http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-and-coffman-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-cast-light-on-where-online-political-advertising-comes-from_
Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Mike Coffman (R-CO) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill to ensure online political advertisements are better monitored by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The legislation would have the FEC enact rules for online advertisements similar to what is in place for television, radio, and satellite ads so it’s clear to the public where they are coming from.
The Honest Ads Act (H.R. 4077) is a companion to a bill being introduced today by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), and John McCain (R-AZ) following revelations that a Russian company purchased upwards of 3,000 political advertisements on Facebook in an effort to influence the 2016 Presidential election. The bill would require large digital platforms to maintain a publicly available file of all requests to run advertisements that cost more than $500 within a calendar year.
Included in the file would be a description of the audience the advertisements target, the number of views generated, the dates and times of publication, the rates charged, and the contract information of the purchaser. It would also direct digital platforms to take measures to ensure that foreign nationals – whether directly or indirectly – are not purchasing advertisements in American elections.
“The American people deserve to know who is trying to influence our elections,” said Kilmer. “Our bipartisan bill makes sure our laws are as up to date as the latest technology, and makes it harder for foreign actors to use the internet to attack our democracy.”
“I think it’s common sense that paid political advertising should be subject to the same disclosure requirements regardless of what form it takes. The American people deserve to know who’s paying for the ads they see on the Internet just as much as they do the ads they see on TV or hear on the radio,” said Coffman.
“Reps. Kilmer and Coffman have stepped up to the plate to combat foreign interference in American politics. This bipartisan, bicameral measure reflects the seriousness of this threat. This narrowly-tailored legislation applies standards to online ads that are similar to those covering political ads on broadcast television and radio. This Honest Ads Act provides important tools to address foreign influence in U.S. politics and should serve as the basis for hearings in the U.S. House.
Addressing the problem of foreign interference in U.S. politics requires Democrats and Republicans working together in both chambers of Congress,” said Issue One Chief of Policy, Programs and Strategy Meredith McGehee.
“The 2016 elections exposed glaring holes in our ability to police foreign intervention in US elections, and this bill is an appropriate, bipartisan disclosure remedy,” said Trevor Potter, president of Campaign Legal Center (CLC), and a former Republican Chairman of the Federal Election Commission. “Voters have a right to be fully informed about who is trying to influence their vote, particularly foreign powers whose motives are contrary to American interests. This bill gives voters, journalists and law enforcement officers important tools to help root out illegal foreign activity. The transparency this bill aims to provide in the 2018 elections and beyond will protect and enhance the integrity of our elections, which are the most fundamental component of American self-governance.”
The legislation is supported by a number of organizations that advocate for increased transparency in our political system including Issue One, Campaign Legal Center, the Sunlight Foundation, Brennan Center for Justice, Common Cause, and Public Citizen.
OUR PARKS AND FOREST...
NEWS FROM THE US DEPT. of INTERIOR:Alaska Native Leader Tara Mac Lean Sweeney Becomes First Female Native Alaskan Nominated for Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs
Press release issued 10/ 17/ 17
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/alaska-native-leader-tara-mac-lean-sweeney-becomes-first-female-native-alaskan
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke applauded President Donald J. Trump's nomination of Tara Mac Lean Sweeney, a prominent Alaska Native leader and acclaimed businesswoman with the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, to be the department’s next Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Sweeney, a member of the Native Village of Barrow and the Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope, would be the first Native Alaskan and only the second woman in history to hold the position.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs oversees Interior’s manifold responsibilities to enhance the quality of life, promote economic opportunity and provide quality educational opportunities for American Indians, Indian tribes and Alaska Natives, while protecting and improving their trust assets.
“Tara is a results-driven team leader and coalition builder who has an impressive combination of business acumen and service to her community,” Secretary Zinke said. “Her lifelong active engagement in Native American policy development and her outreach, advocacy, and organization skills are the combination we need to carry out the President’s reform initiative for Indian Country. I look forward to welcoming her to our leadership team."
“I am honored to be nominated to serve Indian Country in this capacity,” Tara Sweeney said. “My goal is to develop strong relationships with Tribes, Alaska Native corporations and Native Hawaiian Organizations to work on innovative solutions for lifting up our communities. I am motivated to work with Indian Country to find efficiencies inside the Bureau of Indian Affairs, improve service delivery and culturally relevant curriculum in the Bureau of Indian Education, and create a more effective voice for Tribes throughout the Federal Government. I am humbled by the confidence President Trump and Secretary Zinke have shown in me and ready to serve.”
