Federal Independent Agencies
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from federal independent agencies.
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U.S. Sentencing Commission: NEW COMMISSION PROPOSES POLICY PRIORITIES FOR 2022-2023 AMENDMENT YEAR
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 -- The U.S. Sentencing Commission issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
The newly constituted United States Sentencing Commission today issued tentative policy priorities for the 2022-2023 amendment year--with top focus on implementation of the First Step Act of 2018.
The Commission lost a voting quorum shortly after enactment of the First Step Act, preventing the Commission from amending the federal sentencing guidelines.
The First Step Act, which authorized defendants to file motions in federal court, helped facilitate a substantial increase in compassionate
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 -- The U.S. Sentencing Commission issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
The newly constituted United States Sentencing Commission today issued tentative policy priorities for the 2022-2023 amendment year--with top focus on implementation of the First Step Act of 2018.
The Commission lost a voting quorum shortly after enactment of the First Step Act, preventing the Commission from amending the federal sentencing guidelines.
The First Step Act, which authorized defendants to file motions in federal court, helped facilitate a substantial increase in compassionaterelease filings during the COVID-19 pandemic but the Commission recently reported wide variation in grant rates among the federal courts (more here https://www.ussc.gov/research/research-reports/compassionate-release-impact-first-step-act-and-covid-19-pandemic).
The Commission also proposed a focus on implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 relating to firearms penalties under Sec.2K2.1, one of the most common sentencing guidelines applied annually. The act created new penalties for straw purchasers and increased penalties for other firearms offenses.
In addition, the Commission proposed consideration of several circuit court conflicts that have emerged since the loss of a quorum. Commissioners also identified as a priority further examination of the guidelines relating to criminal history in light of the agency's studies on recidivism and complications in the application of the career offender provision.
U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves, Chair of the Commission remarked, "This amendment cycle is a particularly exciting and challenging one for the Commission. It will require swift consensus-building among my colleagues and thoughtful feedback from all our stakeholders."
The Commission's amendment cycle typically begins in June and ends the following April (more here (https://www.ussc.gov/policymaking). The recently confirmed Commissioners will work on an expedited timetable to finalize priorities in October and adopt amendments by May 1, 2023.
Reeves stated, "We know much is expected of this new Commission beyond these immediate priorities, and we are eager to start laying that groundwork. We will operate in a deliberative, empirically-based, and inclusive manner--open to voices from all parts of our federal criminal justice system--judges, Congress, the Department of Justice, the Federal Public Defenders, probation officers, victims, important advocacy groups, and the public at large."
A complete list of proposed priorities and comment submission instructions can be found here (https://www.ussc.gov/policymaking/federal-register-notices/federal-register-notice-proposed-2022-2023-priorities). Public comment will be accepted through October 17, 2022.
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Original text here: https://www.ussc.gov/about/news/press-releases/september-29-2022
OPM Launches Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council To Advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Accessibility Across Federal Agencies
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 -- The Office of Personnel Management issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
The Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council (CDOEC) kicked off its inaugural interagency meeting to help implement and sustain a national strategy for DEIA across the Federal government. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) convened the CDOEC to seek to ensure that the federal government is our country's model of excellence for DEIA by strengthening the government's ability to recruit, hire, develop, promote, and retain our nation's talent.
"The inaugural meeting of the
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 -- The Office of Personnel Management issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
The Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council (CDOEC) kicked off its inaugural interagency meeting to help implement and sustain a national strategy for DEIA across the Federal government. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) convened the CDOEC to seek to ensure that the federal government is our country's model of excellence for DEIA by strengthening the government's ability to recruit, hire, develop, promote, and retain our nation's talent.
"The inaugural meeting of theChief Diversity Officers Executive Council marks a major milestone in this Administration's work to build and model a federal workforce that draws from the full diversity of the American people," OPM Director Kiran Ahuja said. "A diverse workforce that holds different experiences and perspectives makes us stronger and more equipped to resolve any issues our communities face. We know government works best when qualified people from every background and walk of life have an equal opportunity to serve our nation."
Chaired by OPM's Director, Kiran Ahuja, the CDOEC's leadership team includes two Vice Chairs-- Deputy Director for Management Jason Miller, OMB and Chair Charlotte Burrows, EEOC. The Council will be staffed by Janice Underwood, Director of OPM's Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility. In this capacity she will serve as the government-wide Chief Diversity Officer. The rest of the CDEOC is comprised of CDO's from the Chief Financial Officers Act agencies and other relevant stakeholders from the Executive Office of the President. The CDOEC will advise agencies and their senior leaders on promising practices in DEIA and promote those practices as important to agency strategic plans, missions, and operations.
