NewzIntel.com

Category: Climate Change

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Drought – Water Accessibility and Availability: Challenges, Successes, and Failures

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Welcome to the first in a series of annual discussions under the Trees in Dry Cities Presentation & Discussion Series. These sessions are designed to bring critical issues related to urban forest management to the forefront, providing a platform for Coalition members and urban forestry professionals to share knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned. This series will serve as a vital resource for all stakeholders involved in the management of urban forests, addressing both immediate and long-term challenges.  

    The first webinar, Drought – Water Accessibility and Availability: Challenges, Successes, and Failures, will focus on the increasingly pressing issue for cities worldwide. In light of the growing urgency of climate change and its profound impact on water resources, the discussion will adopt a broad perspective to encourage diverse contributions and promote collaborative, solution-oriented dialogue.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council service update, January 25

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council service update, January 25

    25 January 2025

    3.30pm

    Council continues to work with local agencies in the ongoing emergency response to Storm Éowyn which has resulted in some damage to roads and property throughout the City and District.

    Staff continue to be on site carrying out health and safety inspections and providing services from early this morning. Teams from across all Council services have been meeting and co-ordinating efforts throughout the weekend and this work will continue over the coming days.

    The health and safety of both staff and the general public is our first priority and for that reason we would encourage the public to be patient and to expect some delays to services.

    As we continue to work with partner agencies work to assess and remedy damage caused by Storm Éowyn members of the public should exercise caution when close to obvious debris and damage, including power lines. The public are also advised to take note of further yellow weather warnings in place over the weekend relating to winds, snow and ice and to take the appropriate measures to keep them and their property safe. Please follow the Met Office for updates.

    Bin collections

    Refuse Collection crews are out working today servicing bins that were missed from Fridaydq. For any bins not emptied today the advice is to make contact with our Customer Services Team on 028 71 374107 on Monday morning or by email at refuse&[email protected] and arrangements will be made to have them emptied as soon as possible.

     

    Cemeteries and outdoor sites

    The City Cemetery, Ballyoan, Altnagelvin and Strabane Cemeteries are all open to the public. Users are strongly advised to take due care and attention at all facilities both for fallen trees and for slippy pathways. The public are urged not to visit historical sites. Our staff are on site to clear all main arterial routes at our facilities as a priority.

    Recycling Centres

    All of our recycling centres, with the exception of Plumbridge, are open.

     

    Leisure Centres

    All Council Leisure centres are open as normal.

    Community Assistance

    All of our Leisure Centres are open and available to the public who are without power or water and who require assistance with heat, tea/coffee and phone charging and shower facilities. We have extended the opening hours at Templemore, Melvin and Derg Valley Leisure Centre to 10pm tonight, Saturday.

    Tomorrow Sunday, Templemore, Foyle Arena and Melvin will be open from 9am – 6pm while Riversdale and Derg Valley Leisure Centres will open from 1pm – 6pm

    Council facilities

    The Guildhall, Tower Museum and the Alley Theatre are open and operating as normal.

     

    Street cleansing

    Our street cleansing teams have been out and about from this early morning servicing the city and towns and working with grounds maintenance teams to make sure Council facilities are safe to access.

    Grass pitches

    All Council grass pitches and 3g pitches will remain closed for the weekend. User groups are being contacted.

     

    Parks and play parks

    Ongoing health and safety inspections are ongoing today to get as many of our parks, play areas and greenways open to the public. There are several trees down at the Bay Road and Strathfoyle greenways and a number of other parks, we have teams out on site carrying out clearance and repair works. The public are asked to avoid areas where there are trees and to take due care and attention as there may be debris or fallen branches etc.

    Again, the public are asked to be patient and expect some delays to opening of facilities after the storm to allow these checks and possible clean-up work to be carried out.

     

    Looking ahead

    Please take note of further weather warnings in place over the weekend including a YELLOW warning for SNOW & ICE for Northern Ireland between 1800hrs on Saturday 25th and 1000hrs on Sunday 26th January 2025: MEDIUM Likelihood of LOW Impacts and a YELLOW warning for WIND for Northern Ireland between 1000hrs and 1900hrs on Sunday 26th January 2025: MEDIUM Likelihood of LOW Impacts

    Strong winds affecting Northern Ireland, potentially disrupting transport and infrastructure

    Further information:  UK weather warnings – Met Office

    Emergency Contact numbers:

    Emergency services 999 or 112

    Flooding Incident Line  – 0300 2000 100

    NI Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643

    NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001

    NI Water – 03457 440 088

    Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

    Report a blocked road – 0300 200 7891

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Possible Rainfall Poses New Concerns for Wildfire Survivors

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Possible Rainfall Poses New Concerns for Wildfire Survivors

    Possible Rainfall Poses New Concerns for Wildfire Survivors

    LOS ANGELES – Wildfires have burned through more than 50,000 acres of Los Angeles County since January 7. Now, weather authorities are forecasting possible rain showers for the weekend. It may be a good time for residents of areas impacted by the wildfires to prepare for the hazardous by-products of fire and rain: flooding, debris flows and mudslides. Large-scale Wildfires Can Lead to Flooding and Debris Flows Where intense fires occur, soils can develop a top layer that repels water due to charred remnants of organic material. Normally, live vegetation sucks up rain, reducing runoff, but wildfires leave the ground barren. Unable to absorb the rain, the soil succumbs to flooding. The flood risk can remain elevated from two to five years. Debris flows are fast-moving slurries of material — water, rock, soil, vegetation, and even boulders and trees — that rush downhill. Mudslides flow down slopes that become saturated and collapse. Californians who live downhill or downstream from burnt areas are at the greatest risk for dangerous debris flows. Even smaller debris flows can be dangerous.What Individuals in Burn-scarred Areas Can DoPost-fire flooding can be unpredictable because surface changes from the fire are not always obvious. Wildfire survivors should learn to recognize the signs of coming flood events: soil that is crunchy to walk on; increased slope erosion; or even unusual sounds from the surrounding terrain — mudslides and debris flows can be loud.  When the rain comes:With rain in the forecast, elevate your valuables to higher points in your home, pack a “go-bag” and make an exit plan.Watch where the water goes. If you see gullies, rapid flooding, debris flows or mudslides in your area, check local media for alerts and prepare to evacuate. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) actively monitors flooding activity and issues alerts when an area is at risk. Avoid debris; it can include sharp and heavy hidden objects that can cause serious injury and worse. Heed the guidance of local authorities. With flooding events come health hazards, including broken utility lines and disrupted infrastructure. Sign up for local emergency alerts.Just one inch of floodwater can cause costly damage to your home, but most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. You may consider purchasing flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by FEMA. You can purchase flood insurance coverage at any time. However, there is a 30-day waiting period after you’ve paid the premium before the policy becomes effective. For more information about the NFIP, visit fema.gov/flood-insurance or call 877-336-2627.
    barbara.murien…
    Sat, 01/25/2025 – 13:49

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: New Orleans schools still separate and unequal 70 years after Brown v. Board of Education

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Connie L. Schaffer, Professor of Teacher Education, University of Nebraska Omaha

    First graders led the desegregation of New Orleans’ public schools in November 1960. Bettmann via Getty

    Sixty-four years ago this November, public schools in New Orleans began to desegregate. School buildings once designated as “white” opened their doors to Black students. The integration process, which deeply divided the city, was led by four first-grade girls.

    Tessie Prevost, Leona Tate and Gail Etienne were the first Black students to attend the McDonogh 19 School. Ruby Bridges was assigned to the previously all-white William Frantz Public School. Newspapers worldwide ran photographs of the girls walking past protesters and entering the schools accompanied by federal marshals.

    When Prevost died in July 2024, she was lauded as a Civil Rights hero. Oprah Winfrey paid tribute to her at the Democratic National Convention.

    Prevost herself did not realize her role in history until high school, when a teacher assigned the class a project on Brown v. Board of Education, the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that desegregated American schools. As she researched, she discovered her own name and story. She took this discovery to her parents, and they gave her a box of photographs and letters about her place in history, including a note from Eleanor Roosevelt praising her courage.

    To some, Prevost represents the promises of the Civil Rights Movement: integration and equality. As our research on New Orleans Public Schools shows, however, neither of these promises has ever been fully realized.

    New Orleans’schools resegregated in the late 20th century, and the city’s predominantly Black schools still lag behind white schools in many ways.

    ‘All deliberate speed’

    In the landmark 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, the justices ordered U.S. public schools to desegregate “with all deliberate speed” – language that allowed Southern cities and states to drag their heels.

    New Orleans schools did not begin desegregating for six years. Even then, only four first-grade girls out of thousands of Black students were permitted to enroll in white schools.

    The New Orleans district would subsequently desegregate one additional grade per year. As a member of that first desegregated class, Prevost was always in the grade being integrated. As such, all the grades above her remained segregated.

    Indeed, McDonogh 19 remained segregated during the first year of integration because all its white students immediately stopped attending. By December 1960, the school’s only students were the three Black girls. Two white students briefly enrolled in January, but their family succumbed to the pressure of the boycott and soon withdrew their children.

    White New Orleans residents protesting school integration in 1960.
    Bettmann / Contributor via Getty

    When Prevost, Etienne and Tate entered second grade, McDonogh 19 still had very low enrollment. In third grade, in 1962, the girls transferred to T.J. Semmes Elementary School, where enrollment of white students was much higher.

    Within that white student majority, the girls encountered many cruel classmates. White students, encouraged by some teachers and parents, tormented their Black peers. Prevost recalled this as the worst time in her life.

    “The white teachers and students did not want us there,” she said. “Every day there were beatings and cursing. They spat on us and ripped off our clothes.”

    After several years, Prevost’s parents recognized the impact of this heinous racism on their daughter and transferred her into a predominantly Black junior high school. Prevost would again be separated from most of her white peers.

    Equality in name only

    The Brown ruling also promised an equal education regardless of race. In practice, that has yet to happen.

    Most white teachers in New Orleans opposed desegregation, and the district initially allowed teachers to choose where they would teach. In 1972, however, the district reassigned many teachers to work in desegregated schools, and many quit in protest. Other white teachers struggled to connect and engage with their Black students, leading to disaffection among Black students. Their academic achievement declined, and dropout rates began to rise.

    Simultaneously, white flight was working against integration. Between 1960 and 1980, the white population of New Orleans dropped 20%, resegregating many New Orleans schools. By 2004, 50 years after the Brown ruling, McDonogh 19 – which by then had been renamed Louis Armstrong Elementary – was again effectively segregated by race: Nearly 100% of its students were Black.

    Across the district, academic performance declined in predominantly Black schools. By the 1990s, student achievement became increasingly measured by standardized tests known to be biased against students of color and poor students. Black students were also more likely to be taught by teachers with fewer years of experience and less education.

    By 1998, test scores at Louis Armstrong Elementary had fallen well below national, state and district averages. The school was also in a state of deep disrepair. In the summer of 2005, the city closed the school, and a few months later, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.

    The abandoned school building sustained heavy wind damage and flooding. Water reached halfway up the walls of the first floor, leaving toxic mud, peeling chalkboards and mold-encrusted furniture.