“Secretary Zinke’s nomination of Tara Sweeny for Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs taps a strong advocate for Native American self-determination and tribal self-government for this key leadership position,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs John Tahsuda. “Her extensive organizational knowledge and collaborative management experience will well serve Indian Country by reforming federal policies, empowering tribal communities, and removing barriers to their economic advancement.”
Sweeney grew up in rural Alaska and has spent a lifetime actively engaged in state and national policy arenas focused on advocating for responsible Indian energy policy, rural broadband connectivity, Arctic growth and Native American self-determination. She has served her Arctic Slope Regional Corporation and its subsidiaries in a variety of capacities for nearly two decades. The $2.6 billion corporation is the largest locally-owned and operated business in Alaska, with about 13,000 Iñupiat Eskimo members and 12,000 employees worldwide. It is diversified in six major business sectors, including energy support services, industrial services, construction, petroleum refining and marketing, government services, and resource development.
Related story, What They Are Saying: President Trump and Secretary Zinke’s Nomination of Tara Sweeney.
Press release 10/ 18/ 17
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/what-they-are-saying-president-trump-and-secretary-zinkes-nomination-tara-sweeney
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Senator Lisa Murkowski said Sweeney has her full support: “Tara has a very strong record of professionalism and accomplishment in Alaska, across the country, and internationally, especially with the indigenous people of the circumpolar north. She has significant experience on Arctic issues and chaired the Arctic Economic Council. She is an expert on energy, infrastructure, broadband, economic development, Native self-determination, and a wide range of policy issues that will come before her. Secretary Zinke could not have chosen a better leader to help him fulfill the federal government’s trust responsibility, and I know Tara has the heart and drive to excel in this position.”
Congressman Don Young said Sweeney was an outstanding choice: “Tara’s knowledge, experience and leadership will go a long way in straightening out the BIA, allowing it to run more efficiently for the good of all First Americans. She has extensive experience not only in business, but also within Alaska Native groups and organizations. Tara knows first-hand the fight for Native empowerment and self-determination because she’s been on the front lines for years. There’s long been a problem with Native issues not receiving the priority they deserve but with Tara Sweeney at the helm, I have no doubt the Department of Interior will be paying close attention and the voices of our Native communities will be heard. Tara follows in great Alaskan footsteps, those of my dear friend Morris Thompson, and will do a fantastic job working on behalf of American Indians and Alaska Natives across the country.”
Sen. Dan Sullivan said it was a historic appointment for Alaskans: “I’ve worked with Tara Sweeney for years and I have witnessed first-hand her integrity, her strong leadership skills and her devotion to public service. Tara has a deep love for our state and people, and is relentless in her commitment to securing a better future for Alaska and the nation. With her long history of advocating for Alaska Native cultural values, rights, and economic opportunity, I can’t think of anyone better to have as our nation’s next Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.”
Governor Bill Walker praises the nomination of Tara Sweeney: "Tara's selection for this position is cause for celebration in Alaska. In each of my conversations with Secretary Zinke, I have encouraged him to include Alaskans for significant roles in his department. Tara's leadership in seeking self-determination and economic development for the people of the Arctic has been exemplary. As an Inupiaq tribal and corporate leader, she has sought the necessary balance between economic development and sustaining the ways of life and cultures of Alaska's First People. While many will be sad to see her leave ASRC, Tara's expertise will serve our state and nation well in this new role."
Interior, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Sign Agreement to Implement Land Buy-Back Program
Press release issued 10/ 17/ 17
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-confederated-tribes-warm-springs-sign-agreement-implement-land-buy-back
WASHINGTON – Acting Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs John Tahsuda today announced that the Department has signed an agreement with the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon to guide implementation of the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations (Buy-Back Program).
The Buy-Back Program implements the land consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement, which provided $1.9 billion to purchase fractional interests in trust or restricted land from willing sellers at fair market value. The Program has thus far made offers at 48 different locations, resulting in the consolidation of more than 730,000 fractional interests and the restoration of more than 2.1 million equivalent acres of land to tribal governments.
