Category: Energy

MIL-OSI USA: NREL Researcher Craig Turchi Brings Small Business Experience to Big Concentrating Solar Projects

Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Turchi’s Years at a Tech Startup Gave Him a Savvy Outlook on Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Systems Analysis and Innovation

NREL researcher Craig Turchi soaks up the sunshine along the banks of the Gunnison River in Colorado. Turchi is the manager of the Thermal Energy Science and Technologies group in NREL’s Center for Energy Conversion and Storage Systems. His love for nature led him to work in solar technologies after completing his Ph.D. in chemical engineering at North Carolina State University. At NREL, his work has focused on a range of issues in concentrating solar technologies, from systems analysis to reducing water use at concentrating solar power plants in desert environments. Photo from Craig Turchi

Honesty is the best policy, and from his early days at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Craig Turchi embraced that policy in his work as a chemical engineer in concentrating solar power (CSP).

In fact, fresh out of his Ph.D. program and working at his first job, he was not afraid to tell the U.S. Department of Energy the truth about a solar detoxification reactor his team was working on: Based on the reaction rates he had modeled, it was not going to work—at least, not as currently planned.

It was his first CSP project at the laboratory in the early 1990s, when NREL was called the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI). The reactors used sunlight concentrated from parabolic mirrors into fluid-filled tubes to break down contaminants in water, using titanium dioxide as a catalyst. Concentrating the sunlight sped up reaction rates, but for this chemistry, it also reduced the reaction efficiency. Turchi knew the efficiency results meant the cost would not add up. The team pivoted.

“We followed the science,” he said. “You’re initially pursuing things based on hope in many cases, but when the data come in, you have to follow the science.”

This first research result at SERI earned him a reputation as a straight shooter that stayed with him for 35 years as he built a career in CSP and thermal energy science.

“That scientific integrity is something everyone looks up to,” said Guangdong Zhu, CSP subprogram lead at NREL and Thermal and Hybrid Energy Systems group manager. “As researchers, we should focus on simply assessing the results based on scientific justification. For Craig, this comes naturally. His evaluation is never going to be influenced by any other factors.”

Turchi now serves as the Thermal Energy Science and Technologies group manager in NREL’s Energy Conversion and Storage Systems (ECaSS) Center, and he led NREL’s CSP subprogram from 2022 until 2024, when he passed the baton to Zhu. He also serves as the partnership director for the Heliostat Consortium, a U.S. Department of Energy consortium led by NREL and Sandia National Laboratories in partnership with the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute.

His leadership extends beyond his work at the laboratory. An avid outdoorsman, Turchi is known around NREL for leading paddling trips on Colorado’s and Utah’s scenic rivers. He and his wife, Jeannette, along with their daughter also help run a food bank at their church through Food Bank of the Rockies, where they serve 150–200 people once a month.

“I find that very fulfilling, and it’s a nice counterpoint to writing reports at a computer to go out and physically do something and see the immediate benefit happening in your community,” he said. “I think it’s very important to give back.”

Bringing Small Business Experience to Systems Analysis Research

Turchi returned to NREL in 2008 after working at two small technology companies. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL

Turchi started working at SERI in 1990 but left in 1996 for a position with a startup that did not fully launch. He then joined a small company called ADA Technologies, where he served as a principal investigator and program leader for 10 years.

At ADA, Turchi obtained his first patents. He was particularly proud of a product he created to separate amalgam for dental offices. At the time, when dentists placed or removed silver fillings, which are nominally 50% mercury, tiny bits of the filling would get suctioned out and end up in city sewer systems—where the mercury could eventually be released. His system trapped the amalgam bits at the dental office for recycling, keeping mercury from accumulating to harmful levels in bays and estuaries.

Upon his return to NREL in 2008, he found that his time in the startup world translated well at the laboratory. He had honed his proposal-writing skills when working at ADA. He also brought new experiences when he returned, including an eye for innovation and a keen business sensibility. That outlook, paired with his truth-seeking ethos as an engineer, helped him build a robust research program in CSP systems analysis. The program allowed NREL to fill a niche that had been missing in the industry.

“NREL started doing a lot of systems analysis,” said Mark Mehos, an emeritus NREL researcher who hired Turchi back to NREL in 2008. “And the U.S. Department of Energy really appreciated the robustness of Craig’s analysis. He was very thorough, he was very honest, and he didn’t hold back. If the analysis seemed to show that this was the right path or the wrong path, Craig didn’t have any qualms about sharing that.”

CSP is a flexible technology. It can be used to generate electricity, create thermal energy for long-duration energy storage, or create thermal energy for a range of industrial processes that require heat, such as those used in food processing or desalination. That flexibility means there are a lot of factors to consider when analyzing costs, and making an honest assessment is crucial. As early-career researchers joined Turchi’s team, they learned from his rigorous approach to research and analysis.

“He’s the real CSP guru—Craig keeps things grounded with his practical mindset,” said Judith Vidal, Building Thermal Energy Science group manager. Vidal got her start at NREL as a postdoc for Turchi in CSP. “His advice stuck with me: Always approach things with economic sensibility.”

Vidal’s research emphasis is no longer in CSP, but those lessons still apply.

“Since many of our projects are applied research, you always have to keep cost-effectiveness in mind,” she said. “But I also learned from him that sometimes, simply saying ‘This is too expensive’ pushes you to think differently in the lab—to optimize, to explore new directions. It challenges you. This is how Craig shaped me as a young researcher.”

Craig Turchi received the NREL Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Performance on April 2, 2015. Turchi has won other awards at NREL as well, including one for his strategic guidance on advancing thermal systems research and development in 2015 and one for bringing $10 million in funding to NREL for Generation 3 CSP research in 2018. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL

Applying a New Power Cycle to CSP

In addition to his main body of work in systems analysis and related topics, Turchi was looking for brand-new areas of research when he returned to NREL. A power cycle that was becoming popular in nuclear energy circles, but not solar, caught his attention: the supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) power cycle.

“There was a renaissance in this power cycle development after a study came out that showed it could be valuable at nuclear power plants,” Turchi said. “It’s a type of power cycle development that had been looked at decades ago, and it kind of got stuck on a back shelf. No one really looked at it.”

Turchi saw potential for supercritical CO₂ power cycles to replace the steam turbines in traditional CSP systems, potentially unlocking greater efficiencies.

This initial curiosity about supercritical CO₂ for CSP has grown into a major path forward for the CSP industry—Generation 3 CSP. In Gen 3 CSP, arrays of mirrors called heliostats concentrate sunlight onto a central receiver to collect and store heat at high temperature (over 700°C). This heat is transferred to supercritical CO₂ to generate power in a closed-loop Brayton cycle. Sandia National Laboratories now has a Gen 3 Particle Pilot Plant at its National Solar Thermal Test Facility to study supercritical CO₂ as the working fluid in a plant with particle energy storage.

Turchi won two NREL awards for his work on the supercritical CO₂ power cycle for CSP. But nowadays, he is more focused on elevating other researchers’ work.

“As you progress in your career, you either remain an expert in some area, or in my experience, you broaden out into what the interesting areas are in your field, and you help others develop,” Turchi said. “I think as a group manager, that’s your role. It’s very rewarding when you see those people succeed.”

Learn more about NREL’s concentrating solar power research.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Milesight UG65-868M-EA
News In Brief – Source: US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

View CSAF

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- CVSS v4 6.1
- ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
- Vendor: Milesight
- Equipment: UG65-868M-EA
- Vulnerability: Improper Access Control for Volatile Memory Containing Boot Code
2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow any user with admin privileges to inject arbitrary shell commands.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following versions of UG65-868M-EA, an industrial gateway, are affected:
- UG65-868M-EA: Firmware versions prior to 60.0.0.46
3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

3.2.1 Improper Access Control for Volatile Memory Containing Boot Code CWE-1274

An admin user can gain unauthorized write access to the /etc/rc.local file on the device, which is executed on a system boot.

CVE-2025-4043 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2025-4043. A base score of 6.1 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:H/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:H/SA:N).

3.3 BACKGROUND
- CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Energy
- COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
- COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: China
3.4 RESEARCHER

Joe Lovett of Pen Test Partners reported this vulnerability to CISA.

4. MITIGATIONS

Milesight released the latest firmware Version 60.0.0.46 for the UG65 gateway. Users can download the latest firmware from the Milesight download center.

Please contact Milesight technical support for more information about this issue and for instructions for installing the latest firmware.

CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability, such as:
- Ensure that principles of least privilege are followed.
- Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the Internet.
- Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
- When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.
CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.

CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.

CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.

Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B–Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.

Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.

No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time.

5. UPDATE HISTORY
- May 6, 2025: Initial Publication
MIL OSI USA News –
May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Source: US State of Nebraska

. Pillen Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is announcing appointments made to boards and commissions December 31, 2024, through March 31, 2025.

The list of current board and commission openings can be found on the Governor’s website (https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req), along with instructions on completing an application.

Advisory Committee on Aging
Ira Nathan, Omaha
Marilyn Alber, Blue Hill
Alma Varela, Hastings
Gloria Aron, Lincoln
Richard Brandow, Laurel
Linda Schweitzer, Comstock

Aeronautics Commission
Edward Dunn, Grant

Board of Early Childhood Education Endowment
Rony Ortega, South Sioux City
Eric Buchanan, Lincoln

Board of Landscape Architects
Dennis Bryers, Omaha

Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards
Bathan Sorben, Waverly
Kyle Anderson, Valley

Capitol Commission
John Wightman, Jr

Crime Commission – Nebraska
Aaron Hanson, Omaha

Coalition for Juvenile Justice
Steve Solorio, Lincoln
Erika Schwarting, Omaha
Lincoln Arneal, Lincoln
Ingrid Gansebom, Osmond
Adama Sawadogo, Omaha
Candice Novak, Omaha
Denise Mathei, Hastings
Jorge Garcia, Milford

Commission on African American Affairs
Terri Crawford, Omaha
Ted Lampkin, Omaha
Jo Anna LeFlore-Ejike, Omaha
Johnny Nesbit, Omaha

Commission for Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Roy Christensen, Lincoln

Committee on Pacific Conflict
Jason Jackson, Lincoln

Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision
Greg London, Papillion

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Stephen D. Mossman, Lincoln
Kurt Arganbright, Valentine
Lisa Roskens, Omaha

Nebraska Investment Council
Brian Christensen, Columbus

Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation
Steve Mattoon, Sidney

Nebraska Real Property Appraiser Board
Adam Batie, Kearney

Nebraska State Historical Society Board
Jacquelyn Morrison, Papillion

Nuclear and Hydrogen Industry Work Group
Lenette Sprunk, Columbus

Power Review Board
Dennis Grennan, Columbus

Public Employees Retirement Board
Jacob Curtiss, Waverly

Rural Health Advisory Committee
Diva Wilson, MD, Papillion

State Board of Landscape Architects
Dennis Bryers, Omaha

State Colleges Board of Trustees
Connie Edmond, Lincoln
Robert Engles, Auburn

State Electrical Board
James Brummer
Tyler Ritz, Kearney

State Fair Board
Anna Castner Wightman, Omaha

State Records Board
Jason Jackson, Lincoln

Tourism Commission
Courtney Dentlinger, Norfolk
David Wolf, Scottsbluff
David Fudge, North Platte
Paul Younes, Kearney
Debra Kelly, O’Niell
Rachel Kreikemeier, Beatrice

MIL OSI USA News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Scalise’s 100 Days of Trump Recap: House Republicans Deliver America First Wins

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As we reach the first 100 days under President Trump’s leadership, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement highlighting the progress House Republicans have made in furthering President Trump’s America First agenda: “Just 100 days into his second term, President Trump has already taken historic action at a whirlwind pace to turn our country around, reversing so much damage done by the Biden Administration and following through on his promise to put America first. Illegal border crossings have drastically declined, criminal aliens are being deported en masse, consumer prices and inflation are dropping, companies are investing trillions of dollars back into America, domestic energy production is being unleashed, gas prices are dropping, and much more. “House Republicans are working hard to do our part to further President Trump’s America First agenda, passing legislation to secure our border, keep families safe, unleash American energy, support American job growth, and increase government efficiency. We passed legislation like the Laken Riley Act, the first piece of legislation signed into law by President Trump, to protect our citizens from criminal illegal aliens. We also passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act to prevent men from competing in women’s sports. To ensure only American citizens are voting in federal elections, we passed the SAVE Act, and to safeguard American energy, we passed legislation such as the Protecting American Energy Production Act.”Additionally, House Republicans have passed 10 CRAs overturning costly and unnecessary regulations from the Biden Administration that crush American businesses, raise costs, and take away consumer choice, as well as the Midnight Rules Relief Act to keep the administrative state out of our homes. When partisan judges attempted to hinder President Trump from carrying out the policy agenda he was elected to deliver, we passed the No Rogue Rulings Act to prevent them from issuing nationwide injunctions. “These are just a few things House Republicans have accomplished working with President Trump, but we are far from done. Congress has a critical role to play in helping the President renew the American dream and make our nation great again, particularly through the reconciliation process. We are currently drafting one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in history in one big, beautiful bill that will deliver on President Trump’s full agenda. Republicans won’t stop fighting to take President Trump’s great vision for our nation – an America that is safe, strong, free, and full of opportunity – and make it a reality, for Americans today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”Make America Safe Again ✅Border

H.R. 29 (Collins) – Laken Riley Act: Holds the Biden Administration accountable for their role in these tragedies through their open border policies, requires detention of illegal aliens who commit theft and mandates ICE take them into custody, and allows a state to sue the Federal government on behalf of their citizens for not enforcing the border laws, particularly in the case of parole.

Passed 264-159

Republicans: 216-0
Democrats: 48-159

Senate version became law on 1/29/25

H.R. 30 (Mace) – Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act: Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make illegal immigrants who are convicted of, who admit having committed, or who admit committing sex offenses or domestic violence inadmissible and deportable from the United States.

Passed 274-145

Republicans: 213-0
Democrats: 61-145

H.R. 27 (Griffith) – HALT Fentanyl Act: Permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances (FRS) in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, guarantees law enforcement has the resources to keep these drugs off the street, and allows for further research of FRS.

Passed 312-108

Republicans: 214-1
Democrats: 98-107

H.R. 35 (Ciscomani) – Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act: Creates new criminal offenses for operating a vehicle within 100 miles of the southern border while fleeing from Border Patrol agents, or any law enforcement officer assisting the U.S. Border Patrol, including serious jail time and prohibition from ever receiving legal status in the United States.

Passed 264-155

Republicans: 214-0
Democrats: 50-155

Online Safety

S. 146 (Sen. Cruz) – TAKE IT DOWN Act: Prohibits the nonconsensual online publication of intimate visual depictions of individuals, both authentic and computer-generated, and requires certain online platforms to promptly remove such depictions upon receiving notice of their existence.

Passed 409-2

Republicans: 207-2
Democrats: 202-0

Foreign Relations

H.R. 23 (Roy) – Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act: Imposes sanctions on the ICC or any foreign actor who supports their effort to arrest, detain, or prosecute protected persons of the United States and its allies, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant.

Passed 243-140-1

Republicans: 198-0-1
Democrats: 45-140

H.R. 1048 (Baumgartner) – DETERRENT Act: Protects our institutions of higher education from foreign interference by strengthening disclosure requirements for foreign gifts and contracts, and in some cases, banning contracts between these schools and certain foreign entities of concern.

Passed 241-169

Republicans: 210-1
Democrats: 31-168

H.R. 33 (Smith-MO) – United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act: Strengthens the U.S. economic alliance with Taiwan and enhances our competitive position by providing targeted and expedited relief from double taxation on cross-border investment between America and Taiwan through tax code changes and authorizing the President to broker and enter into a tax agreement relative to Taiwan.

Passed 423-1

Republicans: 213-1
Democrats: 210-0

Women’s Sports

H.R. 28 (Steube) – Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act: Prevents schools from allowing biological males to compete in school athletic programs for women or girls by stating that sex in an athletic competition must be defined by genetics at birth, and withholding federal funding from schools that facilitate athletic programs where biological men compete against biological women.

Passed 218-206-1

Republicans: 216-0
Democrats: 2-206-1

Life

H.R. 21 (Wagner) – Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act: Secures medical protections for babies that survive an attempted abortion, requiring health care providers to administer the same medical care they would to a fetus born prematurely at the same age, transport the child to the hospital, and report violations to law enforcement.

Passed 217-204

Republicans: 216-0
Democrats: 1-204

Make America Grow Again ✅Energy

H.R. 26 (Pfluger) – Protecting American Energy Production Act: Prevents a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to protect American energy production, and expresses that states have primacy over energy production on state and private land.

Passed 226-188

Republicans: 210-0
Democrats: 16-188

S.J. Res. 11 (Sen. Kennedy) – Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources CRA: Disapproves the Biden BOEM’s rule requiring oil and gas lessees and operators to submit an archaeological report for certain exploration or development activities on the Outer Continental Shelf to protect marine archeological resources like shipwrecks and so-called “cultural resources,” blocking increases in domestic energy production, weakening energy independence, and raising costs for consumers.

Passed 221-202-1

Republicans: 212-1-1
Democrats: 9-201

Signed into law 3/14/25

H.J. Res. 35 (Pfluger) – Waste Emissions Charge CRA: Disapproves the Biden Environmental Protection Agency’s “Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems,” rule that imposes a significant fee (WEC) on methane emissions from oil and natural gas facilities that exceed specific levels, preventing the rule from raising costs for consumers, reducing domestic energy production, and increasing reliance on foreign energy sources.

Passed 220-206

Republicans: 214-1
Democrats: 6-205

Signed into law 3/14/25

Budget

H.Con. Res. 14 (Arrington) – Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034: Establishes a congressional budget for the U.S. Government that delivers for Americans by cutting waste and government spending, reducing burdensome regulations, providing tax cuts that support families and small businesses, supporting domestic energy production and security, and securing the border.

