States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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N.Y. State Power Authority Renewable Energy Conferral Report Published Today
WHITE PLAINS, New York, Dec. 1 -- The New York State Power Authority issued the following news release on Nov. 30, 2023:
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today published its first Conferral Report growing out of an annual stakeholder conferral process called for in legislation included in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget. A copy of the report may be accessed here on the NYPA website. The Conferral Report discusses the State's progress toward meeting the targets established in the State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA or the Climate Act), and the timing impacts of the
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WHITE PLAINS, New York, Dec. 1 -- The New York State Power Authority issued the following news release on Nov. 30, 2023:
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today published its first Conferral Report growing out of an annual stakeholder conferral process called for in legislation included in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget. A copy of the report may be accessed here on the NYPA website. The Conferral Report discusses the State's progress toward meeting the targets established in the State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA or the Climate Act), and the timing impacts of thegenerator interconnection process of the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). It also summarizes the views of stakeholders on these issues and NYPA's proposed role in developing new renewable generation gathered from conversations between NYPA and stakeholders.
"We heard tremendous support for achieving the state's climate goals as we talked with key stakeholders from around the state during this stakeholder conferral process," said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. "Though challenges were raised, the key takeaways from our conversations were a unified commitment to working together to come to solutions that will benefit all New Yorkers and a broad consensus around an expanded role for NYPA in building renewables."
In preparing the report, NYPA consulted with multiple state and federal agencies, and conferred with approximately 50 stakeholder groups representing a variety of interests, including state agencies, local government representatives, climate and resiliency experts, labor organizations, and environmental justice and community organizations.
Although not required by the new law, the Power Authority also sought stakeholder input on ideas for training and retraining of the state's workforce to support the state's shift to a clean energy economy.
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Key themes growing out of the conferral process include:
* Helping communities better understand the goals of the CLCPA and benefits and impacts to communities;
* Support for NYPA development of new renewable generation to advance New York's climate action goals, and leadership on workforce training;
* Providing meaningful benefits to disadvantaged communities as the state transitions to a clean energy economy;
* Maintaining grid reliability while providing affordable electricity to residents and businesses;
* Protecting the environment, especially agricultural resources;
* Providing for a trained and adequate workforce to support development and maintenance of renewables and
* Improving the pace at which renewable energy projects move through the NYISO interconnection process.
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The observations and conclusions are fleshed out in more detail at the end of the report and a full list of those conferred with is also included in the report.
NYPA will use the report and stakeholder comments when developing its strategic plan that will, among other things, identify projects and other actions NYPA will undertake to support the state's renewable energy goals. NYPA will publish its first biennial strategic plan in January 2025.
In May 2023, the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget provided NYPA with new authority to develop, own, and operate renewable energy generating projects--either alone or in collaboration with other entities--to support the state's renewable energy goals in the CLCPA, maintain an adequate and reliable supply of electric power and energy in the state, and support the new Renewable Energy Access and Community Help ("REACH") program which will enable low-income and moderate-income electricity customers to receive bill credits through the production of renewable energy by NYPA.
The Power Authority will conduct the conferral process annually and will hold public hearings on its biennial Strategic Plans to solicit public comment before finalizing the plans, providing multiple ongoing opportunities for stakeholder input on these matters of vital public importance.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Understanding the voices and needs of communities across New York is critical to informing the State's strategic approach to advancing of renewable energy development. This report underscores the public support for the important role the New York Power Authority can play in enhancing and complementing our collective ability to achieve our nation-leading Climate Act goals."
New York State Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, "We were happy to participate in this important study along with NYPA and its other partners. Achieving the State's climate goals while maintaining reliability is of paramount importance to the State, and NYPA will play a key role in making that happen."
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Report link: https://www.nypa.gov/-/media/nypa/documents/document-library/conferral-report/NYPA-Conferral-Report-Conferral-Year-2023-Final-Publication
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Original text here: https://www.nypa.gov/news/press-releases/2023/20231130-conferral-report
N.Y. PSC Issues Order Determining Penalty Involving Edwin & Sons Home Improvement
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 1 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following order determining penalty (Case No. 23-G-0560) on Nov. 30, 2023:
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In the Matter of an Enforcement Proceeding Against Edwin & Sons Home Improvement Corp for Alleged Violations of 16 NYCRR Part 753 - Protection of Underground Facilities, in the Service Territory of KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid.
