Stories by Art Benavidez on Federal Newswire


Build Back Better initiative to increase electric vehicle tax credit

Manufacturers of electric vehicles are in line to receive tax credits from President Joe Biden's Build Back Better (BBB) economic initiative that will help facilitate their development over the next 10 years.


American support for nuclear power reaching historic highs, poll finds

Recent polling data reveals that Americans' confidence and support for nuclear energy is at an all-time high.


Chinese tennis star's status becomes mounting cause for concern

U.S. government o​fficials have taken notice of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai's absence from public life since Nov. 2 when, in a social media post, she accused a Chinese government official of sexual harassment.


USDA receives funding to expand broadband to rural areas, help stop the 'digital divide'

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service will receive $2 billion to help people living in rural communities gain access to high-speed internet.


ICE seizes ‘record-breaking’ illegal drug shipment at San Diego port of entry

​U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) recently confiscated a record-setting drug shipment at the San Diego land port of entry.


Watchdog finds pattern of ethical misconduct among senior DOI officials

A project dedicated to ensuring government officials follow the rules is reporting a pattern of ethical misconduct among senior members of the Department of the Interior (DOI).


‘Get a glimpse’ of how our power grid keeps America moving

The Office of Electricity has released a new video detailing how the power grid of the future will keep America moving forward.


U.S. civil aviation fatalities and flight activity decreased in 2020

The country’s aviation deaths and flight usage both dropped last year, according to a yearly study of U.S. civil aviation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).


New federal regulations add more than 400,000 miles of “gas gathering” pipelines under federal oversight

Over 400,000 miles of gas-based pipelines will be added to the country due to new federal regulations.


Department of Energy to fund projects for geologic carbon storage

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has stated that it plans to provide grants to several projects related to geologic carbon storage.


USDA reports harvest of corn, soybeans is in the final stretch with 'less than 10% remaining'

The United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that the harvesting of corn and soybeans is in its final run during its annual crop and inventory forecast.


USDA: 67% of tested Michigan deer have COVID-19 antibodies

The United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that there is an abundance of deer in Michigan that have COVID-19 antibodies.


Project to remove final impediment to native fish migration in Spread Creek begins

A joint project that has been in the works for over a decade will eliminate final impediment to native fish migration in Spread Creek in Wyoming.


Bipartisan infrastructure deal invests millions in Tribal communities

President Joe Biden signed into law a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package Nov. 15. He signed the bill at a White House event with lawmakers from both parties.


BLM seeks mining exemption for Lemhi Pass, public comments through Jan. 22

Citizens can provide feedback to the Bureau of Land Management on an application by the U.S. Forest Service to prolong mining and preserve Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark, which spans about two miles between Montana and Idaho.


Rachael S. Taylor named DOI Chief of Staff

Rachael S. Taylor will become Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), according to Secretary Deb Haaland.


EPA announces 'holistic' approach to address pollution from Tijuana River watershed

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a holistic approach to address water pollution from the Tijuana River Watershed.


EPA partners with Grambling to strengthen environmental studies, improve career opportunities

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is joining forces with Grambling State University in an effort to strengthen environmental studies and improve career opportunities.


EPA fines Farmers Union Cooperative in Iowa for alleged violations

A Postville, Iowa, fertilizer distributor has been fined $52,221 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for allegedly violating the Clean Air Act.


EPA joins federal interagency working group seeking to improve protections for endangered species

Five governmental agencies have joined forces in order to protect endangered species, provide effective pest control tools, and regulate pesticide use with the goal of creating a fair, transparent and predictable process.