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- Written by: Editor
“My legislation supports President Biden’s commitment to end global deforestation by ensuring that all palm oil imported into the United States is grown in a lawful, sustainable, ethical, and responsible manner. Greenhouse gas emissions from global deforestation are driven in no small part by the growing market for palm oil as a food ingredient and an advanced biofuel. The United States must stand against human rights abuses and destructive cultivation practices that set us back in our efforts to combat climate change. That’s exactly what my ‘End Palm Oil Deforestation Act’ does,” said Congressman Garamendi.
Earlier last week, President Biden, along with more than 100 other world leaders, signed a pledge at the United Nations climate change conference — known as COP26 — to eliminate deforestation worldwide.
“Preserving forests and other ecosystems can and should play an important role in meeting our ambitious climate goals,” said President Biden, in his remarks at the COP26 summit.
The cultivation of palm oil, a common food ingredient, is recognized as a leading cause of tropical deforestation globally. In addition to causing increased greenhouse gas emissions, irresponsible palm oil cultivation on deforested lands is often accompanied by forced labor, child labor, wildlife trafficking, and the displacement of indigenous communities.
Congressman Garamendi’s bill would help to meet President Biden’s commitments in the COP26 pledge by requiring under federal law, for the first time, that importers demonstrate palm oil was cultivated and harvested sustainably, ethically, and lawfully in its country of origin.
The bill would also require that all palm oil products, whether as a food ingredient, cosmetics, or biofuel, be labeled with their country of origin, allowing American consumers to make informed decisions.
Palm oil is also increasingly used as a feedstock for advanced biofuels, including in so-called “sustainable aviation fuel.”
Garamendi’s bill would end a longstanding loophole that allows imported palm oil to qualify for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard, which Congress intended to promote domestic biofuel production.
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- Written by: Bureau of Land Management
The easing of seasonal fire restrictions applies to BLM-managed public lands located primarily in Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, western Fresno, Glenn, Inyo, Lake, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Benito, Santa Cruz, San Joaquin, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tuolumne, Yolo and Yuba counties.
BLM seasonal fire restrictions for the Eastern Sierra Region are being eased in close coordination with the Cal Fire San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit, the Inyo National Forest, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office.
Year-round statewide fire restrictions, issued on April 28, 2020, remain in effect.
“We are pleased that cooler weather and moderate wildfire danger conditions allow for easing of fire restrictions, however it is important to remember it takes all of us to prevent wildland fire,” said Central California District Manager Chris Heppe. “Please use caution when lighting a campfire on public lands and ensure the flame is dead out before breaking camp.”
As a reminder, target shooters may not use incendiary, exploding, tracer, steel core, steel jacketed or armor piercing ammunition.
No steel targets allowed — hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildland fire. Recreationists are encouraged to stay in developed campgrounds. A complete list is available online.
Outdoor enthusiasts should avoid BLM-managed public lands that have been burned in this year’s wildland fires. Please remember, the Mother Lode Field Office has closed the Rocky Bar Road, west of Grizzly Flats in El Dorado County, due to impacts from the Caldor Fire.
The public is advised, while the ground may look flat, burned tree roots can give way causing holes. Burned soils are sensitive to erosion and the landscape will take time to heal.
The BLM cares for more than one of every 10 acres of land in the United States. These public lands are every American’s birthright, and we are dedicated to protecting and sustaining that heritage for generations to come. The public plays a valuable role in wildland fire prevention, please Recreate Responsibly.
The public can obtain a valid California campfire permit free at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices. To learn how you can do your part to prevent wildland fires, visit www.readyforwildfire.org.
An interactive map and listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California is available at https://go.usa.gov/xmUEG.
For specific questions, please contact your nearest BLM Field Office.
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- Written by: Editor
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year in the U.S. at least 430 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and approximately 50,000 people will be sent to the hospital.
Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it is odorless and can’t be seen, and all California homes are required to have carbon monoxide detectors. Customers can take these steps to protect their homes and their families:
— Carbon monoxide can be emitted from improperly functioning gas appliances, particularly those used for heating and cooking.
— To protect your family against potential exposure, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor, near sleeping areas and common areas.
— These devices should be tested twice a year, and batteries replaced if necessary.
— Check the date that the detector was manufactured. The sensors in most carbon monoxide detectors have a useful life of five to 10 years.
— Most detectors have an audible signal, usually a series of chirps, which differs from the alarm to indicate low battery, malfunction, or device end of life. Refer to the owner's manual or the instructions on the back of the detector for more information.
Gas safety tips
— Never use products inside the home that generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, such as generators, outdoor grills, or propane heaters.
— Never use cooking devices such as ovens or stoves for home heating purposes.
— Never cover the bottom tray inside an oven with foil or an aftermarket liner.
— When using the fireplace to stay warm, make sure the flue is open so venting can occur safely through the chimney.
— Make sure water heaters and other natural gas appliances have proper ventilation.
