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Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Kicks Off 2025 Cooperation with G20 under South African Presidency

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    IAEA and South African G20 Presidency side event on the role of nuclear power and the clean energy transitions, in Cape Town. (Photo: B. Carpinelli/IAEA)

    For the second year in a row, the IAEA has been invited to collaborate with the G20 on work related to nuclear power. The cooperation with the G20 (Group of Twenty) resumed under the presidency of South Africa at meetings this week in Cape Town, kicking off with a side event hosted by the IAEA and South Africa on the role of nuclear energy in clean energy transitions, as one of the technology dialogues that the presidency is featuring throughout the yearlong process.

    Building on its first-ever collaboration on nuclear power with the G20 in 2024 under the presidency of Brazil, the IAEA engagement this year will include publications tailored to inform the group on topics such as the prospects for nuclear power in Africa and repurposing coal-fired plants with nuclear power such as small modular reactors (SMRs),  as well as participation in the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Energy, set for 23-26 September.

    “At a time when energy access and security of supply are issues of global concern, the role of nuclear energy in low carbon, resilient and affordable energy systems remains indispensable,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said. “Continuing the work that the IAEA began under the presidency of Brazil, we are now looking forward to working with South Africa.”

    The first African country to assume the G20 presidency, South Africa is pursuing an Africa-wide approach emphasizing energy security, a just and inclusive clean energy transition and regional energy cooperation. While South Africa remains the only country on the continent to have nuclear power and aims to expand its programme, several African countries have expressed interest in or are embarking its introduction. Egypt is building four large reactors, and other countries such as Ghana and Kenya are working with the IAEA to establish the necessary infrastructure for a nuclear power programme, with a particular interest in SMRs.

    The side event opened with special remarks from Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy of South Africa. Delegates from the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) attended the event, which discussed the state of nuclear power in South Africa as well as the IAEA’s outlook on nuclear power and a description of the upcoming publications that the IAEA will publish as part of its G20 collaboration this year. A session on nuclear power project financing issues followed, with panellists from the IAEA, the International Energy Agency, France and South Africa discussing ways to unlock financing for nuclear power projects and pave the way for faster deployment.

    “In the wake of the world aiming to reach net zero by 2050, there has been a return to realism where it is globally accepted that nuclear technology has a huge role to play in the energy mix as a key source to ensure countries achieve their energy security, energy sovereignty, and energy justice in the transition,” said Minster Ramokgopa. “The expansion of the nuclear programme gives South Africa energy security and sovereignty that enables the country to move its economy into a digital era, engage in new research frontiers and take its rightful place amongst leading nations.” 

    Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa delivering his opening remarks at the nuclear energy side event hosted by the IAEA and South Africa during the G20 ETWG meetings. (Photo: B. Carpinelli/IAEA)

    During the event, delegates from G20 members and invited countries delivered remarks from the floor and offered their national perspectives.

    “Italy is working to relaunch the use of sustainable nuclear energy, in its net zero emissions path by 2050. We have created the National Platform for Sustainable Nuclear involving R&D centres and industrial capabilities and nowadays our Government is strongly committed to work on enabling a favourable legislative and regulatory framework aimed at promoting the use of safe and innovative nuclear at the national level, including small modular reactors and Generation IV advanced modular reactors,” said Alberto Pela, Head of Delegation and Senior Advisor on International activities at the Department of Energy of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security of Italy.

    The United Arab Emirates, an invited country, recently began operating four large nuclear power reactors.

    “In the UAE, nuclear energy is more than a power source — it’s a cornerstone of our clean, safe, and sustainable energy future,” said Nawal Yousif Alhanaee, Director of the Future Energy Department at the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. “With the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant meeting up to 25 per cent of our electricity needs, we affirm our commitment to a carbon-free tomorrow powered by peaceful and reliable nuclear technology.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 289 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Ukrainian engineers and construction workers are carrying out temporary repairs of the Chornobyl site’s New Safe Confinement (NSC) that was severely damaged in a drone attack earlier this year, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

    The drone strike on 14 February pierced a big hole through the roof of the large confinement structure built to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor destroyed in the 1986 accident and protect it from external hazards. It took several weeks to completely extinguish the fires and smouldering caused by this strike.

    The IAEA team based at the Chornobyl plant in northern Ukraine visited the NSC in recent days to discuss ongoing efforts by the site to assess the building’s structural integrity following the attack almost three months ago and to observe repairs of the inner and outer cladding to prevent water ingress.

    “Immediately after the drone strike Ukrainian emergency personnel rushed to contain and eventually put out the fires. The site is now focusing its efforts on assessing the full extent of the damage while also carrying out short-term repairs. It is clear that the confinement structure – constructed at huge expense and with major international support – suffered extensive damage,” Director General Grossi said.

    The Director General reiterated, however, that there has not been any radioactive release as a result of the damage, and that the NSC is able to continue to perform its protective function.

    At Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the IAEA team has continued to hear explosions in the distance every day over the past week, a constant reminder of the potential dangers facing nuclear safety and security.

    The IAEA team has conducted walkdowns across the site to observe site activities, visiting all Emergency Control Rooms of the six reactors, the safety systems of unit 4, and the two fresh fuel storage facilities.

    At Ukraine’s three operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – three of their total of nine reactors remained shutdown for maintenance and refuelling outages.  

    At the South Ukraine NPP, the IAEA team reported about many air raid alarms over the past week. The team was informed by the site that six drones were detected at a distance of 1.5 km from the plant in the night of 25 April, coinciding with the sound of military activity that appeared to be coming from an attempt to shoot them down.

    At the Khmelnytskyy NPP, the IAEA team members were required to shelter on the morning of 30 April due to an air raid alert.

    As part of the IAEA’s medical assistance programme for Ukraine, 200 boxes of influenza medication were delivered to the National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine (NRCRM), funded by Japan.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Family Driven: Enhancing Global Standards of Radiation Protection of Patients

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Rizk’s journey in radiation protection and dosimetry started in 2005 when, after completing her master’s degree in Material Science and Electronic Components in 2004, she was offered the job of Technical Manager at the Individual Monitoring Laboratory at the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission.  

    There she oversaw the safe occupational radiation exposure of more than 6000 workers across over 400 healthcare facilities, industrial companies and research centres.  

    “It is important to know what dosimetry is and its importance,” Rizk says, explaining that “it is the measurement and calculation of the radiation dose absorbed by the human body or other devices or objects. It is crucial in fields like radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy to ensure safe and effective use of radiation.” 

    She also achieved ISO accreditation for the Lebanese laboratory — the first of its kind in the Middle East — setting a new benchmark of standards and quality for radiation protection of occupationally exposed workers in the region. 

    “Chadia’s efforts have made a lasting impact, consistently raising standards and enhancing practices in the field,” said Director General of the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, Bilal Nsouli, and Rizk’s former professor during her Master’s degree. 

    In 2007, her collaboration with the IAEA began, initially as a fellow and later as a counterpart in four projects under the technical cooperation programme. Rizk worked with the IAEA on individual monitoring and regulatory compliance to improve occupational radiation protection in Lebanon in line with the IAEA International Basic Safety Standards.  

    “Despite limited resources, she remained steadfast in her commitment to providing dosimetry services according to international standards and her passion for radiation protection research has always stood out,” reflects Filip Vanhavere, Radiation Protection Research Coordinator at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre who worked with Rizk on an IAEA mission to the Lebanese laboratory. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Questions Key DOI and DOE Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    04.30.25
    Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), former Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), today participated in a full committee hearing to consider four nominations that will have a significant impact on the nation’s policies during the Trump administration.
    Murkowski received important commitments from Leslie Beyer, the President’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management. Ms. Beyer, who is nominated for the position last held (on a Senate-confirmed basis) by an Alaskan, Joe Balash, pledged to adhere to Alaska’s “No More Wilderness” clause, work with the Senator to lift outdated Public Land Orders, and complete long-stalled land conveyances in Alaska. Ms. Beyer further committed to work with the Senator to determine appropriate leasing on Alaska’s Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
    Murkowski also welcomed Tristan Abbey, a former member of her ENR staff and now the President’s nominee to be Administrator of the Energy Information Administration (EIA), back to the committee. Mr. Abbey, whose nomination has been endorsed by four former EIA Administrators, pledged objective analysis from the agency to support good policymaking.
    Click here to watch the Senator’s full line of questioning.
     
    The full transcript of Murkowski’s comments is below.
    TRANSCRIPT
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m just smiling because I was given a statement from Senator [Frank] Murkowski, who was on this committee, on July 15, 1986. Apparently at that time, my father introduced you, Mr. Garrish, to the committee as you were being nominated to become the federal inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System. So as my colleague has said, there’s a few from the Reagan days that not only understand things, but understand things so well that they are back yet again. So, a little bit of committee history here, so just want to acknowledge that.
    Ms. Beyer, I want to speak to a couple questions here, and I love your connections to Alaska. It takes tough individuals to run the (Anchorage) Mayor’s Marathon and just love the fact that you like to spend family time up there. So, you’re familiar with Alaska. The last time we had a Senate-confirmed ASLM position was an Alaskan, Joe Balash, he obviously got a lot of these issues that are before Interior, before BLM, and you’re going to be asked to pick up a lot in his space, as you well know. I know that you are familiar with the “No More Wilderness” clause that is contained in ANILCA. I just need your commitment to me and to the committee that you will ensure that BLM and other agencies under your purview abide by this “No More Wilderness” clause and even going a little bit beyond that, whether or not you’d be willing to work with the delegation to evaluate what has happened in Alaska since passage of ANILCA as a result of BLM’s oftentimes unilateral decisions to withdraw more and more land from public access. So just a willingness to work with the delegation on this.
    Beyer: Absolutely, ma’am, given my personal affinity for the state, it’s one of the things that I am most looking forward to working on. If I am confirmed, I look forward to spending time there and working with you on all those issues.
    Murkowski: We will invite you back often. And speaking of Alaska land conveyances, as you know, we’re dealing with the lifting of outdated Public Land Orders, long, long overdue land conveyances that are owed under our Alaska Statehood Act, as well as Native Claims Settlement Act, and we have to resolve submerged lands issues. These are matters that require a great deal of detail, time, and resources. But we’ve been a state now for long enough, and I think some of these promises that were made at statehood need to be completed. We need your help to that. We just like your commitment to that.
    Beyer: Absolutely, ma’am, if I’m lucky enough to be confirmed, I look forward to working on that.
    Murkowski: Good, good, good. And last question to you, I know you’re not in the building yet, but the Department has just recently announced a new Five-Year Program for offshore development as well as what they’re calling a new “High Arctic” planning area. And I get where the administration is coming from, it’s basically put everything on the table and then figure out how we might want to winnow some of this back, actually where we want leasing to occur. As you well know, in Alaska, there are places that we seek to develop aggressively, responsibly, and then there are areas that we don’t. So, I would just ask your commitment, again, that you would work with the Alaska delegation. We’ve got Alaskans that are here in the room as part of Alaska Day today, but especially our North Slope leaders, who can help determine where leasing is appropriate and perhaps not appropriate within the Alaska OCS.
    Beyer: Absolutely. I look forward to being briefed on the details of that, and I will take a very close look at it.
    Murkowski: Very good. Appreciate that. Mr. Abbey, I am going to give you an opportunity to share a little bit of your vision here. You don’t have much time, but you have spent a lot of time thinking about many of these things. You mentioned the vision that you have for critical minerals and the specific outlook, but is what we were able to accomplish when it came to lifting the oil export ban, and again, the strategy, the implementation, can we do this with critical minerals? Can we do this with LNG exports? Is this something that in your new role, you think you can bring to the table, looking at the objective, analytical data, that EIA brings to bear? Can we develop, can we work towards developing better, strategic approaches to these very important issues?
    Abbey: Thank you, Senator, for the question. In my view, objectivity is a discipline, is something that you can practice. And in various capacities, I have been an objective steward of data. In other capacities, I’ve had more of a policy role. If confirmed as Administrator, I would no longer be in a policymaking role. But I do believe that the crude oil export debate illustrates the importance of EIA. There were a lot of think tanks and consulting firms that were writing reports about crude oil exports, but all of them were using EIA data. “EIA data,” to borrow Ranking Member Heinrich’s term, is a common set of facts, and I think the EIA can absolutely play a critical role in helping anybody who is trying to develop any kind of energy policy, to equip them with the information that they need.
    Murkowski: It’s a good answer. Thank you, I appreciate it.
    Abbey: I learned from the best.
    Murkowski: (Laughs) Thank you!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer, Norton, Van Hollen Lead Bicameral Letter on Cuts to Medicaid in District of Columbia

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Amid reports that House Republicans plan to reduce the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) in the District of Columbia, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led 15 Members in sending a letter to leaders on the House Committee on Energy & Commerce decrying the proposed cuts to Medicaid in the District. The letter is signed by all Democrats in the National Capital Region, including Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Representatives Robert “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Donald Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), and April McClain Delaney (MD-06).

