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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

    Source: Weather Warnings – Australia

    06/02/2025

    The Bureau of Meteorology has released its official record of Australia’s climate, water and notable weather events for 2024.

    The Annual Climate Statement 2024 outlines the climate conditions across Australia in 2024. It includes information on temperature, rainfall, water resources, oceans, atmosphere and notable weather events.

    The report confirms that 2024 was Australia’s second-warmest and eighth-wettest year on record.

    Climatology Specialist Nadine D’Argent said that it was warmer than average throughout the year across most of the country.

    “Nationally, spring was the warmest on record, winter was the second warmest on record and summer 2023–24 was the third warmest on record,” Ms D’Argent said.

    “It was the wettest year since 2011, with overall rainfall 28% above average,” Ms D’Argent said.

    “Tropical cyclones brought heavy rainfall to northern parts of Australia early in the year, where there was major flooding.”

    “While much of northern Australia and some inland areas had above average rainfall, it was much drier than usual in Victoria, parts of South Australia and some parts of the west.”

    These dry conditions and low inflows led to reduced water storage levels in some southern regions, including the Murray–Darling Basin. However, Australia’s total surface water storage volume was just under 73% at the end of 2024, which was similar to the end of the previous year.

    Ms D’Argent said Australia’s climate is influenced by global patterns in the oceans and atmosphere.

    “Sea surface temperatures in the Australian region, as well as globally, were the warmest on record in 2024,” Ms D’Argent said.

    “Warmer oceans can increase the amount of moisture available for rainfall in our weather systems.”

    Globally, 2024 was the warmest year on record and the warming in Australia is consistent with global trends.

    Further information about the impact of long-term climate trends is available in the State of the Climate 2024 released by the Bureau and CSIRO in October 2024.

    Facts at a glance:

    2024 was Australia’s second-warmest year on record. Australia’s warmest year on record was 2019.

    The national annual average temperature was 1.46 °C warmer than the long-term average and the warmest since 2019.

    Annual average temperatures were warmer than average for every state and the Northern Territory.

    Both national average maximum and minimum temperatures for the year were above average. The national average minimum temperature for the year was 1.43 °C warmer than the long-term average, making it the warmest annual minimum on record.

    Australia’s overall average rainfall was 596 mm, which is 28% above average.

    Rainfall across northern Australia was 42% above average, making it the fifth-wettest year on record.

    Rainfall across parts of southern Australia was below average.

    Annual sea surface temperatures for the Australian region were the warmest on record.

    The extent of Antarctic sea-ice, which is the area of ocean covered by sea-ice, was below the 1991–2020 average throughout 2024.

    For the full analysis and report on last year’s temperature, rainfall, water resources, climate influences and more:

    State and territory information

    Queensland

    • Queensland overall had 768 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 23% above average.
    • Rainfall was above average to very much above average for large parts of Queensland, and below average for small parts of the state’s interior and central coast.
    • The annual average temperature for Queensland was 1.63 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 Queensland’s warmest year on record.

    New South Wales (and the ACT)

    • New South Wales overall had 581 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 4% above average.
    • Rainfall was above average to very much above average for inland areas of New South Wales, and below average for the south-eastern part of the state.
    • The annual average temperature for New South Wales was 1.55 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 the third-warmest year on record for New South Wales.

    Victoria

    • Victoria overall had 529 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 20% below average.
    • Rainfall was below average to very much below average for most of Victoria.
    • The annual average temperature for Victoria was 1.08 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 Victoria’s equal fifth-warmest year on record.

    Tasmania

    • Tasmania overall had 1269 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 6% below average.
    • Rainfall was below average to very much below average for western and southern coastal areas of Tasmania.
    • The annual average temperature for Tasmania was 0.77 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 Tasmania’s equal fifth-warmest year on record.

    South Australia

    • South Australia overall had 218 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 3% below average.
    • Rainfall was above average to very much above average for western and north-eastern parts of South Australia, but below average to very much below average for southern and south-eastern areas of the state.
    • The annual average temperature for South Australia was 1.60 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 South Australia’s second-warmest year on record. South Australia’s warmest year on record was 2013.

    Western Australia

    • Western Australia overall had 461 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 35% above average.
    • Rainfall was above average to very much above average for most of Western Australia, but below average to very much below average for parts of coastal south-west and north-west Western Australia.
    • The annual average temperature for Western Australia was 1.57 °C warmer than the long-term average, making 2024 Western Australia’s second-warmest year on record. Western Australia’s warmest year on record was 2019.

    Northern Territory

    • The Northern Territory overall had 898 mm of rainfall in 2024, which is 65% above average.
    • Rainfall was above average to very much above average for most of the Northern Territory.
    • Annual rainfall for the Northern Territory was the fourth highest on record, with the highest recorded being in 1974 with 1007 mm.
    • The annual average temperature for the Northern Territory was 0.95 °C warmer than the long-term average. 2024 was Northern Territory’s equal 11th-warmest year on record.

    [ENDS]

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local public health services given £200 million boost

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Local communities to receive funding for family and school nurses, sexual health clinics and other public health services.

    • Funds will drive key health services, from smoking cessation to addiction recovery and children’s health  

    • Public Health Grant, which funds health services and other interventions via local authorities, expands to £3.858 billion, an uplift of 5.4%   

    • Part of the government’s Plan for Change to help build an NHS fit for the future.  

    Local communities up and down the country will receive funding for family and school nurses, sexual health clinics and other public health services in their areas, thanks to a nearly £200 million boost in funding announced today (Friday 7 February).  

    As part of government plans to improve health outcomes across the country and build healthier communities, local public health services will be given more money to deliver prevention programmes, tailored to their residents.  

    This investment is a key part of the government’s Plan for Change, shifting the focus from hospital to community and from sickness to prevention to build a more sustainable, fit for future NHS.  

    The funding for public health will power essential services such as smoking cessation programs, addiction recovery, family and school nurses, sexual health clinics, local health protection services and public health support for local NHS services. 

    The boost represents a significant turning point for local health services, marking the biggest real-terms increase after nearly a decade of reduced spending between 2016 and 2024. 

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:  

    Lord Darzi’s investigation into the NHS found that children are sicker today than a decade ago, and adults are falling into ill-health earlier in life. 

    Prevention is better than cure. If we can reach people earlier and help them stay healthy, this extra investment will pay for itself several times over in reduced demand on the NHS and by keeping people in work.  

    Whether it’s supporting people to quit smoking, giving children a healthy start to life, or providing addiction recovery services, this investment as part of the government’s Plan for Change will make a real difference in communities across the country.   

    After a decade of cuts to public health, this government is committed to shifting the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention, and we’re putting our money where our mouth is.

    Funding for public health grants will be increased to £3.858 billion – a 5.4% cash uplift (3.0% in real terms) on last year’s funding. This investment will tackle the root causes of ill health, and build stronger, healthier communities nationwide.  

    Helping people live better for longer will aid in relieving pressure on the NHS and support the Plan for Change in ending hospital backlogs.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Millions to see faster journeys as government green lights £90 million for 4 essential road schemes across England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Government is investing in vital schemes to improve journey times in Wiltshire, Leeds, Essex and Buckinghamshire.

    • government gives the green light for 4 transformative road schemes, speeding up journey times for cars and buses, reducing pollution and improving safety 
    • part of the government’s commitment to prioritise value for money road schemes while renewing our national infrastructure
    • £90 million for all 4 schemes, as the government’s Plan for Change delivers better living standards across the country

    Drivers across Wiltshire, Leeds, Essex and Buckinghamshire will see faster journeys thanks to £90 million of government funding to upgrade 4 major road schemes in England.

    The schemes approved today are:

    • A350 Chippenham Bypass phases 4 and 5 in Wiltshire
    • A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass in Leeds
    • South East Aylesbury Link Road (SEALR) in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
    • A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange in Essex

    Schemes are expected to significantly speed up journeys, boosting the local economy, as well as improving links between the east and the west. They will also save businesses and road users hundreds of hours off journeys every week and deliver the government’s Plan for Change to improve living standards across the country.

    The A350 Chippenham Bypass, one of the most important routes connecting the South West with the Midlands and South East, is expected to see journey times reduced by up to a quarter, with 2 sections of the road to be dualled and improvements made to the roundabout.

    Local residents will benefit from reduced traffic on more local routes as well as better road safety and better access to jobs in the area. Businesses are expected to save time and money, as goods can travel more freely with improved access to a key part of the UK’s road freight network.

    A total of £90 million for the 4 schemes is being contributed by the government, expected to generate millions more to the UK economy. This is part of the government’s Plan for Change to renew infrastructure and raise living standards across the UK. 

    The government is determined to speed up the delivery of infrastructure across the UK, which includes improving the UK’s road network for economic growth. As well as faster journeys, drivers are also set to benefit from improved road surfaces, thanks to a recently announced record £1.6 billion investment to fill the equivalent of 7 million potholes and repair roads.

    The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

    The UK’s roads are the backbone of a growing economy, which is why we’re giving these vital schemes the go ahead, helping deliver our Plan for Change.

    Economic growth has been stunted for too long, so we’re giving the green light and investing in vital schemes to help people get from A to B more easily however they choose to travel.

    The area around the A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass in Leeds has seen high traffic levels worsen over the years, impacting bus services in particular. The replacement of the roundabout and structural renewal of the bypass is expected to increase the number of bus passengers, speeding up traffic for all modes of road transport.

    Upgrades to the SEALR scheme will reduce air pollution in the town centre, link up new developments in the area and create more walking and cycling options, with a new 1.2 kilometre 2-lane dual carriageway link road. This scheme is also essential in enabling further housing development, which could see up to 1,000 homes added to the local area.

    Drivers in Essex will also see faster journeys, as well as improved safety on the A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange. The scheme will see enhancements to the interchange and surrounding roundabouts, serving thousands of drivers every day. Basildon and Southend town centres are expected to see growth and the scheme will also improve capacity for the route serving London Southend Airport.

    A significant milestone for drivers in Essex, the Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood has visited the Fairglen Interchange in Essex to mark the approval of the scheme and learn how it will benefit the local economy.

    Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director – Policy, Logistics UK, said:

    80% of UK freight travels on roads at some point on its journey to the end user and an efficient road network is critical to enable business to drive growth across the whole economy. 

    Congestion makes journey planning highly unpredictable which increases business costs through factors such as missed deliveries, unnecessary overtime, increased fuel consumption and inefficient fleet utilisation.