    A legacy

    Following Katrina, the State Board of Education stripped New Orleans Public School District of its authority to manage public education.

    The state of Louisiana and charter organizations took over city schools, making New Orleans Public Schools the first all-charter school district in the U.S. Despite the change in governance, New Orleans schools remained segregated by race. Over a decade later, in 2017, roughly 75% of schools had populations of 95% students of color, and test scores showed only incremental improvement.

    Prevost, whose married name was Tessie Williams, lived in New Orleans her whole life, working at Louisiana State University for over two decades.

    She returned to McDonogh 19 in 2022, when the restored building opened as the Tate, Etienne and Prevost Center. The site, once a symbol of resistance to civil rights, is now a community center and museum committed to advancing the unfulfilled promises of the Brown ruling.

    As an adult, when Prevost spoke publicly about desegregation, she recalled the difficulty and disappointment she and others faced. But she tended to emphasize her hope for the future.

    “The ways that we are different are things that we should celebrate,” she said in a Black History Month interview with Louisiana State University. “There is so much power and freedom when we see differences in a positive light.”

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. New Orleans schools still separate and unequal 70 years after Brown v. Board of Education – https://theconversation.com/new-orleans-schools-still-separate-and-unequal-70-years-after-brown-v-board-of-education-235642

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Urgent action needed to safeguard integrity of COP as fossil fuel influence looms large in Baku, report warns

    Source: Transparency International

    ‘Unacceptable’ lack of guardrails leaves climate talks vulnerable to undue corporate influence and fossil fuel industry capture.

    The upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) 29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is at high risk of being co-opted to promote a pro-fossil fuel industry agenda, according to a new report by Transparency International (TI) and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC).

    The report, published today, warns that a lack of robust integrity and anti-corruption measures in the UNFCCC arrangements for COP has opened the door for Azerbaijan’s government to use the summit as diplomatic cover to advance its domestic oil and gas interests and secure new fossil fuel deals. The report finds that not only is the COP 29 President a former executive of SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR appears to be closely involved in the COP, with its president and members of its supervisory board helping organise the conference. The head of SOCAR has already been seen mixing COP and company business while signing new cooperation agreements with international partners.

    The report also finds that the conference may provide potentially lucrative business opportunities to companies with links to the country’s first family. Ahead of the summit, evidence of potentially corrupt activity has continued to emerge, according to the report, including revelations by investigative journalists that a multi-million dollar no-bid contract for COP 29 guest accommodation was awarded to a business owned by the former son-in-law of Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan. Several COP 29 corporate sponsors, or “Green Zone Partners,” also have clear or alleged links to the first family of Azerbaijan.

    The report also points to an almost US$5m public relations campaign for COP 29 – a fee that rivals the $5.8m Azerbaijan paid to UNFCCC to host the conference – that the COP President has praised for improving Azerbaijan’s image, while the Aliyev regime simultaneously heavily represses independent media and civil society. Azerbaijan’s COP 29 organisers have also established an “NGO Coalition,” which includes organisations that the report argues support the propaganda aims of the Aliyev regime. With Azerbaijan’s energy sector heavily dominated by fossil fuels, these tactics mean COP 29 could be abused as a tool for greenwashing, the report argues.

    Transparency International and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective are urging the UNFCCC to take action to safeguard the integrity of COP and prevent hosts of future summits from putting their own agenda before the common good. Recommendations include:

    • Strengthening the process for selecting host countries and corporate sponsors of COPs, ensuring future summits take place in environments where human rights, transparency, freedom of expression and commitment to the goals of the conference are guaranteed.
    • Robust measures to prevent conflicts of interest among hosts, organisers, sponsors and participants from derailing the critical climate deliberations and outcomes.
    • Unrestricted civil society participation and enhanced transparency and accountability rules relating to all COP participants.

    Brice Böhmer, Climate and Environment Lead at Transparency International, said:

    “It is painfully clear that you cannot make meaningful progress against the climate crisis without tackling climate corruption. From influential fossil fuel lobbyists diluting climate commitments to corrupt networks syphoning climate funds, the integrity of the entire global climate framework is at stake.

    “Despite COP now being in its 29th year, there is an unacceptable lack of robust integrity and anti-corruption measures. UNFCCC needs to urgently address the threat posed by corporate interests and fossil fuel industry capture. The integrity standards for COP Presidency need to be the highest possible quality to reestablish trust in the multilateral process.”

    “It is imperative that governments who are committed to keeping the 1.5 degrees Celsius target in sight work closely with the UNFCCC Secretariat to strengthen the guardrails around future COPs.”

    David Szakonyi, Director of the Anti-Corruption Data Collective, said:

    “It is essential that anyone attending this year’s COP, or observing from afar, are wise to the ways that the fossil fuel industry’s interests may be being served. Azerbaijan has been accused of corruption and illicit influence operations in many countries across the world. All too often authoritarian regimes exploit their host status at marquee international events to launder their own reputations, and there are real risks that the same will happen at COP 29 in Azerbaijan. Our report sets out clearly the steps that need to be taken to ensure that COP can be a forum for the ambitious climate action we desperately need.”

    Notes to Editors

    Read the full report: HERE

    Media contact
    Transparency International Secretariat, Berlin
    Telephone: +49 (0) 30 34 38 20 666
    Email: [email protected]

    Transparency International is a global movement with one vision: a world in which government, business, civil society and the daily lives of people are free of corruption. With more than 100 chapters worldwide and an international secretariat in Berlin, we are leading the fight against corruption to turn this vision into reality. www.transparency.org

    The Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC) is a nonprofit group of investigative journalists, data scientists, academics and policy experts working together to expose and prevent the harms to people, planet and politics caused by corporate opacity. www.acdatacollective.org

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Urgent action needed to safeguard integrity of COP as fossil fuel influence looms large in Baku, report warns

    Source: Transparency International

    ‘Unacceptable’ lack of guardrails leaves climate talks vulnerable to undue corporate influence and fossil fuel industry capture.

    The upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) 29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is at high risk of being co-opted to promote a pro-fossil fuel industry agenda, according to a new report by Transparency International (TI) and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC).

    The report, published today, warns that a lack of robust integrity and anti-corruption measures in the UNFCCC arrangements for COP has opened the door for Azerbaijan’s government to use the summit as diplomatic cover to advance its domestic oil and gas interests and secure new fossil fuel deals. The report finds that not only is the COP 29 President a former executive of SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR appears to be closely involved in the COP, with its president and members of its supervisory board helping organise the conference. The head of SOCAR has already been seen mixing COP and company business while signing new cooperation agreements with international partners.

    The report also finds that the conference may provide potentially lucrative business opportunities to companies with links to the country’s first family. Ahead of the summit, evidence of potentially corrupt activity has continued to emerge, according to the report, including revelations by investigative journalists that a multi-million dollar no-bid contract for COP 29 guest accommodation was awarded to a business owned by the former son-in-law of Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan. Several COP 29 corporate sponsors, or “Green Zone Partners,” also have clear or alleged links to the first family of Azerbaijan.

    The report also points to an almost US$5m public relations campaign for COP 29 – a fee that rivals the $5.8m Azerbaijan paid to UNFCCC to host the conference – that the COP President has praised for improving Azerbaijan’s image, while the Aliyev regime simultaneously heavily represses independent media and civil society. Azerbaijan’s COP 29 organisers have also established an “NGO Coalition,” which includes organisations that the report argues support the propaganda aims of the Aliyev regime. With Azerbaijan’s energy sector heavily dominated by fossil fuels, these tactics mean COP 29 could be abused as a tool for greenwashing, the report argues.

    Transparency International and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective are urging the UNFCCC to take action to safeguard the integrity of COP and prevent hosts of future summits from putting their own agenda before the common good. Recommendations include:

    • Strengthening the process for selecting host countries and corporate sponsors of COPs, ensuring future summits take place in environments where human rights, transparency, freedom of expression and commitment to the goals of the conference are guaranteed.
    • Robust measures to prevent conflicts of interest among hosts, organisers, sponsors and participants from derailing the critical climate deliberations and outcomes.
    • Unrestricted civil society participation and enhanced transparency and accountability rules relating to all COP participants.

    Brice Böhmer, Climate and Environment Lead at Transparency International, said:

    “It is painfully clear that you cannot make meaningful progress against the climate crisis without tackling climate corruption. From influential fossil fuel lobbyists diluting climate commitments to corrupt networks syphoning climate funds, the integrity of the entire global climate framework is at stake.

    “Despite COP now being in its 29th year, there is an unacceptable lack of robust integrity and anti-corruption measures. UNFCCC needs to urgently address the threat posed by corporate interests and fossil fuel industry capture. The integrity standards for COP Presidency need to be the highest possible quality to reestablish trust in the multilateral process.”

    “It is imperative that governments who are committed to keeping the 1.5 degrees Celsius target in sight work closely with the UNFCCC Secretariat to strengthen the guardrails around future COPs.”

    David Szakonyi, Director of the Anti-Corruption Data Collective, said:

    “It is essential that anyone attending this year’s COP, or observing from afar, are wise to the ways that the fossil fuel industry’s interests may be being served. Azerbaijan has been accused of corruption and illicit influence operations in many countries across the world. All too often authoritarian regimes exploit their host status at marquee international events to launder their own reputations, and there are real risks that the same will happen at COP 29 in Azerbaijan. Our report sets out clearly the steps that need to be taken to ensure that COP can be a forum for the ambitious climate action we desperately need.”

    Notes to Editors

    Read the full report: HERE

    Media contact
    Transparency International Secretariat, Berlin
    Telephone: +49 (0) 30 34 38 20 666
    Email: [email protected]

    Transparency International is a global movement with one vision: a world in which government, business, civil society and the daily lives of people are free of corruption. With more than 100 chapters worldwide and an international secretariat in Berlin, we are leading the fight against corruption to turn this vision into reality. www.transparency.org

    The Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC) is a nonprofit group of investigative journalists, data scientists, academics and policy experts working together to expose and prevent the harms to people, planet and politics caused by corporate opacity. www.acdatacollective.org

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: CEO Climate Alliance | Gim Huay Neo

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    With climate and biodiversity on the global agenda, the business benefits of net zero are clear, says Gim Huay Neo, co-chair of a Global Alliance of CEO Climate LeadersIn an open letter ahead of #COP29, the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders calls for urgent action to combat climate change.

    Highlighting the critical role of collaborative leadership from business and government, the world’s largest CEO-led climate community is advocating for ambitious, science-based targets to support climate action and spur investment.

    Read the full letter: wef.ch/COP29OpenLetter24

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
    Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L39TNIlTajc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FMQs: Greens call on SNP to reverse cuts to climate budgets and free school meals

    Source: Scottish Greens

    31 Oct 2024 Climate Climate Action

    The Scottish Government must reverse the cuts it made to key budgets.

    More in Climate

    The First Minister must use any new funding from Westminster to reverse the damaging cuts that the Scottish Government has made to climate and nature budgets, says Scottish Green Co-leader Lorna Slater.

    Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Ms Slater underlined the importance of nature restoration and walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure in hitting Scotland’s climate targets.

    In her first question, Ms Slater said:

    “Yesterday the UK Government presented a budget that they claim will put £1.5bn back into the Scottish Government’s budget for this year. 

    “This money should ensure that some of the most damaging cuts announced by the Scottish Government earlier this year should not now need to go ahead. 

    “Spending on the climate and nature emergencies is essential to ensure our planet has a liveable future. Whilst the Scottish Greens were in government, climate and nature spending reached record levels.

    “Will the First Minister commit to using the additional funding announced yesterday for this financial year to restore the funding cuts to the Nature Restoration Fund and active travel budgets, and does this mean that the Scottish Government no longer needs to use up all of the ScotWind funding which was supposed to be invested in our Green future?”

    Following an answer from the First Minister, in which he did not commit to reversing the vast in-year cuts that have been made, Ms Slater called for the First Minister to halt his recent U-turn on rolling out universal free school meals for all primary school pupils.

    Ms Slater said:

    “That’s very disappointing to hear about this year, I’ll ask the First Minister about next year.

    “One of our proudest moments for the Scottish Greens during our time in Government was rolling out free school meals for all children in primary 4 and 5, because we know it’s a simple and effective way to address the impacts of child poverty and make sure every child has the best chance at school.

    “We were on course to expand that to every child in primary school by the end of this session of Parliament, until the Scottish Government put in an indefinite delay on the rollout in this year’s programme for Government. 

    “Given the predicted £3.4bn due to be added to next year’s Scottish Budget, will the First Minister reinstate the promise to deliver free school meals for the remaining pupils in primary 6 and 7 by 2026, as endorsed by this Parliament just a few weeks ago?”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center in Galax, Va. Will Open Nov. 2

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center in Galax, Va. Will Open Nov. 2

    Disaster Recovery Center in Galax, Va. Will Open Nov. 2

    BRISTOL, Va.– A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be opening in Galax at 816 Glendale Rd. on Saturday November 2, 2024, at 8 a.m. Disaster survivors can visit any DRC to receive assistance. This will be the ninth DRC open in the impacted area; to find the DRC closest to you, including addresses and hours, visit FEMA.gov/drc or text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362. A Disaster Recovery Center is an accessible facility that survivors can visit in person to learn more about FEMA and other agencies providing disaster assistance in Virginia. Residents, property owners, and business owners can go to a DRC to apply for assistance and obtain resources from other agencies based on their needs. Survivors do not need an appointment at a DRC to receive assistance. The center is located at:City of Galax816 Glendale RdGalax, VA 24333Hours of operation:Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Closed SundaysSurvivors do not have to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. You can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App on your phone.The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Dec. 2, 2024.If you have received a letter from FEMA about your application status, visit a DRC to learn more about next steps. DRC staff can help you submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process your application and answer any questions you may have. Learn more about what to expect at a DRC here.FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response.For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.  ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination.  FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted at FEMA-OCR-ECRD@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448. 
    erika.osullivan
    Thu, 10/31/2024 – 14:29

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cammack Joins Florida Colleagues In Urging USDA To Expedite Aid For Hurting Florida Agricultural Producers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Kat Cammack joined Congressman Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), and Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, in a letter from the entire Florida delegation writing Secretary Vilsack to strongly urge the USDA take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    “Back-to-back hurricanes have dealt a devastating blow to Florida’s agricultural producers, many of whom are still recovering from the disastrous 2022 season,” said Congressman Franklin. “After four major storms in two years, our farmers and ranchers desperately need help now. One-size-fits-all federal disaster programs consistently fail our state’s agricultural sector, creating onerous application processes and delaying critical aid. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, when USDA administered appropriated funds to Florida through a block grant, the state quickly got help into the hands of our producers.  Putting Florida in the driver’s seat made all the difference. Forgoing a federal program in favor of a state solution is a critical, but simple fix.”

    “The devastation from Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton has hit Florida’s farmers hard, and the impacts are rippling through our state. These back-to-back storms wiped out crops, destroyed infrastructure, and put countless livelihoods in jeopardy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must act swiftly to deliver the critical aid our agricultural producers need to rebuild and recover. Florida can’t do this alone, and our farmers deserve nothing less than our full support,” said Senator Rubio (R-FL).

    “I’m grateful to Congressman Franklin, Senators Rubio and Scott, and the Florida delegation for working together to provide support for our agricultural communities after the two devastating hurricanes this fall,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “When Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region, my colleagues to the south were quick to jump in and support our efforts as the recovery process began, and I’ll be here to do the same with Hurricane Milton in South and Central Florida. Agriculture is one of our state’s top industries and largest exports, and without it and all of the amazing people who work to feed, clothe, and fuel our state, we’d simply never be the same. I look forward to seeing this effort across the finish line and ensuring our producers have everything they need to recover and come back stronger.”

    Specifically, in the letter Rep. Franklin and the Florida delegation:

    1. Emphasize the necessity for the USDA to utilize block grants to distribute aid to Florida and other specialty-crop states, where high volume of disaster program applications overwhelm local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices and delay assistance for producers;
    2. Demand USDA enhance current FSA operations and improve staffing issues;
    3. Urge the USDA to provide a budgetary request to House and Senate Appropriations Committees to ensure Congress can appropriate adequate funding for disaster response;
    4. Discuss crop insurance reforms to help specialty crop producers recover in tandem with disaster aid; and
    5. Reasserts Congress’ desire to collaborate with USDA to ensure proper support for Florida agriculture.

    Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast just 13 days after Helene and brought high winds, flooding and damage across the entire state. Milton’s path impacted some of Florida’s most productive agricultural areas for fruits, vegetables, dairy, cattle, citrus and other specialty crops. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the preliminary estimate of total crop and infrastructure losses ranges from $1.5 to $2.5 billion.

    Congress appropriates relief and disaster funds for the USDA to disburse relief. Currently, it is USDA’s practice to stand up new, unique programs after disasters. These programs are administered by FSA, the USDA subagency charged with helping agricultural producers apply for aid and other USDA assistance programs.

    This practice not only makes the disaster relief process arduous, but also delays delivery of critical assistance for the producers who feed our state and nation. FSA offices across Florida are still having trouble facilitating disaster assistance programs after 2022 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, which were not in the form of a block grant.

    In contrast, block grants administered by the state expedite disbursement, free up personnel at FSA to efficiently carry out routine programs and provide needed flexibility for states. 

    After Hurricane Irma, Congress appropriated relief to help Florida agriculture and USDA delivered that aid through a block grant to the state. The State of Florida was successful in getting that aid without delay.

    You can read the text of the letter here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Infrastructure Sector – Research shows ways to improve our stewardship of infrastructure

    Source: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission

    Whether it is leaky pipes or potholes or cities struggling under demands for growth, New Zealanders will have seen how important it is to look after and plan for infrastructure. A new report from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga speaks to this need, finding ways we can do better in managing our infrastructure.
    The Taking care of tomorrow today: Asset Management State of Play report is a high-level snapshot of New Zealand’s approaches to asset management. It incorporates the findings of independent asset management experts as well as expertise and observations from Te Waihanga.
    Te Waihanga Chief Executive Geoff Cooper says New Zealand’s most formidable challenge is looking after the assets we already have. On this score, the report shows New Zealand is currently sitting at a ‘pass’, but only just.
    “We have inherited $287 billion worth of infrastructure from past generations. But this comes with the obligation of stewardship. The goal should be to proudly hand infrastructure to future generations as a benefit, not a burden. This report highlights some of the challenges to this aspiration, and how we can improve.”
    “Like calendars and to-do lists in our daily lives, following strong plans and processes is central to the task,” Cooper says. “These are efforts that must become business-as-usual; sustained, not over weeks and months, but over years and decades.
    Cooper points to a lack of progress in many sectors over the past 10 years. And while mature processes don’t necessarily guarantee good asset management outcomes, they certainly increase the likelihood of these.
    “When it comes to our public infrastructure, good stewardship should be largely unequivocal and uncontested; simply part of the furniture. Cooper says. “This includes making sure that what we spend on ‘new’ infrastructure versus ‘renewals’ means we are getting the best value for our dollar.”
    Earlier research by Te Waihanga has highlighted that for every $10 spent on building infrastructure, $6 should be spent renewing existing assets and $4 spent on building new.
    The Taking care of tomorrow today report says that we don’t generally have the resourcing and capability needed to support good all-of-life decision-making, and there is opportunity to grow leadership and governance over asset management across most sectors.
    “There’s a need to make sure that the fees and charges funding maintenance keep pace with rising costs. Without this, the funding gap will grow, compromising the quality of infrastructure services we all rely so heavily on.”
    Improvement comes through building committed teams and leaders, the report says. It found pockets of excellence that reveal common characteristics: passionate, high-performing asset management teams; representation around the executive table; and funding that is prioritised, or even ringfenced.
    “We need to create an environment where we can build out these pockets of excellence and set durable, persistent standards across the infrastructure system,” Cooper says. “This will ultimately improve value for money and allow us to start making progress against our infrastructure deficit”
    He points to an example of good asset management and the value this created which was seen during Cyclone Gabrielle – where it’s estimated that the $2 million invested to increase the Taradale stop-banks in Napier may have averted $2 billion in damage and almost certainly saved lives.
    The report sets out eight ambitious recommendations that cover: improving governance and leadership, improving transparency, prioritising infrastructure resilience over ‘recovery’, and building asset management capacity and capability generally.
    Findings from Taking care of tomorrow today: Assert Management State of Play will also be considered as Te Waihanga works to develop a National Infrastructure Plan to provide a long-term view of our infrastructure needs and priorities.
    Key issues and gaps highlighted in Taking care of tomorrow today include:
    – There is limited awareness of the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of asset management in many sectors. We need to look at the big picture when it comes to infrastructure. This includes everything from strategic planning and management of assets through to the day-to-day maintenance.
    – Capability and capacity are the biggest constraints in improving infrastructure asset management maturity in NZ. This includes improving the resourcing and skillset of the asset management workforce, as well as the leadership and governance of the asset management system across most sectors.
    – There is little transparency of infrastructure and asset management performance and planning. This includes a lack of user-friendly access to information on how infrastructure is performing and what future funding intentions are.
    – There is need to better provide for renewal and maintenance of infrastructure. In some cases, funding gaps for maintenance and renewals are known, but there is not always the appetite to achieve the investment required.
    – Demand planning and management needs greater focus and we can go further than a Statistics New Zealand population forecast. This could include greater understanding of demographic change, customer behaviour, demand management strategies and potential future scenarios.
    – Making the most of operational programmes is a key opportunity for improvement. Organisations can usefully quantify the levels of planned versus reactive maintenance to inform more cost-effective approaches to asset management.
    – System and Improvement is one of the lowest scoring functions for all sectors. This is shown in a lack of asset management maturity progress for many sectors over the last ten years.
    The study contains recommendations under four key areas:
    Improving governance and leadership
    1. Strengthen infrastructure asset management requirements and their oversight and enforcement by the relevant system lead.
    2. Require all public major infrastructure providers to have an identified and accountable governance body and/or executive lead for asset management. Other major infrastructure providers should meet this requirement especially where they are providing critical infrastructure.
    Improving transparency in asset management practices, infrastructure performance and medium-long term funding plans.
    3. Require all public major infrastructure providers to periodically undertake an independently verified asset management maturity assessment and publicly report on the results. Other major infrastructure providers should meet this requirement especially where they are providing critical infrastructure.
    4. Require all public major infrastructure providers to publicly disclose a consistent set of asset performance measures, subject to external audit or scrutiny. Other major infrastructure providers should meet this requirement especially where they are providing critical infrastructure.
    5. Require all public major infrastructure providers to publicly disclose a minimum core level, 10-year asset management plan, refreshed at least three-yearly, and subject to external audit or scrutiny. Other major infrastructure providers should meet this requirement especially where they are providing critical infrastructure.
    Better prioritising of resilience over ‘recovery’.
    6. All providers of critical infrastructure should be required to explicitly assess and appropriately prioritise infrastructure resilience through their asset management and renewals cycles in accordance with their strategic objectives. Other major infrastructure providers should be encouraged to meet this requirement.
    Build asset management capacity and capability.
    7. Invest in asset management training programmes and develop a clear training and professional pathway for asset managers.
    8. Improve co-ordination of regional planning across infrastructure sectors, so that future demand requirements can be met.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Approves $1.2 Million to Spanish Fork, Utah for Flood Recovery

