States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Wyo. Gov. Gordon Signs First Bills of the 2026 Budget Session
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Feb. 28 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Signs First Bills of the 2026 Budget Session
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) signed his first bill of the 2026 Budget Session into law today, signifying his strong support of life by signing HEA0001 HB0004, Birthing centers - Medicaid coverage into law.
Amidst growing maternity deserts across rural Wyoming, this bill allows critically needed birthing centers to serve more pregnant mothers. By allowing medicaid coverage at these centers, Wyoming has provided another
... Show Full Article
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Feb. 28 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Signs First Bills of the 2026 Budget Session
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) signed his first bill of the 2026 Budget Session into law today, signifying his strong support of life by signing HEA0001 HB0004, Birthing centers - Medicaid coverage into law.
Amidst growing maternity deserts across rural Wyoming, this bill allows critically needed birthing centers to serve more pregnant mothers. By allowing medicaid coverage at these centers, Wyoming has provided anotherfinancial tool to keep these centers open and mothers have another option for their maternity care.
"I am pleased to sign my first bill today. HEA0001 helps our expectant mothers. And supporting life does not end with words, it requires action," Governor Gordon said. "There are rural areas in Wyoming where accessing maternity care is a real challenge. This bill allows Medicaid coverage at birthing centers and is a common-sense step that strengthens access for mothers across our state. Healthy beginnings matter. When we invest in mothers and babies, we invest in Wyoming's future."
The Governor also signed the following enrolled acts into law.
HEA0002 HB0005 Oil and gas bonding pool-investment and earnings
HEA0003 HB0034 Firefighters-retirement plans
HEA0004 HB0035 Firefighters - paid leave and hazard pay
SEA0002 SF0018 Attendance of students in K-12 schools
SEA0003 SF0031 Uniform mortgage modification act.
SEA0004 SF0047 Increase of Hathaway scholarship awards.
SEA0005 SF0030 Elections-voter registration revisions.
SEA0006 SF0024 Lottery tickets-acceptance of debit card payments.
SEA0007 SF0011 Burials of indigent veterans-amendments.
SEA0008 SF0008 Absconding for criminal purposes-criminal offense.
SEA0009 SF0007 Theft amendments.
SEA0010 SF0005 Hospital bankruptcy proceedings.
SEA0012 SF0006 Eligibility for Medicaid-criteria.
SEA0013 SF0009 Fentanyl to minors-enhanced penalty.
SEA0014 SF0017 Good neighbor authority-amendments.
SEA0015 SF0032 911 funding.
SEA0016 SF0052 2026 large project funding.
SEA0017 SF0068 Water districts-funds for maintenance projects.
SEA0018 SF0079 Sales and use tax reorganization.
SEA0019 SF0080 Department of revenue-electronic communication.
SEJR0001 SJ0001 State management-federal mineral leases.
The full text of all bills from the 2026 session may be found on the Wyoming Legislature's website (https://wyoleg.gov/Session/2026/SessionLanding).
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-signs-first-bills-of-the-2026-budget-session
Ohio Auditor Faber Announces Qualifiers for Auditor of State Awards With Distinction
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 28 -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Auditor Faber Announces Qualifiers for Auditor of State Awards with Distinction
Recent financial audits of the following entities by Auditor of State Keith Faber have returned clean audit reports. Their record keeping has qualified them for the Auditor of State Award with Distinction:
* City of Bedford (Cuyahoga County)
* North Royalton City School District (Cuyahoga County)
* Delaware City School District (Delaware County)
* New Albany-Plain Local School District (Franklin
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 28 -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Auditor Faber Announces Qualifiers for Auditor of State Awards with Distinction
Recent financial audits of the following entities by Auditor of State Keith Faber have returned clean audit reports. Their record keeping has qualified them for the Auditor of State Award with Distinction:
* City of Bedford (Cuyahoga County)
* North Royalton City School District (Cuyahoga County)
* Delaware City School District (Delaware County)
* New Albany-Plain Local School District (FranklinCounty)
* South-Western City School District (Franklin County)
* Three Rivers Local School District (Hamilton County)
* Mentor Exempted Village School District (Lake County)
* City of Newark (Licking County)
* Avon Lake City School District (Lorain County)
* Highland Local School District (Medina County)
* Mason City School District (Warren County)
"By keeping accurate financial records, governing bodies demonstrate their commitment to efficient, effective, and transparent service," Auditor Faber said. "This award honors public entities that have put in the hard work to keep their finances in order."
