Press release issued on 5/ 29/ 18
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), released a statement following a federal court ruling that blocked the Trump-Pence Administration’s efforts to revoke grants in the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program:
“Time and again, Congress has come together with bipartisan support for evidence-based investments to reduce teen pregnancy. I’m glad that despite the Trump-Pence Administration’s alarming attempts to undermine these important investments and other efforts to promote the health and wellbeing of women and youths, King County can continue its work to reduce teen pregnancy and provide new research on how we get young people the information they need to make healthy decisions and plan for their futures.”
Cantwell, Colleagues Voice Support For The Timber Innovation Act
Senators urge colleagues to include TIA in the upcoming 2018 Farm BillPress release issued 5/ 25/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and a bipartisan group of senators wrote to the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to express strong support of the inclusion of S.538, Timber Innovation Act (TIA) in the upcoming 2018 Farm Bill.
In the letter, the senators write, “The steps taken by S. 538 to promote the application of mass-timber technologies will assist the U.S. Forest Service in achieving their mandate of maintaining healthy, sustainable forest production for years to come.” The senators believe that enacting the TIA “will drive innovation in engineering, as well as provide rural economies with a new market and the tools necessary to achieve long-term prosperity.” This piece of legislation has a strong base of bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.
In March 2017, Senator Cantwell reintroduced the Timber Innovation Act with Senator Stabenow. “Devastating fires across Washington state have cost billions to fight. Innovative timber products and long-term timber contracts could help us achieve better forest health while bolstering local economies,” said Senator Cantwell, “This is something the forest products industry has shown us time and again: new innovations and technologies can create new markets for wood and assist us in maintaining healthy working forests.”
The letter as published:
Dear Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow,
We write to express our strong support for the inclusion of S. 538, the Timber Innovation Act (TIA), in the forthcoming 2018 Farm Bill. As you are aware, this bill enjoys a strong base of bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.
The steps taken by S. 538 to promote the application of mass-timber technologies will assist the U.S. Forest Service in achieving their mandate of maintaining healthy, sustainable forest production for years to come. By expanding the research and development of mass timber technologies and applications, the TIA presents Congress with the opportunity to support the deployment of a proven-safe, domestic renewable resource. Passage of this important legislation will drive innovation in engineering forward as well as provide rural economies with the market and tools necessary to achieve long-term prosperity.
Importantly, the legislation does not sacrifice building safety or structural integrity. Mass timber has been used safely in Europe, Australia and Canada for many years and is fully aligned with International Code Council’s (ICC) model building code for up to six stories in the United States since 2015, with recommendations under review for buildings as tall as 18 stories by the end of the decade.
We greatly appreciate your consideration of our request and hard work on behalf of agriculture across the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill is the opportunity to be landmark legislation for America’s forests, and we look forward to working with you on this important endeavor.
🌍IN WORLD NEWS HEADLINES FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER & OTHER SOURCES
UN PRESS RELEASE: Following Democratic Elections in Iraq, Tackling Sectarian Divide, Terrorist Threat Key to Prevent Rise of Violent Extremism, Top Officials Tell Security CouncilSpeakers Urge Support for Ongoing Reconstruction, Displaced Iraqis
On the heels of largely successful democratic elections — viewed by many around the world as a historic turning point — Iraq still faced such challenges as continued terrorist threats and sectarian divisions, which must remain a priority on the international agenda, stressed the senior United Nations official in the country as he briefed the Security Council today.---release issued on 5/ 30/ 18
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13359.doc.htm
Special Coordinator Urges Security Council to Intensify Pressure on Israelis, Palestinians amid Most Serious Escalation of Violence Since 2014
Events unfolding in and around Gaza marked the most serious escalation of violence since the 2014 conflict between Hamas and Israel, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council today, as he called for intensified pressure on Israelis and Palestinians to advance a just and sustainable peace.
Describing the fresh fighting as a warning of how close the parties were to the brink of war, Nickolay Mladenov said that, between 28 and 30 May, 216 projectiles, rockets and mortar shells had been fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. In response, Israel had carried out air strikes on 65 Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza. Hamas’ Qassam Brigades and the Islamic Jihad’s Saraya al-Quds had claimed joint responsibility for the rocket-fire attacks, blaming Israel for having targeted their fighters in the preceding 48 hours.---press released issued on 5/ 30/ 18
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13360.doc.htm
Secretary-General Welcomes Political Declaration on Libya as ‘Significant’ Step Forward in Country’s Transition
The following was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
The Secretary-General welcomes the Political Declaration on Libya adopted in Paris today by four major Libyan actors convened under the auspices of the United Nations and hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. The Declaration is a significant and welcome step forward in Libya’s political transition.---press release issued on 5/ 29/ 18
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm19058.doc.htm
World No Tobacco Day targets habit that ‘breaks hearts’ – WHO
Spreading the message that tobacco causes deadly illnesses such as heart disease and stroke helps prevent “needless” loss of life, United Nations health experts said on Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/05/1010951
Mali: In Mopti, UN chief finds ‘a determination to fight for peace’
On the second day of his visit to Mali, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres travelled some 460 kilometers outside the capital, Bamako, to Mopti, where he highlighted how insecurity in the region is threatening the country’s fragile peace process.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/05/1010961
UN rights experts urge Kenya to protect activists testifying in lead pollution case
Four United Nations human rights experts are calling for greater protection for Kenyan activists who have testified against a local lead-smelting plant accused of environmental pollution.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/05/1010941
More world news headlines on page 2...
🌎PAGE 2🌏
Military strength and stability this Memorial Day
Earlier this month our community celebrated its military strength through the annual Armed Forces Day parade’s display of top sailors, Navy brass, Marines in lock step and veterans.From a shared news article from the Kitsap Sun, on Congressman Kilmer's webpage:
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/military-strength-and-stability-this-memorial-day
It was Bremerton’s chance to say “thanks” with music, applause and awe. This week we take a day to remember the servicemen and women who never returned from duty to march in a parade or enjoy a hero’s welcome from a grateful community. The sentiment on Memorial Day brings a much quieter sense of gratitude. Friday's newspaper was graced by photos of volunteers placing flags on graves of veterans at Forest Lawn Cemetery; in Monday’s edition we will publish a list of Kitsap residents who were killed in the line of duty, a tradition we uphold in the Sun as a reminder of how safety and security have come at a cost for society in the decades since our own Civil War. That’s when Decoration Day was conceived, the precursor to the federal holiday now held the last Monday in May.
In a perfect world we’d never add to that list of military casualties who’ve called Kitsap home. We don’t live in that world, of course, and our country’s continued involvement in the conflicts of nations around the globe means spouses, children and parents spend anxious months apart from family members who are deployed. We’re fortunate that homeported ships like the USS John C. Stennis or submarine crews do more peacekeeping in the world than battle, and it’s this board’s continued hope that keeping the peace through diplomatic means and sustained strength can be the military’s primary role in future years, versus the active engagement of the past.
