Government Publications Library University of Colorado at Boulder

Second Largest Fine Ever for Safety Violations in Colo.

2009-11-30T16:40:00.005-07:00

One week ago, on November 23, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) fined Colorado company Tempel Grain Elevators $1.6 million for safety and labor violations. The fine--the second largest in Colorado history for safety and labor--was assessed following the May 29 death of 17-year-old Cody Rigsby in a grain elevator. According to this article in the Denver Post, "teens as young as 14 drove front-end loaders, forklifts or other dangerous equipment. A 13-year-old had a job working alongside adults. And a lack of safety equipment made falls into the elevators a constant threat, according to a federal investigation." The largest fine levied by OSHA in Colorado was $1.8 million against Samsonite Corp. (the luggage-maker) in 1991.

DOL agencies Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Wage and Hour Division both fined the grain storage company. See the DOL news release for further details. You can find regulatory information about youth employment (child labor laws) here.

For additional government resources about labor and employment, see our guide.

Thanksgiving is Tomorrow!

2009-11-25T09:42:00.003-07:00

Tomorrow brings turkey and mashed potatoes and pie and oh so many good things to eat. In celebration of the day I thought I would highlight a few government resources on Thanksgiving.

Facts for Features: Thanksgiving I know not everyone shares my love of numbers, but don't you want to know the average amount of turkey consumed by Americans in a given year? (13.8 pounds in case your curious)
Turkey Pardoning Preview It has become a holiday tradition for president's to pardon a turkey, leaving it to live a life that doesn't end on a dinner table. This year, the White House put out a turkey pardoning preview video! I am hoping this link will stay up even after the pardoning at 10:28 MST today.
Thanksgiving History This page from the Library of Congress traces the history through primary source materials of the Thanksgiving holiday.

I hope that everyone has a great holiday with tons of food!

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports

2009-11-24T11:26:00.001-07:00

Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress' request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. This week brings us reports on climate change, advertising, the economy, and other topics. Although these reports are in the public domain, there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your senator or representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by OpenCRS and Secrecy News:

Interested in historical CRS reports? If you are here at the Boulder campus, check out the LexisNexis Congressional database, which has reports dating back to 1916.

Not on campus but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

DNA and Privacy: The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

2009-11-23T12:55:00.003-07:00

There's much media discussion about the health insurance reform bill making its way through Congress right now. One topic related to health reform is discrimination based on DNA samples. Today National Public Radio reported on a University of Akron policy, currently under review, that allows the school to request DNA samples from new employees in order to conduct background checks. This genetic information has the potential to provide the university with private information such as a person's risk for disease. Does an employee have a right to keep this information private? The NPR article suggests that the University of Akron's policy possibly violates the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which forbids health insurers and employers from using your genetic information against you.

The legislation became Public Law 110-233 in May 2008 but didn't go into full effect until November 21 of 2009. To read some of the federal regulations associated with this law, see the Federal Register from October 7, 2009.

To find additional regulatory information associated with workplace discrimination and health, take a look at our guides to labor and health.

GAO Reports and Releases

2009-11-20T14:57:00.003-07:00

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as federal lands, defense, and budget. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

