Nation

DOE Launches Micro-grid 2014 MVP Challenge

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DOE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Energy (DOE) launched the Micro-grid 2014 MVP Challenge, a competition to support resiliency and adaptation in communities across America.

The Challenge will recognize local organizations that have adopted successful grid strategies that are able to continue providing vital public services during power disruptions caused by severe weather and other events. As part of the Obama Administration’s Climate Action Plan, the competition advances the President’s commitment to helping the nation prepare for the impacts of climate change.  Read More

Senate Votes to Improve Training & Education for New Mexico Workers, Job Seekers

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Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M. joined the Senate in voting 95-3 to pass a bipartisan bill that will help New Mexico workers get updated workforce and skills training to better enable them to compete for new jobs and career advancement.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which is expected to pass the U.S. House of Representatives soon, will also help employers find the qualified workers they need to grow and expand their businesses.

“This bill is a critical investment in New Mexico’s workforce,” Udall said. “It will make much-needed updates to vitally Read More

DOE Project Captures Million-plus Metric Tons of CO2

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DOE News:
 
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., has announced a major milestone: successfully capturing more than one million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) at the hydrogen-production facility in Port Arthur, Texas.
Using an innovative technology called vacuum swing adsorption, the project captures more than 90 percent of the CO2 from the product stream of two commercial-scale steam methane reformers that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere.
 
In addition to the secure storage, captured carbon
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Heinrich Votes For Bill To Improve NM Workforce Programs

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Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., voted to pass the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), a bipartisan bill to improve existing federal workforce development programs in New Mexico.

“It is critical now more than ever to equip New Mexicans with the tools they need to compete in today’s job market,” Heinrich said. “This bill helps update and streamline some of New Mexico’s federal workforce development programs, which means more training and education opportunities for job seekers or those looking to sharpen Read More

New Energy Efficiency Standards for Furnace Fans to Reduce Carbon Pollution, Save on Energy Bills

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DOE News:

As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a new energy efficiency standard for furnace fans, the latest of eight finalized standards, and nine proposed standards issued since the Climate Action Plan was announced last year.

These efficiency standards cut carbon pollution and save American families and businesses money by saving energy. The new standard for furnace fans will help reduce harmful carbon pollution by up to 34 million metric tons – equivalent to the annual electricity use of 4.7 million homes – and save Americans

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NBA Draft Prospect Alex Kirk Thanks Los Alamos

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2014 NBA Draft Prospect Alex Kirk expressed his appreciation to the people of Los Alamos during an interview today at the Los Alamos Daily Post. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
 
Los Alamos native Alex Kirk, center, with former Lobos athlete Emmanuel Negedu and his father Los Alamos County Municipal Judge Alan Kirk today outside the Los Alamos Daily Post headquarters on Central Avenue. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
 
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
 

Los Alamos Native Alex Kirk will go down in history as the first player ever to make it to the NBA Draft

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Senators Press Increased Transparency on U.S. Drone Policy

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From left, Senators Ron Wyden, Martin Heinrich and Mark Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Mark Udall, D-Colo. pressed the Obama administration today for additional transparency on U.S. drone policy, including its interpretations of when it can take lethal action outside of declared war zones and against Americans.

The senators – all members of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence – also said the American people have a right to know the “limits and boundaries” of the president’s power to take

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Launch of VA Open Burn Pit Registry Helps Veterans Get Needed Care

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Msgt. Jessey Baca

POLITICAL News:

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall welcomed news that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, which he was instrumental in creating through bipartisan legislation.

Similar to the Agent Orange and Gulf War registries, the burn pit registry will enable the VA to track service members and veterans exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will help the VA and doctors to better assess the health of veterans and determine to what extent air pollution from burn pits caused Read More

Heinrich Cosponsors Net Neutrality Legislation

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Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to ensure an open Internet, Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. cosponsored S. 2476, the Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act, a bill that would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish rules that prohibit preferential treatment or prioritization of Internet traffic.

The legislation would ensure that start-ups and entrepreneurs have access to the marketplace and consumers can access all content on the Internet equally.

“New Mexicans have made it clear that they want to protect Read More

Luján Writes to DOJ on Veterans Treatment at Albuquerque VA Facility

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U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

CONGRESSIONAL News:

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District wrote a letter Monday to U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Attorney General Eric Holder concerning reports of mismanagement at the Albuquerque Veterans Affairs (VA) facility and mistreatment of veterans.

In the letter, Luján highlights the similarities in problems that have been exposed in Phoenix and in Albuquerque and the fact that DOJ is actively investigating the Phoenix VA facility, and should consider expanding its investigation to Albuquerque if necessary.

Below is the text Read More