It should never be lost on our political leaders what even one life lost to conflict means, nor should peaceful steps to a secure and just nation ever come secondary to provoking aggression on the world’s stage. How to sensibly preserve Navy and military resources so American safety is ensured is something politicians spend a lot of time talking about, and the good news from the past week is that Congress passed a defense policy bill that included pay raises for military members, benefits for civilian workers at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and perhaps most importantly, changes to VA health care policy so that veterans retain options for service and essential caregivers may receive stipends and benefits. We offer a nod to our Congressional representatives Derek Kilmer and Sen. Patty Murray for their dogged efforts in pursuing those issues for this community.
Two members of our Congressional delegation are up for re-election this year, with Kilmer and Sen. Maria Cantwell both running for another term. With the background of immediate tensions in North Korea and the Middle East and with a commander-in-chief with a penchant for bellicose language, they should be answering questions about military force and policy. The question of when or how many men and women of our military will be called into harm’s way directly — acknowledged as a part of their sworn duty — is tough to answer hypothetically. There’s no timetable of when our country will face direct military threats, or how they’ll evolve from battles of generations past.
Choosing leaders who ensure American safety through methods that won’t add to that Memorial Day list should be paramount in a military community, and the greatest reflection of our gratitude to those we remember this holiday. It’s possible to keep carrying a stick that’s adequate in today’s world while speaking more softly than ever — and ensure we’re always able to say the words “welcome home.”
Cantwell, Winemakers: British Columbians Deserve a Glass of Washington Wine Regulations in British Columbia keep Washington wines off store shelves.
Press release issued on 5/ 25/ 18https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-winemakers-british-columbians-deserve-a-glass-of-washington-wine
Seattle, WA – Today, on National Wine Day, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Washington Winegrowers Association, and the Washington Wine Institute released the following statements after United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer called on the World Trade Organization to investigate Canada over regulations that ban imported wines from store shelves in the province of British Columbia.
“Washington wines are among the best in the world. Today’s announcement is an important step forward in allowing these products to reach consumers in Canada, a top market for Washington wines,” said Senator Cantwell, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees international trade. “Effective trade enforcement policies are critical to growing the Washington wine industry, which supports 25,000 jobs in Washington state and contributes nearly $5 billion to our economy.”
“We greatly appreciate that the WTO is looking into fair trade with British Columbia as this has been high on our list of important issues for years. With annual exports over $10 million in 2017, British Columbia is our largest and closest trading partner and our growers and vintners have been challenged getting Washington wine into their market channels. We are hoping for swift and amicable resolution,” said Vicky Scharlau, executive director of the Washington Winegrowers Association.
"The Washington Wine Institute applauds the announcement by our national trade leaders requesting a dispute settlement panel to tackle the many-years-long discriminatory trade practice in British Columbia grocery stores and their treatment of Washington State wines in that marketplace,” said Josh McDonald, executive director of the Washington Wine Institute. “Last year, our wineries exported nearly $10 million of wine to Canada with the majority of that wine going to Ontario and Quebec. Given our proximity to British Columbia and BC consumers' appreciation of quality wine, there's no reason it can't be as an equally large market for Washington State wineries. We thank the Administration for its support, and look forward to working together to securer fairer and more open access to the British Columbia market."
Specifically, USTR requested that the World Trade Organization establish a dispute settlement panel to examine Canadian regulations that do not allow imported wines to be sold on grocery store shelves in the Canadian province of British Columbia. These British Columbia regulations allow only local British Columbia wines to be sold on regular grocery store shelves. Imported wines have to be sold in stores that are physically separated from the grocery store, have controlled access, and have separate cash registers from the grocery store’s cash registers. Such discriminatory measures limit sales opportunities for U.S. wine producers and provide a substantial competitive advantage for British Columbia wine.
Canada is Washington state’s number one export market for wine, with more than $10 million in exports in 2017. Wine in Washington boosts more than 900 wineries, generating $1.8 billion in revenue and $4.8 billion total economic impact, as well as supporting more than 25,900 jobs.
More world news headlines....
UN PRESS RELEASE: European Union, United Nations to Strengthen Partnership on Counter-Terrorism
BRUSSELS, 25 May (Office of Counter-Terrorism) — Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vladimir Voronkov, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, met in Brussels today to discuss the cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism, as well as efforts by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to reform and strengthen the Organization’s counter-terrorism work.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/pa26.doc.htm
Lack of Humanitarian Access Affecting 2 Million People in Syria, Under-Secretary-General Tells Security Council
Upon Request, Office Released $16 Million, Sought to Add Staff, He Says
The 2 million people in northern rural Homs, Douma and southern Damascus were among the most desperate in Syria, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs told the Security Council today, adding that only six inter‑agency aid convoys had reached those areas this year.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13356.doc.htm
US MISSION TO THE UN: Remarks at an Emergency UN Security Council Briefing on Gaza
The United States called this meeting today to talk about the dangerous and destructive activities of the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip. You might think that the rest of the Security Council would join us in condemning a terrorist organization like Hamas. There shouldn’t be any debate about this. But of course, because this attack involves Israel, the standard is different.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8454
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)
Just three years ago, Iraq was in a very different place. ISIS controlled Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, and it captured territory stretching to within thirty minutes of Baghdad. ISIS fighters were committing unspeakable atrocities against Iraqis, including selling women into sexual slavery and murdering religious minorities. They were using their safe haven to plan attacks against the West. But that was three years ago.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8452
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Ukraine
Two weeks ago, the President of Poland convened a very important debate in the Security Council on upholding international law. Many of us talked about the purposes and goals of the United Nations. It was an opportunity to ask ourselves why we are here and what we hope to accomplish. Today’s debate effectively answers these questions.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8450
The United States Calls for Emergency UN Security Council Meeting on Attacks against Israel
“The recent attacks out of Gaza are the largest we have seen since 2014. Mortars fired by Palestinian militants hit civilian infrastructure, including a kindergarten. The Security Council should be outraged and respond to this latest bout of violence directed at innocent Israeli civilians, and the Palestinian leadership needs to be held accountable for what they’re allowing to happen in Gaza,” said Ambassador Haley.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8449
🌍PAGE 3: NATIONAL🌎
President Donald J. Trump to Sign Right to Try Legislation Fulfilling the Promise He Made to Expand Healthcare Options for Terminal Americans
White House fact sheet released on 5/ 30/ 18
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-sign-right-try-legislation-fulfilling-promise-made-expand-healthcare-options-terminal-americans/
RIGHT TO TRY: Congress passed the Right to Try Act of 2017, sending a priority bill to President Donald J. Trump for his signature.
The “Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Belllina Right to Try Act of 2017” passed Congress on May 22, 2018.
The bill amends Federal law to allow certain unapproved, experimental drugs to be administered to terminally ill patients who have exhausted all approved treatment options and are unable to participate in clinical drug trials.
Eligible drugs must have undergone the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Phase I (safety) testing.
The bill requires any manufacturer or sponsor of an eligible investigational drug to report to the FDA on any use of the drug on a “Right to Try” basis.
