Mask Mandates

 Mask Mandates

So, what’s each site doing about the new mandates?

Tennessee sites have reinstated mandatory masking.

Do you agree with the senators?

 Manchin and colleagues want in national labs infrastructure. 

https://www.energy.senate.gov/2021/7/manchin-joins-colleagues-in-urging-investment-in-national-lab-infrastructure

LLNS employee statutes in 2021

 In 2021, in terms of long term job security, what does it really mean to be a so called a LLNS “Career Indefinite employee” vs. a “Supplemental Labor” employee in practice given LLNS employment actions?

Anthony T. Rivera v. U.S. Department of Energy

 

Here is the timeline of my Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Case # 20-16012,
"Anthony T. Rivera v. U.S. Department of Energy":

2-18-21: I file my "Opening Brief”

3-15-21: DOE requests and is granted an extension of time to file their
"Answering Brief”

4-21-21: DOE files their “Answering Brief”

5-12-21: I file my “Reply Brief” (which was optional)

Earthquake hits Northern New Mexico

 Earthquake hits Northern New Mexico!!! No damage this time but it shows for certain that we should not be building pits in New Mexico. https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/earthquake-shakes-small-northern-n-m-town/article_6b7a2b70-e33f-11eb-9014-eb63f4e59215.html

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Telecommuting beyond Sep 30th?

 Odds on another extension of the “Maximum Telecommuting MOU past the Sept 30 end date? Delta variant, workforce resistance to return to work, etc.

Should LLNL stay with LLNS?

 Should LLNL stay with LLNS, or forward a non-profit like Triad in the next contract bid?

ICF is finally getting cut!

Within a flat overall budget for the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Biden administration proposes to ramp up funding... 

https://www.aip.org/fyi/2021/fy22-budget-request-national-nuclear-security-administration

Racism in Geo-science

 I am not sure how much Geoscience work is done at LLNL or LANL, but I know Terry Wallace was a geologist.

In any case
Geology is racist science.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-23936-w

Access implies that individuals can obtain the resources they need to safely pursue their science endeavors; regardless of location, instrumentation, site accessibility, and their identity. Historically, access has been limited to mostly able-bodied, white, cisgender, heterosexual men. As the geosciences strive to be more accessible, the community must recognize that BIPOC and other marginalized geoscientists are not always safe in geoscience spaces. For example, holding objects (e.g., a rock hammer) has been viewed as “suspicious” and, continues to be, used as a reason to call the police on Black people, which can lead to the death of Black individuals, entirely because of racial profiling and an unjustified fear of Black people17,22. Organizations can lead by requiring and disseminating best practices that make all programs safe for, and accessible to, everyone (ACTION #7). This requirement includes incorporating anti-racism into all spaces where geoscience happens23—in the field, in laboratories, virtually, at events and in classrooms

Strike approved, but...

 Members of the skilled trades union (UPTE) at LLNL voted to strike and the strike was approved. The union has been in negotiations with the lab for over two years and it hasn't gone anywhere.

New Mexico delegation and governor say no.

 Congressional Delegation, Governor Send Letter To Energy Secretary Opposing Nuclear Waste Interim Site

https://www.google.com/amp/s/losalamosreporter.com/2021/07/02/congressional-delegation-governor-send-letter-to-energy-secretary-opposing-nuclear-waste-interim-site/amp/

Bill to allow nuc plants tax credit

 U.S. Democrats launch bill allowing existing nuclear plants tax credit

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-democrats-launch-bill-allowing-existing-nuclear-plants-tax-credit-2021-06-24/