Passed 217-215

Republicans: 217-1
Democrats: 0-214

Passed in Senate 4/5/25

Senate Amendment to H.Con. Res. 14 (Arrington) – Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034: Establishes a congressional budget for the U.S. Government that delivers for Americans by cutting waste and government spending, reducing burdensome regulations, providing tax cuts that support families and small businesses, supporting domestic energy production and security, and securing the border.

Passed 216-214

Republicans: 216-2
Democrats: 0-212

Crypto

H.J. Res. 25 (Carey) – Digital Asset Sales CRA: Overturns Biden’s rule that would require brokers to report gross proceeds from crypto sales and other digital asset transactions, including data about the taxpayers involved, increasing tax filing burdens, stifling innovation, and raising privacy concerns over the sharing of taxpayers’ personal information.

Passed 292-132-1

Republicans: 216-0
Democrats: 76-132-1

Signed into law 4/10/25

Consumer Financial Protection

S.J. Res. 28 (Sen. Ricketts) – Digital Wallets CRA: Reverses the Biden Administration CFPB’s rule “Defining Larger Participants of a Market for General-Use Digital Consumer Payment Applications,” that would allow the CFPB more oversight power over non-bank entities that complete 50 million digital transactions a year, providing no benefit to consumers or the market and placing significant burdens on businesses that use digital payments.

Passed 219-211

Republicans: 219-0
Democrats: 0-211

Passed Senate 3/5/25

S.J. Res. 18 (Sen. Scott-SC) – Overdraft Price Controls CRA: Nullifies the Biden CFPB’s final rule “Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions,” preventing the price cap limitations on overdraft fees from taking effect, ensuring overdraft services remain accessible for American consumers.

Passed 217-211

Republicans: 217-1
Democrats: 0-210

Passed Senate 3/27/25

Make America Free Again ✅Consumer Choice

H.J. Res 20 (Palmer) – Gas Water Heaters CRA: Expresses congressional disapproval of the Biden Department of Energy’s “Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters,” rule that effectively bans certain natural gas water heaters from the market, burdening consumers and threatening their choice.

Passed 221-198

Republicans: 210-0
Democrats: 11-198

Passed Senate 4/10/25

H.J. Res. 24 (Bice) – Walk-in Coolers & Freezers CRA: Overturns the Biden Administration’s “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers” rule imposing new or amended energy efficiency standards for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers that are not technologically feasible and economically justified.

Passed 203-182

Republicans: 197-0
Democrats: 6-182

Passed Senate 4/3/25

H.J. Res. 75 (Goldman-TX) – Commercial Fridges & Freezers CRA: Overturns the Biden Administration’s “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers” rule imposing new or amended energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers that are not technologically feasible and economically justified.

Passed 214-193

Republicans: 209-0
Democrats: 5-193

H.J. Res. 61 (Griffith) – Rubber Tire Manufacturing CRA: Overturns the Biden EPA’s harmful “NESHAP for Rubber Tire Manufacturing” rule that establishes new emissions standards for rubber tire manufacturing, preventing it from increasing compliance costs for the industry and placing a heavier financial burden on smaller businesses, which would result in higher prices for consumers.

Passed 216-202

Republicans: 209-1
Democrats: 7-201

H.J. Res. 42 (Clyde) – Energy Conservation Standards CRA: Disapproves the Biden DOE’s “Energy Conservation-Appliance Standards, Certification and Labeling” rule which expands certification and labeling for the Department of Energy’s conservation standards program and could slow the introduction of products to market, reduce options for consumers, and affect supply chains and inventories.

Passed 222-203

Republicans: 215-0
Democrats: 7-203

Make America Efficient Again ✅
Reining In Executive Actions

H.R. 77 (Biggs-AZ) – Midnight Rules Relief Act: Amends the Congressional Review Act to allow Congress to disapprove multiple rules through one joint resolution if those rules were issued during the last year of a President’s term in office.

Passed 212-208

Republicans: 211-1
Democrats: 1-207

Election Security

H.R. 22 (Roy) – SAVE Act: Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, requiring individuals to provide proof of United States citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections.

Passed 220-208

Republicans: 216-0
Democrats: 4-208

Judicial Oversight

H.R. 1526 (Issa) – NORRA of 2025: Prevents partisan judges from abusing their authority and issuing politically motivated nationwide injunctions that inhibit the President from carrying out the policy agenda the American people elected him to implement by blocking federal judges from issuing injunctions that extend beyond specific parties involved in a case.

Passed 219-213

Republicans: 219-1
Democrats: 0-212

Fraud

H.R. 1156 (Smith-MO) – Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act: Extends the statute of limitations to ten years for fraudulent unemployment claims funded by federal pandemic unemployment programs by amending the CARES Act, allowing federal law enforcement to continue prosecuting fraudsters and criminals and recover billions of taxpayer dollars lost to fraud during COVID-19.

Passed 295-127

Republicans: 212-0
Democrats: 83-127

Public Lands

H.R. 471 (Westerman) – Fix Our Forests Act: Expedites and improves forest management activities on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands, tribal lands, and National Forest System lands, deters frivolous litigation that delays important projects, promotes collaboration across jurisdictions, prioritizes treatments in the forests with highest risk of wildfire, and encourages active forest management.

Passed 279-141

Republicans: 215-0
Democrats: 64-141

Appropriations

H.R. 1968 (Cole) – Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025: Extends government funding through September 30, 2025, keeping the government open and serving the American people while we fight to reduce wasteful government spending and lower our debt.

Passed 217-213

Republicans: 216-1
Democrats: 1-212

Signed into law 3/15/25

MIL OSI USA News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Highlights Republican Work on Reconciliation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and Chairman Roger Williams (R-Texas) to discuss the progress Republicans have made on reconciliation which will champion small businesses, avoid tax hikes for 95% of Americans, unleash American energy production to bolster the economy, and strengthen our military. Leader Scalise touted our Committee Chairmen’s wins, as eight of 11 Committees will have completed their reconciliation markups by the end of the week.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks.
On protecting small businesses through reconciliation:“It was great to hear from our Chairman of the Small Business Committee, Roger Williams. Nobody understands the value of small businesses, the importance of promoting small businesses in America better than Roger. And as chairman, he has ushered in policies and bills through that committee to allow small businesses to thrive.“If you look at the work we’re doing with the one big, beautiful bill, the reconciliation package, this is a bill that will grow more small businesses across America. It’ll create more jobs across America. It’ll create stability. If you think about the idea that if Congress were to take no action this year, there would be a four-and-a-half trillion dollar tax increase on American families. Over 95% of Americans would see a tax increase. And yet, every Democrat in Washington will be voting no on that package and would like to see every family pay more in taxes. There are so many other provisions that are so critical to getting our economy back on track, to lowering inflation, to lowering the cost of things at the grocery store, at the gas pump, that are in this bill. And we are still moving through.”On House and Senate Republicans unifying around President Trump’s agenda:“Last week, I applaud, seven Committees in Congress did their work, completely finished their work on reconciliation here in the House. Today, the Natural Resources Committee will take up their portion of the bill. That’ll be eight committees out of 11 that will already be done with all of their work this week. Then next week, the final three committees, Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, will take up and finish their work to get this big, beautiful bill not only through the House process, but over to the Senate. The Speaker and I met with [Chairman] Jason Smith and [Chairman] Brett Guthrie last week in the White House with President Trump to go through some of the final details that we are getting agreement on. We’ve been working incredibly closely with the White House and with the Senate every step of the way because this bill is critically important to American families. This bill is a big piece of carrying through that Trump agenda, the mandate that the American people gave us when they elected not just Donald Trump in the White House, but a Republican House and a Republican Senate to go deliver for the families who have been struggling for way too long.”On wins in the one big, beautiful bill:“We do that with this one big, beautiful bill. Everything from tax stability in the tax code so that nobody sees a tax increase, bringing trillions of dollars of private investment back into the economy, opening up more energy production in America to reverse some of the damage Joe Biden did. Everywhere from ANWR in Alaska, some of the great work that Congressman Begich just came into Congress, vowing to fight for the citizens of Alaska and open up more areas for production there. That’s going to be in this bill. All the way down to the Gulf of America, opening up more areas for lease sales and production in the Gulf as well. All of those things are going to be in the bill. More defense funding, more border security, giving protection and technology to our border patrol agents. All of that is in the bill, too. Confronting the debt ceiling, dealing with rules and regulatory reform, all in this powerful bill. What the Education and Workforce Committee did to protect students from higher student debt. We actually protect students so that they’re not saddled with high student loans when they graduate from college. That’s in this bill as well, standing up and holding accountable the universities that were failing kids for so many years, saddling them with $200,000, $300,000 in debt without the ability to pay it back.“So many good provisions. We’re going to be bringing that bill to the floor once it’s all finished next week, and then we compile it in Budget Committee and bring it as one big, beautiful bill to the House floor and then pass it on to the Senate so that they can continue this work.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “HOUSE REPUBLICANS ARE DETERMINED TO JAM A RECKLESS AND EXTREME BUDGET DOWN THE THROATS OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference with Whip Clark, Ranking Member Boyle, Ranking Member Pallone and Ranking Member Craig after House Democrats filed a discharge petition on the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act to protect the healthcare and nutritional assistance of hardworking Americans from devastating Republican cuts.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good afternoon, everyone. It’s an honor and a privilege today to be joined by House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Frank Pallone, the once and future Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, who of course is the leading champion in the House Democratic Caucus, in the Congress, for the healthcare of the American people. Certainly, Angie Craig, the top Democrat on the Ag Committee, who’s doing a tremendous job. And, of course, Brendan Boyle, the future Chair of the Budget Committee, who has been our point person on budget reconciliation. House Republicans are determined to jam a reckless and extreme budget down the throats that the American people that will enact the largest cut to Medicaid and the largest cut to SNAP in American history. Children, families, women, veterans, older Americans, people with disabilities and everyday Americans will be hurt. These proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP are unacceptable, unconscionable and un-American. Several so-called swing seat and moderate Republicans have indicated that they are opposed to these devastating proposed cuts to SNAP and Medicaid.

House Democrats earlier today, led by Brendan Boyle in terms of the discharge petition and Frank Pallone and Angie Craig as it relates to the underlying legislation Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP, have given Republicans an opportunity to actually not simply talk about defending the best interests of the American people, but be about it. The discharge petition is now live on the House Floor. All we need are four Republicans to do the right thing, stand up for Medicaid and stand up for SNAP so they can stand up for the American people and we can stop the devastating cuts that Republicans are proposing to the healthcare of the American people and cuts that would literally take food out of the mouths of children and families. Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP. I thank Frank Pallone, Angie Craig and Brendan Boyle for their leadership on this effort. All we need are four House Republicans to join Democrats, in protecting the healthcare and nutritional assistance of the American people.

Full press conference can be watched here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: F1: Chaos at Alpine as team boss resigns

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

The Alpine Formula 1 team has been plunged into chaos with news that Oliver Oakes has resigned as Team Principal just ten months after joining the team.

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly leaves the pit lane during the Chinese Grand Prix, March 23, 2025. (Photo by Qian Jun/Xinhua)

“BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Oliver Oakes has resigned from his role as Team Principal,” read a team statement.

“As of today, Flavio Briatore will continue as Executive Advisor and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes.”

Oakes’ resignation comes one day after it was widely reported that driver Jack Doohan was to be replaced from the next Grand Prix onwards by reserve Franco Colapinto.

Briatore, 75, has long been associated with the Enstone-based team, serving as Team Principal during its Benetton and Renault eras. Under his leadership, the team captured three Constructors’ and four Drivers’ Championships.

However, his tenure ended in disgrace after the 2008 Crashgate scandal, in which driver Nelson Piquet was instructed to crash deliberately during the Singapore Grand Prix to help teammate Fernando Alonso win.

The fallout led to Briatore’s exit from Renault and a subsequent ban from FIA-sanctioned events, later overturned by a French court.

The Italian made a shock return to the F1 paddock in July 2024 – and was widely thought to wield considerably more power at Alpine than his title would suggest, with Oakes having little influence behind the scenes.

Oakes’ resignation is the latest in a series of senior management departures at Alpine, reflecting deep-rooted instability at the top of the organization.

Otmar Szafnauer took over as Team Principal in early 2022, but left in July 2023 as part of a sweeping leadership shakeup that also saw the exits of Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry and long-serving Sporting Director Alan Permane.

Bruno Famin briefly succeeded Szafnauer but stepped down in August 2024, making way for Oakes.

The upheaval at Alpine has also extended beyond the leadership tier. Technical Director Matt Harman and Head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer both resigned in early 2024, while Rob White, a veteran with over two decades at Renault and Alpine, stepped down as Operations Director in May 2024.

MIL OSI China News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Copa Sudamericana: Gimenez brace lifts Independiente to second in group

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

Matias Gimenez scored twice as Argentina’s Independiente recovered from a goal down to trounce Uruguayan side Boston River 5-1 in the Copa Sudamericana group stage on Tuesday.

Agustin Anello opened the scoring in Montevideo with a seventh-minute strike before goals from Gimenez and Giovanni Millan gave their side the lead at the interval.

Diego Tarzia, Gimenez and Santiago Hidalgo were on target in the second half as Independiente claimed its second win of the tournament.

The team from Avellaneda, south of Buenos Aires, is now second in Group A with six points, two behind leader Guarani. Boston River is fourth, two points further back.

Earlier in the day, Gaston Togni scored with a second-half free-kick as 2020 champion Defensa y Justicia earned a 1-1 draw at Vitoria.

Central defender Edu put the Brazilian side ahead by tapping home from point-blank range after goalkeeper Enrique Bologna fumbled what should have been a routine save from a set piece.

The Argentine outfit equalized just before the hour when Togni curled in a superb free-kick from a tight angle.

Defensa y Justicia remains last in Group B, behind Vitoria on goal difference. Both teams are still searching for their first victories of the tournament.

Elsewhere, Godoy Cruz won 1-0 at Sportivo Luqueno, Guarani drew 2-2 at Nacional Potosi, and Corinthians was held to a 1-1 home draw by America de Cali.

MIL OSI China News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy Sector – New report reveals 84% of New Zealand’s fossil fuel machines ready for electrification
The first complete inventory of all the fossil fuel machines in New Zealand has found there are over ten million of them in the country and that 84% could be feasibly replaced with electric machines that are available in the country today.

Rewiring Aotearoa’s Machine Count report showed that upgrading six million of the most ‘electrifiable’ fossil fuel machines – things like cars, heaters, lawnmowers, road bikes, ovens and stoves – would save the country approximately $8 million every day, or $3.7 billion each year.

It would also slash 7.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year, almost six times the total emissions from domestic aviation in 2023, or more than flying the entire population of Auckland to London and back every year.

Another 10% of the total – around one million trucks, utes, vans, buses and smaller tractors – could be electrified if more effort was made to bring electric options to New Zealand, while just 6% of the machines – primarily those in heavy industry – require more research and development, or subsidies for them to be cost-effective.
- Check out the interactive tool with all machines sized by estimated count or emissions here.
Rewiring Aotearoa’s previous research has shown that many New Zealand homes, farms and businesses can reduce costs and emissions by upgrading their gas appliances, petrol cars and diesel machines to more efficient electric equivalents and running them on renewable electricity from the grid and solar.

The Machine Count, a project supported by Ara Ake and EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), set out to better understand the size of the challenge: how many fossil fuel machines there are in our economy, and how hard they would be to electrify.

“We always knew there were a lot of them, but now we have a firm idea on the number and on how ‘electrifiable’ they all are,” says Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey. “The research shows clearly that an electric transition is both technically possible and cost effective in the vast majority of cases.”

Daniel Gnoth, Ara Ake’s General Manager of Research and Insights, says the report clearly identifies where the greatest opportunities lie to accelerate New Zealanders efforts to support the country’s electrification journey.

“This study shows that innovation in energy isn’t just about developing new technologies-it’s about making clean, efficient machines more accessible and easier to adopt. The insights from this study will be incredibly useful for energy innovators to develop new solutions, including commercial and financial models, to accelerate the electrification of fossil fuel powered machines. If we get this right, we won’t just cut emissions-we’ll unlock new services and solutions that can be showcased and exported globally.”

“It’s been a pleasure to partner with Rewiring Aotearoa on what is a groundbreaking study, both in its ambition and the breadth of its scope.”

New Zealand’s fossil fuel prices are among the highest in the world, so Casey says shifting from machines that are reliant on expensive foreign molecules to electric machines that run on locally-made electrons is generally a no brainer – “for the economics, for the environment, and for energy security”.

“Climate change is largely an energy problem. Around 75% of the world’s emissions come from energy and machines use that energy, so solving the problem in practice is about replacing those machines. We figured out how to electrify our cherry orchard near Cromwell and now we don’t use any diesel on the farm. We save tens of thousands on our energy bills each year, we’ve brought our emissions down to almost nothing, and we play a positive role in the energy system. I firmly believe New Zealand could become a demonstration project for the rest of the world and show that solving climate could save us all money.”

Casey says there were many who said it wouldn’t be possible to run an orchard without diesel. There were many who didn’t believe we would see electric trucks, buses, diggers or loaders. And there are plenty who don’t believe we will see large electric tractors or mining equipment.

“There are already plenty of electric buses and trucks on the road, huge electric machines are being launched all the time, and we are seeing massive technological advances and cost reductions in the fields of batteries, high-speed charging, solar panels and high temperature heat pumps, so there will definitely be options to explore in your sector.”

