Federal - Executive Branch
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from the U.S. Executive Branch, covering all aspects of the Obama administration including cabinet departments, federal agencies, regulatory and independent agencies.
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Earth System Model Aerosol-Cloud Diagnostics (ESMAC Diags) package, Version 2: Assessing aerosols, clouds and aerosol-cloud interactions via field campaign and long-term observations
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory issued the following abstract of a journal article:
Evaluating Earth System Models (ESMs) with observations reveals shortcomings in these models and provides directions for future model improvements. However, most well-established diagnostics packages focus on large-scale features and climatology, while a comprehensive evaluation of aerosols, clouds, and aerosol-cloud interactions is needed to increase the confidence of process representations in the models. We developed an ESM aerosol-cloud diagnostics
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory issued the following abstract of a journal article:
Evaluating Earth System Models (ESMs) with observations reveals shortcomings in these models and provides directions for future model improvements. However, most well-established diagnostics packages focus on large-scale features and climatology, while a comprehensive evaluation of aerosols, clouds, and aerosol-cloud interactions is needed to increase the confidence of process representations in the models. We developed an ESM aerosol-cloud diagnosticspackage (ESMAC Diags) to facilitate routine evaluation of aerosols, clouds and aerosol-cloud interactions simulated by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM), and this paper documents its version 2 functionality, which has substantial differences from ESMAC Diags version 1 (Tang et al., 2022a). ESMAC Diags v2 produces comparisons of simulated aerosol and cloud properties with in-situ and remote-sensing measurements from aircraft, ship, surface and satellite platforms. It currently includes six field campaigns and two permanent sites covering four geographical regions: Eastern North Atlantic, Central U.S., Northeastern Pacific and Southern Ocean, where frequent liquid or mixed-phase clouds are present and extensive measurements are available from the DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility and other agencies. ESMAC Diags v2 includes various types of single-variable and multi-variable diagnostics, such as percentiles, histograms, joint histograms and heatmaps, to assess aerosols, clouds, and aerosol-cloud interactions. A few examples are shown when evaluating E3SM version 2 (E3SMv2) using ESMAC Diags. Overall E3SMv2 qualitatively reproduces the observed aerosol and cloud properties, with quantitative biases in some variables such as aerosol particle and cloud droplet numbers and sizes. The coupling of aerosol and cloud number concentrations may be too strong in E3SMv2, possibly indicating a bias in processes that control aerosol activation. In addition, the liquid water path adjustment to perturbed cloud droplet number concentration behaves differently in E3SMv2 and observations, indicating a need for further improvements to cloud microphysics parameterization in E3SMv2.
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Original text here: https://www.pnnl.gov/publications/earth-system-model-aerosol-cloud-diagnostics-esmac-diags-package-version-2-assessing
U.S. Southern Command Strategy, Policy, and Plans Director Visits Guyana
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, May 10 -- The U.S. Embassy in Guyana posted the following news release:
U.S. Marine Corps Major General (MajGen) Julie Nethercot, U.S. Southern Command Strategy, Policy, and Plans Director, visited Guyana May 6-8. The Strategy, Policy, and Plans Directorate at U.S. Southern Command oversees strategic planning, policy development, and security cooperation coordination for Latin America and the Caribbean. The Directorate directly supports U.S. Southern Command's goals and objectives in deterring aggression, defeating threats, rapidly responding to crises, and working with allies
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GEORGETOWN, Guyana, May 10 -- The U.S. Embassy in Guyana posted the following news release:
U.S. Marine Corps Major General (MajGen) Julie Nethercot, U.S. Southern Command Strategy, Policy, and Plans Director, visited Guyana May 6-8. The Strategy, Policy, and Plans Directorate at U.S. Southern Command oversees strategic planning, policy development, and security cooperation coordination for Latin America and the Caribbean. The Directorate directly supports U.S. Southern Command's goals and objectives in deterring aggression, defeating threats, rapidly responding to crises, and working with alliesand partner nations to strengthen the region's capacity to ensure a secure, free, and prosperous Western Hemisphere. MajGen Nethercot's visit to Guyana underscores the continued importance and unwavering commitment the United States places on the U.S.-Guyana bilateral defense and security partnership.
During her visit, MajGen Nethercot met with Brigadier Omar Khan, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff, to discuss ongoing security cooperation and security assistance initiatives to advance technology platforms. This visit is her second trip to Guyana and signifies the U.S. commitment to partnering with the GDF as it continues to increase its capabilities and expand its force.