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Approves $1.2 Million to Spanish Fork, Utah for Flood Recovery

    FEMA Approves $1.2 Million to Spanish Fork, Utah for Flood Recovery

    DENVER – FEMA has approved $1.2 million to help the city of Spanish Fork repair its water pipeline and damaged embankments. The funding is part of a major disaster declaration by President Biden issued in response to the Spanish Fork River flooding in 2023. Flooding from rapid snow melt damaged part of the drinking water pipeline and embankment in four locations, which affecting the community’s drinking water infrastructure. The $1.2 million in FEMA funding will bring the facility to pre-disaster function, and capacity, while making the waterline stronger to prevent future damages. The project is 75% funded by FEMA. The FEMA Public Assistance program provides funding to governmental agencies and certain private non-profits for eligible disaster response costs. For more information about the Public Assistance program, visit: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public/program-overview.
    anthony.mayne
    Thu, 10/31/2024 – 15:37

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, Ready for Public View

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, Ready for Public View

    Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, Ready for Public View

    DENTON, Texas – Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in all communities and incorporated areas of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community residents can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.This is Lafourche Parish’s first complete set of digital FIRMs. These maps serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Community leaders and residents can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards, development and flood insurance that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flood event.FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv FEMA Flood Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portalFor more information about the flood maps:Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon).Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.
    alexa.brown
    Thu, 10/31/2024 – 15:10

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Steven Guilbeault to make an announcement about dental care in Montréal

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    Montréal, Quebec – October 31, 2024 – Media representatives are advised that the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement about the Canadian Dental Care Plan, on behalf of the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, at a local dentist clinic in Montréal alongside the business owners. He will also be accompanied by Rachel Bendayan, Member of Parliament for Outremont.

    Event: Announcement
    Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
    Time: 12:00 p.m. (EDT)
    Location: Montréal, Quebec

    The location of the media availability will be confirmed only to accredited media representatives who have registered with Media Relations for Environment and Climate Change Canada at the following address: media@ec.gc.ca.

    Contacts

    Hermine Landry
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    873-455-3714
    Hermine.Landry@ec.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Environment and Climate Change Canada
    819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
    media@ec.gc.ca

    Environment and Climate Change Canada’s X (Twitter) page

    Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Facebook page

    Matthew Kronberg
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
    Minister of Health
    343-552-5654
    Matthew.Kronberg@hc-sc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Health Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Five Steps to Keep Your Disaster Recovery on Track

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Five Steps to Keep Your Disaster Recovery on Track

    Five Steps to Keep Your Disaster Recovery on Track

    Recovering from a disaster is a continuous process with many options and it is important for disaster survivors to know the resources available to support their recovery efforts. Depending on your particular needs and the steps you’ve already taken, there are several additional steps you can take to recover from your losses and mitigate your property against future damage.Here is a checklist to ensure you’ve taken all the steps in your federal assistance process:Visit a temporary Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near you. A DRC is a place where you can receive in-person support, speak with FEMA and other federal representatives, upload documents, review the status of your application and submit appeals. Get answers to your questions while the DRC is open. Survivors of the August 18-19, 2024 Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides in Connecticut can visit the following DRC: Until 6 p.m. November 4 – at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 910 Main Street, South, Southbury, CT 06488, operating Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday Closed. Note: This DRC will CLOSE permanently at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 4. NOTE: There will be no DRC service on Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 6.Beginning 8 a.m. November 7 – at Southbury Town Hall, 501 Main Street, South, Southbury, CT 06488, operating Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday Closed. Note: This DRC will be OPEN on Monday, November 11.  Apply for a low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan. SBA disaster loans are not just for businesses. Homeowners, renters and nonprofit organizations may also apply. Next to insurance, an SBA low-interest disaster loan is the primary source of funds for property repairs and for replacing contents destroyed in a disaster event. Know that you are never obligated to accept a loan.To apply with the SBA: visit www.SBA.gov/disaster, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services), or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Survivors of the August 18-19, 2024 Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides in Connecticut can visit the following SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs): Oxford Town Hall, 486 Oxford Road, Oxford, CT 06478, operating Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday Closed.Monroe Police Department, 7 Fam Hill, Monroe, CT 06468, operating Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday Closed.NOTE: On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the SBA Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new SBA Disaster loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, SBA remains committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available. Request continued temporary rental assistance forms. If you received initial rental assistance and remain unable to return to your pre-disaster primary residence due to a disaster declared event, make sure to apply for FEMA’s Continued Rental Assistance. If you did not receive a form by mail, you may request one by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Stay in touch with FEMA. Disaster survivors who applied for assistance from FEMA are asked to please stay in touch with the agency to review their application status, update their contact information and provide required documentation as needed. It is critical to keep in touch with FEMA. Missing or out of date information could slow much needed disaster assistance. Let FEMA know if your address or phone number has changed. Download and use the FEMA Mobile App, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362.  Know your appeal options. If you disagree with FEMA decisions, you have the option to submit additional documentation such as your insurance settlement or prove home ownership or documentation to prove your identity to have your case reconsidered. The appeal should be submitted within 60 days of the initial FEMA decision and include supporting documentation, such as a copy of a verifiable contractor’s estimate for repairs.For questions about federal disaster assistance, call the FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.
    adrien.urbani
    Thu, 10/31/2024 – 16:41

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Laurel Lee Urges USDA to Expedite Aid for Hurting Florida Agriculture Producers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) joined Senators Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18), and the entire Florida delegation in writing Secretary Vilsack to strongly urge the USDA to take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

    “Agriculture is such an important part of Florida’s 15th District, and after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our farmers and producers need our support,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee. “I am urging the USDA to quickly take action and deliver aid to our agriculture producers in Florida who were affected by these disasters so they can get back to feeding America.”

    “The devastation from Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton has hit Florida’s farmers hard, and the impacts are rippling through our state. These back-to-back storms wiped out crops, destroyed infrastructure, and put countless livelihoods in jeopardy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must act swiftly to deliver the critical aid our agricultural producers need to rebuild and recover. Florida can’t do this alone, and our farmers deserve nothing less than our full support,” said Senator Rubio (R-FL).

    “Back-to-back hurricanes have dealt a devastating blow to Florida’s agricultural producers, many of whom are still recovering from the disastrous 2022 season. After four major storms in two years, our farmers and ranchers desperately need help now. One-size-fits-all federal disaster programs consistently fail our state’s agricultural sector, creating onerous application processes and delaying critical aid. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, when USDA administered appropriated funds to Florida through a block grant, the state quickly got help into the hands of our producers. Putting Florida in the driver’s seat made all the difference. Forgoing a federal program in favor of a state solution is a critical, but simple fix,” said Congressman Franklin.

    Specifically, in the letter, the Florida delegation:

    • Emphasize the necessity for the USDA to utilize block grants to distribute aid to Florida and other specialty-crop states, where high volume of disaster program applications overwhelm local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices and delay assistance for producers;
    • Demand USDA enhance current FSA operations and improve staffing issues;
    • Urge the USDA to provide a budgetary request to House and Senate Appropriations Committees to ensure Congress can appropriate adequate funding for disaster response;
    • Discuss crop insurance reforms to help specialty crop producers recover in tandem with disaster aid; and
    • Reasserts Congress’ desire to collaborate with USDA to ensure proper support for Florida agriculture.

    Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast just 13 days after Helene and brought high winds, flooding and damage across the entire state. Milton’s path impacted some of Florida’s most productive agricultural areas for fruits, vegetables, dairy, cattle, citrus and other specialty crops. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the preliminary estimate of total crop and infrastructure losses ranges from $1.5 to $2.5 billion.

    Congress appropriates relief and disaster funds for the USDA to disburse relief. Currently, it is USDA’s practice to stand up new, unique programs after disasters. These programs are administered by FSA, the USDA subagency charged with helping agricultural producers apply for aid and other USDA assistance programs.

    This practice not only makes the disaster relief process arduous, but also delays delivery of critical assistance for the producers who feed our state and nation. FSA offices across Florida are still having trouble facilitating disaster assistance programs after 2022 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, which were not in the form of a block grant.

    In contrast, block grants administered by the state expedite disbursement, free up personnel at FSA to efficiently carry out routine programs and provide needed flexibility for states. After Hurricane Irma, Congress appropriated relief to help Florida agriculture and USDA delivered that aid through a block grant to the state. The State of Florida was successful in getting that aid without delay.

    Cosigners include: Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03); Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13); Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL-02); Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL-21); Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12); Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26); Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL-15); Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL-06); Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27); Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL-11); Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL-04); Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL-08); Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL-05); Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-09); Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19); Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL-7); Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23); Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25); Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL-17); Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL- 22); Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-28); Rep. Federica Wilson (D-FL-24); Rep. Sheila Cherfilus- McCormick (D-FL-20); Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16); Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL-01); Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14)

    You can read the text of the letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Laurel Lee Announces Winner of 2024 Congressional App Challenge

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) announced Eeshan Sakamuri as the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s 15th District for his app, VeteranCare. Sakamuri, a student at Middleton High School, was inspired to create VeteranCare to fulfill a need he noticed within our local veteran population. VeteranCare serves as a centralized hub for our nation’s veterans to find information on benefits, resources, and community support.

    “Congratulations to Eeshan Sakamuri for winning this year’s Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s 15th District,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee. “VeteranCare stands to be a tremendous resource for our nation’s heroes all over the country. I was quite impressed by the talent, knowledge, and creativity of each of the students who submitted their apps. This competition is a wonderful way for students to get involved and to inspire the next generation of trailblazers in the STEM, coding, and computer science fields.”

    Advik Aditya from Middleton High School, earned second place for their app, HurricaneHub. HurricaneHub will provide communities with a unified resource hub to keep residents informed, prepared, and connected in the event of a hurricane.

