Senate seeks approval for minibus spending package
House and Senate must approve the bills before March 9 to avoid a lapse in appropriations and potential government shutdown
Suggestions
Federal agencies increase efforts to tackle lead hazards
Commitments include reducing lead exposure in underserved communities and promoting environmental justice to protect those localities from hazardous waste
$25 million program to give ethanol producers a boost into clean fuel markets
The 10-state project spans 100,000 acres of crops spread across 167 counties surrounding 13 ethanol facilities
Rhode Island creates task force to study state’s use of AI
Executive order also creates a governance program to establish guidelines for implementing AI technology
Shifting sand responsible for Mississippi River bridge failure, Iowa official says
In response to incident, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Allamakee and Clayton counties
Fifteen states opt out of summer food-assistance program
States forgoing federal dollars cite overburdened agencies and a lack of time to implement the program
EPA opens office to engage agricultural sector on air, water solutions
Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will serve as primary liaison between agency and stakeholders in rural communities
Austin infrastructure academy would train, support new workers
If approved city would establish academy in time to handle a $25 billion suite of large capital projects
Dallas city council appoints interim city manager
Kimberly Bizor Tolbert will assume duties when T.C. Broadnax leaves office in June
TCEQ sued over new concrete plant regulations
Lawsuit calls out TCEQ for failing to require existing concrete batch plants to immediately comply with agency's new standards for permits