    In 2024, 264,332 people enrolled in Medicaid in the District, including 3 in every 7 children, 4 in every 5 nursing home residents, and 1 in every 2 working-age adults with disabilities. Many of these Americans risk losing coverage if D.C.’s FMAP is reduced. A lower FMAP would also force hospitals, clinics, and local health centers to close their doors, undermining care for everyone in the region. 

    “It is imperative that our constituents, and those who seek care within our jurisdictions, have reliable access to health care,” the Members wrote in their letter. “Cuts to Medicaid will have devastating impacts regionally and nationwide, decreasing the availability of providers and services, forcing millions of American families to lose coverage, and increasing wait times for patients in need. Moreover, cuts threaten our region’s health centers, hospitals, nursing homes, home and community-based care providers, and behavioral health providers.”

    “Such a change would be catastrophic, destabilizing the health care system of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region and beyond and impacting the hundreds of thousands of constituents who live, work, travel through, or receive care in D.C. each day,” the Members continued.

    “As a top children’s hospital and the region’s only Pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center, we are deeply concerned that the proposed cuts to D.C. Medicaid will have unintended consequences and will put critical health care for children at risk,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, President and CEO of Children’s National Hospital. “These proposals would force us to immediately scale back the specialized care that hundreds of thousands of families from all 50 states and D.C. rely on each year, including the 55 percent of our patients who are covered by Medicaid.” 

    “Cutting DC’s Medicaid funding would decimate health care, emergency preparedness, and public safety in the city, impacting not only DC residents but those who work and visit the city,” said Jacqueline Bowens, President and CEO of DC Hospital Association. “Cuts would force reductions in services at hospitals and have a ripple effect on the city budget and essential public safety services, including police, fire, education, and substance abuse, mental health, and homeless services.”

    The full text of the letter is included below:

    Dear Chairman Guthrie, Ranking Member Pallone, Chairman Carter, and Ranking Member DeGette:

    We write in strong opposition to the proposals contemplated in the FY25 Budget Resolution to cut Medicaid. It is imperative that our constituents, and those who seek care within our jurisdictions, have reliable access to health care. Cuts to Medicaid will have devastating impacts regionally and nationwide, decreasing the availability of providers and services, forcing millions of American families to lose coverage, and increasing wait times for patients in need. Moreover, cuts threaten our region’s health centers, hospitals, nursing homes, home and community-based care providers, and behavioral health providers. These indispensable providers serve low-income, military-connected, and disabled children and adults, and play a unique role in our nation’s capital.

    We write with particular concern regarding proposals to reduce the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for the District of Columbia. Such a change would be catastrophic, destabilizing the health care system of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region and beyond and impacting the hundreds of thousands of constituents who live, work, travel through, or receive care in D.C. each day. Notably, this includes Members of Congress and their staff, members of the administration, visiting dignitaries, and their families, as well as families across the country who rely on D.C.’s specialized care. We all depend on and expect our nation’s capital to have a quality, responsive health care system. Efforts to weaken that system through cuts to Medicaid undermine the stability and resilience our region requires and would have reverberating effects across the country.

    In 1997, a Republican Congress passed the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 (Revitalization Act), which established the current 70 percent D.C. FMAP and transferred certain functions and costs from the D.C. government to the federal government. Congress passed the Revitalization Act in part because it recognized that it imposes unique revenue limitations on D.C., which operates as a state, county, and city. Congress imposes three main revenue limitations on D.C.: D.C. cannot tax income earned in D.C. by nonresidents, depriving D.C. of more than $3 billion in revenue per year; D.C. cannot permit buildings to exceed certain height limitations; and D.C. cannot tax its sizable federal property.

    As it currently stands, other jurisdictions are entitled to a higher FMAP than D.C. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 set the FMAP for American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands permanently at 83% and set the FMAP for Puerto Rico at 76% through FY 2027. Five states (Mississippi, West Virginia, Alabama, New Mexico, and Kentucky) have FMAPs that are higher than D.C.

    Reducing D.C.’s FMAP would weaken care for all in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, regardless of insurance status. Medicaid supports nearly a quarter of D.C.’s population, including 3 in 7 children and 4 in 5 nursing home residents. For example, proposals to reduce D.C.’s FMAP from 70 percent to 50 percent would create a $1.1 billion annual hole in local funds and ultimately result in a total loss of $2.1 billion per year in program funds to local hospitals, universities, and providers. This equates to a 40 percent cut in funding directly impacting health care providers. Hospitals in the region project at least $232 million in uncompensated care due to D.C.’s FMAP reductions, with at least one medical system expecting to close altogether. Impacts would reverberate across fire and emergency services, police recruitment and retention, and behavioral health resources and threaten the ability of hospitals and other safety net providers to stay open. Community-based providers in Virginia and Maryland risk being overwhelmed, as demand rises from D.C. residents seeking timely care.

    Further, without corresponding funding or infrastructure support, it would be challenging for the rest of the region to shoulder the responsibility for regional emergency response. D.C.’s four Level I trauma centers, including those at Children’s National Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center, provide vital care for patients in major incidents or emergency situations, including those involving Members of Congress, federal employees, and visitors. Reducing D.C.’s FMAP would have a particularly disproportionate impact on the provision of trauma and specialty capacities, principally for burn and pediatric patients.

    Reductions to D.C.’s FMAP would adversely limit regional access to life-saving and specialized pediatric care. We note with particular alarm the potential impacts on Children’s National, which provides specialized care to patients from all 50 states, including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, and North Carolina. 73% of hospital stays and emergency department visits at Children’s National are covered by Medicaid. Reductions in Medicaid funding would likely result in the hospital making significant cuts to primary care, behavioral health, and outpatient subspecialty services, with families having to travel further to obtain such care or going without it. Further, local federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) anticipate that a change to D.C.’s FMAP would result in a loss of coverage for more than 33,000 adult health center patients and a loss of $58 million in payments, leaving them unable to serve over 24,000 of their current patients.

    Reductions to D.C.’s FMAP would be catastrophic for our local providers and pose grave challenges to ensuring patients in the mid-Atlantic region and beyond receive necessary care. As you consider potential policy options through Budget Reconciliation, we urge you to strongly oppose all cuts to Medicaid and to protect the current FMAP for the District of Columbia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Latta Introduces REFINER Act to Increase U.S. Refinery Capacity

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

    Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-5) re-introduced the Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act, to help increase energy refining capacity in the United States.  

    Over the last several years, North America lost an estimated one million barrels of fuel per day due to low refining capacity. The REFINER Act would address this crisis by collecting critical information, including identifying factors leading to low refining capacity, and presenting lawmakers with recommendations to expand refining capacity to ensure an abundance of affordable and reliable energy in the United States. 

    “As energy demand continues to rise we must ensure our refining capacity can keep pace to ensure American energy dominance,” Latta said. “The REFINER Act will give us the necessary data and insights we need to make informed decisions that strengthen our energy infrastructure and keep fuel affordable for American families.” 

    Background on the REFINER Act: 

    The REFINER Act would require the National Petroleum Council to submit a report to the Secretary of Energy and Congress, detailing: 

    • the role of petrochemical refineries in the U.S. and the contribution they make to the energy security of the United States, including the reliability of supply in the U.S. of liquid fuels and feedstocks, and the affordability of liquid fuels for consumers in the U.S.; 
    • analyses and projections for the capacity of petrochemical refineries in the U.S., opportunities for expanding capacity, and current risks to the refineries; 
    • an assessment of any Federal or State executive actions, regulations, or policies that have caused or contributed to a decline in refining capacity; and 
    • any recommendations for Federal agencies and Congress to encourage an increase in refining capacity. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) announces the 28th National Conference on E-Governance (NCeG)

    Source: Government of India

    Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) announces the 28th National Conference on E-Governance (NCeG)

    On the 9th and 10th of June 2025 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

    Registration portal https://nceg.gov.in/  opened for registration by all Government and non-government participants

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 5:18PM by PIB Delhi

    The 28th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) is set to take place on the 9th and 10th of June, 2025 at Novotel, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The event is being jointly organized by, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG),Govt of India, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

    The theme of the two-day conference, is “Viksit Bharat: Civil Service and Digital Transformation,” and will feature six plenary sessions and six breakout sessions. The Conference is designed to provide a platform for policy makers, practitioners, industry leaders, and academicians to deliberate, discuss, and recommend actionable strategy to enhance quality of public services rendered by the governments, to realize the policy of  “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”  for a Viksit Bharat, through setting newer benchmarks in good governance.

    The National e-Gov Awards (NAeG) 2025, will be conferred by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Minister of State of the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy, and Minister of State in the Department of Space, during the Conference.

    The Conference will be graced by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu who will inaugurate the Conference and chair a plenary session on Vizag as IT Hub. The Dy. CM of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Pawan Kalyan and the Minister of IT & Human Resources, Shri N. Lokesh will deliver keynote addresses during the Conference in the presence of senior officers of State and Central Governments.

    DARPG has opened the portal nceg.gov.in for the registration of participants fromCentral Ministries and State/UT Governments, Industry, Academia, Start-ups, Exhibitors, Awardees, Speakers and Panellists etc for participation in the 28thNCeG 2025

    In preparation for this event a virtual meeting was chaired by Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG on 30th April 2025, to provide a comprehensive briefing on the Conference’s structure, schedule and importance. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Department of ITE&C, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Joint Secretary, MeitY, Senior Vice President, NASSCOM,IIM Visakhapatnam along with other senior officials from the Government of India and State Governments. Government of AP shared the status report on the preparations.

     

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    NKR/PSM

     

    (Release ID: 2125500) Visitor Counter : 5

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held the 38th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held the 38th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification. It was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Energy, Gazprom, Gazprom Mezhregiongaz, the Federal Antimonopoly Service, and regional authorities.

    During the meeting of the federal headquarters, participants discussed the progress of the implementation of the additional gasification program in 2025, including plans to increase the pace of additional gasification of the territories of garden associations (SNT) and the supply of gas to boiler houses in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

    According to Gazprom Mezhregiongaz LLC, as of the end of April 2025, since the launch of the additional gasification program in 2021, more than 2 million applications for gas connection have been received from households, including 84.9 thousand from January to April 2025. The technical capability for gas connection has been created in 1.62 million cases, more than 92 thousand of which were made in the first four months of this year. 1.49 million contracts have been concluded (over 84 thousand in 2025), 1.25 million connections have been made to the plot boundaries (75.5 thousand of which were made in January-April 2025). More than 858 thousand homes are already receiving gas. Another 1.1 million households will be connected to gas by the end of 2025.

    To date, the Penza, Bryansk and Oryol regions, as well as the Chuvash Republic, have fully fulfilled their obligations under the gas supply development programs for 2021–2025.

    According to the Ministry of Energy, the average number of concluded contracts from the number of applications received for all categories of pre-gasification (individual housing construction, gardening non-profit partnerships and boiler houses) today is 96%.

    By the end of April, 36.1 thousand applications were received for additional gasification of houses in SNT and another 1 thousand for gasification of boiler houses. In 6.5 thousand houses in SNT, gas has been supplied to the boundaries of the plots, in 2.7 thousand houses, gas stoves are already working. 200 boiler houses have also been successfully converted to gas.

    Medical and educational organizations submitted 1,651 applications for additional gasification, and concluded 993 contracts. Gas was supplied to the site boundaries in 634 cases, and 214 connections were made.

    “The indicators of gas supply to the boundaries of plots today make up 85% of the number of concluded contracts. But it is necessary to improve the situation with connecting households. This is the work of the subjects of the Federation directly at the regional headquarters for gasification, since it concerns the possibilities of providing residents with in-house equipment at affordable prices and high-quality services for connecting plots to gas,” said Alexander Novak.

    The Deputy Prime Minister instructed Gazprom, together with regional authorities, to intensify the process of inventorying SNTs and to speed up the execution of applications for gasification in houses of garden associations under already concluded contracts. He also instructed to analyze the conditions of completed connections to the boundaries of plots and inside houses in SNTs in order to expand their gasification potential.