The Auditor's Office presents the Auditor of State Award with Distinction to local governments and school districts upon the completion of a financial audit. Entities that receive the award meet the following criteria of a "clean" audit report:
* The entity must file financial reports with the Auditor of State's office by the statutory due date, without extension, via the Hinkle System, on a GAAP accounting basis and prepare a CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report);
* The audit report does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Uniform Guidance (Single Audit) findings or questioned costs;
* The entity's management letter contains no comments related to:
- Ethics referrals
- Questioned costs less than the threshold per the Uniform Guidance
- Lack of timely report submission
- Bank reconciliation issues
- Failure to obtain a timely Single Audit in accordance with Uniform Guidance
- Findings for recovery less than $500
- Public meetings or public records issues
* The entity has no other financial or other concerns
The full reports are available online at ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx.
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The Auditor of State's office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.
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Original text here: http://ohioauditor.gov/news/pressreleases/Details/7802
N.Y. Design & Construction Dept.: Mayor Mamdani Announces Completion of Weeksville Restoration, Preserving One of the Nation's Oldest Free Black Communities
LONG ISLAND CITY, New York, Feb. 28 -- The New York State Department of Design and Construction issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Mayor Mamdani Announces Completion of Weeksville Restoration, Preserving One of the Nation's Oldest Free Black Communities
BROOKLYN, NY -- Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced today the completion of a $4 million restoration of the historic Hunterfly Road Houses at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn.
Construction
... Show Full Article
LONG ISLAND CITY, New York, Feb. 28 -- The New York State Department of Design and Construction issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Mayor Mamdani Announces Completion of Weeksville Restoration, Preserving One of the Nation's Oldest Free Black Communities
BROOKLYN, NY -- Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced today the completion of a $4 million restoration of the historic Hunterfly Road Houses at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn.
Constructionbegan in fall 2024 and wrapped in February 2026 - two months ahead of schedule - preserving four wood-frame homes built in the 19th century that stand as the last remaining structures of one of the nation's largest free Black communities before the Civil War.
"Weeksville tells the story of Black New Yorkers who built freedom for themselves in a country that tried to deny them it," said Mayor Mamdani. "It was a sanctuary that offered safety, dignity, and opportunity in the face of economic injustice and systemic racism. It was nearly erased by urban renewal. By restoring the Hunterfly Road Houses, we are preserving not just historic buildings but a living legacy of resilience and self-determination."
"Weeksville is a treasured part of our city's cultural community, an organization that both preserves an important part of our city's Black story and keeps it alive, relevant, and vital for future generations," said DCLA Deputy Commissioner Alton Murray. "Together with our partners at DDC, DCLA is proud of our support for this important project to restore the historic Hunterfly Road Houses so they can continue to anchor Weeksville's extraordinary mission and tell a key part of our city's Black history."
"This project was designed and completed with the greatest respect for the legacy of this community and this important part of the City's African American history," said Department of Design and Construction Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle. "We are proud to have finished the restoration two months ahead of schedule, and to be able to celebrate the completion of this project for the center, the largest African American cultural institution in Brooklyn, during Black History Month."
"The restoration of the Hunterfly Road Houses is a major milestone for Weeksville and for Brooklyn's cultural landscape," said Dr. Raymond Codrington, President and CEO of Weeksville Heritage Center. "We are deeply grateful to our partners at the City of New York, including the Mayor's Office, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Brooklyn Borough President's Office, the New York City Council, and the Department of Design and Construction, for making this work possible and helping ensure these historic homes are preserved for generations to come."
"I am proud to celebrate the restoration of the Hunterfly Road Houses at the Weeksville Heritage Center. Weeksville stands as a testament to Black self-determination, resilience, and cultural excellence in the face of systemic exclusion," said NYC Chief Equity Officer and NYC Mayor's Office of Equity & Racial Justice Commissioner Afua Atta-Mensah. "We must ensure that preservation and growth move forward together, strengthening rather than displacing the communities that shaped our city. This restoration safeguards more than historic structures; it preserves a legacy of freedom, community-building, and possibility that continues to shape and inspire New York City's future."
"The Hunterfly Road Houses in Weeksville are a cornerstone of Brooklyn's African American history," said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. "This restoration ensures that Weeksville Heritage Center can continue educating and empowering Brooklynites while preserving the legacy of one of the largest free Black communities. Thank you to DCLA and DDC for working to safeguard this vital part of our borough's history."
