Government & Legislation

Illinois Executive Order on Clean Energy and Renewable Resources

Illinois Executive Order 2026-01, effective February 18, 2026, aims to accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy by 2050. It mandates actions to increase renewable energy generation, improve grid infrastructure, and ensure reliable energy delivery, impacting energy companies operating within the state.

Illinois Executive Order on New Nuclear Energy Production

Illinois Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2026-01 on February 18, 2026, to accelerate the production of new clean nuclear energy in the state. The order aims to address projected capacity shortfalls and support Illinois's clean energy goals by removing restrictions on new nuclear plant construction.

Illinois Governor's Executive Order 2026-01

Illinois Governor's Executive Order 2026-01, issued on January 18, 2026, addresses energy regulation and environmental standards. The order details specific directives related to energy infrastructure and environmental compliance, impacting energy companies operating within the state.

GAO Report: DOD Natural Disaster Tracking and Resilience Planning Needs Improvement

The GAO released a report finding that the Department of Defense (DOD) needs to improve its tracking of natural disaster costs and resilience planning. The report highlights gaps in data collection for various natural disasters and potential inaccuracies in cost reporting, recommending DOD expand its scope and ensure data completeness.

GAO Recommends Strengthening NOAA Weather Modification Oversight

The GAO has recommended that NOAA strengthen its oversight of weather modification reporting, finding that the agency is not fully meeting its responsibilities. The report highlights significant errors in submitted reports and suggests improvements to data collection and public transparency.

GAO Report: HHS Emergency Preparedness Programs Lack Coordination

The GAO has released a report highlighting a lack of coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) and Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP). The report notes that HHS awarded nearly $900 million in FY2024 to states and localities for these programs but lacks formal mechanisms for coordination, potentially leading to inefficiencies and reduced preparedness.

GAO Report on CPSC Oversight of Toxic Substances in Children's Products

A GAO report highlights deficiencies in the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) oversight of toxic substances in children's products. The report notes challenges in enforcing compliance with lead and phthalate standards and recommends improvements to the CPSC's data management and lab oversight processes.

National Angel Family Day Proclamation

The President proclaimed February 23, 2026, as National Angel Family Day to honor victims of illegal immigration and recommit to mass deportation efforts. The proclamation highlights specific cases and reiterates the administration's stance on border security and immigration enforcement.

New York Declares Disaster Emergency Due to Nor'easter

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency effective February 22, 2026, due to a nor'easter impacting numerous counties. The order suspends certain statutes to facilitate response and recovery efforts, including waiving procurement processes and hours of service rules for utility restoration crews.

Ofcom Fines Porn Company £1.35m for Lack of Age Checks

Ofcom has fined pornographic company 8579 LLC £1.35 million for failing to implement effective age verification measures as required by the UK's Online Safety Act. The company also received a £50,000 fine for failing to respond to a legally binding information request. These actions underscore Ofcom's commitment to protecting children online.