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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized 47 truck carriers and freight shippers for their leadership in supply chain, environmental, and energy efficiency with the annual SmartWay Excellence Awards. The awards were announced at a virtual ceremony attended by EPA's SmartWay Partners, affiliates, key stakeholders, and media.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the latest recipients of awards from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. This round will distribute $16.9 million to 22 local governments and the state of New York to enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower overall energy use.

Responding to the urgent threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Tucson aquifer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into an agreement with Tucson Airport Authority. This agreement aims to address contamination from the airport property, aiming to combat an ongoing threat to a primary drinking water source for the city of Tucson.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held its Final Equity Convening in Washington, D.C., to mark the achievements of the USDA Equity Commission and highlight progress made under the Biden-Harris Administration. The event, held at USDA Headquarters, was the culmination of a series of equity summits and regional convenings aimed at emphasizing equity and inclusion within USDA programs.

The Biden administration is set to clarify information blocking rules, addressing concerns raised by the American Medical Association (AMA). In a letter, the AMA expressed support for clear exceptions that allow patients to request physicians deliver life-changing information rather than making it immediately available on electronic health records. The proposal also permits physicians to protect patients from efforts to criminalize reproductive health care without facing penalties.

CDT’s Aliya Bhatia and Ariana Aboulafia have collaborated on a new op-ed that was published in Teen Vogue on September 24, 2024. The article discusses the impact of age verification technology on young disabled people.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a reminder to communities, farmers, ranchers, families, and small businesses in the path of Hurricane Helene about available assistance programs. USDA staff at regional, state, and county offices are prepared to help.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized 47 truck carriers and freight shippers across the nation for their leadership in supply chain, environmental, and energy efficiency through the annual SmartWay Excellence Awards. This year's awards were announced at a virtual ceremony attended by EPA's SmartWay Partners, affiliates, key stakeholders, and media.

On September 25, 2024, Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Lee Satterfield and Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu launched the Young South Asian Leaders Initiative (YSALI). This initiative aims to bring together youth from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to address shared issues of importance. These issues include economic opportunity, environmental resilience, and civic participation.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will conduct a scientific assessment to determine if there is a relationship between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during military service and kidney cancer among veterans.

During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support affected populations.

Five years ago, a project to build augmented reality (AR) glasses was announced. The goal was to merge digital information with the physical world without compromising presence in either.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a statement regarding safety and enforcement measures during Tropical Storm Helene. During emergency events, DHS collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support affected communities.

On September 25, 2024, Under Secretary for Domestic Finance Nellie Liang addressed the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (IC-VCM), the Global Carbon Market Utility (GCMU), and the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) on the topic of voluntary carbon market integrity. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of delivering high-integrity carbon markets to meet climate goals.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau, has released the 2023 American Housing Survey (AHS). This release marks the 50th anniversary of AHS, which remains a key source for comprehensive data on the nation's housing inventory.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned Prophane Victor, a former member of Haiti’s parliament, and Luckson Elan, the current leader of the Gran Grif gang, for their involvement in serious human rights abuses in Haiti.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $49 million in new technical assistance funding to support rural, small, and Tribal communities in addressing wastewater and water quality challenges.

The Justice Department has reached a resolution agreement with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) in California. This resolves an inquiry into whether ACSO complies with its nondiscrimination obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Ray-Ban Meta glasses, initially launched to great demand, are now receiving new AI features and expanded partnerships. These updates aim to enhance user experience by integrating advanced functionalities and more collaborative efforts.

Ambassador at large for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, Nathaniel C. Fick, hosted a meeting on the security and resilience of undersea cables during the UN General Assembly High Level Week today.

Less than two months after the AI Act came into force, oversight bodies have started meeting to discuss its implementation. The AI Board held its first official meeting, focusing on the Commission’s initial deliverables related to the Act and sharing best practices for national AI governance. Currently, the AI Board is the only active oversight body created by the AI Act. There is no public information available about the multistakeholder Advisory Forum or the Scientific Panel.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the advancement of eight new clean energy projects through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program. These projects, if approved, will receive over $248 million to lower electricity bills, expand access to renewable energy, and create jobs for rural families, small businesses, and agricultural producers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a public meeting to address air quality concerns related to PCB removal activities. The meeting will take place at the Lee Middle and High School auditorium on October 10, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued two enforcement alerts to address regulatory requirements and compliance issues at municipal solid waste landfills (MSW landfills). These alerts focus on the Clean Air Act requirements that control the release of landfill gases, particularly methane, a significant climate pollutant.

Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer addressed the 2024 Hate Crimes Grantee Conference, organized by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The event brought together grantees of the Justice Department’s hate crime grants, including law enforcement agencies, states, community-based organizations, and national civil rights organizations.