"The completion of the 18-month project to renovate the historic Hunterfly Road Houses - the cornerstone of the Weeksville Heritage Center site - is worthy of celebration," said Assemblymember Latrice Walker. "Kudos to everyone involved in this monumental effort, including the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the NYC Department of Design and Construction for their leadership. Thank you to the City of New York for funding the renovation to the tune of $4 million. I have been a big supporter of President and CEO Dr. Raymond Codrington who has been at the helm since 2021. My office directed $2 million in capital funds to help them continue their vital work. And Gov. Kathy Hochul announced earlier this month a $1 million investment for the Weeksville Heritage Center. The city and state are on one accord, committed not only to preserve the history of the Weeksville Heritage Center, but to also make it a destination for contemporary Black art and culture."
The Hunterfly Road Houses are the only African American historic site in the Northeast located on its original site. The community of Weeksville, in present-day Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant, was founded in 1848 by James Weeks, a formerly enslaved man from Virginia who purchased the land with a group of free Black men. By the 1850s, Weeksville had grown to more than 500 residents, becoming a haven for Black New Yorkers seeking opportunity and safety. It also served as a refuge during periods of racist violence, including the 1863 Draft Riots in Manhattan.
Today, Weeksville Heritage Center educates the public about this history while serving as a vibrant space hosting yoga classes, arts and crafts, film screenings, exhibitions and intergenerational events that carry forward the spirit of self-determination that defined the original settlement.
As Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant face ongoing development and displacement pressures, the preservation of the Hunterfly Road Houses stands as a bastion of community memory - where everyday artifacts like spoons and hand-altered dolls, once mundane objects, now serve as sacred reminders of resilience, refuge, and the enduring power of Black self-creation.
The project restored the exterior of the houses, including the facades, siding, windows, doors and front-entry porches. The project also installed a climate-controlled storage room in the cellar of one of the homes to help preserve historical items. Upgrades also include new plumbing, exterior lighting, an upgraded fire alarm system equipped with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and a new CCTV monitoring system. Funding for the project was provided by the NYC Mayor's Office, the Brooklyn Borough President, and the New York City Council.
In 1968, local preservationists rediscovered the surviving houses, which had nearly been lost to urban renewal and development, and fought to preserve them for future generations. The Hunterfly Road Houses were designated a New York City Landmark in 1970 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
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Original text here: https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/02/mayor-mamdani-announces-completion-of-weeksville-restoration--pr
N.Y. Comptroller DiNapoli Report Examines Post-COVID Trends in New York's Aging Prison Population
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 28 (TNSbrep) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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DiNapoli Report Examines Post-COVID Trends in New York's Aging Prison Population
The long-term decline in the number of individuals in state prisons has led to a demographic shift towards an older incarcerated population, and necessitates increased attention to policies and costs associated with this population, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today that examines post-COVID trends in the state's aging prison population.
"The
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ALBANY, New York, Feb. 28 (TNSbrep) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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DiNapoli Report Examines Post-COVID Trends in New York's Aging Prison Population
The long-term decline in the number of individuals in state prisons has led to a demographic shift towards an older incarcerated population, and necessitates increased attention to policies and costs associated with this population, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today that examines post-COVID trends in the state's aging prison population.
"Theshare of older people in New York's prisons has grown over time," DiNapoli said. "We need careful evaluation of policies related to sentencing, parole, compassionate release, geriatric and health costs, and reentry support for this older population to determine an approach that ensures public safety and protects taxpayers, while reducing incarceration where warranted."
DiNapoli's 2022 report on the prison population revealed that demographic changes in the state's prison population over the last two decades led to an increasing share of older incarcerated individuals (aged 50 and over). The decline in the overall prison population accelerated with a drop of 26% (10,861 individuals) between March 2020 and March 2021, which included a decrease of 1,603 individuals aged 50 or over (17%). The share of older incarcerated individuals peaked at 24.3% in 2021.
Since 2008, the average age of New York's incarcerated population has risen by four years (40.2 years). One contributing factor is that a greater number of older incarcerated individuals are meeting their conditional release date in prison instead of being granted parole.
Pre- and Post-COVID Shifts in Age Groups
In 2022, there was another slight decline in the state's prison population, but the three most recent data years (2023-2025) show a rise of 1,957 individuals in state prisons. The older prison population has remained relatively steady since 2022.
