WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has released the following ex parte public communication dated Dec. 20, 2024, from Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association: * * * To: Ann E. Misback Secretary Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 20th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20551 * To: FDTA-INTERAGENCY RULE c/o Legal Division Docket Manager Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 1700 G Street NW Washington, DC 20552 * To: Cli  more

ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) has issued a final siting permit for the Somerset solar array. The project, located in the Town of Somerset, Niagara County, will generate 125-megawatts of clean, renewable energy. Once operational, the facility will reduce carbon emissions by more than 177,000 tons annually  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 25 (TNSFR) -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to the State of New York's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). This revision pertains to a specific facility, Lehigh Cement Company LLC, located in Glens Falls, New York. The revision establishes a source-specific emission limit for nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions from the facility's Portland cement kiln. This limit is based on a S  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has released the following public communication on Dec. 19, 2024, from Freightfem Solutions, New York: * * * To: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Response to Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Broker Transparency (Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0257) * * * We are writing to express our opposition  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The Federal Trade Commission has released the following public communication dated Dec. 20, 2024, from National Partnership for Women and Families: * * * To: Federal Trade Commission Office of the Secretary 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20580 Re: Mobilewalla; File No. 202 3196 * * * Dear Secretary Tabor, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the "Mobilewalla; File No. 202 3196" proposed consent order published in the Federal Register at 89 FR 96  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The Government Accountability Office General Counsel has publicly issued a bid protest decision involving String King Lacrosse LLC, Gardena, California, on Nov. 19, 2024. Highlights String King Lacrosse, LLC, of Gardena, California, a small business, protests the award of two indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts to Heartland Manufacturing, Inc., of Brentwood, New York, and Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., of Virginia Beach, Virginia, both small business  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The House Natural Resources Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 118-771) on the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act (H.R. 390), which aims to amend the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-333; 54 U.S.C. 320101 note) to include all of Saratoga and Washington Counties in the boundaries of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. The report was advanced by Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, on No  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 118-775) on a resolution (H.Res. 609) that expresses opposition to the Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City. The report was advanced by Rep. Sam Graves, R-Missouri, on Nov. 26, 2024. Here are excerpts: * * * PURPOSE OF LEGISLATION The purpose of H. Res. 609 is to express opposition to the Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City. BACKGROUND AND NEED FO  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 118-814) on the Weather Alert Response and Notification Act (H.R. 2892), which aims to direct the Comptroller General of the U.S. to conduct a study on the effectiveness of local alerting systems. The report was advanced by Rep. Sam Graves, R-Missouri, on Dec. 5, 2024. Here are excerpts: * * * PURPOSE OF LEGISLATION The purpose of H.R. 2892, as amended, is to direct the Comptroller General of  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health released the following testimony by Patrick Murray, director of national legislative service of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., from a Dec. 17, 2024, hearing on legislation to improve VA programs and services: * * * Chairwoman Miller-Meeks, Ranking Member Brownley, and members of the subcommittee, on behalf of the men and women of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and its Auxiliary, thank   more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Justice has released the following public communication dated Nov. 27, 2024, from IBM, Armonk, New York: * * * TO: U.S. Department of Justice National Security Division Foreign Investment Review Section 175 N Street, NE, 12th Floor Washington, DC 20002 SUBJECT: IBM Comments on Federal Register Docket No. NSD 104: Provisions Pertaining to Preventing Access to U.S. Sensitive Personal Data and Government-Related Data by Countries of Concern or Co  more

ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2024: * * * Legislation S.8760A/A.9369A Relates to the Identification and Enrollment of EPIC Program Participants Eligible for HEAP Assistance Puts Money Back in the Pockets of New York's Seniors, and Reduces Their Heat- and Energy-Related Costs * * * Governor Hochul signed legislation that will increase the accessibility of home heating aid and help identify more seniors who are eligib  more

ALBANY, New York, Dec. 27 (TNSres) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Dec. 26, 2024: * * * Audit Finds Multi-Billion Dollar Procurements Still Follow Old Processes, Despite Promise of MTA's Transformation Plan * * * The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has not done enough to consolidate its procurements across its agencies to save money as was expected under its Transformation Plan, according to an audit released today by State Co  more

ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2024: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $225 million awarded to 165 projects to significantly improve water quality across the state. The grants support projects that will help protect drinking water, update aging water infrastructure, reduce contributors to harmful algal blooms, and improve aquatic habitat in communities statewide. More than $197 million of the funding will s  more

ALBANY, New York, Dec. 27 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 26, 2024: Governor Kathy Hochul today signed landmark legislation to bolster New York's efforts to protect and restore the environment by requiring large fossil fuel companies to pay for critical projects that protect New Yorkers. Legislation S.2129-B/A.3351-B creates a 'Climate Superfund' to support New York-based projects that bolster New York's resiliency to dangerous climate impacts like fl  more

ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release: Ahead of the holidays, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative bill package designed to strengthen protections for the personal data of consumers. During the holiday season, companies, offices and organizations statewide, experience higher levels of fraudulent activity involving consumer data and information. With this series of bills newly signed by the Governor, New York continues its commitment   more

NEW YORK, Dec. 24 -- New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued the following news on Dec. 23, 2024: * * * Administration's Partnership with Anthos|Home Expedites Move-In Time to New Homes, Ensuring Stable Housing More Quickly for Youth Leaving Foster Care 100 Percent of Young Adults Who Have Moved Into Housing Through Program Remain Stably Housed * * * New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS) Commissioner Jess Dannhauser today announced the  more