ORDER DETERMINING PENALTY AND DIRECTING PAYMENT
BY THE COMMISSION:
BACKGROUND
On May 8, 2023, while replacing a driveway at 561 Lincoln Avenue, Lindenhurst, New York, Edwin & Sons Home
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ALBANY, New York, Dec. 1 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following order determining penalty (Case No. 23-G-0560) on Nov. 30, 2023:
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In the Matter of an Enforcement Proceeding Against Edwin & Sons Home Improvement Corp for Alleged Violations of 16 NYCRR Part 753 - Protection of Underground Facilities, in the Service Territory of KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid.
ORDER DETERMINING PENALTY AND DIRECTING PAYMENT
BY THE COMMISSION:
BACKGROUND
On May 8, 2023, while replacing a driveway at 561 Lincoln Avenue, Lindenhurst, New York, Edwin & Sons HomeImprovement Corp/1 (Respondent) damaged a 1/2-inch plastic gas service.
New York has implemented a program to protect underground utility infrastructure, which includes regulations in 16 NYCRR Part 753. Specifically, 16 NYCRR Sec.753-3.1(a)(1) states:
Before commencing or engaging in any non-emergency excavation or demolition, each excavator shall provide notice of the location and date of the planned excavation or demolition to the one-call notification system serving the vicinity in which the excavation or demolition is to take place.
Department of Public Service Staff (Staff) conducted an investigation of the incident and found evidence that Respondent, on May 8, 2023, did in fact excavate without notification to the one-call system.
As a result, on May 30, 2023, Staff issued a Notice of Probable Violation (NOPV) to Respondent via United States Postal Service First-Class Mail. The NOPV stated that failure to respond would be deemed acceptance of the facts as alleged, in which case a penalty would be determined. The First-Class Mail envelope containing the NOPV was not returned, nor did Staff receive any answer from the Respondent.
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LEGAL AUTHORITY
Under General Business Law Sec.765(1)(a), entities that fail to comply with the requirements of 16 NYCRR Part 753 are subject to a civil penalty of up to $2,500 for the first offense and an additional civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each succeeding violation that occurs within a 12-month period. Consistent with Public Service Law Sec.119-b(8) in determining the civil penalty amount in this case, the Commission shall consider the nature, circumstances, and gravity of the violation, history of prior violations, effect on public health, safety, or welfare, and other considerations as necessary.
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DETERMINATION
The Commission finds that Edwin & Sons Home Improvement Corp committed a violation of 16 NYCRR Sec.753-3.1(a)(1). In assessing a penalty, the Commission takes notice of the following considerations.
The one-call notification system serves a fundamental and indispensable role in the protection of underground facilities in the State. Absent a one-call ticket, the excavator lacks knowledge of the locations of buried utility infrastructure. Likewise, utilities would not be aware that an excavator may be endangering their facilities. Engaging in mechanized digging without knowing what lies beneath the surface can lead to disastrous consequences, endanger people, property, and the environment, and disrupt utility service. Damage to a gas line can cause an explosion or fire. By failing to comply with the requirements of 16 NYCRR Sec.753-3.1(a)(1), Edwin & Sons Home Improvement Corp needlessly and carelessly created a significant risk to public safety. Thus, the gravity of this violation is substantial. The penalty assessed seeks to sanction Edwin & Sons Home Improvement Corp and deter it and others from similar conduct in the future.
In addition, Respondent has no history of prior violations that occurred within the preceding 12-month period. Therefore, the statutory maximum civil penalty allowable for this offense is $2,500. Here, Respondent engaged in activity that resulted in damage to a gas pipeline that caused a disruption of service, thus creating a threat to public safety, health, and welfare. In consideration of the nature, circumstances, and gravity of the violation, the Commission determines a penalty of $2,500 is appropriate for this violation.
In reaching this determination, the Commission relied on evidence collected which includes a one-call notification system ticket search by Staff, Staff's investigative report, a no-call report submitted by the operator to Staff, a damage investigation report provided by the operator to Staff, and photographs in the record.
The Commission also strongly encourages Respondent to contact New York 811 (516-491-9444) to request a training session covering the use of the one-call notification system and Part 753 requirements. The principals of the company, any employees involved in excavation work, and any support staff that might be involved in making notifications to the one-call center, would benefit from such training.
The Commission orders:
1. A penalty of $2,500 is determined against Edwin & Sons Home Improvement Corp pursuant to Public Service Law Sec.119b(8).