The United States continues to work closely with its partners around the world to strengthen alliances and partnerships by improving interoperability, deepening information-sharing and planning, and conducting complex joint and combined exercises.
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Original text here: https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-southern-command-strategy-policy-and-plans-director-visits-guyana/
U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa Presents: A Visual Journey of 120 Years of Bilateral Relations
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 10 -- The U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia issued the following news release on May 9, 2024:
On May 8, 2024, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga, together with State Minister of Tourism Sileshi Girma, officially opened a photo exhibition at the National Museum in Addis Ababa marking the 120-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ethiopia. The exhibition serves as a powerful reflection of the enduring and profound bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Entitled "A Visual Journey of Bilateral Relations," the exhibition showcases
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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 10 -- The U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia issued the following news release on May 9, 2024:
On May 8, 2024, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga, together with State Minister of Tourism Sileshi Girma, officially opened a photo exhibition at the National Museum in Addis Ababa marking the 120-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ethiopia. The exhibition serves as a powerful reflection of the enduring and profound bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Entitled "A Visual Journey of Bilateral Relations," the exhibition showcases28 thoughtfully selected images that portray the deep connections between the two nations. From May 8th to May 26th, the exhibition will be open to the public at the National Museum, followed by displays at the Institute of Ethiopian Studies on the Addis Ababa University campus from May 29th to June 8th and at the Hyatt Regency from June 17th to July 7th. Each venue will offer a curated collection of photographs that capture the essence of the bilateral relationship across various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and economic development.
"We are thrilled to unveil this exhibition as a celebration of the enduring friendship between the United States and Ethiopia," stated Ambassador Massinga. "Through these powerful images, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the shared values and aspirations that bind our nations."
In addition to the physical exhibits, the entire collection will be made available on the Embassy website, providing a virtual experience for a global audience.
The exhibition serves not only as a platform for cultural exchange but also underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthening their partnership for the benefit of their people and the world. Additional venues for showcasing the exhibition will be announced on our social media platforms.
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Original text here: https://et.usembassy.gov/27962/
President Biden Issues Notice on Continuation of National Emergency With Respect to Actions of Syria
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- President Biden issued the following notice on May 8, 2024, on the continuation of the national emergency with respect to the actions of Syria:
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On May 11, 2004, pursuant to his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-175), the President issued Executive Order 13338, in which he declared a national emergency with respect to the actions of the Government of Syria. The national emergency was modified in scope and relied upon for
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WASHINGTON, May 10 -- President Biden issued the following notice on May 8, 2024, on the continuation of the national emergency with respect to the actions of Syria:
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On May 11, 2004, pursuant to his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-175), the President issued Executive Order 13338, in which he declared a national emergency with respect to the actions of the Government of Syria. The national emergency was modified in scope and relied upon foradditional steps taken in Executive Order 13399 of April 25, 2006, Executive Order 13460 of February 13, 2008, Executive Order 13572 of April 29, 2011, Executive Order 13573 of May 18, 2011, Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011, Executive Order 13606 of April 22, 2012, and Executive Order 13608 of May 1, 2012.
The President took these actions to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions of the Government of Syria in supporting terrorism, maintaining its then-existing occupation of Lebanon, pursuing weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, and undermining United States and international efforts with respect to the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq.
The regime's brutality and repression of the Syrian people, who have called for freedom and a representative government, not only endangers the Syrian people themselves, but also generates instability throughout the region. The Syrian regime's actions and policies, including with respect to chemical weapons and supporting terrorist organizations, continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. As a result, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13338, which was expanded in scope in Executive Order 13572, and with respect to which additional steps were taken in Executive Order 13399, Executive Order 13460, Executive Order 13573, Executive Order 13582, Executive Order 13606, and Executive Order 13608, must continue in effect beyond May 11, 2024. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared with respect to the actions of the Government of Syria.
In addition, the United States condemns the brutal violence and human rights violations and abuses of the Assad regime and its Russian and Iranian enablers. The United States calls on the Assad regime, and its backers, to stop its violent war against its own people, enact a nationwide ceasefire, facilitate the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to all Syrians in need, and negotiate a political settlement in Syria in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254. The United States will consider changes in policies and actions of the Government of Syria in determining whether to continue or terminate this national emergency in the future.
This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/05/08/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-the-actions-of-the-government-of-syria-4/
Labor Dept. Issues Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims for Week Ending May 8, 2024
WASHINGTON, May 10 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor issued the following weekly report entitled "Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims" for week ending May 8, 2024.