    Regional authorities must promptly submit applications to the Ministry of Energy to approve the receipt of funds to provide subsidies to preferential categories of citizens for the installation of gas in homes.

    Regional authorities have been instructed to prepare boiler houses to receive gas and report on the progress of this work.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Press Briefing Transcript: Staff Level Agreement on the Fourth Review of the Sri Lanka’s Reform Program Supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility Arrangement

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    April 29, 2025

    PARTICIPANTS: 

    EVAN PAPAGEORGIOU, Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, IMF

    PAVIS DEVAHASADIN, Communications Officer, IMF

    MARTHA TESFAYE WOLDEMICHAEL, Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, IMF

    *  *  *  *  * 

    DEVAHASADIN: I welcome you to the press conference on Sri Lanka, the Staff-Level Agreement of the Fourth Review of the economic program support by the EFF.  Today we have here Mr. Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.  He’s joined by Martha Woldemichael, IMF Representative in Sri Lanka. 

    Again, this is on the record.  The transcript will be available later.  We have a lot of people here, so we’re just going to start with Mr. Evan giving the brief remarks and then we move on to the Q&A session.  All right, Evan, over to you on the remarks.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yeah, thank you. Thank you, Pavis. Thank you also to Martha for being here.  And hello, everybody.  Good evening to those of you in Sri Lanka and good morning to the few folks here in Washington.  I thank you all for being here today.  I would have preferred to be with you in Colombo, but unfortunately this is not feasible this time.  We will have to talk through a screen. 

    By way of short introduction, as you heard, my name is Evan Papageorgiou.  I am the new Mission Chief for Sri Lanka for the IMF.  And some of you may know already that there has been a change in Mission Chief with this review, which is part of a routine rotation of people in the team.  I look forward to seeing some of you again.  I already had a chance to meet you a few weeks ago, or otherwise to meeting you all next time we’re in the country.  We had the opportunity to be in the country.  I led a team of economists visiting Colombo earlier this month, where we had productive discussions with the authorities.  These discussions continued here last week here in Washington, D.C., on the occasion of our Spring Meetings. 

    Okay.  So, as you may be aware, we have reached a staff-level agreement with Sri Lankan authorities on key economic policies, marking an important milestone toward concluding the Fourth Review of Sri Lanka’s reform program supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility. 

    The staff-level agreement is contingent on two conditions.  First, the implementation of prior actions relating to restoring electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring proper function of the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism.  And second, the usual completion of financing assurances review by multilateral and bilateral partners.  After successful implementation of these conditions and approval from the IMF Executive Board, Sri Lanka will unlock approximately USD $344 million in financing.  This funding will be crucial as the country navigates the recovery from economic challenges. 

    We are now halfway through the four-year EFF program, and I’m very pleased to stand before you today to share significant development regarding Sri Lanka’s economic journey.  The performance of the reform program has remained strong overall.  Economic growth is on the rebound.  We are seeing advancements in revenue mobilization, reserve accumulation is proceeding, and structural reforms continue, and some of them are well underway. 

    Very important to note also that debt restructuring is nearly complete and the government’s commitment to program objectives remains steadfast, and we got new assurances of this as recently as last week.  However, we must also acknowledge the significant downside risks posed by global trade policy uncertainty.  Should these risks materialize, we are prepared to work collaboratively with the authorities to assess their impact and formulate appropriate policy responses within the framework of the IMF-supported program.

    The country’s achievements under the ambitious reform agenda have been commendable.  The rebound in growth, for example, 5 percent year-on-year real growth in 2024, is a testament to the country’s resilience and determination and remarkable turnaround.  Furthermore, there has been significant improvement in the revenue performance, with revenue to the GDP climbing to 13.5 percent in 2024 from 8.2 percent in 2022.  Gross official reserves have also risen to $6.5 billion in end of March 2025, given the very good and strong FX purchases by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

    Now, as we move forward, it is essential that the government continues to prioritize sustained revenue mobilization efforts and prudent budget execution.  These measures are vital in preserving and continuing to build fiscal space and ensuring that there is room to respond to any shocks that may arise.  To that end, restoring cost-recovery electricity pricing is essential to minimize fiscal risks and enable appropriate electricity infrastructure and investments. 

    The tax exemption framework should be well designed to reduce fiscal costs and corruption risks while at the same time enabling necessary growth for the country.  Reforms to boost tax compliance are important to deliver revenue gains without resorting to additional tax measures. 

    We also recognize the critical responsibility of the government to protect the most vulnerable members of society during these uncertain times.  Improving the targeting adequacy of social safety nets will be a priority as they strive to provide support where it’s needed the most. 

    In conclusion, the sustained commitment of the government to the program objectives is commendable.  It ensures continuity and puts Sri Lanka on a path to continuing success and strong recovery.  We are determined to continue working with the authorities to safeguard their hard-won gains and pave the way forward towards robust and inclusive growth.  Thank you for your attention.  Martha and I look forward to your questions.  Thank you.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. We now move on to the Q&A section. But before we begin, I would like to say that for those who just joined, this session is being recorded.  Therefore, the transcript will be posted later, and otherwise we move on to the Q&A, and I just want to remind you to keep your questions short because we have a full house so we can give opportunity to other participants as well and stay on topic.  We can also follow up with you afterwards.  But please be mindful that we are discussing the SLA – the Fourth Review, today. 

    May I call — actually I saw your hand was up earlier, and then you put it down.  May I call you for the first question from Economy Next?

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  Yes, my question is there has been some delay on the restructuring.  How concerned is the IMF on SOE restructuring?

    DEVAHASADIN: On the restructuring, debt restructuring, right?

    QUESTIONER: SOE.

    DEVAHASADIN: SOE.

    QUESTIONER: state-owned enterprise, yeah. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Okay. Anyone else on state-owned enterprise? And you can also just jump in.  I see some hands up, but I’m not sure if those participants are talking about — would like to talk about SOE, but otherwise we want to take questions on SOE first. 

    QUESTIONER: If I may add on the SOEs?  Just to add to that, specifically about Sri Lankan Airlines.  How concerned are you about Sri Lankan Airlines?  Because this is something that has been discussed for several years with a lot of other people as well as with the IMF.  Thank you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Okay. Thank you so much.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yes, thank you. These are good questions. So let me start in general to make some points. 

    So under the program there has been, in general, commitment by the government from the beginning of the program until now to strengthen the governance of SOEs, to get to the bottom of their outstanding debt and resolving legacy debt that they — that’s out there — and implementing those that’s relevant to implementing cost recovery pricing to ensure that they remain financially viable.  These are all very important conditions because they will reduce fiscal risks to the government, to the states, and avoid that they become a burden for public finances, ultimately taxpayers, and all Sri Lankans. 

    So, within those commitments, it’s important to highlight a few that, under the program, these include also containing risks from the guarantees issued to SOEs.  For example, the EFF program includes indicative targets, which are setting ceilings on total and foreign currency treasury guarantees for SOEs.  Another condition is to refrain from new FX borrowing by non-financial state-owned enterprises that already have limited FX revenue so that we don’t introduce more wrong-way risk into these entities.  And also, another one, obviously very important one, is making SOEs more transparent.  You may be aware that we have been advocating and mandating to publishing audited financial statements for the 52 largest SOEs in a timely manner, and that will help bring more light and greater scrutiny. 

    It is also important to ensure that consumers of services of these SOEs receive the best value for the price they pay.  And obviously, that relates to a wider range of SOEs, including also the electricity and the fuel sector.  And this is the same thing as you would expect from a private company.  In other words, you would want SOEs run in the most efficient manner purely on commercial basis and ensuring that they are dependable and, of course, that they are free of corruption.  That is greater big disclosure, good disclosure to that extent. 

    There was a question on Sri Lankan Airlines.  So, we understand that the authorities are underway in preparing a medium-term strategic plan to restore Sri Lankan Airlines’ operational viability and to resolve its legacy debt.  We know that the current budget, the 2025 budget, has set aside 20 billion rupees to pay off some of the debt of the airline.  And we are also aware that Sri Lankan Airlines has also hired a financial advisor to restructure its international bond.  So, these are all steps in the right direction.  But we think these need to pick up pace and take up a little bit faster pace so we can have a good resolution of all these outstanding issues.  So, in general with SOEs, we think there is a way forward, and we want to see more progress there. 

    Thank you.  That was a good question.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. We have hands up.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you, Pavis, and thank you, Evan, for your presentation.  From News 1st here.  The conditions of the Fourth Review include implementing fire actions related to electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring that the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism functions properly.  In your meetings with the government, do you see this realizing anytime soon?  Because according to the statement that was released earlier, it says that this condition is yet to be met.  Thank you. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you. Thank you, I don’t know if — should we take another question? Maybe related to electricity to bunch them up a little bit? 

    DEVAHASADIN: Yep. Anyone else on electricity just come in please.

    QUESTIONER: What we expected the timeline to complete the required by actions such as electricity pricing and financing assurance for Board approval?

    QUESTIONER: I have also question on electricity.  Now, the current problem seems to have been coming from, because of a price cut by the regulator, which the utility didn’t ask for.  So, is there any attempt to give technical assistance or something so that the way the regulator calculates the profits or how they deal with the price proposal of the utility is improved so that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you for the question. Let me first say that the issue of electricity is one where both the government and us see eye to eye, and there’s strong commitment in seeing these reforms take place because, as you know very well, electricity and dependability of electricity and the high price of electricity have been an issue for a very long time in Sri Lanka. So, government is committed to seeing, to taking the reforms and owning those reforms and making significant progress. 

    So yes, during the review mission discussions that we had in Colombo earlier in April, earlier this month, and here in Washington last week, we discussed many issues.  Our assessment is as early as back in February, when we went to the Board for our Third Review, our assessment of the time, and still is the same, is that the continuous structural benchmark on electricity cost recovery pricing is still not met.  And that means that the price of the tariff – it does not match, does not create enough of an ability for the utility, for the CEB, to be able to meet its costs, the generation costs, and transmission and distribution. 

    In addition to that, the automatic tariff adjustment mechanism based on the bulk supply transaction account, the BSTA, has not operated as we envisaged.  And the April tariff revision that was meant to take place in the second quarter of this year was not implemented.  So as a result of that, given the criticality of electricity cost recovery and under the program, we have proposed, IMF has proposed, the introduction of prior actions relating to restoring electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring proper function of the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism, the BSTA, that I mentioned a few moments ago. 

    The implementation of these prior actions is an important milestone as a requisite, if you will, for the completion of the Fourth Review.  And in terms of the timing; there was a question — of course, we defer to the authorities and to the regulator, the PUCSL, on the exact timing for implementing these actions, these prior actions. But we urge them to do so as soon as possible so that the utility company, CEB, is not incurring financial losses on a forward-looking basis.  In other words, we should avoid, the authorities should avoid, a situation where debt is building up at the CEB, so that the utility company does not become again a significant contingent liability to the government and a burden to the taxpayer. so, it doesn’t become a fiscal drought. 

    I think this is well understood by the authorities.  It has been explained time and time again.  It’s a core pillar of the program that once it is resolved and properly held, it will help fiscal sustainability, and it will make electricity price generation more dependable.  And down the road this will allow for more stability, for more investment, and for the necessary steps to see electricity prices coming down. 

    Hopefully that answers your question, but I’m happy to follow up on anything else.  Thank you.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan.

    QUESTIONER: I don’t think my question about whether you consider technical assistance to the regulator was answered.  I also have another question if you can answer. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Sure, sure. So yeah, thank you. There’s no technical assistance at the moment in terms of the electricity price generation or any other issues related to this.  In general, the energy policy and the policy for the energy sector, we think the pillars are — there should be a cost reflective energy pricing which is a building block of the program, and we think that within that there should be a greater stability, but it will allow for more reforms. 

    So now we know we understand that there are some proposed amendments to the Electricity Act that are underway, and these are expected to reflect the authority’s strategy to reform the electricity sector.  We understand also there is an intention to have unbundling of generation of transmission and distribution of power.  We obviously take note that there has been action and proposals for greater investment, including also for solar energy projects.  Again, we’re not advising exactly on these issues, but we look forward to seeing more. 

    Now, of course, on the strategy that should be supported by the key stakeholders.  I know that other multilateral, several development partners such as the World Bank and ADB are closely involved on electricity, and they are providing technical assistance to Sri Lanka. 

    So I think that goes to your point. Did you have another question as well? 