    Ryan Sumiantoro and Alyssa Hayman from Steinbrenner High School earned third place for their app, SkyBoard. This app provides insights and resources for student’s college readiness as well as personal and professional development tools.

    The Congressional App Challenge was created in 2015 by Congress to promote and highlight Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, and to encourage students to learn coding and computer science skills. The nationwide competition is designed to have students compete against their peers to create an application or “app” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Learn more about the Congressional App Challenge here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips in Atkinson County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips in Atkinson County

    FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips in Atkinson County

    ATLANTA – If you are making repairs to your home after Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, you can get tips from FEMA to make your home safer and stronger.  FEMA Mitigation Specialists will be available to answer questions and offer home improvement tips along with proven methods to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also offer tips and techniques on rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster. The FEMA specialists will be available during the dates and times listed at:LocationPeoples Bank Extension Office24 Fleetwood AvenueWillacoochee GA 31650 Dates and TimesFriday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4 to Friday, Nov. 8 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.
    larissa.hale
    Thu, 10/31/2024 – 18:07

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Cooper Highlights Tourism Industry in Western North Carolina at Grandfather Mountain, Surveys Storm Damage in Avery County

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Cooper Highlights Tourism Industry in Western North Carolina at Grandfather Mountain, Surveys Storm Damage in Avery County

    Governor Cooper Highlights Tourism Industry in Western North Carolina at Grandfather Mountain, Surveys Storm Damage in Avery County
    bconroy

    Today, Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Grandfather Mountain State Park in Avery County to highlight the importance of supporting Western North Carolina’s tourism industry in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Afterward, the Governor assessed damaged areas and spoke with people impacted by the storm in Banner Elk, where he was joined by Western North Carolina native and Grammy-nominated country musician Eric Church.

    “Today I visited beautiful Grandfather Mountain State Park in Avery County and traveled to Banner Elk to see areas that were damaged during Helene,” said Governor Cooper. “Tourism is a critical part of Western North Carolina’s economy, and there are still many wonderful spots in the region open and accepting visitors. I’m grateful for the work of our federal, state and local responders as well as partners like Eric Church who have given time and effort to help communities in need.”

    This week, Governor Cooper signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Western North Carolina native and country musician Eric Church confirming his commitment that publishing royalties from Church’s recent song, “Darkest Hour,” will help fund response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

    Unaccounted For People

    The DPS Task Force to locate unaccounted for people has 7 people remaining on this list. The Task Force has handed over remaining work on this to local law enforcement.

    Travel to Western North Carolina

    Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.

    North Carolina National Guard Response

    More than 1,700 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard continues to help with commodity distribution and critical debris removal alongside local government workers, volunteers and  numerous civilian entities to get much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through this website.

    FEMA Assistance

    Approximately $195 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and approximately 239,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. Over 8,600 people are being helped through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance. Nearly 6,200 registrations for Small Business Administration Loans have been filed.

    Nearly 1,800 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

    North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

    Help from Other States

    More than 1,750 responders from 39 state and local agencies have performed 153 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

    Beware of Misinformation

    North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.

    Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout Western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

    Storm Damage Cleanup

    If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

    Power Outages

    Across Western North Carolina, approximately 2,200 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

    Road Closures

    Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.

    NCDOT currently has more than 2,000 employees and more than 900 pieces of equipment working on damaged road sites.

    Fatalities

    101 storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.

    Volunteers and Donations

    If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.

    For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc.

    Additional Assistance

    There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

    If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

    For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

    If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    ###

    Oct 31, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: A Proclamation on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month,  2024

    Source: The White House

         From the energy that powers our homes to the networks that connect us and the systems that protect our health and safety, our critical infrastructure keeps our economy thriving and our communities secure.  This Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, we recommit to strengthening our country’s critical infrastructure and building an America that is safe and secure for generations to come.

         This year, I signed a National Security Memorandum to secure and enhance the resilience of United States critical infrastructure — updating the policy for the first time in a decade.  This represents the launch of a new era in protecting our infrastructure against all threats and hazards by safeguarding our strong and innovative economy and enhancing our collective resilience to disasters before they happen.  But there is more to do.  Climate change is making natural disasters more frequent, ferocious, and costly — endangering our supply chains, creating more instability for our communities, and straining the critical infrastructure Americans depend on for their livelihoods.  And we need to stay vigilant against adversaries that seek to maliciously target our critical infrastructure, including through cyberattacks.  

         To meet this moment, my Administration made a once-in-a-generation investment in our Nation’s infrastructure — creating an opportunity to build in resilience to all hazards upfront and by design.  Through my American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS and Science Act, we are investing billions of dollars to secure and bolster our infrastructure.  That includes improving our electric grid so that people can maintain power in any situation, elevating roads and bridges over possible flood zones, funding community resilience programs, and more.  These investments have not only helped to protect Americans — they have benefited our economy, creating jobs and new possibilities for our communities.  At the NATO summit this year, I announced an arrangement with Canada and Finland to collaborate on the production of polar icebreakers.  The partnership will advance United States economic and national security interests by strengthening our shipbuilding and industrial capacity while simultaneously opening up new trade routes and pushing back against foreign aggression and bolstering our international alliances.  This year, I also announced a United States Port Security Initiative to reverse our dependence on foreign manufactured port equipment.

         Ensuring our Nation is resilient in the face of threats also means working with other nations around the globe to build better, stronger, and more sustainable infrastructure.  At the G7 Summit in June, I was proud to announce the historic progress we have made with our Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.  This initiative will strengthen United States national and economic security for Americans at home and enable sustainable economic growth for partner countries.  To date, we have mobilized $60 billion to create high-quality global infrastructure.  That comes on top of our work with the European Union and African heads of state to develop the Lobito Corridor as well as our work with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia to expand regional and global trade markets through the Port of Lobito in Angola.  We continue to pursue opportunities to expand our investments across Africa and around the world, including the Indo-Pacific, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Western Hemisphere.  Investments like these create more shared opportunities, prosperity, and security for everyone.

         Across the Nation, America is writing the greatest comeback story we have ever known — people are putting shovels in the ground, founding new businesses, and creating hope for entire communities.  It is more important now than ever before that we remain vigilant against any threats that seek to undermine our collective security and prosperity. 

         During Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, we recommit to safeguarding and strengthening our Nation’s critical infrastructure to save lives and allow our Nation to continue doing what it does best:  creating new possibilities.

         NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of protecting our Nation’s infrastructure and to observe this month with appropriate measures to enhance our national security and resilience.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                                   JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate Hadja Lahbib – Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

    Source: European Parliament

    Commissioner-designate Hadja Lahbib © European Commission

    On 6 November, the confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate for Preparedness and Crisis Management, and Equality, Hadja Lahbib (Belgium) will take place.

    The confirmation hearing will be led jointly by the DEVE, FEMM, and LIBE Committees. EMPL and SANT Committees are also invited to this hearing. It will take place between 9 to 12 am. Within the ENVI Committee’s remit, the Commissioner-designate will reply to questions concerning the enhancing of the Union’s crisis management via mechanisms like the UCPM and RescEU, ensuring adequate resources in the current and upcoming MFF, and providing equitable financial support for regions affected by disasters. ENVI Members will also question her on preparedness strategies, health emergencies, DG HERA’s role, the integration of disaster prevention into EU policies, the future Climate Adaptation Plan, and balancing EU stockpiling strategies. The hearing will be the basis for the coordinators of the committees responsible to assess whether the Commissioner-designate is qualified both to be a member of the College of Commissioners and to carry out the specific tasks assigned to her.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Confirmation hearing of EU Commissioner-designate Wopke Hoekstra – Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

    Source: European Parliament

    Wopke Hoekstra_0.png © European Commission

    On 7 November, the confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra (Netherlands) will take place.

    The confirmation hearing will be led jointly by the ENVI, ITRE and ECON Committees. TRAN, EMPL and FISC Committees are also invited. The hearing is expected to last three hours from 9 to 12 am. As regards the topics in the remit of the ENVI Committee, the Commissioner-designate will reply to questions on the adaptation to climate change, the EU climate change diplomacy, its role in achievement of the long term goal of Paris Agreement, priorities for upcoming COP29 and phasing-out fossil fuel subsidies. He may also tackle the conditions for a new 2040 climate target and the post-2030 legislative architecture. He will also address the implementation of 2030 climate legislative framework and ensuring fair transition to a climate-neutral economy. The hearing will be the basis for the coordinators of the committees responsible to assess whether the Commissioner-designate is qualified both to be a member of the College of Commissioners and to carry out the specific tasks assigned to him.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Restructuring at Audi in Brussels – E-001518/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to preserving manufacturing in Europe while ensuring a just transition and sustainable competitiveness. It is following with high attention and concern the recent developments in the EU automotive industry.

    The EU is supporting the automotive industry by tackling supply chain difficulties with the Critical Raw Materials Act[1], the Net-Zero Industry Act[2], Battery Regulation[3] and the Chips Act[4] as well as raw materials partnerships[5].

    It has defined a regulatory environment to encourage the transition to smart mobility with the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy[6], the AI Act[7], the Data Act[8] and the Cyber Resilience Act[9]. The EU also provides substantial financial support for the industry’s transformation to electromobility along the whole value chain[10].

    Moreover, the EU has put a robust framework in place for the transition to zero-emission mobility by setting binding CO2 targets[11] for vehicle manufacturers, which are complemented by measures aimed to ensure a fair transition[12], while recognising that further initiatives are needed to strengthen the EU’s just transition policy framework[13], with a focus on anticipation and management of change.

    For instance, the Commission will monitor the socioeconomic impacts of these measures with a first progress report in 2025, including on adequate financial measures to ensure a just transition and to mitigate any negative impacts, in particular in the regions and the communities most affected.

    The Commission has taken note of the analysis of the automotive industry’s challenges in the Draghi report[14] and will consider further measures in the context of the announced future industrial action plan for the automotive industry.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202401252
    • [2]  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202401735
    • [3]  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32023R1542
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32023R1781. The Chips Act has spurred substantial industry investment in semiconductor manufacturing capacity, which is crucial for advancing both the electrification and digitalisation of the automotive industry: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-approves-eu5-billion-german-state-aid-measure-support-esmc-setting-new-semiconductor
    • [5] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/raw-materials/areas-specific-interest/raw-materials-diplomacy_en
    • [6] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/mobility-strategy_en
    • [7] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AL_202401689
    • [8] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/2854
    • [9] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52022PC0454
    • [10] Funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), to support for instance the conversion of automotive plants and national schemes to incentivise fleet renewal (e.g. https://www.mintur.gob.es/en-us/recuperacion-transformacion-resiliencia/paginas/perte.aspx; https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/germanys-recovery-and-resilience-plan/germanys-recovery-and-resilience-supported-projects-nation-wide-investment-scheme_en) and funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to support the deployment of charging infrastructure (https://transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/commission-makes-eu1bn-available-recharging-and-refuelling-points-under-connecting-europe-facility-2024-02-29_en).
    • [11] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32023R0851, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32019R0631
    • [12] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022H0627(04), implemented notably in the context of the European Semester and the Energy Union and Climate Action Governance Regulation.
    • [13] E.g. European Parliament resolution on job creation — the just transition and impact investments, 2022/2170(INI), 23 November 2023, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2023-0438_EN.html
    • [14] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/strengthening-european-competitiveness/eu-competitiveness-looking-ahead_en
    Last updated: 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Convenes 2024-2025 Arkansas Congressional Youth Cabinet

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    LITTLE ROCK, Ark. –– U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) launched the eighth year of his Congressional Youth Cabinet on Tuesday at the Old State House Museum in Little Rock. The meeting brought together 114 high school juniors who were selected from public, private, charter and homeschool students across the state for their involvement and leadership in their communities.
    “The Congressional Youth Cabinet benefits Arkansas students and families as well as their communities by promoting a healthy public policy dialogue and developing the next generation of leaders in our state. I am pleased to welcome this group of bright young people to contribute their ideas and experiences as we explore legislative solutions to the issues that interest them most,” Boozman said. “Their enthusiasm for enhancing their own understanding of civic engagement and helping shape the future of our state and country is inspiring.”