The FDA will post an annual summary report of “Right to Try” use on its website.
The bill limits the liability of drug sponsors, manufacturers, prescribers, or dispensers that provide or decline to provide an eligible investigational drug to an eligible patient.
A RIGHT TO LIFE: Right to try legislation returns treatment decisions back to patients, giving them the right to make healthcare choices that could save their lives.
“Right to Try” gives the over 1 million Americans who die from a terminal illness every year a new tool to fight and make potentially lifesaving decisions about their treatment.
According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 609,640 Americans will die from cancer alone in 2018.
Prior to this legislation, options for terminally patients who had exhausted all treatment options were extremely limited:
Many terminally ill patients were considered too sick for clinical trials of new medication. In fact, only 3 percent of cancer patients today are enrolled in clinical trials.
The FDA’s “compassionate use” application is complicated and time-consuming, resulting in only about 1,200 approved applications per year.
With President Trump’s signature the Federal government joins with 40 States that have approved the right of terminally ill patients to try potentially lifesaving drugs.
MAKING HEALTHCARE WORK FOR AMERICANS: Every day, President Trump is working to fix America’s broken healthcare system and return healthcare decisions to individuals.
On May 11, 2018, the President issued his blueprint to lower prescription drug prices, taking action to put American patients first.
President Trump has signed multiple Executive Orders and approved new funding to target the scourge of opioid abuse and is taking the fight to drug abuse across the Nation.
In March 2018, President Trump’s Administration released the President’s plan to put patients back in charge of their own health information.
President Trump is putting healthcare decisions back into the hands of Americans by repealing Obamacare’s individual mandate, ending the healthcare rationing board, and providing more affordable options outside of Obamacare.
President Donald J. Trump is Confronting China’s Unfair Trade Policies
White House fact sheet released on 5/ 29/ 18
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-confronting-chinas-unfair-trade-policies/
YEARS OF UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES: China has consistently taken advantage of the American economy with practices that undermine fair and reciprocal trade.
For many years, China has pursued industrial policies and unfair trade practices—including dumping, discriminatory non-tariff barriers, forced technology transfer, over capacity, and industrial subsidies—that champion Chinese firms and make it impossible for many United States firms to compete on a level playing field.
China’s industrial policies, such as its “Made in China 2025” plan, harm companies in the United States and around the world.
China imposes much higher tariffs on United States exports than the United States imposes on China.
China’s average tariff rate is nearly three times higher than the average United States rate.
Certain products are even more imbalanced, for instance the United States charges a 2.5 percent tariff on Chinese cars, while China currently maintains a 25 percent tariff on cars from the United States.
China has banned imports of United States agricultural products such as poultry, cutting off America’s ranchers and farmers from a major market for their goods.
China has dumped and unfairly subsidized a range of goods for the United States market, undermining America’s domestic industry.
In 2018 alone, the Trump Administration has found dumping or unfair subsidies on 13 different products, including steel wheels, cold-drawn mechanical tubing, tool chests and cabinets, forged steel fittings, aluminum foil, rubber bands, cast iron soil pipe and fittings, and large diameter welded pipe.
In January 2018, the Trump Administration found that China’s overproduction of steel and aluminum, and the resulting impact on global markets, is a circumstance that threatens to impair America’s national security.
The United States has run a trade in goods deficit with China for years, including a $375 billion deficit in 2017 alone.
UNDERMINING AMERICAN INNOVATION AND JOBS: China has aggressively sought to obtain technology from American companies and undermine American innovation and creativity.
The cost of China’s intellectual property theft costs United States innovators billions of dollars a year, and China accounts for 87 percent of counterfeit goods seized coming into the United States.
United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) Section 301 investigation identified four of China’s aggressive technology policies that put 44 million American technology jobs at risk:
Forced technology transfer;
Requiring licensing at less than economic value;
Chinese state-directed acquisition of sensitive United States technology for strategic purposes; and
Outright cyber theft.
China uses foreign ownership restrictions, administrative review, and licensing processes to force or pressure technology transfers from American companies.
China requires foreign companies that access their New Energy Vehicles market to transfer core technologies and disclose development and manufacturing technology.
China imposes contractual restrictions on the licensing of intellectual property and technology by foreign firms into China, but does not put the same restrictions on contracts between two Chinese enterprises.
China directs and facilitates investments in and acquisitions of United States companies to generate large-scale technology transfer.
China conducts and supports cyber intrusions into United States computer networks to gain access to valuable business information so Chinese companies can copy products.
STANDING UP TO CHINA’S UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES: President Trump has taken long overdue action to finally address the source of the problem, China’s unfair trade practices that hurt America’s workers and our innovative industries.
In January 2018, the President announced his decision to provide safeguard relief to United States manufacturers injured by surging imports of washing machines and solar products.
This was the first use of Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose tariffs in 16 years.
These actions responded to injurious trade practices by China and other countries, including attempts to avoid legally imposed antidumping and countervailing duties.
Following the decision, Whirlpool announced 200 new jobs in Ohio.
USTR and the Department of Commerce are working together to defend the right of the United States to continue treating China as a non-market economy in antidumping investigations until China makes the reforms it agreed to when it joined the World Trade Organization (WTO).
President Trump’s Administration has successfully litigated WTO disputes targeting unfair trade practices and upholding our right to enforce United States trade laws.
In February 2018, USTR won a WTO compliance challenge against China’s unfair antidumping and countervailing duties on United States poultry exports and China announced the termination of those duties.
PROTECTING AMERICAN INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY: President Trump has worked to defend America’s intellectual property and proprietary technology from theft and other threats.
In August 2017, the Administration initiated a Section 301 investigation into China’s practices related to forced technology transfer, unfair licensing, and intellectual property policies.
After USTR completed its Section 301 report in March 2018, the President directed the agencies to explore numerous actions to protect domestic technology and intellectual property.
Under President Trump’s leadership:
The United States will impose a 25 percent tariff on $50 billion of goods imported from China containing industrially significant technology, including those related to the “Made in China 2025” program. The final list of covered imports will be announced by June 15, 2018.
USTR will continue WTO dispute settlement against China originally initiated in March to address China’s discriminatory technology licensing requirements.
The United States will implement specific investment restrictions and enhanced export controls for Chinese persons and entities related to the acquisition of industrially significant technology. The list of restrictions and controls will be announced by June 30, 2018.
More national headlines...
