WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Accelerator for America, Los Angeles, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), outlining recommendations for the next surface transportation authorization legislation. The organization emphasizes the vital role local leaders play in designing infrastructure solutions that enhance community welfare and economic growth. As the U.S. transitions toward the next reauthorization of surface transportation funding, AFA en more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The World Health Organization has sent a public comment letter detailing significant health risks associated with air pollution through its Air Pollution and Health Training toolkit for health workers. The comprehensive overview emphasizes that air pollution is a leading environmental health risk, contributing to an estimated 6.7 million deaths globally in 2019. Alarmingly, 99% of the global population lives in areas where air quality does not meet WHO guidelines. The let more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, through its member Red Stripe, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) expressing both support and concerns regarding the proposed Alcohol Facts Statements rule. This rule aims to enhance consumer transparency with clearer information on alcohol content, calories, and macronutrients on beverage labels. In the letter, the JMEA conveys its agreement with the goals o more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Atlanta Regional Commission has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the 2025 National Freight Strategic Plan. In the letter, ARC highlighted insights from their recently completed regional freight plan and offered recommendations for better aligning federal guidelines with regional needs. The ARC, representing the metropolitan planning organization for the Atlanta region, emphasized the importance of enhancing the 2025  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Beer Institute, a national trade association representing the American brewing industry, has submitted a public comment letter to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regarding proposed regulations on allergen disclosures in beverage labels. The Institute, which supports over 2.4 million jobs and contributes more than $471 billion to the U.S. economy, emphasizes the necessity for clear and consumer-friendly allergen information on alcoholic beverages. In its c more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Samoan Indigenous Native Agency, alongside the Native Samoan Corp., has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management urging an immediate withdrawal of the Request for Information and Interest concerning commercial leasing for Outer Continental Shelf minerals offshore American Samoa. This call reflects the collective concerns of over 4,800 Native Samoan community members, primarily residing in Alaska, who fear for their cultural heritage an more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Chevron Products Co. Salt Lake Refinery, North Salt Lake, Utah, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the proposed approval of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the Salt Lake City area. The letter critiques the draft Technical Support Document (TSD) associated with the plan revisions aimed at addressing the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The refinery's comments highlight cr more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Mezcal Sustainability Alliance has submitted a public comment letter to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau expressing concerns over a proposed amendment to the labeling requirements for alcoholic beverages published on January 17, 2025. The TTB's initiative aims to enhance the transparency of information provided to consumers regarding wines, distilled spirits, and malt beverages. The proposal includes the introduction of an "Alcohol Facts" panel similar to  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Beer Institute, a national trade association representing the American brewing industry, has submitted a public comment letter addressing concerns regarding the proposed labeling changes outlined in NPRM 237 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The agency's proposal aims to mandate the inclusion of an "Alcohol Facts" statement on all alcohol beverage labels, requiring disclosures of per-serving alcohol and nutrient content. In its letter, BI challenged the more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management urging caution regarding the proposed commercial leasing for Outer Continental Shelf seabed critical minerals offshore American Samoa. DOSI's network of over 240 deep-ocean experts emphasizes the need for sufficient baseline research to accurately assess the potential environmental impacts before any mining activities commen more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Environmental Investigation Agency UK has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior advocating for the listing of seven species of pangolins as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. EIA, an independent international non-governmental organization, emphasizes that such a classification is crucial in enhancing protections against the looming threat of extinction these species face. All eight species of pangolin have been classified a more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- FoodFight USA, a nonprofit organization focused on food safety, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its proposed tool for prioritizing food chemicals for post-market assessment. In the letter, the organization expresses appreciation for the FDA's efforts but raises concerns about the efficacy and speed of the proposed system. FoodFight USA, led by entrepreneurs dedicated to improving America's food supply, has out more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Fugro USA Inc., Houston, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management advocating for comprehensive seafloor mapping in relation to the Request for Information and Interest regarding commercial leasing for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) minerals offshore American Samoa. The request, published on June 16, 2025, highlights the agency's call for data that could guide leasing decisions and ultimately support resource development efforts i more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The City of Phoenix has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation advocating for essential funding and programs aimed at improving roadway safety and transportation infrastructure. The letter highlights multiple priorities essential for enhancing mobility and safety for residents, as well as addressing critical concerns regarding pedestrian safety in the city. According to recent data, Phoenix ranks third nationwide for roadway fatalities, more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Greenpeace USA has filed a public comment letter addressed to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management urging the federal agency to halt any potential commercial leasing for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) minerals offshore American Samoa. The organization cites the region's rich deep-sea ecosystems, significant tuna fisheries, and the cultural ties of local communities to the ocean as primary reasons for its opposition to the proposed exploration and extraction activities. Th more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Kids in Need of Defense organization submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services opposing proposed revisions to a form and a related policy change that would eliminate protections for youth with Special Immigrant Juvenile status. The organization, which provides legal services to unaccompanied minors, asserts that these changes will expose thousands of children to re-traumatization, harm and deporta more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation emphasizing critical priorities for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. MDOT's five modal administrations, including aviation, ports, motor vehicles, highways, and transit, call for a coordinated approach to enhance the state's transportation infrastructure. MDOT's plans hinge on securing stable and predictable federal funding an more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Mithril Minerals Inc., Austin, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) regarding the potential leasing of outer continental shelf minerals offshore American Samoa. The organization emphasizes the importance of innovative technology that can minimize environmental impact while enabling economically viable deep-sea mineral extraction. Founded in 2022, Mithril Minerals has developed a unique robotic system designed to coll more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Nalu Medical, a D.C.