    The schemes given the go-ahead today show how even smaller-scale strategic upgrades can have a dramatic impact across the whole network. Upgrading the national infrastructure in this way makes supply chains more resilient and enables logistics providers to ensure that the right goods are in the right place at the right time – whether that is a factory, office, hospital or doorstep.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Warm homes and cheaper bills as government accelerates Plan for Change

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Households across the country are set to benefit from cheaper bills and warmer homes as the government accelerates its Plan for Change.

    • Up to half a million households could be lifted out of fuel poverty by 2030 in major boost to standards in the private rental sector
    • Tenants in poor energy performance properties to be hundreds of pounds better off as part of government’s Plan for Change
    • Energy saving measures to be installed in properties to cut the cost of bills and protect the pounds in renters’ pockets

    Families have faced rocketing energy bills as a direct consequence of an overreliance on international gas markets, while at the same time thousands of tenants have been left exposed to cold, draughty homes, pushing bills up even higher.

    The government is now calling time on this inheritance by consulting on bold new plans, which could save private renters £240 per year on average on their energy bills, with all private landlords in England and Wales mandated to meet higher energy performance ratings in their properties by 2030.

    While 48% of private rented homes in England are already Energy Performance Certificate C or above, ministers now want to ensure this good practice is extended to all properties in the sector, making sure landlords are not undercut, while protecting tenants.

    As of 2030 all private landlords will be required to meet a higher standard of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C or equivalent in their properties – up from the current level of EPC E.

    This will deliver on the priorities of working people, in line with the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, by requiring landlords to invest in measures such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or double glazing, ensuring homes are warmer and more affordable for tenants.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said:

    For far too long we have seen too many tenants plagued by shoddy and poor conditions in their homes and this government is taking swift action to right the wrongs of the past.

    Through our Plan for Change we are driving up housing standards, improving quality of life, and slashing energy bills for working people and families.

    Today is just one of many steps we are taking to deliver on our promise to transform the lives of millions of renters across the country, so families can put down roots and raise their children in secure and healthy homes.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    For years tenants have been abandoned and forgotten as opportunities to deliver warm homes and lower energy bills have been disregarded and ignored.

    As part of our Plan for Change, these new changes could save renters £240 a year by raising the efficiency of homes to cut the cost of bills.

    These plans will also make sure that all private landlords are investing in their properties, building on the good work of many to upgrade their homes to Energy Performance Certificate C or higher already.

    The government is now seeking views from tenants and landlords on the proposals to boost living standards in the private rented sector and cut the cost of energy bills, which include:

    • offering landlords a choice over how to meet energy efficiency standards. This will require them to meet a fabric standard through installing measures such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or double glazing, before moving on to a range of other options including batteries, solar panels and smart meters
    • a maximum cap of £15,000 per property for landlords, with support currently available from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and Warm Homes: Local Grant which begins delivery this year
    • an affordability exemption, which would lower the cost cap to £10,000 and could be applied based on lower rents or council tax band
    • requiring all landlords to meet the new standard by 2030 at the latest, providing an extra 2 years compared with previous proposals. Homes that are already rated A-C before the introduction of new Energy Performance Certificates would be considered compliant until they expire

    The government is also consulting on a revised fuel poverty strategy, which will focus on improving the energy performance of homes, supporting low-income households with energy affordability and protecting them from high prices.

    Today’s steps mark further progress to deliver the government’s Plan for Change, putting more money in people’s pockets and rebuilding Britain.

    This follows planned reforms to empower Ofgem, the energy regulator, to become a strong consumer champion, upgrading up to 300,000 homes through the Warm Homes Plan this financial year, and driving a new era of clean energy through the Clean Power Action Plan.

    Stakeholder reaction

    Rt Hon Caroline Flint, Chair of the Committee on Fuel Poverty, said:

    Private rented sector tenants have far greater risk of being in fuel poverty particularly in low-cost older homes. The lack of investment by some landlords to end the scandal of cold homes has gone on for too long.

    In the last 5 years the efforts to reduce fuel poverty flatlined. I welcome the focus on improving standards in the private rented sector and the opportunity to reset and re-energise England’s Fuel Poverty Strategy.

    Adam Scorer, Chief Executive of National Energy Action said:

    Alleviating fuel poverty means ensuring everyone can afford to keep their homes warm and healthy. It is about addressing high energy bills and inefficient homes, but it also contributes to other government missions, supporting efforts to reach net zero, preventing ill-health and tackling child poverty. A more vigorous, ambitious approach is very welcome to get back on track to lift millions out of the daily despair of a cold home and unaffordable bills.

    Millions of households are struggling to pay their bills. A disproportionate number of these live in privately rented properties. Working towards stronger energy efficiency standards for landlords is the level of ambition needed to meet legal fuel poverty commitments. The private rented sector includes some of the worst quality housing, lived in by some of the most vulnerable people. We hope that these steps signal an end to fuel poor renters enduring in cold, leaky homes.

    The UK government must now seize the opportunity that this new strategy and regulations bring, fortifying them with new spending to improve the homes of fuel poor households.

    Charles Wood, Deputy Director at Energy UK, said:

    This announcement marks a welcome recommitment from the government to improving energy efficiency standards in rented properties by strengthening Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements. The most affordable energy is the energy we don’t use – yet too many households still lose money and warmth due to inefficient homes. With some of the least energy-efficient housing in Western Europe, there are serious financial and health consequences, particularly for renters who have little control over improving their homes.

    With energy bills remaining high, it’s vital that the government prioritises measures that bring real savings to households and give clarity to the market to ramp up supply chains and training. Boosting energy efficiency is the most effective way to lower energy bills and system costs, and to create warmer, healthier homes for everyone.

    Ben Twomey, Chief Executive at Generation Rent, said:

    One in four private renters live in fuel poverty, the highest rate of any tenure. If we can’t afford to heat our homes properly that makes us vulnerable to ill-health and other problems in the home like damp and mould. Therefore, we encourage renters across the country to respond to this consultation to make sure the benefits of the Warm Homes plan are felt by tenants.

    Madeleine Gabriel, director of sustainable future at Nesta, said:

    Private renters too often face steep energy bills without a clear way to make their home more energy efficient. Private rented properties have worse energy efficiency ratings than both owner-occupied and social rented homes, while private renters are less confident taking energy efficiency measures like turning down boiler flow temperature than homeowners. The government is right to set a clear target for improving energy efficiency in the private rented sector and provide landlords with flexibility to achieve this.

    Stew Horne, Head of policy at Energy Saving Trust, said;

    With energy bills still high, it’s great to see the publication of the much anticipated consultation to get England closer to making the homes of private renters warmer and more affordable to heat.

    With almost a fifth of homes across England being privately rented and around a quarter of these households living in fuel poverty, improving the energy efficiency of these properties is key to supporting a fair transition to a low carbon society. It will also be important to facilitate the changes landlords can make to upgrade private rented homes, including providing access to attractive green finance options.

    We look forward to helping to shape the Warm Homes Plan so it encourages the retrofit of the private rented sector, creating more comfortable homes and lowering bills for renters.

    Notes to editors

    The average cost to landlords of complying with the proposals to upgrade their properties is estimated to be between £6,100 and £6,800 by 2030.

    The consultation on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector will be available later today.

    The consultation on a new fuel poverty strategy will be available later today.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Innovation Fund to provide improved access to digital mental health resources

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is thrilled to announce today that the Mental Health Foundation is the latest recipient of a grant from the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund.
    “This funding is being matched by the Mental Health Foundation to fully fund Project Wakapuāwai, an initiative that will digitise more mental health resources to allow Kiwis faster access to mental health information and support,” Mr Doocey says.
    “If you are on a farm in Northland or a tiny town in Southern New Zealand, your access to mental health support can be limited. That is not acceptable. We want every Kiwi to know help is close and this goes someway to achieving that.
    “The Mental Health Foundation will now be able to redevelop and future proof its digital platforms to improve the ways they provide crucial information about mental health and wellbeing, suicide prevention, and mental distress for all New Zealanders.
    “We know that access to information and support for many rural and remote communities remains a barrier so alongside telehealth, this is another option for those looking to support themselves or for someone they care about.
    “The Mental Health Foundation has been supporting our communities for nearly 50 years and the knowledge they have built up over time is invaluable. 
    “The contract announced today is the fourth contract to be awarded from the first round of the Mental Health Innovation Fund. Altogether, funding to Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, MATES in Construction and the Mental Health Foundation account for more than $2.3 million.
    Further announcements about other successful providers from round one of the fund are expected in the coming months.
    “The Innovation fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in grassroots initiatives through non-governmental and community organisations that deliver mental health and addiction support to New Zealanders.
    “We know that community-based organisations like the Mental Health Foundation are already delivering results for Kiwis. It is vital that we enable NGOs to deliver innovative projects and initiatives that increase faster access to better mental health support across New Zealand.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Scientists hit the water for Maaui dolphin population survey

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  07 February 2025

    This research, conducted every five years, uses a proven genetic mark-recapture method to estimate the Maaui dolphin population along the west coast of the North Island. DNA samples will be collected from live, wild dolphins using a small biopsy dart, providing essential information about population size, genetic diversity, and movement patterns.

    “The Maaui dolphin is critically endangered, and every sighting or sample contributes to our understanding of the species and its future survival,” says Cara Hansen, DOC Ranger.

    The most recent abundance estimate, completed in 2021, indicated there were approximately 54 individual Maaui dolphins over the age of one year in the water off the North Island’s west coast (the animals’ known habitat). This new survey will provide an updated estimate to help track changes in the population and inform conservation efforts.

    The survey will be carried out over two summer seasons, in 2025-26 and 2026-27, with field teams operating between the entrance of Kaipara Harbour and the Mokau River in Taranaki. Staff from DOC’s Taranaki, Auckland, and Waikato districts, the Marine Species Team, the University of Auckland, and Ngaati Te Ata will collaborate on this important project.

    The public can also play a role in conservation efforts by reporting any sightings of Maaui dolphins and being aware of the threat that toxoplasmosis has on Maaui dolphins. The dolphins have a distinctive round dorsal fin, often likened to an ear from the cartoon character Mickey Mouse.

    “Real-time reports help our field teams understand where the dolphins are being seen and improve the success of our survey,” says Cara.