    QUESTIONER: Yes.  Regarding the — can you give us any idea about the timing of the review that might take place?  And also, when you said, policy responses that may be needed to meet the tariff problem, what kind of things were you thinking on?  Is it likely to jeopardize the targets and were you planning to give any waivers or what kind of policy responses?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: When you say tariffs do you mean not electricity tariffs, you mean export tariffs, right?

    QUESTIONER: No, no, sorry.  You said because of the tariff shock, from possible tariffs from the U.S. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yes, that’s right.

    DEVAHASADIN: U.S. tariffs.

    QUESTIONER: Yeah.  So then that Sri Lanka might have to do some policy responses.  What kind of policy responses were you thinking?  And also, it jeopardizes the targets in the IMF performance criteria, will they be kind of given waivers? 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you.

    DEVAHASADIN: Before you begin, I would like to read this question. How do you see the impact U.S. labor tariff on Sri Lanka’s ability to secure and sustain the SLA with global partners?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yeah, great. Thank you; these are good questions. In terms of the timing, obviously things are still underway.  This is only a staff-level agreement, which means we have agreed on principle on many things of the underlying Fourth Review and conditions of the prior actions that I mentioned a few minutes ago.  I think there’s good momentum from the authorities’ and everybody else’s point of view in completing the review.  That takes a little while because we understand a lot of these issues are still being discussed and there is more work to be done, both from the authority side and from our side as well.  It’s a long process, as you probably know, in terms of us consulting and redrawing our numbers and our assumptions and having a great confidence in the direction of policy reforms and of the outlook and everything else.  I would say that it will take a little while, maybe a couple more months at least, in terms of finalizing the review.  So hopefully in two months’ time or so, by, let’s say, June, we should be able to have some more news for you on this front. 

    Now, on the issue of U.S. tariffs and how does it affect the country?  Obviously, as I mentioned, trade policy uncertainty is one of the issues that we have discussed quite extensively with the authorities on what could that mean for Sri Lanka’s economy and economic performance.  We know that, obviously, the authorities are committed to achieving program objectives and to see how the targets are being met.  They have also committed to addressing any sort of underperformance or deviation for program targets with remedial measures.  So, we think that we take this commitment very seriously, and we note their strong impetus for delivering on those. 

    Obviously, the global trade policy uncertainties, as I mentioned, is a significant risk.  All I can say at this point is that if these risks materialize, we will work with the authorities to assess the impact of those shocks, and we will support the country in formulating specific policy responses within the contours of the existing IMF program.  We have very frequent discussions with the authorities.  We were discussing, we were talking to them as recently as last Friday, as a few days ago.  We continue talking to them on a daily basis.  Martha talks to them on a constant basis.  And we continue conducting weekly monitoring meetings with the entire team, both here in Colombo as well, so that we can ensure that program performance remains on track. 

    This is all I can say for the moment, but it is very important to note also that the Sri Lankan authorities, the Sri Lankan government, have made great progress in establishing greater connection with bilateral trade partners, including the United States.  And we encourage more action and greater discussion in ensuring that there is a good outcome from these discussions and that the trade policy uncertainty gets resolved and there’s greater certainty. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you. I just got the five minutes remaining warning. I would like to open the floor to anyone who hasn’t asked any questions.  Please feel free to jump in.  Otherwise, I’ll go back to the hand.  Anyone else who hasn’t asked any question?  Well, all right, I see one hand up.

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you. We’ll come back to you.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  I just have a question.  It’s kind of a follow-up to Evan’s previous answer.  You talked about a very limited response that you can give talking about trade policy and the impact of the U.S. tariffs.  But you did say that Sri Lanka had expressed a sort of a commitment to work and work towards the targets it has agreed with the IMF.  But in the most recent weeks post those tariff announcements, targets, as much as you said that they have expressed a willingness to work within the framework – I think you said, within the contours of the agreement – has Sri Lanka expressed concerns about reaching those targets, particularly because these tariffs are believed broadly to have a potential impact on its export earnings?  Obviously, it’s foreign currency earnings and things like that.  So how much of a concern have you heard from the Sri Lankan authorities?  And what is the sort of leeway or the kind of flexibility that Sri Lanka would have within the agreement with the IMF?  I’m sure you have this with a lot of sort of your agreements, but, yeah, where Sri Lanka is concerned, how do you see it?  Thank you. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you. That’s a good question. It follows through a little bit from my previous answer, as you said.  I don’t know, given that we don’t have much time, let me go ahead and answer this and maybe we can give five more minutes, Pavis, to other people to ask questions as well. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Sounds good.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: So, first of all, every review, now we’re on the Fourth Review, of the program is an opportunity to assess the economic developments, to review program targets, and to determine the reform agenda and the reform measures that the authorities plan for the period ahead. It just happened that in this review we have a significant trade policy shock. So, in these discussions, we’ve had an understanding of what are the concerns and what is the kind of shock.  And by the way, this is something that we also, as Fund staff, are trying to implement, to understand, to comprehend, and to put into our outlook. 

    So obviously, the 44 percent tariff on Sri Lanka that was announced on April 2nd would have a significant impact, and the authorities understand this very well.  The impact obviously will be on the apparel and rubber industries.  Obviously, as you know very well, these account for a very large share of the country’s exports to the United States.  I believe it’s almost three-quarters, or over 70 percent.  And also, the real sector implications of these are very important because these two sectors, apparel and rubber, employ a lot of workers, in Sri Lanka. Just the apparel industry alone is over 300,000 workers or 320,000 workers.  So, the 90-day pause that was announced has allowed the authorities to engage constructively with the United States.  And we take, take very positive note on this. 

    Now, within, in general, as I mentioned, the global trade policy uncertainty for any small open economy and definitely for Sri Lanka poses significant downside risks.  For these discussions, we understand, obviously, the issues that arise and how they should be baked into the program.  If there is any substantial risk that may pan out either on the back of tariffs or some other disruption, we will work with the authorities to incorporate them to assess their impact and put them into policy responses. 

    At this point, it will be a little premature of me to talk about specific issues, but we’ve had a lot of discussions, and we think that the authorities are doing the best they can to address these issues.  It’s important to also mention that here that any time is a good time for implementing more reforms for discussing greater options towards having more trade policy responses.  And we believe that Sri Lanka should continue exploring also additional ways in making its exports more marketable and appealing to a wider range of counterparts. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. I’ll give the final question. We are running out of time, but I think we have enough time for one last question.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  It’s about the tax revenues.  According to the 2025 budget, much of the tax revenue is expected from vehicle imports, and we have — from the dealers that of the vehicles have been imported in the last two months, about 75 percent have been sold.  Of course, even though 25 percent may not have been sold, still the government has got revenue for those because they have been cleared through customs. That is no issue, but it would probably have implications for future demand.  So, the market is sort of not as vibrant, as there doesn’t seem to be a huge pent-up demand.  How concerned are you that this one single item in the budget, which is sort of going to underpin tax revenue, may not materialize this year?  Thank you.  Thank you.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: So obviously the authorities have made significant progress on creating greater opportunities for revenue and for collecting more. You may very well know that the situation was far worse in terms of tax revenue, as I mentioned in my earlier remarks, as early as couple of years ago. So obviously there is definitely progress. On this year’s discussion,

    I think there is a lot of the progress; has been a positive one.  There has been greater progress towards ensuring more revenue that could be collected from a range of measures.  You mentioned very accurately that the lifting of the import ban on motor vehicles is a very, very important. I would say the primary measure underpinning the revenue package.  We saw that, also in the budget, it is expected to yield 1.2 percent of GDP in 2025.  And that’s about 80 percent of the 1.5 percent of GDP in all tax revenue.  So obviously, as you mentioned, this is very important to get right and to continue with the momentum. 

    We note from the latest data that we have monitoring and we’re getting is that there is actually a good momentum on those motor vehicle imports.  So as my latest data — I was trying to find them — from what I remember, there has been quite a lot of good increase in the letters of credit.  I believe it’s around USD $350 million that were open.  These are letters of credit that are attached to importing vehicles.  So, we think that the associated revenue that will be incurred from those imports is starting to come on pace, and that’s a very important and encouraging sign.  So, we look forward to seeing more. 

    Of course, I mentioned a moment ago as well that if there are signs that — that there is underperformance of revenues or if there is a revenue shortfall, we have discussed with the authorities, and they are committed to implementing contingency revenue measures, and this will go a long way in ensuring fiscal sustainability and greater revenue.  Thank you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. Unfortunately, we’re at time. Before we close, Evan, do you have any parting words? 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: No, I thank you very much. I thank you all for being here. I look forward to continuing to engage with you, and Martha and I know that we have a great relationship with all of you and a frequent interaction.  We are happy to continue taking your questions.  We now are moving forward completing the Fourth Review in the next couple of months, so we will certainly communicate more as we get towards that goal.  We will also try to have another similar discussion and press conference at the end of that review if all goes well.  Let me just mention again that we are fully committed in supporting the economy and the Sri Lankan authorities, both in the current issues that they are facing and just more broadly on formulating the appropriate policy responses and the necessary form.  Thank you all very much for being here.  I wish I was in Colombo, but I look forward to seeing you again in the next few months.  Thank you. 

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Week 6 of “Dirty Dems” campaign highlights failures of Bakersfield legislators

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    BAKERSFIELD, CA (April 29, 2025)—As part of the ongoing “Dirty Dems” campaign, Greenpeace USA, in collaboration with the California Working Families Party and Courage California, continues to hold California State legislators accountable for their damaging connections to the oil and gas industry and their failure to support critical climate, economic justice, and progressive priorities.

    This week, the spotlight falls on Bakersfield – and two legislators who have continuously received failing grades from every major environmental and progressive scorecard across the state. Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, who has accepted $54,000 from the oil and gas industry in just the last session alone, and Senator Melissa Hurtado, who has accepted $79,500 herself since 2018, have made a name for themselves through supporting corporate polluters instead of fighting for their communities. 

    Amy Moas, Ph.D., Greenpeace USA Senior Climate Campaigner, said: “Assemblymember Bains’s and Senator Hurtado’s behavior accepting dirty money, and then voting against policies that would have made their communities healthier and more resilient, is inexcusable. Bakersfield and its surrounding communities deserve elected leaders who are fighting for everyday, working families – not delaying protections that would keep people safe.”

    Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains – “Big Oil Bains” 

    Though Assemblymember Bains has only been in office for two full legislative sessions – and though she represents communities bearing the brunt of the toxic oil industry – she has repeatedly chosen not to protect the very people she was elected to represent. Assembly Member Bains was the only Democrat to choose corporate profits over protecting her constituents when she voted against a bill aimed at ensuring oil companies are not ripping off Californians in order to rake in historic profits (SBX1-2). During the same session, she also did the oil industry’s bidding by introducing a bill requiring an increase in toxic oil production in the state. 

    Some additional low points of Assembly Member Bains’ time in office include voting no on programs to lower air pollution and smog (AB 126) and skipping voting on a bill to monitor noxious pollutants in neighborhoods that have been linked to asthma and cancer (SB 674).  She also skipped a vote to mandate California speed up the plugging of the thousands of leaking idle wells throughout the state (AB 1866), as well as on a bill to incentivize the clean up of the low producing oil wells polluting the largest urban oil field in the country (AB 2716). Assembly Member Bains does not just vote down and skip votes on public health and environmental issues, however; she also skipped voting on a bill to improve the working conditions for janitorial labor in California (AB 2364). 

    Senator Melissa Hurtado

    Senator Hurtado’s contributions from Chevron, the California Independent Petroleum Association (CIPA), and one of California’s largest oil refiners, PBF Energy, show in her voting record. While it is common in the California Legislature for legislators to skip votes in order to avoid taking a stand on difficult bills, Senator Hurtado has one of the most up front and brazen records with her actual voting down numerous environmental justice and public health bills for the purpose of protecting the profits of her corporate donors. 

    Senator Hurtado’s time in office includes a series of low points. First, she voted no on one of the largest environmental justice priorities for more than a decade aimed at reducing pollution from oil drilling in neighborhoods (SB 1137), and voted no on multiple bills aimed at cleaning up toxic idle oil wells and ensuring taxpayers are not stuck with the bill (AB 1866 and AB 1167) – despite her district having more than 11,000 idle wells. Additionally, she voted against a bill to incentivize the cleanup of low producing wells in the largest urban oil field (AB 2716), and another to strengthen the enforcement measures for oil and gas regulations (AB 631). 