DOD: Pacific Command Change Highlights Growing Importance of Indian Ocean Area
JOINT BASE PEAR HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis today stressed the importance of the Indian Ocean region of U.S. Pacific Command’s area of responsibility and announced that the Defense Department is renaming the combatant command as U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1535808/pacific-command-change-highlights-growing-importance-of-indian-ocean-area/
DOD: Davidson Pledges to Continue Mission at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --
The name of U.S. Pacific Command has changed, but the mission of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command will remain the same, command officials said at the change of command here today.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1535814/davidson-pledges-to-continue-mission-at-us-indo-pacific-command/
DOJ: District Court Issues Order to Prevent California Individual From Distributing Adulterated Fish or Fishery Products
A federal court enjoined Michel G. Blanchet of Los Angeles, California, from preparing, processing, and distributing adulterated fish or fishery products without first taking required remedial action, the Department of Justice announced today.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/district-court-issues-order-prevent-california-individual-distributing-adulterated-fish-or
Interior Collaborates with Idaho Partners to Improve Vital Habitat for Wildlife
Sage-grouse habitat project will remove more than half a million acres of encroaching juniper
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-collaborates-idaho-partners-improve-vital-habitat-wildlife
HUD APPROVES AGREEMENT BETWEEN NEVADA REAL ESTATE COMPANIES AND APPLICANT RESOLVING CLAIMS OF DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has approved a Conciliation Agreement between Delta House Investments, LLC in Reno, Nevada, and Premier Realty, Inc., of Carson City, Nevada, and a prospective tenant resolving allegations that they denied the applicant's request to have an assistance animal. Read the agreement.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_18_049
🌏PAGE 4: BUSINESS & FINANCE🌍
US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BLOG: Business Offers Path to Purpose for New Grads, by,
THOMAS J. DONOHUE, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
https://www.uschamber.com/series/above-the-fold/business-offers-path-purpose-new-grads-0
Summer is here, school is out, and a new class of college graduates is officially entering the workforce. As they receive their diplomas and plan their next steps, they are sure to be met with an abundance of advice on how to maximize their impact on the world. Let me add a little insight of my own into the mix.
Throughout my career, I’ve gotten to know successful people in a range of fields—from public service to medicine to education to the arts—all of whom have made a positive difference in the world. I’ve noted the greatest impact, however, from a field that doesn’t always get its due credit as a driver of progress in our society: business.
Business has always been a leading force for good in America. Its very purpose is to solve problems, meet needs, and devise new services to make life better. Those who enter careers in business are entering into a competition to provide value for consumers and society.
Through the American free enterprise system, businesses have created lifesaving drugs, efficient new ways of doing things, and groundbreaking inventions from the automobile to the computer. Just as important, they have enabled people to achieve security for their families, create meaningful jobs for their neighbors, and improve the quality of life in their communities.
Businesses also fuel the economic growth that funds our government, including our public schools, social safety nets, strong national defense, and support for scientific research. Further, many businesses go above and beyond to contribute to society. Next time a natural disaster strikes, pay close attention to how many companies rush to donate money, food, supplies, services, and shelter.
I’d like all graduates entering the workforce to know that a career in business can be a profound personal calling, especially when coupled with strong values. It’s a calling to put your unique gifts into the service of society and, in doing so, to create value not just for yourself but for your family, community, and country.
For any graduates looking to make a difference, I encourage you to start by identifying a need or a problem that you want to address and then apply your knowledge and skills to addressing it through free enterprise. Whether you wish to do so at an existing company or by starting your own, business offers endless opportunities to find dignity and purpose while making the world a better place.
US LABOR DEPT: U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR ACOSTA AND U.S. SENATOR COLLINS HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF SKILLS-BASED EDUCATION IN MAINE
Press release issued 5/ 29/ 18
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20180529
WASHINGTON, DC – During tours today in Maine of the Penobscot Job Corps Center and the Cianbro Institute, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) highlighted the importance of ensuring all Americans have the skills they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow. With Maine’s unemployment rate holding at a record low for two straight months, Secretary Acosta and Senator Collins focused on the importance of ensuring that workforce education programs meet the needs of job creators and job seekers.
“President Trump’s Administration is working to ensure all Americans learn the skills they need for good, family-sustaining jobs,” said Secretary Acosta. “Maine’s employment situation is very strong, with the unemployment rate at a record low for two straight months and 7,600 jobs added in the state since the President’s election. I appreciated the opportunity to join Senator Collins in meeting with Mainers who are working to prepare job seekers for success in the workplace.”
“I was delighted to welcome Secretary Acosta to Maine and show him two workforce development programs in our state that are giving Mainers the tools they need to build successful careers: the Penobscot Job Corps Center and the Cianbro Institute,” said Senator Collins. “Penobscot Job Corps helps young adults gain hands-on job training skills, putting them on track to excel in high-growth fields, and the Cianbro Institute offers intensive training and education to Mainers seeking good-paying jobs in the construction industry. I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Acosta to support these types of workforce training programs that create opportunities for all Americans.”
Secretary Acosta and Senator Collins visited the Penobscot Job Corps Center in Bangor, Maine, and the Cianbro Institute, a workforce education facility, in Pittsfield, Maine. Following a discussion with leadership and staff at each location, the two toured each facility to learn more about their workforce education programs.
MORE BUSINESS & FINANCE RELATED STORIES....
IRS continues warning on impersonation scams; Reminds people to remain alert to other scams, schemes this summer
WASHINGTON – With tax season completed, the Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers to remain vigilant for phishing emails and telephone scams. Summertime tends to be a favorite period for scammers because many taxpayers have recently filed a return and may be waiting for a response from the IRS.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-continues-warning-on-impersonation-scams-reminds-people-to-remain-alert-to-other-scams-schemes-this-summer
Federal Reserve Board asks for comment on proposed rule to simplify and tailor compliance requirements relating to the "Volcker rule"
The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday asked for comment on a proposed rule to simplify and tailor compliance requirements relating to the "Volcker rule." By statute, the Volcker rule generally prohibits banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading and from owning or controlling hedge funds or private equity funds.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20180530a.htm
USDA and FDA Cooperation Continues to Ensure a Safe Food Supply
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA recognize that close communication and knowledge sharing is critical to ensuring a safe and abundant food supply for Americans and others.
As outlined in USDA Strategic Goal 7 (USDA FY2018-2022 Strategic Plan (PDF, 1.8 MB)), food safety is a priority at the Department. No fewer than six USDA agencies work to protect the public from the dangers of pathogens that may cause illness. From inspection of slaughter houses to innovations in processing, testing, and monitoring to keeping Americans informed, USDA may prevent as many as 25,000 illnesses a year.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/05/30/usda-and-fda-cooperation-continues-ensure-safe-food-supply
Treasury Targets Human Rights Abuses, Censorship, and Enhanced Monitoring by the Iranian Government
Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Iranian entities for committing serious human rights abuses on behalf of the Government of Iran, as well as three leaders of one of these entities, the Ansar-e Hizballah organization.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0397
Operators of Student Loan Debt Relief Schemes Settle FTC Charges
The defendants in two student loan debt relief cases have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission claims that they charged consumers illegal upfront fees and falsely promised to help reduce or forgive student loan debt burdens.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/05/operators-student-loan-debt-relief-schemes-settle-ftc-charges
🌍PAGE 5: STATE NEWS🌏
Schools, vulnerable buildings focus of emergency preparedness talk
Inslee hears update from community leaders, emergency preparedness experts during recent meeting.