EECA research shows that 36% of New Zealand household non-green appliances are over a decade old. The median age of a car in New Zealand is around 14 years, and businesses are regularly upgrading their fleets and equipment, so there are a whole lot of machines that are set to be replaced in the coming years.

Megan Hurnard, EECA’s General Manager of Insights, Data and Communications says: “We’re entering a critical investment cycle for the machines that power our economy. As old equipment reaches the end of its life, the choices we make now will shape our energy system for decades. Replacing outdated machines with the same inefficient models risks locking in higher running costs, poor performance, and greater exposure to fuel price volatility. By choosing modern, energy-efficient technologies we can improve affordability, boost productivity, and enhance New Zealand’s energy security.”

This research is not suggesting that every machine needs to be upgraded right now, but every machine is going to need to be replaced at some point and it’s clear your next purchasing decision should be electric.

“In saying that, if you are more worried about emissions than economics, it makes sense to replace your fossil fuel machines before they break down,” says Casey. “Some fossil fuel machines can even be turned electric – like our 1990 Hilux, which we recently retrofitted with a 2014 Nissan Leaf motor and battery.”

Casey says the electric transition is already happening in homes, farms and businesses around the country and the cost savings are driving a lot of that.

“We believe the economic argument makes this shift inevitable. It makes no sense to use machines that cost more to do the same job – and it makes even less sense when those machines pump out so much pollution. But it’s not happening as fast as it should, and it’s not happening for the people who need it most; the ones who need to reduce their bills or those who need to improve their resilience in the face of worsening weather events.”

Casey says opening up access to low-interest loans so that everyone – no matter their income – can deal with the higher upfront costs of electric machines and making it easy to upgrade is what will take this “from possible to practical”.

“We need a range of financial innovations – both from the Government and from the banks – to speed this up. We also need innovations around the process – making it simple and easy for busy parents, renters, and retirees, not just the energy nerds, to benefit from going electric. And it needs to be from the first moment of research all the way through to installation. We’ve counted the machines, we’ve shown it’s feasible to electrify most of them, and we’ll be explaining in more detail how to make it happen and what needs to change in our upcoming policy manifesto.”

The machine count database is a free, publicly available resource. It is hoped the database and findings will continue to be used and improved by government institutions, academic researchers, and businesses.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sex life of rare snail revealed

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date: 07 May 2025

In the video, a small egg, resembling a tiny hen’s egg, emerges from the neck of the unique land snail.

DOC has been managing a captive population of the threatened snails in chilled containers in Hokitika since 2006, when mining company Solid Energy started mining their habitat on the Mt Augustus ridgeline on the western side of the Stockton Plateau, near Westport.

DOC Ranger Lisa Flanagan, who filmed the egg being laid, has been looking after the snails in Hokitika for over 12 years. She says working with the snails isn’t the kind of job she ever imagined herself doing, but it’s constantly providing surprises.

“It’s remarkable that in all the time we’ve spent caring for the snails, this is the first time we’ve seen one lay an egg. We caught the action when we were weighing the snail. We turned it over to be weighed and saw the egg just starting to emerge from the snail.”

DOC Senior Science Advisor Kath Walker says having a hard shell in which to retreat from predators and dry conditions is a great strategy for the snails but brings some problems too – how to get sperm from your mate into your shell and any resultant eggs out!

“Powelliphanta have solved this by having an opening (a genital pore) on the right side of their body just below their head so that the snail only needs to peek out of its shell to do the business.

“It extends its penis out of this pore and into its mate’s pore, and its mate does the same, simultaneously exchanging sperm, which they can store until they each fertilise the sperm they’ve received to create eggs.

“As hermaphrodites, they have both male and female genitalia, so although they usually mate with another to cross fertilize their eggs, as carnivores which have to live at relatively low density, being able to occasionally self-fertilise must help with survival of the species.”

The captive management of Powelliphanta augusta snails has saved these animals from extinction and enabled us to learn more about the lives of these incredible creatures, which are only found in New Zealand.

Very little was known about the snails when they were taken into captivity, and we are discovering new things all the time, says Lisa.

“I just love watching their progress each month, weighing them, how their shells develop, and all the interesting things they do.

“Powelliphanta augusta are slow growing and long lived, not being sexually mature until they are about 8 years old and then laying only around 5 big eggs annually which can take more than a year to hatch. Some of our captive snails are between 25 and 30 years old – in this they’re polar opposites to the pest garden snail we introduced to New Zealand which is like a weed, with thousands of offspring each year and a short life.”

DOC has established new populations of the snail in the wild and reintroduced them into new and rehabilitated habitat. Work is ongoing to ensure a sustainable population in these areas. A captive population will be managed until there is confidence of the survival of the species in the wild.

Aotearoa has one of the highest numbers of threatened and at risk species in the world. Once these species are gone, they are gone for good.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: STATEMENT: CanREA is encouraged by British Columbia’s Clean Power Action Plan

Source: – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: STATEMENT: CanREA is encouraged by British Columbia’s Clean Power Action Plan

Building on the success of the most recent call for power, the Government of British Columbia centres new renewable power procurement in its plan for economic growth.

Victoria, B.C., May 5, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes the Government of British Columbia’s Clean Power Action Plan, announced by Premier David Eby today, which includes a new call for power by the provincial utility, BC Hydro, of 5,000 gigawatts-hours per year of clean energy, including wind and solar.

The call is expected to be issued by BC Hydro this summer, with electricity purchase agreements targeted to be awarded in early 2026.

“The BC Hydro 2024 Call for Power resulted in economic development and job creation opportunities for communities across the province,” said Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy – Western Canada and National Affairs. “CanREA members are excited by today’s announcement of the new 2025 Call for Power. Judging by the success of the 2024 call, this next call will result in affordable power and clean investment opportunities throughout British Columbia.”

The Clean Power Action Plan strengthens energy security, accelerates economic growth and reinforces Canada’s leadership in renewable energy. By investing in large-scale clean-power projects and fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities, B.C. is setting a precedent for sustainable development that benefits all Canadians.

BC Hydro’s 2025 Call for Power builds on the success of the 2024 Call for Power, which saw ten new renewable energy projects go forward, each with First Nations asset ownership of 49% to 51%, with five CanREA member companies representing nine of these ten projects.

The new Clean Power Action Plan prioritizes new investments in renewable energy, including wind, solar and hydroelectric projects, while supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and local economic development. These efforts will drive innovation, create jobs, and secure a resilient energy future for British Columbians.

Other highlights include:

Opening up the opportunity to explore B.C.’s power potential: The province will seek proposals for capacity and baseload electricity projects to meet peak demand and support renewable energy integration. CanREA will work to clarify the role of battery storage in this opportunity.

Ushering in an expanded era of energy efficiency: Innovators will be invited to propose demand-side management technologies that help businesses and households save energy and reduce costs.

Investing an additional $12 million in made-in B.C. Clean Technology: The province is also looking to invest more in the B.C. Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) fund.

Streamlining connections to B.C.’s grid: Efforts will be made to streamline grid connections so homes and businesses can access clean electricity more quickly and affordably.
“By investing in large-scale clean power projects and fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities, B.C. is setting a precedent for sustainable development that benefits all Canadians,” said Patricia Lightburn, CanREA’s Policy Director for British Columbia.

“CanREA looks forward to working alongside the province and industry partners to ensure these transformative initiatives deliver the greatest benefits to Canadians, drive innovation, create jobs and secure a resilient energy future.”

Quotes

“The BC Hydro 2024 Call for Power resulted in economic development and job creation opportunities for communities across the province. CanREA members are excited by today’s announcement of the new 2025 Call for Power. Judging by the success of the 2024 call, this next call will result in affordable power and clean investment opportunities throughout British Columbia.”
—Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy – Western Canada and National Affairs

“By investing in large-scale clean power projects and fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities, B.C. is setting a precedent for sustainable development that benefits all Canadians. CanREA looks forward to working alongside the province and industry partners to ensure these transformative initiatives drive innovation, create jobs and secure a resilient energy future.”
—Patricia Lightburn, CanREA’s Policy Director for British Columbia

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:

CommunicationsCanadian Renewable Energy Association613-227-5378communications@renewablesassociation.ca

About CanREA

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
The post STATEMENT: CanREA is encouraged by British Columbia’s Clean Power Action Plan appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

MIL OSI Economics –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extra care housing scheme is laying the foundations for independent living

Source: City of Leeds

Construction work is under way on an extra care housing scheme that will open up new independent living opportunities for older people in Leeds.

Leeds City Council’s Middlecross development in Armley will provide a total of 65 high-quality and energy efficient apartments for affordable rent by people aged over 55 with care and support needs.

The homes – which are being built for the council by Morgan Sindall Construction – will complement wider efforts to address a serious shortage of extra care housing in the city.

Part of Leeds’s Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP), the scheme will also benefit the Armley community by breathing new life into a two-acre brownfield site that has lain empty for several years.

And, to mark the start of construction, the council’s executive member for housing, Councillor Jess Lennox, paid a visit to the site to meet some of the project team and see the early progress that has been made there.

Councillor Lennox was joined by representatives from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which has contributed £1.3m from its Brownfield Housing Fund towards the cost of the scheme.

A further £1.3m has been drawn from Leeds’s commuted sums funding stream, which supports affordable housing delivery using pooled financial contributions paid by developers as part of planning agreements.

The rest of the funding for the project – due for completion in 2027 – has come from the council’s housing service via Right to Buy receipts and borrowing.

The scheme’s three-storey apartment building has been designed to encourage everyday social interaction as well as independent living, with a restaurant, a hair salon and an open-plan lounge and coffee bar among the communal spaces that will be available to residents.

Sustainability and energy efficiency were also key design considerations and, as a result, the building will have high levels of ventilation and insulation while benefiting from features such as ground source heat pumps and roof-mounted solar panels.

The site for the scheme – which sits between Armley Grove Place and Simpson Grove – was occupied by Middlecross Day Centre until its demolition in 2018.

Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said:

“It’s great news that construction work is now under way on this important scheme, which will help address the well-documented shortage of affordable extra care housing in Leeds.

“The Middlecross development highlights the impact of our Council Housing Growth Programme and, by extension, our commitment to ensuring that everyone in Leeds can enjoy the stability and security that comes with a safe, warm and good-quality home.

“I was really pleased to have the opportunity to visit the site in Armley with partners and see first-hand the progress being achieved by the construction team. All those involved should feel proud of the part they are playing in delivering a scheme that will make a positive difference to people’s lives and the community as a whole.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Because of devolution, we’ve been able to invest almost £90m to help unlock over 5,000 new homes, including dozens of affordable and sustainable homes in Armley.

“Working with Leeds City Council, we’re taking decisive action to tackle the housing crisis and deliver the warm, high-quality homes that local families need, with lower rents and energy bills.

“Everyone is entitled to a safe and secure roof over their head, so we will work with central government to get the whole of West Yorkshire building, with new freedoms and funding to deliver thousands more homes and create a greener, more vibrant region.”

Ben Hall, Yorkshire area director for Morgan Sindall, said:

“We are proud to be playing our part in creating high-quality extra care housing, enabling older people to enjoy later life.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Councillor Lennox and other stakeholders to our work at Middlecross. We’re looking forward to delivering this much-needed new scheme, which was procured via the SCAPE Construction framework. It will bring significant benefits for the Armley community, both through the completed building and our contribution to the local economy during the build programme.”

The start of work on the Middlecross scheme follows the opening in 2023 of Gascoigne House, a much-praised extra care development in Middleton that also forms part of the CHGP.

Other locations where CHGP schemes are currently under construction include Hough Top near Pudsey, Brooklands Avenue in Seacroft and the Ambertons area of Gipton.

More than 350 new homes have been built via the CHGP since 2018. More than 420 homes have also been acquired as part of the programme, with these properties and the new-builds both playing a crucial role in efforts to ease local affordable housing pressures.

Furthermore, they have – by increasing the number of appropriate properties available to tenants looking to downsize – helped free up some homes that are best suited to larger families.

ENDS

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 7, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: EIA expects lower crude oil prices and higher natural gas prices through 2026

Source: US Energy Information Administration

U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON DC 20585

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2025

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects recent developments in global trade policy and oil production to contribute to lower global demand for petroleum products through 2026, contributing to lower oil prices than it previously forecast.

In its May Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), EIA also forecasts natural gas prices to increase from historic lows in 2024.

U.S. energy market indicators	2024	2025	2026
Brent crude oil spot price (dollars per barrel)	$81	$66	$59
Retail gasoline price (dollars per gallon)	$3.30	$3.10	$3.10
U.S. crude oil production (million barrels per day)	13.2	13.4	13.5
Natural gas price at Henry Hub (dollars per million British thermal units)	$2.20	$4.10	$4.80
U.S. liquefied natural gas gross exports (billion cubic feet per day)	12	15	16
Shares of U.S. electricity generation
Natural gas	42%	40%	40%
Coal	16%	16%	15%
Renewables	23%	25%	27%
Nuclear	19%	19%	19%
U.S. GDP (percentage change)	2.8%	1.5%	1.6%
U.S. CO2 emissions (billion metric tons)	4.8	4.8	4.7
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook, May 2025 Note: Values in this table are rounded and may not match values in other tables in this report.

Some key highlights from the May STEO include:

Oil supply, demand, and prices: EIA expects the Brent crude oil price to average about $66 per barrel in 2025 and about $59 per barrel in 2026, both significantly lower than the 2024 average of $81 per barrel.

Compared with the January STEO—the first STEO to include forecasts for 2026—EIA’s current forecast for global petroleum demand is about 500,000 barrels per day lower. EIA expects lower demand for petroleum products—such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel—along with increased oil production will lead to a generally oversupplied oil market, pushing oil prices down; EIA’s May forecast for 2026 oil prices is $8 per barrel lower than its January forecast.
As with all EIA forecasts, its forecast for crude oil prices is highly uncertain, specifically related to possible changes in U.S. and global crude oil production and petroleum demand trends. Notably, EIA concluded this forecast on May 1, which was before the latest OPEC+ meeting, on May 3.

U.S. ethane: China waived a 125% tariff on U.S. ethane imports it levied in early April. The tariff removal led EIA to expect strong growth in U.S. ethane production and exports. EIA expects the United States to produce nearly 3 million barrels per day of ethane this year and slightly more than 3 million barrels per day of ethane next year, up from 2.8 million barrels per day in 2024. Most of this growth in U.S. ethane production will be exported to supply growing international demand.

Natural gas prices: EIA expects natural gas prices to increase to about $4.20 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) on average in the third quarter of 2025. That price is about 80 cents per MMBtu higher than the April average and almost double the price from last year.

Electricity generation: EIA expects the U.S. power sector to generate 2% more electricity this year than it did in 2024, but generation from U.S. natural gas-fired power plants declines by 3% in the agency’s forecast, partially driven by rising natural gas prices. EIA expects rising natural gas prices to also contribute to a 6% increase in coal-fired generation.

U.S. solar generation continues to increase the most in electricity generation in the STEO forecast, increasing by 34% in 2025 and 18% in 2026.

Coal markets: With U.S. coal-fired power plants generating more electricity this year, EIA now expects U.S. coal production to total more than 500 million short tons in 2025, an upward revision from the April forecast.

Trade policy assumptions: The U.S. macroeconomic outlook EIA uses in the Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) is based on S&P Global’s macroeconomic model. S&P Global’s most recent model reflects the tariffs announced on April 2, but the model was finalized prior to the temporary 90-day tariff suspension granted to certain countries. As a result, EIA’s macroeconomic forecast assumes significantly lower tariffs on China’s products than are currently in place and significantly higher tariffs on countries subject to the 90-day temporary suspension. These differences in tariff rates likely have offsetting effects on the macroeconomic forecast.

The full May 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook is available on the EIA website.

The product described in this press release was prepared by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. By law, EIA’s data, analysis, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. government. The views in the product and this press release therefore should not be construed as representing those of the U.S. Department of Energy or other federal agencies.

EIA Program Contact: Tim Hess, STEO@eia.gov
EIA Press Contact: Chris Higginbotham, EIAMedia@eia.gov

MIL OSI USA News –

May 7, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: 53 Affordable and Supportive Homes in Rochester Completed

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy  Hochul  today announced the completion of 53 new homes throughout Rochester’s Beechwood neighborhood as part of a $27 million scattered Site redevelopment along Federal Street that transformed obsolete Rochester Housing Authority properties into affordable, supportive homes for families and individuals struggling with homelessness. In the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed more than 6,800 affordable homes in Monroe County. The Federal Street redevelopment project continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

“Creating and preserving public housing opportunities in Rochester is vitally important for families today and in the future,” Governor Hochul said. “The work completed in the Beechwood neighborhood demonstrates my dedication to New Yorkers and ensuring communities across the state have access to affordable, energy-efficient homes in safe neighborhoods.”

The Federal Street Scattered Site initiative furthers the community revitalization goals articulated in Rochester’s 2034 Comprehensive Plan and was developed in collaboration with the Beechwood Neighborhood Association.

Construction included the demolition of eight blighted structures located at the Rochester Housing Authority’s Federal Street property that were replaced by two multi-family buildings and a single-family home, creating a total of 18 homes. Additional construction work included the replacement or substantial rehabilitation of 35 existing homes throughout the Beechwood neighborhood. Fifty-one of the units are affordable to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income.    

The development includes nine apartments with supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Rental subsidies and services are funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The supportive service provider is Spiritus Christi. 

Designed to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Multifamily New Construction – Energy Rating Index compliance path, with support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) New Construction – Housing Program, the development utilizes ENERGY STAR® appliances, low-flow water fixtures, high-performance building envelope measures, all-electric domestic hot water heating, highly-efficient air source heat pumps to provide heating and cooling, and LED lighting. Solar panels have also been installed on one of the buildings at the Federal Street site. Improvements to the rehabilitated homes also include, improved ventilation, enhanced insulation, and window replacements. The Federal Street site provides community spaces and a thoughtfully designed playground. Electric vehicle charging receptacle(s) will be provided on sites where feasible.