    Senator Hurtado has also pushed back against workers’ rights. She skipped voting on a number of other progressive priorities including a major labor priority bill in 2022 aimed at establishing a council to shape minimum wage and working conditions for fast food workers (AB 257), as well as a bill to end employment discrimination by outlawing forced arbitration agreements (AB 51). 

    Holding the Bakersfield Legislators Accountable

    Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains and Senator Melissa Hurtado are the eighth and ninth Dirty Dems to be named. They join a growing list of California’s elected officials who have repeatedly chosen to prioritize corporate donations over the well-being of their constituents. 

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The White House Council on Environmental Quality Establishes Permitting Innovation Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued a memorandum to heads of Federal agencies establishing an interagency Permitting Innovation Center. The creation of the Permitting Innovation Center delivers on President Trump’s Memorandum, Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century, which directs the Federal government to leverage modern technology to effectively and efficiently conduct environmental reviews and evaluate permits for infrastructure projects of all kinds.
    Under President Trump’s leadership, the CEQ-led Permitting Innovation Center will consult with the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) and relevant permitting agencies to issue a Permitting Technology Action Plan that will provide technology guidance to agencies, while developing an initial National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) data and technology standard.
    In addition, the Permitting Innovation Center will collaborate with the General Services Administration (GSA) to design and test prototype software systems for potential implementation by agencies pursuant to the Permitting Technology Action Plan.
    “The Trump Administration is making unprecedented progress toward modernizing permitting,” said Katherine Scarlett, Chief of Staff at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “The establishment of the Permitting Innovation Center is a major milestone on the road to permitting reform and demonstrates this Administration’s commitment to expediting the environmental review and permitting process through emerging technologies, providing much needed efficiency and transparency for project sponsors.”
    “GSA’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS) is committed to advancing the President’s agenda by supporting the accelerated development and building of the Permitting Innovation Center,” said Thomas Shedd, Technology Transformation Services Director at General Services Administration. “We look forward to working across the agencies involved in this process, and leveraging our Presidential Innovation Fellowship program to ensure that each agency’s technology requirements are understood and met. TTS remains a preferred shared service provider of software and services to advance critical White House initiatives such as this one.”
    To read the Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies, “Establishment of Permitting Innovation Center,” click here.
    ICYMI:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Press Briefing Transcript: Staff Level Agreement on the Fourth Review of the Sri Lanka’s Reform Program Supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility Arrangement

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    April 29, 2025

    PARTICIPANTS: 

    EVAN PAPAGEORGIOU, Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, IMF

    PAVIS DEVAHASADIN, Communications Officer, IMF

    MARTHA TESFAYE WOLDEMICHAEL, Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, IMF

    *  *  *  *  * 

    DEVAHASADIN: I welcome you to the press conference on Sri Lanka, the Staff-Level Agreement of the Fourth Review of the economic program support by the EFF.  Today we have here Mr. Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.  He’s joined by Martha Woldemichael, IMF Representative in Sri Lanka. 

    Again, this is on the record.  The transcript will be available later.  We have a lot of people here, so we’re just going to start with Mr. Evan giving the brief remarks and then we move on to the Q&A session.  All right, Evan, over to you on the remarks.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yeah, thank you. Thank you, Pavis. Thank you also to Martha for being here.  And hello, everybody.  Good evening to those of you in Sri Lanka and good morning to the few folks here in Washington.  I thank you all for being here today.  I would have preferred to be with you in Colombo, but unfortunately this is not feasible this time.  We will have to talk through a screen. 

    By way of short introduction, as you heard, my name is Evan Papageorgiou.  I am the new Mission Chief for Sri Lanka for the IMF.  And some of you may know already that there has been a change in Mission Chief with this review, which is part of a routine rotation of people in the team.  I look forward to seeing some of you again.  I already had a chance to meet you a few weeks ago, or otherwise to meeting you all next time we’re in the country.  We had the opportunity to be in the country.  I led a team of economists visiting Colombo earlier this month, where we had productive discussions with the authorities.  These discussions continued here last week here in Washington, D.C., on the occasion of our Spring Meetings. 

    Okay.  So, as you may be aware, we have reached a staff-level agreement with Sri Lankan authorities on key economic policies, marking an important milestone toward concluding the Fourth Review of Sri Lanka’s reform program supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility. 

    The staff-level agreement is contingent on two conditions.  First, the implementation of prior actions relating to restoring electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring proper function of the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism.  And second, the usual completion of financing assurances review by multilateral and bilateral partners.  After successful implementation of these conditions and approval from the IMF Executive Board, Sri Lanka will unlock approximately USD $344 million in financing.  This funding will be crucial as the country navigates the recovery from economic challenges. 

    We are now halfway through the four-year EFF program, and I’m very pleased to stand before you today to share significant development regarding Sri Lanka’s economic journey.  The performance of the reform program has remained strong overall.  Economic growth is on the rebound.  We are seeing advancements in revenue mobilization, reserve accumulation is proceeding, and structural reforms continue, and some of them are well underway. 

    Very important to note also that debt restructuring is nearly complete and the government’s commitment to program objectives remains steadfast, and we got new assurances of this as recently as last week.  However, we must also acknowledge the significant downside risks posed by global trade policy uncertainty.  Should these risks materialize, we are prepared to work collaboratively with the authorities to assess their impact and formulate appropriate policy responses within the framework of the IMF-supported program.

    The country’s achievements under the ambitious reform agenda have been commendable.  The rebound in growth, for example, 5 percent year-on-year real growth in 2024, is a testament to the country’s resilience and determination and remarkable turnaround.  Furthermore, there has been significant improvement in the revenue performance, with revenue to the GDP climbing to 13.5 percent in 2024 from 8.2 percent in 2022.  Gross official reserves have also risen to $6.5 billion in end of March 2025, given the very good and strong FX purchases by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

    Now, as we move forward, it is essential that the government continues to prioritize sustained revenue mobilization efforts and prudent budget execution.  These measures are vital in preserving and continuing to build fiscal space and ensuring that there is room to respond to any shocks that may arise.  To that end, restoring cost-recovery electricity pricing is essential to minimize fiscal risks and enable appropriate electricity infrastructure and investments. 

    The tax exemption framework should be well designed to reduce fiscal costs and corruption risks while at the same time enabling necessary growth for the country.  Reforms to boost tax compliance are important to deliver revenue gains without resorting to additional tax measures. 

    We also recognize the critical responsibility of the government to protect the most vulnerable members of society during these uncertain times.  Improving the targeting adequacy of social safety nets will be a priority as they strive to provide support where it’s needed the most. 

    In conclusion, the sustained commitment of the government to the program objectives is commendable.  It ensures continuity and puts Sri Lanka on a path to continuing success and strong recovery.  We are determined to continue working with the authorities to safeguard their hard-won gains and pave the way forward towards robust and inclusive growth.  Thank you for your attention.  Martha and I look forward to your questions.  Thank you.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. We now move on to the Q&A section. But before we begin, I would like to say that for those who just joined, this session is being recorded.  Therefore, the transcript will be posted later, and otherwise we move on to the Q&A, and I just want to remind you to keep your questions short because we have a full house so we can give opportunity to other participants as well and stay on topic.  We can also follow up with you afterwards.  But please be mindful that we are discussing the SLA – the Fourth Review, today. 

    May I call — actually I saw your hand was up earlier, and then you put it down.  May I call you for the first question from Economy Next?

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  Yes, my question is there has been some delay on the restructuring.  How concerned is the IMF on SOE restructuring?

    DEVAHASADIN: On the restructuring, debt restructuring, right?

    QUESTIONER: SOE.

    DEVAHASADIN: SOE.

    QUESTIONER: state-owned enterprise, yeah. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Okay. Anyone else on state-owned enterprise? And you can also just jump in.  I see some hands up, but I’m not sure if those participants are talking about — would like to talk about SOE, but otherwise we want to take questions on SOE first. 

    QUESTIONER: If I may add on the SOEs?  Just to add to that, specifically about Sri Lankan Airlines.  How concerned are you about Sri Lankan Airlines?  Because this is something that has been discussed for several years with a lot of other people as well as with the IMF.  Thank you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Okay. Thank you so much.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yes, thank you. These are good questions. So let me start in general to make some points. 

    So under the program there has been, in general, commitment by the government from the beginning of the program until now to strengthen the governance of SOEs, to get to the bottom of their outstanding debt and resolving legacy debt that they — that’s out there — and implementing those that’s relevant to implementing cost recovery pricing to ensure that they remain financially viable.  These are all very important conditions because they will reduce fiscal risks to the government, to the states, and avoid that they become a burden for public finances, ultimately taxpayers, and all Sri Lankans. 

    So, within those commitments, it’s important to highlight a few that, under the program, these include also containing risks from the guarantees issued to SOEs.  For example, the EFF program includes indicative targets, which are setting ceilings on total and foreign currency treasury guarantees for SOEs.  Another condition is to refrain from new FX borrowing by non-financial state-owned enterprises that already have limited FX revenue so that we don’t introduce more wrong-way risk into these entities.  And also, another one, obviously very important one, is making SOEs more transparent.  You may be aware that we have been advocating and mandating to publishing audited financial statements for the 52 largest SOEs in a timely manner, and that will help bring more light and greater scrutiny. 

    It is also important to ensure that consumers of services of these SOEs receive the best value for the price they pay.  And obviously, that relates to a wider range of SOEs, including also the electricity and the fuel sector.  And this is the same thing as you would expect from a private company.  In other words, you would want SOEs run in the most efficient manner purely on commercial basis and ensuring that they are dependable and, of course, that they are free of corruption.  That is greater big disclosure, good disclosure to that extent. 

    There was a question on Sri Lankan Airlines.  So, we understand that the authorities are underway in preparing a medium-term strategic plan to restore Sri Lankan Airlines’ operational viability and to resolve its legacy debt.  We know that the current budget, the 2025 budget, has set aside 20 billion rupees to pay off some of the debt of the airline.  And we are also aware that Sri Lankan Airlines has also hired a financial advisor to restructure its international bond.  So, these are all steps in the right direction.  But we think these need to pick up pace and take up a little bit faster pace so we can have a good resolution of all these outstanding issues.  So, in general with SOEs, we think there is a way forward, and we want to see more progress there. 

    Thank you.  That was a good question.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. We have hands up.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you, Pavis, and thank you, Evan, for your presentation.  From News 1st here.  The conditions of the Fourth Review include implementing fire actions related to electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring that the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism functions properly.  In your meetings with the government, do you see this realizing anytime soon?  Because according to the statement that was released earlier, it says that this condition is yet to be met.  Thank you. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you. Thank you, I don’t know if — should we take another question? Maybe related to electricity to bunch them up a little bit? 

    DEVAHASADIN: Yep. Anyone else on electricity just come in please.

    QUESTIONER: What we expected the timeline to complete the required by actions such as electricity pricing and financing assurance for Board approval?

    QUESTIONER: I have also question on electricity.  Now, the current problem seems to have been coming from, because of a price cut by the regulator, which the utility didn’t ask for.  So, is there any attempt to give technical assistance or something so that the way the regulator calculates the profits or how they deal with the price proposal of the utility is improved so that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you for the question. Let me first say that the issue of electricity is one where both the government and us see eye to eye, and there’s strong commitment in seeing these reforms take place because, as you know very well, electricity and dependability of electricity and the high price of electricity have been an issue for a very long time in Sri Lanka. So, government is committed to seeing, to taking the reforms and owning those reforms and making significant progress. 

    So yes, during the review mission discussions that we had in Colombo earlier in April, earlier this month, and here in Washington last week, we discussed many issues.  Our assessment is as early as back in February, when we went to the Board for our Third Review, our assessment of the time, and still is the same, is that the continuous structural benchmark on electricity cost recovery pricing is still not met.  And that means that the price of the tariff – it does not match, does not create enough of an ability for the utility, for the CEB, to be able to meet its costs, the generation costs, and transmission and distribution. 

    In addition to that, the automatic tariff adjustment mechanism based on the bulk supply transaction account, the BSTA, has not operated as we envisaged.  And the April tariff revision that was meant to take place in the second quarter of this year was not implemented.  So as a result of that, given the criticality of electricity cost recovery and under the program, we have proposed, IMF has proposed, the introduction of prior actions relating to restoring electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring proper function of the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism, the BSTA, that I mentioned a few moments ago. 