From the Governor's Meduim webpage posted 5/ 29/ 18
https://medium.com/wagovernor/schools-vulnerable-buildings-focus-of-emergency-preparedness-discussion-b6fb0f33a4c6
Washington has the second highest earthquake risk in the United States, and a Cascadia Subduction Zone quake — with a potential to reach a magnitude of 9.0 — is due to strike again.
As state leaders work to make our communities more resilient to major earthquakes, many have focused on improvements to public school buildings, especially along the coast where an earthquake-triggered tsunami could pose even more danger to schoolchildren.
“As a school district, we really do need to make some improvements,” Aberdeen School District Superintendent Alicia Henderson said.
The school district is working to make seismic upgrades to Stevens Elementary School. The school, attended by about 500 students, was built in 1954 and last renovated in 1976.
Henderson gave her report during a recent Results Washington meeting with Gov. Jay Inslee that focused on seismic safety in Washington schools and other vulnerable buildings. More than 20 leaders and emergency preparedness experts from around the state attended the meeting.
Current studies show that Grays Harbor communities, including Aberdeen, face the highest risk statewide of experiencing a tsunami following a major seismic event.
Stevens Elementary School is near the mouth of the Chehalis River, which feeds into Grays Harbor. The school’s location poses a huge logistical challenge in getting every student evacuated to safety in the event of a tsunami, Henderson said.
“It is definitely in a precarious position with regard to not only tsunami inundation, but also the distance for evacuation of students to get to higher ground,” she said.
Preparing communities
The Cascadia Subduction Zone separates the Juan de Fuca and North America tectonic plates. It could become seismically active without warning and sits within 100 miles of the Washington coastline, leaving students and teachers, especially those in older unreinforced masonry buildings, at risk should a quake occur.
A major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake strikes every 200 to 600 years, and the last rupture of this fault line occurred 318 years ago.
In addition to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, Washington is crisscrossed with active crustal faults with the ability to do tremendous damage at a potential impact of $49 billion in total economic losses. One of the largest quakes in recent history, the Nisqually earthquake, injured about 400 people and produced some $2 billion in damages 17 years ago.
In 2016, Inslee established the Resilient Washington Subcabinet to better prepare the state for natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, drought, storms and flooding.
Funding to accomplish schools’ structural safety goals can be a challenge to acquire, so a large portion of the governor’s meeting was dedicated to finding solutions to increasing seismic safety in older buildings and schools. The number of schools in need of retrofitting is significant, with at least four in the Aberdeen School District alone.
The Aberdeen district is $27 million short of fully funding building upgrades to instructional sites. The medium household income in Aberdeen is $19,000 less than the state average, making it tough to pass a construction bond to retrofit those buildings.
Finding solutions
The Results Washington discussion generated several ideas, including rethinking growth management strategies, providing tax incentives to building owners to retrofit historic and unreinforced masonry buildings — many of which are retail shops in Main Street districts or affordable housing units.
“We know The Big One is somewhere in our future. We just don’t know when,” Inslee said. “Although we cannot prevent or predict earthquakes, we can be better prepared to respond and recover quickly when these natural disasters occur, and we can invest in strengthening our buildings.”
Inslee committed his Results Washington team to develop a set of unique performance measures related to Washington’s resiliency that will continually monitor the progress of seismic safety improvement efforts. He closed the meeting by pushing state leaders to focus on the short-term goal of prioritizing the most vulnerable schools, and the long-term goal of assessing every single school in the state for safety.
“When we build schools that are up to our current seismic standards, we know we’re providing safer schools for our kids,” Inslee said.
The governor also highlighted some of the work ahead to increase seismic safety throughout the state.
Currently funded is a $1.2 million capital budget project to assess nearly 220 of the highest risk Washington school buildings and $200,000 to create an inventory of all unreinforced masonry buildings. The City of Seattle is ahead of the curve on this effort, already inventorying all unreinforced masonry buildings in the city.
Washingtonians can learn more about staying safe during an earthquake and preparing for a worst-case scenario seismic event by visiting Washington Emergency Management’s emergency preparedness page.
Inspired to citizenship: Department of Ecology engineer becomes an American
Farida Farajullayeva Leek says governor’s email to state employees last year was her motivation
From the Governor's medium page posted on 5/ 25/ 18
https://medium.com/wagovernor/inspired-to-citizenship-department-of-ecology-engineer-becomes-an-american-e39743c96396
The Chinese philosopher Laozi said: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Farida Farajullayeva Leek’s journey has taken her tens of thousands of miles. And in April, the Washington State Department of Ecology engineer took the step to become an American citizen. Now a whole new journey begins.
Though she’s been in the United States for nearly 18 years, it was Gov. Jay Inslee’s message to employees on Feb. 6, 2017, that moved her toward citizenship.
Inslee’s email to all state employees provided information and resources for immigrants in the wake of the Trump administration’s travel ban.
“Your jobs are often difficult enough without adding unnecessary uncertainty about the ability of your loved ones to travel abroad and safely return home,” Inslee wrote. “I will continue to do all I can to fight any and all discriminatory measures that cause harm to Washington’s families and businesses.”
She came home from work that day and told her husband, Randal Leek, that she was going to prepare her documents for citizenship. He later joked about it, saying he couldn’t get her to do it for 20 years, and the governor did it in two minutes.
“I cannot express enough how the governor’s deep, touching, caring email was important to me,” said Farida, who at the time was a documented immigrant. “Even now when I read it, I get emotional.”
Where it began
Farida was born in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, a country at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia with a population of 9.9 million. The country was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1920 and proclaimed its independence in 1991, prior to the official dissolution of the Soviet Union.
She has three graduate degrees from three different countries: Azerbaijan, Ukraine and the United States, achieved in three different languages: Azeri, Russian and English.
Baku is where she met future husband Randal. He was an American working for humanitarian agencies helping refugees. In 1997, they married and relocated to Albania in response to the needs of Kosovo refugees living there. Farida took jobs developing water supply projects in local villages and provided advice in support of water and sanitation programs.
“I didn’t know English well, and we hardly knew each other when we were married,” she said. But Albania was a great place for them to begin their life together. In a new country, they went to the market and sampled everything. They learned a new language and used it to talk about their adventures.
“When I would go out in the field to the villages, riding on horseback to get into the mountains, it was much like some of Randal’s first experiences in the Peace Corps — seeing and meeting villagers living away from modern civilization,” she said.
American sojourn
After leaving “colorful Albania,” Farida and Randal moved to the United States, which she said seemed “dark and heavy, fast moving and uncertain” at first. She finished school at Washington State University, earning a Master of Science degree in biological systems engineering. The Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee funded her study as part of a groundwater management plan for the Palouse Basin.
Guy Gregory, who recently retired as a technical supervisor for the water resources program at Ecology’s Eastern Regional Office, was a part of the PBAC working group. He invited Farida to give a presentation about her research on the Palouse Basin basalt aquifer system at the Spokane office.
“I met a group of Ecology people for the first time,” Farida said. “Shortly after that meeting, Ecology was on the top of my future job list.”