2. Edwin & Sons Home Improvement Corp is directed to remit, by certified check payable to the "Department of Public Service," the sum of $2,500 in payment of the penalty determined. The $2,500 sum is subject to State Finance Law Sec.18 and shall be deposited into the underground facilities safety training account. The check shall be addressed to:
Ms. Laura Ferraro
Director of Finance and Budget
Department of Public Service
Three Empire State Plaza
16 th Floor
Albany, N.Y. 12223-1350
3. If the check is not received within 30 days after issuance of this Order, Department of Public Service Staff is authorized to refer the case to the New York State Department of Law with a request that an action to collect the determined penalty be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction.
4. The proceeding is continued, pending compliance with Ordering Clause 2, following which it should be closed.
By the Commission,
(SIGNED)
MICHELLE L. PHILLIPS, Secretary
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Footnote:
1/ Edwin & Sons Home Improvement Corp, 17 3rd Avenue, Huntington Station, New York 11746.
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Original text here: https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/Common/ViewDoc.aspx?DocRefId={6057218C-0000-C515-A74A-0E6182AE711A}
N.Y. PSC Issues Order Adopting Terms of Consent Order Agreement Involving St. Onge Landscaping
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 1 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following order adopting terms of consent order agreement (Case No. 23-G-0580) on Nov. 30, 2023:
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In the Matter of an Enforcement Proceeding Against St. Onge Landscaping for Alleged Violations of 16 NYCRR Part 753 - Protection of Underground Facilities, in the Service Territory of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, d/b/a National Grid.
ORDER ADOPTING TERMS OF CONSENT ORDER AGREEMENT
BY THE COMMISSION:
INTRODUCTION
On April 10, 2023, St. Onge Landscaping (or Respondent)/1 was using mechanized equipment
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 1 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following order adopting terms of consent order agreement (Case No. 23-G-0580) on Nov. 30, 2023:
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In the Matter of an Enforcement Proceeding Against St. Onge Landscaping for Alleged Violations of 16 NYCRR Part 753 - Protection of Underground Facilities, in the Service Territory of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, d/b/a National Grid.
ORDER ADOPTING TERMS OF CONSENT ORDER AGREEMENT
BY THE COMMISSION:
INTRODUCTION
On April 10, 2023, St. Onge Landscaping (or Respondent)/1 was using mechanized equipmentto excavate and caused damage to a 2-inch plastic high-pressure gas service. On April 12, 2023, the Department of Public Service Staff (Staff), after an investigation of the facts, issued a Notice of Probable Violation (NOPV) to St. Onge Landscaping alleging a failure to provide notice of intent to excavate to the one-call notification system, which would constitute a violation of 16 NYCRR 753-3.1(a)(1). St. Onge Landscaping, responded to the NOPV and provided additional information. Pursuant to 16 NYCRR Sec.753-6.7, and, in the interest of furthering gas safety, Staff offered to reduce its request for a penalty of $2,500 (as authorized by Article 36 of the General Business Law) to $1,450 if employees of St. Onge Landscaping received training with the one call notification system, which they have completed.
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DISCUSSION
In reviewing the Consent Order Agreement, the Commission considered the following factors in support of a reduced penalty: St. Onge Landscaping has no history of prior violations within the preceding twelve months, St. Onge Landscaping has committed to take remedial training actions to prevent re-occurrence and has fully complied with all the terms of the Consent Order Agreement, and St. Onge Landscaping was cooperative and forthcoming throughout the investigation and enforcement proceeding. The Commission also considered the following aggravating circumstances, such as damage to an unground facility, and service interruption. Taking these factors into account, along with the gravity of the incident and impact on public health, safety, and welfare, the Commission therefore approves the attached Consent Order Agreement.
The Commission orders:
1. The terms of the Consent Order Agreement with St. Onge Landscaping, dated September 15, 2021, are adopted.
2. This proceeding is closed.
By the Commission,
(SIGNED)
MICHELLE L. PHILLIPS, Secretary
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Footnote:
1/ St. Onge Landscaping, 60 Mammoth Spring Road, Wynantskill, New York 12198.
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Original text here: https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/Common/ViewDoc.aspx?DocRefId={907A218C-0000-CC1D-AFCD-9808A8418295}
N.M. Economic Development Dept.: Two More Manufacturers Pick New Mexico Borderplex For Expansion
SANTA TERESA, New Mexico, Dec. 1 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release on Nov. 30, 2023:
The New Mexico Economic Development Department announced today that two more companies have been awarded state economic assistance to boost manufacturing expansions and create jobs at New Mexico's international Borderplex in Santa Teresa.
The newest additions to Santa Teresa are Coast Aluminum (https://coastaluminum.com/) and Monti Inc. (https://monti-inc.com/)
Investing in New Mexico's international border to improve infrastructure and expand global trade
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SANTA TERESA, New Mexico, Dec. 1 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release on Nov. 30, 2023:
The New Mexico Economic Development Department announced today that two more companies have been awarded state economic assistance to boost manufacturing expansions and create jobs at New Mexico's international Borderplex in Santa Teresa.
The newest additions to Santa Teresa are Coast Aluminum (https://coastaluminum.com/) and Monti Inc. (https://monti-inc.com/)
Investing in New Mexico's international border to improve infrastructure and expand global tradehas been a priority for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham as the state continues to diversify the economy. New Mexico is seen as a strategic location for businesses looking to fortify global supply chains and locate manufacturing closer to North American customers.
Gov. Lujan Grisham recently returned from both Taiwan and Australia where she met with government and business leaders interested to learn more about New Mexico's competitive advantages.
"The latest expansions to New Mexico are domestic companies who see the Borderplex as a strategic location for manufacturing," Gov. Lujan Grisham said. "My administration's investments in this region are paying dividends with new jobs and sustainable growth as we create a manufacturing center of excellence in Southern New Mexico."
"These companies are choosing New Mexico because of our superior business climate that supports facility expansions through infrastructure assistance, while also helping workers get needed job training and tuition-free educational opportunities," Acting EDD Cabinet Secretary Jon Clark said.
Coast Aluminum, Inc. has broken ground on a 73,500-square-foot distribution center in the Santa Teresa Binational Industrial Park. The company, which has 15 locations throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona, as well as five locations throughout Mexico, distributes custom and in-stock aluminum materials and stainless steel, copper, brass, and architectural metal products.
"We chose to locate our newest facility in the Santa Teresa industrial base due to its close proximity to our existing customer base in the region and because of the great assistance from the New Mexico Partnership and the State of New Mexico," Tom Clark, president of Coast Aluminum, said.
"Coast Aluminum is another big win for New Mexico," Melinda Allen, presidentCo and CEO of the New Mexico Partnership, said. "Having a company with such widespread coverage throughout the Western U.S. and northern Mexico will strengthen the state's supply chain logistics and help attract other industries needing these products for their production plants."
EDD has pledged $350,000 from the State of New Mexico Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) job-creation fund to support the $10 million expansion, which will create 37 jobs. Coast is expected to complete its Santa Teresa facility by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
The second company awarded LEDA assistance is Monti Inc., a US-based leader in industrial component manufacturing and fabrication. The family-owned business is headquartered in Cincinnati and plans to invest $14 million in New Mexico. Monti is currently overseeing an 80,000-square-foot renovation of a site at 2690 Airport Rd., Santa Teresa. Once complete, the facility will have 36 employees and serve as a regional hub for Monti's manufacturing and distribution of electrical components. The state is assisting Monti in the expansion with $350,000 from the LEDA fund.
"We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new location in Santa Teresa and look forward to bringing high-quality products closer to our customers," VP of Sales & Marketing Gordon Narburgh said. "This expansion has been made possible by the hard work of our teammates, who are constantly focused on providing timely, excellent service with an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. We are especially thankful for our loyal customers who have partnered with us in our journey to become an acknowledged industry leader."
The Santa Teresa location will feature copper bus bar and sheet metal fabrication, along with a state-of-the-art five-stage powder coating line. The building provides enough space for optimized product offerings, future growth, and the storage area necessary to serve customers with shorter manufacturing lead times as well as the ability to stock parts for quick shipments.
"Monti is one of several companies to recently select Santa Teresa to expand their operations because of the region's impressive manufacturing talent and superior logistics capabilities," Jerry Pacheco, business advisor to The New Mexico Partnership, said.
"Monti is currently looking for machinists and fabricators," Molly Fender, Monti's vice president of Human Resources, said. "For 52 years, Monti has shown that we not only invest in new opportunities and the latest equipment, but in our workforce. Employees are our greatest asset - we offer extremely competitive wages and generous benefits."
The Santa Teresa Port of Entry is a primary crossing between the United States and Mexico and is the first land port without a bridge structure from the east. And as the only port not limited by space or weight, it serves a critical function for the El Paso and Ciudad Juarez industrial regions. The port also clears many regular commercial vehicles and a larger segment of private commuters. In the last two years, Santa Teresa Port of Entry, or STPOE, has doubled the number of commercial vehicles processed per hour and hit a new record in 2022 by processing more than 160,000 trucks.