The project was developed by the Rochester Housing Authority with consultant Edgemere Development. State financing includes State and Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, generating $13 million in equity and $7 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). The project also received $2 million through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. NYSERDA provided $77,000 in funding. The Community Preservation Corporation provided a SONYMA-insured $2 million permanent loan through its partnership with the New York State Common Retirement Fund. The city of Rochester and Rochester Housing Authority provided $400,000 in subsidy.   

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Through a combination of replacing blighted properties with new, energy-efficient modern buildings, and preserving essential public housing stock, this $27 million project will bring 53 affordable homes to Rochester’s Beechwood neighborhood and benefit families and individuals in need of support. Thank you to all our public and private partners for bringing this innovative project to fruition and for guiding our efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and increase housing supply in the city and across Monroe County.”

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The nine permanent supportive housing units included in this development will provide a safe and affordable place to live for formerly incarcerated individuals and their families, while connecting them with essential support services they need to live stable, independent lives in the community. We are grateful for Governor Hochul’s strong support of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and for her unwavering commitment to expanding the supply of permanent supportive housing across New York State.”

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “I am thrilled to see these out-of-use, neglected buildings transformed into modern, clean housing for the Rochester community. By implementing the latest sustainable building solutions, such as air-source heat pumps and all-electric hot water, projects like this continue to demonstrate how sustainable affordable housing can be achieved in communities throughout the state.”

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Every family in Rochester deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which I worked hard to protect and expand, has delivered millions to build over 50 new homes across Rochester’s Beechwood neighborhood. Many working families in New York are struggling with high housing costs, and building more housing for working people will help to bring down those high prices. I applaud Governor Hochul’s efforts to increase access to affordable housing in Rochester and across Upstate New York, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to ensure that every New Yorker has a roof over their heads.”

Representative Joe Morelle said, “Access to a safe and affordable home is a basic necessity, but sadly, this reality is still out of reach for far too many in our community. These 53 new homes in the Beechwood Neighborhood will help provide the safety and security people deserve and help set them up to thrive. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for continuing to invest in Rochester and our families, and I look forward to our continued work together.”

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said, “Our longstanding partnership with the Community Preservation Corporation has allowed the state’s pension fund to invest in New York’s communities. This project is a win-win that helps grow much-needed affordable and supportive housing to Beechwood, while providing the pension fund with the kind of steady return on investment that provides retirement security for its members, retirees and beneficiaries.”

Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, “I am proud to support the Rochester Housing Authority’s Federal Street and Scattered Sites development, a vital step toward ensuring equitable and affordable housing for families in our community. This project will provide safe, stable homes for working families, seniors, and individuals in need, while also breathing new life into our neighborhoods through the rehabilitation of existing properties and the construction of new ones. By investing in quality housing and community infrastructure, we are creating stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities for generations to come.”

Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said, “The Federal Street and Scattered Sites Housing initiative is bringing much-needed affordable, safe, equitable housing opportunities to the Beechwood neighborhood, which I am proud to represent. This effort is the result of thoughtful collaboration between Rochester Housing Authority working with partners in all levels of government and the community to ensure these homes meet the needs of existing residents and families in the neighborhood and the fabric of the vibrant Beechwood community.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “In the face of a continued affordable housing shortage, the Rochester Housing Authority is taking action. These new units will revitalize the Beechwood Neighborhood and provide families with a safe and stable environment. Additionally, RCH’s emphasis on constructing environmentally friendly units expands the reach of this project and ensures its long-term sustainability.”

Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “These homes are more than wood and stone; they are the visible proof that Rochester is moving forward with a new momentum. When we lift up our neighborhoods and invest in the dignity of every street, every family, and every block, we move Rochester forward together, building a city where hope and opportunity walk hand in hand.”

The Community Preservation Corporation Vice President Miriam Zinter said, “This milestone marks more than the completion of new housing – it is a celebration of what can be achieved when we make meaningful investments in the future of our communities. This project is helping to revitalize the Beechwood neighborhood while providing high-quality, affordable and supportive housing that will serve the diverse needs of our city’s residents for decades to come. I thank Governor Hochul, HCR, the city of Rochester and the Rochester Housing Authority, and our lending partners at the State’s Common Retirement Fund for their partnership.”

Rochester Housing Authority Executive Director Shawn Burr said, “These homes are more than just buildings—they represent our renewed commitment to preserving public housing, revitalizing neighborhoods, and strengthening our community. We’re proud to kick off our summer of progress right here on Federal Street.”

Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda

Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on state-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. Nearly 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro-Housing certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. Currently, nearly 300 communities have been certified, including the city of Rochester.

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward     

Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here. 

MIL OSI USA News –

May 7, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: EIA expects lower crude oil prices and higher natural gas prices through 2026

Source: US Energy Information Administration – EIA

Headline: EIA expects lower crude oil prices and higher natural gas prices through 2026

U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON DC 20585

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2025

In its May Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), EIA also forecasts natural gas prices to increase from historic lows in 2024.

U.S. energy market indicators	2024	2025	2026
Brent crude oil spot price (dollars per barrel)	$81	$66	$59
Retail gasoline price (dollars per gallon)	$3.30	$3.10	$3.10
U.S. crude oil production (million barrels per day)	13.2	13.4	13.5
Natural gas price at Henry Hub (dollars per million British thermal units)	$2.20	$4.10	$4.80
U.S. liquefied natural gas gross exports (billion cubic feet per day)	12	15	16
Shares of U.S. electricity generation
Natural gas	42%	40%	40%
Coal	16%	16%	15%
Renewables	23%	25%	27%
Nuclear	19%	19%	19%
U.S. GDP (percentage change)	2.8%	1.5%	1.6%
U.S. CO2 emissions (billion metric tons)	4.8	4.8	4.7
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook, May 2025 Note: Values in this table are rounded and may not match values in other tables in this report.

Some key highlights from the May STEO include:

Oil supply, demand, and prices: EIA expects the Brent crude oil price to average about $66 per barrel in 2025 and about $59 per barrel in 2026, both significantly lower than the 2024 average of $81 per barrel.

Compared with the January STEO—the first STEO to include forecasts for 2026—EIA’s current forecast for global petroleum demand is about 500,000 barrels per day lower. EIA expects lower demand for petroleum products—such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel—along with increased oil production will lead to a generally oversupplied oil market, pushing oil prices down; EIA’s May forecast for 2026 oil prices is $8 per barrel lower than its January forecast.
As with all EIA forecasts, its forecast for crude oil prices is highly uncertain, specifically related to possible changes in U.S. and global crude oil production and petroleum demand trends. Notably, EIA concluded this forecast on May 1, which was before the latest OPEC+ meeting, on May 3.

U.S. ethane: China waived a 125% tariff on U.S. ethane imports it levied in early April. The tariff removal led EIA to expect strong growth in U.S. ethane production and exports. EIA expects the United States to produce nearly 3 million barrels per day of ethane this year and slightly more than 3 million barrels per day of ethane next year, up from 2.8 million barrels per day in 2024. Most of this growth in U.S. ethane production will be exported to supply growing international demand.

Natural gas prices: EIA expects natural gas prices to increase to about $4.20 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) on average in the third quarter of 2025. That price is about 80 cents per MMBtu higher than the April average and almost double the price from last year.

Electricity generation: EIA expects the U.S. power sector to generate 2% more electricity this year than it did in 2024, but generation from U.S. natural gas-fired power plants declines by 3% in the agency’s forecast, partially driven by rising natural gas prices. EIA expects rising natural gas prices to also contribute to a 6% increase in coal-fired generation.

U.S. solar generation continues to increase the most in electricity generation in the STEO forecast, increasing by 34% in 2025 and 18% in 2026.

Coal markets: With U.S. coal-fired power plants generating more electricity this year, EIA now expects U.S. coal production to total more than 500 million short tons in 2025, an upward revision from the April forecast.

Trade policy assumptions: The U.S. macroeconomic outlook EIA uses in the Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) is based on S&P Global’s macroeconomic model. S&P Global’s most recent model reflects the tariffs announced on April 2, but the model was finalized prior to the temporary 90-day tariff suspension granted to certain countries. As a result, EIA’s macroeconomic forecast assumes significantly lower tariffs on China’s products than are currently in place and significantly higher tariffs on countries subject to the 90-day temporary suspension. These differences in tariff rates likely have offsetting effects on the macroeconomic forecast.

The full May 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook is available on the EIA website.

EIA Program Contact: Tim Hess, STEO@eia.gov
EIA Press Contact: Chris Higginbotham, EIAMedia@eia.gov

MIL OSI Economics –

May 7, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Avoiding Cosmic Rays: Monaco’s Underground Laboratory

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Video of Avoiding Cosmic Rays

Natural radiation from space can interfere with measuring radioactivity in scientific samples. The IAEA built an underground lab to minimize this interference and allow precise measurements. In Monaco, heavily-shielded detectors check for tiny amounts of radioactivity in marine samples collected globally, helping countries assess their marine environments.

MIL Security OSI –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: One Week to Go: Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 to Drive Africa’s Licensing and Gas Growth

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

PARIS, France, May 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

With just one week to go, the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum is set to ignite a transformative week of upstream deal-making, policy dialogue and strategic engagement. Taking place on May 13-14 in Paris, the forum will place Africa’s active licensing landscape and gas-driven development ambitions firmly at the center of global energy investment discussions.

With over 150 oil and gas blocks being made available across more than ten African countries, 2025 is emerging as a pivotal year for upstream investment. A wave of new licensing activity is gaining momentum, with governments launching bid rounds and inviting direct negotiations to unlock exploration potential in both established and frontier basins. Countries like Angola, Libya, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Algeria and the Republic of Congo are leading the charge, supported by enhanced seismic data, digitized application systems and updated fiscal regimes designed to lower entry barriers. These licensing initiatives will be a key focus at IAE 2025, offering a dynamic venue for stakeholders to engage on concrete investment opportunities and forge new partnerships.

IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/44r2RKf) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

IAE 2025 will showcase a powerhouse lineup of keynote speakers from both government and industry, including Bruno Jean-Ricachard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo; Eperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) of Nigeria and Maggy Shino, Petroleum Commissioner, Minister of Mines & Energy, Namibia. From the private sector, featured speakers include Wale Tinubu CON, CEO of Oando Plc; Marco Villa, Chief Business Officer of Technip Energies and Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President at TotalEnergies. These keynote addresses will provide critical insight into evolving policies, corporate strategies and investment frameworks shaping Africa’s energy landscape. A fireside chat with Mauritania’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Mohamed Ould Khaled, will further explore the landmark progress of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project and its catalytic role in driving regional gas monetization and industrial development in the region.

During a high-level ministerial panel, African policymakers will converge to discuss “Africa on the Global Energy Stage: Financing the Next Generation of Energy Projects,” exploring how African states are positioning themselves within global energy markets and unlocking partnerships for infrastructure, technology and private sector capital. An IOC-led panel on “Advancing Africa’s LNG Potential: Overcoming Infrastructure and Investment Challenges” – featuring UTM Offshore, Golar LNG, TechnipEnergies, Perenco and Neuman & Esser – will address practical strategies for accelerating LNG projects, from modular design and FSRU deployment to cross-border value chains.

Additional highlights include the “Monetizing Congo’s Gas Opportunities” session – featuring participation from Société nationale des pétroles du Congo and private sector players – which offers insight into emerging gas strategies and projects currently under development. A special session led by the African Union, “Financing the Transition: Unlocking Private Capital for Sustainable Development,” will address how to mobilize private investment in support of energy access, transition finance and regional integration.

With governments, NOCs, IOCs and financial institutions from across Africa and beyond confirmed, IAE 2025 is not just a forum – it is the definitive platform for executing upstream and gas-sector strategies. As global energy stakeholders seek new frontiers for growth, Africa is putting forward its strongest case yet.

MIL OSI Africa –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: CNL Team Recognized With CNIC 2024 Ecosystem Innovation Award for Production of Promising New Medical Isotope

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHALK RIVER, Ontario, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that it has been recognized by the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) alongside the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre and Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc. for being the first in Canada to produce Actinium-225, a promising new medical isotope in the fight against cancer, using a cyclotron and Radium-226 targets. The team was honoured with this year’s CNIC Ecosystem Innovation Award at the annual awards ceremony held in Ottawa, Ontario on April 15^th.

The CNIC Awards are an annual celebration of the growth and success of Canadian isotope industry and the contributions and innovations of its members and leading Canadian individuals in government and industry. CNIC provides a platform for its community to nominate individuals and organizations who have demonstrated leadership and championed advocacy in the industry. Receiving the Ecosystem Innovation Award, which recognizes a major milestone or initiative in Canada’s isotope industry, recognizes CNL’s ongoing efforts to establish this first-of-a-kind production process in Canada, which brings a significant increase in the quantity of this material to market, and unlocks further research and clinical trials.

“While Actinium-225 drugs have shown incredible potential to serve as a transformative cancer treatment, clinical trials and eventual drug approvals have been impeded by the tight supply scenario of Actinium-225,” commented Ram Mullur, CNL’s Vice-President of Isotopes. “More than seven years ago, CNL set out to address that challenge with the generator route of production of Actinium-225, and we are now moving ever-closer to industrial-scale production. This was enabled through the services and products provided by our collaborators, including the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre, and Advanced Cyclotron Systems. This achievement is also in support of Actineer, which is a joint venture founded in 2023 by ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM), a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, and CNL. On behalf of CNL, I want to thank the CNIC for recognizing CNL, our collaborators and partners, and the people who are working so hard to bring this vision to life.”

“The Fedoruk Centre is proud to participate in this achievement with CNL. The work depended on access to the Saskatchewan Cyclotron Facility, which is owned by the University of Saskatchewan and operated by the Fedoruk Centre. Together, we have advanced the production of an exciting new medical isotope here in Canada,” commented John Root, Executive Director of the Fedoruk Centre. “We must thank the federal and provincial governments who funded the cyclotron and infrastructure to make this innovation possible.”

“The first demonstration of Actinium-225 production by CNL using ACSI’s TR-24 Cyclotron and targetry system is an important milestone for both organisations. I believe that we will continue this successful collaboration in developing technology that will help in achieving worldwide reliable supply of Actinium-225,” stated Richard Eppich, President and CEO of ACSI.

CNL is currently working as part of a network of organizations to establish a reliable, industrial-scale production process for Actinium-225. “CNL has come a long way in the last seven years, and this award recognizes all of the hard work we have put in to help achieve this unmet need in the radiopharmaceutical industry,” added Mullur. “But I am pleased to say that we are just getting started, and continue to refine, optimize and improve all aspects of the production process, from development through to the extraction and distribution of the final product. And with each step, our optimism continues to grow that this isotope has the potential to serve as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of cancers.”

To learn more about CNL, including its work to produce Actinium-225, please visit www.cnl.ca.

About CNL
As Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.

By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.

To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca.

About the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre
The Fedoruk Centre is a not-for-profit corporation with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) as its sole member and an independent board of directors appointed by the USask board of governors. The Fedoruk Centre board is responsible for providing high-level strategic direction and oversight of Fedoruk Centre operations.

For more information about the Fedoruk Centre, visit: www.fedorukcentre.ca

About Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc.
Advanced Cyclotron Systems, Inc. (ACSI) is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of cyclotron systems. With over 30 years of experience and more than 60 cyclotron systems installed, ACSI can provide a wide range of equipment and services worldwide. ACSI cyclotrons are used for the commercial production and distribution of PET and SPECT nuclides by internationally recognized companies and leading universities and research facilities. ACSI cyclotrons are designed, manufactured, and assembled in Richmond, Canada.

ACSI offers a full spectrum of cyclotron systems ranging from PET cyclotrons to medium and high energy accelerators. All ACSI manufactured cyclotrons have variable energy and employ external ion source technology, offering the highest beam current output available on the market.

The versatility, high beam current and exceptional quality of ACSI cyclotrons are the reasons why many of the world’s most prestigious universities and research centers, as well as some of the most successful commercial radioisotope producers have chosen ACSI cyclotrons to meet their radioisotope production needs.

ACSI headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in Richmond, BC, Canada.

For more information, please visit www.advancedcyclotron.com.

CNL Contact:
Philip Kompass
Director, Corporate Communications
1-866-886-2325
media@cnl.ca

Sylvia Fedoruk Centre Contact:
Daniel Hallen
USask Media Relations
daniel.hallen@usask.ca
306-966-6922

Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc. Contact
Alex Zyuzin
Director of Research & Business Development
azyuzin@advancedcyclotron.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13192f18-235c-42e2-8bce-2e97b6df9c16

The MIL Network –

May 7, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FCDO press release: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Argentina

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

FCDO press release: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Argentina

Mr David Cairns has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Argentine Republic in succession to Mrs Kirsty Hayes who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Cairns will take up his appointment during September 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: David Seldon Cairns

Date	Role
2019 to present	Equinor, Vice President
2015 to 2019	Stockholm, Her Majesty’s Ambassador and Director of Nordic Baltic Network
2010 to 2014	FCO, Director, Estates, Security, Corporate Services
2006 to 2010	Tokyo, Director of Trade and Investment
2002 to 2006	Geneva, First Secretary WTO
2000 to 2002	FCO, Private Secretary to Baronesses Scotland and Amos
1999 to 1998	Tokyo, Second Secretary Commercial
1993 to 1994	FCO, Security Policy Department
1998	Pre-posting training (including Hebrew language training)
1993	Joined FCO

Media enquiries

Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Published 6 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 7, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: The winners of the term paper competition were awarded as part of the Architectural Seasons

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Yulia Kolmykova, “Historical Environment”

The SPbGASU summed up the results of the term paper competition, which took place within the framework of the International Creative Forum “Architectural Seasons”. This year, the Grand Prix went to the creative group consisting of: Ye Zijian, Zhao Yongkang, Wu Zongda and Tian Hongxu, under the direction of Chen and Lu Honggui (Zhengzhou University, China).