    Senator Boozman and Congressional Youth Cabinet participants in Little Rock.
    The Congressional Youth Cabinet is a non-partisan program that gives students insight and experience with the legislative process. The students will attend meetings throughout the year and work in teams to select and research national issues. In the spring, the students will present their policy recommendations to the senator.
    Click here for more photos from the CYC kick-off.
    The following students were selected to participate in the Congressional Youth Cabinet for the 2024-2025 school year:
    1st Congressional District

    Jack Coleman – Mountain Home
    Mark Gregory Green – Harrison
    Lindsay Dunsing – Alpena
    Luke Wilkins – Batesville
    Penelope Jackson – Melbourne
    Natalie Rodriguez – Cabot
    Ella Curry – Alpena
    Suraya Tennison – Alpena
    Sara Hinson – Bergman
    Kayla Thorndike – Cabot
    Adam Stanisor – Cabot
    Bryce Veasman – Cabot
    Kaitlyn Carmical – Cabot
    Jeremy Jason – Lake City
    Andrew Boots – Jonesboro
    Spencer May – Jonesboro
    Sam Vaught – Wynne

    Christian Boykin – Earle
    Ajiah Parker – Earle
    Aryanna Perry – Earle
    Jada Maples – Earle
    Lucas White – Manila
    Kera Fesperman – Marion
    Penelope Marie Salas – Marion
    Gabrielle Weathers – Lepanto
    Harlynn Robertson – Jonesboro
    Deven Isbell – Jonesboro
    William Crader – Jonesboro
    Bentley McCoy – Clarendon
    Sam Sabbatini – Hazen
    Hailey Nichols – Wynne
    Derek Lately Jr. – Earle
    Zavion Maples – Earle
    Kialynn Mitchell – Earle

    2nd Congressional District

    Claira Tittle – Searcy
    Landon Hillman – Jacksonville
    Eva Harrell – Maumelle
    Yusuf Taha Guven – Little Rock
    Jayden Branch – Jacksonville
    Garrett Fisher – Greenbrier
    Fatimah Jabbar – North Little Rock
    Zachary Tancinco – Searcy
    Canadee Mosley – Conway
    Jil Patel – Jacksonville

    Luis Denilso Calderon – Little Rock
    Katharine Wekly – Conway
    Savannah Shelley – Little Rock
    Gregory Lin – Searcy
    Grabiela Valadez-Rizo – Little Rock
    Lisandro Isai Salas – Little Rock
    Ashlynn Pecanty – Maumelle
    Damian Morales – Little Rock
    David Salinas – Bryant
    Ethan Bolton – Jacksonville
    Sophie Swiney – Bradford

    3rd Congressional District

    Schuyler Henehan – Fort Smith
    Robinson Skaggs – Bentonville
    Cole Kessman – Fayetteville
    Kyndall Richey – Bentonville
    Manvitha Narasimhan – Bentonville
    Evalyn Clark – Bentonville
    Lily Cate Caldwell – Bentonville
    Matthew Velasquez-Amaya – Fort Smith
    Preston Thai – Bentonville
    Khant Sin – Fayetteville
    Evangelina Hernandez – Fort Smith
    Grayson Proctor – Lavaca
    Adrian Gonzalez – Lavaca
    Sydney Turner – Fayetteville
    Lydia Parsley – Springdale
    Terri Michelle Turner – Fort Smith
    Alee Thongprachanh – Fort Smith
    Colt Hood – Greenland

    Caroline Sanders – Bentonville
    Sullivan Shepard – Rogers
    Oakley Allen – Fort Smith
    Weston Arnett – Greenwood
    Jadyn Patterson – Bentonville
    Saqib Memon – Fayetteville
    Sarah Amor – Fort Smith
    Clara Hibbard – Mountainburg
    Drake Norris – Fort Smith
    Madelyn Maxey – Fort Smith
    Aubree Stewart – Springdale
    Aneeka Srivastava – Bentonville
    Nidhi Nair – Bentonville
    Grace Dickinson – Tontitown
    Tatum Grace Loe – Fort Smith
    Nathan Barney – Bentonville
    Jude Alfaouri – Fayetteville
    Claire Hassler – Fort Smith
    Hannah Elliott – Greenwood

    4th Congressional District

    Dana Liu – Russellville
    Ian Warnick – Russellville
    Peyton Gustave Blasé – Ozark
    David Culver – Ozark
    Sydnie Herriage – Ozark
    Elizabeth Harrison – Russellville
    Mallory Cloud – Russellville
    Audrey Rogers – Russellville
    Tristan Marrufo – DeQueen
    Kyle Williamson – DeQueen
    Miley Byler – DeQueen

    Isabel Rivas – Russellville
    Hannah Grace Skinner – Texarkana
    Christian Hunter – Arkadelphia
    Yasmine Sakr – Hot Springs
    Mary Lopez-Furlong – Hot Springs
    Tucker Arnold – Hot Springs
    Heather Atchley – Sheridan
    Madilynn Stuffle – Hot Springs
    Alexandria Evans – White Hall
    Blake Levi Jimerson – Sheridan
    Carson Brody Lyons – Sheridan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP RECEIVES “FRIEND OF FARM BUREAU” AWARD

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    BRINSON, Ga. – Yesterday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) received the Friend of the Farm Bureau Award from the Georgia Farm Bureau at a ceremony hosted at Glenn Heard Farms in Brinson.

    “I want to thank the Georgia Farm Bureau for this award and honor. It has been my pleasure to work with the Farm Bureau and I will always be a strong voice in Washington for our farmers and producers,” said Congressman Bishop. “The agriculture industry is crucial to our country, contributing over one trillion dollars to the U.S. economy, and that is over $80 billion in Georgia alone. Whether through the Farm Bill or the annual appropriations process, I will always work towards ensuring that Congress provides the programs and resources needed to make sure Americans continue to have the safest, most affordable, and most abundant food and fiber.”

    “Today we gathered farmers in Georgia’s 2nd congressional district with Congressman Sanford Bishop to present him with his 2024 Friend of Farm Bureau Award,” said Ben Parker, National Affairs Coordinator for the Georgia Farm Bureau. “Through this gesture we are happy to show our support for all the many beneficial acts Bishop has carried through his years of being a true friend and champion for Georgia agriculture.”

    “Congressman Bishop has a been a tremendous friend and supporter of agriculture during his time in Congress. His door is always open to discuss the pressing issues that face agriculture all across our country,” said Tommy Dollar, President of Dollar Farms in Bainbridge, Georgia. “We need disaster assistance for our farmers that were devastated by Hurricane Helene and we need economic relief for those farmers who have been devastated by input costs. We also need a Farm Bill so that the AG community will have certainty in the days ahead. Congressman Bishop will fight to make sure that these issues are addressed, and he is indeed a friend of Agriculture.”

    “Congressman Bishop has been a friend to the Farm Bureau, but more importantly a friend to American Agriculture,” said Andy Bell of Bell Farms in Climax, Georgia. “This award represents his commitment to ensuring that the United States will continue to have the safest food and fiber anywhere in the world while providing all of the necessary resources that our farmers need for the food security of the world.”

    Congressman Bishop is one of the most senior members of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and, as such, is the top Democrat on the subcommittee that funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, the Food & Drug Administration, and related agencies. He is also a member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee which oversees and crafts the country’s agriculture and nutrition policies and programs.

    An agriculture issues leader, he regularly works across the aisle to craft legislation and support funding for programs that are vital to the well-being of America’s farmers.

    Earlier this month, he led a farm tour of Minor Brothers Farms in Sumter County. He was joined by Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), who are the Republican and Democratic leaders of the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.

    In May 2024, Congressman Bishop voted in support of the Farm Bill passed by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. In September, he sent a letter to House and Senate leaders and to the House Agriculture Committee leadership urging them to set aside differences and commit to pass a Farm Bill before the end of this Congress.

    House Republican leaders have not scheduled the Farm Bill for a vote. Some Republicans and Democrats have raised budgetary concerns about the bill and the U.S. Senate is working on its own version of the Farm Bill. Congressman Bishop remains committed to working towards a bipartisan bill this year that will get the full support of the U.S. Congress and that can be signed into law by President Biden.

    ###

    PHOTO CAPTION: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP RECEIVED THE FRIEND OF THE FARM BUREAU AWARD FROM THE GEORGIA FARM BUREAU IN BRINSON, GA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 5 things you can do to end the biodiversity crisis as the world talks about it at COP16

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jim Radford, Associate Professor, Ecology and Environment, La Trobe University

    The world is charging towards tipping points for species extinctions, ecosystem collapse and loss of genetic diversity. Crossing these tipping points will be devastating for nature and human existence alike.

    Avoiding this catastrophe of humanity’s making is the purpose of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in Cali, Colombia. COP16 has been reviewing progress on implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at COP15 in Montreal, Canada, in 2022. Progress has been incremental at best.

    These pledges, plans and goals, while necessary and commendable, are also far removed and often intangible for everyday citizens. Collective global action is inherently political. It moves at glacial pace when urgent action is needed.

    The issues can seem so colossal and complex that individuals often feel powerless. This may mean they do nothing or, worse, add to the problem. But, in fact, there are five steps individuals can take to help end the biodiversity crisis.

    So why isn’t government action enough?

    COP16 wraps up on November 1, but has so far failed to live up to expectations. The COP16 chair claims it has put biodiversity “on an equal footing” with climate. However, solid commitments have yet to emerge.

    For example, before COP16, governments had pledged only US$250 million (A380 million) of the estimated $200 billion per year required by 2030 for the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund. Pledges of another $163 million this week take the total number of contributors to a mere 12.

    Only 15% of countries (including Australia) met the deadline to submit their plans to meet the goals set at COP15. These include protecting at least 30% of the world’s land and water and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.

    And plans do not guarantee action. Indeed, the world has never achieved a single global nature target set by such initiatives.

    Our everyday decisions can’t be divorced from nature

    “Natural capital” is a buzzword in global initiatives, government policies, marketing slogans and sustainability frameworks worldwide. Natural capital refers to all living and non-living natural resources that provide products and services of value to society. In essence, it’s what we commonly call “nature”.