Consolidated interests are immediately restored to tribal trust ownership for uses benefiting the reservation community and tribal members. As a result of the Buy-Back Program, tribal ownership now exceeds 50 percent in over 14,200 tracts of land. Returning fractionated lands to tribes in trust has enormous potential to improve Tribal community resources by increasing home site locations, improving transportation routes, spurring economic development, easing approval for infrastructure and community projects, and preserving traditional cultural or ceremonial sites.
“Following the Department’s announcement of its revised strategy to maximize the consolidation of fractional interests, I am pleased to announce the agreement with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to implement the Buy-Back Program,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Tahsuda. “The Department remains committed to working with tribal governments on this important Program which benefits tribal community members and strengthens tribal sovereignty. Partnering with tribal governments is critical for effective outreach, informed decision-making, and to achieve the greatest consolidation of fractional interests and improved land management.”
To date, the Department has entered into agreements with more than 40 tribal nations to cooperatively implement the Buy-Back Program. The agreements outline coordinated strategies to facilitate education about the Program to landowners, but are unique in time, scope and responsibilities based on the particular circumstances at each location.
ON THE STATE LEVEL...
17-070 It’s snow time: Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1
Press release from Washington State Parks dated 10/ 18/ 17
http://parks.state.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=345
OLYMPIA – Oct. 18, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced today that Sno-Park permits will be available for purchase online and through various vendors statewide beginning midnight Wednesday, Nov. 1.
Sno-Park permits allow visitors to park in specially cleared, designated parking lots with access to areas for cross-country skiing, skijoring, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, tubing and more throughout the state.
Online and in-person purchase of the Sno-Park permit is available Nov. 1 through April 30. Revenue from Sno-Park permit sales is entirely dedicated to the Winter Recreation Program and helps pay for trail grooming, snow removal from parking lots and roads, on-site sanitation, education and enforcement.
What type of permit is needed?
Different permits are required for different circumstances. The following list spells out what is needed:
Daily Sno-Park Permit
This permit is valid at any Sno-Park for one, two or three consecutive days as indicated on the permit. Cost: $20 per day. (Note: All Sno-Parks honor the one-day permit, and individuals who purchase a one-day permit are not required to purchase a Special Groomed Sticker.)
Seasonal Non-motorized Sno-Park Permit
Permit is valid for the entire winter season at non-motorized Sno-Parks that are used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, etc. Some Sno-Parks require a Special Groomed Sticker to be paired with a seasonal non-motorized permit. Cost: $40.
Special Groomed Sticker
This sticker affixes to a seasonal Sno-Park permit and is required for use at these non-motorized Sno-Parks: Cabin Creek, Chiwawa Loop, Crystal Springs, Hyak, Lake Easton, Lake Wenatchee (including Nason Ridge) and Mount Spokane. Cost: $40. These Sno-Parks are high use, and funds from the sticker cover the costs to provide more frequent grooming.
Seasonal Snowmobile Sno-Park Permit
All snowmobiles in Washington state are required to be registered annually through the Washington State Department of Licensing or a licensing agent. The $50 registration fee includes one Sno-Park permit, which must be affixed to the towing vehicle. Out-of-state visitors with snowmobiles need to purchase a motorized Sno-Park permit. Cost: $40.
To purchase a Sno-Park permit online, visit: parks.state.wa.us/130/Winter-Recreation. For a list of vendors and their locations, visit: parks.state.wa.us/147/Sno-Park-Permit-vendors.
WDFW: WDFW to stock more than 100,000 trout in Washington lakes
Press release issued 10/ 17 17
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/oct1717a/
OLYMPIA – With thousands of rainbow trout destined for Washington lakes before November, anglers should have plenty of places to enjoy great fishing this fall and through the holiday season.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will stock at least 45 Washington lakes with catchable-size trout this fall. Additionally, the department stocks millions of smaller trout each spring, many of which will have grown to catchable size.
"Fall can be one of the best times of the year to reel in a nice-sized trout, and fishing should be terrific over the next few months," said Steve Thiesfeld, WDFW's inland fish program manager. "Most of the stocked trout are 13 to 15 inches long, with a few larger ones in the mix."
Some of the lakes recently stocked include Island Lake in Kitsap County; Isabella, Island, Lost, Nahwatzel, and Spencer lakes in Mason County; Lake Sylvia in Grays Harbor County; and Gibbs, Teal and Leland lakes in Jefferson County.
