In the News:
The Hill – Audit: Federal networks still vulnerable
The Government Accountability Office audited the cybersecurity of federal agencies and found 24 that had “persistent weaknesses.” The GAO stated that “These deficiencies place critical information and information systems used to support the operations, assets, and personnel of federal agencies at risk, and can impair agencies’ efforts to fully implement effective information security programs.” Even though many agencies have received recommendations on ways to increase their cybersecurity, most agencies have failed to adopt any new measures.
NY Times – 3 Hillary Clinton Emails Deemed ‘Secret’ in State Dept. Review of 6,300 Pages
In the latest batch of Hillary Clinton’s emails turned over by the State Department three emails were found that had been classified as “Secret.” In addition to classified emails, there was also evidence that Russian hackers had attempted to gain access to the former Secretary of State’s private server. The hackers had attempted a phishing attack using emails claiming New York speeding tickets and it is unclear if Mrs. Clinton opened the emails even though they remained on her sever.
Fox News – Federal judge blocks new Obama administration rules on fracking
New oil and gas regulations have been stopped for now by a federal judge who claims the Environmental Protection Agency has not been granted authority to regulate hydraulic fracking. Those seeking to prevent the new regulations have said that the rules copy state regulations already in place and would be at the cost of jobs. Judge Scott Skavdahl’s ruling was based off of the 2005 Energy Policy Act, which stated that the EPA has no power to regulate fracking.
Daily Beast – Hillary Clinton on Emails: Whatever (So much for that apology. On Meet the Press, Clinton was again nonchalant about her use of a private server.)
“Whatever happened to them, happened to them.” This was what former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said about the emails on her private server when speaking to Chuck Todd of Meet the Press. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton said “I have never seen so much expended on so little,” when talking about the email scandal. Mrs. Clinton claims she has “done all that I can to take responsibility, to be as transparent as possible.”
Government Exec – Obama Again Found Lacking in Open Government Efforts
President Obama’s pledge to be the most transparent administration we have ever seen has continued to fall short. In the fight for a more open government a collection of advocacy groups have requested that this administration “adopt substantive, measurable and transformative commitments, pursue a more collaborative relationship with civil society, actively support transparency-related legislation and policies, push the intelligence community to significantly reduce both secret law and overclassification, and ensure agencies work both to fulfill and exceed commitments.”
Wall Street Journal – EPA Sets Stricter Standard for Ozone (New limit on pollutant linked to smog draws criticism from industry groups, environmentalists)
The national limit for smog has greatly been reduced due to new Environmental Protection Agency rules. These new regulations are difficult to meet for manufacturers, large and small alike, but some are angry that the limit wasn’t reduced further. Penalties, such as loss of federal funding, could be on the table for states that fail to reduce their smog emissions to the new limit.