    Understanding and managing natural capital is crucial for conserving biodiversity, addressing climate change and ensuring future generations’ wellbeing by not exceeding our planetary boundaries. It’s why we’ve recently created the Natural Capital Primer. It’s a website that explains how our everyday lives, businesses and economies depend on nature.

    By understanding our connection to nature, we can all reduce our impact on nature. Here are five ways you can make a difference, starting today.

    The Natural Capital Primer explains the concept, aiming to shift attitudes toward nature and promote global conservation.

    1. Cut consumption when you can

    Do you really need to update your mobile phone, your summer wardrobe or your flat-screen TV? What we buy reverberates around the globe.

    Our demand for new products affects resource extraction (leading to habitat loss), carbon emissions (propelling climate change) and pollution (degrading habitat). These impacts are often far from where we make our purchases. From the lithium in our phones to the plastics in our clothes and the metals in our vehicles, our consumption drives demand, which almost inevitably harms biodiversity.

    If you do need to replace something, consider buying second-hand or products made from recycled materials.

    2. Watch what you eat

    Agriculture is the single greatest driver of changes in land use and biodiversity loss. We all need to eat, of course, but where possible buy local and sustainably produced foods.

    Reducing processed foods in your shopping trolley is a good start. Cutting your intake of over-fished, wild-caught seafood, red meat and palm oil-based products will also help. This issue is not straightforward because these products are available as a confusing mix of unsustainable and sustainable options.

    A further complication, made worse by the rise of greenwashing, is that it can be hard to work out exactly what is in certain foods or where they came from. Sustainability certification and apps (GoodFish Australia, for example) can help consumers make better choices.

    3. Choose renewable energy

    The climate and biodiversity crises are inseparable. Neither can be resolved in isolation. For example, nature-based solutions, such as protecting forests as carbon sinks, will help with both the climate crisis and biodiversity.

    With greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change, which threatens many species, a whole range of our choices determine the impacts of our energy use. From your mode of transport to powering your home, choose renewable energy sources.

    Tech giants such as Google and Amazon are turning to nuclear energy to power their generative AI and cloud storage in an effort to reduce their climate impact. However, 100% renewable energy is realistic if consumers demand it from their power companies and governments.

    4. Get your hands dirty

    You can take direct action to protect and increase biodiversity. Volunteer or donate to environmental projects in your neighbourhood. Not only will this make you feel good, but revegetation and habitat restoration do improve local biodiversity.

    Many grass-roots, community-driven projects are making a difference on the ground. They range from urban restoration work, such as the Merri Creek restoration in Melbourne, to forest stewardship projects, such as Tarwin River Forest in Gippsland, Victoria. Get local and get involved!

    5. Adjust expectations and accept responsibility

    People in wealthy countries (such as Australia) have both the biggest environmental footprints and the most capacity to adapt. They must lead change.

    The process starts with increasing awareness of the issues and taking responsibility for change. That includes adjusting our expectations about how and where we live.

    Small changes are magnified when repeated by millions of people. We should never doubt the power of cumulative impact. After all, it’s what got us into this mess in the first place.

    So while governments and corporations haggle, posture and delay over global targets and policies, we can all start right now to make a difference through smarter decisions and sustainable choices.

    Jim Radford receives funding from Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, the National Environmental Science Program Resilient Landscapes Hub, Transport for NSW, SmartSat CRC, Macdoch Foundation and Australian Wool Innovation. He is a member of Standards Australia Biodiversity Committee and North Central CMA Science Advisory Panel.

    – ref. 5 things you can do to end the biodiversity crisis as the world talks about it at COP16 – https://theconversation.com/5-things-you-can-do-to-end-the-biodiversity-crisis-as-the-world-talks-about-it-at-cop16-242205

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Disaster Assistance Available to Havasupai Tribe Private Nonprofit Organizations

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    “As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit organizations in Havasupai Tribe following President Biden’s federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of flooding that occurred Aug. 22-23, announced Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.

    “Private nonprofit organizations should contact FEMA Public Assistance Branch Chief Michael Gayrard by calling (510) 627-7761 or emailing michael.gayrard@fema.dhs.gov to obtain information about applicant briefings,” said Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “At the briefings, private nonprofit representatives will need to provide information about their organization,” continued Sánchez. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will use that information to determine if the private nonprofit provides an “essential governmental service” and is a “critical facility” as defined by law. FEMA may provide the private nonprofit with a Public Assistance grant for their eligible costs. SBA encourages all private nonprofit organizations to apply with SBA for disaster loan assistance.

    SBA may lend private nonprofits up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    For certain private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help with meeting working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the nonprofit suffered any property damage.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez added. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

    The interest rate is 3.25 percent with terms up to 30 years. The deadline to apply for property damage is Dec. 24, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 25, 2025.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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    About the U.S. Small Business Administration
    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African health ministers, delegates adopt declaration on climate change and health

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    HARARE, Zimbabwe, October 31, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Health ministers and delegates from 20 African countries today adopted a landmark declaration to enhance climate resilience within health systems and address the profound health impacts of climate change on the continent.

    The Harare Declaration, endorsed during the first Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC), calls for immediate and collaborative action from a wide array of stakeholders—including governments, academic institutions, funding agencies and civil society—to combat the detrimental health effects of climate change and improve the well-being of African populations.

    Speaking at the official opening of the conference, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe said, “Climate change is not merely an environmental disaster. It is a public health emergency and I firmly believe the recommendations from this conference will pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable continent, where no one and no place is left behind”.

    The declaration which aligns with the newly WHO adopted framework for building climate-resilient and sustainable health systems in the African region, was endorsed by health ministers and representatives from countries engaged in the WHO-led Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health Initiative (ATACH) and over 500 participants at CHAC.

    “Our region deals with multiple climate-induced emergencies every year. Ensuring health systems resilience is key. I applaud the commitments taken by health policy makers to build climate-resilient health systems that can adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.  

    Africa faces an escalating burden of climate-sensitive diseases, with increasing transmission of vector- and waterborne illnesses. Recent statistics reveal a 14% rise in malaria transmissions in 2023, potentially putting an additional 147-171 million people at risk by 2030. Additionally, 18 African countries reported cholera outbreaks linked to natural disasters, contributing to a staggering 836 600 cases between January 2023 and March 2024, alongside widespread malnutrition and population displacement.

    Recognizing the disproportionate burden of climate-related health risks faced by African populations, the declaration presents a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges. It emphasizes the need to strengthen research and knowledge generation by investing in studies that assess the specific impacts of climate change on health in Africa and identify effective interventions. Enhancing policy and decision-making is also crucial by integrating climate change considerations into national health policies and strategies to ensure that health is prioritized in climate action plans.

    The declaration also highlights the importance of improving surveillance and early warning systems to track climate-related health risks, enabling timely and effective responses.

    Additionally, it calls for building climate-resilient health systems by enhancing the capacity of health infrastructures to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including through necessary upgrades and workforce training.

    During CHAC, the WHO Regional Office for Africa, in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust, hosted a high-level meeting to promote collaboration among health and climate stakeholders. The meeting was an opportunity to evaluate countries implementation of past Conference of the Parties (COP) commitments and define a roadmap for climate and health in Africa.

    With support from WHO, 29 African countries have joined ATACH, signaling dedication to safeguarding the health and well-being of their population.  The WHO-Wellcome Trust side event provided delegates with a platform to discuss actionable strategies for integrating health priorities into global climate frameworks and strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration.  

    The Climate and Health Africa conference is hosted by the Centre for Sexual Health, HIV and AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Zimbabwean Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the WHO Regional Office for Africa amongst other partners.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Webster Joins Senators Scott & Rubio, Florida Delegation Urging USDA to Expedite Aid for Florida Agricultural Producers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Daniel Webster (11th District of Florida)

    Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, along with Congressman Scott Franklin (R-FL), Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and the entire Florida delegation sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the USDA to take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 
     
    “These back-to-back major hurricanes have decimated Florida agriculture, our state’s second largest industry, which generates more than $182.6 billion in annual revenue and provides more than 2.5 million jobs,” the members wrote. “As Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to work with USDA to best assist the producers who feed our nation.”
     
    The full text of the letter is below. 
     
    Dear Secretary Vilsack:
     
    We write to strongly urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) take immediate action to deliver critical aid to agricultural producers affected by recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. These back-to-back major hurricanes have decimated Florida agriculture, our state’s second largest industry, which generates more than $182.6 billion in annual revenue and provides more than 2.5 million jobs.
     
    Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast just 13 days after Helene and brought high winds, flooding and damage across the entire state. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences (FDACS), the preliminary estimate of total crop and infrastructure losses ranges from $1.5 to $2.5 billion, and the State of Florida has requested federal agriculture disaster designations for impacted counties in response to both storms.
     
    Milton’s path impacted some of Florida’s most productive agricultural areas for aquaculture, avocados, bell peppers, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, cattle, citrus, christmas trees, corn, cotton, cucumbers, dairy, equine, floriculture, grapes, leafy greens, mangos, other animal products, peaches, peanuts, pecans, potatoes, poultry, rice, snap beans, soybeans, strawberries, sugarcane, sweet corn, tangerines, tomatoes, watermelons, and more. Agricultural lands and agribusiness more than 100 miles away from the eye of the storm experienced tornadoes and other devastating effects which compounded losses.
     
    Block Grants:
     
    In 2018, after Hurricane Irma, Congress appropriated relief to Florida agriculture and USDA delivered that aid through a block grant to the state. The State of Florida was successful in getting that aid to those in need quickly and efficiently. During a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture hearing held on March 9, 2023, USDA Inspector General Phyllis K. Fong was asked about the effectiveness of this block grant and she stated, “[i]n that instance, FSA successfully partnered with Florida to deliver assistance to the citrus farmers.” She went on to say: “I think that is an example, within your own state, where that kind of block grant program can work.” We ask that you support both an appropriation request and authority to deliver the assistance in the form of a block grant to our state.
     
    USDA must work to deliver aid to communities affected by disasters as quickly and efficiently as possible. FSA offices across Florida are still having trouble facilitating disaster assistance programs designed to help after 2022 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. However, these funds were not in the form of a block grant and as a result, there are hundreds of producers who are still awaiting assistance.
     
    Creating a new disaster program each time funds are appropriated by Congress not only complicates the disaster relief application process, but also delays delivery of critical assistance for the producers who feed our state and nation. Block grants administered by the state expedite disbursement, free up personnel at FSA to efficiently carry out routine programs and provide needed flexibility for states.
     
    As you are aware, the Block Grant Assistance Act (H.R 662 & S.180) was designed to authorize USDA to administer calendar year 2022 disaster relief via block grants. This would give USDA the ability, when reasonable, to issue block grants and expedite payment to producers. This bill is cosponsored by the entire Florida delegation and unanimously passed the House on June 12, 2023. We remain steadfast in our support for standing block grant authority and continue to urge USDA to support this measure giving them additional flexibility in administering disaster programs.
     