— If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, or if you smell the distinctive "rotten egg" odor of natural gas in or around their home or business, you should immediately evacuate and then call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
For more information about preparedness resources, visit PG&E’s Safety Action Center.
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- Written by: Caltrans
Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
Caltrans advises motorists to drive with caution when approaching work areas and to be prepared to stop at traffic control stations.
The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes unless noted otherwise.
For updates to this list check QuickMap at www.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).
LAKE COUNTY
Highway 20
— Striping work from Road 305D to Bachelor Valley will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 8 p.m. to 11 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
— Highway construction near Saratoga Springs Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
— Striping work from Bachelor Valley to Route 29 South will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
— Bridge work at Middle Creek will occur from Thursday, Nov. 4, through Wednesday, Nov. 10. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Bridge work at North Fork Cache Creek will occur from Thursday, Nov. 4, through Wednesday, Nov. 10. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 29
— Bridge work at Putah Creek will occur from Thursday, Nov. 4, through Wednesday, Nov. 10. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Highway construction from Spruce Grove Road to Hofacker Lane will conclude on Friday, Nov. 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate
— Utility work from B Street to Spruce Grove Road North will occur on Nov. 8, 9, 10 and 12. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Bridge work at Siegler Creek Bridge will occur through Wednesday, Nov. 10. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Construction from Route 281 to Private Road will continue through Wednesday, Nov. 10. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
— Bridge work at Lake Boulevard Overcrossing will occur through Wednesday, Nov. 10. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays overnight from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Bridge work at Park Way Overcrossing will occur through Wednesday, Nov. 10. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays overnight from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Bridge work at Scotts Creek will occur through Wednesday, Nov. 10. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays overnight from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 53
— Bridge work at Cache Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays overnight from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 175
— Utility work will occur from Estates Road to Forest Lake Road on Nov. 6 and 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
MENDOCINO COUNTY
Highway 1
— Utility work will occur from Old State Highway to North Limits Gualala on Nov. 9 and 10. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Utility work will occur near Elk on Nov. 10 and 12. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 20
— Drainage work will continue near Private Road on Friday, Nov. 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
— Emergency work will continue near Three Chop Road on Friday, Nov. 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
Highway 101
— Utility work will occur from Geysers Road to Comminsky Station Viaduct on Saturday, Nov. 7. A traffic break will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Slide removal at Pieta Creek Bridge will continue. Northbound Lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Bridge work from the Presswood Overhead Bridge to the Hensley Creek Undercrossing will continue. Northbound and southbound lane closures will be in effect through 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5. Motorists should anticipate minimal delays.
— Construction south of Ridgewood Ranch Road will continue. Lane closures will be in effect in both directions. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
— Moss Cove Safety Rest Area will be closed through fall 2021.
— Empire Camp Safety Rest Area will be closed through fall 2021.
Highway 128
— Emergency work will continue from Robinson Creek to Ornbaun Creek through Friday, Nov. 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
Highway 162
— Utility work will occur west of Bloody Run Creek Bridge on Friday, Nov. 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 253
— Utility work will occur near Anderson Creek Bridge on Tuesday, Nov. 9. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
DEL NORTE COUNTY
Highway 101
— Bridge work near Old Hunter Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
— Emergency work at Last Chance Grade will continue. Motorists should anticipate 30-minute delays at all hours.
— Shoulder improvements in Crescent City from Front Street to Parkway Drive will continue. Lane restrictions will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
— Work from Smith River to the Oregon state line will continue through Friday, Nov. 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
Highway 199
— Work southwest of Idlewild will continue through Friday, Nov. 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays weekdays.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Highway 36
— Work at Van Duzen River Bridge 4 284 near Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Work at Van Duzen River Bridge 4 293 in Bridgeville will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Construction near Buck Mountain Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
— PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work near Dinsmore on Monday, Nov. 8. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to noon. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 101
— Bridge work south of Phillipsville will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. A northbound onramp closure will also be in effect. Motorists should use an alternate route.
— Construction from the Hookton Road Overcrossing to the old K-Mart entrance south of Eureka will continue. Lane and ramp closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns and use alternate ramps when necessary.
— Southbound shoulder work from 14th Street in Eureka to the Herrick Avenue Overcrossing will continue. Southbound lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
— Southbound construction from Broadway/5th to the Eureka Slough Bridge in Eureka will continue through Friday, Nov. 5. A southbound lane restriction will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
— Pavement and barrier work from the Arcata Overhead Bridge to the 299 junction will continue. Lane and ramp closures will be in effect in both directions from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
— Construction near the 101/299 interchange will continue. Intermittent ramp closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should use an alternate route when necessary.
— Work near the Del Norte County line will begin. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 211
— Work at the Salt River Bridge between Fernbridge and Ferndale will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 255
— Utility work near K and V Street in Arcata will continue through Friday, Nov. 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 299
— Pavement work about 5 miles east of Blue Lake will continue through Friday, Nov. 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. L
— Repairs about 7 or 8 miles east of Blue Lake will begin on Saturday, Nov. 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Work in the Willow Creek area will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
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