"By creating a forum for collaboration, the Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council is a force-multiplier for the important DEIA work taking place across the federal government," Janice Underwood said. "This historic Council will be a nexus of the most promising policies and practices from the public and private sectors alike. As a council, the Chief Diversity Officers will collaborate on an approach to advancing DEIA work across the federal government and our society."
The Council will, among many roles:
* Collaborate on broad strategic and operational matters, as well as projects and programs across the Federal government related to DEIA;
* Collaborate with member agencies and public and private stakeholders, as appropriate, on DEIA policies and programs in the Federal government and across other employment sectors;
* Assist with setting clear strategies, benchmarks, and metrics for DEIA standards of excellence and accountability to be employed across the Federal government;
* Support and advise member agencies on their DEIA strategic plans;
* While maintaining fidelity to and strengthening practices that support the Merit System Principles, the Council will promote the DEIA priorities outlined in Executive Order 14035 and incorporate operating principles of accountability and sustainability; use of data and evidence-based decision-making; continuous improvement and learning; and broad engagement with diverse stakeholders and partners.
In alignment with Executive Order 14035, the CDOEC will provide support to the Biden-Harris Administration's ongoing work to further the business case and national security imperative of DEIA.
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Original text here: https://www.opm.gov/news/releases/2022/09/release-opm-launches-chief-diversity-officers-executive-council-to-advance-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-accessibility-across-federal-agencies/
NASA Awards Contracts In Support Of Entry, Descent, Landing Technology
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSawa) -- NASA issued the following news release:
NASA has awarded a total of seven contracts to six companies including Airborne Systems North America of Santa, Ana California, CFD Research Corporation of Huntsville, Alabama, Jackson Bond Enterprises LLC of Dover, New Hampshire, Ryzing Technologies of Staunton, Virginia, Miller Scientific Inc. of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Anasphere Inc. of Manhattan, Montana. Jackson Bond Enterprises, LLC is receiving two of the seven awards.
The overall scope of this work is the development of Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (IAD) technologies
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSawa) -- NASA issued the following news release:
NASA has awarded a total of seven contracts to six companies including Airborne Systems North America of Santa, Ana California, CFD Research Corporation of Huntsville, Alabama, Jackson Bond Enterprises LLC of Dover, New Hampshire, Ryzing Technologies of Staunton, Virginia, Miller Scientific Inc. of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Anasphere Inc. of Manhattan, Montana. Jackson Bond Enterprises, LLC is receiving two of the seven awards.
The overall scope of this work is the development of Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (IAD) technologiesfor spacecraft aerocapture and entry, descent, and landing (EDL) for atmospheric entry applications in hypersonic, supersonic, transonic, and subsonic regimes. Potential NASA and commercial mission applications will benefit from this advanced technology.
Task orders issued against these contracts may include design, manufacturing, and testing for materials, components, subassemblies, concept demonstration articles, engineering development units, and flight articles.
The IAD statement of work and associated contract awards are divided into three Technical Tracks, as follows, with a total 10-year period of performance:
* Technical Track A: Inflatable Structures Design, Fabrication (including Aeroshell Integration), and Testing
- This contract has a maximum contract value of $140 million.
* Technical Track B: Flexible Thermal Protection Systems Design, Fabrication (including Aeroshell Integration), and Testing
- This contract has a maximum contract value of $92 million.
* Technical Track C: Gas Generator Inflation System Design, Manufacturing, and Testing
- This contract has a maximum contract value of $37 million.
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Original text here: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-contracts-in-support-of-entry-descent-landing-technology
NASA Awards Contract For Acquisition Of Gaseous, Liquid Helium
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSawa) -- NASA issued the following news release:
NASA has selected three companies to supply 1.4 million liters of liquid helium and 87.7 million standard cubic feet of gaseous helium for use at facilities across the agency. The indefinite delivery requirements contract includes multiple firm-fixed price delivery orders. Awardees include:
* Air Products and Chemicals Inc. of Allentown, Pennsylvania
* Messer LLC of Bridgewater, New Jersey
* Linde Inc. of Danbury, Connecticut
NASA requires helium to support the International Space Station Program as well as the Space
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSawa) -- NASA issued the following news release:
NASA has selected three companies to supply 1.4 million liters of liquid helium and 87.7 million standard cubic feet of gaseous helium for use at facilities across the agency. The indefinite delivery requirements contract includes multiple firm-fixed price delivery orders. Awardees include:
* Air Products and Chemicals Inc. of Allentown, Pennsylvania
* Messer LLC of Bridgewater, New Jersey
* Linde Inc. of Danbury, Connecticut
NASA requires helium to support the International Space Station Program as well as the SpaceLaunch System and Orion Programs that support Artemis, the agency's missions to the Moon. Helium is an inert gas for purging hydrogen systems, a pressurizing agent for ground and flight fluid systems, a cryogenic agent for cooling various materials, and a commodity used in precision welding applications.
The contract begins Saturday, Oct. 1, with a two-year base period followed by an option period that, if exercised, would extend the contract to Sept. 30, 2025. The total value of the contract for the base plus option period is approximately $149 million.
The agency uses helium at its facilities across the nation, including Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; Glenn Research Center and Armstrong Test Facility in Cleveland; Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California; Kennedy Space Center (including Cape Canaveral Space Force Station) in Florida; Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas; Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia; Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama; Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans; Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia; and White Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces, New Mexico.
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Original text here: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-contract-for-acquisition-of-gaseous-liquid-helium
Fannie Mae Announces Priscilla Almodovar As Chief Executive Officer
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSper) -- Fannie Mae issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) today announced that it has appointed Priscilla Almodovar as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board of Directors, effective December 5, 2022. Almodovar will succeed David C. Benson, who has served as Interim CEO and a member of the Board of Directors since May 2022. After her arrival, Benson will continue in his role as President.
Almodovar brings more than 30 years of experience in finance, real estate, and community development across a number of institutions
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSper) -- Fannie Mae issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) today announced that it has appointed Priscilla Almodovar as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board of Directors, effective December 5, 2022. Almodovar will succeed David C. Benson, who has served as Interim CEO and a member of the Board of Directors since May 2022. After her arrival, Benson will continue in his role as President.
Almodovar brings more than 30 years of experience in finance, real estate, and community development across a number of institutionsand organizations. Since 2019, she has served as President and CEO of Enterprise Community Partners, a national organization focused on increasing the supply of affordable housing, advancing racial equity, and supporting residents and communities.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are excited to welcome Priscilla Almodovar as our next CEO," said Michael J. Heid, Chairman of Fannie Mae's Board of Directors. "Priscilla's vast experience in large, complex businesses and her commitment to affordable housing makes her an ideal choice to further Fannie Mae's mission to facilitate equitable and sustainable access to homeownership and quality affordable rental housing across America. I also want to express the Board's deep appreciation to Dave Benson for his invaluable service as Interim CEO since May. We are fortunate to have a leader of Dave's character, skill, and commitment to the company and will benefit from his continued leadership as President, as a critical member of the Management Committee, and a key partner and advisor to the Board of Directors."
Prior to her role as President and CEO of Enterprise Community Partners, Almodovar worked for nearly a decade at JPMorgan Chase and led two of the firm's national real estate businesses; most recently, as Managing Director, Co-Head of Real Estate Banking where she served national and regional real estate developers, investors, owners, and investment funds. Earlier in her career, she was President and CEO at New York State Housing Finance Agency, State of New York Mortgage Agency, and Affordable Housing Corporation. She started her career at White & Case LLP, where she was named an equity partner.
"It's an honor to join Fannie Mae and lead the company as it carries out its vital role in the housing finance market and works to help ensure that equitable, affordable housing is available to people in communities across the country," said Priscilla Almodovar. "I look forward to working with the Board, Management, and my new colleagues at Fannie Mae to continue this important work, which has benefited so many people over the company's more than 80-year history."
Almodovar is a Board member of Realty Income (NYSE: O). She is often featured in the media and has been named to Fortune's "50 Most Powerful Latinas" and Hispanic Business' "100 Most Influential Hispanics." She earned her bachelor's degree from Hofstra University and her Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law.
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Original text here: https://www.fanniemae.com/newsroom/fannie-mae-news/fannie-mae-announces-priscilla-almodovar-chief-executive-officer
EPA: Containerboard Manufacturer Will Pay $2.5M For Violating Clean Air Act At Its Louisiana Mill
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), headquartered in Illinois, has agreed to pay $2.5 million in civil penalties to resolve allegations that it violated the Clean Air Act's General Duty Clause and Risk Management Program Regulations at its containerboard production mill in DeRidder, Louisiana.
In the complaint, filed this week with the proposed settlement, the United States and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) allege nine Clean Air Act violations that stem, in part, from
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), headquartered in Illinois, has agreed to pay $2.5 million in civil penalties to resolve allegations that it violated the Clean Air Act's General Duty Clause and Risk Management Program Regulations at its containerboard production mill in DeRidder, Louisiana.
