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Biden Admin Could Ban 50% Of Gas Stoves
A pending new “energy efficiency rule” from the Department of Energy could ban nearly 50% of current gas stoves on the market if it is enacted, according to the Biden administration’s own analysis. The announcement comes after months of speculation that government officials were seeking to “ban” the household cooking appliance.
The rule is also separate from a potential Consumer Product and Safety Commission rule that could further burden the gas stove industry. Here’s what CPSC commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. said back in December:
REMINDER: Biden Consumer Product Safety Commissioner Richard Trumka, Jr. calls a ban on gas stoves "a powerful tool in our toolbox" and "a real possibility" pic.twitter.com/hwts8wu6cR
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) February 26, 2023
Commerce Department Involving Itself In Child Care Plan
The Commerce Department is set to announce a plan that leverages the federal government’s expansive investment in the semiconductor industry to promote affordable child care.
According to a New York Times report, any semiconductor manufacturer seeking a portion of nearly $40 billion in new federal subsidies will need to essentially guarantee affordable, high-quality child care for workers who build or operate a plant. Last year, a bipartisan group of lawmakers passed the CHIPS Act, which devoted billions in subsidies to the industry, in hopes of making the nation less reliant on foreign suppliers.
DeSantis Signs Bill Ending Disney’s Special Privileges
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law Monday that ends Disney’s self-governing power and puts the media giant under the control of a state board. The law renames Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, and allows only term-limited members who have no recent connections to Disney. The Republican governor described the Reedy Creek situation as a bad deal all around.
Extreme Weather Hits Nation
Parts of the Southern Plains counted the injured and surveyed the damage Monday after tornadoes swept through the area, while some Michigan residents faced a fifth day without power following last week’s ice storm. Meanwhile, in California, the National Weather Service said a series of winter storm systems will continue moving into the state through Wednesday.
CPAC Starts Wednesday
CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, is set to start this Wednesday just outside of Washington, D.C. Many see it as the first major step in the 2024 GOP primary campaign. Announced candidates, such as ex-U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and former President Donald Trump, are scheduled to speak at the annual conference.
Michigan Dem Announces Senate Campaign
Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin of Michigan announced Monday that she would be throwing her hat into the 2024 Senate race. The state’s Democratic primary is expected to be one of the nation’s most competitive, as candidates vie for outgoing Senator Debbie Stabenow’s seat. Slotkin called for a new generation of leaders in her new ad:
Today, I’m announcing my run to be Michigan’s next U.S. Senator.
We need a new generation of leaders that thinks differently, works harder, and never forgets that we are *public servants* pic.twitter.com/L8cLgEUwnA
— Elissa Slotkin (@ElissaSlotkin) February 27, 2023
Mexican Protests
Tens of thousands of Mexicans have taken to the streets to protest the country’s new “election reform” laws, which critics say weaken electoral integrity. The new law, once enacted, cuts funding for election offices and for the training of polling station watchers. Among other measures, it also reduces penalties for candidates who fail to report campaign spending.
SpaceX Cancels Launch At Last Minute
A last-minute technical problem forced SpaceX to call off Monday’s attempt to launch four astronauts to the International Space Station. The countdown was halted with just two minutes remaining until liftoff from Kennedy Space Center. Engineers determined there was a problem with the engine ignition system, causing SpaceX to postpone the launch until at least Thursday.
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