    Sightings can be reported through DOC’s hotline at 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or online Marine mammal sighting form.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Investigations – Fire investigators seek help from Roxburgh community after Town Hall fire

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators looking into the cause of the Roxburgh Town Hall fire yesterday are asking for help from the local community.
    Fire investigator John Smalls says that his team is doing everything they can to get a clear picture of the fire’s progress, and people in Roxburgh may be able to help determine how and where the fire started.
    “We really feel for the community, who are clearly devastated by the loss of their historic building,” he says.
    “That’s why we’re doing everything we can to get a clear picture of what was happening to the building before and during yesterday’s fire.
    “If you have any photographs or footage of the Town Hall from 11am onwards yesterday, please send them through to OtagoRiskReduction@fireandemergency.nz.
    “We’re especially looking for any images that show the back and sides of the building.”
    John Smalls says the call went out to the community this morning and the response has already been terrific.
    “We know how much this building means to local people, both for its current use, and as an important link to Roxburgh’s long history.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Volcano Watch — An assembly of volcano scientists to gather in Hilo

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. Today’s article is by HVO geologist Kendra J. Lynn.

    This cartoon schematic depicts the Kīlauea 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption and coincident summit collapse. It is the logo for the American Geophysical Union Chapman Meeting on Caldera-Forming Eruptions at Basaltic Volcanoes, to be held in Hilo, Hawaii, from February 9-14, 2025. More info: https://www.agu.org/chapman-basaltic-caldera-forming-eruptions.

    Next week, during February 9-14, volcano scientists from around the world are gathering in Hilo, united by the common goal of understanding caldera-forming eruptions at basaltic volcanoes. 

    The occasion for the assembly is the American Geophysical Union Chapman Conference on Caldera-forming Eruptions at Basaltic Volcanoes: Insights and Puzzles from Kīlauea 2018 and Beyond. The meeting is directly aligned with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program mission—“to enhance public safety and minimize social and economic disruption from volcanic unrest and eruption.”

    Basaltic caldera-forming rift eruptions, like the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea, represent an underappreciated hazard for many global communities, but also a chance to better understand some of Earth’s most active volcanoes. A handful of these eruptions have been documented globally in the last half-century, including at Miyakejima (Japan), Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion), and Bárðarbunga (Iceland). Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption was its most impactful in centuries, was documented in remarkable detail, and it involved more than one cubic kilometer of basaltic lava flows, a magnitude-6.9 flank earthquake, and a major summit collapse. 

    Observations from Kīlauea and similar eruptions around the globe offer an unprecedented opportunity to understand calderas and associated rift systems and the dynamics of their interplay, but a community-driven synthesis has been lacking, and numerous fundamental scientific questions remain. The experts who will gather on the Island of Hawaiʻi will assess current understanding, share insights, and map out work on critical outstanding issues. Resulting insights should prove valuable when the next large basaltic caldera collapse takes place somewhere on Earth.

    This conference will bring together an interdisciplinary assembly of volcano scientists to contrast observations from historic global caldera-rift eruptions, establish the state-of-the-art understanding, identify important questions, and initiate lasting new research efforts. We will address the causes of these eruptions, the dynamics of basaltic caldera collapses, the interaction between summit calderas and rift zones, the geometry and physical properties of magma storage, and the challenges in forecasting associated hazards. 

    A significant investment in research and monitoring of Hawaii’s volcanoes was made through the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2157), which provided Supplemental funding to USGS for recovery and rebuilding activities in the wake of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Results from recent large-scale science experiments at Kīlauea supported by this funding will be shared and discussed at the Chapman. Field trips will give participants an opportunity to visit important sites on the volcano. Finally, teams will be formed to discuss science questions in detail and establish priorities for additional work following the meeting.

    The conference is being organized by U.S. Geological Survey and academic volcano researchers, bringing over 150 scientists together for presentations, discussions, workshops, and field trips. Participants represent 15 countries outside the United States and will include presentations about volcanoes around the world. Roughly 25% of presenters are undergraduate or graduate students, representing a new generation of volcano scientists tackling our field’s biggest challenges. We are very excited that several University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and Mānoa students will be presenting their research at the meeting. Additionally, partners from Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Hawaiian Volcano Education & Resilience Institute, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center will participate. 

    During the week of the conference, winning art and haiku submissions from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) Volcano Awareness Month competition will be on display. In addition, a public After Dark in the Park presentation by Icleandic Meteorological Office scientist Gro Pederson will summarize the ongoing volcanic crisis on Reykjanes Peninsula, Southwest Iceland on February 6 in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Pederson is a former USGS HVO volunteer, and her presentation will highlight parallels between Hawaiian and Icelandic volcanoes and their hazards to our communities. 

    We look forward to a productive week learning from our colleagues and partners. E komo mai to the assembly of volcanologists that is soon to arrive!

    Volcano Activity Updates

    Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is WATCH.

    The summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano that began in Halemaʻumaʻu crater on December 23 continued over the past week, with one eruptive episode. Episode 8 was active from the evening of February 3 until the evening of February 4. Kīlauea summit has been inflating since episode 8 ended. Resumption of eruptive activity is possible between February 8-11 if summit inflation continues at current rate. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during active eruption episodes. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. 

    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.

    No earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week.

    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

    Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sacred Aboriginal site and habitat for threatened species among additions to NSW national parks

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Sacred Aboriginal site and habitat for threatened species among additions to NSW national parks

    This is one of 12 land acquisitions made in 2024 to expand the network of national parks in NSW by just over 36,000 hectares. It makes more of our natural environment available to the public and delivers on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to turn around biodiversity loss and restore habitats and ecosystems.

    The 31,500-hectare Broughton Vale Station includes the Kukirrka or Burkes Cave, a sacred Aboriginal birthing cave used for more than 2,000 years, and other significant cultural sites containing artworks and engravings.

    The cave and a nearby freshwater spring were also used by Burke and Wills during their 1860 expedition from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria, and as a Cobb and Co stopover between Broken Hill and Wilcannia.

    At least 70 threatened species have been recorded close to Broughton Vale Station including purple-wood wattle, Barrier Range dragon, pink cockatoo, Stimson’s python and the creeping Darling pea. It also includes vegetation types and landscapes not found in any other national park in NSW. More than half the property supports the Threatened Ecological Community Neila (Acacia loderi) tall shrubland.

    The property adjoins the recently created Langidoon-Medford State Conservation Area. Together these reserves will permanently protect around 92,000 hectares conserving threatened plant and animal species and cultural landscapes.

    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will work with Aboriginal communities to ensure the protection of important cultural sites. NPWS will also carry out feral animal and weed control and ensure fire trail access. Future visitor facilities could include a campsite and walking trails.

    In 2024, the NSW Government secured more than 36,000 hectares to expand existing parks, create new ones and protect critical habitats. Six acquisitions directly protect koala habitat, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s action to save koalas from extinction in NSW.

    The national parks estate covers about 10% of NSW and contains a diverse range of landscapes. NSW records more than 53 million domestic visits to national parks a year, plus many more by international travellers.

    Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

    “The sacred site on Broughton Vale Station holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning for Aboriginal communities and we have taken action to preserve it for generations to come.

    “Adding this land to the national parks network is an important step forward in environmental and cultural conservation in NSW. It will also greatly enhance ecological, educational, cultural and tourism opportunities in our Far West.

    “The Minns Labor Government is committed to turning around the loss and restoring habitats, ecosystems and biodiversity, and expanding our national parks is one way we are delivering on that commitment.”

    Quote attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris:

    “It cannot be understated how fundamental the preservation of this sacred land is for Traditional Owners and the broader community.

    “The Broughton Vale Station contains sites of enormous cultural significance to the local Aboriginal community and I am proud the Minns Labor Government has taken the steps to ensure this Country will be protected for generations to come.”

    Quote regarding Burkes Cave/Kukirrka, attributable to Barkandji elder, Dot Stephens:

    “We haven’t had access to Burkes Cave in many years and being able to return to the site I helped assess in the early 90s is so important in us being able to look after country.

    “When I was told that the Minister had purchased Burkes Cave, I burst into tears. The site is a spiritual place, a woman’s site, and it connects our country from Mutawintji to the Menindee Lakes and beyond.”

    Quote regarding Burkes Cave/Kukirrka, attributable to Barkandji elder, Feona Bates:

    “It is so important that National Parks purchase places like Broughton Vale as it allows us to look after the place.

    “There are men’s and women’s sites on the property, and we need to protect them.”

    Additional land added to the national park system in 2024:

    Koala habitat:

    • Addition to Guula Ngurra National Park

    589 hectares, 25km northwest of Mittagong, to connect Guula Ngurra National Park to Bangadilly National Park. It is in a stronghold area of a known high priority koala population. It is suitable habitat for 30 locally-threatened species including glossy black cockatoo and southern greater glider.

    • Addition to Nymboi-Binderay National Park

    40 hectares, 45km northwest of Coffs Harbour, which provides habitat for 21 threatened fauna species including koala, rufous bettong, gliders, bats, other mammals and birds.

    • Addition to Khatambuhl National Park

    Two areas totalling 1259 hectares, 50km northwest of Taree, linking Bretti Nature Reserve with Khatambuhl Nature Reserve. It is located in a corridor between three koala Priority Population Areas and 70% of the property contains koala feed trees. The habitat is suitable for more than 20 other threatened species including the Manning River helmeted turtle, southern greater glider, white-flowered wax plant, craven grey box, scrub turpentine and stuttering frog.

    • Addition to Cottan-Bimbang National Park

    Two areas, 398 hectares and 487 hectares, 45km northwest of Wauchope have been added to the national park. The land includes 4km of Ralfes Creek, a major tributary of the Hastings River. It is suitable for 22 threatened species, notably koala, southern greater glider, scrub turpentine, magenta lilly pilly and giant barred frog.

    • Addition to Dangelong Nature Reserve

    784 hectares, 20km southeast of Cooma, featuring high to very high-quality koala habitat in the Kybeyan Range, a Southern Tablelands koala hot spot. It is suitable habitat for 25 other threatened species including gang-gang cockatoo, little eagle, hooded robin, dusky woodswallow, spotted-tailed quoll and pale pomaderris.

    • Addition to Barrington Tops National Park

    867 hectares, 60km northeast of Muswellbrook, featuring koalas and glossy black cockatoos as well as habitat for 22 other threatened fauna species including the specked warbler and Davies tree frog which occurs only above 400m in the region.