    Farm Service Agency:
     
    Unlike most commodity crop programs, Florida specialty crop programs are disaster based and time consuming to deliver. Additionally, permanent FSA staff are needed in the county offices to administer the USDA disaster programs efficiently and effectively. We ask that USDA approve an expedited review of applications and deployment of existing authority for FSA offices to waive requirements that are redundant or unnecessary.
     
    In many other states, straightforward programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage enable producers to easily enroll and receive payments. These routine programs influence FSA workload metrics and help the agency prioritize personnel and resources. However, the situation differs significantly in Florida with specialty crops. Most of our programs are disaster-based, which are notably more time-consuming to administer and manage. These factors are not accounted for when allocating staff. As a result, our FSA county offices are not adequately staffed and have not finalized Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) payments to producers for 2022.
     
    Disaster Appropriation:
     
    Per USDA data, losses in agriculture across calendar year 2022 totaled $14 billion, yet Congress only appropriated $3.7 billion in relief to our nation’s producers in the December 2022 omnibus. We recognize this led to difficult decisions on how to distribute the disaster assistance. However, the “Progressive Payment Factor” being applied to ERP 2022 payments was an unnecessary and harmful program flaw that has resulted in the producers who suffered the most severe losses receiving pennies on the dollars in assistance. Federal disaster assistance is never meant to make producers whole, but Congress has a duty to prevent a failure like this from occurring again. We look forward to working with USDA to ensure adequate funding for 2023 and 2024 losses.
     
    Improved Crop Insurance Options:
     
    Crop insurance is another tool USDA can use to improve the farm safety net alongside these suggestions for improving delivery of FSA disaster programs. The 2024 Farm Bill that passed the House Committee on Agriculture includes language to improve crop insurance options for specialty crop growers, including the Temperature Endorsement for Multi-Peril Policies (TEMP) Act (H.R.6186 & S.3253).4 Many of Florida’s specialty crop growers do not have insurance on their crops because of the high price of the premiums and low payouts from claims. The Florida Delegation will continue its efforts to work with USDA to prioritize improving crop insurance options for growers as outlined in the 2024 Farm Bill passed by the House Committee on Agriculture earlier this year.
     
    To ensure USDA and Congress are equipped to provide adequate support for producers, please respond to the following questions and provide the following documents and information no later than November 29, 2024.

    1. A statement of agency policy for utilization of block grants within USDA disaster-based programs.
    2. A document detailing calendar year 2024 calendar year losses up to October 29, 2024, and a budgetary request to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to ensure adequate funding of relief programs.
    3. An updated document detailing FSA county office leadership, and how many FTEs are employed at each.
    4. A report on the number of FTEs Florida FSA offices need to efficiently administer a disaster-based program to Florida producers.
    5. A plan for strike team deployment to Florida FSA offices including timeline, number of employees and where these teams will be placed.

    As Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to work with USDA to best assist the producers who feed our nation. We appreciate your attention to this urgent matter.
     
    Sincerely,
     
     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden Announce $46 Million to Boost the Klamath Basin

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    October 30, 2024

    Federal funding will help restore the Klamath River’s habitat following historic dam removal and further protect endangered C’waam, Koptu, and salmon

    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is investing a total of $46,191,133 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to boost ecosystem restoration and enhance water quality and reliability through 24 projects throughout the Klamath Basin—12 of which are taking place in Oregon.

    This latest federal funding wave from the landmark law will largely fuel the Klamath River’s recovery and habitat restoration efforts following the removal of the four lower Klamath Dams in 2024—the largest dam removal effort in U.S. history.

    “A key to restoring the Klamath Basin is major federal investments that will support collaborative ecosystem restoration and water improvement efforts. This funding will continue ongoing efforts I helped energize alongside the Klamath Tribes and other stakeholders to save the C’waam and Koptu, and restore the aquatic habitat and ecosystems of the Klamath River following the historic removal of the four lower Klamath Dams,” said Merkley, who visited Northern California earlier in October to tour a former dam site and celebrate removal alongside Tribes and other key partners. “Since the dams came out, we’ve seen the salmon returning home for the first time in generations. This federal investment champions projects that help ensure the C’waam, Koptu, and salmon all have an ecosystem to thrive in, while also prioritizing efforts that help this unique region’s water go farther for the Tribes, farmers, fish, and vital ecosystems that rely on it.”

    “Restoration of the Klamath Basin requires significant resources just like these to catalyze the work that’s needed locally to build a stronger ecosystem and improve water quality,” Wyden said. “This fresh federal investment in the region and the big gains it will generate for jobs, recreation, and habitat will work to ensure the area’s farmers, Tribes and communities can grow and thrive for generations to come.”

    As Chairman of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, Merkley secured a historic $162 million over five years through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically dedicated to restoring ecosystems and enhancing drought resiliency work in the Klamath Basin. Today’s $46 million funding announcement from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s USFWS marks the third year of investments from this landmark law, as it follows $26 million provided in 2022 and $15 million in 2023. Merkley also convened the “Sucker Summit ” in 2018, which brought people from across the Basin together and helped lay the groundwork for these significant investments to protect the C’waam and the Koptu.

    In February of this year, Merkley and Wyden announced $72 million in new federal funding for critical ecosystem restoration projects and agricultural infrastructure modernization in the Basin, as well as a historic agreement with the Klamath Tribes, Yurok Tribe, Karuk Tribe, and Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA). This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) cemented their commitment to working together to drive long-term solutions to the Basin’s water challenges. That includes collective efforts to restore the region’s ecosystem and improve water supply and reliability for the Klamath Project. 

    The 12 restoration projects in Oregon—some of which are being developed by Klamath MOU group partners, as well as other Tribes and other conservation partners—are as follows:

    • $13,000,000 for the Wetland Restoration on Upper Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Agency Lake Units project. This will complete restoration of the Agency-Barnes wetland units of Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and provide fish habitat access in Fourmile and Sevenmile creeks. Covering 14,356 acres, the restored wetland will create vital habitat for waterfowl, federally endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers (C’waam and Koptu sucker fish), and other species, making it one of the largest wetland restoration initiatives in America. MOU group partners – Ducks Unlimited and Klamath Tribes
    • $3,500,000 for the Upper Williamson River Restoration Phase 2 project. This will provide fish passage to over 26 miles of the upper Williamson River and reconnect several thousand acres of adjacent wetlands and riparian habitats within the Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge project area. MOU group partners – Ducks Unlimited and Klamath Tribes
    • $3,179,400 for the Climate Change Resiliency Stream Restoration and Post Bootleg Fire Stream Stabilization and Restoration project. This effort includes placing approximately 400 Beaver Dam Analog, Post Assisted Log Structures, and other types of instream structures to help restore several streams in the Sprague River and Williamson River watersheds. MOU partner – Klamath Tribes
    • $3,000,000 for the Lake Ewauna Restoration for the Benefit of People, Fish and Wildlife project. This funding will be used to develop and restore wetlands and shoreline around Lake Ewauna in downtown Klamath Falls for the benefit of native fish and wildlife species and to tell the story of the local Tribes, farmers, and communities in the Klamath Basin. Restorative improvements to habitat in Link River and instream habitat improvements within Lake Ewauna will benefit C’waam and Koptu suckers, native trout, migratory waterfowl, and other species. With the recently removed Klamath dams, salmon and steelhead will also be migrating through Lake Ewauna for the first time in over a century. Partners – The Klamath Watershed Partnership, City of Klamath Falls, and Klamath County Economic Development Agency
    • $2,540,000 million for the Tule Lake Flow Through Infrastructure Improvement project. This encompasses a suite of infrastructure improvements and operational changes to provide natural ecosystem services with respect to water quality in the Klamath Basin. Water used for farmland irrigation would then flow through wetlands before returning to the Klamath River. In addition to water quality benefits for the Klamath River, this project will provide habitat for threatened and endangered fish, support migratory wildlife, recharge groundwater, and provide other ecosystem benefits. MOU group partners – KWUA and Tulelake Irrigation District
    • $2,027,799 for the SONAR and Radio Telemetry and Spawning Surveys for Klamath Salmon project. This will be used to obtain abundance estimates of salmon and steelhead entering the reach previously blocked by the four lower Klamath dams and track salmon migrations to their spawning grounds. These metrics will provide a foundation for assessment of stock status and trends while guiding future restoration efforts in the newly accessible habitats, developing a toolset to support prioritization of future restoration and monitoring in the Klamath River. It will also provide much needed capacity for three of the six tribes on the Klamath River, allowing them to track the return of these culturally significant species. MOU group partners – Karuk Tribe, California Trout, Klamath Tribes, Yurok Tribe, Cal Poly Humboldt, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
    • $1,253,000 for the Klamath Basin Fisheries Collaborative: Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tag Monitoring and Database project. This will be used to continue to build the infrastructure required to provide Klamath Basin fisheries managers with consistent and reliable data on movements of fish using PIT tags. Work funded by this proposal includes continuing to improve on existing fish monitoring efforts by coordinating activities and collaborating on tasks, as well as advancing data exchange by refining the user interface and providing technical support to data providers. Partner – Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
    • $500,000 for the Implementation of Integrated Fisheries Restoration and Monitoring Plan (IFRMP) project. This will fund a USFWS initiative to support Klamath Basin stakeholders in tracking, coordinating, and integrating monitoring and data collection efforts across the Basin.
    • $500,000 for the Klamath Basin Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation project. This will fund a USFWS initiative to provide greater continuity and work toward local governance for the MOU parties, which are interested in utilizing a neutral facilitator to help identify additional ways to promote collaboration and reduce conflict over natural resources. This effort could include expanding the MOU group to include other interested parties and to develop proposals related to a governance structure for making important decisions on restoration and monitoring in the Klamath Basin. These funds would support the hiring of a facilitator selected by the parties and support up to three to five years of facilitation support.
    • $300,000 for the Post Dam Removal Data Collection on Salmon Migration and Movement project. This funding will be used by project partners to use otolith microchemistry tools to 1) understand how Klamath Dam removal affects the early life history diversity of Chinook salmon, 2) determine the natal origin and migration histories of returning fish, pre- and post-dam removal, 3) determine which tributaries are and are not producing Chinook salmon, and 4) quantify how Chinook production varies between different tributaries before and after dam removal. The information is critical to adaptively managing the Klamath Basin, post dam removal, and has important implications for restoration of key tributaries. Partner – UC Davis
    • $295,000 for the Surface Water Management and Efficiency Enhancement project. This encompasses necessary infrastructure improvements to allow safe, reliable, and integrated management of water within the Klamath Project. MOU group partners – KWUA, Klamath Irrigation District, and Klamath Drainage District
    • $200,000 for the FWS Post Dam Removal Science Symposia project. This will fund an USFWS initiative to sponsor a Klamath science symposium in 2025. Planning for this symposium will start in November 2024. The goal is to bring together stakeholders/experts to discuss the state of the Basin post dam removal, progress on restoration and monitoring, and next-step strategies to continue the momentum on restoration progress in the years ahead.

    For a complete list and full descriptions of all the 24 projects awarded funding in the Klamath Basin, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –