Stories by Trina Thomas on Federal Newswire



EPA determines Wyoming revision to regional haze plan is 'a step backward'

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced recently that it will disapprove of changes made by the State of Wyoming to its regional haze State Implementation Plan (SIP).


DOT begins ‘largest bridge investment since the construction of the Interstate highway system’

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently began distributing nearly $27.5 billion in funding to states, territories and tribal nations for work on over 15,000 bridges nationwide considered to be in poor condition.


FAA continues rollout of new descent procedures to ‘save fuel and dramatically reduce emissions’

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continued implementing new descent procedures for aircraft in 2021 meant to reduce the amount of fuel required for landing and decrease emissions contributing to climate change.


DOL partners with Choate Construction to 'enhance worker safety'

The U.S. Department of Labor on Jan. 10 announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration department is partnering with Choate Construction.


Blinken on the United States' request to lower tensions between Russia, Ukraine: 'We call on Russia to de-escalate'

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently told NBC News that the Biden administration warned Russia of great repercussions if they pursue "acts of aggression toward Ukraine."


Uzra Zeya named new U.S. special coordinator for Tibetan issues

The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Dec. 20 announced a new U.S. special coordinator for Tibetan issues.


'It’s equivalent to a multi-million dollar research award': University of Melbourne allotted simulation time on DOE supercomputer

An aerodynamic computer modeling team from the University of Melbourne was recently awarded simulation-running time on a supercomputer belonging to the U.S. Department of Energy.


Updates to ‘improve the visitor experience’ for Virginia’s Wolf Trap National Park

The Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virgina recently began making improvements to its visitor services following the completion of an environmental assessment by the National Park Service (NPS).


NPS seeks public comment on Beaufort preservation study

A public comment period concerning the preservation of antebellum architecture in Beaufort, South Carolina has recently been opened by the National Park Service (NPS) to gather input for future projects and initiatives.


Fish and Wildlife Service combats growing popularity of love charm created from dead hummingbirds

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Office of Law Enforcement recently emphasized that it is illegal to procure or possess hummingbirds alive or dead in light of a growing interest in chuparosa, a Mexican love charm made from the protected bird’s dried body


New assistant secretary for the CSO sworn in

The U.S. Department of State on Jan. 10 announced that a new assistant secretary for the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO) was sworn in.


DOE releases Environmental Justice report for 2020

The U.S. Department of Energy recently released its Environmental Justice (EJ) Implementation Report for Fiscal Year 2020.


Department of State welcomes Blanchard as new chief economist, 'looks forward to her contributions'

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Jan. 6 announced through a press release that Dr. Emily Blanchard will be joining the Department of State as chief economist.


'This year brought immense challenges': Government officials send wishes to Haiti for their Independence Day

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Jan. 1 sent positive vibes to Haiti as they celebrated Independence Day after a whirlwind of a year.


EPA requesting public comment for Sandoval, Illinois cleanup proposal

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently began a 30-day public comment period concerning its plans for the cleanup of Illinois’ Sandoval Zinc Company superfund site, the Village of Sandoval and surrounding areas.


Last of Afghan nationals at Fort Bliss resettled in significant step ‘to safely and successfully resettle our Afghan allies’

The last group of Afghanistan nationals receiving temporary housing at Fort Bliss, Texas as part of the ongoing Operation Allies Welcome has recently left base and been resettled, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press release said.


States get DOT permission to skip 'under the hood' test for school bus drivers

In an effort to get more school buses rolling, the U.S. departments of transportation and education have given states the option to waive the requirement that potential drivers be able to identify parts of a bus engine.


Fourth defendant pleads guilty for providing GlaxoSmithKline trade secrets to company funded by Chinese government

A former researcher for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) recently pleaded guilty to stealing trade secrets and providing them to a pharmaceutical company in China operated by her husband and supported by the Chinese government.


FECM outlines ‘momentous’ year of accomplishments

The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) recently highlighted its efforts in 2021 towards reducing fossil fuel impact and achieving the goal of net-zero emissions in the United States by 2050.


U.S. Customs and Border Protection to receive last of 52 modernized marine vessels

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Air & Marine Operations (AMO) recently accepted delivery on the last of 52 coastal interceptors meant to replace vessels in its Midnight Express fleet, providing agents with overall technological and performance improvements.