A total of 800 works were submitted to the competition. Students from the first to fifth years of the bachelor’s degree and the first year of the master’s degree participated. The winners were determined in two stages by voting, in which more than two thousand people took part.

200 people reached the final. 42 students were awarded the title of laureate in 14 nominations. We asked the laureates from SPbGASU to tell us about their works.

Religious building

Arina Tereshchenko, fourth-year student of the Faculty of Architecture, first-degree laureate in the nomination “Religious Building” (supervised by Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage Elena Baulina and Senior Lecturer of this department Galina Fedotova):

– The project is a temple complex inspired by traditional Armenian church architecture. The project uses natural materials that are resistant to climatic conditions and time – stone, basalt, tuff, which emphasizes the connection with the historical context. In addition to the main temple, the complex includes a chapel, a church clergy house, an educational center, and a baptistery. All elements are combined into a harmonious composition with a single architectural style. The project seeks not only to recreate the architectural appearance of the Armenian church, but also to create a living spiritual space that is relevant to the modern parish and open to dialogue between cultures.

Blocked residential building

Anna Kasyanova, a third-year student of the Faculty of Architecture, first-degree laureate in the nomination “Blocked Residential Building” (supervised by Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage Natalia Dubrovina, assistants of the department Gleb Bagayev and Ksenia Kakunets):

– My main task in this project is to create a clear, pleasant image of a residential building, without unnecessary details, which would organically fit into the natural environment. The image is the most difficult part of my project. I spent more than three months selecting analogs, coming up with and drawing different versions of the house, architectural details. Over time, my experience increased, and I managed to create the final image of the house.

Individual residential building

Veronika Merkul, a second-year student of the Faculty of Architecture, first-degree laureate in the Individual Residential Building nomination (supervisors: Professor of the Department of Architectural Design Oleg Romanov; Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural Design Elena Voitsehovskaya; Senior Lecturer of the Department of Architectural Design Varvara Khmeleva):

– In my project, I decided to follow such an architectural trend as dacha constructivism. It seemed to me that it could fully reflect the features of the design location, without claiming historicism. It was important to preserve the culture of the area, avoiding obvious remake. My decisions were influenced by the features of the site, which is located at the end of the street, due to which the house is visible from three sides and should form a dominant feature. Such elements as round or narrow rectangular windows, non-standard volumes on the roof (a reference to the surrounding pine trees) and other decor, according to my idea, should make each facade unique (so that you want to look at it), and spacious terraces encircling the main volume will allow you to fully enjoy the views of the Gulf of Finland. Under the roof, away from the household part of the building, there is an art studio, illuminated by two dormer windows. It was important that the style of the building reflect the creative interests of the owner.

Public interior

Gasan Abasov, fifth-year student of the Faculty of Architecture, first-degree laureate in the nomination “Public Interior” (supervised by associate professors of the Department of Architectural Design Igor Ivanov and Maria Yakunenkova):

– The interior of the engineering center is a multifunctional space, including an entrance group with a cloakroom, a coffee shop, an exhibition space, an auditorium and a block with toilets, technical rooms and a warehouse. The dominant role in the interior of the main building of the engineering center is played by a reinforced concrete cube, as if hovering in the center of the space. It houses another exhibition area. The cube is crossed by a strip of ceiling, connecting the central building with the rest of the complex. The main source of natural light is a large-span wooden structure with stained glass glazing. Sunlight, passing through it, creates an interesting light and shadow pattern, which, in contrast to the minimalist interior, sets a bright rhythm.

Residential interior

Ekaterina Sokolova, third-year undergraduate student at the Faculty of Architecture, first-degree laureate in the Residential Interior category (supervised by Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural Design Fyodor Perov, Associate Professor and Academic Secretary of the Department of Architectural Design Olga Kokorina):

– The main goal of the residential interior design project is to create functional and comfortable housing that is not only beautiful and convenient, but also meets the needs and preferences of its inhabitants. To do this, I studied the regulatory requirements for the design of residential buildings, as well as the expected life scenarios of people, their possible needs. When creating the project, I also took into account the features of the premises and its location.

Historical environment

Yulia Kolmykova, first-year student of the Master’s program at the Faculty of Architecture, first-degree laureate in the Historical Environment nomination (supervised by Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage Evgeniya Shuvaeva and Senior Lecturer of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage Darya Bobrova):

– The cultural heritage site of regional significance – the Zapolye estate is located in the Luzhsky district of the Leningrad region. Before starting the work, I studied archival and bibliographic materials, identified the current problems of the territory. The objectives of the project were to increase the tourist potential of the territory, restore historical functions, and draw attention to the importance of preserving old Russian estates.

To solve the tasks set, it is proposed to adapt this territory for a children’s agronomic camp and restore the preserved historical buildings. It is also planned to restore the parterre garden and historical alleys according to archival drawings. It is supposed to locate housing for pupils and employees, as well as sports grounds and parking lots on the unguarded territory.

Hand-drawn graphics

Nadezhda Nikolaeva, a second-year undergraduate student at the Faculty of Architecture, first-degree laureate in the Hand-drawn Graphics category (supervised by senior lecturers from the Department of History and Theory of Architecture Igor Khramov and Leonid Krupnik):

– The Rostov Kremlin is depicted here, but despite its dominant position, it is not the main character. The Kremlin here is not just architecture: it is, first of all, an environment that creates an atmosphere and determines the laws of existence. The key characters are people and cows. Cows are a symbol of timelessness, well-being and tranquility, and people are the personification of progress and the change of eras. The essence of life is revealed in their interaction. Thus, the picture raises the question of the dialogue between architecture and time: something is eternal, and something changes, adapting to new realities.

Architectural photography

Artem Titov, a second-year master’s student at the Faculty of Architecture at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and a first-degree laureate in the Architectural Photography category, spoke about his series of works, Bosnian Patches:

– Every year at the end of January, my friends and I go skiing. In search of ski resorts that we had not yet tried, we came across a little-known to Russian tourists complex in Bosnia and Herzegovina – the Jahorina ski resort, where the Winter Olympics were held in 1984. But going to another country with an interesting history just for skiing is pointless. So my friends and I put together a long route around the country, visiting several cities and architectural landmarks. Traditional wooden buildings, medieval stone structures and panel houses from the socialist period coexist here. I tried to capture all this diversity in my photos.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues to Block Trump Administration’s Dangerous Dismantling of Health and Human Services Department

Source: US State of New York

EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 19 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s unconstitutional dismantling of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Since taking office, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the Trump administration have fired thousands of federal health workers, shuttered life-saving programs, and abandoned states to face mounting health crises without federal support. Last month, the administration escalated its attack on the department, launching a reckless, irrational, and dangerous restructuring that, in a single day, erased decades of public health progress and left HHS unable to execute many of its most vital functions. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration have robbed HHS of the resources necessary to effectively serve the American people and will be asking the court to halt the dismantling before even more lives are put at risk.

“This administration is not streamlining the federal government; they are sabotaging it and all of us,” said Attorney General James. “When you fire the scientists who research infectious diseases, silence the doctors who care for pregnant patients, and shut down the programs that help firefighters and miners breathe or children thrive, you are not making America healthy – you are putting countless lives at risk.”

On March 27, Secretary Kennedy revealed a dramatic restructuring of HHS as part of the president’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) initiative. The secretary announced that the department’s 28 agencies would be collapsed into 15, with many surviving offices shuffled or split apart. He also announced mass firings, slashing the department’s headcount from 85,000 to 65,000. On April 1, 10,000 employees were locked out of their work email, laptops, and offices without warning. Many only learned they had been terminated when they arrived at work to find their badges deactivated. In a matter of hours, critical HHS operations ground to a halt. Experiments were abandoned, trainings canceled, site visits postponed, and labs shuttered.

Attorney General James and the coalition assert the impacts of this restructuring have been immediate and disastrous. Programs serving children and low-income families have been particularly devastated. With HHS regional offices shut down and grant funding frozen, Head Start centers are at risk of closing, depriving children of early education and foster families of critical support. Programs aiding children with disabilities, youth experiencing homelessness, and preschool development have been left in limbo. The administration also fired staff responsible for maintaining the federal poverty guidelines, which states rely on to determine eligibility for food assistance like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), housing support, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The entire team running the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was terminated, a reckless decision amid extreme weather and rising energy costs.

Mental health and substance use services have been completely gutted as a result of the administration’s restructuring. The administration fired hundreds of employees working on mental health and addiction treatment, including half of the entire workforce at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and closed all ten SAMHSA regional offices. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline team was slashed, and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health was halted, blinding policymakers to trends amid an escalating overdose crisis. Even the nation’s tobacco prevention agency was dismantled, despite tobacco-related deaths remaining the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.

The damage extends to reproductive health, disability services, and the fight against HIV and AIDS. Pregnant people and newborns have been put at risk after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) entire maternal health team was fired, collapsing the nation’s maternal mortality monitoring efforts. The federal fertility tracking program was shut down, stripping families of crucial information on access to IVF and family planning services. Sexual assault and domestic violence prevention efforts have been impacted, with much of the CDC Division of Violence Prevention reportedly fired or placed on leave. Sweeping layoffs at the Administration for Community Living (ACL) stand to devastate services for individuals with disabilities. The nation’s HIV/AIDS response has been undermined with expert scientists fired, prevention initiatives eliminated, and decades of hard-won progress undone in a matter of days.

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which provides life-saving care to more than 137,000 9/11 first responders and survivors, faces the loss of the physicians needed to certify new cancer diagnoses. Workers across the country, from nurses to construction crews, risk losing reliable access to N95 masks following the closure of the nation’s only federal mask approval laboratory. Several CDC labs tracking infectious diseases – including measles – were shuttered, paralyzing federal disease surveillance. In the absence of federal leadership, New York’s state lab is now scrambling to fill the void, as it is one of the only remaining labs in the nation with the ability to test for many rare diseases and complex sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that this chaos and devastation are not just collateral damage, but the administration’s intended result. They allege the Trump administration has violated hundreds of laws, bypassed congressional authority, and trampled the constitutional separation of powers, ignoring laws that Congress enacted to protect public health and taking reckless action without regard for the consequences. Secretary Kennedy even publicly acknowledged he rejected a case-by-case review of terminations, saying he feared it would cost “political momentum.” As Attorney General James and the coalition write in the lawsuit, “the terminations and reorganizations happened quickly, but the consequences are severe, complicated, drawn-out, and potentially irreversible.”

“The disastrous cuts to the WTC Health Program are placing in peril the lives of every first responder and survivor that relies on this health care program to stay alive,” said Gary Smiley, 9/11 First Responder and WTC Liaison for FDNY EMS Local 2507. “Every day there is doubt in these responders’ and survivors’ lives as to what will come next in their health battle. The Trump administration, by slashing research grants and proposals for new and emerging conditions to the bone, leaves them hopeless and Forgotten. The psychological impacts on these members are reprehensible. This is exactly the opposite of what this nation promised to each and every one of them: To Never Forget.”

“Last month, the federal government suddenly closed five regional Head Start offices, including the one that serves New York. Providers were left scrambling, unable to contact anyone, and worried for the families who rely on them. Recertification applications are unresolved, and uncertainty about payments and the future of Head Start have caused a sense of panic among child care providers,” said Susan Stamler, Executive Director of United Neighborhood Houses. “The shrinking of HHS is clearly having devastating impacts on our neighborhoods and families. Jeopardizing child care is no way to help working parents. We stand proudly with Attorney General James as she fights to protect our communities and ensure every child has the care they deserve.”

“The dismantling of Medicaid and the erasure of maternal health infrastructure reveal a devastating truth—mothers and babies are not a priority in this nation,” said Chanel Porchia-Albert, Founder and CEO of Ancient Song Doula Services. “In one of the wealthiest, most industrialized countries, we rank among the worst for maternal outcomes. If we do not invest now in data, programs, and policies rooted in equity and upliftment, we will bear the generational cost of this neglect. Maternal health must be a bipartisan priority—because the future of our communities depends on it.”

“In 2024 alone, Housing Works has provided primary care to nearly 10,000 patients—70% covered by Medicaid or Duals,” said Anthony Feliciano, VP of Community Mobilization at Housing Works. “The Trump administration’s reckless dismantling of HHS directly threatens our ability to serve these communities. From HIV services to substance use support, this attack on public health infrastructure abandons the most vulnerable people in our state. These devastating cuts jeopardize decades of progress toward ending the HIV epidemic—an effort that is not only about public health, but about justice and dignity for our communities. Ending the epidemic is how we serve our people, and we refuse to allow this administration to turn its back on them.”

Attorney General James and the coalition are urging the court to immediately halt the Trump administration’s unlawful dismantling of HHS and to require the restoration of critical health programs to protect the health and well-being of people nationwide.

Joining Attorney General James in this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: ModelOp Unveils 2025 AI Governance Benchmark Report Showing Speed, Scale, and Trust Will Define the Next Era of Enterprise AI
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ModelOp, the leading AI lifecycle automation and governance software for enterprises, announced today the release of its highly anticipated 2025 AI Governance Benchmark Report. Titled “AI’s Time-to-Market Quagmire: Why Enterprises Struggle to Scale AI Innovation”, the new report provides groundbreaking insights from 100 senior AI and data leaders in Financial Services, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Pharma, Biotech, Consumer Packaged Goods, Logistics, Manufacturing, Energy, and Retail across North America.

It reveals the operational challenges that enterprises face in bringing to market and scaling AI initiatives – especially generative AI. With global AI spending expected to reach $631 billion by 2028, the report highlights a stark disconnect between enterprise ambitions and production results. Reasons include fragmented systems, inconsistent governance practices, and reliance on manual processes like spreadsheets and emails.

Key Findings from the Report:
- 56% of generative AI projects take between 6–18 months to move from intake to production.
- 80% of enterprises have at least 51 generative AI use cases in the proposal phase, but most only have a handful of use cases in production.
- While 72% of enterprises have fewer than 20 AI use cases in production, a wave of initiatives is coming, at least 90% of organizations have 21 or more use cases either in development or quality assurance.
- 58% of enterprises said dealing with fragmented systems was among the biggest challenges to AI governance adoption.
- 86% of enterprises run the risk of inconsistent reporting and duplicate work because they do not carry out AI assurance at the enterprise level.
- 36% said they have budgeted more than $1M annually for AI governance software – demonstrating a trend towards ring-fencing funds for this purpose.
“Executives are increasingly needing to demonstrate ROI for the significant investments in their AI initiatives,” says Jim Olsen, Chief Technology Officer at ModelOp. “There’s pressure for them to show leadership in new tech, drive transformation, and produce a competitive advantage — but they need to show that the tech is trustworthy too. Even if an enterprise does have well-defined governance policies, applying and enforcing them consistently across the many teams and systems involved is like herding cats if you’re doing it with spreadsheets and manual processes. Enterprises are realizing that AI governance is not a bureaucratic hurdle – they’re recognizing it as a trustworthy engine to accelerate and scale innovation. Effective AI governance is really about using AI lifecycle automation to coordinate the dozens of teams and systems involved with bringing AI to market and enforcing internal and regulatory policies consistently,” says Olsen.

The report also showcases how early governance adoption correlates with faster deployment and stronger return on investment. A featured case study details how a major financial services firm cut time-to-market in half and reduced issue resolution time by 80% after implementing ModelOp’s AI lifecycle automation and governance software.

“Speed will separate the leaders from the laggards,” added Olsen. “This report is a call-to-action for C-suite executives to embed automation and governance from the start, not as a check-the-box afterthought.”

The full 2025 AI Governance Benchmark Report, developed in collaboration with Corinium Intelligence, is available now at no charge for download at https://www.modelop.com/ai-gov-benchmark-report.

About ModelOp
ModelOp is the leader in AI lifecycle automation and governance software, purpose-built for enterprises. It enables organizations to bring all of their AI initiatives – from GenAI and ML to regression models – to market faster, at scale, and with the confidence of end-to-end control, oversight, and value realization. ModelOp is used by the most complex and regulated institutions in the world – including major banks, insurers, regulatory bodies, healthcare organizations, and global CPG companies – because it delivers the structure, automation, and oversight necessary to operationalize AI at scale across the entire enterprise. In 2024, ModelOp received the prestigious AI Breakthrough Award for “Best AI Governance Platform” and was also recognized as a winner in Inc.’s Best in Business Awards in the AI & Data category. In 2025, it was awarded the “Best AI Governance Software Award” from Netty Awards and received Business Intelligence Group’s Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award. Follow ModelOp on LinkedIn.

Media Contact
Ria Romano, Partner
RPR Public Relations, Inc.
Tel. 786-290-6413

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5372bd1-3e80-49a2-8d3a-0d588941c21a

The MIL Network –
May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: TWAICE Rolls Out 15+ Product Enhancements to Help BESS Operators Turn Complexity into Revenue
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TWAICE, a leading provider of predictive analytics software for battery energy storage systems (BESS), today announced more than 15 major product enhancements. This rapid pace of innovation reflects the industry’s urgent need for solutions that bridge technical excellence with financial performance, as operators navigate overwhelming data volumes, growing system complexity, and dynamic market demands.

A highlight among the latest developments is the launch of Penalty Risk Assessment, a breakthrough feature that helps operators avoid costly penalties by making State of Charge (SoC) issues easier to understand and act on. Compared to often inaccurate battery management system (BMS) estimates, the new tool indicates when systems operate near risky thresholds and provides SoC limit recommendations based on real-world system behavior. With these insights, operators can deliver power more reliably when electricity prices are highest, avoid penalties, and protect assets for long-term value.

“As the energy storage industry scales and evolves, many of our customers are encountering new and complex challenges that they haven’t faced before,” said Stephan Rohr, Co-CEO and founder at TWAICE. “At TWAICE, we focus on anticipating these emerging needs and delivering innovations that provide immediate, practical value. Our latest feature rollouts give operators the clarity, control, and confidence they need to optimize increasingly complex systems.”

Solving Real-World Operational Challenges with Actionable Insights and User-Friendly Tools
Among the many enhancements, four of the new features, in particular, show how TWAICE is tackling the industry’s toughest operational challenges, including:
- Maximizing Availability: TWAICE’s Usable and Recoverable Energy KPIs help operators quickly spot and prioritize issues impacting availability and performance. Combined with integration to Modo Energy’s financial platform, operators can now directly link hidden energy loss with revenue impact, enabling smarter asset management.
- Protecting Long-term Asset Profitability: New Roundtrip Efficiency (RTE) monitoring ensures visibility beyond batteries to inverters and transformers. By capturing efficiency drops wherever they occur, RTE Insights enables early detection of performance degradation that could otherwise go unnoticed for months.
- Managing Warranty and Contractual Risks: Customizable Warranty & Guarantee Tracker tied to 50+ KPIs allows proactive compliance monitoring, with predictive alerts before thresholds are crossed — saving costs and disputes.
- Speeding Up Operational Decision Making: New Automated Reporting enhancements deliver tailored, deep-linked insights at the cadence needed — daily, weekly, or monthly, ensuring the right teams have the right information when it matters most.
Each of these innovations addresses critical needs identified through close collaboration with TWAICE’s customers, such as BW ESS, a major operator of large-scale energy storage assets.

“TWAICE’s battery analytics software gives us the visibility we need to make operational decisions more effectively, increase the availability of the BESS, and ensure our battery portfolio is operating safely and efficiently,” said the Head of Asset Management at BW ESS.

To learn more about how the latest TWAICE features help energy storage operators navigate the evolving industry, visit https://www.twaice.com/.

About TWAICE
Since 2018, TWAICE has led the field of predictive battery analytics, meeting the demand for safe, durable, and highly available energy storage systems (BESS). While Battery Management Systems (BMS) and Energy Management Systems (EMS) offer basic monitoring capabilities, TWAICE provides advanced analytics that go deeper to optimize BESS performance and lifetime ROI. As a trusted partner to the industry, TWAICE offers unbiased insights to support objective decision-making independent of manufacturers, insurers, or service providers.
www.twaice.com

Media Contact:
Justin Williams
Trevi Communications for TWAICE
justin@trevicomm.com
+1 (978) 539-7157

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/07265179-9315-4cf8-9f8f-55a991ecdd9b

The MIL Network –
May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Abundance Energy, sonnen, and Energywell Unite to Develop Residential Battery-Enabled Virtual Power Plants in Texas

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abundance Energy, sonnen, and Energywell Technology Licensing, LLC (“Energywell”) are joining forces to power the future of energy through the development of behind-the-meter, battery-enabled Virtual Power Plants (“VPP”) in Texas.

The collaboration empowers Abundance Energy customers to use their sonnenConnect home batteries to support grid stability, ensure reliable energy delivery, and lower electricity costs while driving the development of smart, sustainable energy solutions.

Optimized through the integration of Energywell’s Proton platform with sonnen’s advanced Virtual Power Plant battery control technology, each battery is continuously managed in response to market price signals, customer usage, and solar generation. Networked together, these batteries create a VPP, dynamically balancing energy supply and demand to maximize value for both the grid and the customer.

“Our mission is to empower homeowners with smarter, more sustainable energy solutions,” said Thomas Mandry, CEO of Abundance Energy. “By combining sonnen’s best-in-class battery and Virtual Power Plant technology, Energywell’s market expertise through its Proton platform, we are delivering an innovative VPP model that benefits both customers and the Texas grid.”

sonnen’s VPP technology intelligently manages energy supply and demand, ensuring stored solar or grid energy is strategically deployed when needed most. “Our VPP solutions enable customers to actively participate in the energy market while maintaining resilience in their homes,” said Blake Richetta, Chairman and CEO of sonnen. “With Abundance Energy, and Energywell, we’re setting a new standard for residential energy management.”

Energywell’s Proton platform provides advanced forecasting and optimization tools to ensure batteries are dispatched in alignment with market opportunities. “The Texas energy landscape is evolving, and this partnership exemplifies the future of distributed energy,” said Michael Fallquist, CEO of Energywell. “By optimizing stored energy, we are reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions, building a smarter, cleaner, and more flexible grid.”

This VPP initiative aligns with Texas’ growing demand for resilient, customer-driven energy solutions and paves the way for further innovation in the residential energy sector.

About Abundance Energy

Abundance Energy is a digital-native Retail Electric Provider (REP) startup licensed for operations in Texas. Abundance’s products include transparent fixed-rate residential plans and multi-meter Continuous Service Agreement plans for vacant property management with a built-to-purpose CSA customer platform. Abundance is part of the Quext family of companies that includes next-generation LoRaWAN proprietary IoT thermostats and smart locks for the multifamily market. Visit abundanceenergy.com for more information.

About sonnen

sonnen is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of smart energy storage systems for residential applications, and a pioneer of the residential battery based virtual power plant. The sonnen VPP is nationally recognized as a blueprint for the decentralized, digitalized, decarbonized energy system of the future. sonnen is one of the most experienced and fastest growing VPP energy storage companies in the world. sonnen has received many internationally recognized awards celebrating our technological achievement. sonnen products and services are used by the sonnenCommunity, a collection of visionaries around the world who share our vision of clean and affordable energy for everyone. In Texas, sonnen partners with SOLRITE Energy to bring their flagship Virtual Power Plant Power Purchase Agreement (VPA), to provide solar panels and home battery systems at no upfront cost.

sonnen’s offices are located in Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, and the USA. sonnen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell. Learn more at: https://sonnenusa.com/en

About Energywell

Energywell is an energy technology company powering the sustainable energy transition. Energywell combines the financial strength of funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. and capital and commodities expertise from Hartree Partners L.P. with proprietary technology and a seasoned team of energy industry veterans. Visit Energywell.com for more information.

About Proton

Energywell’s Proton platform delivers real-time energy insights and seamless device integration, empowering businesses and customers to optimize energy more sustainably. Proton uses cloud-native, event-driven architecture to ensure energy solutions scale quickly while maintaining the highest standards of security, including SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. Proton is available for licensing for third parties looking to accelerate their own energy management capabilities. Visit Energywell.com /proton for more information.

Press Contact
FischTank PR
sonnen@fischtankpr.com

The MIL Network –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Radix to Showcase AI Driven Innovations at Big 10 and Friends Utility Conference
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radix, a technology services company delivering innovative solutions to asset-intensive educational institutions and industries, will attend the Big 10 and Friends Utilities Conference at the University of Cincinnati from May 18 to May 21, 2025.

For the past two years, Radix has actively engaged at the Big 10 and Friends Utilities Conference that has participation of over 150 campus operations leaders from colleges and universities across North America. This year the Radix team will share insights designed to elevate innovation and action towards better asset and energy management of facilities, with tangible steps to reducing wastage while optimising energy.

Thiago Bacic, Vice President of Infrastructure and Services North America at Radix, commented: “Radix has partnered with a spectrum of small and large universities and colleges to enable robust asset performance management practice that reduce waste and drive cost savings. We look forward to sharing these partner success stories that optimise facilities and energy management that’s both sustainable and at scale.”

Radix will share insights into process improvement and optimization to boost sustainability, and enhance energy management that’s scalable while reducing cost, a key theme for Radix this year at Big Ten and Friends. “In essence, Radix can help elevate operational excellence at scale through data-driven solutions that drive measurable improvements in ways that were previously unattainable,” Thiago added.

Boosting operational excellence for asset-intensive educational institutions’ facilities and energy management will be expanded on by Thiago during his presentation of “A Data-Driven Approach to Cost Effective Combined Cooling, Heating & Power Operations.”

The discussion with various Universities will also include:
1. Key Strategies for Successful Energy Implementation.
2. Leveraging Existing Data to Enhance Facilities Performance.
3. Steps to developing a Path to Optimized Asset Performance Management.
The Radix team welcomes friends and partners to Booth 24 to collaborate and learn more about Education Sector Solutions – Radix: Enhancing Learning with AI and Software

About Radix
Founded in 2010, Radix is a privately held technology solutions company providing consulting, engineering, operations technology, and data and software technology solutions globally. Radix combines key capabilities and practices to empower customers to thrive along their digital transformation journey. Radix provides technology-based, data-driven solutions to industrial and non-industrial companies worldwide. Radix has experience leading projects in more than 30 countries. It has more than 1,800+ employees around the globe, with North American headquarters in Houston, Texas, main headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, additional offices in Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte, and a presence in Singapore and Amsterdam. To learn more, visit www.radixeng.com.

For more information:
Citalouise Geiggar, Ph.D.
citalouise.geiggar@radixeng.com
Radix

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8c360a62-925d-4242-9213-fd3381e8c028

The MIL Network –
May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Ancient Mars may have had a carbon cycle − a new study suggests the red planet may have once been warmer, wetter and more favorable for life

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Elisabeth M. Hausrath, Professor of Geoscience, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

A panorama created from images taken by the rover Curiosity while it was working at a site called ‘Rocknest’ in 2012. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems

Mars, one of our closest planetary neighbors, has fascinated people for hundreds of years, partly because it is so similar to Earth. It is about the same size, contains similar rocks and minerals, and is not too much farther out from the Sun.

Because Mars and Earth share so many features, scientists have long wondered whether Mars could have once harbored life. Today, Mars is very cold and dry, with little atmosphere and no liquid water on the surface − traits that make it a hostile environment for life. But some observations suggest that ancient Mars may have been warmer, wetter and more favorable for life.

Even though scientists observing the surface of Mars conclude that it was once warmer than it is today, they haven’t been able to find much concrete evidence for what caused it to be warmer. But a study my colleagues and I published in April 2025 indicates the presence of carbonate minerals on the planet, which could help solve this puzzle.

Carbonate minerals contain carbon dioxide, which, when present in the atmosphere, warms a planet. These minerals suggest that carbon dioxide could have previously existed in the atmosphere in larger quantities and provide exciting new clues about ancient Mars’ environment.

As a geochemist and astrobiologist who has studied Mars for more than 15 years, I am fascinated by Mars’ past and the idea that it could have been habitable.

Ancient carbon cycle on past Mars

Observations of Mars from orbiting satellites and rovers show river channels and dry lakes that suggest the Martian surface once had liquid water. And these instruments have spotted minerals on its surface that scientists can analyze to get an idea of what Mars may have been like in the past.

Today, Mars is very cold, with a thin atmosphere and dry climate. But in the ancient past, it may have been warmer and wetter, with a thicker heat-trapping atmosphere.
NASA/J. Bell – Cornell U./M. Wolff – SSI via AP, File

If ancient Mars had liquid water, it would have needed a much warmer climate than it has today. Warmer planets usually have thick atmospheres that trap heat. So, perhaps the Martian atmosphere used to be thicker and composed of heat-trapping carbon dioxide. If Mars did once have a thicker carbon dioxide-containing atmosphere, scientists predict that they’d be able to see traces of that atmospheric carbon dioxide on the surface of Mars today.

Gaseous carbon dioxide dissolves in water, a chemical process that can ultimately contribute to formation of solid minerals at and below the surface of a planet − essentially removing the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Lots of scientists have previously tried to find carbonate minerals on the surface of Mars, and part of the excitement about a warmer, wetter early Mars is that it could have been a suitable environment for ancient microbial life.

Finding carbonates on Mars

Previous searches for carbonates on Mars have turned up observations of carbonates in meteorites and at two craters on Mars: Gusev crater and Jezero crater. But there wasn’t enough to explain a warmer past climate on Mars.

For the past few years, the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover has been traversing a region called Gale crater. Here, the rover’s chemistry and mineralogy instrument has discovered lots of the iron-rich carbonate mineral siderite.

The Curiosity rover has detected carbonates on Mars’ surface.
NASA

As my colleagues and I detail in our new study about these results, this carbonate mineral could contain some of the missing atmospheric carbon dioxide needed for a warmer, wetter early Mars.

The rover also found iron oxyhydroxide minerals that suggest some of these rocks later dissolved when they encountered water, releasing a portion of their carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Although it is very thin, the modern Martian atmosphere is still composed mainly of carbon dioxide.

In other words, these new results provide evidence for an ancient carbon cycle on Mars. Carbon cycles are the processes that transfer carbon dioxide between different reservoirs − such as rocks on the surface and gas in the atmosphere.

Potential habitats for past microbial life on Mars

Scientists generally consider an environment habitable for microbial life if it contains liquid water; nutrients such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur and necessary trace elements; an energy source; and conditions that were not too harsh − not too acidic, too salty or too hot, for example.

Since observations from Gale crater and other locations on Mars show that Mars likely had habitable conditions, could Mars then have hosted life? And if it did, how would researchers be able to tell?

Although microorganisms are too small for the human eye to detect, they can leave evidence of themselves preserved in rocks, sediments and soils. Organic molecules from within these microorganisms are sometimes preserved in rocks and sediments. And some microbes can form minerals or have cells that can form certain shapes. This type of evidence for past life is called a biosignature.

Collecting Mars samples

If Mars has biosignatures on or near the surface, researchers want to know that they have the right tools to detect them.

So far, the rovers on Mars have found some organic molecules and chemical signatures that could have come from either abiotic − nonliving − sources or past life.

The Curiosity rover travels across Mars searching for signs that the planet could have once been habitable.

However, determining whether the planet used to host life isn’t easy. Analyses run in Earth’s laboratories could provide more clarity around where these signatures came from.

To that end, the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover has been collecting and sealing samples on Mars, with one cache placed on the surface of Mars and another cache remaining on the rover.

These caches include samples of rock, soil and atmosphere. Their contents can tell researchers about many aspects of the history of Mars, including past volcanic activity, meteorite impacts, streams and lakes, wind and dust storms, and potential past Martian life. If these samples are brought to Earth, scientists could examine them here for signs of ancient life on another planet.

Elisabeth M. Hausrath receives funding from NASA, including from the MSL Curiosity rover Participating Scientist Program and the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover.

– ref. Ancient Mars may have had a carbon cycle − a new study suggests the red planet may have once been warmer, wetter and more favorable for life – https://theconversation.com/ancient-mars-may-have-had-a-carbon-cycle-a-new-study-suggests-the-red-planet-may-have-once-been-warmer-wetter-and-more-favorable-for-life-255207

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: U.S. sustainable aviation fuel production takes off as new capacity comes online

Source: US Energy Information Administration

In-brief analysis

May 6, 2025

Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly; company announcements and trade press
Note: Other Biofuels includes sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable heating oil, renewable naphtha, renewable propane, renewable gasoline, and other emerging biofuels that are in various stages of development and commercialization. SAF production capacity is an estimate based on company announcements and trade press and only includes hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) SAF. We do not publish SAF production capacity data.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production is growing in the United States as new capacity comes online. U.S. production of Other Biofuels, the category we use to capture SAF in our Petroleum Supply Monthly, approximately doubled from December 2024 to February 2025.

SAF is an alternative to petroleum jet fuel. It’s produced from agricultural and waste feedstocks and is consumed in blends with petroleum jet fuel. Investments in SAF have increased because of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), federal tax credits, and state programs and tax credits incentivizing use of the fuel.

In addition to SAF, our Other Biofuels category includes renewable heating oil, renewable naphtha, renewable propane, renewable gasoline, and other emerging biofuels that are in various stages of development and commercialization.

Prior to 2025, renewable naphtha and renewable propane, which are byproducts of renewable diesel production, made up most of Other Biofuels production and was growing because of growing renewable diesel production. SAF made up only a small portion of Other Biofuels production because of limited production capacity. At the beginning of 2024, U.S. SAF production capacity was only around 2,000 barrels per day (b/d), with just two plants capable of producing SAF: World Energy’s plant in Paramount, California, and Montana Renewables’ plant in Great Falls, Montana.

U.S. SAF production capacity increased by about 25,000 b/d in late 2024. Phillips 66 completed its 10,000-b/d SAF project in Rodeo, California, in the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24), before temporarily halting production in 4Q24. Diamond Green Diesel completed its 15,000-b/d SAF project in Port Arthur, Texas, in 4Q24.

A couple of smaller projects will bring additional SAF production capacity online in 2025. New Rise Renewables announced it began SAF production at its plant in Reno, Nevada, in February 2025, adding up to 3,000 b/d of SAF production. Par Pacific plans to begin SAF production at its plant in Kapolei, Hawaii, in the second half of the year, adding about 2,000 b/d of SAF production capacity.

With SAF production capacity now around 30,000 b/d and growing in 2025, SAF will likely drive significant growth in Other Biofuels production and make up most of U.S. Other Biofuels production.

In January, U.S. production of Other Biofuels reached 33,000 b/d, nearly 30% more than the previous record high set in September 2024. Production increased another 30% in February to 44,000 b/d. In our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast that U.S. production of Other Biofuels will more than double between 2024 and 2025 and increase by about another 20% in 2026. Although we do not publish a forecast for each fuel that makes up the category, we expect increased SAF production to drive most of that growth. Despite strong growth in SAF on a percentage basis, the absolute volumes will remain relatively low, making up less than 2% of about 1.7 million b/d of U.S. jet fuel consumption in 2025 and about 2% in 2026.

Principal contributor: Jimmy Troderman

MIL OSI USA News –

May 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Free Psychic Reading Online by Chat [2025] Best Free Psychics for Accurate Readings!
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In today’s fast-paced world, more people are turning to spiritual tools to gain clarity and direction. Whether you’re dealing with a relationship dilemma, career confusion, or life transitions, a free psychic reading online can offer valuable insight, all from the comfort of your home. Best of all, you can now connect instantly through free psychic chat with certified advisors and get accurate answers in real time.

The-Psychic-Experts.com, a leading platform in reviewing free psychic services, has officially announced its 2025 rankings for the best free psychic reading platforms that are available online.

Discover your future with an accurate free psychic reading online and unlock answers through free psychic chat with gifted intuitive advisors!

⇒ Connect with the best free psychics for love, career, and more!

What Is a Free Psychic Reading Online?

A free psychic reading online allows you to connect with a psychic advisor over the internet—usually via chat, video, or email—without any upfront cost. Many reputable psychic platforms offer introductory sessions so that new users can experience the service without financial commitment.

These sessions typically last 3 to 10 minutes and are ideal for asking simple questions or getting a feel for the psychic’s energy and accuracy.

⇒ Discover what’s ahead by connecting with the best free psychics online!

What Is Free Psychic Chat?

Free psychic chat is a live text-based communication feature that lets you speak directly with a psychic in real time. Unlike phone or video readings, chat is discreet, fast, and easy to use—perfect for users who prefer privacy or quick answers.

Psychic chat platforms often include features such as:
- Real-time typing and responses
- Saved chat history for future reference
- Ratings and reviews of each advisor
- Topic filters (e.g., love, career, spiritual guidance)
Enjoy a free psychic reading online and use free psychic chat to gain clarity, peace of mind, and guidance from experienced psychic experts.

⇒ Start s free psychic chat and find answers to your deepest questions!

Main Benefits of Using Free Psychic Reading and Chat Services

1. Convenience
Access guidance 24/7 from anywhere in the world—no appointments needed.

2. Privacy
Chat-based readings allow you to stay anonymous while discussing personal matters.

3. Clarity Before You Pay
With a free psychic chat, you can evaluate the reader’s accuracy before committing to a paid session.

4. Wide Range of Experts
Choose from advisors specializing in tarot, astrology, mediumship, numerology, and more.

⇒ Chat with the best free psychics online and explore your future!

How to Choose a Trustworthy Free Psychic Online

Not all psychic platforms are equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Verified Reviews: Read ratings and feedback from real users.
- Free Intro Offers: Look for platforms that offer several free minutes.
- Transparency: Check the advisor’s bio, specialties, and tools used.
- Customer Support: Reliable platforms offer 24/7 assistance in case of technical issues.
Top-rated psychic sites often include filters to help you choose a psychic by category (love, career, etc.), reading style (compassionate, direct), and tool (tarot, clairvoyance, etc.).

⇒ Ask a psychic your most urgent question free of charge!

Best Times to Use Free Psychic Chat
- When facing an urgent decision and needing fast clarity
- After a breakup or during a relationship crisis
- When changing jobs or considering a move
- During emotional stress or uncertainty
- For ongoing spiritual growth or guidance
⇒ Discover your future with a free psychic reading and real insight

Psychic Experts: Your Go-To Resource for Free Psychic Readings in 2025

Digital access is growing the demand for online services, and the same is true for psychic services. The psychic experts recognize that online users often get nervous when trying to choose between different psychic services, since all of them claim accuracy and authenticity.

This year’s “Best Free Psychic Reading Online for 2025” list was meticulously curated for this very reason. It is based on verified user feedback, psychic credentials, and ease of access. And it also particularly focuses on free psychic chat and ask a free psychic question services.

So if you are looking for free psychic love readings, or simply want to know about your future via free psychic reading by date of birth and time, the-psychic-experts.com will help its users find authentic guidance in the world of psychics in an affordable way.

⇒ Receive a free psychic reading from experienced, trusted advisors!

Why Free Psychic Readings Are on the Rise

Free psychic readings have always been popular among those who know its worth. These are considered a spiritual outlet for people who have questions about the unknown or are in search of clarity. However, the online psychic popularity has made it easier than ever to ask a free psychic question online, from the comfort of your home.

So whether you are into clairvoyance, tarot, astrology, or mediumship, you can be guaranteed that these services are now available online. Most platforms now offer:
- Free trial readings online
- Online psychic chat sessions
- Free psychic chat sessions online
- One free psychic question before you pay for the full session
- Free psychic reading by date of birth and time
- Free psychic readings online with no credit card.
This freedom for the user, that they are allowed to test out a service before paying in full, makes a free psychic reading the first step that introduces them to the mystical world.

⇒ Find peace and clarity through a free psychic reading with gifted advisors!

Who Are These Readings For?

Free psychic readings are for everyone. Anyone can benefit from the spiritual guidance, whether they are dealing with personal issues or professional performances.

The beauty of free psychic readings online is how they cater to absolutely everyone, including;
- Singles who are looking for love
- Couples who are in a relationship struggle
- Professionals who need guidance when stuck at career crossroads
- Students who want to explore purpose in life and career direction
- Grieving individuals who want to seek comfort and connection with passed away loved ones.
Psychic readings can change the minds of anyone. Even skeptics admit that they walked away feeling much lighter, mind clearer, and more confident.

⇒ Ask a free psychic question and receive spiritual guidance on love, career, or life direction.

Benefits of Free Online Psychic Readings

Free online psychic readings have many benefits. Because they are; a) free, and b) available online.

Unlike traditional in-person visits, the online psychic readings do not cost hundreds per hour. The online services offer access, affordability, and privacy.

Other key benefits include:

Convenience

Online psychic readings are convenient. The psychic expert steps in to offer its users complete convenience and authenticity. You can get a free psychic reading via online chat, and no credit card is required no matter if you accessing the online service from anywhere in the world.

Variety of Readers

Psychic reading isn’t just restricted to palm or tarot readings. With the psychic expert’s recommendations, you can access multiple psychic readers, from empaths and mediums to energy readers and clairvoyants.

⇒ Explore the best free psychic reading services trusted by thousands around the world!

No Pressure

The psychic experts ensure that their users feel completely at ease when availing any of the online services. You can first test the waters with a free psychic question, and then, if you feel a connection with the reader, you can continue at your own pace.

How Free Psychic Reading Works

Many free psychic services, such as the ones rated and reviewed by the psychic experts, follow a similar process:
1. The user chooses their reader (based on profile, ratings, or specialization).
2. Then, ask a free psychic question via chat or phone.
3. Then receive a brief but insightful reading, which is enough to decide if they would like to go further.
4. Then the reader offers an option to continue for a fee or end the session after the free portion.
⇒ Chat with the best free psychics today for answers, healing, and spiritual guidance!

What Makes a Great Free Psychic Reading Site in 2025?

The psychic experts don’t claim to be a great psychic reading website for no reason. There are many standards that it follows to ensure that the users are 100% satisfied with the services.

The psychic experts vet their psychics via multi-step background and skill evaluations. The higher they score, the higher they are rated. Genuine reviews also help them identify the psychics who truly deliver versus those who just talk. Specializations, such as love psychics, energy healers, astrologers, and tarot experts, are all represented individually. And lastly, no credit card is required for the first reading. Users can simply get a free psychic reading online chat with no credit card, which reduces inconvenience and friction and increases trust in the psychic experts.

Here are some of the most common psychic reading services at the-psychic-experts.com.

Love Life On The Rocks? Try a Free Psychic Love Reading

Many people arrive at the psychic experts, unsure about the idea whether their partner is “the one,” or sometimes they are dealing with a breakup, or wondering about future compatibility. Free psychic love readings offer a non-judgmental insight in these matters.

⇒ Unlock love insights with a free psychic love reading from trusted advisors!

Get Answers with Just a Name or Birth Date

Some platforms on the psychic experts even offer free psychic readings by date of birth and time, or just your name and one question. These readings heavily lean on astrology or numerology, and they are also perfect for long-term clarity. However, it doesn’t always result in immediate answers.

Free psychic readings by date of birth and time are best for:
- Major life decisions
- Birth chart readings
- Career mapping
- Family patterns
- Generational healing.
Many users come to the psychic experts with questions like:
- “Will I find love this year?”
- “Is my ex thinking about me?”
- “Should I change careers now or should I wait?”
- “What is blocking my happiness?”
- “What’s my purpose in life?”
… and so many other questions like these.

⇒ Start a free psychic chat and connect instantly with gifted advisors online!

Common Questions Regarding Free Psychic Reading Online Chats

Users of the psychic experts are as curious about the free psychic reading services as they are about their future. Here is a breakdown of some of the most commonly asked questions about free psychic reading online chats.

1. What Happens During a Free Psychic Reading Online Chat?

During free psychic readings via chat, readers offer complete discretion and instant access, which means that you can enter a live chat session with a psychic with your questions in mind, and enjoy a few free minutes to explore their commitment and connection before paying for their services.

During a free psychic chat session:
- You’ll be asked to provide your name and birth details (possibly).
- The psychic will then begin tuning into your energy.
- You can type your question in the chat box.
- Responses come in real-time
- However, you can always request clarification as needed.
⇒ Ask a free psychic question and get quick, honest answers!

2. Can You Trust a Free Psychic?

Many people are skeptical about psychic readings. However, the skepticism stems from a lack of knowledge or misunderstanding. It is important to understand that not all psychic platforms operate with integrity. This is precisely why the psychic experts exist. They test, compare, and rank psychic services so that you don’t have to risk your time or emotions to fraudulent psychic readers.

The readers at The-Psychic-Experts.com are;
- Transparent: Clear about what is free and what isn’t.
- Verified: Authentic user feedback verifies genuine profiles.
- Screened: Vetted for experience and accuracy.
- Guaranteed: Offer money-back or satisfaction guarantees.
3. Can I Get a Free Psychic Love Reading?

Yes, you can get a free psychic love reading.

One of the most in-demand categories of online psychic reading services is free psychic love reading. Psychics in this field of specialization can offer:
- Insights about your current relationship
- Whether you should stay or move on
- Energy readings and knowledge about your romantic compatibility
- Predictions about any future romantic encounters
Many users begin with a fun and free psychic love reading. Which then goes on to become regular clients due to the commitment, value, and exceptional knowledge they receive.

⇒ Start a free psychic love reading and understand your emotional journey!

What to Expect During Your First Free Psychic Reading

Your first free psychic reading (or online psychic reading) can be overwhelming, curious, and exciting.

People have claimed that during their first free psychic reading session, they had a million thoughts running through their minds.

Here’s something we need to tell you: A psychic reading goes extremely well when you’re well-prepared. It can feel like a thoughtful, soul-searching, heart-to-heart conversation. And it will surely leave you feeling much lighter, more self-aware, and in control of your life.

To reduce your nervousness, here are all the things that you can expect from your first free psychic reading, no matter if it is in-person or online.

⇒ Free psychic chat available now with accurate, real-time responses!

The Atmosphere and Energy

Whether it’s in person, over the phone, or via chat, the ambiance matters.

Psychics usually begin by helping you feel comfortable. They will ask for your name and birthdate, and then begin with a short grounding ritual.

Some will also explain how this whole process works, whether it’s through tarot, clairvoyance, mediumship, or energy reading.

Don’t worry. You’re not expected to say much at the beginning. Just be present for the reading and receptive to its knowledge. A cold reading is where the psychic has no prior info about you, and it can be especially powerful in validating the psychic’s skills.

You might even come to know things that seem oddly specific or feel extremely personal.

What You Want to Hear

A psychic will never tell you what you want to hear. Rather, they will tell you what is true and specific. Their role is not to hide the truth from you or to sugarcoat, but rather to convey messages or insights that they receive from the physical realm, even if those truths are difficult.

No, that doesn’t mean they’ll predict doom for you. Reputable psychics mostly focus on the good things, such as healing. They may gently guide you toward an uncomfortable realization or a hard truth, but they will also provide guidance and strength to face it.

Psychics can also confirm things you’ve felt but couldn’t articulate. This spiritual validation can be life-changing and is one of the reasons why people go to psychics for readings.

⇒ Chat live with the best free psychics and ask anything you want!

Different Types of Free Psychic Readings: Which One Is Right for You?

There are different styles of psychic readings, and no two of them work the same way. Choosing the right type of reading depends on what you’re seeking.

1. Tarot Card Reading

Tarot is one of the most common reading tools that psychics use. Here is what happens in this reading; the deck is filled with symbolic cards that look into your subconscious and spiritual energy. Then, a tarot reader will use spreads like the Celtic Cross or Three-Card Spread to gain even more insight into questions like love, finances, or your life’s purpose.

Tarot reading is less about “fortune-telling” and more about identifying patterns and paths towards which your life is headed.

2. Love Readings

Love readings focus on love, and specifically on matters of the heart. These could be romantic relationships, soul mates, and breakups, etc. During love readings, users sometimes want to know if their current partner is “the one,” or whether their ex still have feelings for them, or what hurdles are preventing them from finding love.

A love psychic will look into the energy between two people and read patterns even if one of them isn’t physically present. You can also avail of love reading services online for free at the-psychic-experts.com.

⇒ Get a love-focused free psychic reading and make better choices

3. Mediumship

Mediumship is another type of psychic reading in which mediums connect with spirits.

For example, if a person or an online user has lost a loved one and is looking for closure or a sign from the other side, a medium will help them bridge that gap. They can convey messages from the other side and thus bring peace, closure, or comfort to their client.

Not all psychics are mediums. And many of them claim to be mediums but are actually not. So make sure that you are choosing someone with this specific gift if that’s your goal.

4. Past Life Readings

Many people feel a strong connection to a place, era, or person. This is where past life readings come into play. A past life psychic reading delves into the idea that our souls may have lived multiple times before and that past experiences resurface to influence us today.

These psychic readings can be insightful for the curious mind. Especially if a person is struggling with repetitive patterns, or unexplainable fears, or deep soul connections.

⇒ Ask a free psychic question now and explore new possibilities

5. Dream Interpretation

Dream interpretation is also an important psychic reading, as dreams and nightmares often plague the sleep of people. Psychics believe that dreams are the soul’s way of processing information from both this world and beyond it.

These psychics can decode the symbolic language of dreams and thus reveal hidden messages, suppressed emotions, or spiritual messages.

What NOT to Do During a Free Psychic Reading

Free psychic readings are meant to be emotional and even life-changing. But it has rules, and there are things that you should not do. If you don’t show up with the right mindset, the readings will not go well. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a skeptic or a believer; your energy and behavior matter a lot during a reading.

So, before you hop on a call, book a one-on-one session, or choose a free online psychic reading via chat, here are a few common mistakes that you should avoid if you don’t want to disturb your psychic reading session.

⇒ Try a free psychic reading and see what’s coming next in life!

1. Forgetting To Skip the Recording

If you think that you’ll remember everything a psychic tells you, then you are wrong. Especially if it’s an emotional session. Psychic readings can often involve many insights, revelations, and moments that can leave you stunned or distracted.

This is why it’s not only smart but also very important to record your session. Whether you are taking a psychic reading on your phone, a chat, or during a physical session, keep a voice recorder or even handwritten notes to record everything.

Most professional psychics allow recording (in fact, many encourage it). Recordings will give you the chance to revisit the reading with a fresh mindset. You might catch details that you didn’t fully accept the first time, or connect dots, or a message with something you later discover to be true.

However, always ask for permission from your psychic before recording. It’s respectful and sets up mutual trust between both parties.

⇒ Get Clarity Now – Ask a Free Psychic Question Instantly!

2. Don’t Try to “Trick” the Psychic

People who come to psychics with a skeptical mindset try to test the psychic by feeding them false information, or they also try to withhold details just to “see what they say.”

While it’s natural to be on guard and feel cautious, especially when the reading is free, at least don’t try to outsmart or mislead a psychic for the following reasons.

First, you’re not giving an authentic energy to begin with. They cannot read that. Most psychics work in collaboration with your energy field, and not just guess facts about your life. So, if you block that energy, the session will become confusing for both of you.

Second, some mediums work with spiritual guides or spirits. And they will definitely call you out. Which will lead to disagreement between the reader and the client.

And lastly, it’s just a waste of time. If you’re going to lie during a reading, then don’t go. Only honesty leads to clarity in this case.

⇒ Start your free psychic reading today and receive instant clarity!

3. Don’t Show Up Under the Influence

It doesn’t matter if you’re feeling nervous or just got back from a happy hour; showing up intoxicated to a psychic reading is not the right way to do this.

Alcohol or drugs will alter your emotional and energetic state, and thus, make it extremely hard for a psychic to read your energies and spiritual connections easily. But that’s not all. It will also affect your ability to focus, you will have difficulty remembering details, and won’t be able to respond to the information that is being shared by the reader.

Plus, some psychics will even outright refuse to read a person who seems to be inebriated. Which makes sense, because it’s unprofessional and it can derail the whole experience of psychic reading.

4. Don’t Dictate the Session

If you’ve booked a free psychic reading to figure out your love life or professional career, then you will have questions and intentions. However, always keep in mind that you should never micromanage the psychic reader or their session, or refuse to accept or shut down anything that doesn’t fit your opinions and beliefs.

Psychics receive messages or impressions all the time, and they go beyond the specific issue that you walked in with. Sometimes, these are the very unexpected messages that can prove to be more relevant or urgent than the task at hand. So if you try to dictate the reading into one topic, you will definitely miss out on important guidance that your intuition, a spiritual source, or the reader is trying to deliver.

⇒ Ask a free psychic question and receive support from real, compassionate advisors!

5. Don’t Do a Group Reading If You Want It to Be All About You

Group readings are the perfect way to destroy your personal reading.

Yes, bringing a friend along for moral support is good, but not during a psychic reading. It is something you must do alone. Group readings shift the focus away from you, because someone else’s energy or spirit connection can be stronger in the moment or interfere with yours. Psychics can’t control, most of the time, which messages come through the loudest. Which is why your friend might get all the answers, while yours go unnoticed.

If your goal is to get personal clarity or closure with a psychic reader, book a solo reading. In this way, the psychic will concentrate fully on your energy and concerns rather than someone else’s.

⇒ Get the answers you seek through free psychic chat and real insights!

6. Don’t Be Rude, Late, or Distracted

All of these things are against professionalism. Basic manners apply in the psychic world too, because a reading is a professional service, even if it’s free. It should be approached with the same level of respect that you’d give to any other personal appointment. Which is why;
- Show up on time
- Give a heads-up if you’re running late
- Silence your phone
- Only record with permission
- Don’t argue about prices, even if you are just there for a free intro session
- Treat the psychic with respect.
When you show respect and gratitude, you will receive it too, as well as have a mutually positive experience.

⇒ Find the best free psychics here and choose from top-rated advisors!

7. Don’t Expect Exact Timelines or Life-Altering Predictions

One major misconception about psychic readings is that they will change your life dramatically, or work like a crystal-clear map. In reality, readings are fluid, symbolic, and most often, open to interpretation.

The predictions that psychics will make might also be metaphorical. Other predications may play out over months or even years. All this is to tell you that psychic insights are not guaranteed; they’re more like nudges.

This is why you should not demand guaranteed answers from psychics. They cannot tell you the exact date you will get married or win the lottery. That’s not how it works. Instead, stay open to the signs that emerge and reflect throughout your journey.

8. Don’t Get Hung Up on One Thing You Don’t Like

If the psychic says something that you don’t like or feel uncomfortable with, it’s fine to question it. However, what you must not do is dismiss the entire session based on one detail you hung up on and didn’t like. Sometimes, the messages that these psychic readers will tell you will take time to make sense. And in some cases, uncomfortable truths will also be revealed, because they are exactly what you need to hear.

A good psychic will never hide things from you, but they also won’t send you into misery and disappointment. If you find yourself resisting one specific point, think about it, take a deep breath, and reflect later.

⇒ Ask a psychic question for free and receive guidance instantly!

9. Don’t Be Scared Or Nervous

The key to getting maximum clarity with psychics is to ask with confidence.

Psychics will perform readings that reflect innate human need, as they seek clarity without commitment, especially when it comes to deeply personal matters.

So, whether you’re asking about love, finances, health, or career, craft your question well, and you will see how it shapes the clarity and accuracy of the answer you receive.

Be specific but open, and instead of asking “Will I be happy?” try asking, “What should I focus on to achieve happiness?” Similarly, avoid Yes/No questions, because open-ended questions will lead to even more comprehensive insights.

Many psychics offer a free psychic reading by date of birth and time, which provides deeper astrological accuracy, but whatever you have in mind, have realistic expectations, because psychics only guide, and not dictate, your destiny.

⇒ Start a real-time free psychic live chat and gain valuable perspective!

10. How to Choose the Right Psychic for You

Finding the right psychic reader is very easy, thanks to resourceful content present on the psychic experts, such as;
- Star Ratings and Reviews: You must look for 4.5+ stars and feedback.
- Specialty Tags: For example, love psychic, medium, or tarot expert. Their specialty must match your needs.
- Intro Videos: A short video can help you “meet” your psychic before booking.
- Trust Your Gut: if a psychic’s tone or wording doesn’t match your vibe, move on.
- Use the Free Minutes Wisely: Your trial time is precious. Don’t waste it with small talk. Move straight to your main question.
11. How to Spot a Fake Psychic

Unfortunately, not everyone in the psychic world is genuinely ethical. Many psychic readers aren’t even psychics – they take advantage of vulnerable people by making fake promises or forcing them to buy expensive add-ons (like curse removals).

Here are some red flags present in all fake psychics:
- They guarantee 100% accuracy
- They ask leading/fishing questions
- They claim you’re cursed and ask for money to remove it
- They pressure you into buying more sessions
If you spot such a psychic, don’t believe a word they say. Instead, stick to reputable platforms, such as the psychic experts, with verified reviews and satisfied users.

⇒ Get started with a free psychic reading and explore your destiny today!

Final Thoughts

A free psychic reading can help you with matters of this world or the next, whether it is love life, career choices, or grief resolution. Platforms like the psychic experts allow users to safely explore spiritual wisdom without any risks, as there are trusted psychics, verified reviews, and no pressure to pay until you’re 100% satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are free psychic readings really free?

Yes, many top-rated platforms, such as the-psychic-experts.com, may offer a few minutes free for your online psychic readings on chat or call. These minutes are enough to help you decide if the psychic is right for you.

What is the best way to ask a psychic a question?

Ask open-ended questions and be receptive to their guidance on love, career, and personal growth. The more detailed your question is, the better the reader will provide an answer.

Can I get a free psychic reading by date of birth and time?

Of course! Many psychic readers use date of birth and time as well as astrology as a tool to offer you insights about your life. Always provide correct birth information for accurate answers.

Are free psychic readings online really accurate?

Yes, they can be. The accuracy depends on the psychic’s skill and your openness. Free minutes are a great way to test an advisor’s style and abilities. The accuracy of free online psychic readings depends on the psychic’s ability and your willingness to cooperate and coordinate with them. Top-rated platforms like the-psychic-experts.com tend to feature the most genuine and insightful psychic readers for accurate readings.

How long do free psychic chat sessions usually last?

Most platforms offer between 3 and 10 free minutes. This is often enough to ask one or two questions and get a feel for the reader.

Do I need a credit card for a free psychic chat?

Some platforms do not require a credit card for the free portion, while others may request it for verification. Always read the terms before signing up.

Can I ask anything during a free psychic reading online?

Yes. You can ask about love, career, family, health, or spiritual paths. Just be mindful that time is limited during the free session.

Is free psychic chat safe and confidential?

Reputable platforms use secure technology and keep chats private. Be sure to choose a trusted site with good reviews and a clear privacy policy.

Is a free psychic reading better via phone or chat?

Honestly, it depends on your preference. If you want a psychic reading via chat, it will offer discretion, but on the other hand, phone readings offer verbal clarity and a better energy connection.

Media Contact

Company: The Psychic Experts

Contact Person: Anthony C. Bedoya

Email: support@the-psychic-experts.com

Address: 1 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

URL: https://the-psychic-experts.com/

Phone: +1 414-203-2598

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The MIL Network –
May 7, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, March 2025

Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $140.5 billion in March, up $17.3 billion from $123.2 billion in February, revised.

U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit
Deficit:	$140.5 Billion	+14.0%°
Exports:	$278.5 Billion	+0.2%°
Imports:	$419.0 Billion	+4.4%°
Next release: Thursday, June 5, 2025 (°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changes Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, May 6, 2025

Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)

March exports were $278.5 billion, $0.5 billion more than February exports. March imports were $419.0 billion, $17.8 billion more than February imports.

The March increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $16.5 billion to $163.5 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $0.8 billion to $23.0 billion.

Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $189.6 billion, or 92.6 percent, from the same period in 2024. Exports increased $41.1 billion or 5.2 percent. Imports increased $230.7 billion or 23.3 percent.

Three-Month Moving Averages (exhibit 2)

The average goods and services deficit increased $14.1 billion to $131.4 billion for the three months ending in March.

Average exports increased $4.0 billion to $275.7 billion in March.
Average imports increased $18.1 billion to $407.1 billion in March.

Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $63.2 billion from the three months ending in March 2024.

Average exports increased $13.7 billion from March 2024.
Average imports increased $76.9 billion from March 2024.

Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)

Exports of goods increased $1.3 billion to $183.2 billion in March.

Exports of goods on a Census basis increased $2.5 billion.

Industrial supplies and materials increased $2.2 billion.
- Natural gas increased $0.8 billion.
- Nonmonetary gold increased $0.7 billion.
Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $1.2 billion.
- Passenger cars increased $0.9 billion.
Capital goods decreased $1.5 billion.
- Civilian aircraft decreased $1.8 billion.
- Computer accessories increased $0.7 billion.

Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $1.2 billion.

Exports of services decreased $0.9 billion to $95.2 billion in March.

Travel decreased $1.3 billion.
Transport increased $0.3 billion.
Financial services increased $0.2 billion.

Imports (exhibits 4, 6, and 8)

Imports of goods increased $17.8 billion to $346.8 billion in March.

Imports of goods on a Census basis increased $17.8 billion.

Consumer goods increased $22.5 billion.
- Pharmaceutical preparations increased $20.9 billion.
Capital goods increased $3.7 billion.
- Computer accessories increased $2.0 billion.
Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $2.6 billion.
- Passenger cars increased $2.1 billion.
Industrial supplies and materials decreased $10.7 billion.
- Finished metal shapes decreased $10.3 billion.
- Nonmonetary gold decreased $1.8 billion.
- Crude oil decreased $1.2 billion.

Net balance of payments adjustments decreased less than $0.1 billion.

Imports of services decreased $0.1 billion to $72.2 billion in March.

Travel decreased $0.4 billion.
Transport increased $0.2 billion.

Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)

The real goods deficit increased $14.0 billion, or 10.2 percent, to $150.9 billion in March, compared to a 10.3 percent increase in the nominal deficit.

Real exports of goods increased $2.4 billion, or 1.6 percent, to $149.7 billion, compared to a 1.4 percent increase in nominal exports.
Real imports of goods increased $16.4 billion, or 5.8 percent, to $300.6 billion, compared to a 5.5 percent increase in nominal imports.

Revisions

Revisions to February exports

Exports of goods were revised down less than $0.1 billion.
Exports of services were revised down $0.4 billion.

Revisions to February imports

Imports of goods were revised up less than $0.1 billion.
Imports of services were revised up $0.1 billion.

Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly – Census Basis (exhibit 19)

The March figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($4.5), South and Central America ($3.2), Hong Kong ($1.9), United Kingdom ($1.2), Singapore ($0.5), Brazil ($0.5), and Saudi Arabia ($0.2). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with European Union ($48.3), Ireland ($29.3), China ($24.8), Mexico ($16.8), Switzerland ($14.7), Vietnam ($14.1), Taiwan ($8.7), India ($7.7), Germany ($7.5), South Korea ($6.8), Japan ($5.8), Canada ($4.9), Italy ($4.4), France ($3.9), Malaysia ($3.2), Australia ($1.0), Israel ($1.0), and Belgium ($0.1).

The deficit with Ireland increased $15.3 billion to $29.3 billion in March. Exports increased $0.1 billion to $1.4 billion and imports increased $15.5 billion to $30.7 billion.
The deficit with France increased $2.4 billion to $3.9 billion in March. Exports increased $0.1 billion to $4.0 billion and imports increased $2.6 billion to $7.9 billion.
The deficit with Switzerland decreased $4.1 billion to $14.7 billion in March. Exports increased $1.1 billion to $3.5 billion and imports decreased $3.0 billion to $18.3 billion.

All statistics referenced are seasonally adjusted; statistics are on a balance of payments basis unless otherwise specified. Additional statistics, including not seasonally adjusted statistics and details for goods on a Census basis, are available in exhibits 1-20b of this release. For information on data sources, definitions, and revision procedures, see the explanatory notes in this release. The full release can be found at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/index.html or www.bea.gov/data/intl-trade-investment/international-trade-goods-and-services. The full schedule is available in the Census Bureau’s Economic Briefing Room at www.census.gov/economic-indicators/ or on BEA’s website at www.bea.gov/news/schedule.

Next release: June 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT
U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, April 2025

Notice

Country Name Changes

With this release of the “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services” report, references to “Congo (Brazzaville)” and “Congo (Kinshasa)” are replaced with “Congo” and “Democratic Republic of the Congo,” respectively, to reflect the countries’ recent name changes. These changes also align with the names recognized by the U.S. Department of State and the International Organization for Standardization.

Impact of Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Release of CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)

The CBSA introduced a new accounting system (CARM) on October 21, 2024. As a result, importers in Canada have experienced delays in filing shipment information. These delays affected the compilation of statistics on U.S. exports of goods to Canada for September 2024 through February 2025, which are derived from data compiled by Canada through the United States – Canada Data Exchange. A dollar estimate of the filing backlog is included in estimates for late receipts and, following the U.S. Census Bureau’s customary practice for late receipt estimates, is included in the export end-use category “Other goods” as well as in exports to Canada. This estimate will be replaced with the actual transactions reported by the Harmonized System classification in June 2025 with the release of “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, Annual Revision.” Until then, please refer to the supplemental spreadsheet “CARM Exports to Canada Corrections,” which provides a breakdown of the late receipts by 1-digit end-use category for statistics through 2024. This spreadsheet will be updated as late export transactions are received to reflect reassignments from the initial “Other goods” category to the appropriate 1-digit end-use category. Any 2025 impacts will be revised in June 2026.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, International Trade Macro Analysis Branch, on 800-549-0595, option 4, or at eid.international.trade.data@census.gov.

Upcoming Updates to Goods and Services

With the releases of the “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services” report (FT-900) and the FT-900 Annual Revision on June 5, 2025, statistics on trade in goods, on both a Census basis and a balance of payments (BOP) basis, will be revised beginning with 2020 and statistics on trade in services will be revised beginning with 2018. The revised statistics for goods on a BOP basis and for services will also be included in the “U.S. International Transactions, 1st Quarter 2025 and Annual Update” report and in the international transactions interactive database, both to be released by BEA on June 24, 2025.

Revised statistics on trade in goods will reflect:

Corrections and adjustments to previously published not seasonally adjusted statistics for goods on a Census basis.
End-use reclassifications of several commodities.
Recalculated seasonal and trading-day adjustments.
Newly available and revised source data on BOP adjustments, which are adjustments that BEA applies to goods on a Census basis to convert them to a BOP basis. See the “Goods (balance of payments basis)” section in the explanatory notes for more information.

Revised statistics on trade in services will reflect:

Newly available and revised source data, primarily from BEA surveys of international services.
Corrections and adjustments to previously published not seasonally adjusted statistics.
Recalculated seasonal adjustments.
Revised temporal distributions of quarterly source data to monthly statistics. See the “Services” section in the explanatory notes for more information.

For more information, see “Preview of the 2025 Annual Update of the International Economic Accounts” in the Survey of Current Business.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, International Trade Macro Analysis Branch, on (800) 549-0595, option 4, or at eid.international.trade.data@census.gov or BEA, Balance of Payments Division, at InternationalAccounts@bea.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 7, 2025

MIL-OSI: Smackover Lithium Submits Royalty Application to Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission for South West Arkansas Project

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LEWISVILLE, Ark., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Smackover Lithium, a Joint Venture (“JV”) between Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSXV:SLI) (NYSE:A:SLI) and Equinor, announced that SWA Lithium LLC has submitted an application to the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (“AOGC”) to establish a fair and equitable lithium royalty for the Reynolds Unit for Phase I of its South West Arkansas (“SWA”) Project in Lafayette and Columbia Counties, Arkansas. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28^th, 2025, at 9:00 am CDT and is to be held at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center Grand Hall at South Arkansas University (100 East University) in Magnolia, Arkansas.

The application proposes a quarterly gross royalty of 2.5% that will be based on the total amount of lithium produced and the average FastMarkets North American Index Price for technical grade lithium carbonate, which is higher than comparable projects globally on a lithium carbonate equivalent (“LCE”) basis. The lithium royalty will be paid to brine owners in addition to the brine fee, also referred to as the “in lieu bromine royalty,” of $65.05 per acre per year, making the total proposed royalty compensation approximately 3% based on current lithium prices.

“Working with landowners and the AOGC to establish a fair and equitable royalty is key to the SWA Project’s success,” said Standard Lithium’s CEO, David Park, “The proposed royalty generously compensates brine owners, is fair for industry, and encourages development of the Smackover resource. The royalty is only the beginning of the economic impact this project will have for South Arkansas and the rest of the state.”

“Establishing a royalty for the SWA Project allows us to continue the path towards a final investment decision,” said Allison Kennedy Thurmond, VP for US Lithium at Equinor. “The proposed royalty rate enables capital investment, infrastructure improvements, jobs, tax revenue and brings tremendous benefits to the Smackover region.”

For more information about the SWA Project and Smackover Lithium, please visit www.smackoverlithium.com

About Standard Lithium Ltd.

Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated Direct Lithium Extraction (“DLE”) and purification process. The Company’s flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas. Standard Lithium also holds an interest in certain mineral leases in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California.

Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American under the symbol “SLI”. Please visit the Company’s website at www.standardlithium.com.

About Equinor

Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Equinor’s portfolio of projects encompasses oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Headquartered in Norway, Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf and is present in around 30 countries worldwide. Equinor’s partnership with Standard Lithium to mature DLE projects builds on its broad US energy portfolio of oil and gas, offshore wind, low carbon solutions and battery storage projects.

For more information on Equinor in the US, please visit: Equinor in the US – Equinor

Investor and Media Inquiries

Chris Lang
Standard Lithium Ltd.
+1 604 409 8154
investors@standardlithium.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target”, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, including approval of the royalty application submitted to the AOGC, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such forward-looking statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

The MIL Network –

May 7, 2025

Category: Energy

Turchi’s Years at a Tech Startup Gave Him a Savvy Outlook on Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Systems Analysis and Innovation

Bringing Small Business Experience to Systems Analysis Research

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2. RISK EVALUATION

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

3.2.1 Improper Access Control for Volatile Memory Containing Boot Code CWE-1274

3.3 BACKGROUND

3.4 RESEARCHER

4. MITIGATIONS

5. UPDATE HISTORY

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