    The implementation of these prior actions is an important milestone as a requisite, if you will, for the completion of the Fourth Review.  And in terms of the timing; there was a question — of course, we defer to the authorities and to the regulator, the PUCSL, on the exact timing for implementing these actions, these prior actions. But we urge them to do so as soon as possible so that the utility company, CEB, is not incurring financial losses on a forward-looking basis.  In other words, we should avoid, the authorities should avoid, a situation where debt is building up at the CEB, so that the utility company does not become again a significant contingent liability to the government and a burden to the taxpayer. so, it doesn’t become a fiscal drought. 

    I think this is well understood by the authorities.  It has been explained time and time again.  It’s a core pillar of the program that once it is resolved and properly held, it will help fiscal sustainability, and it will make electricity price generation more dependable.  And down the road this will allow for more stability, for more investment, and for the necessary steps to see electricity prices coming down. 

    Hopefully that answers your question, but I’m happy to follow up on anything else.  Thank you.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan.

    QUESTIONER: I don’t think my question about whether you consider technical assistance to the regulator was answered.  I also have another question if you can answer. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Sure, sure. So yeah, thank you. There’s no technical assistance at the moment in terms of the electricity price generation or any other issues related to this.  In general, the energy policy and the policy for the energy sector, we think the pillars are — there should be a cost reflective energy pricing which is a building block of the program, and we think that within that there should be a greater stability, but it will allow for more reforms. 

    So now we know we understand that there are some proposed amendments to the Electricity Act that are underway, and these are expected to reflect the authority’s strategy to reform the electricity sector.  We understand also there is an intention to have unbundling of generation of transmission and distribution of power.  We obviously take note that there has been action and proposals for greater investment, including also for solar energy projects.  Again, we’re not advising exactly on these issues, but we look forward to seeing more. 

    Now, of course, on the strategy that should be supported by the key stakeholders.  I know that other multilateral, several development partners such as the World Bank and ADB are closely involved on electricity, and they are providing technical assistance to Sri Lanka. 

    So I think that goes to your point. Did you have another question as well? 

    QUESTIONER: Yes.  Regarding the — can you give us any idea about the timing of the review that might take place?  And also, when you said, policy responses that may be needed to meet the tariff problem, what kind of things were you thinking on?  Is it likely to jeopardize the targets and were you planning to give any waivers or what kind of policy responses?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: When you say tariffs do you mean not electricity tariffs, you mean export tariffs, right?

    QUESTIONER: No, no, sorry.  You said because of the tariff shock, from possible tariffs from the U.S. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yes, that’s right.

    DEVAHASADIN: U.S. tariffs.

    QUESTIONER: Yeah.  So then that Sri Lanka might have to do some policy responses.  What kind of policy responses were you thinking?  And also, it jeopardizes the targets in the IMF performance criteria, will they be kind of given waivers? 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you.

    DEVAHASADIN: Before you begin, I would like to read this question. How do you see the impact U.S. labor tariff on Sri Lanka’s ability to secure and sustain the SLA with global partners?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yeah, great. Thank you; these are good questions. In terms of the timing, obviously things are still underway.  This is only a staff-level agreement, which means we have agreed on principle on many things of the underlying Fourth Review and conditions of the prior actions that I mentioned a few minutes ago.  I think there’s good momentum from the authorities’ and everybody else’s point of view in completing the review.  That takes a little while because we understand a lot of these issues are still being discussed and there is more work to be done, both from the authority side and from our side as well.  It’s a long process, as you probably know, in terms of us consulting and redrawing our numbers and our assumptions and having a great confidence in the direction of policy reforms and of the outlook and everything else.  I would say that it will take a little while, maybe a couple more months at least, in terms of finalizing the review.  So hopefully in two months’ time or so, by, let’s say, June, we should be able to have some more news for you on this front. 

    Now, on the issue of U.S. tariffs and how does it affect the country?  Obviously, as I mentioned, trade policy uncertainty is one of the issues that we have discussed quite extensively with the authorities on what could that mean for Sri Lanka’s economy and economic performance.  We know that, obviously, the authorities are committed to achieving program objectives and to see how the targets are being met.  They have also committed to addressing any sort of underperformance or deviation for program targets with remedial measures.  So, we think that we take this commitment very seriously, and we note their strong impetus for delivering on those. 

    Obviously, the global trade policy uncertainties, as I mentioned, is a significant risk.  All I can say at this point is that if these risks materialize, we will work with the authorities to assess the impact of those shocks, and we will support the country in formulating specific policy responses within the contours of the existing IMF program.  We have very frequent discussions with the authorities.  We were discussing, we were talking to them as recently as last Friday, as a few days ago.  We continue talking to them on a daily basis.  Martha talks to them on a constant basis.  And we continue conducting weekly monitoring meetings with the entire team, both here in Colombo as well, so that we can ensure that program performance remains on track. 

    This is all I can say for the moment, but it is very important to note also that the Sri Lankan authorities, the Sri Lankan government, have made great progress in establishing greater connection with bilateral trade partners, including the United States.  And we encourage more action and greater discussion in ensuring that there is a good outcome from these discussions and that the trade policy uncertainty gets resolved and there’s greater certainty. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you. I just got the five minutes remaining warning. I would like to open the floor to anyone who hasn’t asked any questions.  Please feel free to jump in.  Otherwise, I’ll go back to the hand.  Anyone else who hasn’t asked any question?  Well, all right, I see one hand up.

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you. We’ll come back to you.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  I just have a question.  It’s kind of a follow-up to Evan’s previous answer.  You talked about a very limited response that you can give talking about trade policy and the impact of the U.S. tariffs.  But you did say that Sri Lanka had expressed a sort of a commitment to work and work towards the targets it has agreed with the IMF.  But in the most recent weeks post those tariff announcements, targets, as much as you said that they have expressed a willingness to work within the framework – I think you said, within the contours of the agreement – has Sri Lanka expressed concerns about reaching those targets, particularly because these tariffs are believed broadly to have a potential impact on its export earnings?  Obviously, it’s foreign currency earnings and things like that.  So how much of a concern have you heard from the Sri Lankan authorities?  And what is the sort of leeway or the kind of flexibility that Sri Lanka would have within the agreement with the IMF?  I’m sure you have this with a lot of sort of your agreements, but, yeah, where Sri Lanka is concerned, how do you see it?  Thank you. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you. That’s a good question. It follows through a little bit from my previous answer, as you said.  I don’t know, given that we don’t have much time, let me go ahead and answer this and maybe we can give five more minutes, Pavis, to other people to ask questions as well. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Sounds good.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: So, first of all, every review, now we’re on the Fourth Review, of the program is an opportunity to assess the economic developments, to review program targets, and to determine the reform agenda and the reform measures that the authorities plan for the period ahead. It just happened that in this review we have a significant trade policy shock. So, in these discussions, we’ve had an understanding of what are the concerns and what is the kind of shock.  And by the way, this is something that we also, as Fund staff, are trying to implement, to understand, to comprehend, and to put into our outlook. 

    So obviously, the 44 percent tariff on Sri Lanka that was announced on April 2nd would have a significant impact, and the authorities understand this very well.  The impact obviously will be on the apparel and rubber industries.  Obviously, as you know very well, these account for a very large share of the country’s exports to the United States.  I believe it’s almost three-quarters, or over 70 percent.  And also, the real sector implications of these are very important because these two sectors, apparel and rubber, employ a lot of workers, in Sri Lanka. Just the apparel industry alone is over 300,000 workers or 320,000 workers.  So, the 90-day pause that was announced has allowed the authorities to engage constructively with the United States.  And we take, take very positive note on this. 

    Now, within, in general, as I mentioned, the global trade policy uncertainty for any small open economy and definitely for Sri Lanka poses significant downside risks.  For these discussions, we understand, obviously, the issues that arise and how they should be baked into the program.  If there is any substantial risk that may pan out either on the back of tariffs or some other disruption, we will work with the authorities to incorporate them to assess their impact and put them into policy responses. 

    At this point, it will be a little premature of me to talk about specific issues, but we’ve had a lot of discussions, and we think that the authorities are doing the best they can to address these issues.  It’s important to also mention that here that any time is a good time for implementing more reforms for discussing greater options towards having more trade policy responses.  And we believe that Sri Lanka should continue exploring also additional ways in making its exports more marketable and appealing to a wider range of counterparts. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. I’ll give the final question. We are running out of time, but I think we have enough time for one last question.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  It’s about the tax revenues.  According to the 2025 budget, much of the tax revenue is expected from vehicle imports, and we have — from the dealers that of the vehicles have been imported in the last two months, about 75 percent have been sold.  Of course, even though 25 percent may not have been sold, still the government has got revenue for those because they have been cleared through customs. That is no issue, but it would probably have implications for future demand.  So, the market is sort of not as vibrant, as there doesn’t seem to be a huge pent-up demand.  How concerned are you that this one single item in the budget, which is sort of going to underpin tax revenue, may not materialize this year?  Thank you.  Thank you.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: So obviously the authorities have made significant progress on creating greater opportunities for revenue and for collecting more. You may very well know that the situation was far worse in terms of tax revenue, as I mentioned in my earlier remarks, as early as couple of years ago. So obviously there is definitely progress. On this year’s discussion,

    I think there is a lot of the progress; has been a positive one.  There has been greater progress towards ensuring more revenue that could be collected from a range of measures.  You mentioned very accurately that the lifting of the import ban on motor vehicles is a very, very important. I would say the primary measure underpinning the revenue package.  We saw that, also in the budget, it is expected to yield 1.2 percent of GDP in 2025.  And that’s about 80 percent of the 1.5 percent of GDP in all tax revenue.  So obviously, as you mentioned, this is very important to get right and to continue with the momentum. 

    We note from the latest data that we have monitoring and we’re getting is that there is actually a good momentum on those motor vehicle imports.  So as my latest data — I was trying to find them — from what I remember, there has been quite a lot of good increase in the letters of credit.  I believe it’s around USD $350 million that were open.  These are letters of credit that are attached to importing vehicles.  So, we think that the associated revenue that will be incurred from those imports is starting to come on pace, and that’s a very important and encouraging sign.  So, we look forward to seeing more. 

    Of course, I mentioned a moment ago as well that if there are signs that — that there is underperformance of revenues or if there is a revenue shortfall, we have discussed with the authorities, and they are committed to implementing contingency revenue measures, and this will go a long way in ensuring fiscal sustainability and greater revenue.  Thank you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. Unfortunately, we’re at time. Before we close, Evan, do you have any parting words? 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: No, I thank you very much. I thank you all for being here. I look forward to continuing to engage with you, and Martha and I know that we have a great relationship with all of you and a frequent interaction.  We are happy to continue taking your questions.  We now are moving forward completing the Fourth Review in the next couple of months, so we will certainly communicate more as we get towards that goal.  We will also try to have another similar discussion and press conference at the end of that review if all goes well.  Let me just mention again that we are fully committed in supporting the economy and the Sri Lankan authorities, both in the current issues that they are facing and just more broadly on formulating the appropriate policy responses and the necessary form.  Thank you all very much for being here.  I wish I was in Colombo, but I look forward to seeing you again in the next few months.  Thank you. 

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/04/30/tr-042925-press-briefing-sla-4th-rev-sri-lankas-reform-program-supported-by-eff-arrangement

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: China has identified how to fight back against Trump’s tariffs, and is not ready to back down

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham

    US ports are now starting to see scheduled shipments from China decline as the result of Donald Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese goods. The port of Los Angeles, the biggest port for Chinese goods in the US, is predicting scheduled shipments in early May to be about a third lower than the same time last year.

    Declining numbers of ships arriving stocked with Chinese imports are likely to affect US supermarket shelves soon, and after warnings from US supermarket bosses, Trump responded by saying trade talks between the US and China were under way in the past few days. But Chinese president Xi Jinping quickly denied talks were happening, suggesting he has no intention of backing away from a fight with the US.

    As one of the most powerful leaders in the history of the People’s Republic of China, Xi has fashioned himself as a nationalistic icon. So if China perceives Trump’s tariffs as a bully tactic designed to undermine it, backing down from a confrontation with the US would seriously undermine Xi’s strongman image and rhetoric.

    This is something that Trump probably hadn’t considered. At a rally marking his 100 days in office, the US president was still suggesting that China would just back down and “eat the tariffs”.

    While tariffs appear to be the primary weapon in the trade war, China might have more tactics to hit back at Trump and the US economy. The question is what might they be?