Budget Issues: Electronic Processing of Non-IRS Collections Has Increased but Better Understanding of Cost Structure Is Needed. GAO-10-11, November 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-11
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1011high.pdf
Defense Acquisitions: Further Actions Needed to Address Weaknesses in DOD's Management of Professional and Management Support Contracts. GAO-10-39, November 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-39
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1039high.pdf
Recovery Act: Recipient Reported Jobs Data Provide Insight into Use of Recovery Act Funding, but Data Quality and Reporting Issues Need Attention. GAO-10-223, November 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-223
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10223high.pdf
Credit Cards: Rising Interchange Fees Have Increased Costs for Merchants, but Options for Reducing Fees Pose Challenges. GAO-10-45, November 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-45
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1045high.pdf
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program: Case Studies Show Fraud and Abuse Allowed Ineligible Firms to Obtain Millions of Dollars in Contracts. GAO-10-108, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-108
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10108high.pdf
Defense Health Care: Post-Deployment Health Reassessment Documentation Needs Improvement. GAO-10-56, November 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-56
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1056high.pdf
Private Pensions: Sponsors of 10 Underfunded Plans Paid Executives Approximately $350 Million in Compensation Shortly Before Termination. GAO-10-77, October 21.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-77
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1077high.pdf
Homeland Security: Key US-VISIT Components at Varying Stages of Completion, but Integrated and Reliable Schedule Needed. GAO-10-13, November 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-13
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1013high.pdf
Grant Monitoring: Department of Education Could Improve Its Processes with Greater Focus on Assessing Risks, Acquiring Financial Skills, and Sharing Information. GAO-10-57, November 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-57
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1057high.pdf
Homeland Security: Greater Attention to Key Practices Would Improve the Federal Protective Service's Approach to Facility Protection. GAO-10-142, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-142
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10142high.pdf
Financial Audit: Securities and Exchange Commission's Financial Statements for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2008. GAO-10-250, November 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-250
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10250high.pdf
Recovery Act: Agencies Are Addressing Broadband Program Challenges, but Actions Are Needed to Improve Implementation. GAO-10-80, November 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-80
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1080high.pdf
Workplace Safety and Health: Enhancing OSHA's Records Audit Process Could Improve the Accuracy of Worker Injury and Illness Data. GAO-10-10, October 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-10
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1010high.pdf
Student Achievement: Schools Use Multiple Strategies to Help Students Meet Academic Standards, Especially Schools with Higher Proportions of Low-Income and Minority Students. GAO-10-18, November 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-18
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1018high.pdf
Critical Infrastructure Protection: OMB Leadership Needed to Strengthen Agency Planning Efforts to Protect Federal Cyber Assets. GAO-10-148, October 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-148
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10148high.pdf
Department of Veterans Affairs: Improvements Needed in Corrective Action Plans to Remediate Financial Reporting Material Weaknesses. GAO-10-65, November 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-65
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1065high.pdf
Financial Audit: Federal Housing Finance Agency's Fiscal Year 2009 Financial Statements. GAO-10-218, November 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-218
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10218high.pdf

Testimonies

Recovery Act: Recipient Reported Jobs Data Provide Some Insight into Use of Recovery Act Funding, but Data Quality and Reporting Issues Need Attention, by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-10-224T, November 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-224T
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program: Case Studies Show Fraud and Abuse Allowed Ineligible Firms to Obtain Millions of Dollars in Contracts, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, forensic audits and special investigations, before the House Committee on Small Business. GAO-10-255T, November 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-255T
Corporate Crime: Prosecutors Adhered to Guidance for Selecting Monitors for Deferred Prosecution and Non-Prosecution Agreements, but DOJ Could Better Communicate Its Role in Resolving Conflicts, by Eileen R. Larence, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, House Committee on the Judiciary. GAO-10-260T, November 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-260T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10260thigh.pdf
Homeland Security: Greater Attention to Key Practices Would Help Address Security Vulnerabilities at Federal Buildings, by Mark L. Goldstein, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-10-236T, November 18.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-236T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10236thigh.pdf
Federal Land Management: Challenges to Implementing the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act, by Robin M. Nazzaro, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, House Committee on Natural Resources. GAO-10-259T, November 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-259T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10259thigh.pdf
International Trade: Options for Congressional Consideration to Improve U.S. Trade Preference Programs, by Loren Yager, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Trade, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-10-262T, November 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-262T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10262thigh.pdf
Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Recent Testing Raises Issues about the Potential Effectiveness of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal Monitors, by Gene Aloise, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-10-252T, November 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-252T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10252thigh.pdf
Cybersecurity: Continued Efforts Are Needed to Protect Information Systems from Evolving Threats, statement for the record by David Powner and Gregory Wilshusen, directors, information technology, before the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security, Senate Committee on the Judiciary. GAO-10-230T, November 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-230T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10230thigh.pdf

Correspondences

Higher Education: Factors Lenders Consider in Making Lending Decisions for Private Education Loans. GAO-10-86R, November 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-86R
Integrity Committee's Process to Address Allegations of Wrongdoing by Inspectors General. GAO-10-63R, October 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-63R

Reissues

U.S. Government Accountability Office: Performance and Accountability Report, Fiscal Year 2009. GAO-10-234SP, November 13, 2009
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-234SP

Follow-up on Obama's Visit to Myanmar

2009-11-19T13:00:00.003-07:00

A little over a week ago, we published a blog post on President Obama's upcoming meeting with Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein. That meeting took place on Sunday, November 15, as part of Obama's visit to Asia and meeting with ASEAN. There's been a lot of media coverage about the U.S. president's meeting with Chinese leader Hu Jintao, but it's a little trickier to find news articles about Obama's visit to Myanmar. We've pulled together some online resources describing the outcome of Obama's talks with Myanmar's prime minister:

"Obama Meets Leaders of Asean, Myanmar to Counter Chinese Clout" (Bloomberg.com, Nov. 16 2009)
"Obama Meets Myanmar PM, Calls For Suu Kyi's Release" (New York Times, Nov. 15 2009)
"Suu Kyi Seeks Meeting With Myanmar Junta Leader" (New York Times, Nov. 16 2009)
"Myanmar's Suu Kyi Proposes Cooperation With Junta" (New York Times, Nov. 17 2009)

I can't find anything current about Myanmar on the whitehouse.gov web site. However, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton does offer some comments about Myanmar in this November 12 statement (she remarks on U.S. sanctions against the country).

Want more resources about Myanmar/Burma? (It could be referred to by either of the two names, depending on which country is creating the resource and its position on military rule by the Myanmar junta). Take a look at our country guide to this nation.

New Pennies!

2009-11-18T12:05:00.002-07:00

I am sure I am not the only person who doesn't pay a lot of attention to the pennies in my pocket, other then to wish I had one more or less when trying to pay for something. This may be why it has taken me until this month to notice the new Lincoln One-Cent redesigns "in recognition of the bicentennial of President Abraham Lincoln's birth and the 100th anniversary of the first issuance of the Lincoln cent." (US mint One-Cent redesign page).

After this year the penny will no longer show the Lincoln Memorial on the back, instead it will show a union shield, commemorating Lincoln's work to preserve the Union during the civil war. You can read more about the new design on the US mint's web site.

Still not tired of reading about the penny? Check out the One-cent history at the US mint

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports

2009-11-17T17:14:00.006-07:00

Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress' request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. This week brings us reports on Medicaid and Medicare, vaccinations, cap-and-trade, FISA, freedom of speech and press, and other topics. Although these reports are in the public domain, there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report, you can request it from your senator or representative. These reports were discovered by OpenCRS:

UN Launches UN Member States: On the Record

2009-11-16T11:03:00.003-07:00

Navigating the United Nations' web presence can be a daunting task. This is evidenced by the number of links listed on our United Nations guide alone. There are various web sites associated with different types of documents and data, but what if you are searching for UN documents associated with a specific UN member state? The UN has launched a new web site that allows you to do this. UN Member States: On the Record provides online access to documents that provide the views of Member States. Each Member State page contains the same basic searches. The web site contains the following types of documents from UN Member States (use this page to search by member state):

Meeting records
Draft resolutions
States parties reports
Press releases

The UN Member States web site does not provide access to letters, regional or other intergovernmental documents, voting information, statistics, treaties, and documents from specialized UN agencies. If this web section won't lead you to the type of document you're seeking, check our United Nations or International Organizations guides for tips on finding these types of documents.

GAO Reports

2009-11-13T09:07:00.002-07:00

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week GAO investigated information technology, the Bureau of Prisons, the IRS, and other topics. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

Information Technology: Agencies Need to Improve the Implementation and Use of Earned Value Techniques to Help Manage Major System Acquisitions. GAO-10-2, October 8.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-2
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d102high.pdf

Bureau of Prisons: Methods for Cost Estimation Largely Reflect Best Practices, but Quantifying Risks Would Enhance Decision Making. GAO-10-94, November 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-94
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1094high.pdf

Financial Audit: IRS's Fiscal Years 2009 and 2008 Financial Statements. GAO-10-176, November 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-176
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10176high.pdf

Financial Audit: Bureau of the Public Debt's Fiscal Years 2009 and 2008 Schedules of Federal Debt. GAO-10-88, November 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-88
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1088high.pdf

Defense Acquisitions: Strategic Airlift Gap Has Been Addressed, but Tactical Airlift Plans Are Evolving as Key Issues Have Not Been Resolved. GAO-10-67, November 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-67
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1067high.pdf

International Monetary Fund: Lending Programs Allow for Negotiations and Are Consistent with Economic Literature. GAO-10-44, November 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-44
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1044high.pdf

Correspondence

Poverty Determination in U.S. Insular Areas. GAO-10-240R, November 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-240R

UNICEF Issues New Report on Child Undernutrition

2009-11-12T14:17:00.003-07:00

Today's Denver Post gave a brief mention of a new report by UNICEF showing that almost 200 million children in developing countries have stunted growth because of poor nutrition. This new report, accessible from UNICEF's web site, is Tracking Progress on Child and Maternal Nutrition: A Survival and Development Policy. The 124-page report, which contains a large number of charts and statistics, states among its key messages:

A child’s future nutrition status is affected before conception . . . . A chronically undernourished woman will give birth to a baby who is likely to be undernourished as a child, causing the cycle of undernutrition to be repeated over generations.
Twenty-four countries bear 80 per cent of the developing world burden of undernutrition as measured by stunting.
More than 90 per cent of the developing world’s stunted children live in Africa and Asia.
Marked reductions in child undernutrition can be achieved through improvements in women’s nutrition before and during pregnancy, early and exclusive breastfeeding, and good-quality complementary feeding for infants and young children, with appropriate micronutrient interventions.
Improving child and maternal nutrition is not only entirely feasible but also affordable and cost-effective. Nutrition interventions are among the best investments in development that countries can undertake.

Additional reports by UNICEF can be found on its Publications page. For information about how UNICEF is tackling undernutrition and other problems plaguing children around the world, select a topic under the What We Do tab.

For links to resources from other international organizations and NGOs tackling nutrition issues, take a look at our guides to development, food supply, and health.

Cash for Clunkers Efficiency Impact Comes into Question

2009-11-11T11:05:00.005-07:00

On August 25 the U.S. Department of Transportation wrapped up its Cash for Clunkers automobile rebate program, declaring it "wildly successful" (we put a link to the press release in our August 27 blog post). The program's reported statistics indicated that the average improvement in fuel economy was about 9 miles per gallon. The stats page also states, "Cars purchased under the program are, on average, 19% above the average fuel economy of all new cars currently available, and 59% above the average fuel economy of cars that were traded in."

These glowing wrap-up results contrast with an Associated Press analysis of new federal data. According to this analysis, as described in the Boston Globe article, the vehicle traded in most often in the Cash for Clunkers program was the Ford F-150 pickup, and owners of the vehicles "were 17 times more likely to buy a new F-150 than, say, a Toyota Prius." The fuel economy for these new F-150s ranged from 15 to 17 miles per gallon, leading to an improvement of just 1 to 3 miles per gallon over their "clunker" predecessors.

So was Cash for Clunkers "wildly successful" in terms of energy efficiency, the overall economy, or for the auto industry? An Edmunds.com analysis claims that Cash for Clunkers cost taxpayers $24,000 per vehicle sold (read the Edmunds.com press release). The Globe article says that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still reviewing the AP's analysis.

Want more resources about economic stimulus programs? Take a look at our guide.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports

2009-11-10T11:04:00.003-07:00

Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress' request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. This week brings us reports on health care, presidential powers, income, and other topics. Although these reports are in the public domain, there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your senator or representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by OpenCRS and Secrecy News:

President to Meet with Prime Minister of Myanmar

2009-11-09T16:34:00.007-07:00

President Obama will meet with the prime minister of Myanmar (Burma) next Sunday along with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He will be the first U.S. president to meet with a head of state of this Southeast Asian country since President Lyndon B. Johnson. As this New York Times article reports, President Obama wishes to reverse the Bush administration's policy toward Myanmar by engaging in direct talks with the government of Myanmar.

President Obama's meeting will take place after a November 4 visit to this Asian nation by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Campbell, who met with ethnic representatives and political prisoner (and Nobel Peace Prize winner) Aung San Suu Kyi. You can read more about this visit, and the U.S. policy toward Myanmar/Burma, on this Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs web page of the U.S. Department of State.

For additional governmental resources about Myanmar/Burma, take a look at our guide to the country. It contains links to country profiles and diplomacy-related information as well as other types of sources.

GAO Reports and Releases

2009-11-08T23:01:00.001-07:00

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as TARP, postal services, and defense. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

Millennium Challenge Corporation: MCC Has Addressed a Number of Implementation Challenges, but Needs to Improve Financial Controls and Infrastructure Planning. GAO-10-52, November 6.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-52
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1052high.pdf
Troubled Asset Relief Program: Continued Stewardship Needed as Treasury Develops Strategies for Managing and Divesting Financial Interests in Chrysler and GM. GAO-10-151, November 2.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-151
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10151high.pdf

Testimonies

National Archives: Progress and Risks in Implementing its Electronic Records Archive Initiative, by David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-10-222T, November 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-222T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10222thigh.pdf
U.S. Postal Service: Financial Challenges Continue, with Relatively Limited Results from Recent Revenue-Generation Efforts, by Phillip Herr, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-10-191T, November 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-191T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10191thigh.pdf
Contingency Contracting: Further Improvements Needed in Agency Tracking of Contractor Personnel and Contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan, by John P. Hutton, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. GAO-10-187, November 2.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-187
Operation Iraqi Freedom: Preliminary Observations on DOD Planning for the Drawdown of U.S. Forces from Iraq, by William M. Solis, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. GAO-10-179, November 2.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-179
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10179high.pdf

Correspondences

Afghanistan's Security Environment. GAO-10-178R, November 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-178R
Defense Infrastructure: The Army Needs to Establish Priorities, Goals, and Performance Measures for Its Arsenal Support Program Initiative. GAO-10-167R, November 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-167R
Defense Logistics: Department of Defense's Annual Report on the Status of Prepositioned Materiel and Equipment Can Be Further Enhanced to Better Inform Congress. GAO-10-172R, November 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-172R
Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures: Fiscal Year 2009 Airport and Airway Trust Fund Excise Taxes. GAO-10-92R, November 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-92R
Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures: Fiscal Year 2009 Highway Trust Fund Excise Taxes. GAO-10-93R, November 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-93R

Reissued Product

Recovery Act: Funds Continue to Provide Fiscal Relief to States and Localities, While Accountability and Reporting Challenges Need to Be Fully Addressed. GAO-09-1016, September 23, 2009.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1016
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d091016high.pdf

Is my paycheck increasing?

2009-11-05T15:04:00.001-07:00

Last week brought us unemployment and GDP numbers for the US. This week I though I would take a look at the global economy and highlight the work of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Today they issued an update to the Global Wage Report. The news is not all rosy, in fact, "'the picture on wages is likely to get worse in 2009' regardless of other economic indicators suggesting an economic rebound. The report notes that in half of the 35 countries for which figures are available, real monthly wages fell in the first quarter of 2009 compared to their average of 2008, often due to cuts in hours worked" (ILO press release).

While the report does a nice job of outlining the wage situation, there are some other ILO sites you might want to check out on this issue.

Wages This is the collection of data, press releases and reports on the international wage situation. I especially like the Minimum Wage database, which outlines the laws regarding minimum wages in 100 countries.
Global Job Crisis Observatory The changes in unemployment and wages are important factors to watch over on the international stage as we work towards economic recovery. This site brings together all the various news reports and regional/international materials on jobs.

Want to look at more labor numbers? Okay, then go check out the library's guide.

Local Election Results

2009-11-04T13:55:00.003-07:00

I am sure all of you managed to get your ballots in yesterday via the mail and are now curious about the results. Here are the best places to go for local results and news coverage:

Boulder County Clerk This is where you can get the unofficial results for Boulder city, county, Erie, Louisville, Lafayette, Lyons, Nederland and the school districts. These are unofficial because not all the ballots have been counted and certified, but at this point the results are assumed to be accurate. Wondering if your ballot made it in? You can actually check this out by looking at your voter information!
Daily Camera Election Coverage This is a collection of all the articles from the Daily Camera on the election.
Denver Post Election Coverage This page has a bit more of a state-wide focus and even includes some national election news.

Still want more elections information? Why not check out the library's guide.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports

2009-11-03T15:32:00.003-07:00

Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress' request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. This week brings us reports on aircraft, the Department of Defense, Iran's nuclear program, the Navy, and the presidential helicopter program. Although these reports are in the public domain, there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report, you can request it from your senator or representative. These reports were discovered by OpenCRS:

GAO Reports and Releases

2009-10-30T13:59:00.002-06:00

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as defense, economic issues, and disabilities. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

Tax Debt Collection: IRS Needs to Better Manage the Collection Notices Sent to Individuals. GAO-09-976, September 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-976
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09976high.pdf
Black Lung Benefits Program: Administrative and Structural Changes Could Improve Miners' Ability to Pursue Claims. GAO-10-7, October 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-7
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d107high.pdf
Federal Energy Management: Agencies Are Taking Steps to Meet High-Performance Federal Building Requirements, but Face Challenges. GAO-10-22, October 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-22
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1022high.pdf
Fire Grants: FEMA Has Met Most Requirements for Awarding Fire Grants, but Additional Actions Would Improve Its Grant Process. GAO-10-64, October 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-64
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1064high.pdf
Valles Caldera: The Trust Has Made Progress but Faces Significant Challenges to Achieve Goals of the Preservation Act. GAO-10-84, October 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-84
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1084high.pdf
Defense Acquisitions: Challenges in Aligning Space System Components. GAO-10-55, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-55
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1055high.pdf
Contract Management: Extent of Federal Spending under Cost-Reimbursement Contracts Unclear and Key Controls Not Always Used. GAO-09-921, September 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-921
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09921high.pdf
Information Security: Concerted Effort Needed to Improve Federal Performance Measures. GAO-09-617, September 14.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-617
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09617high.pdf
Federal Student Aid: Highlights of a Study Group on Simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. GAO-10-29, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-29
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1029high.pdf
School Facilities: Physical Conditions in School Districts Receiving Impact Aid for Students Residing on Indian Lands. GAO-10-32, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-32
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1032high.pdf
Aviation Security: DHS and TSA Have Researched, Developed, and Begun Deploying Passenger Checkpoint Screening Technologies, but Continue to Face Challenges. GAO-10-128, October 7.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-128
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10128high.pdf
Public Transportation: Federal Project Approval Process Remains a Barrier to Greater Private Sector Role and DOT Could Enhance Efforts to Assist Project Sponsors. GAO-10-19, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-19
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1019high.pdf
Warfighter Support: Actions Needed to Improve Visibility and Coordination of DOD's Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Efforts. GAO-10-95, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-95
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1095high.pdf
Formerly Used Defense Sites: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Needs to Improve Its Process for Reviewing Completed Cleanup Remedies to Ensure Continued Protection. GAO-10-46, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-46
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1046high.pdf
Higher Education and Disability: Education Needs a Coordinated Approach to Improve Its Assistance to Schools in Supporting Students. GAO-10-33, October 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-33
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1033high.pdf
Human Capital: Monitoring of Safeguards and Addressing Employee Perceptions Are Key to Implementing a Civilian Performance Management System in DOD. GAO-10-102, October 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-102
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10102high.pdf
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Current Cyber Sector-Specific Planning Approach Needs Reassessment. GAO-09-969, September 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-969
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09969high.pdf
Voters with Disabilities: Additional Monitoring of Polling Places Could Further Improve Accessibility. GAO-09-941, September 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-941
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09941high.pdf
Retirement Savings: Automatic Enrollment Shows Promise for Some Workers, but Proposals to Broaden Retirement Savings for Other Workers Could Face Challenges. GAO-10-31, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-31
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1031high.pdf
New Drug Approval: FDA Needs to Enhance Its Oversight of Drugs Approved on the Basis of Surrogate Endpoints. GAO-09-866, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-866
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09866high.pdf
Medicare: Per Capita Method Can Be Used to Profile Physicians and Provide Feedback on Resource Use. GAO-09-802, September 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-802
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09802high.pdf
Influenza Pandemic: Key Securities Market Participants Are Making Progress, but Agencies Could Do More to Address Potential Internet Congestion and Encourage Readiness. GAO-10-8, October 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-8
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d108high.pdf
Higher Education: Issues Related to Law School Cost and Access. GAO-10-20, October 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-20
Combating Illicit Financing: Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Could Manage More Effectively to Achieve Its Mission. GAO-09-794, September 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-794
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09794high.pdf
Defense Acquisitions: Many Analyses of Alternatives Have Not Provided a Robust Assessment of Weapon System Options. GAO-09-665, September 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-665
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09665high.pdf

Correspondences

Aviation Safety: Information on the Safety Effects of Modifying the Age Standard for Commercial Pilots. GAO-10-107R, October 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-107R
Coal Combustion Residue: Status of EPA's Efforts to Regulate Disposal. GAO-10-85R, October 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-85R
Military Training: DOD's Report on the Sustainability of Training Ranges Addresses Most of the Congressional Reporting Requirements and Continues to Improve with Each Annual Update. GAO-10-103R, October 27.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-103R