"Both of these projects point to the distribution and logistics advantages that the NM Borderplex region has to offer, and we are becoming more and more recognized as the center of trade for North America,"said Davin Lopez, President & CEO of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA), which provided support to the projects.
Coast Aluminum and Monti join other recent expansions in the Borderplex, including Franklin Mountain Packaging, Louisiana Pepper Exchange, and the Taiwan-based Hota Industrial.
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EDD's mission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive. EDD's programs contribute directly to this mission by training our workforce, providing infrastructure that supports business growth, and helping every community create a thriving economy.
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Original text here: https://edd.newmexico.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Coast_Monti_Borderplex-PR.pdf
Ill. House Democrats: Ammons Highlights IDOT Workshops for Minority-Owned Businesses
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Dec. 1 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news release:
State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, is highlighting workshops from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) open to businesses owned and operated by people of color throughout the month of December.
"Minority business owners have always faced an uphill battle when it comes to starting and maintaining a business," Ammons said. "IDOT is helping make sure Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are treated equitably and are able to realize their full potential. These workshops will ensure that clear,
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Dec. 1 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news release:
State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, is highlighting workshops from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) open to businesses owned and operated by people of color throughout the month of December.
"Minority business owners have always faced an uphill battle when it comes to starting and maintaining a business," Ammons said. "IDOT is helping make sure Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are treated equitably and are able to realize their full potential. These workshops will ensure that clear,helpful information is in the hands of businesses who need it the most."
The Building Blocks of Success program was designed to remedy ongoing discrimination facing minority-owned businesses, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. December workshops will help owners strengthen their skills, open up opportunities for state contracts and support Illinois businesses. Registration is required. For more information on IDOT resources and support services, please visit idot.illinois.gov.
December workshop dates include:
* Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to noon: The Prime Contractor's Perspective
* Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to noon: IDOT's Multi-Year Program
* Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to noon: Construction: Before Contract - IDOT Standard Specifications, Division 100
* Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to noon: Construction: Before Contract - IDOT Specs, Plans and Conducting a Site Review Q & A Session
* Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to noon: Construction: Before Contract - Estimating and Bidding Spreadsheet
* Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to noon: Construction: Before Contract - Subcontractor Awareness
"Unfortunately, there are just more institutional obstacles for minority businesses to overcome, but when it comes to working with the state, we are changing that narrative," Ammons said. "There is so much untapped talent in our Urbana-Champaign community, so I hope everyone seizes this opportunity."
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Original text here: https://ilhousedems.com/2023/11/30/ammons-highlights-idot-workshops-for-minority-owned-businesses/
Department of Health Alerts Pennsylvanians About Possible Lead Exposure From Children's Stainless Steel Cups
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following news:
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is alerting parents and caregivers about the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall of PandaEar , LAOION,and Green Sprouts Stainless Steel Bottles and Cups because their lead levels exceed the federal content ban.
"Lead can be harmful if ingested, especially for a young child," said Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. "With a product that holds food or drink, like the recalled cups, there is an increased risk of lead getting from the product
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following news:
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is alerting parents and caregivers about the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall of PandaEar , LAOION,and Green Sprouts Stainless Steel Bottles and Cups because their lead levels exceed the federal content ban.
"Lead can be harmful if ingested, especially for a young child," said Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. "With a product that holds food or drink, like the recalled cups, there is an increased risk of lead getting from the productinto the body. We want to get the recall message out to help protect and prevent potential harm to children. Product recalls like these are just another example of why all children should be routinely screened for lead exposure."
PandaEar eight-ounce Stainless Steel Toddler Cups, LAOION eight-ounce Children's Cups, and Green Sprouts six-ounce and eight-ounce Stainless Steel Straw Bottles, Sippy Cups, and Sip & Straw Cups are being recalled. The PandaEar eight-ounce stainless steel toddler cup and the LAOION eight-ounce Children's Cup lid can also break during use and expose children to sharp edges and small parts, which is a cut and choking hazard.
The PandaEar cups were sold online on Amazon.com from May 2023 through August 2023. The LAOION cups were sold online on Amazon.com from March 2023 through May 2023. The Green Sprouts Stainless Steel Straw Bottles, Sippy Cups, and Sip & Straw Cups were sold at Buy Buy Baby and Whole Foods stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, buybuybaby.com, and bedbathandbeyond.com from January 2020 through September 2022.