Dozens of additional lakes will be stocked throughout the state in October and November providing fishing opportunities into the new year.
The complete list of lakes to be stocked, and the department's recently updated stocking plan, are available for viewing at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/fall-into-fishing/
The fall fish plants are in response to anglers' requests to increase fall and winter trout fishing opportunities, said Thiesfeld.
The effort also includes stocking lakes across the state for the Nov. 24 Black Friday opener, which offers anglers the opportunity to skip the shopping malls, get outside and enjoy fishing on the day after Thanksgiving.
For up-to-date stocking information this fall, anglers should follow the department on Twitter or Facebook, accessible from http://wdfw.wa.gov, or see the department's weekly catchable trout stocking report at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/plants/weekly/
To participate, anglers must have a current Washington freshwater fishing license valid through March 31, 2018.
Licenses can be purchased by telephone at 1-866-246-9453, at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, or at hundreds of license vendors across the state. For details on license vendor locations, visit the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/
WDFW: WDFW seeks input on management of salmon, steelhead fishing guide industry
Press release issued 10/ 16/ 17
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/oct1617a/
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on management of the state's salmon and steelhead fishing guide industry.
In response to legislative direction, WDFW is evaluating whether the current approach to managing the guide industry ensures the conservation of wild steelhead and salmon while providing a high quality angling experience for both guided and non-guided anglers.
The Legislature directed WDFW to hold public meetings on the Olympic Peninsula and in the Klickitat River area. At these meetings, WDFW will discuss current management and take suggestions for potential regulatory changes for the fishing guide industry.
Those meetings are scheduled for:
Forks: 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 25, Rainforest Arts Center, 35 N. Forks Ave., Forks.
Lyle: 6 to 8 p.m., Nov. 8, Lyle Activities Center, Hwy. 14 and Third St., Lyle.
WDFW also is working with an outside contractor to develop and conduct a survey to capture feedback from those who cannot attend a meeting in person.
The department will provide a summary of its findings to the Legislature by the end of the year.
OUR ENVIRONMENT...
NEWS FROM THE EPA:EPA awards Colorado $1.3M to improve and protect Arkansas River water quality
Press release issued 10/ 19/ 17
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-awards-colorado-13m-improve-and-protect-arkansas-river-water-quality
DENVER -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $1,293,010 to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to help protect human health and the environment through a Nonpoint Source Program Clean Water Act Section 319 cooperative agreement. This grant is given to states to implement environmental programs that address nonpoint source pollution in surface water and groundwater in order to improve and protect water quality.
“EPA is partnering with states to protect and restore watersheds, streams and groundwater,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “Investments like this grant allow states to support local watershed projects, improving water quality and supporting communities that depend on clean and healthy water resources.”
Under CDPHE’s Nonpoint Source Program, a targeted basin approach is used to provide funding for projects across the state. Three projects that will address water quality in the lower half of the Arkansas River in Colorado will be funded in 2017. The projects will support the continued voluntary efforts by landowners, local stakeholders, and local governments to address excess selenium pollution in the Arkansas River. Selenium is naturally occurring, but agriculture practices often increase the natural levels in rivers to levels that can harm human health and the environment.
"Our local partners in the Arkansas, Colorado and South Platte River basins will use these funds to plan and implement priority water quality improvement projects," said Patrick Pfaltzgraff, Director of CDPHE's Water Quality Control Division. “Perhaps most importantly, the funds will allow us to continue creating and strengthening our partnerships which is so crucial for sustaining quality waters throughout our state. We value and appreciate this EPA funding."
EPA’s grant will also provide funds to support local watershed planning for two additional river basins and for water quality outreach and education activities. The basic goal for all the projects is to improve water quality and restore the beneficial uses of waters impacted by nonpoint source pollution. The program works through a set of overarching principles that emphasize voluntary and incentive-based participation, locally-led projects, partnerships, measurable water quality improvement, and effective and efficient program administration.
North Pacific Seafoods to reduce air pollution from Naknek facility in settlement with EPA over failure to plan for risks from hazardous chemicals
Press release issued 10/ 18/ 17
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/north-pacific-seafoods-reduce-air-pollution-naknek-facility-settlement-epa-over-failure
SEATTLE -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that North Pacific Seafoods of Seattle will reduce diesel emissions and the potential for harmful interruption of its refrigeration process as part of a settlement for the company’s failure to comply with the hazardous chemicals risk management requirements of the Clean Air Act at its Red Salmon Cannery in Naknek.