In the summer of 2006, her husband had a job interview in downtown Yakima just blocks from Ecology’s Central Regional Office.
“Strolling downtown Yakima in hot weather, I ended up at the old (Central Regional Office) building,” Farida said. “I didn’t know that Ecology had the office in Yakima.”
Her husband got the job and they bought their first home on Yakima’s west side. Two months later she applied for a job with the Columbia River Unit, which was just forming to develop water supplies for both instream and out-of-stream benefits in Eastern Washington. It’s now called the Office of Columbia River.
Farida been working at Ecology for 11 years. She lends technical assistance to Office of Columbia River on the Supply and Demand Forecast Report to the Legislature, is involved in issuing new water right permits from Lake Roosevelt and Sullivan Lake, and analyzing long-term streamflow data for Columbia River Basin watersheds.
Path to citizenship
Three years ago, Randal brought Farida a brochure from the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan when he worked there for the U.S. Agency for International Development.
“The ‘Learn about the United States’ brochure was my study material to begin,” Farida said. “It helped me to understand the principles of American democracy, the U.S. system of government and the important rights and responsibilities of citizens.”
Once inspired by Inslee’s email, she started the process of getting personal documents from Azerbaijan and applied for naturalization. For her it went rather quickly. On April 24, she became an American citizen.
Studying for the civics test — being knowledgeable about her new country — was exciting for her.
“I have been in Washington, D.C., three times, visited the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, White House and Smithsonian museum,” she said. “I felt the power everywhere that I haven’t felt in any other countries I visited. Study materials took me back to my great memories about my visit to the capital.”
One of the things that surprised her the most while studying to become a citizen was that after 231 years, there are only 27 amendments to the Constitution. And that up until 1971, voters had to be at least 21.
She said that new citizens both love their new country — and the traditions, religion and customs from their homelands.
“We need to accept people as they are,” she said. “And treat them equally, with respect and dignity.”
As a new citizen, she said she looks forward to being able to vote this year and to travel more easily.
“Next summer I am planning to travel to New York, to visit the Statue of Liberty, climb the stairs to the crown and … scream: ‘Why Not Me?!’” she said. “I am a happy and proud new American. I am thankful to this country for giving me this opportunity… and for Ecology and the Central Office for being such a great home for me.”
The governor’s February 2017 email in its entirety:
Fellow state employees,
As you know, this past week has been a tumultuous one for hundreds of Washington workers, employers and families who experienced difficulties resulting from an executive order issued by President Trump that restricts — and in some cases, bans — travel by immigrants and refugees from certain countries.
We received excellent news last Friday when a federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order that suspends implementation of the president’s executive order. This was in response to a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson on behalf of Washington state. Attorney General Ferguson, Solicitor General Noah Purcell and their entire team have been working tirelessly to make sure this unconstitutional action by the president does not stand. My staff and I are all intently focused on how we can best help affected communities.
Regardless of your politics, the reality is that this executive order, and some of the other actions being issued by President Trump, impact hard-working, law-abiding residents of our state and our nation. These are UW students studying HIV vaccines, parents waiting to be reunited with their children, and employees of our state’s world-class businesses.
My office has been fielding questions and hearing from many of you and others who are concerned about what the president’s actions mean for them and their family. If you, a colleague, family member or neighbor have questions or need assistance, please use the link to this resource page we’ve compiled. Numerous organizations are ready to provide information, advice and possibly even legal assistance. We will keep this page updated to make sure it remains a valuable resource.
In addition, if you have any human resources related questions about how this executive order may affect employment with the state, please reach out to your agency’s human resources office.
Your jobs are often difficult enough without adding unnecessary uncertainty about the ability of your loved ones to travel abroad and safely return home. I will continue to do all I can to fight any and all discriminatory measures that cause harm to Washington’s families and businesses.
As always, thank you for all you do. It is an honor to serve you and the people of our great state.
Very truly yours,
Jay Inslee
MORE STATE NEWS RELATED STORIES...
TOSHIBA TO PAY $1.3M FOR PRICE-FIXING SCHEME AFFECTING MILLIONS OF WASHINGTONIANS
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that Toshiba Corporation, a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Japan, will pay $1.3 million as part of the Attorney General’s price-fixing lawsuit against manufacturers of a component used in television and computer screens called cathode ray tube, or CRT.
http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/toshiba-pay-13m-price-fixing-scheme-affecting-millions-washingtonians
June 6 Symposium Explores Unequal Impacts, Possible Solutions to Court Fines and Fees
The issue of court fines and fees — their disparate impact on people of low income, and possible solutions for this disparity — will be explored at a Supreme Court Symposium on June 6th. The annual Symposium, presented by the Court’s Minority and Justice Commission, will be followed by a conference sponsored by the University of Washington’s Department of Sociology
http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/?fa=newsinfo.internetdetail&newsid=15997
WDFW: Anglers can fish for free June 9-10, 2018
OLYMPIA – Each year, thousands of Washingtonians go fishing – legally – without a license on "Free Fishing Weekend," scheduled for June 9-10.
During those two days, no license will be required to fish or gather shellfish in any waters open to fishing in Washington state.
Anglers will also not need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement, otherwise required to fish for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries. Nor will they need a Two Pole Endorsement to fish with two poles in selected waters where two-pole fishing is permitted.
Also, no vehicle access pass or Discover Pass will be required during Free Fishing Weekend to park at any of the nearly 700 water-access sites maintained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). A Discover Pass will also not be required on Washington State Parks lands throughout the weekend, but will be required on DNR lands both days.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/may3118a/
DOE: Grants help local communities buy oil spill response equipment, restore environment
OLYMPIA – Local communities are getting critical tools to respond to oil spills, hazardous material emergencies, and fires, plus they’re getting funds to pay for environmental restoration projects thanks to grants from the Washington Department of Ecology.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2018/May-30-Grants-help-local-communities
Draft EIS spells out Icicle Creek water strategy
LEAVENWORTH – Proposals for boosting streamflows and improving water resources in the Icicle Creek Watershed are moving forward after years of collaboration by stakeholders. Water availability in the Icicle is tight especially when fish and irrigators need it most.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2018/May-31-Icicle-draft-PEIS
Toxic flame retardants found in children’s play tents, tunnels and chairs
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology found flame retardant chemicals in 17 of the 85 children’s play tents, tunnels and chairs that it tested. The flame retardants found include two chemicals, TDCPP and TCEP, that were banned under Washington’s Children’s Safe Products Act in 2017, although the products tested were purchased prior to the ban.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2018/May-30-Testing-finds-flame-retardants-in-children
🌍PAGE 6🌎
Franz’s “Solutions Table” a New Approach for Jobs and the Environment
DNR press release issued 5/ 30/ 18
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/franz%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Csolutions-table%E2%80%9D-new-approach-jobs-and-environment
State Leaders Will Identify New Opportunities for Economic Development and Protecting the Marbled Murrelet
Today, Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz met with the members of her new “Solutions Table”. Those with a place card have a big task ahead: creating policies that assist both the marbled murrelet and the timber towns that will feel the effects of protecting the species.
