscoring Urgent Need for PJM Reform
Governor Shapiro took action to protect consumers from rising electricity prices -- and the settlement with PJM saved another $9.9 billion in the latest auction, underscoring the critical need to reform PJM before the next uncapped auction in June 2026.
In July, Governor Shapiro's settlement saved consumersup to $8.3 billion in avoided costs, preventing runaway electricity prices that would have driven up utility bills.
Governor Shapiro is calling on PJM to implement immediate, commonsense reforms to address its affordability and reliability crisis, while continuing to work with the Pennsylvania General Assembly to advance his energy plan and lower consumer costs.
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Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his settlement with PJM Interconnection -- which saved consumers up to $8.3 billion in July -- has once again averted an unprecedented and unwarranted spike in energy prices for 67 million people across 13 states, including Pennsylvanians. As a result of Governor Shapiro's legal action, consumers saved $9.9 billion in today's auction and a total of $18.2 billion in the next two years.
The settlement reached in January required PJM to cap the price of securing electricity resources at $333 per Megawatt-Day. Without that cap, Pennsylvania consumers -- and consumers across the region -- would have been exposed to prices exceeding $529 per Megawatt-Day, driving electricity bills sharply higher. As a result of Governor Shapiro's action, consumers will save an average of 5 to 7 percent on their electricity bills, or approximately $126 per household in the 2027-28 delivery year -- representing billions of dollars in avoided costs across the region.
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"I sued PJM because it is unacceptable for them to do nothing as consumers pay sky-high utility bills while getting nothing in return," said Governor Shapiro. "My Administration has once again stopped billions of dollars in unnecessary and unjustified energy price hikes from being passed on to families and businesses. PJM needs real reform and they are running out of time to protect consumers from their inaction. My Administration will continue to build more energy generation right here in the Commonwealth and push PJM to fix its broken process so we can lower costs, strengthen reliability, and keep more money in the pockets of Pennsylvanians."
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These savings are the result of settling a complaint Governor Shapiro filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in December 2024, warning that PJM's deeply flawed capacity auction design would lead to historic and unjustified price increases. PJM operates the electric grid and capacity market for the mid-Atlantic region, including Pennsylvania.
PJM's capacity market pays power generators to commit to providing electricity in the future. In recent years, electricity demand has surged -- driven by economic growth, data centers, and electrification -- while PJM has failed to bring new energy resources online fast enough. As a result, capacity prices have skyrocketed. PJM's 2025-26 auction, held in July 2024, resulted in costs of $14.7 billion, an increase of more than 800 percent from the prior year. The subsequent auction, held in July 2025, drove costs even higher -- reaching $16.1 billion.
Governor Shapiro pushed PJM to reduce its price cap, and a broad coalition rallied behind his efforts -- including four governors, consumer and energy advocates, and the Organization of PJM States (OPSI).
Today's auction results further underscore the urgent need for decisive reform at PJM. Despite nearly every available megawatt of energy clearing the auction, PJM still fell short of its reliability requirement by more than 6.6 gigawatts, signaling a critical failure of the capacity market to deliver adequate, affordable power. Without the Governor's settlement, consumers would have paid far higher prices but received essentially the same inadequate reliability outcome as a result of PJM's broken processes. These outcomes highlight PJM's inability to connect and build new energy resources fast enough -- leaving consumers exposed to unacceptable reliability risks and higher costs.
To address this crisis, Governor Shapiro has led a bipartisan effort with the Governors of Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey to advance commonsense solutions at PJM, including:
* Improving PJM's load forecasting so consumers are not forced to pay for unnecessary resources
* Creating flexibility by allowing large energy users, such as data centers, to curtail demand during periods of peak grid stress
* Speeding up PJM's stalled interconnection queue and creating expedited pathways to bring new generation online
* Accelerating siting and permitting and incentivizing new energy generation -- including through initiatives like Governor Shapiro's Lightning Plan and recommendations from more than a dozen bipartisan governors led by Governor Shapiro and Oklahoma Governor Stitt
* Extending Governor Shapiro's price collar for an additional year to protect consumers and buy time to add new supply
Governor Shapiro continues to press PJM to deliver real, workable reforms ahead of the June 2026 auction that support economic growth, expand energy supply, and ensure affordable and reliable electricity for consumers -- including through the PJM Governors' Collaborative.
In addition to fighting for PJM reform, the Shapiro Administration is also working with its legislative partners in the General Assembly to pass the Governor's Lightning Plan. Supported by a broad coalition of labor and industry leaders, environmental advocates, and consumer groups, the Governor's commonsense energy plan will create jobs, lower costs for consumers, speed up permitting, and protect Pennsylvania from global instability by building more energy generation in Pennsylvania -- positioning the Commonwealth to continue to be a national energy leader for decades to come.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/gov-shapiro-s-legal-action-again-averts-historic-price-spike-acr