Here are excerpts:
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SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA
In the week ending May 4, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 231,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 208,000 to 209,000. The 4-week moving average was 215,000, an increase of 4,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised
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WASHINGTON, May 10 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor issued the following weekly report entitled "Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims" for week ending May 8, 2024.
Here are excerpts:
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SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA
In the week ending May 4, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 231,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 208,000 to 209,000. The 4-week moving average was 215,000, an increase of 4,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revisedup by 250 from 210,000 to 210,250.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.2 percent for the week ending April 27, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending April 27 was 1,785,000, an increase of 17,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 6,000 from 1,774,000 to 1,768,000. The 4-week moving average was 1,781,000, a decrease of 6,250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised down by 1,500 from 1,788,750 to 1,787,250.
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UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 209,324 in the week ending May 4, an increase of 19,690 (or 10.4 percent) from the previous week. The seasonal factors had expected a decrease of 626 (or -0.3 percent) from the previous week. There were 203,898 initial claims in the comparable week in 2023.
The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.2 percent during the week ending April 27, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted level of insured unemployment in state programs totaled 1,747,928, a decrease of 5,522 (or -0.3 percent) from the preceding week. The seasonal factors had expected a decrease of 22,979 (or -1.3 percent) from the previous week. A year earlier the rate was 1.1 percent and the volume was 1,658,533.
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The total number of continued weeks claimed for benefits in all programs for the week ending April 20 was 1,778,454, a decrease of 59,066 from the previous week. There were 1,715,365 weekly claims filed for benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2023.
No state was triggered "on" the Extended Benefits program during the week ending April 20.
Initial claims for UI benefits filed by former Federal civilian employees totaled 343 in the week ending April 27, a decrease of 22 from the prior week. There were 351 initial claims filed by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 9 from the preceding week.
There were 5,030 continued weeks claimed filed by former Federal civilian employees the week ending April 20, a decrease of 61 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 4,370, a decrease of 87 from the prior week.
The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending April 20 were in New Jersey (2.4), California (2.3), Rhode Island (2.2), Massachusetts (1.9), Illinois (1.7), Minnesota (1.7), New York (1.7), Washington (1.7), Nevada (1.6), Alaska (1.5), Connecticut (1.5), and Pennsylvania (1.5).
The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending April 27 were in Iowa (+1,452), Illinois (+1,227), New Hampshire (+488), Ohio (+340), and Michigan (+330), while the largest decreases were in California (-5,083), Massachusetts (-3,306), Oregon (-1,729), Rhode Island (-1,626), and Connecticut (-1,409).
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Original text here: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20240509
EPA and TPWR Developer, CBG Building Company, Bowman Consulting DC Settle Stormwater Case, Protecting Water Quality in Washington, D.C.
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, May 10 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
TPWR Developer, LLC, CBG Building Company LLC, and Bowman Consulting DC have settled alleged violations of regulations designed to protect America's waterways from polluted stormwater runoff, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.
In an administrative consent agreement with EPA, the companies have agreed to pay a $27,000 penalty, and implement a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), to settle alleged Clean Water Act violations involving storm water
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PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, May 10 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
TPWR Developer, LLC, CBG Building Company LLC, and Bowman Consulting DC have settled alleged violations of regulations designed to protect America's waterways from polluted stormwater runoff, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.
In an administrative consent agreement with EPA, the companies have agreed to pay a $27,000 penalty, and implement a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), to settle alleged Clean Water Act violations involving storm waterrunoff from The Parks at Walter Reed construction site to Rock Creek and downstream waterways.
The Parks at Walter Reed is a multi-use development construction site in Washington, D.C. consisting of apartment and commercial spaces, located on the former Walter Reed Army Hospital grounds.
Uncontrolled stormwater runoff from construction and industrial sites often contains sediment, oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients and other pollutants. The Clean Water Act requires owners of certain construction and industrial operations to obtain a permit before discharging stormwater runoff into waterways. These permits include pollution-reducing practices such as runoff reduction measures, spill prevention safeguards, material storage and coverage requirements, and employee training.
In the consent agreement, EPA cited the companies for failing to have the required National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage for stormwater discharges, in violation of the Clean Water Act. To correct these violations, the companies submitted Notices of Intent for coverage under EPA's NPDES Construction General Permit, which were approved by EPA.