As the overall prison population declined, the percentage of incarcerated individuals who are 50 and older increased. In 2019, this older population made up 21% of those incarcerated in New York, up from 12% in 2008. Between 2022 and 2025, as the size of the overall prison population increased, the share of older incarcerated individuals dropped from its 2021 peak to 22.3%. This is still 1.3 percentage points higher than it was in 2019.
Since at least 2008, incarcerated individuals under the age of 50 account for more than 75% of the state's prison population and more than 90% of its overall decline.
The number of incarcerated people between the ages of 50 to 59 grew by 10% between 2008 and 2020, but declined 32% between 2020 to 2025. In contrast, those ages 60 to 69 years old and 70 years old and over have grown in number and as a share of the total population. Together, they were nearly 9% of the overall prison population in 2025.
Prison Release and Recidivism for Older Incarcerated People
As the prison population has declined, so has the overall number of releases per year. In 2024, older incarcerated individuals were released from prison at a lower rate (23.1%) than the total population (28.5%).
Between 2019 and 2024, the share of conditional releases grew by 14 percentage points for the older incarcerated population to 48.6% of all releases. The share of releases for those aged 50 and over based on a discretionary Board of Parole decision has declined from 57.2% in 2019 to 48.9% in 2024.
When older individuals are released into the community, data published by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) show they present lower rates of recidivism. For releases that occurred between 2008 and 2021, the rate of recidivism within three years for a new felony offense is 3.3% for those ages 60 to 69 and 1.7% for those age 70 and over.
Costs for Older Incarcerated Individuals
As healthcare costs have risen and New York's incarcerated population has shrunk, the per person cost of health services spent by DOCCS has risen from $5,850 per person in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2013 to $13,923 in SFY 2025, a 138% increase. More granular data that would allow for analysis of health care expenses for the older incarcerated population is not publicly available. As of SFY 2025, overall DOCCS' healthcare spending has risen to $450.6 million, $53.9 million higher than the previous peak in SFY 2017.
Recent Policy Changes
Since 2017, New York has enacted and implemented a series of criminal justice changes, such as Raise the Age, limits on pre-trial detention, limits on parole revocations, and the legalization of cannabis. These changes may not have had as much of an impact on older incarcerated individuals as they did on younger individuals.
Medical Parole and Compassionate Release are also available for people in prison who have serious medical conditions and pose no reasonable danger to society. DOCCS' most recent annual report on Medical Parole indicated that, of the 138 medical parole applications submitted to the Board of Parole from 2018 to 2022, 84% (116) were for individuals aged 50 or older. Compassionate Release provides the board discretion to release an incarcerated individual who has already served the minimum period of their indeterminate sentence, has previously appeared before the board and been denied, and later is medically certified as so debilitated (terminal or significantly incapacitated) that they pose no reasonable danger to society.
Other initiatives have been introduced in the state legislature that would allow some people aged 55 or older to be considered for parole, would expand merit time for earlier release of incarcerated individuals, or would provide a second look at long sentences.
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Report
Post-COVID Trends in New York's Aging Prison Population (https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/reports/pdf/post-covid-trends-in-new-yorks-aging-prison-population.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2026/02/dinapoli-report-examines-post-covid-trends-new-yorks-aging-prison-population
N.J. Gov. Sherrill Opposes Roxbury ICE Facility, Vows to Use Every Tool to Protect Residents in Letter to DHS Secretary Noem
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 28 -- Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Governor Sherrill Opposes Roxbury ICE Facility, Vows to Use Every Tool to Protect Residents in Letter to DHS Secretary Noem
Governor Mikie Sherrill today expressed her opposition to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem regarding DHS's plan to convert a 470,000 square foot industrial warehouse in Roxbury into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility.
She cited DHS's lack of transparency and disregard for community concerns--including
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 28 -- Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Governor Sherrill Opposes Roxbury ICE Facility, Vows to Use Every Tool to Protect Residents in Letter to DHS Secretary Noem
Governor Mikie Sherrill today expressed her opposition to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem regarding DHS's plan to convert a 470,000 square foot industrial warehouse in Roxbury into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility.
She cited DHS's lack of transparency and disregard for community concerns--includingunanimous opposition from the Roxbury Township Council--over the facility's projected strain on local infrastructure, the environment, and the economy. She also raised concerns about public safety and conditions at the proposed facility, noting the unacceptable and inhumane treatment of detainees at other ICE detention centers.
