Cantwell: “With this legislation our state is poised to be a key part of NASA’s return to the Moon—maybe even with a woman from Washington taking that historic first step.”
Press release issued on 12.18.20
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, passed the Senate by unanimous consent. The NASA Authorization Act of 2020 provides the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) the clear direction needed to advance the nation’s space initiatives and investments and assert American global leadership in the final frontier.
The State of Washington has played a key role in American space exploration since NASA was first founded. The Lunar Rover—the first and only crewed surface transportation system designed to operate on the Moon—was designed and built in Kent, WA. Three of the Kent-built Lunar Rovers remain on the Moon today. And earlier this month, NASA announced that two women from Washington—Kayla Barron and Anne McClain—were among the 18 astronauts chosen for its Artemis mission, which seeks to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972.
Washington state is home to more than three dozen space-related companies and over 1,400 aerospace companies. The space industry employs more than 6,200 workers in Washington and generates $1.78 billion in economic activity throughout the state. Because of the state’s leadership, Forbes in 2016 called Seattle a “silicon valley for space.”
"Congress just took a big step forward in authorizing the Artemis Program, which will send women to lead our next mission to the Moon,” Senator Cantwell said. “It also includes authorizations for continued space exploration and growing the space economy, including extending the International Space Station and supporting the lunar lander system. For more than 50 years, the State of Washington has been a leader in the space program, and with this legislation our state is poised to be a key part of NASA’s return to the Moon—maybe even with a woman from Washington taking that historic first step.”
The NASA Authorization Act of 2020 would:
Support NASA’s human spaceflight and exploration efforts to return American astronauts to the Moon and prepare for future journeys to Mars;
Leverage private sector investment to bolster human space exploration with the Artemis Program and NASA’s Human Landing System, which Blue Origin is building in Kent, WA;
Extend authorization for the International Space Station (ISS) through 2030 and direct NASA to take steps to grow the space economy;
Require the United States to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit through and beyond the useful life of the ISS;
Support NASA’s leadership in coordinating the development of next generation spacesuits;
Support vital life and physical science research to ensure that humans can live in deep space safely;
Supports a robust space science program and directs NASA to continue developing the WFIRST astronomy mission, which NASA is developing in partnership with the University of Washington
Direct NASA to improve upon its planetary defense measures in order to protect Earth from asteroids and other near-Earth objects;
Affirm NASA’s commitment to aeronautics research by supporting a robust X-plane program as well as work on efficient propulsion concepts and advanced composites; and
Support NASA’s STEM education and workforce efforts, including authorization of NASA’s Space Grant program which provides education and training opportunities to thousands of Washington students through partnership with the University of Washington.
(2) Inslee issues proclamation on single use plastic bags.
Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation today delaying implementation of a law related to single-use plastic bags.
Press release issued 12.18.20
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-issues-proclamation-single-use-plastic-bags
Single Use Plastic Bags (20-82)
This order delays implementation of a law that passed the Legislature in 2020 that was set to go into effect on January 1, 2021, relating to a statewide prohibition on retailers’ issuance of single-use plastic bags.
The governor is delaying the new law's implementation due to supply issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are affecting their ability to procure the alternative bags, including:
Increased demand for paper and thicker plastic bags, due to increased demand for takeout and groceries;
Retailers asking customers not to bring bags from home, to protect workers; and
Thicker plastic bag manufacturers transitioning their facilities to manufacture hospital gowns and other PPE.
This order is effective December 31 and it will expire at 11:59 PM on January 30, 2021 unless further extended by the Legislature.
PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR
AMENDING PROCLAMATION 20-05
20-82
Delaying Implementation of RCW 70A.530.020 -
Single-Use Plastic Bags
WHEREAS, on February 29, 2020, I issued Proclamation 20-05, proclaiming a State of
Emergency for all counties throughout Washington State as a result of the coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed person-to-person spread of
COVID-19 in Washington State; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the continued worldwide spread of COVID-19, its significant
progression in Washington State, and the high risk it poses to our most vulnerable populations, I
have subsequently issued several amendatory proclamations, exercising my emergency powers
under RCW 43.06.220 by prohibiting certain activities and waiving and suspending specified laws
and regulations; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 disease, caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person
which may result in serious illness or death and has been classified by the World Health
Organization as a worldwide pandemic, continues to broadly spread throughout Washington State,
significantly increasing the threat of serious associated health risks statewide; and
WHEREAS, I issued Proclamations 20-25, et seq., first entitled “Stay Home – Stay Healthy,” in
which I initially prohibited all people in Washington State from leaving their homes except under
certain circumstances, and amended to “Safe Start – Stay Healthy” County-By-County Phased
Reopening, gradually relaxing those limitations based on county-by-county phasing, and on
November 16, 2020, I again amended to “Stay Safe – Stay Healthy – Rollback of County-ByCounty Phased Reopening Responding to a COVID-19 Outbreak Surge,” in response to a large
surge of new cases of COVID-19, increased hospitalizations and ongoing COVID-19 related
deaths in Washington State; and
WHEREAS, despite this guidance, positive COVID-19-related cases and hospitalizations have
been on a steady rise since early September and since the latter part of October through December
2020, COVID-19 cases have significantly increased in Washington, and COVID-19-related
hospitalizations have risen sharply, putting our people, our health system, and our economy in as
dangerous a position as we faced in March 2020; and
WHEREAS, new statute RCW 70A.530.020, which takes effect on January 1, 2021, places
limitations on retail establishments’ provision of paper and plastic bags to customers at a time
when manufacturers of reusable plastic bags that comply with RCW 70A.530.020 have
repurposed their factories to make personal protective equipment for use in response to the
pandemic, making it difficult for retail establishments, many of which are essential businesses
such as restaurants and grocers, to purchase reusable plastic bags; and
WHEREAS, due to safe distancing requirements, there is a significant increase in consumer
demand for take-out food and groceries, both of which have increased the use of paper and plastic
bags, and other alternatives to single-use plastic bags are not available in ample quantities; and
WHEREAS, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and its progression in Washington State
continue to threaten the life and health of our people as well as the economy of Washington State,
and remain a public disaster affecting life, health, property or the public peace; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Health continues to maintain a Public Health
Incident Management Team in coordination with the State Emergency Operations Center and
other supporting state agencies to manage the public health aspects of the incident; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Military Department Emergency Management Division,
through the State Emergency Operations Center, continues coordinating resources across state
government to support the Department of Health and local health officials in alleviating the
impacts to people, property, and infrastructure, and continues coordinating with the Department of
Health in assessing the impacts and long-term effects of the incident on Washington State and its
people.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jay Inslee, Governor of the state of Washington, as a result of the
above-noted situation, and under Chapters 38.08, 38.52 and 43.06 RCW, do hereby proclaim that
a State of Emergency continues to exist in all counties of Washington State, that Proclamation
20-05 and all amendments thereto remain in effect, and that Proclamation 20-05 is amended to
waive or suspend a statutory provision delaying a limitation on businesses that prevents, hinders
or delays necessary action in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.
I again direct that the plans and procedures of the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan be implemented throughout state government. State agencies and departments
are directed to continue utilizing state resources and doing everything reasonably possible to
support implementation of the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
and to assist affected political subdivisions in an effort to respond to and recover from the
COVID-19 pandemic.
I continue to order into active state service the organized militia of Washington State to include
the National Guard and the State Guard, or such part thereof as may be necessary in the opinion of
The Adjutant General to address the circumstances described above, to perform such duties as
directed by competent authority of the Washington State Military Department in addressing the
outbreak. Additionally, I continue to direct the Department of Health, the Washington State
Military Department Emergency Management Division, and other agencies to identify and
provide appropriate personnel for conducting necessary and ongoing incident related assessments.
FURTHERMORE, based on the above situation and under the provisions of RCW
43.06.220(2)(g), I also find that strict compliance with RCW 70A.530.020 will prevent, hinder, or
delay the response to the COVID-19 pandemic State of Emergency under Proclamation 20-05,
and therefore, RCW 70A.530.020 is hereby waived and suspended, effective at 11:59 PM on
December 31, 2020 until 11:59 PM on January 30, 2021, or as amended or rescinded.
Violators of this of this order may be subject to criminal penalties pursuant to RCW 43.06.220(5).
Signed and sealed with the official seal of the state of Washington on this 18th day of December,
A.D., Two Thousand and Twenty at Olympia, Washington.
IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
Washington is leading the nation in stormwater management
Celebrating the Municipal Stormwater Permit Program--DOE
https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/December-2020/Celebrating-our-Municipal-Stormwater-Permit-Progra
Seattle and King County fined for sewer overflow violations.
SEATTLE –
The state Department of Ecology and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are issuing separate fines to Seattle and King County for violating conditions of their respective federal consent decrees and state water quality permits that regulate combined sewer overflows (CSO) from parts of the sanitary sewer system that serves Seattle residents and businesses.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2020/Dec-18-King-County-and-Seattle-CSO
Ecology begins environmental review of proposal to rebuild Eight mile Lake Dam.