    Highland wetlands:

    • Addition to Doodle Comer Swamp Nature Reserve

    41 hectares, 60km south of Wagga Wagga, featuring a wetland of national significance. Doodle Comer Swamp is a Declared Aboriginal Place with cultural significance to the Wiradjuri People. The acquisition protects cultural heritage sites, two threatened ecological communities and seven threatened species including the endangered Australasian bittern and Bush stone-curlew.

    • Addition to Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve

    18 hectares, 39km south of Glen Innes, which protects the remainder of the Ramsar-listed wetland Billy Bung Lagoon and its catchment. It contains four Threatened Ecological Communities.

    Cultural Heritage:

    • Butterfly Cave

    26 hectares at West Wallsend which protects the sacred Butterfly Cave and the surrounding cultural landscape, including vital aquifers, traditional journey paths, creeks, stone arrangements and food source areas.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $7 million for new health worker accommodation in Wyong

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: $7 million for new health worker accommodation in Wyong

    Published: 7 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for the Central Coast, Minister for Regional Health

    The Wyong community is set to benefit from new Key Worker Accommodation which will help attract, recruit and retain more healthcare workers to the region.

    The Minns Labor Government will invest $7 million in health worker housing in Wyong as part of the Key Health Worker Accommodation program.

    The $200.1 million program supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW.

    The funding will secure approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, which includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

    The four-year program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.

    The program is one of a number of investments the NSW Government is making to strengthen the regional health workforce and builds on the success of the NSW Government’s $73.2 million investment in key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts (Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England and Western NSW).

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

    “The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.

    “Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority of our government and this $7 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of key healthcare workers to the Central Coast.

    “The Key Health Worker Accommodation program will support Central Coast Local Health District in providing high-quality health services to the community.”

    Quote attributable to Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris:

    “It can be difficult to find available housing for key health workers moving to the Central Coast, creating a barrier when recruiting new staff.

    “These new dwellings will support our efforts to attract skilled health professionals to our region and bolster our local healthcare network.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stafford man convicted by federal jury for brutally assaulting a deaf passenger during a flight

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Stafford man today on charges relating to his assault of a fellow passenger on a flight from San Francisco to Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Oct. 28, 2024, Everett Chad Nelson, 44, was a passenger on United Airlines flight 2247. Without provocation, Nelson approached a sleeping, deaf passenger over twenty rows ahead of his seat, entered the passenger’s row, and began brutally punching the passenger in the face. Nelson punched the victim repeatedly and rapidly, using both hands, and landing forceful, violent blows on the victim’s cheeks, nose, and forehead.  Nelson caused serious bodily injury to the victim, breaking his nose and leaving the victim with injuries that have required months of medical treatment.

    Another passenger, sitting a few rows ahead, heard the commotion, saw the altercation, ran towards the assault and restrained Nelson. The flight crew relocated Nelson and secured him for the remainder of the flight. Nelson was arrested by the FBI upon the flight’s arrival at Dulles.

    Nelson faces up to 10 years in prison, and sentencing will be set for a later date. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Sanjay Virmani, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the verdict.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel K. Amzallag and Heather D. Call are prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-251.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second defendant in organized refunding fraud ring sentenced to 30 months in prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant learned refunding scam from first defendant, is responsible for more than $6 million in stolen goods

    Seattle – A 29- year-old Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for wire fraud and money laundering crimes related to his operation of a fraudulent online shopping refund scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Leonardo Vidal is the second defendant sentenced in an online refunding scheme that stole millions of dollars from retailers. U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik ordered Vidal to be on three years of supervised release following prison.

    “Those running these refunding schemes induced others to essentially steal and cheat while claiming there would be no consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “These prison sentences are appropriate for the damage done to retailers and to our community in promoting these illegal schemes.”

    According to records in the case, Vidal operated his own fraudulent refunding fraud scheme from June 2021 until April 2023 called Ressu Refunds. The scheme amassed 2,800 subscribers and obtained $6 million in fraudulent refunds for followers. Beginning in June 2022, Vidal conspired with 25-year-old Dearborn, Michigan, man Sajed Al-Maarej who operated a different refund site called “Simple Refunds.” As with the Ressu refund site, Simple Refunds operated through the messaging service Telegram.

    Sajed Al-Maarej was sentenced to three years in prison in December 2024.

    The Telegram channels represented to prospective purchasers that they could buy high value goods and keep them, while falsely claiming to the merchant company that a refund was due. Purchasers provided Al-Maarej and Vidal with information about their purchase (order number, name, address, value). For a cut of the refund, Al-Maarej, Vidal and their coconspirators would seek a refund by making false representations to the retailers about the status of the order. For example, Simple Refunds or Ressu Refunds would claim the item had not been delivered; was irretrievably damaged; or would have the purchaser mail a box of garbage or junk back to the company – once the package was scanned at the shipping point the refund was issued before the box arrived back and the fraud was discovered.

    The men recruited “insiders” at UPS and the US Postal Service who would input false scans into the order tracking history to make it appear items had been lost in shipping, stolen from the mail, or returned to the company. The end goal was for the purchaser to keep the product and get their money back. The purchaser then paid Al-Maarej or Vidal 10-15% of the purchase price as a fee, enabling Al-Maarej and Vidal to enrich themselves.

    In December 2022, Vidal acquired Simple Refunds from Al-Maarej. Vidal sold Ressu Refunds and Simple Refunds to a different Telegram user in April 2023.  After selling the refunding scheme, Vidal began another illegal enterprise: purchasing the illegally refunded items and selling them. When confronted by law enforcement Vidal took investigators to the locations where he was storing the stolen goods in four shipping containers before selling them online. In one storage container, they found approximately 245 Dewalt Drills, approximately 92 Coway Airmega Air Purifiers, and approximately 78 M18 Fuel High Torque Wrenches, all commonly refunded items.

    During an 8-month period that Vidal operated Ressu Refunds it facilitated more than 3,000 fraudulent refunds worth at least $5.3 million.

    The total value of the fraudulent refunds through Simple Refunds and Ressu Refunds while Vidal was running them is $6,067,168. Vidal agreed to pay restitution of that amount.

    Speaking at sentencing Vidal said, “I want to thank the FBI, because I was going down a very dark path…. I was not a bad person, but I knew it was wrong.”

    The case is being investigated by the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Government Employee and Wife Plead Guilty to Defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Rafael Castro, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a former employee of the Veterans Health Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, and his wife, Miriam Castro, pleaded guilty in federal court today to defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) out of more than $130,000.

    According to their plea agreements, between September 2018 and April 2024, the Castros lied to obtain caregiver benefits from the Caregiver Support Program, a VA program that provides caregiver support for injured veterans. Rafael Castro admitted that he lied about needing high-level assistance for daily activities, including dressing and undressing himself, personal hygiene, and grooming.

    According to plea documents, Rafael Castro defrauded the VA into awarding him assistance that paid the primary caregiver—his wife—an amount equivalent to a full-time home health aide’s 40-hour per-week payment.

    According to plea documents, for years, Miriam Castro received monthly payments to be a full-time caregiver for Rafael Castro while her husband worked as a full-time federal employee. From July 2015 to June 2023, Rafael Castro worked for the Veterans Health Administration, and from June 2023 to April 2024, he worked for the Internal Revenue Service. Even though he was employed by the federal government, Rafael Castro falsely told VA representatives at least six times that he was unemployed.

    For example, during a 2023 interview, Rafael Castro falsely claimed that he had last worked in 2018 and that his wife was his full-time caregiver. According to their plea agreements, while Rafael Castro was engaged in the fraud scheme, he received several promotions, all while he continued to claim he was unemployed. In their respective plea agreements, Rafael Castro and Miriam Castro admitted that they participated in the multi-year scheme to defraud the VA.

    “This case is an excellent example of the importance of internal inspections within government programs,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Without the intervention from the Inspector General’s Office, this fraud might have continued indefinitely.”

    “These guilty pleas demonstrate that those involved in defrauding VA, including government employees, will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Heddell with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Western Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of VA’s benefits programs and services.”

    “Violations of federal law, particularly those committed by IRS employees will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Knarr stated. “TIGTA will continue to work closely with the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and hold those individuals responsible for their illegal activities.”

    Sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2025, at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.

    To report fraud in a VA program, call the VA-OIG hotline at 1-800-488-8244 or visit https://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 25CR0310-JES                                 

    Rafael Castro                                                  Age: 50                                   Oceanside, CA

    Miriam Castro                                                 Age: 48                                   Oceanside, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General

    Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Wicker, Blumenthal Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Amateur Radio Operators

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., today reintroduced the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act, which would give amateur radio operators the right to install amateur radio antennas and serve their communities. Many homeowner associations prevent amateur radio operators from installing outdoor antennas on residential properties. However, this communication method has proven to be essential in emergencies and natural disasters, such as hurricanes in states like Mississippi and Connecticut.

    “Mississippians should have access to every possible means of warning for natural disasters, including amateur radio operators. In an emergency, those warnings can mean the difference between life and death,” Senator Wicker said. “The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act would remove unnecessary roadblocks that could help keep communities safe during emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires.”

    “When disaster strikes, amateur radio operators provide vital, often life-saving information, which shouldn’t be hindered by prohibitive rules or confusing approval processes. The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act eliminates obstacles for ham radio enthusiasts, allowing them to continue their communications and serve their communities in the face of emergencies,” said Senator Blumenthal.

    Background:

    The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act would limit the scenarios in which homeowner associations could ban, prevent, or require approval for the installation or use of amateur radio antennas.

    Among other provisions, this legislation would:

    • Prohibit homeowner association rules that prevent or ban amateur radio antennas;
    • Clarify the approval process for installing amateur radio antennas; and
    • Give amateur radio operators a private right of action.

    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Trump Trade Nominee Agrees with Warren on Need for Transparency for Tariff Exemptions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 06, 2025

    Warren: “[W]hen used strategically and fairly, [tariffs] can… protect the jobs of American workers. But we can’t have a get-out-of-tariff-free system for those that are very wealthy or politically-connected, because that will undermine the whole process.”

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) questioned Mr. Jamieson Greer, President Trump’s pick for U.S. Trade Representative, on his vision for Trump’s trade policy. 

    While there are open questions of how tariff exemptions will work under the Trump presidency, Mr. Greer agreed with Senator Warren that large corporations have outsized influence on trade deals and that U.S. trade policy needs to ensure “American businesses and American workers [are] prioritized,” and that any exemption program “needs to be transparent and have the rules outlined.”  

    “Any time we’re taking economic actions, whether it’s a tariff or an exclusion, we need to be careful about this and we need to be thoughtful..[a tariff exclusion process] needs to be transparent,” said Mr. Greer about exemptions favoring large, well-connected companies. 

    During President Trump’s first administration, well-connected companies were given tariff exemptions. A review by Senator Warren’s office found that the Trump Commerce Department was three times as likely to approve exemptions for Chinese and Japanese-headquartered companies than American ones. Right now, the door is still open for the administration to pursue a similar approach. 

    Transcript: Hearing to Consider the Nomination of Jamieson Greer, of Maryland, to be United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
    Senate Finance Committee
    February 6, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Congratulations on your nomination, Mr. Greer. Tariffs are an important strategic economic tool. But I am concerned that President Trump is stumbling into a trade war that won’t help protect jobs, that won’t keep Americans safe, and that won’t bring down costs for families. 

    That said, I think you and I agree that for too long, U.S. trade policy has been a race to the bottom – with deal after deal that sold out American workers and helped multinational corporations offshore critical industries.  

    But lately, that’s been changing – under US Trade Rep Bob Lighthizer and then US Trade Rep Katherine Tai. And I appreciate your work as Chief of Staff under Ambassador Lighthizer.

    Ambassador Lighthizer, I think, had it right when he wrote that problems in our trade relationship with China – and U.S. trade policy in general – can be traced to, “the political establishment, of both the Republican and Democratic parties, under the influence of multinational corporations and importers.”

    Mr. Greer, do you agree with Mr. Lighthizer that multinational corporations have just had too much power over U.S. trade policy?  

    Mr. Jamieson Greer, nominee for United States Trade Representative: I agree with Ambassador Lighthizer, and I believe that trade policy in the past has been designed to help that sector and has ignored other sectors. 

    Senator Warren: Good, well, we’ve got to start by recognizing the problem, right? For too long, corporate lobbyists have bought their way into our trade policy. And I’ve been glad to see that changing.

    But raising tariffs doesn’t necessarily mean an end to corporate capture. When the last Trump administration hiked tariffs, corporate lobbyists lined up to demand exemptions, and now, with President Trump threatening even more tariffs, they’re ready to do it again. So what did this tariff exemption process look like the last time around?

    Well, I investigated, and I found that the Trump Commerce Department was three times as likely to approve exemptions for Chinese and Japanese-headquartered companies than American ones. 

    Mr. Greer – favoring foreign companies over American ones – is that good trade policy?

    Mr. Greer: Senator, I think that our trade policy needs to make sure we have American businesses and American workers prioritized. 

    Senator Warren: Okay, let’s try another one. A recent study found that the Trump USTR officials were more likely to grant exemptions to China tariffs to companies that had made campaign contributions to Republicans or had lobbyists who had recently left the Trump administration.

    Mr. Greer – favoring companies with deep pockets and political connections – is that good trade policy?

    Mr. Greer: Of course not, any kind of program like that needs to be transparent and have the rules outlined, which it did. 

    Senator Warren: I appreciate that answer. This time around, President Trump has proposed far broader tariffs than we’ve seen before– potentially on all goods, from all countries. And with more and more tariffs, the corporate scramble for exemptions is more and more intense. One trade lobbyist recently said, and I quote, “Absolutely everyone is calling. It is nonstop.” And let’s be clear – most businesses across America cannot afford armies of lobbyists.

    So, Mr. Greer, do you support tariff exclusions, these exemptions,  and – if so – what changes would you make to ensure it’s a fair process and not a giveaway to political insiders and deep-pocketed corporations?

    Mr. Greer: So, Senator, I know you’ve been a leader on this and you’ve given a lot of thought to it, which I think is important. Any time we’re taking economic actions, whether it’s a tariff or an exclusion, we need to be careful about this and we need to be thoughtful. I don’t know – in the event tariffs are applied – I don’t know if the President intends to have an exclusion policy or program at all. To the extent something like this happens, it needs to be transparent. One thing they did at USTR the first time around, if one company got an exclusion –  any company got an exclusion. So if a big company got an exclusion for a certain product, a small business would too.

    So again, I don’t know if there will be exclusion processes, but to the extent there is, they need to be transparent, they need to be fair for small and large. 

    Senator Warren: Well, I very much appreciate what you have to say around this. As I said before, I think tariffs are an important tool. And when used strategically and fairly, they can promote American industries, they can protect domestic supply chains, they can protect the jobs of American workers. But we can’t have a get-out-of-tariff-free system for those that are very wealthy or politically-connected, because that will undermine the whole process. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Search for missing man, Cook Strait

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    The ongoing search for a man reported missing on a jetski in the Cook Strait area has not located any further items of note since the man’s jetski was located on Monday evening.

    The man left the Tasman District on Monday morning bound for Plimmerton, north of Wellington, but did not arrive as expected.

    Favourable weather conditions in the Cook Strait area yesterday allowed for continued searching over a wide area involving a number of agencies.

    At this time there has been no sign of the missing man. Today Police are reviewing the search efforts to date and planning further search activity.

    Police have been in contact with the man’s family and support is being provided to them at what is an understandably difficult time.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Guatemalan national charged with transportation, distribution and possession of child pornography following joint HSI and Oklahoma Police Department investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    OKLAHOMA CITY — A federal complaint was recently unsealed charging Gustavo Gordillo, 41, a citizen of Guatemala, with transportation, distribution, and possession of child pornography, announced Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard, who oversees Homeland Security operations In North Texas and Oklahoma and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester of the Western District Oklahoma.

    According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, in July 2020, investigators with the Oklahoma City Police Department received a cyber tip after files containing child sexual abuse material were uploaded to a Google Photos account.

    The affidavit alleges the suspect who uploaded the photos, later determined as Gordillo, lived in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City police detectives investigated the tip, and others from Facebook, determining that Gordillo was communicating with a child living out of state. The affidavit further alleges Gordillo provided inappropriate materials to the minor and received inappropriate materials from the child.

    In December 2024, additional investigations led law enforcement to a residence in the Oklahoma City area connected with Gordillo. Gordillo was charged by complaint on Jan. 27 and arrested by Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Oklahoma field office and the Oklahoma City Police Department Jan. 29. U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement’s Oklahoma field office assisted in the apprehension.

    Public records show Gordillo entered the United States on a temporary visa that had expired.

    Gordillo faces up to sixty years in federal prison if found guilty of the charges.

    This case is the result of an investigation by HSI and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.

    Learn more about HSI Dallas’ mission to increase public safety In Northern Texas and Oklahoma communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSI_Dallas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HSI El Paso announces arrests of violent criminal aliens in West Texas during targeted enforcement operation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    EL PASO, Texas — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in partnership with U.S. Border Patrol, FBI, ATF, DEA, and the El Paso Sheriff’s Office, arrested several criminal aliens during targeted enforcement actions in West Texas that began during the week of Jan. 20.

    Following are summaries of four individuals arrested during this targeted enforcement operation:

    • A 56-year-old Cuban male with criminal convictions ranging from sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, and evading arrest to DWI. He is being detained pending his removal from the United States.
    • A 62-year-old Mexican male who has been arrested seven times for driving while intoxicated is now being detained pending removal from the United States.
    • A 27-year-old Mexican male with a criminal conviction for possession of narcotics is now being detained pending removal from the United States.
    • A 32-year-old Mexican male with a criminal history ranging from illegal re-entry after deportation to human smuggling. He is now in federal custody pending charges for transporting illegal aliens.

    “Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our communities. Through targeted enforcement operations, we focus on removing threats and ensuring public safety,” said HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. “Our collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners is crucial in dismantling criminal organizations and protecting the well-being of our citizens. Together, we strive to create a safer environment for everyone.”

    This type of work is essential in keeping the community safe from criminals. By focusing on enforcement operations and working hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners, we prevent criminal activities and protect individuals from harm. Ensuring the security of our neighborhoods is a top priority, and we are dedicated to maintaining a strong, unified front against crime.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast released the following statement after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    “Great to meet with America’s strong friend and ally, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. America and Israel share an unbreakable bond that is forged by battle for common values and against common enemies.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Statement on False Allegations Targeting Acting Chairman

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The following is attributable to a Commodity Futures Trading Commission spokesperson:
    Allegations by unnamed sources in a Bloomberg article attempting to smear Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham are baseless, were not fact-checked with the CFTC, and an unfortunate attempt by disgruntled individuals that are under investigation to distract from the CFTC’s important mission. Pham’s tenure has been marked by pushes for improved transparency, adherence to the law, and management accountability. 
    New administrations and changes in agency leadership are almost always accompanied by changes in senior management. This is nothing new, and while personnel matters are generally reserved from public discussion, it is important to set the record straight.
    The former head of Human Resources was removed from her position pending an internal investigation into failures to address several HR matters including:

    Concerns raised by a federal judge and a former United States Attorney about false statements to the court and other alleged misconduct by Division of Enforcement staff;
    Reports that unionized CFTC staff were working remotely from outside of the United States, jeopardizing agency cybersecurity and violating agency policy and applicable laws; and
    Targeting Republicans illegally in violation of the First Amendment, including senior officers of the United States and Presidential appointees that are protected from the Biden Administration’s politically motivated attacks.

    These matters have been referred to the CFTC’s Office of Inspector General. While this employee has been removed from her post pending an internal review, she has not been terminated. She was replaced by an employee who previously served as the CFTC’s Equal Employment Opportunity officer. No part of this move violated any Executive Order.
    Claims about Acting Chairman Pham’s travel are categorically false. All aspects of Pham’s travel have been reviewed and approved by agency officials, including the Chief Financial Officer, the Ethics Office, and the General Counsel with voluminous supporting documentation. Any personal travel by Pham, including business class travel, hotel stays, and commuting expenses, was paid for with personal funds and was not paid by the CFTC and is substantiated with receipts. 
    At all times, Pham complied in full with all laws, regulations, and agency policies.
    At Pham’s direction, the CFTC has been conducting an independent review by an external law firm of alleged misconduct by Division of Enforcement staff in the CFTC v. Traders Global Group matter, including the Commission closed meeting in August 2023 and subsequent events; other alleged misconduct by staff involving enforcement recommendations to the Commission and related events, including the Union Grievance from October 2023; and internal procedures for administrative proceedings by the Commission in enforcement matters. This independent review includes the allegations regarding a hostile work environment due to Pham’s repeatedly raised concerns about staff misconduct. There are recordings and transcripts of these Commission closed meetings, including Pham’s questions. Any insinuation that Pham’s conduct was intimidating, abusive, or a hostile work environment are verifiably without any merit. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Boosting street-side EV charging across Australia

    Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency

    The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today committed $2.4 million in funding to EVX Australia Pty Ltd (EVX) for 250 public kerbside electric vehicle (EV) chargers in over 60 local government areas across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

    Kerbside charging is critical to support uptake of EVs across Australia. By utilising existing power poles in urban and residential areas, charging will be more accessible to more people wanting to embrace EVs but struggling to find the infrastructure to do so.

    ARENA CEO Darren Miller said kerbside pole charging provided the perfect solution to increasing public EV chargers.

    “Not all electric vehicle owners have the ability to charge their vehicle at home or at work, which is why we’re excited to partner with EVX on this rollout that utilises kerbside charging poles, providing a great opportunity to pair with EV charging.

    “While sales of EVs are increasing, the expansion of public charging is vital in catering for future demand right across Australia.”

    The Australian-designed and made pole-mounted EV chargers were developed by EVX from the ground up to meet the technological limitations utility providers and local governments face in rolling out EV charging infrastructure sustainably while adhering to local electrical and planning regulations.

    By using AC power with smart charging capability, EVX chargers have a low impact on the local electricity grid while being installed on the existing utility pole infrastructure, negating the need for disruptive works and ensuring a streamlined rollout. This cutting-edge technology makes it easy for people to charge their vehicles using 100 per cent renewable energy.

    EVX CEO, Andrew Forster said this was essential community infrastructure for the future.

    “We are so excited that this partnership with ARENA is off the ground.”

    “The project will make EV charging more accessible for both residents and visitors to these regions, whilst also crucially allowing us to further test, adapt and develop the way we rollout this community charging infrastructure into the future.”

    EVX, supported by the Institute for Sustainable Futures at UTS, will lead the coordination of real-time reporting and will work with Ausgrid and Essential Energy on the development of flexible tariff structures. Endeavour Energy, SA Power Networks, Ausnet and CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy (CPPCUE) will also support the rollout, with Flow Power being the energy retailer for all 250 sites.

    The project will accelerate the development, manufacturing and installation of the chargers and will also allow EVX and EV charging app Wevolt to develop an open-access interface between utility systems and the public charging network, creating a user interface which will improve the customer’s charging experience.

    The funding is being delivered by the Driving the Nation Program. For more information including program guidelines, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, visit the funding page.

    ARENA media contact:

    media@arena.gov.au

    Download this media release (PDF 143KB)

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Springer spaniels and biosecurity teams nose out knapweed

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    7 Feb 2025

    For the first time in Australia, weed-seeking scent detection dogs have this month sniffed out black knapweed (Centaurea x moncktonii) plants near Tenterfield as part of NSW Government actions to eradicate the invasive weed.

    NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) State Priority Weeds coordinator, Nicola Dixon, said late last month a team of nine biosecurity staff followed up the success of the springer spaniels, Connor and Maggie who found 18 knapweed plants, to uncover another 80 plants.

    “The dogs were invaluable in finding plants hidden by thick vegetation and small juvenile seedlings which were hard to see,” Ms Dixon said.

    “Our biosecurity team was able to cover more ground, 50 hectares, and easily spot the distinct lilac flowers of the summer-blooming weed.

    “Also known as meadow knapweed, it was first found in NSW near Tenterfield in 2019 and these surveillance operations ensure we find and remove plants to prevent them setting seed.

    “Since treating the original infestations, no signs of the weed have been found in five of the eight known infested sites for more than three years.”

    The survey operation was led by NSW DPIRD with biosecurity officers from Tenterfield and Inverell Shire Councils, Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the New England Weeds Authority.

    This is the only known NSW population of black knapweed, which is difficult to control, produces chemicals to suppress nearby plants, is not eaten by livestock and invades pastures, crops and natural environments.

    Black knapweed is a herb, which looks like a thistle without sharp spines on its leaves. It is listed as prohibited matter under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and must be reported if found.

    Ms Dixon said everyone can help rid NSW of black knapweed.

    “If you think you’ve seen knapweed, please call the NSW Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244 or your local council to identify and remove the weed,” she said.

    “Check paddocks, crops, fodder from Victoria, livestock feeding areas and areas where cropping machinery previously used in Victoria, before coming onto your property, has been.”

    Learn how to spot the weed with knapweed images and 3D models from the NSW WeedWise site.

    Media contact:  pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Recent decisions cast doubt on state-based trade mark removal actions

    Source: Allens Insights

    A low bar for ‘intention to use’ 6 min read

    The Australian Trade Marks Office recently decided two related actions for removal for non-use against registered marks owned by Mae Watson: the first, ‘Whiplash’, and the second ‘WHIPLASHED’, both for beauty salon and beauty-related services including lash extensions.

    The decisions shed light on whether an applicant can limit a removal action under section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) (TMA) to particular states in Australia and the threshold question of the ‘intention to use’ under s92(4)(a).

    In this Insight, we outline the details of each decision and what trade mark owners can do to avoid the risk of removal actions being brought.

    Key takeaways

    • If, after filing a s92 TMA removal action (which requires an applicant to be satisfied, on its enquiries into use, that the owner has not used the relevant mark in Australia), it becomes clear throughout the evidentiary process or at hearing that there is some use, but only in a specific geographical location, the applicant may, in certain circumstances seek that the Registrar invoke the s102 TMA discretion, and request that the mark remain on the register but be subject to a geographical limitation.
    • ‘Intention to use’ in a s92(4)(a) TMA removal action is a low bar. The act of filing the trade mark application combined with a positive statement by the owner confirming an intention can be enough to shift the onus to the removal applicant to show a lack of intention.

    Delegate declines two related non-use removal actions

    Beauty salon, Whiplash’d Pty Ltd (the Removal Applicant), brought two related removal actions against Mae Watson (the Owner)’s registered marks ‘Whiplash’ and ‘WHIPLASHED’:

    • an application for complete removal (excluding WA) of ‘Whiplash’, brought on the basis of non-use for a period of three years in all states except WA (s92(4)(b)); and
    • an application for complete removal of WHIPLASHED brought on the basis of a lack of intention to use in good faith and non-use in the relevant period (s92(4)(a)).

    Action for removal of ‘Whiplash’

    The Owner argued that she had used Whiplash in all states in Australia, predominately in WA, in connection with lash extension services throughout the relevant three-year period, and further that the COVID pandemic was an impediment to broader use of the mark in Australia.

    The Removal Applicant sought to qualify the removal action to removal except for the state of WA. The Delegate, however, considered that there is no provision in s92 for a removal application to be qualified in that manner. Section 92(4) requires that a removal applicant seek removal for all or any of the goods and/or services in respect of which the trade mark is registered in Australia (and not a part of Australia).

    Section 102 provides the Registrar with a discretion to impose a territorial restriction on the registration of a trade mark where there has been no use of the mark in a particular place in Australia for a three-year period, where certain conditions are met. These include that the applicant for such an action is either the registered owner of a trade mark that is:

    • substantially identical with or deceptively similar to the challenged mark,
    • registered in respect of the same goods and/or services specified in the application, and
    • subject to the condition that the use of the trade mark be restricted to a specific place in Australia;

    or the Registrar is of the opinion that the trade mark may be registered by the applicant with that condition or limitation.

    The quirk of s102 is that it can only be invoked if an applicant has a removal action (s92(4)(b)) on foot for all of Australia. In this case, as the Removal Applicant had not invoked s102, the Delegate considered the removal action as if it applied to all of Australia. The Owner exhibited evidence of use of the mark in respect of beauty salon services in the relevant period in (at least) WA. Given that the Delegate was satisfied there was use in WA, it was unnecessary to consider whether the mark had been used outside of WA. Further, even if that Applicant had invoked s102, it had not made any arguments that it would satisfy the criteria outlined above. Ultimately, the Delegate found the ‘Whiplash’ trade mark had been used in the three-year period in Australia, and so, could remain on the register unamended.

    Action for removal of ‘WHIPLASHED’

    To succeed in opposing the action against WHIPLASHED, the Owner had to rebut the allegation that, at the time of filing, she had no intention in good faith to use the mark, or show that the trade mark was used in good faith in the relevant period.

    The Delegate noted that the burden on the Owner of establishing the requisite intention is not high and that the filing of a trade mark is prima facie evidence of an intention to use the mark in respect of all the services claimed. The act of filing, combined with a positive statement by the Owner (such as ‘when I registered WHIPLASHED I was committed to using it’ or ‘I had an intention to provide services under the WHIPLASHED brand throughout Australia’) was sufficient to shift the onus to the Removal Applicant to prove a lack of intention. The Removal Applicant did not cast any doubt on the genuineness or reliability of the Owner’s evidence of intention to use, so the Delegate was satisfied that the intention was made out.

    In terms of demonstrating actual use, the Owner provided evidence of use in the relevant period in relation to beauty services and the Removal Applicant failed to cast doubt on this evidence. The Owner also provided evidence of use of ‘Whiplash’ in relation to beauty salon services, and the Delegate accepted that use of ‘Whiplash’ constituted use of WHIPLASHED under s100(2)(a), as it was use with ‘alterations not substantially affecting the identity’ of the mark.

    In the result, the Owner had established both an intention to use as at the filing date, and use of the mark during the relevant period, and the mark remained on the register.

    Actions you can take now

    • Companies seeking to limit a competitor’s registered trade mark to exclude the state in which they operate should consider if they meet the criteria to invoke s102 (for instance, whether they own a similar mark on the register that is itself subject to a geographical limitation). Removal applicants face somewhat of a conundrum, in that, the initial non-use removal application would have to be framed to claim that there is no use in Australia, and the subsequent invoking of s102 could then seek to limit the registration to a particular geographical location.
    • Once a company settles on branding, it should register any relevant marks it intends to use as soon as possible to avoid competing marks being entered onto the register and gaining priority.
    • If a competing mark has priority on the register, a company can nevertheless consider investigating whether the competing mark is being used in all the geographical locations, and in respect to all the goods and/or services for which it is registered, to inform whether to bring a non-use action.
    • Companies intending to operate Australia-wide should ensure that all relevant registered marks are being used as trade marks in all relevant jurisdictions—particularly where there are competing marks on the register subject to geographical limitations—to avoid the risk of a removal action being brought that invokes s102.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: DTE Energy celebrates energy assistance expansion, thanks to “Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Detroit, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, DTE Energy joined with 120 human service agencies, religious organizations and businesses, known as the “Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm,” to celebrate new laws that will expand energy assistance to more Michiganders. DTE and other members of the coalition, were joined by Governor Whitmer, legislators and community leaders to celebrate the bipartisan collaboration that was necessary to successfully break down barriers and secure this vital funding for Michiganders in need. 

    “I am so proud that Republicans and Democrats came together to expand energy assistance for 330,000 Michigan families, helping them stay warm in the winter and cool through the summer,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michiganders are still facing high costs, and we need to work together to keep finding commonsense ways to save them money. By expanding MEAP eligibility and making it even easier to sign up, we are making sure that no one has to put on an extra sweater just to eat dinner and kids can come home after a long, hot day playing outside and cool off. Everyone deserves to live in a safe, comfortable, and affordable home, and I am grateful that we came together to lower costs and get this done.”

    “While DTE is focused on making transformational investments to provide our customers with cleaner, more reliable energy, we’re also committed to keeping bills as low as possible. Despite these investments, we’re proud to have kept residential customer bills below the national average and bill increases below the rate of inflation – every bit of savings counts for our customers,” said Jerry Norcia, DTE Chairman and CEO. “We’re so grateful for the passion brought by The Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm, legislators and community leaders who stood together to knock down barriers and better meet the changing needs of our most vulnerable customers.”

    “I’m thankful for the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm and our government partners who worked tirelessly to advocate for the passage of these bills, which will help so many families across our state,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “This MEAP expansion will ensure more households living below the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) threshold can access critical utility assistance in a time of need. United Way is committed to helping families move from crisis to stability, and from stability to prosperity, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this additional pathway of support.”

    “I’m proud to have partnered with nonprofit leaders, religious organizations and businesses to form the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm that fought for those in my community, making sure their needs were heard,” said Reverend Richard White III of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. “I’m thrilled to celebrate the passage of the energy assistance expansion bills alongside these advocates and to know that more funding will be available to even more Michiganders.”

    At the end of last year, the Michigan legislature, with a bipartisan vote, passed four pieces of legislation to expand the funding available for low-income Michiganders under the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), as well as expanded the eligibility criteria for the program. 

    The four bills recently signed into law by Governor Whitmer will: 

    • Double MEAP funding from $50 million today to $100 million over the next five years, allowing the funds to serve twice as many customers.  
    • Increase the eligibility of MEAP funds so that any Michigander at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level would be eligible. Today, that threshold is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. 
    • MEAP funds will be allocated to low-income customers who reside in the geographic area where the funds are generated. 
    • Create sustainability as the surcharge that funds MEAP will be capped at $2 per meter but can be adjusted by the Michigan Public Service Commission, based on inflation. 

    During the event, remarks were provided by Governor Whitmer, DTE Chairman and CEO Jerry Norcia, United Way for Southeastern Michigan CEO Dr. Darienne Hudson, and President of the Council of Baptist Pastors, Rev. Richard White.

    These bills will go into effect on October 1, 2025, at the beginning of the State’s fiscal year.

    About DTE Energy
    DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, x.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy. 

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Direct Space Traffic in Low-Earth Orbit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Gary Peters (D-MI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) today introduced their Situational Awareness of Flying Elements in (SAFE) Orbit Act, which would encourage the development of commercial space capabilities by directing the Office of Space Commerce (OSC) within the U.S. Department of Commerce to acquire and disseminate unclassified data, analytics, information, and services on space activities and space traffic coordination in low-Earth orbit:

    “Commercial space objects in low-Earth orbit can help scientists make new discoveries and spur technological innovation, but this hinges on the ability to conduct safe and effective space traffic coordination,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The SAFE Orbit Act would prevent dangerous and costly accidental collisions in low-Earth orbit and improve access to data collection and analysis to help propel the United States into the next phase of space exploration.”

    “To continue as a global leader in commercial space activity, the United States must lead the way to protect astronauts in orbit and space-based assets,” said Sen. Peters. “This legislation would provide important data that can help inform space exploration decisions and promote safe expansion.”

    “The world is entering a new space race, and we must equip American innovators with every resource to win,” said Sen. Blackburn. “The SAFE Orbit Act would take an important step to centralize and improve space traffic coordination, ensuring there are no tragic collisions in space. As we enter this new frontier, we must be certain that we prioritize safety and coordination with our partners around the globe.”

    “As the commercial space industry continues to grow, we need to safely track and manage objects in orbit and prevent collisions,” said Sen. Kelly. “We’re providing the tools for critical space situational awareness that will safeguard public access to orbital data, empower scientists and innovators to advance this critical frontier, and strengthen American leadership in space.”

    “Future expansion in space requires better technology and data coordination. Currently, companies lack the awareness of other objects such as space junk, which could collide with valuable satellites,” said Sen. Wicker. “This new emerging business sector represents the new economic frontier, but we must make sure we are prepared to tap its potential.”

    “This legislation will help make essential improvements to how we track objects in Earth’s orbit, enhancing space safety through better tracking and coordination to reduce collision risks,” said Sen. Luján. “As the commercial space activity grows, in New Mexico and across the country, access to critical space data is necessary to ensure safety and security.”

    “The boom in commercial space activities has filled low-Earth orbit with more debris and satellites than ever,” said Sen. Hickenlooper. “A cutting-edge traffic coordination system will help preserve our leadership in space.”

    Background:

    Space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic coordination (STC) are critical to ensuring safe and sustainable access to low-Earth orbit and space writ large, and current government SSA services are not keeping pace with the accuracy levels the industry needs. The FY2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act directed the Department of Commerce to take on this responsibility, and the SAFE Orbit Act would allow OSC to conduct SSA and STC activities and direct OSC to:

    • Make basic-level SSA data, analytics, information, and services available for public use through an easily accessible web-based interface at no charge to the end user;
    • Maintain a public catalogue of SSA data and information and maximize the use of satellite owner and operator data, U.S. Government data, and the usage of commercial services, data, analytics, information, services, and platforms;
    • Facilitate the development and adoption of voluntary industry consensus standards to ensure data standardization with satellite owners and operators, commercial service providers, the academic community, and nonprofits;
    • Collaborate with U.S Government and foreign government operators to encourage participation in data-sharing with respect to their assets in orbit;
    • And prioritize purchasing data, analytics, information, and services from commercial SSA providers and ensure any licensing agreements enable private U.S. firms to continue market growth and protect proprietary commercial systems and data.

    This legislation is endorsed by the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, which is made up of more than 85 members, including many companies with Texas operations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Questions USTR Nominee Greer on China, Outbound Investment Prohibition Proposal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today during the Senate Finance Committee’s hearing on the nomination of Jamieson Greer to be United States Trade Representative (USTR) under the Trump administration, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed with him the importance of reciprocal trade relationships and his proposal to prohibit U.S. investment in certain technologies in China in order to restore American dominance on the world stage and safeguard our national security. Excerpts are below, and video can be found here.

    CORNYN: “China cheats, China steals our intellectual property, and they don’t recognize a rules-based international order.”

    “President Trump was the President who first raised this issue in a very dramatic sort of way, and I think he’s exactly right to insist upon reciprocity as a principle. Do you agree that reciprocity ought to be the basic principle that drives our trade policy?”

    GREER: “You’ve been a leader on this issue, with respect to investment flows as well with China, and you watch this very closely, so I appreciate your insights here.”

    “We do have to have a balanced relationship. I think the United States has always been willing to have a balanced relationship with China, but there’s Chinese agency in this matter, and they need to decide how open they want to be to us.”

    CORNYN: “Your response reminds me of the conversation we had in my office, and thank you for coming by to visit. I talked to you a little bit about something that we’re working on in the Banking Committee—Senator Scott, Chairman of the Banking Committee, and others—on a bipartisan basis, working on an outbound investment transparency law.”

    “Do you think it just makes sense that we should have transparency over investments being made in China that may well fuel the modernization of their military in a way that’s a threat to the peace in the Indo-Pacific and beyond?”

    GREER: “Having this kind of transparency is very important. In fact, again, I keep referring back to the Trump administration’s policy memo on trade because it is so comprehensive and gives such a clear direction on these things.  One of the things it talks about is looking at current efforts around outbound investment to foreign countries of concern, and so I think consideration of this kind of control or data gathering information, I think that goes right along with exploring that.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Mullin, Crapo, Colleagues Reintroduce Hearing Protection Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and 27 of their Senate GOP colleagues reintroduced S. 364, the Hearing Protection Act (HPA). The HPA would reclassify suppressors to regulate them like a regular firearm.

    “Every law-abiding American must have the freedom to protect their hearing while exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Senator Mullin. “Our bill removes suppressors from the National Firearms Act to cut wait times and stop the government from imposing a tax on Americans trying to protect themselves from hearing damage. The Second Amendment is crystal clear. I will do everything in my power to protect lawful gun ownership and eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that infringe on our God-given rights.”

    “Federal red tape continues to follow the false Hollywood narrative that suppressors are silent, and ignores the reality that they serve a genuine purpose in protecting the hearing of law-abiding American citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Senator Crapo.  “It is past time Congress removes the burdensome barriers to accessing this equipment for the safety of Idaho’s hunters and sportsmen.”

    Suppressors are currently subject to additional regulatory burdens under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The HPA would remove suppressors from regulation under the NFA and replace the burdensome federal transfer process with an instantaneous National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check. This would make the purchasing and transfer process for suppressors equal to the process for a rifle or shotgun. Also, the HPA would put more funding into state wildlife conservation agencies by taxing suppressors under the Pittman-Robertson Act instead of the NFA. 

    Sens. Mullin and Crapo are joined on this legislation by Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Jim Justice (R-WV), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Kennedy (R-LA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Ron Johnson (R-WI).

    The Hearing Protection Act is supported by the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the American Suppressor Association (ASA), Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

    “The Hearing Protection Act will increase access to important hearing protection for millions of Americans,” said Amyn Amlani, Ph.D., President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.“While the use of conventional hearing protection tools, such as earplugs and earmuffs are fundamental for preventing noise induced hearing loss in firearm users, conventional hearing protection alone does not always offer adequate protection from noise exposure. Firearm noise suppressors can be an effective supplement to traditional hearing protection.”

    “Senator Mike Crapo’s Hearing Protection Act will have the federal government recognize firearm suppressors as accessories to a firearm that make recreational shooting and hunting a safer experience,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “These safety devices reduce the report of a firearm to a level that won’t cause instant and permanent hearing damage. Despite Hollywood’s depictions, they do not silence the sound of a firearm. The focus should be on removing barriers to safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating resources to ensuring firearms are safeguarded from those who should never possess them. Strict regulatory control of firearm accessories, and the parts of those accessories that have no bearing on the function of a firearm, is unnecessary and not the wisest use of federal resources. NSSF thanks Senator Crapo for his leadership for ensuring safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating necessary resources where they are most needed.”

    “We are grateful to Senator Crapo for standing behind the millions of law-abiding gun owners with his reintroduction of the Hearing Protection Act,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association. “It’s absurd that our unrestrained federal bureaucracy requires Americans to jump through hoops to buy simple hearing protection devices. Momentum continues to grow for common sense reforms that would end the stranglehold of government on the rights of her people. We look forward to working with Senator Crapo and his colleagues to ensure our Second Amendment rights remain a priority.”

    “Gun owners around the world are using suppressors to reduce the impact of noise and hearing loss while using their firearms. Even in countries with the strictest firearms laws, suppressors are often unregulated products that anyone can buy over the counter. However, outdated federal law makes it difficult for Americans to access these useful safety devices,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. “On behalf of our millions of members, the NRA thanks Senator Mike Crapo for introducing this important legislation to roll back the bureaucratic red tape on suppressor ownership in the United States.”

    Full bill text is available here.

    Background:

    On average, suppressors diminish the noise of a gunshot by 20-35 decibels, roughly the same sound reduction provided by earplugs or earmuffs. The most effective suppressors on the market can only reduce the peak sound level of a gunshot to around 110-120 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to a jackhammer.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets Pakistani president

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, Feb. 6 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Beijing on Thursday.

    Noting that bilateral cooperation is expanding in scope and achieving more and more positive results, Li said that the ironclad friendship between the two sides has been renewed and deepened.

    Li added that China stands ready to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintain close high-level exchanges, continue to carry forward the traditional friendship, firmly support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns, push forward the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan, and make the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future more beneficial to the two peoples.

    Li also noted that China is ready to forge synergy between the development strategies of the two countries, jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, advance the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, push forward construction of major projects concerning roads, railways and ports in an orderly manner, deepen cooperation in terms of agriculture, mining, new energy, information technology and artificial intelligence, expand sub-national cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, and better promote the common development of the two countries.

    China is willing to further deepen security cooperation with Pakistan and hopes that Pakistan can earnestly guarantee the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, Li said.

    Zardari said that Pakistan and China have always supported and helped each other in the changing international situation, adding that mutual trust and friendship between the two countries have been passed down from generation to generation.

    Pakistan cherishes the bilateral friendship with China and is ready to join hands with China to further deepen exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment and other fields, and to achieve common prosperity, he said.

    Pakistan welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Pakistan, and will do its utmost to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, Zardari added.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets with Sultan of Brunei

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, Feb. 6 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Thursday.

    In recent years, under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, China and Brunei have steadily advanced their relationship, with cooperation in various fields expanding significantly and yielding fruitful results, Li said.

    China has always regarded Brunei as an important partner in its quest for deepening friendly relations with its neighbors, Li noted, adding that China is willing to work with Brunei to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and jointly promote development and prosperity, bringing better benefits to the people of both countries.

    China is ready to work with Brunei to upgrade economic and trade cooperation, and grasp the renewal of the Belt and Road cooperation plan as an opportunity to speed up the construction of key projects. China is also ready to work with Brunei to strengthen cooperation concerning the information industry, scientific and technological innovation, green development, agriculture and other fields, and jointly foster new economic drivers, Li noted.

    China, in addition, is ready to import more high-quality agricultural and aquatic products from Brunei and encourage qualified Chinese enterprises to invest in Brunei, Li said, while adding that China hopes the Brunei side will provide more support and facilitation for Chinese companies.

    China firmly supports ASEAN in strengthening unity and strategic autonomy and is willing to work together with all ASEAN member states, including Brunei, to promote the establishment of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, Li said.

    Brunei highly values its relationship with China, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, regards China as a key partner, and is willing to expand cooperation with China in areas such as trade, petrochemicals, digital economy and agriculture, and in addressing climate change, Hassanal stressed.

    Brunei is ready to deepen cooperation within the framework of ASEAN-China relations, strengthen regional connectivity and people-to-people exchanges, promote the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between ASEAN and China, and foster regional peace, stability and prosperity, Hassanal said.

    Brunei appreciates China’s important role in international and regional affairs and supports China’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), he added.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

        I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that the International Criminal Court (ICC), as established by the Rome Statute, has engaged in illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel.  The ICC has, without a legitimate basis, asserted jurisdiction over and opened preliminary investigations concerning personnel of the United States and certain of its allies, including Israel, and has further abused its power by issuing baseless arrest warrants targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.  The ICC has no jurisdiction over the United States or Israel, as neither country is party to the Rome Statute or a member of the ICC.  Neither country has ever recognized the ICC’s jurisdiction, and both nations are thriving democracies with militaries that strictly adhere to the laws of war.  The ICC’s recent actions against Israel and the United States set a dangerous precedent, directly endangering current and former United States personnel, including active service members of the Armed Forces, by exposing them to harassment, abuse, and possible arrest.  This malign conduct in turn threatens to infringe upon the sovereignty of the United States and undermines the critical national security and foreign policy work of the United States Government and our allies, including Israel.  Furthermore, in 2002, the Congress enacted the American Servicemembers’ Protection Act of 2002 (22 U.S.C. 7421 et seq.) to protect United States military personnel, United States officials, and officials and military personnel of certain allied countries against criminal prosecution by an international criminal court to which the United States is not party, stating, “In addition to exposing members of the Armed Forces of the United States to the risk of international criminal prosecution, the Rome Statute creates a risk that the President and other senior elected and appointed officials of the United States Government may be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court.” (22 U.S.C. 7421(9)).  

        The United States unequivocally opposes and expects our allies to oppose any ICC actions against the United States, Israel, or any other ally of the United States that has not consented to ICC jurisdiction.  The United States remains committed to accountability and to the peaceful cultivation of international order, but the ICC and parties to the Rome Statute must respect the decisions of the United States and other countries not to subject their personnel to the ICC’s jurisdiction, consistent with their respective sovereign prerogatives.

         The United States will impose tangible and significant consequences on those responsible for the ICC’s transgressions, some of which may include the blocking of property and assets, as well as the suspension of entry into the United States of ICC officials, employees, and agents, as well as their immediate family members, as their entry into our Nation would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.

        I therefore determine that any effort by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute protected persons, as defined in section 8(d) of this order, constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, and I hereby declare a national emergency to address that threat.  I hereby determine and order:
         Section 1.  (a)  All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person, of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in:
    (i)   the person listed in the Annex to this order; and
    (ii)  any foreign person determined by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General:
    (A)  to have directly engaged in any effort by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute a protected person without consent of that person’s country of nationality;
    (B)  to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, any activity in subsection (a)(ii)(A) of this section or any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or
    (C)  to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order.
    (b)  The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted before the date of this order.

        Sec. 2.  I hereby determine that the making of donations of the types of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1 of this order would seriously impair my ability to address the national emergency declared in this order, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 1 of this order.

         Sec. 3.  The prohibitions in section 1(a) of this order include:
         (a)  the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1 of this order; and
         (b)  the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

        Sec. 4.  The unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens determined to meet one or more of the criteria in section 1 of this order, as well as immediate family members of such aliens, or aliens determined by the Secretary of State to be employed by, or acting as an agent of, the ICC, would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and the entry of such persons into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, is hereby suspended, except where the Secretary of State determines that the entry of the person into the United States would not be contrary to the interests of the United States, including when the Secretary of State so determines, based on a recommendation of the Attorney General, that the person’s entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives.  In exercising this responsibility, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Secretary of Homeland Security on matters related to admissibility or inadmissibility within the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security.  Such persons shall be treated as persons covered by section 1 of Proclamation 8693 of July 24, 2011 (Suspension of Entry of Aliens Subject to United Nations Security Council Travel Bans and International Emergency Economic Powers Act Sanctions).  The Secretary of State shall have the responsibility for implementing this section pursuant to such conditions and procedures as the Secretary of State has established or may establish pursuant to Proclamation 8693.

        Sec. 5.  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the President a report on additional persons that should be included within the scope of section 1 of this order.

        Sec. 6.  (a)  Any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.
    (b)  Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.

        Sec. 7.  Nothing in this order shall prohibit transactions for the conduct of the official business of the Federal Government by employees, grantees, or contractors thereof.

         Sec. 8.  For the purposes of this order:
         (a)  the term “person” means an individual or entity;
         (b)  the term “entity” means a government or instrumentality of such government, partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization;
         (c)  the term “United States person” means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including a foreign branch, subsidiary, or employee of such entity), or any person lawfully in the United States;
         (d)  the term “protected person” means:
    (i)   any United States person, unless the United States provides formal consent to ICC jurisdiction over that person or becomes a state party to the Rome Statute, including:
    (A)  current or former members of the Armed Forces of the United States;
    (B)  current or former elected or appointed officials of the United States Government; and
    (C)  any other person currently or formerly employed by or working on behalf of the United States Government; and
    (ii)  any foreign person that is a citizen or lawful resident of an ally of the United States that has not consented to ICC jurisdiction over that person or is not a state party to the Rome Statute, including:
    (A)  current or former members of the armed forces of such ally of the United States;
    (B)  current or former elected or appointed government officials of such ally of the United States; and
    (C)  any other person currently or formerly employed by or working on behalf of such a government;
         (e)  the term “ally of the United States” means:
    (i)   a government of a member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; or
    (ii)  a government of a “major non-NATO ally,” as that term is defined by section 2013(7) of the American Servicemembers’ Protection Act of 2002 (22 U.S.C. 7432(7));
         (f)  the term “immediate family member” means a spouse or child;
         (g)  the term “alien” has the meanings given to the term in section 101(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(3)); and
         (h)  the term “foreign person” means a person that is not a United States person.

        Sec. 9.  For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to section 1 of this order would render those measures ineffectual.  I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in this order, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to section 1 of this order.

        Sec. 10.  The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including adopting rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to implement this order.  The Secretary of the Treasury may, consistent with applicable law, redelegate any of these functions within the Department of the Treasury.  All executive departments and agencies of the United States shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to implement this order.

        Sec. 11.  The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to submit recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).

         Sec. 12.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    MIL OSI USA News –