In addition to the penalty, the companies will also spend at least $40,000 to implement a SEP in Rock Creek Park that will help protect the Hay's Spring amphipod, Washington D.C.'s only endangered species. The companies will help restore the amphipod's spring habitats, revegetate social trail entrances, and plant trees and plants native to Rock Creek Park to provide stabilization and tree cover. This project will be performed with oversight from the National Park Service.
For more information about EPA's storm water program, visit https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-and-tpwr-developer-llc-cbg-building-company-llc-and-bowman-consulting-dc-settle
Bureau of Industry & Security: Commerce Adds 37 PRC Entities to Entity List for Enabling PRC Quantum and Aerospace Programs, Aiding Russian Aggression in Ukraine
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security issued the following news release on May 9, 2024:
Today, the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added 37 entities to the Entity List under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This action reflects BIS 's commitment to safeguarding U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. Including today's action, the Commerce Department has added 355 PRC entries to the Entity List - more than any prior Administration.
Among the new entities added to the Entity List, 22 institutes
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WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security issued the following news release on May 9, 2024:
Today, the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added 37 entities to the Entity List under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This action reflects BIS 's commitment to safeguarding U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. Including today's action, the Commerce Department has added 355 PRC entries to the Entity List - more than any prior Administration.
Among the new entities added to the Entity List, 22 institutesand firms were added for their participation in the People's Republic of China's (PRC) quantum technology advancements and for acquiring or attempting to acquire U.S.-origin items to enhance the PRC's quantum capabilities. These activities have substantial military applications and pose a significant threat to U.S. national security. Additionally, some of these entities are linked to advancements in the PRC's nuclear programs or have been involved in the shipment of controlled items to Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Four entities were added for acquiring or attempting to acquire U.S.-origin items to be used by the PRC's military for its unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Eleven entities were added under the destination of PRC for their involvement in China's High Altitude Balloon program, which poses significant national security concerns. This builds on previous actions the Commerce Department took in February 2023 to target PRC aerospace programs, including airships, balloons and related materials.
"Today's action is another decisive step in addressing challenges posed by the People's Republic of China and its military modernization," said Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan F. Estevez. "We must remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent entities such as these from accessing U.S. technologies that could be used in ways that harm our national security."
"This measure is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that international trade does not compromise our national security," said Assistant Secretary for Export Administration Thea D. Rozman Kendler. "By controlling exports to these entities, we reinforce the integrity of our national security apparatus."
Today's Entity List action also reflects the efforts of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, which is co-led by BIS and the Department of Justice, to target illicit actors, strengthen supply chains, and protect critical technological assets from being acquired or used by nation-state adversaries. The Strike Force leverages the export control enforcement and regulatory authorities of the U.S. Government to prevent and disrupt the acquisition of advanced technologies, such as quantum computing, for destabilizing military capabilities.
"Preventing Chinese companies from acquiring technologies that enable the People's Republic of China's quantum, drone, and high-altitude surveillance programs is critical to protecting U.S. national security," said Matthew S. Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement. "Adding companies to the Entity List is a key tool that the Disruptive Technology Strike Force leverages to prevent U.S. advanced technology from misappropriation."
Additions to the Entity List are a strategic measure by the U.S. Government to control the export of sensitive technologies and mitigate potential threats arising from technological advancements and military enhancements by adversarial nations. This action underscores the proactive stance of the United States in maintaining national security and ensures that sensitive technologies do not fall into the wrong hands.
The text of the rule released today, which includes the list of entities, is available on the Federal Register's website here (https://www.federalregister.gov/). The effective date for the rule is effective upon public inspection.
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Additional Background on the Entity List Process
These BIS actions were taken under the authority of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 and its implementing regulations, the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
The Entity List (supplement no. 4 to part 744 of the EAR) identifies entities for which there is reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable facts, that the entities--including businesses, research institutions, government and private organizations, individuals, and other types of legal persons--have been involved, are involved, or pose a significant risk of being or becoming involved in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. Parties on the Entity List are subject to individual licensing requirements and policies supplemental to those found elsewhere in the EAR.
Entity List additions are determined by the interagency End-User Review Committee (ERC), comprised of the Departments of Commerce (Chair), Defense, State, Energy, and where appropriate, the Treasury. The ERC makes decisions regarding additions to, removals from, or other modifications to the Entity List. The ERC makes all decisions to add an entity to the Entity List by majority vote and makes all decisions to remove or modify an entity by unanimous vote.
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Additional information on the Entity List is available on BIS's website at: https://bis.doc.gov/index.php/policy-guidance/faqs
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Original text here: https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-adds-37-prc-entities-entity-list-enabling-prc-quantum-and-aerospace-programs