    A few weeks ago it seemed like Washington might punish China’s lack of willingness to negotiate with more tariffs, but now it’s clear that Trump is willing to make a deal and is trying to get China to come to the table. Trump is now implying that US tariffs on China could come down substantially. And US treasury secretary Scott Bessent has called the trade war with China “unsustainable”.

    Leveraging agriculture and energy

    China has reduced its reliance on US farm imports since the trade war began in Trump’s first presidency. This is bad news for Washington as agriculture is one few sectors in the US that actually has a large trade surplus with China. The 125% retaliatory tariffs will harm the sector’s profitability.

    But China’s retaliatory tariffs aren’t the only issue American farmers have to contend with. As the trade war escalates, China has been using bureaucratic hurdles to restrict US agricultural products from entering China and as a potential negotiation tool. For instance, China has delayed the renewals of export license renewals of US pig farmers, and refused to renew licenses of poultry farmers for “health and safety” reasons.

    What’s the impact of tariffs?

    Beijing’s actions might be designed to particularly hit the economy in core Trump supporting states. A major part of Trump and the Republican party’s base lies in “red states”, such as Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas, all have significant farming communities. Focusing on agricultural issues is a tactic that Beijing realises will hit home with Trump voters.

    Out of the 444 US counties designated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as farming-dependent, 77.7% voted for Trump during the 2024 US presidential election. So, any hardship faced by the agriculture sector due to Trump’s own actions is likely to lose him support from a major political base. And with mid-term elections in 2026, Trump has to tread carefully when antagonising Beijing.

    Another support base that Beijing might seek to undermine is those involved in the fossil fuel sector. In the past, the US has been a top supplier of natural gas to China.

    China has not imported natural gas from the US since early February 2025, and has sought its natural gas from Australia, Indonesia, and Brunei. As the trade war continues, it is unlikely that the US would be able to sell its natural gas to China anytime soon, and this will have an impact on the energy industry – one of Trump’s major political support bases.

    Restricting minerals

    Another huge problem that the US faces stems from China’s restriction of the export of critical minerals. They include seven rare earth minerals namely samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium. While these are used in the clean energy and automobile sectors, the biggest concern would come from the US defence complex.

    These critical minerals are used in manufacturing fighter jets, submarines, missiles, and radar systems. China has an effective monopoly on the extraction and processing of rare earths, while the US lacks such capabilities. This means that China’s export restrictions are likely to affect America’s defence industry, while Beijing rapidly expands its ammunition and military technology.

    The White House probably anticipated export restrictions of critical minerals from China. After all, Beijing had banned the export of critical minerals to Japan in 2010 over a fishing trawler dispute, and stopped exporting “dual-use” metals that can be used to produce civilian and military technology, such as gallium, germanium and tungsten.

    What’s next?

    For the last few years, China has been trying to overcome an ailing economy that was primarily fuelled by a real-estate crisis. Trump probably expected China to buckle under pressure and come crawling to the negotiation table. After all, the Chinese Communist Party needs to fix its economy fast. The establishment has long relied on delivering economic prosperity to legitimise its rule over China.

    Right now the tit-for-tat battle continues. By April 11, US tariffs on China peaked at 145%, while China’s retaliatory tariffs on US goods reached an unprecedented 125%.

    Although it is clearly fighting back, China could go even further by selling off US treasuries and increasing US interest rates and thus borrowing cost. But unlike Trump, Xi often plays the long game. After all, Trump’s term as president will be over in less than four years, while Chinese president Xi has no term limits. All the latter has to do is exercise patience, and a friendlier US president might come around.

    Chee Meng Tan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. China has identified how to fight back against Trump’s tariffs, and is not ready to back down – https://theconversation.com/china-has-identified-how-to-fight-back-against-trumps-tariffs-and-is-not-ready-to-back-down-255325

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tony Blair opposes phasing out fossil fuels. These academics disagree

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

    Rapidly phasing out fossil fuels and limiting energy consumption to tackle climate change is “a strategy doomed to fail” according to former UK prime minister Tony Blair.

    In the foreword of a new report, Blair urges governments to rethink their approach to reaching net zero emissions.

    Instead of policies that are seen by people as involving “financial sacrifices”, he says world leaders should deploy carbon capture and storage, including technological and nature-based approaches, to meet the rising demand for fossil fuels.

    But speak to many academic experts on climate change and they will tell a very different story: that there is no strategy for addressing climate change that does not involve ending, or at least massively reducing, fossil fuel combustion.

    This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

    A fossil fuel phase-out is ‘essential’

    “There is a wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating that a fossil fuel phase-out will be essential for reining in the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change,” says Steve Pye, an associate professor of energy at UCL.



    Read more:
    COP28 president is wrong – science clearly shows fossil fuels must go (and fast)

    “I know because I have published some of it.”

    Ed Hawkins, a climate scientist at the University of Reading, agrees.

    “Rapidly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and not issuing new licenses to extract oil and gas, is the most effective way of minimising future climate-related disruptions,” he says.



    Read more:
    Science shows the severe climate consequences of new fossil fuel extraction

    “The sooner those with the power to shape our future recognise this, the better.”

    Fossil fuels are responsible for 90% of the carbon dioxide heating the climate. The amount burned annually is still rising, and so is the rate at which the world is getting hotter. Scientists now fear we are approaching irreversible tipping points in the climate system, hence their support for an urgent replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy.



    Read more:
    Climate tipping points are nearer than you think – our new report warns of catastrophic risk

    Blair is confident that an emergency response on this scale can be avoided by absorbing CO₂ immediately after burning fossil fuels, from the smokestacks where the greenhouse gas is concentrated.

    Not all of the emissions responsible for climate change would be prevented. UCL earth system scientist Mark Maslin says that natural gas, which would linger as an energy source thanks to carbon capture, still leaks from pipelines and storage vessels upstream of power plants.



    Read more:
    The UK’s £22 billion bet on carbon capture will lock in fossil fuels for decades

    Commercial applications of the technology also have a poor track record. Just two large-scale coal-fired power plants are operating with CCS worldwide – one in the US and one in Canada.

    “Both have experienced consistent underperformance, recurring technical issues and ballooning costs,” Maslin says.

    CCS is no alternative to turning off the fossil fuel taps.
    Pan Demin/Shutterstock

    Blair might baulk at what he perceives to be the expense of ditching fossil fuels. But economic modelling led by Oxford University’s Andrea Bacilieri suggests his concern is misplaced. A rapid phase-out of fossil fuels could save US$30 trillion (US$1 trillion a year) by 2050 she concludes, compared with allowing power plants and factories to keep burning them with CCS.

    Developing CCS will be necessary to help manage an orderly transition from fossil fuels according to Myles Allen, a professor of geosystem science at Oxford University. But it is not a substitute for undergoing that transition, he says.



    Read more:
    Getting carbon capture right will be hard – but that doesn’t make it optional

    “Above all, we need to make sure the availability of CCS does not encourage yet more CO₂ production.”

    Keeping the public on board

    Is Blair right to fret about a public backlash to lower energy use? Academics suggest multiple reasons to think otherwise if the alternative is prolonging the use of fossil fuels.



    Read more:
    Should you get a heat pump? Here’s how they compare to a gas boiler

    Replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump that runs on electricity, for example, can lower a household’s energy consumption without a deliberate effort. That’s because renewable appliances convert power to heat more efficiently (how much depends on how well insulated the home is).



    Read more:
    Heat pumps without home insulation could raise bills and energy demand – here’s what the government can do

    In fact, it’s dependence on fossil fuel that is preventing many households from making this switch. The high wholesale price of gas determines the cost of electricity for UK consumers.



    Read more:
    How gas keeps the UK’s electricity bills so high – despite lots of cheap wind power

    And surveys repeatedly show that support for net zero policies is broad and deep in the UK – including those that would involve lifestyle changes say Lorraine Whitmarsh (University of Bath), Caroline Verfuerth and Steve Westlake (both Cardiff University), who research public behaviour and climate change.



    Read more:
    Net zero: direct costs of climate policies aren’t a major barrier to public support, research reveals

    “Crucially, the public wants and needs the government to show clear and consistent leadership on climate change,” they say.

    Meanwhile, what can corrode public acceptance of sacrifices is the high-consuming behaviour of a minority (think pop stars in rockets, as Westlake recently argued). And, arguably, the statements of powerful people like Blair.



    Read more:
    Why Katy Perry’s celebrity spaceflight blazed a trail for climate breakdown

    New research even suggests the politics that Blair and many others like him favour might also play a role here. Felix Schulz (Lund University) and Christian Bretter (The University of Queensland) are social scientists who study how ideology affects personal views on climate policy.

    They identified respondents in six countries (the UK, US, Germany, Brazil, South Africa and China) who shared Blair’s neoliberal worldview, which the pair define as a belief that individuals are primarily responsible for their own fortune, and need to take care of themselves – as well as an abiding faith in the free market.



    Read more:
    People with neoliberal views are less likely to support climate-friendly policies – new research

    “We observed a strong link between a neoliberal worldview and lack of support for the climate policies in our study,” they say.

    Schulz and Bretter urge us to consider how someone’s ideology ultimately shapes their understanding of the problem and its solutions as well.

    – ref. Tony Blair opposes phasing out fossil fuels. These academics disagree – https://theconversation.com/tony-blair-opposes-phasing-out-fossil-fuels-these-academics-disagree-254530

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: My weekly column: 100 days of promises kept under President Trump

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    April 30th marked 100 days of promises kept under President Trump. Like he pledged on the campaign trail, he has mobilized every tool at his disposal to make America strong again and reverse the failed policies pushed by the Biden administration. From border security and energy dominance to government efficiency and economic investment, President Trump has delivered real results for the American people and has worked around the clock to put our families, farmers, workers, and small businesses first.

    The clearest example of President Trump’s decisive leadership is his complete and total lockdown of our southern border. Illegal border crossings have plummeted by 95% and illegal immigrant “gotaways” have fallen by 99%. Drug traffickers, criminals, sex traffickers, and violent MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members have been quickly removed from our country. After Biden halted construction of the border wall, President Trump immediately restarted this vital national security initiative and reiterated his unwavering support for our border patrol agents who were treated so poorly under the Biden administration. President Trump was absolutely right when he remarked during his joint address to Congress on March 4th that “it turned out that all we really needed was a new President” to secure our border.

    Strengthening his work to close the border, President Trump honored families who have lost loved ones to illegal immigrant crime by signing the Laken Riley Act – the first piece of legislation to become law this year. The Laken Riley Act also included Sarah’s Law, in honor of 21-year-old Iowan Sarah Root, who was senselessly killed by a drunk driving illegal immigrant in 2016. Instead of answering for his crimes, this criminal posted bail, was released from jail, and fled our country never to be seen again. Sarah’s Law – now the law of the land thanks to President Trump – ensures that illegal immigrants who murder or seriously injure American citizens are detained without bail and held accountable for their actions. Fortunately, the illegal immigrant who killed Sarah Root was recently arrested in Honduras and the Trump administration worked quickly with Honduran authorities to extradite this criminal back to the United States to face justice. This is the action that the American people wanted to see, and President Trump is delivering.

    Upon his return to the White House, President Trump also announced that he would do everything in his power to restore American energy dominance – and that he did. He created the National Energy Dominance Council to determine every avenue available to increase energy production, lower gas prices, and make the United States the world’s energy powerhouse. He rescinded countless Biden executive orders that promoted the Green New Deal over affordable gas and electricity prices and cut needless red tape that prevented American energy producers from reaching their full production capacity. He overturned the Biden administration’s ban on liquefied natural gas exports, signed a resolution – that I voted for – to completely repeal Biden’s costly tax on natural gas production, and stopped the Biden administration’s ridiculous electric-vehicle mandates on American families. Under President Trump’s watch, we will use the energy resources abundantly available in our own country and reduce our dependence on our foreign adversaries for our energy needs.

    Government efficiency is another bright spot of President Trump’s America First agenda. The Biden administration exploded our national debt with trillions of dollars of wasteful spending that fueled inflation and made life more expensive for Americans. As promised, the Trump administration uncovered example after example of waste, fraud, and abuse in our federal government. DEI positions in federal agencies have been cut, spending on liberal initiatives has been slashed, and welfare for illegal immigrants has been suspended. Eliminating this type of waste ensures that programs like Medicare and Social Security – intended for American citizens only – can remain solvent now and well into the future. With President Trump in the White House, taxpayer dollars are being treated with the care that they deserve.

