PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 1 -- The Arizona House Republican issued the following news release on Jan. 31, 2024: A bill establishing Pluto as the official state planet of Arizona took an important step forward today when it was passed by the House Government Committee. HB 2477, sponsored by Representative Justin Wilmeth, honors Arizona's unique connection to the discovery of Pluto. Pluto, the ninth celestial body in our solar system, was discovered on February 18, 1930, at the Lowell Observatory i  more

MADISON, Wisconsin, Feb. 1 -- The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection issued the following news release: The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced that 15 Wisconsin dairy companies will receive a Dairy Processor Grant. The purpose of these grants is to help foster innovation, improve profitability, and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin's dairy processing facilities. "Wisconsin's dairy processors feed o  more

ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Feb. 2 -- The Minnesota Utilities Commission issued the following decision involving Great River Energy and Northern States Power Co. dba Xcel Energy: * * * INTRODUCTION DECISION ITEMS 1. Details 2024-014 ** E002/GR-21-630 Northern States Power Company d/b/a Xcel Energy In the Matter of the Application of Northern States Power Company d/b/a Xcel Energy for Authority to Increase Rates for Electrical Service in the State of Minnesota. 1. Should the Commission grant the  more

SANTA FE, New Mexico, Feb. 2 -- The New Mexico Department of Environment issued the following news release on Feb. 1, 2024: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two new proposed rules today to ensure that certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," are classified as hazardous waste under federal law. This action is in direct response to a petition from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to take bold action on the emerging threat that c  more

WHITE PLAINS, New York, Feb. 1 -- The New York State Power Authority issued the following news release on Jan. 31, 2024: The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today filed a petition at the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish the Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program to provide electric bill credits for low-income households across the state. The new program stems from the Power Authority's expanded authority to develop, own, and operate renewable energ  more

OLYMPIA, Washington, Feb. 2 -- The Washington State Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Feb. 1, 2024: Governor Jay Inslee joined Washington State Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong today to announce over $85 million in grants that will fund nearly 5,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in communities throughout the state. All of the funds are going to nonprofits, electric utilities, tribes and public agencies, and half of the grants will install charger  more

CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Feb. 1 -- The West Virginia Legislature issued the following news release on Jan. 31, 2024: Thursday, February 1, 2024 - 23rd Day of Session The Senate will convene at 11 a.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS * SCR 23: US Navy LT Lewis Joseph D'Antoni Memorial Road * SCR 24: Recognizing First Responders Honor Board's nominees of Medal of Honor * SCR 25: US Army SGT Wyatt K. Hinton Memorial Bridge * SR 20: Recognizing essential role of CASA for abused and neglected children   more