Governor Sherrill pledged that New Jersey would explore all options to safeguard the community's interests and safety, and will use every tool at the state's disposal should DHS fail to comply with applicable laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The full text of the letter [https://www.nj.gov/governor/library/docs/CLEAN_Noem-Ltr.pdf]
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Original text here: https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/2026/approved/20260227a.shtml
Mich. Education Dept.: More Than Two Dozen School Districts Get Clean Bus Energy Grants
LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 28 -- The Michigan Department of Education issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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More Than Two Dozen School Districts Get Clean Bus Energy Grants
Final $44M of $125M Awarded to Promote Healthier Air Quality by Converting Diesel Vehicles
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Students will benefit as 27 Michigan school districts have been awarded nearly $44 million from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Clean Bus Energy Grant program. The program's final round is part of an effort designed to replace older, diesel school buses with cleaner ones.
Funded through Section 74b
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LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 28 -- The Michigan Department of Education issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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More Than Two Dozen School Districts Get Clean Bus Energy Grants
Final $44M of $125M Awarded to Promote Healthier Air Quality by Converting Diesel Vehicles
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Students will benefit as 27 Michigan school districts have been awarded nearly $44 million from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Clean Bus Energy Grant program. The program's final round is part of an effort designed to replace older, diesel school buses with cleaner ones.
Funded through Section 74bof the 2024 State School Aid Act, the program has awarded $125 million to Michigan schools resulting in approximately 322 electric and 54 propane school buses. This action effectively removed 376 diesel buses from operation.
Michigan's Clean Bus Energy Grant program has reduced harmful emissions and promoted healthier air quality by converting older, diesel school buses to low or no greenhouse gas emission buses (propane or electric) as determined by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
"Throughout my administration, Michigan's Clean School Bus program helped districts across our state buy and use clean school buses to take kids to school safely and keep the air in and around our schools cleaner," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "I'm proud of the work we've done to provide 100 school districts with 376 clean buses. In Michigan, we also passed a historic energy law to create jobs, lower energy costs, and grow clean, renewable energy across our state. Let's keep working together to protect our air, land, and water for future generations."
State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko said the grants are another example of putting Students First.
"Our students deserve to travel to and from school in buses that are best for our local school districts and our environment," Maleyko said. "The Clean Bus Energy Grant program helps us move toward Goal 3 in Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to improve the health, safety and wellness of all learners."
Award letters have been distributed to school districts, and funds were disbursed in the February state aid payment. Other leaders are excited about the news:
* "Transitioning our school bus fleets to cleaner technologies is not just about replacing vehicles--it's about building a mobility system that works for families and communities across Michigan," said Justine Johnson, Michigan's chief mobility officer. "Through the MI Future Mobility Plan 2.0, we are committed to ensuring that sustainable transportation solutions are accessible, reliable and equitable across urban, suburban and rural communities alike. Programs like the Clean Bus Energy Grant demonstrate how we can align environmental progress, infrastructure investment and economic opportunity to deliver mobility solutions that improve quality of life while strengthening Michigan's leadership in the future of transportation."
* "Commitments including the Clean Bus Energy Grants to invest in more environmentally friendly buses protect Michigan students, schools and communities," said EGLE Director Phil Roos. "Together, we're improving air quality, freeing up schools to invest in the classroom, advancing clean energy goals in the MI Healthy Climate Plan and accelerating the transition to a healthier future for all Michiganders."
* "We have enjoyed supporting school districts as they receive funds to transition their fleets from older, dirtier diesel buses to cleaner, quieter, newer models," said Kindra Weid, coordinator of the It's Electric Coalition. "This is a win for schools, kids, drivers, mechanics and the surrounding community. We know change comes with challenges, but these buses are worth the effort. School districts across Michigan are experiencing lower maintenance costs, quieter rides and improved air quality as a result of their efforts pioneering new technology."
With this final round of funding, an additional 99 electric school buses and 10 propane school buses will be added to school bus fleets across the state. These cleaner school buses offer low/no tailpipe pollution, reduced maintenance costs for districts and improved air quality for children. Most importantly, over 100 of Michigan's oldest and dirtiest diesel buses will no longer be exposing children, drivers and communities to harmful diesel exhaust.
The grant program proved to be a successful mechanism for districts to upgrade their buses when transportation funds are often limited and gaps remain after federal funding programs, such as the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, have decreased the amount of funding per electric school bus with each subsequent round and have been unpredictable in their timing.
The school districts awarded grant funding for this final round are:
* Ann Arbor Public Schools: $5,030,000.
* Athens Area Schools $689,477.