Testimonies

National Transportation Safety Board: Reauthorization Provides an Opportunity to Focus on Implementing Leading Management Practices and Addressing Human Capital and Training Center Issues, by Gerald L. Dillingham, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-10-183T, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-183T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10183thigh.pdf
Information Security: Concerted Effort Needed to Improve Federal Performance Measures, by Gregory C. Wilshusen, director, information security issues, before the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-10-159T, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-159T
Next Generation Air Transportation System: FAA Faces Challenges in Responding to Task Force Recommendations, by Gerald L. Dillingham, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Aviation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-10-188T, October 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-188T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10188thigh.pdf
401(k) Plans: Several Factors Can Diminish Retirement Savings, but Automatic Enrollment Shows Promise for Increasing Participation and Savings, by Barbara D. Bovbjerg, director, education, workforce, and income security, before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. GAO-10-153T, October 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-153T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10153thigh.pdf
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation: Workers and Retirees Experience Delays and Uncertainty when Underfunded Plans Are Terminated, by Barbara D. Bovbjerg, director, education, workforce, and income security, before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. GAO-10-181T, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-181T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10181thigh.pdf
Warfighter Support: Challenges Confronting DOD's Ability to Coordinate and Oversee Its Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Efforts, by William M. Solis, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-10-186T, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-186T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10186thigh.pdf
Financial Management Systems: DHS Faces Challenges to Successfully Consolidate Its Existing Disparate Systems, by Kay L. Daly, director, financial management and assurance, and Nabajyoti Barkakati, Chief Technologist, Applied Research and Methods, Center for Technology and Engineering, before the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-10-210T, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-210T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10210thigh.pdf
International Food Assistance: A U.S. Governmentwide Strategy Could Accelerate Progress toward Global Food Security, by Thomas Melito, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, House Committee on Foreign Affairs. GAO-10-212T, October 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-212T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10212thigh.pdf
Recovery Act: Preliminary Observations on the Implementation of Broadband Programs, by Mark L. Goldstein, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-10-192T, October 27.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-192T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10192thigh.pdf
Federal Electronics Management: Federal Agencies Could Improve Participation in EPA's Initiatives for Environmentally Preferable Electronic Products, by John B. Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-10-196T, October 27.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-196T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10196thigh.pdf
Legal Services Corporation: Some Progress Made in Addressing Governance and Accountability Weaknesses, But Challenges Remain, by Susan Ragland, director, financial management and assurance, before the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, House Committee on the Judiciary. GAO-10-194T, October 27.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-194T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10194thigh.pdf

Unemployment and GDP Numbers

2009-10-29T10:07:00.003-06:00

To make up for our nice afternoon off here at CU-Boulder, this morning I thought I would tackle some numbers on this cold snowy morning. The Department of Labor and Department of Commerce both released some big data figures in the past two days.

I'll start with today's encouraging numbers from the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 3.5% in the third quarter of 2009 (see the press release). This is the first increase since the second quarter of 2008 and is a good sign that the economy is turning around. The big caveat is that much of the spending was driven by government programs, including "Cash for Clunkers."

Now, let's test our knowledge further, how many people have heard of the National Economic Accounts? The GDP is one of the factors in these accounts, which serve as indicators to help answer questions about how the national economy is faring and changing over time. Want to get a quick primer on how all these numbers interact? Well, the BEA has created a 23-page document that talks about the various numbers used in these accounts and what they can tell anyone studying the economy.

Have I scared you off yet? No, well, then let us take a look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) release on unemployment numbers. This is the bad news of the equation on the economy, of the 372 metropolitan areas studied by the BLS, only 1 had an unemployment rate lower then that of a year ago. Rather then scare you with definitions on this set, I just wanted to point out that you can get local unemployment numbers for your state by month off the data page.

Still here? Why not check out the library's guide to business and economic data.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports

2009-10-28T09:39:00.002-06:00

Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress' request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. This week brings us reports on poverty, immigration, foreign policy, and other topics. Although these reports are in the public domain, there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report, you can request it from your senator or representative. These reports were discovered by SecrecyNews and OpenCRS:

It is coming...Snow

2009-10-26T13:31:00.002-06:00

When I look out the window today I see bright blue sky and sun burning off the snow that isn't in the shade. But this is Colorado and as will come as little surprise, winter is coming. The latest Boulder weather forecast from the National Weather Service has snowflakes all over it. There are a variety of sources for weather information and I thought with the change in seasons it might be fun to talk over some of the ones focusing in on Colorado:

Colorado Climate Center This organization, based at Colorado State University, studies the climate of Colorado and provides a lot of its research and data freely on its web site.
Boulder, Colorado Climate and Weather This site, from the Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL), is focused in on the particular city that my university lives in. Why focus in on this city? Well, it turns out that ESRL lives here in Boulder too.
National Climate Data Center This site is great, but this is the first resource that may require you to either be on campus or using the VPN. They have plenty of free data, but if you are interesting in Colorado's Daily/Monthly/Annual Climatological data it is only free for those of us in depository libraries.