-based medical device manufacturer, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing serious concerns regarding proposed changes to payment rates for neurostimulator procedures within the Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center payment systems for 2026. The organization fears that these adjustments could significantly limit access to vital treatments for Medicare beneficiaries. more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The National Alliance for Care at Home and 58 home care, hospice, and palliative care organizations submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging the agency to withdraw its proposed 9% reduction to Medicare home health payment rates for Calendar Year 2026. The letter highlights significant concerns regarding the potential financial impact on home health agencies and the critical services they provide to Medicare beneficiarie more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The National Bobwhite and Grassland Initiative Technical Committee, Clemson, South Carolina, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service urging the agency to ensure that its technical and financial assistance programs continue to prioritize wildlife habitat. The partnership believes the programs have the potential to benefit both agriculture and wildlife simultaneously, but only if the appropriate minimum s more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The National Federation of Independent Business submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau calling for the immediate withdrawal of two proposed rules that would mandate allergen labeling and alcohol facts statements on wines, distilled spirits and malt beverages. The organization argues that the proposals, issued during the Biden administration, would impose heavy burdens on small businesses, which mak more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Ohio State University has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Management and Budget advocating for the continuation of the National Youth Tobacco Survey. The NYTS serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, educators, and public health leaders in monitoring and addressing tobacco use among American youth. The NYTS, initiated in 1999, is essential for understanding the landscape of youth tobacco consumption and provides invaluable data for the U.S. Department more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Natural Resources Defense Council has expressed concerns over the U.S. Navy's proposed training and testing activities in the Hawaii-California Study Area, as outlined in a public comment letter submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service. With over 3 million members and activists backing the organization, NRDC's feedback highlights significant changes in the Navy's proposal compared to five years ago and calls for urgent modifications to mitigate potential thre more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The North American Submarine Cable Association (NASCA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) regarding the potential impact of mineral leasing in offshore American Samoa. In its correspondence, NASCA emphasized the need for protective measures for submarine cables in the region, which are critical for global telecommunications. NASCA's letter responds to BOEM's request for information and interest concerning leasing for oute more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Ocean Minerals LLC, Stafford, Texas, Moana Minerals Ltd., Rarotonga Avarua, Cook Islands, and Kiva Marine Ltd. have issued a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management expressing concerns regarding the proposed leasing of minerals in the Outer Continental Shelf surrounding American Samoa. The letter addresses the complexities of the leasing process, urging the government to consider a more effective model that could foster competitive exploration and mi more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs expressing strong support for a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at rescinding certain abortion coverage policies established during the Biden administration. The organization advocates for the swift finalization of this proposed rule, which it contends aligns with federal law prohibiting abortion counseling and coverage in VA medical benefits. The  more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc. has expressed significant concerns regarding the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau's proposed rule on Alcohol Facts statements in beverage labeling. In a public comment letter submitted on August 15, 2025, DISCUS urged the agency to reconsider the drafting of its proposed regulations, explaining that they could impose substantial burdens on distillers and lead to consumer confusion. DISCUS, which represe more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The University of Cincinnati Medical Center has submitted a public comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration addressing proposed changes to asbestos respirator requirements that may compromise worker safety. The critical letter outlines concerns that the proposed revisions could allow the use of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and lower efficiency filters in environments with asbestos exposure, which the writer argues could lead to inadequa more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Purity Healthcare Consulting PLLC founding member Stephanie M. Morgan submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposing that in-home, AI-enabled assessments, such as the company's PURITY Model, should be recognized as a reimbursable preventive service under a proposed diabetes prevention and health promotion program. The writer, a registered nurse with clinical specialties in diabetic foot care and wound prevention, stated that th more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- American Flood Coalition Action (AFCA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, offering key policy recommendations as the agency prepares to reauthorize the nation's surface transportation programs. The nonprofit organization advocates for strengthened policies that tackle the rising threats of flooding and extreme weather, which have devastating effects on transportation infrastructure across the country. AFCA highlighted the incre more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Retired naval architect and ocean engineer Alexandre Guedes da Silva submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) calling for a more comprehensive analysis of water vapor and its impact on climate change, following the release of the agency's July 2025 report, "A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate." The letter emphasizes that while the report provides an important reevaluation of greenhouse gas assumptions more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The National Center for Health Research has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocating for the continuation of the National Youth Tobacco Survey for the upcoming 2026-2028 cycle. The NCHR, a nonprofit think tank dedicated to promoting evidence-based health policies, emphasized the critical role NYTS plays in monitoring youth tobacco and nicotine use amid rising health concerns. In its public comment letter, NCHR strongly ar more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- University of Toledo College of Health and Human Services Dean Mark Merrick submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the department to classify entry-level occupational therapy education programs as "professional degree programs" to ensure their students have access to adequate educational funding. The letter states that occupational therapy is a federally recognized health profession and that students must earn a graduate-level degree, more ST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Wine Institute, Sacramento, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) addressing proposed changes to alcohol labeling regulations under Docket No. TTB-2025-0002. The organization expressed support for the current voluntary "Serving Facts" framework but urged the agency to consider significant implications before making it mandatory. The Wine Institute highlighted that wines are inherently unique products, a more ST