USDA Might Oversee Rural Broadband

  House lawmakers recently introduced the Broadband for Rural America Act. The legislation would put the Department of Agriculture in the driver’s seat for rural broadband rather than the Federal Communications Commission. Georgia Republican Representative Austin Scott mentioned last week, “The FCC’s had their chance, and they haven’t gotten it done.” The bill is one…MORE

Newsom Highlights $2 Billion Investment into Wildfire & Emergency Preparedness

  SACRAMENTO, CA (KMJ) — Governor Gavin Newsom held a news conference on Monday to highlight new firefighting equipment and his proposed $2 billion investment in wildfire and emergency preparedness. Newsom’s state budget doubles the $1 billion increase he earlier proposed for wildfire preparation and response. The plan will phase in 12 new Cal Fire…MORE

Coalition Defends Gray Wolf Delisting

  A coalition of agriculture and forestry groups filed court motions in defense of delisting the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act. Three cases filed by environmental and animal welfare groups in California challenge the final delisting ruling issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last November. The coalition is defending the delisting…MORE

California to Drop Capacity, Distancing Rules in June

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California’s top health official said Friday that the state no longer will require social distancing and will allow full capacity for businesses when the state reopens on June 15. State health director Dr. Mark Ghaly said that dramatically lower virus cases and increasing vaccinations mean it’s safe for the state to…MORE

Drought & Wind Fuel Wildfire Concerns Across California

Wildfires remain a growing concern with over 4 million people under red flag warnings, as drought conditions across the western US continue to worsen. There have already been 13 red flag warnings issued in California so far this year, the most year-to-date since 2014 when more than 40 were issued by this time of year.…MORE

USDA Climate-Smart Progress Report

  The USDA published its 90-Day Progress Report on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry this week. The agency says it represents an important step toward President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and the shift towards a whole-of-department approach to solutions. “With the right tools and partnerships, American agriculture and…MORE

Congressman Valadao Votes in Favor of Jan 6. Commission

  FRESNO, CA (KMJ) — Congressman David Valadao voted in favor of the January 6 commission to investigate the attack on the United States Capitol. Valadao released a statement: “Finding out the truth simply should not be a partisan issue. Today, I voted in favor of the bipartisan National Commission to Investigate the January 6…MORE