The EPA found that since 2014 the company failed to develop and implement a risk management plan to detect and prevent or minimize accidental releases of the cannery’s large volume of anhydrous ammonia - a potentially deadly chemical - and to provide a prompt emergency response to any such releases. A power failure could shutdown refrigeration equipment, leading to over pressurization in ammonia-containing equipment thus causing relief devices to release ammonia on site.
The information in a facility’s Risk Management Plan helps local fire, police, and emergency response personnel who must prepare for and respond to chemical accidents, and is useful to citizens in understanding the chemical hazards in communities. The company has submitted its risk management plan and returned to compliance.
Under the terms of its agreement with the EPA, North Pacific Seafoods will spend approximately $175,000 on a Supplemental Environmental Project to install a solar power system and upgrade its lighting to LEDs. The company will also pay a $45,743 penalty.
The Clean Air Act requires facilities that store threshold amounts of hazardous chemicals – at Red Salmon Cannery that would be 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia -- to have an adequate risk management and emergency plan in place, and ensure its workers are adequately trained to respond in case of a spill or accidental release.
ON THE STATE LEVEL...
DOE: Comments sought on Kent site investigation and cleanup options
Press release issued 10/ 16/ 17
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2017/079.html
KENT – Proposed cleanup strategies for contaminated areas beneath a hazardous waste processing facility in Kent could include an underground barrier, on-site groundwater treatment or long-term monitoring.
The Washington Department of Ecology seeks public comment through Nov. 14, 2017, on an evaluation of cleanup options for Stericycle/BEI (formerly PSC, operating as Burlington Environmental LLC) at 20245 77th Ave. S.
Ecology also seeks comment on an earlier investigation that determined the type and extent of the site’s contamination. A variety of contaminants are located within Stericycle’s property and pose no immediate risk to human health or the environment.
People also can comment on amendments Ecology proposes to the facility’s state permit to treat and temporarily store hazardous wastes. The changes would include closing some operations and transferring them to the company’s Tacoma facility, closure of several oily wastewater tanks and construction of several facility upgrades.
People can view the proposals and other documents about the facility’s hazardous waste permit and cleanup process at:
Ecology’s website.
Kent Public Library, 212 2nd. Ave. N.
Ecology’s Northwest Regional Office, 3190 160th Ave. SE, Bellevue, by appointment: 425-649-7000.
Please send comments or questions to Neal Hines, site manager, Dept. of Ecology, 3190 160th Ave. SE, Bellevue WA 98008-5452, Neal.Hines@ecy.wa.gov. For questions by phone, please call 425-649-7181.
Hundreds of manufacturers and other businesses – in Washington and elsewhere in the West – rely on Stericycle for proper treatment, storage and disposal of their hazardous wastes. The Kent facility processes oily wastewater, materials that contain polychlorinated biphenyls, acids, cyanide wastes, sludges, phenols, caustic materials, and aqueous metal-bearing wastes.
WORLD AND NATIONAL HEADLINES FROM REUTERS....
Having nuclear weapons 'matter of life and death' for North Korea: agency
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Pyongyang does not plan to hold any talks with Washington about its nuclear program, a senior North Korean diplomat said on Friday, declaring that possessing nuclear weapons was a matter of life and death for North Korea, the RIA news agency reported.
Iran's Guards flex muscle in Middle East despite Trump warning
BEIRUT (Reuters) - A week after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a blistering speech about Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, the most powerful military and economic force in the Islamic Republic has shown it has no intention of curbing its activities in the Middle East.
Short on staff: Nursing crisis strains U.S. hospitals
MORGANTOWN, West Virginia (Reuters) - A shortage of nurses at U.S. hospitals hit West Virginia’s Charleston Area Medical Center at the worst possible time.
Protesters to white nationalist speaker at University of Florida: 'Go home Nazis'
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Reuters) - Protesters shouted “Go home Nazis” as a white nationalist gave a speech on Thursday at the University of Florida, where hundreds of police set up barricades and separated supporters and demonstrators to guard against violence.
Daily Bible Verse: Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Psalm 51:12 NKJV
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