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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued Amendment 1 to its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declarations for all U.S. states and territories. This amendment extends the deadline for applications related to economic injuries from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which officially started on January 31, 2020, to December 31, 2021. Businesses seeking assistance can submit their applications to the SBA's Processing and Disbursement Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Additional information can be found on the SBA's disaster assistance website or by contacting their customer service.

Prairie State Solar, LLC has submitted an application for market-based rate authority, which includes a request for blanket approval for future securities issuance and liability assumptions, to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In this supplemental notice, FERC has outlined the procedure for filing interventions or protests, emphasizing electronic submission through their website. The deadline for filing any protests regarding this application is March 15, 2021. Due to COVID-19, FERC's Public Reference Room is closed, but documents can be accessed online.

The executive order aims to strengthen the United States' response to the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring a robust supply chain for necessary medical supplies. It directs several federal departments to assess and address shortages in pandemic response supplies like PPE and vaccines and suggests using the Defense Production Act to resolve these shortfalls. The order also focuses on strategies for long-term resilience in the pandemic supply chain, pricing controls to prevent hoarding and price gouging, and better access to the Strategic National Stockpile for Tribal authorities. Additionally, it requires a plan for enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities for future pandemics.

The Executive Order 13999, titled "Protecting Worker Health and Safety", was issued by the President to prioritize protecting workers from COVID-19. The order directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to issue updated workplace safety guidance and consider emergency standards such as mask requirements. It also emphasizes coordination with state and local governments to protect public employees, and includes a national program to focus on violations that significantly endanger workers. Additionally, it encourages outreach efforts to inform workers of their rights, particularly in communities heavily impacted by the pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a meeting for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee (CLIAC) scheduled for April 14-15, 2021, which will be held virtually. This meeting, open to the public, will focus on topics like the role of clinical laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic and updates from relevant health agencies. Public comments can be submitted prior to the meeting. CLIAC provides advice to authorities regarding laboratory standards and practices, especially in light of technological advancements.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic, one requested by Pfizer, Inc., and the other by ModernaTX, Inc. These Authorizations allow the use of vaccines to help manage the public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Authorizations include specific conditions and are part of efforts to protect public health and national security in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The FDA ensures that such products can be used when there are no adequate, approved alternatives available.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received requests from the Utah and Minnesota Departments of Agriculture to use a new chemical, called the BIAXAM Polymer, on airport and aircraft surfaces to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This chemical is designed to give long-lasting protection against the virus SARS-CoV-2. Although the product has not been previously registered as a pesticide by the EPA, the agency is now seeking public comments before deciding whether to grant emergency exemptions for its use. The BIAXAM Polymer would be applied to surfaces to potentially offer an extra layer of safety for air travelers.

The Legal Services Corporation's Board of Directors and its six committees scheduled virtual meetings via Zoom on January 28-29, 2021, due to the COVID-19 crisis. While most sessions were open to public observation, some parts were closed, such as briefings on enforcement matters and legal issues involving the Corporation. Members of the public could attend the open sessions by following specific instructions to access Zoom links. Various topics were discussed, including committee evaluations, communication strategies, and presentations on intake procedures and financial reports.

The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE), part of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is proposing updates to the data collection activities for the Next Generation of Enhanced Employment Strategies (NextGen) Project. This project aims to evaluate innovative interventions that help low-income individuals with employment challenges improve their economic security. Changes include updates to consent forms and data collection tools to better measure social support, social trust, and employment outcomes, especially related to COVID-19. The public is invited to comment on these proposed revisions within 30 days of the notice's publication.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is holding a virtual meeting at 9:30 am on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. The meeting will focus on an aviation investigation report about a rapid descent incident involving Island Express Helicopters Inc. and a Sikorsky S-76B in Calabasas, California, on January 26, 2020. The public can view the meeting via webcast, and updates on possible changes due to COVID-19 or weather will be available on the NTSB website. For more information, contact Candi Bing or reach out to the media contacts Keith Holloway and Eric Weiss.