Still want more resources on climate and weather? Check out the library's guide, which lists these resources and many more.

GAO Reports

2009-10-23T18:34:00.002-06:00

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as defense, climate change and home purchases. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

Defense Critical Infrastructure: Actions Needed to Improve the Identification and Management of Electrical Power Risks and Vulnerabilities to DOD Critical Assets. GAO-10-147, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-147
Climate Change Adaptation: Strategic Federal Planning Could Help Government Officials Make More Informed Decisions. GAO-10-113, October 7.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-113
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10113high.pdf
Credit Cards: Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Could Better Reflect the Evolving Debt Collection Marketplace and Use of Technology. GAO-09-748, September 21.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-748
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09748high.pdf
U.S. Department of Agriculture: Internal Control Would Improve Accountability for Certain Centrally Provided (Greenbook) Programs. GAO-10-82, October 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-82
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1082high.pdf

Testimonies

2010 Census: Efforts to Build an Accurate Address List Are Making Progress, but Face Software and Other Challenges, by Robert Goldenkoff, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-10-140T, October 21.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-140T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10140thigh.pdf
First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit: Taxpayers' Use of the Credit and Implementation and Compliance Challenges, by James R. White, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Oversight, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-10-166T, October 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-166T
Climate Change Adaptation: Strategic Federal Planning Could Help Government Officials Make More Informed Decisions, by John B. Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. GAO-10-175T, October 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-175T
Juvenile Justice: Technical Assistance and Better Defined Evaluation Plans Will Help Girls' Delinquency Programs, by Eileen R. Larence, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, House Committee on the Judiciary. GAO-10-133T, October 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-133T

Presentation by Acting Comptroller General

"Maximizing DOD's Untapped Potential to Improve Business Performance," by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general of the United States, before the DOD Performance Breakthrough Convention, in Lansdowne, Virginia. GAO-10-184CG, October 14, 2009.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d10184cg.pdf

Related Titles

Climate Change Adaptation: Information on Selected Federal Efforts To Adapt To a Changing Climate (GAO-10-114SP, October 7, 2009), an E-supplement to GAO-10-113. GAO-10-114SP, October 7.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-114SP
Oversight of Clinical Investigators: Action Needed to Improve Timeliness and Enhance Scope of FDA's Debarment and Disqualification Processes for Medical Product Investigators. GAO-09-807, September 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-807
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09807high.pdf
U.S. Department of Agriculture: Charges to Agencies and Offices for Centrally Provided (Greenbook) Programs for Fiscal Years 1999 through 2009 (GAO-10-83SP), an E-supplement to GAO-10-82. GAO-10-83SP, October 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-83SP

Data visualization from the World Bank

2009-10-22T09:09:00.006-06:00

I know that not everyone is as big a fan of numbers as I am, but the World Bank has just released a new data visualization tool. I found out about this from the World Bank's private sector development blog, which covers developmental topics from a variety of sources. When you play with the data visualization tool, you can watch the numbers change over time and watch how trends change over time. For example, if you want to watch the change in the number of births attended by professionals versus life expectancy. You can see that as the number of attended births climbs, the life expectancy climbs as well. What follows is a screen capture of the chart on the left and a legend of the colors on the right.

This tool was developed and contains selected data from the World Development Indicators (free content), which is released annually. For those of you here on the CU-Boulder campus, you can see the complete data set (without the fun visualization tools) via the World Development Indicators database (campus access only).

Still want some more World Bank information? Check out the library's guide.

Is Energy Star Label Really a Sign of Efficiency?

2009-10-21T14:38:00.005-06:00

Does the Energy Star label on that appliance you might purchase really indicate that it's energy efficient? The U.S. Department of Energy's Inspector General contends that it may not. The New York Times has reported that an internal audit by the DOE OIG, Gregory H. Friedman, shows that DOE officials do not properly verify that manufacturers giving their appliances an Energy Star label meet the required specifications for energy efficiency.

The Energy Star program is jointly managed by the DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency. Among the findings in Audit Report: The Department's Management of the Energy Star Program is that DOE officials had not "Developed a formal quality assurance program to help ensure that product specifications were adhered to; Effectively monitored the use of the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that only qualifying products were labeled as compliant; [or] Formalized procedures for establishing and revising product specifications and for documenting decisions regarding those specifications." This report is particularly interesting in light of the fact that the federal stimulus bill allows $300 million to provide rebates for consumers who purchase Energy Star products.

Want more resources on this topic? Take a look at our guide.