In the complaint, filed this week with the proposed settlement, the United States and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) allege nine Clean Air Act violations that stem, in part, froma fatal explosion and accidental release at the DeRidder mill on Feb 8, 2017. The explosion - which killed three workers and injured seven others - launched a 100,000-gallon storage tank into the air and over a six-story building before it landed on mill equipment approximately 400 feet away. The blast also caused property damage and released extremely hazardous substances into the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspected the DeRidder mill after the explosion, and uncovered additional Clean Air Act violations.
"This case demonstrates the tragic impacts to human life and the environment that can result from failures to follow appropriate chemical accident prevention and preparation requirements," said Larry Starfield, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "This settlement both holds the Packaging Corporation of America accountable for failures that contributed to this accident and sends a clear message to corporations across the country on the importance of implementing appropriate chemical safety measures."
"This settlement holds Packaging Corporation of America accountable for the harm it has caused to the environment and to the individuals who lost their lives on Feb. 8, 2017," said Dr. Earthea Nance, EPA Region 6 Administrator. "Legal action will be pursued for companies who fail to safeguard their workers' well-being. We offer our condolences for all individuals affected by this tragedy."
"PCA failed to comply with the General Duty Clause and Risk Management Program Regulations of the Clean Air Act at its DeRidder mill, resulting in the senseless deaths of three workers, while placing other workers and the surrounding community in danger," said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environmental and Natural Resources Division. "This settlement furthers the department's efforts to ensure corporate compliance with potentially life-saving environmental mandates to protect the air quality and the community in DeRidder and throughout the United States."
"The Clean Air Act was created to provide guidelines for companies such as PCA to adhere to in order to keep our communities safe from hazardous substances," said U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. "Sadly, it took an explosion and the loss of lives to highlight PCA's failure to adhere to some of these guidelines. The Civil Division in the Western District of Louisiana has an important job and welcomes the opportunity to continue to work alongside our federal and local partners to ensure these laws are abided by."
"We join with our federal partners in taking action to ensure that this tragic occurrence is properly addressed," said Dr. Chuck Carr Brown, LDEQ Secretary. "Those responsible must be held accountable."
Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act and its accompanying regulations are designed to prevent the accidental release of hazardous substances, like the explosion at the DeRidder mill. Congress added section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act in response to a 1984 catastrophic release of methyl isocyanate in Bhopal, India, that killed more than 3,400 people and caused over 200,000 others to suffer injuries. Under the Clean Air Act, facilities like PCA's are required to identify hazards, design and maintain a safe facility, minimize the consequences of accidental releases that do occur, and comply with regulatory prevention measures. Failing to comply with these requirements increases the risk of accidents and threatens surrounding communities.
Reducing the risk to human health and the environment by decreasing the likelihood of chemical accidents at chemical facilities is a top priority for EPA's enforcement and compliance assurance program.
The proposed stipulation of settlement is subject to a 45-day public comment period and court review and approval. A copy of the stipulation of settlement is available on the Department of Justice website (http://www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html).
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/containerboard-manufacturer-will-pay-25m-violating-clean-air-act-its-louisiana-mill
EPA Announces Proposed Tower Standard Petroleum Site Corrective Action Will Not Affect Historic Lac Du Flambeau Reservation Properties
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 30 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a determination under the National Historic Preservation Act that the proposed interim measure for the Tower Standard site, located at Haskell Lake at County Road D and State Highway 70 on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation, will not impact any historic properties or cultural resources.
EPA will begin a 30-day public comment period on September 29. The agency has proposed a "no adverse effects" finding for contamination at the site
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 30 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a determination under the National Historic Preservation Act that the proposed interim measure for the Tower Standard site, located at Haskell Lake at County Road D and State Highway 70 on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation, will not impact any historic properties or cultural resources.
EPA will begin a 30-day public comment period on September 29. The agency has proposed a "no adverse effects" finding for contamination at the sitebecause neither historic properties nor cultural resources will be adversely affected by the proposed interim measure. The Agency made its determination following historical research, an archaeological assessment and other requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Since 2011, EPA has worked with the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians to investigate petroleum contamination from leaking underground storage tanks at the former Tower Standard gasoline service station, which operated from the 1940s through the 1990s. The contamination was discovered when the tanks were removed in 1997.
EPA and the tribe want to address the source of the contamination to ensure that it doesn't pose a threat to the environment or to public health. EPA recommends and the tribe agrees that an air sparge/soil vapor extraction system will be installed to address the remaining petroleum contamination at the site.
EPA invites the public to provide comments on the proposed no adverse effects finding between September 29 and October 31 by mail or email to:
Robert Egan, Project Manager, U.S. EPA Region 5, Land, Chemicals and Redevelopment Division (mail code LR-17J), 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604, egan.robert@epa.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-proposed-tower-standard-petroleum-site-corrective-action-will-not-affect
