Short Takes – 10-19-23

Lone senator stymies cyber legislation in Senate. WashingtonPost.com article. Pull quote: “Paul has also blocked other avenues for them to get full Senate consideration, such as amendments to the annual defense policy bill, said a Senate source who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal procedures. Senate procedures usually require clearances from both parties’ leaders before amendments can proceed on subject matter under the committee’s guidance.”

Prioritize safety during post-harvest Anhydrous Ammonia applications. M.Farms.com article. Pull quote: “Safety should always come first during post-harvest anhydrous ammonia (NH3) applications. Accidents involving NH3 have demonstrated the severe risks associated with mishandling this fertilizer. Safety experts offer the following essential tips for farmers, fertilizer dealers, and custom applicators to ensure safe NH3 field applications.”

Non-Hazardous Secondary Material Standards; Response to Petition. Federal Register EPA Final Rule. Summary: “The Environmental Protection Agency is finalizing its denial of a rulemaking petition from American Forest and Paper Association et al. requesting amendments to the Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials regulations, initially promulgated on March 21, 2011, and amended on February 7, 2013, February 8, 2016, and February 7, 2018, under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. These regulations establish standards and procedures for identifying whether non-hazardous secondary materials are solid wastes when legitimately used as fuels or ingredients in combustion units.”

National Maritime Security Advisory Committee; December 2023 Virtual Meeting. Federal Register CG NMSAC Meeting Notice. Summary: “The National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (Committee) will conduct a virtual meeting to discuss the Committee's final recommendations concerning ways to enhance cyber security information sharing between the U. S. Coast Guard and Marine Transportation System (MTS) stakeholders. The virtual meeting will be open to the public.” Meeting date: December 5^th, 2023.

NASA’s first look at a sample from asteroid Bennu reveals life’s building blocks. ScienceNews.org article. Pull quote: “The mission returned some bonus material as well, in the form of loose debris that was inadvertently kicked up into the capsule in the area around the collection container, prior to the capsule sealing up for the trip home. The science team has delayed opening the main sample canister, instead taking time to collect and analyze the bonus sample.”

Republican Tempers Flare as Speaker Fight Continues, Paralyzing the House. NYTimes.com article. Pull quote: “The roadblock Mr. Jordan has encountered is a rare instance of the party’s more mainstream wing — normally those who seek compromise and conciliation — breaking with their Republican colleagues in defiance of the ultraconservative faction led by Mr. Jordan. They have been the targets of savage threats from right-wing activists allied with Mr. Jordan, who have embarked on an intense pressure campaign to try to install him as speaker.”