The PandaEar cups were sold in sets of two. The sets were in pink and gray or blue and gray colors with matching silicone straws, with no exterior markings on the cups, as shown in the picture below: https://www.media.pa.gov/SiteAssets/pandaearcups.png
The insulated LAOION cups were sold in packs of four different colored cups - lilac, green, salmon, and blue - with matching silicone straws, spill-proof lids, and one straw brush. "LAOION" is printed on the front bottom of the cups, as shown in the picture below: https://www.media.pa.gov/SiteAssets/laoion%20cups.png
The Green Sprouts Stainless Steel Straw Bottles, Sippy Cups, and Sip & Straw cups had tracking numbers 29218V06985, 35719V06985, and 33020V06985, which can be found on the bottom of the base. The recalled double-walled stainless steel bottles were sold in aqua, pink, green, and navy colors with one of three closure options: (1) a silicone sippy spout with a colored plastic lid, collar and handle; (2) a silicone sippy spout and a straw spout with colored plastic lid, collar and handle; or (3) a silicone straw with plastic screw-on flip cap. The bottles were sold in one of two sizes as shown in the pictures below: https://www.media.pa.gov/SiteAssets/greensprouts1.png
According to CDC recommendations, all young children should be tested for lead exposure at least once, and when elevated, the tests should be repeated. Early identification of elevated lead levels can prevent the most serious effects so that all children can reach their full potential.
The Department maintains a toll-free lead information hotline (1-800-440-LEAD) to provide information about lead poisoning prevention, testing, follow-up, and local resources.
Information about lead can also be found on the Department of Health's website (https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Lead%20Poisoning/Pages/Lead%20poisoning.aspx).
Parents and caregivers of children who may have used recalled cups or bottles should contact their child's health care provider about getting a blood lead test.
The Department of Health has shared a health alert notice (https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/HAN/2023-727-11-29-ADV-ToddlerCups.pdf) to further communicate this recall among state and local public health agencies, health care providers, hospitals, and emergency management officials.
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Original text here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/health-details.aspx?newsid=1846
Ariz. Gov. Hobbs' Bipartisan Water Policy Council Delivers Critical Recommendations to Protect Arizona's Water Security
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 1 -- Gov. Katie Hobbs, D-Arizona, issued the following news release on Nov. 29, 2023:
Today, the Governor's Water Policy Council submitted a suite of recommendations to Governor Hobbs to protect the state's water future and address challenges in urban and rural Arizona.
The Council's submission includes proposals to close loopholes to protect consumers throughout Arizona and improve Arizona's Assured Water Supply Program to promote sustainable growth and responsible groundwater usage in urban areas. The Council has also proposed reforms to groundwater management in rural
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 1 -- Gov. Katie Hobbs, D-Arizona, issued the following news release on Nov. 29, 2023:
Today, the Governor's Water Policy Council submitted a suite of recommendations to Governor Hobbs to protect the state's water future and address challenges in urban and rural Arizona.
The Council's submission includes proposals to close loopholes to protect consumers throughout Arizona and improve Arizona's Assured Water Supply Program to promote sustainable growth and responsible groundwater usage in urban areas. The Council has also proposed reforms to groundwater management in ruralArizona to safeguard rural communities and water users after decades of inaction.
"I brought together a bipartisan group of Arizonans including the business community, developers, farmers, tribal leaders, legislators, and more with the expectation they would develop common sense solutions to our most pressing water policy challenges," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "I am pleased that the Council has risen to the task, and in six short months of hard work, compromise, and dedication we have a set of recommendations designed to increase water security and ensure continued economic growth in urban and rural Arizona. Over the coming months, I'm confident that we will come together and continue in Arizona's long tradition of responsible water management that has allowed our state to thrive."
"These recommendations are the product of a transparent public process that has incorporated input from stakeholders across the spectrum of Arizona's water community," said Arizona Department of Water Resources Director and Council Chair Tom Buschatzke. "Groundwater is one of Arizona's most precious resources, and these efforts from the Governor's Water Policy Council will continue to build upon our legacy of responsible water management."
Governor Hobbs' Water Policy Council is a bipartisan group of experts representing agriculture, water providers, tribes, executive agency cabinet officers, cities, the business community, industry, conservation organizations, university experts, the Arizona legislature, and more.
The full set of recommendations submitted by the Governor's Water Policy Council can be found below.
More information on the Governor's Water Policy Council can be found at: https://www.azwater.gov/gwpc.
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Original text here: https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2023/11/governor-hobbs-bipartisan-water-policy-council-delivers