As required under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), the State Board of Natural Resources – chaired by Commissioner Franz – is developing a long-term conservation strategy for the marbled murrelet on state lands. That strategy includes conserving some state forestland for marbled murrelet habitat.
The conservation of forestland will likely impact timber industry jobs and state trust beneficiaries who receive revenue from state-managed working forests.
In addition, DNR’s trust obligations mean that only the forestland required to comply with the ESA will be protected. Broader, more holistic strategies – outside of the limited ESA process – will further protect the marbled murrelet.
“To move forward, we have to reject the notion that we are stuck in a zero-sum game, which forces us to choose between our environment and creating economic opportunity,” said Franz. “Instead, we need to develop bold, new strategies to lift up our communities and achieve shared success.
“This team has the know-how, community support, and commitment to advance meaningful, long-term solutions. Our rural jobs, schools and local government services deserve no less.”
Commissioner Franz’s nine Solution Table members represent community, conservation and economic interests:
Dan Cothren, Wahkiakum County Commissioner, representing trust beneficiaries
Paul Jewell, Kittitas County Commissioner, representing trust beneficiaries
Brian Sims, Consultant, Washington State School Directors’ Association, representing trust beneficiaries
Lisa Remlinger, Evergreen Forests Program Director, Washington Environmental Council, representing conservation interests
Paula Swedeen, Policy Director, Conservation Northwest, representing conservation interests
Patricia Jones, Executive Director, Olympic Forest Coalition, representing conservation interests
Travis Joseph, President, American Forest Resource Council, representing economic interests
Connie Beauvais, Commissioner, Port of Port Angeles, representing economic interests
Jim Sayce, Executive Director, Pacific County Economic Development Council, representing economic interests
“It’s long overdue for diverse interests to come to the table to have a rational conversation about what we can do, collectively, for forest and community health,” said Travis Joseph, President, AFRC. “Clean air, clean water, healthy wildlife populations, local jobs, quality schools and public services, and a strong forest products industry can co-exist and thrive in Washington State. Through leadership, hard work, and meaningful collaboration, we can change the zero-sum, win-lose mentality that has dominated natural resources management for too long.”
“In order to achieve true success, we must take action to protect the marbled murrelet and create economic opportunities in our rural communities,” said Lisa Remlinger, Evergreen Forests Program Director, Washington Environmental Council. “I am confident the Solutions Table will lead to big ideas and that, in partnership, we will create win-wins for our environment and economy.”
“At the Solutions Table, we will put our heads together to find common ground and ways to help our counties and endangered species,” said Dan Cothren, Commissioner, Wahkiakum County.
In recognition of the fact that new policies may require engagement with Congress, federal and state agencies, nonprofits and industry groups, Solutions Table members have agreed to participate through 2019.
The Solutions Table, pursuant to House Bill 2285, will also provide the Washington State Legislature with updates and possible recommendations.
Managing Working Forests for Public Benefit
Led by Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands, DNR manages 3 million acres of trust land to provide revenue for schools, hospitals, libraries, and other critical public services. State trust forests are protected from development, clean our air and water, and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation.
UTC: EFSEC issues Columbia Solar draft site agreements for public comment.
A public comment hearing is scheduled for June 26
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Today the Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council issued five draft site certification agreements (SCAs) for the proposed Columbia Solar project for public comment.
In October 2017, TUUSSO Energy requested expedited processing of its application for a site certification agreement from EFSEC to construct and operate five solar arrays and two generation tie lines in Kittitas County. Each new solar array would be capable of providing up to 5 megawatts of solar energy within the Puget Sound Energy service area, for a total of 25 megawatts of electrical power generation.
EFSEC invites the public to review and provide comment on:
• Camas Draft Site Certification Agreement
• Fumaria Draft Site Certification Agreement
• Penstemon Draft Site Certification Agreement
• Typha Draft Site Certification Agreement
• Urtica Draft Site Certification Agreement
All of the draft SCAs are available online at: www.efsec.wa.gov\Tuusso_Solar\SCA.html
The public may comment on the draft SCAs through June 29. Comments may be submitted on the EFSEC website or by mail to the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, PO Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250.
The public will also have opportunity to submit comments in person at a public comment hearing on Tuesday, June 26, at the Kittitas Valley Event Center Armory in Ellensburg. The meeting will begin with an open house at 5 p.m., during which EFSEC staff and TUUSSO Energy representatives will be available to answer questions about the project and the EFSEC review process.
The public hearing portion of the meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. or last speaker, whichever comes first.
Special accommodations necessary to participate in the June 26 public meeting can be requested by contacting EFSEC staff at (360) 664-1345.
Background
In April 2018 the council determined the 25-megawatt Columbia Solar project proposed for Kittitas County, WA, meets land-use and environmental requirements to be considered for an expedited review.
A project is eligible for expedited review if EFSEC determines the environmental impacts of a proposed energy facility are not significant or can be mitigated to non-significant levels under the State Environmental Policy Act and when a project is consistent with city, county, or regional land-use plans.
Expedited processing gives the council 60 days—or longer, if an extension is agreed to by both the company and EFSEC—to make a recommendation to Gov. Jay Inslee about whether the project should be permitted.
The governor will have final approval over siting the project.
After an extended public comment period, the council determined in February that the proposed project is consistent with local land-use requirements to qualify it for expedited processing. However, the council also requested a plan from EFSEC staff outlining how the council may gain more information about site specific concerns to inform its final recommendation to the governor.
In February EFSEC also issued a Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance (MDNS) for the project, describing its potential environmental impacts. EFSEC found the proposed Columbia Solar project would not have significant adverse impacts on the environment, as long as all state and local regulations are followed and the company implements certain mitigation measures.
EFSEC staff drafted the determination after reviewing a completed environmental checklist and existing laws and regulations. A full environmental impact statement will not be required per state law.
For more information on the MDNS and the environmental checklist, visit: http://www.efsec.wa.gov/Tuusso_Solar/Tuusso_MDNS.html.
EFSEC was created by the state Legislature in 1970 to provide one-stop licensing for large energy projects. The council's responsibilities include siting large natural gas and oil pipelines, thermal electric power plants that are 350 megawatts or greater and their dedicated transmission lines, new oil refineries or large expansions of existing facilities, and underground natural gas storage fields. Alternative energy proposals can also opt into the EFSEC review process.
NEWS ARTICLE COMMENTARY: Barr always had a foul mouth, why does her latest rant mean anything to the liberal media?
Answer: She supports Trump that's why.
Related news article from the Washington Post: President Trump is normalizing racism
President Trump once exulted in the success of “Roseanne.” “Look at her ratings! Look at her ratings!” he raved at a rally on March 29 after calling to congratulate the star. “And it was about us!”