* Britton Deerfield Schools $3,371,462.
* Brown City Community Schools $124,000.
* Cadillac Area Public Schools $444,000.
* Chippewa Valley Schools $3,790,951.
* Comstock Public Schools $300,000.
* Holt Public Schools $4,436,505.
* Howell Public Schools $4,220,000.
* Hudsonville Public School District $347,843.
* Jefferson Schools $2,633,103.
* Kearsley Community School District $1,194,631.
* Kentwood Public Schools $792,662.
* Livonia Community Schools $385,132.
* Madison District Public Schools $1,993,181.
* Manchester Community Schools $1,201,171.
* Parchment School District $545,065.
* Peck Community Schools $73,705.
* Pentwater Public School District $817,704.
* Pontiac City School District $3,620,609.
* Riverview Community School District $45,000.
* Royal Oak Schools $4,450,005.
* Sand Creek Community Schools $212,722.
* Tekonsha Community Schools $839,402.
* Union City Community Schools $480,000.
* Vanderbilt Area Schools $419,255.
* Zeeland Public Schools $1,471,812.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2026/02/27/clean-bus-energy-grants
Conn. Energy Commissioner Dykes and Commissioner Juthani Statements on EPA's Weakening of the Mercury Air Toxics Rule
HARTFORD, Connecticut, Feb. 28 -- The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued the following statement on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Commissioner Dykes and Commissioner Juthani Statements on EPA's Weakening of the Mercury Air Toxics Rule
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes and Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Manisha Juthani released the following statements in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent announcement that it has rolled back air quality standards for
... Show Full Article
HARTFORD, Connecticut, Feb. 28 -- The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued the following statement on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Commissioner Dykes and Commissioner Juthani Statements on EPA's Weakening of the Mercury Air Toxics Rule
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes and Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Manisha Juthani released the following statements in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent announcement that it has rolled back air quality standards forcoal-burning power plants that will result in greater emissions of heavy metals such as mercury, and other toxic pollutants. Mercury emissions pose a significant public health and environmental issue.
"This roll back will increase public exposure to mercury, and other hazardous air pollutants, posing a serious threat to public health and the environment," Commissioner Dykes said. "Connecticut unequivocally opposed EPA in taking this action when it was proposed last year. A primary responsibility of the EPA is to protect the environment and the health of its residents, and this recent announcement represents an abdication of that responsibility. Thankfully, Connecticut has strong protections in place at the state level and will continue to take all steps available to protect the health of Connecticut residents and our environment."
With this action, EPA is rolling back mercury and other hazardous air pollutants limits on coal-fired electric generating plants, as well as eliminating requirements for continuous emissions monitoring. Mercury poses serious public health risks, and can accumulate in wildlife and water bodies. Connecticut enacted stringent mercury emission limits for fossil fueled power plants in 2003 and demonstrated that feasible, cost-effective emission controls could be implemented while ensuring a reliable electricity supply.
"The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards are a critical public health safeguard that protect those most at risk -- including babies, children, and pregnant people," said Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. "Mercury exposure is already a concern in the Northeast, and higher levels can harm child development and cause lasting neurological and reproductive health problems. Strong air quality standards are essential to prevent asthma and other lung diseases, control health care costs, and ensure that vulnerable populations and communities are not disproportionately burdened by toxic pollution."
Historically, mercury deposition from upwind sources has significantly affected aquatic and terrestrial environments across the Northeast, resulting in states having to issue fish consumption advisories to protect human health. Mercury is a heavy metal that accumulates in living tissue and poses serious health risks, including neurological and reproductive disorders. Once released into the environment, mercury can settle into water bodies, where it bioaccumulates in fish to levels thousands of times higher than in the surrounding water. This bioaccumulation endangers both wildlife and humans, especially in regions like the Northeast, where widespread fish consumption advisories remain in place due to mercury contamination.
EPA's proposal can be found here (https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/mercury-and-air-toxics-standards). DEEP submitted comments opposing EPA's proposed action to roll back emissions standards for mercury and other air toxics which can be found here (https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/deep/air/comments/federalactions/ct_deep_comments_epa_repeal_mats_amendments.pdf?rev=4e6e43bb253f4babbef5ae1b9a83dd1d&hash=ECF7DD8D96FEF63AABAAFAC57A8D4708).
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Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/news-releases/news-releases---2026/commr-dykes-and-commr-juthani-statements-on-epa-weakening-of-the-mercury-air-toxics-rule
