From the Wash Post: Judge throws out Trump rule limiting what science EPA can use. ” Biden officials had asked the Montana federal judge to send back the Environmental Protection Agency rule limiting studies behind public health safeguards. ‘
An excerpt: The Biden administration is “pleased” with the ruling, said EPA spokeswoman Lindsay Hamilton, adding, “EPA is committed to making evidence-based decisions and developing policies and programs that are guided by the best science.”
An excerpt:
Disaster Resilience: FEMA Should Take Additional Steps to Streamline Hazard Mitigation Grants and Assess Program Effects. GAO-21-140: Published: Feb 2, 2021.
Both a highlights version and the full text ( 64 pp.) are available at the link noted above.
I am sad to say that writing memorial tributes to colleagues in the emergency management field has been a much too frequent activity. I mourn the loss of Dennis, a long-time friend and colleague. Please see the full article and space for tributes at this website.
From the Guardian: Why countries with ‘loose’, rule-breaking cultures have been hit harder by Covid. “Our research shows how ‘tighter’ societies do better – and how the rest must learn to adapt in order to defeat the pandemic.”
This site is now 11 years old! Hard to believe the Diva has been at it that long. I hope readers value the information provided, and I welcome notes about what you like to see included. The Diva maintains the site on her own time and at her own expense.
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GAO just issued a press release and a new report: Vaccine Distribution, Supply Chain Issues, Testing, Still Present Challenges in Federal Pandemic Response. Here is the direct link to the summary and full reports.
Here is an additional commentary on the report from HSToday.
From the DHS a new Terrorism Advisory Bulletin, in effect until the end of April. Apparently this is an unusual bulletin in that it deals with domestic terrorism. A first for DHS.
From the U.S. Resiliency Council: “Improving Community Resilience, One Building at a Time.”
Upcoming series of seminars. Next one is Feb. 17th. On 2/17 from 11a-12:30p PST, Webinar #4 Community Benefits of Resilient Design premieres, sponsored by Optimum Seismic. Here is the description: Making communities more resilient benefits all of us. Hear experts discuss why resilient buildings are essential to safeguarding the social and economic ties that bind us. Learn how the public, private and philanthropic sectors are working together to be better prepared for natural disasters, including equitably protecting all residents, preserving jobs and trade, and more.
Recovery Diva 