ALBANY, New York, Dec. 23 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following notice (Case No. 24-E-0376): * * * Tariff Filing by Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. to Modify Its Electronic Tariff Schedule P.S.C. No. 10 - Electricity, Regarding Customer Responsibility Related to Required Transformers and Associated Equipment. NOTICE SOLICITING COMMENTS On June 25, 2024, in this proceeding, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison or the Company) f  more

ALBANY, New York, Dec. 27 -- The New York Department of State issued the following news release on Dec. 26, 2024: Funding Through Key Department of State Programs Will Help Redevelop Former Brownfield and Industrial Sites, Revitalize Community Waterfronts and Promote Smart Growth Planning and Development The New York State Department of State today announced nearly $20 million has been awarded to support 56 communities across the State from community planning and development programs through R  more

ALBANY, New York, Dec. 27 (TNScapv) -- The New York State Office of General Services issued the following news release on Dec. 26, 2024: Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced that the following 35 businesses were recently certified by the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Division of Service-Disabled Veterans' Business Development. The newly certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) are: * NavAir Enterprises, located in Thiells, N.Y., specializes in commer  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service has released the following public communication dated Dec. 23, 2024, from American Farmland Trust: * * * To: Ms. Sara del Fierro Climate Change Mitigation Lead NRCS Climate Office Office of the Chief Natural Resources Conservation Service United States Department of Agriculture Re: Docket ID: NRCS-2024-0015 Federal Register: Friday, November 8, 2024; Vol. 89, No. 217; page 88719-88721 Reque  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service has released the following public communication dated Dec. 23, 2024, from the National Audubon Society: * * * Re: Docket ID: NRCS-2024-0015 "Request for Information: Conservation Practices to Support Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation" Dear Chief Cosby, The National Audubon Society seeks to comment on our scientific and in-situ perspective of Natural Resources Conservation Service implement  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released the following public communication dated Dec. 16, 2024, from Shark Advocates International and Wildlife Conservation Society: * * * To: Margaret Miller Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway 13th Floor Silver Spring, MD 20910 Dear Ms. Miller: On behalf of our organizations, we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Nati  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released the following public communication dated Dec. 19, 2024, from A Better Balance, New York: * * * To: Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Room Number N3626 Washington, D.C. 20210 Re: Docket No. OSHA-2021-0009, 89 FR 70698, Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings * * * Thank you for the opportu  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released the following public communication dated Dec. 19, 2024, from Make the Road New York: * * * RE: Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings * * * Make the Road New York would like to go on the record in support of the proposed rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work   more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released the following public communication dated Dec. 20, 2024, from the New York University School of Law Institute for Policy Integrity: * * * To: To: Stephen Schayer, Director, Office of Physical Hazards and Others Re: Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings, 89 Fed. Reg. 70698 (proposed Aug. 30, 2024) * * * The Institute for Policy Integrity at New York U  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 -- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released the following public communication on Dec. 20, 2024, from Helton Neves, program director at Western New York Council on Occupational Safety and Health: * * * The Toll of Working in Extreme Heat as a Restaurant Worker in Houston For more than a decade, I worked as a restaurant worker in Houston, Texas, part of a well-known chain with locations across the state. Houston's brutal summer  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- Rep. Mike Lawler, R-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 26, 2024: On Monday, the bipartisan Partners in Diplomacy Act, introduced in August by Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and co-led by Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), was signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation will enable the State Department to enter into co-location agreements with U.S. allies in overseas facilities, such as embassies  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on Dec. 26, 2024: * * * Today, Thursday, December 26, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) released the following statement in response to the MTA's recent decision to no longer pursue surge pricing as part of the Congestion Tax. This would have allowed the MTA to charge commuters an extra 25% Uber-style "surge pricing" on any day they want to. Gottheimer has fought against New York's surge pri  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Policy released the following testimony by Brendan Duke, senior director for economic policy at the Center for American Progress, from a Nov. 20, 2024, hearing entitled "Tax Policy in 2025: Implications for the American Economy": * * * Thank you, Chair Warren, Ranking Member Kennedy, and members of the Subcommittee. My name is Brendan Duke, and I am Senior Director for Economic Policy at the Center f  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee released the following written testimony by Louis DeJoy, postmaster general and CEO of the U.S. Postal Service, from a Dec. 5, 2024, hearing entitled "Oversight of the United States Postal Service: Understanding Proposed Service Changes": * * * (Continued from Part 2 of 3) Growth and cost reduction are at the heart of the DFA plan. Simply put, the DFA plan is not about contraction or only cost reduction. Th  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released the following testimony by Stephen Johnson, vice chair and chief strategy officer of American Airlines, from a Dec. 4, 2024, hearing entitled "The Sky's the Limit - New Revelations About Airline Fees": * * * Chairman Blumenthal, Ranking Member Johnson, Members of the Subcommittee: thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Stephen Johnson, and I am Vice  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released the following testimony by Matthew H. Klein, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for Spirit Airlines Inc., from a Dec. 4, 2024, hearing entitled "The Sky's the Limit - New Revelations About Airline Fees": * * * Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to appear today. My name is Matt Klein, and I am the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial  more