Fast forward to this week. Roseanne Barr’s show has been canceled by ABC after she compared former Obama aide Valerie Jarrett, an African American, to an ape and falsely accused George Soros, a Jewish Holocaust survivor, of being a Nazi collaborator. And now, if you listen to Trumpland, the fired TV star has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with the former reality-TV star in the White House. (read more)
other related stories from News Busters:
Samantha Bee Apologizes for ‘Inappropriate and Inexcusable’ Smear of Ivanka Trump [UPDATED]
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/curtis-houck/2018/05/31/breaking-samantha-bee-apologizes-inappropriate-and-inexcusable
NBC Reporter Tries to Excuse Vile Samantha Bee: ‘She’s a Comedian’
Appearing on Thursday’s Megyn Kelly Today, NBC reporter Jacob Soboroff couldn’t bring himself to condemn left-wing Full Frontal host Samantha Bee for calling First Daughter Ivanka Trump a “feckless c**t” on the TBS show Wednesday night. Instead, he seemed to excuse the nasty attack, claiming: “Look, she’s a comedian and she said it on her show.”
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/kyle-drennen/2018/05/31/nbc-reporter-tries-excuse-vile-samantha-bee-shes-comedian
Amid Their Roseanne Firestorm, ABC Whines: Trump Hasn’t Condemned Her Yet!
Since canceling ratings-powerhouse Roseanne on Tuesday, ABC and Disney have been under tremendous fire for even hiring Roseanne Barr given her long history of racism and unhinged antics. And in a tweet Wednesday, President Trump called out the company’s double standard of keeping on other such people but who target him.
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/nicholas-fondacaro/2018/05/30/amid-their-roseanne-firestorm-abc-whines-trump-hasnt
Editorial note: I dare say if Barr wasn't a supporter of Trump, she would still have her show on the air. Prove me wrong! A whole week the focus of the media was this story! Unreal!
LOCAL & REGIONAL MEETING AGENDA'S HIGHLIGHTS.
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
Clallam County Commission meetings:
Worksession for 6/ 4/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1109
1) Carlsborg financial plan update presentation by FCS Group
2) Call for hearing on proposed on proposed Ordinance creating a new Chapter in the Clallam County Code titled Fireworks
3) Letters to Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Makah Tribe, Quileute Tribe, Fire Districts of Clallam County and Clallam County Fire Marshall requesting input on proposed new Ordinance titled Fireworks
4) Resolution authorizing expenditure from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund for the approved 2018 Lodging Tax Funding application for the Fiero Marine Life Center/$50,000
Regular session of Clallam County for 6/ 5/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=378
Agenda highlights:
1) Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office landowner acknowledgement forms for Kugel Creek and Hoko Ozette culvert replacement projects
2) Letters to Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Makah Tribe, Quileute Tribe, Fire Districts of Clallam County and Clallam County Fire Marshall requesting input on proposed new Ordinance titled Fireworks
3) Notice of call for hearing to be held at 10:30 a.m., June 19 on proposed Ordinance creating a new Chapter in the Clallam County Code titled Fireworks
PORT OF PORT ANGELES COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT for 6/ 7/ 18
https://portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06072018-304
A special meeting of the Port of Port Angeles Board of
Commissioners will be held Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 9:00 am
at the City of Port Angeles Council Chambers located at 321 East
5th Street, Port Angeles, WA.
Port staff will present to the Port Commission information
regarding the John Wayne Marina.
This special meeting is part of the first phase of a three-phase
process to decide whether the Port should continue to own the
John Wayne Marina.
CITY OF PORT ANGELES COUNCIL MEETING FOR 6/ 5/ 18
http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5398/Agenda-Packet-06052018
Agenda Highlight: 2018 Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Application No. 18-23)
The City of Port Angeles has elected to consider proposed amendments
to the Comprehensive Plan on an annual basis from July 1st through June 30th. Amendments shall
be adopted no more than once during said period. As specified in the Port Angeles Municipal
Code (Section 18.04.040), amendment proposals should be submitted, public hearings will be
conducted, and action shall be taken in accordance with the following schedule:
A. Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals shall be submitted no later than March
31st; (if submitted by the public).
B. The State of Washington Department of Commerce shall be notified of
Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals no later than May 1st;
C. Planning Commission hearings will be conducted prior to or during May; D. City Council hearings will be conducted prior to or during June;
E. The City Council's decision shall be rendered no later than June 30th and shall be
transmitted to the State within ten days after final adoption.
One of the Department of Community & Economic Development’s 2018 work plan items is the
annual amendment of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. This year’s amendment was intended to
improve accuracy, fix errors and incorporate the vision of the American Institute of Architects
(AIA) Sustainable Design Assessment into the greater community vision (as included within the
Introduction). Staff also incorporated further measurability to the matrix of objectives intended
for implementation (as included in Chapter 11). Objectives under the Plan’s policy statements
are incorporated into the measurable matrix format. The same matrix table also implements items
from the City Council Strategic Plan and the AIA Sustainable Design Assessment report. Lastly, Staff incorporated the City Wide Performance Standards into the Appendices portion of the document. (page F-9 of council agenda packet)
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING FOR 6/ 4/ 18
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=9119bd3c-806a-4bc9-ac48-f8baa31bb617&prefilter=845,5958
Agenda highlight: Settlement Release; In the Amount of $1,163.28; Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Waste Connections (dba Olympic Disposal)
Special meeting agenda at 6PM on 6/ 4/ 18
Agenda: HEARING re: 2018 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review and Unified Development Code Amendments
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=f74b9d72-691c-4947-ae40-5824a6c6e322&prefilter=845,5958
OMC COMMISSION MEETING FOR 6/ 6/ 18
http://www.olympicmedical.org/pdfs/AGENDA%20-%20June%206%202018.pdf
Agenda highlight: Olympic Medical Physicians Update – Joshua Jones, MD, OMP Chief Physician Officer
- OMP Medical Director Compensation Policy
- OMP Employment Agreement
- Professional Services Agreement Amendment
School board meeting for 6/ 7/ 18
7:00pm
Board Meeting - CSB
When
Thu, June 7, 7pm – 9pm
Where
Port Angeles School District, 216 E 4th St, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA (map) Description
Regular Meeting
Central Services Building
🕂He's in your corner
WEEKLY BIBLE VERSE:
so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.---Hebrews 9:28 NKJV
Weekly Bible Study
When did Jesus' church begin? The New Testament often mentions Jesus' church, but when and where did it begin?
Many passages predict the beginning of the church. Daniel 2 predicts a kingdom that God would set up during the Roman Empire. John the Baptist taught that this kingdom was "at hand" (Matthew 3:1,2). Later in Matthew 16:18, Jesus promised, "I will build my church." Notice that all these passages look forward to the beginning of the church. Even during Jesus' lifetime, the church did not exist, but He predicted He would build it.---Gospel Way
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👲Riddle Genie
Question: Scientists have proven that one side of a cat has more hair. Which side is it?
Answer: The outside.
New question: It's so strong, it does not break,
It's so powerful, it penetrates a lake,
Sometimes it's weak as a twig left out in the sun,
It's so wonderful it gives us the power to have fun.
What is it?
Answer next week!
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