Public input needed to shape the scope of environmental study
LEAVENWORTH –
In an effort to determine how a proposal to rebuild the damaged Eight mile Lake Dam would affect the environment, the Washington Department of Ecology and Icicle and Peshastin Irrigation Districts will jointly develop an environmental impact statement.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2020/Dec-18-Eightmile-Dam-scoping
Statement from Commissioner LeVine regarding first state audit findings
OLYMPIA - The Employment Security Department (ESD) Commissioner, Suzi LeVine, shared this statement following the release of the first state audit findings by the Washington State Auditor’s Office:
“We so appreciate the feedback this audit provides and are proud that all of their recommendations are actions we’ve already taken. Additionally, the areas they’ve identified as causes have already been disclosed, identified and – where it is in the state’s power to do so – acted upon. We especially welcome the recognition of our critical work on funds recovery, which currently stands at $357 million and rising.
https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/statement-from-commissioner-levine-regarding-first-state-audit-findings
(4) IN TODAY'S HEADLINES
WORLD
Security Council extends Mandate of Team Monitoring Taliban-Related Sanctions, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2557 (2020)
The Security Council, acting through its temporary silence procedure amid the ongoing COVID‑19 pandemic, decided today to extend for 12 months the mandate of the team monitoring sanctions against individuals and entities associated with the Taliban, emphasizing its serious concerns about ongoing violence in Afghanistan.--UN PRESS RELEASE
https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sc14396.doc.htm
Security Council Grants One-Year Mandate Extension for United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo
14 in Favour, 1 Abstention, as Members Also Extend Force Intervention Brigade
The Security Council decided today to extend the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), alongside its Force Intervention Brigade, until 20 December 2021, with the voting results announced by videoconference, in accordance with the temporary silence procedure adopted for the COVID-19 pandemic.---UN PRESS RELEASE
https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sc14395.doc.htm
Explanation of Vote on a Draft Resolution on the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo---USUN
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Mark Levin of The Mark Levin Show--US STATE DEPT
https://www.state.gov/secretary-michael-r-pompeo-with-mark-levin-of-the-mark-levin-show/
NATIONAL:
Executive Order Promoting Redemption of Savings Bonds---WH
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-promoting-redemption-savings-bonds/
China-Based Executive at U.S. Telecommunications Company Charged with Disrupting Video Meetings Commemorating Tiananmen Square Massacre--DOJ
Government Officials Announce U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict, Promote Stability--DOD
HUD SECRETARY BEN CARSON KICKS OFF OPPORTUNITY ZONE RADIO TOUR TO COMMEMORATE THREE YEARS OF REVITALIZATION IN FORGOTTEN COMMUNITIES
Task Force members to join Carson in Radio Tour commemorating three years of revitalization success--HUD
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_20_213
BUSINESS & FIANCE
Small Business Owners Still Feel Pain of Pandemic and Fear More to Come--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Proposes Rule Aimed at Closing Anti-Money Laundering Regulatory Gaps for Certain Convertible Virtual Currency and Digital Asset Transactions---US TREASURY
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1216
Trump Administration Sets the Pace for Food Loss and Waste Reduction Efforts to Continue
USDA, EPA, and FDA renew formal agreement aimed at reducing food waste--USDA press release
Year-end reminder: Expanded tax benefits help individuals and businesses give to charity during 2020--IRS
(4) Local meetings and Commentaries
Attending Church Gives People The Hope They Need During A Pandemic--The Federalist
Quote: “It is such a bright spot, among so many other things that are just dark, when you’re able to attend church weekly,” Zempel said."
Editorial note: When you have a tyrant for a Governor who interferes in worship like making people not singing in church, or forced to wear mask. It is difficult to accept and gain spiritual enlightenment, under the thumb of a Governor wielding his or her Covid-19 powers. But we shouldn't loose faith that one day they'll stand before God, and give account of their actions and deeds.
LOCAL MEETINGS THIS WEEK:
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Meeting for 12.21.20
Note: There is no Clallam County meetings scheduled this week.
🙏He became the ultimate sacrifice
Weekly Scripture verse: Luke 1:76-78 (New King James Version)
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
Weekly Bible Study: Expect More Out of Your Kids---by Matthew Allen
http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/ExpectMoreOutOfYourKids.htm
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
The Chosen: About the life of Christ
https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen
The Port Angeles Globe is a Daily Publication, Mon-Sat Publisher, Peter Ripley
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NOTE: There will be no publication Dec 24-25!
Merry Christmas!