    Additionally, because of President Trump’s mission to hold our trading partners accountable to our laws and protect our farmers, workers, manufacturers, and businesses from unfair and unlawful trade practices, business investment is accelerating in our country. More than $5 trillion in new investments in America have been announced, which will create over 451,000 new jobs in American communities. This impressive figure does not even include pledges that other countries have made to bring manufacturing and jobs to the United States, spurring additional economic growth. To complement these investments, my Republican colleagues and I are working hard to extend President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to deliver tax relief for our families, farmers, workers, and businesses. While Democrats want Americans to see the highest tax hike in U.S. history, President Trump and Republicans are committed to lowering taxes and unleashing U.S. economic prosperity. The American workforce and American industry will no longer be taken advantage of by foreign nations, and American citizens will rightfully keep more of their hard-earned money.

    This is not an exhaustive list of the amazing achievements that President Trump has delivered in just 100 days, but it does prove that he is working harder than ever to serve the American people. I know that President Trump will take this same aggressive and results-oriented approach to his next four years in office.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Presses Interior Nominee on Protection of Public Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), ranking member of the Senate National Parks Subcommittee, pressed Leslie Beyer, the nominee to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior overseeing lands and minerals management, about transferring public land away from federal management for possible resource development without the approval of Congress. During the exchange, Senator King expressed concerns about these transfers, making clear that the more than 640 million acres of public land — which includes parks, forests and monuments — belongs to the American people.

    The hearing comes as the Trump Administration, in its first 100 days, has pushed aggressively to privatize federally managed lands and reshape environmental policy. Earlier this month, the Administration announced an initiative to inventory federally managed land and transfer “underutilized” land to states, cities or other private entities. These actions, alongside the drastic cuts to federal land agencies such as the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), could seriously undermine essential public land protections.

    “You answered Senator Heinrich about the conveyance of public lands. You said only Congress can do that. Can I press you a little bit further and say that you will not support the conveyance or transfer of public lands without congressional approval,” questioned Senator King.

    “Sir, if I am confirmed, I will follow the law as directed by congress,” responded Beyer.

    “Let me talk in general policy. Do you think there is any justification for the conveyance of public lands in a more general sense? And I do not mean in holdings and that kind of thing. We do those things all the time. I’m talking about a more broad program of conveyance of public lands to states or private interests. As a matter of policy, do you support that or do you oppose it,” asked Senator King.

    “I believe that not every acre of public land holds the exact same value, and that states know best in how they want to use their public lands,” replied Beyer.

    “Are you saying you are ok with conveying public lands to states? Is that what you just said,” questioned Senator King.  

    “I hope to be a calamity partner with congress on that,” said Beyer.

    “I hope you will take that seriously because I have grave concern about conveyance of public lands. It belongs to the public, and the public voice is right here,” finished Senator King.

    As a lifelong advocate for conservation and Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate’s most prominent voices advocating for conservation. Senator King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation that included the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). Because of his work, in 2020, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation (NPF) “Hero” Award. Since the creation of the LRF, Senator King has pushed park leaders to discuss funding maintenance efforts, maintaining a sufficient NPS workforce, and managing growing park visitation.

    Senator King’s work on this legislation is the culmination of more than four decades of work on land conservation efforts in Maine, including helping to establish the Land for Maine’s Future program in 1987 and supporting extensive conservation projects during his time as Governor. Under King’s leadership in his eight years as Maine governor, he put more Maine land under conservation than in the state’s 175 year history.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NREL-Led Research Effort Adds Salt, Boosts Performance of Perovskites

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Using an ionic salt to replace the fullerene layer in perovskite solar cells boosted their performance, efficiency, and durability, according to a global research effort led by scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

    The performance of the perovskite solar cell improved with the addition of an ionic salt.

    Their findings appear in the journal Science.

    The researchers said their findings point to a promising approach to advancing perovskite photovoltaic technologies toward commercialization. Perovskites refers to a crystalline structure that has proven highly efficient as a semiconductor material for absorbing sunlight. Work continues to improve the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells.

    Kai Zhu, a senior scientist at NREL and an architect of the research effort, said improvements involved changing the chemical composition of the electron transport layer in the perovskite solar cell. This layer is essential as it moves electrons triggered by sunlight through the cell, thereby generating electricity. The fullerene C60 is commonly used for the electron transport layer in inverted perovskite solar cells, but its molecular nature leads to a weak interface and limits the performance of the device. That is especially a problem with long-term stability.

    The researchers experimented with adding acids and chemical compounds that reacted with C60 to form an ionic salt referred to as CPMAC. The change resulted in a three-fold increase in the mechanical strength of the electron transport layer of the cell, which is crucial for long-term stability and durability.

    “That’s really the surprise, but it’s a very good surprise,” Zhu said.

    The inverted architecture of the perovskite solar cell refers to how the layers are deposited on the glass substrate. This construction is known for its high stability and integration into tandem solar cells.

    The research at NREL was supported in part by the Center for Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Semiconductors for Energy (CHOISE), an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences and the Solar Energy Technologies Office. The research reported the initial lab efficiency of the perovskite cells that used the ionic salt was 26.1%, vs. 25.5% for the C60 version.

    Using the CPMAC, the researchers obtained a 26% lab efficiency with about 2% degradation after 2,100 hours of operation at 65 degrees Celsius, and a 25.5% efficiency with about 5% degradation after 1,500 hours of operation at 85 degrees Celsius. For a minimodule made up of four subcells, six square centimeters, the lab efficiency was 23% with less than a 9% degradation after 2,200 hours of operation at 55 degrees Celsius.

    The paper is “C60-based ionic salt electron shuttle for high-performance inverted perovskite solar modules.” Other co-authors from NREL are Shuai You, Yifan Dong, Lei Chen, Matthew Beard, and Joseph Berry. Researchers who contributed to the work hailed from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Saudi Arabia) and Newcastle University (United Kingdom) in addition to CubicPV Inc., the University of Colorado Boulder, Arizona State University, and the University of Toledo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlotte Man Sentenced To Prison For His Role In Multi-Million Dollar Bank Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man was sentenced to prison today for his role in a multi-million dollar bank fraud scheme, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Bruce Howard Marko, 66, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison followed by two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1.5 million. Marko pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.

    Marko’s three co-defendants, Kotto Yaphet Paul, 50, of Waxhaw, N.C., Latoya Tamieka Ford, 50, of Covington, Georgia, and Love Norman, 50, of West Palm Beach, Florida, have each pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bank fraud conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Paul also pleaded guilty to money laundering.

    According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, beginning in 2018, Marko conspired with Peebles, Paul and Ford to orchestrate a fraudulent loan scheme that defrauded at least 17 federally insured financial institutions of more than $17 million. Marko participated directly in at least five of these fraudulent loans totaling over $2.8 million. To execute the scheme, Marko and his co-defendants submitted loan applications to financial institutions that contained fraudulent information, including false employment and income information, false tax returns, and misrepresentations regarding the applicants’ assets, liabilities, and the intended use the loan proceeds. Based on the fraudulent loan applications, Marko and his co-defendants secured at least 42 loans from the victim financial institutions. Contrary to information provided on the loan applications about the purposes of the loans, the defendants used the loan proceeds to purchase real estate, cover unrelated business expenses, make investments, make payments toward earlier loans, and pay for personal expenditures. Court documents show that the defendants defaulted on most of the loans, causing substantial losses to the victim financial institutions that issued the loans.

    Four additional defendants were previously convicted of bank fraud conspiracy for their involvement in the scheme. Amrish D. Patel was sentenced to 15 months in prison, Dwight A. Peebles, Jr. was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Denise Woodard was ordered to serve 36 months in prison, and Derrick L. Harrison, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison. The defendants were also ordered to pay restitution ranging from $620,000 to more than $3.1 million.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson credited the Office of the Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Office of the Inspector General for the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Office of the Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Charlotte, and the Charlotte Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation, for the investigation of this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Gast with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is prosecuting the case.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: China is reshaping central Asia’s energy sector as Russian influence fades

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lorena Lombardozzi, Senior Lecturer in Political Economy of Global Development, SOAS, University of London

    China has been developing closer ties with countries in central Asia over recent years. Trade between China and the central Asia region grew to US$89 billion (£69 billion) in 2023, an increase of 27% on the previous year. Chinese trade rose with every country there except Turkmenistan.

    In my paper from June 2024, which is part of a collection of studies looking at the impact of China’s sprawling belt and road initiative in low- and middle-income countries, I explored how Chinese investment is affecting Uzbekistan’s energy sector.

    Chinese investment in Uzbekistan has grown significantly since 2020. By the end of 2022, it had reached US$4.5 billion, up from US$2.8 billion one year before. There are now over 3,450 Chinese companies in Uzbekistan, accounting for roughly 20% of all foreign companies in the country.

    One of the main reasons for China’s expanding footprint in central Asia is to intensify energy cooperation. By becoming a major buyer, lender and investor in the region’s energy sector, China is hoping to reduce its dependence on countries such as Russia.

    Central Asia is a region of Asia consisting of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
    Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock

    Central Asia has been politically and economically dependent on Russia since the Soviet Union invaded the region in the 19th century. Much of its infrastructure was built to provide commodities like cotton and energy to Russia, with the latter selling it at high prices to Europe. This infrastructure has, until relatively recently, remained largely unchanged.

    However, some central Asian countries have been able to reduce their dependence on Russia over the past decade or so. China has become the main importer of Uzbek gas, with a peak share of more than 80%. And Uzbekistan exported almost US$2 billion worth of goods to China in 2022, matching its volume of trade with Russia.

    Investment in energy infrastructure is taking place in a reflection of these trade patterns. Central Asia boasts significant reserves of oil and gas. But most of the region’s pipelines were traditionally directed towards Russia and, to a lesser extent, south-west to Turkey.

    Pipelines have been built and maintained with China’s support that are directed towards the east. These pipelines have facilitated trade with China and have helped reduce operational waste in the energy sectors of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

    In 2025, China plans to resume the construction of a pipeline stretching from Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, pending the finalisation of a gas supply contract with Turkmenistan. This will further strengthen China’s energy ties with the region.

    A few years ago, while I was carrying out fieldwork in Uzbekistan, I interviewed policy experts and those involved in the Uzbek energy industry. My interviewees saw deals with China as more reliable than Russia, which has in the past renegotiated the terms of long-term energy contracts with central Asian countries or has added unfair clauses in its favour.

    In 2018, for example, the Uzbek government needed additional gas to meet domestic demand. Russia’s Lukoil energy company agreed to sell the gas from a joint Lukoil-Uzbek production facility to Uzbekistan, but at a hefty price. The Uzbek government incurred debt to Lukoil worth US$600 million.

    A train transporting gas parked in Samarkand train station, Uzbekistan.
    Lewis Tse / Shutterstock

    Chinese involvement in the Uzbek energy sector is also having an indirect effect on Uzbekistan’s green economy. During the pandemic, Uzbekistan’s gas exports to China dropped significantly, exposing operators to the vulnerability of relying on a single energy source.

    Gas exports to China have recovered since 2021. But this shock prompted policymakers to explore ways of diversifying Uzbekistan’s energy production away from fossil fuels. Over the past few years, Uzbekistan has invested over US$4 billion in renewable energy production, with the technology and expertise often coming from China.

    With the support of Chinese companies, vast solar power plants have been planned and developed near the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, as well as other cities like Navoi. Wind turbines have been supplied by Chinese firms for projects in Ferghana, near the border with Kyrgyzstan.

    Chinese-led investment in the renewable energy sector has created further demand for skilled and semi-skilled labour, such as translators, logistics operators and engineers. My interviewees noted positive – albeit limited – effects on employment and wages in the sector.

    New challenges ahead

    There are, however, also drawbacks to Chinese involvement in central Asia’s energy sector. Uzbekistan’s gas trade with China is a possible source of political and economic vulnerability.

    The export price of Uzbek gas is more profitable for energy companies than the local subsidised price, so exports have taken priority over the domestic market. Uzbek consumers often have to contend with rationed gas supplies or no access to gas at all, especially during the winter when demand is at its highest.

    This has led to dissatisfaction among the Uzbek population, especially in rural areas where people have had to resort to burning alternative sources of fuel like coal, firewood and animal dung. These energy sources are harmful to health and the environment.

    Western sanctions on Russian oil and gas since 2022, when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, have also created further competition for Uzbek gas. Russian gas suppliers have sought alternative markets in Asia to circumvent the sanctions. Trade flow data shows that India, Turkey and even China have increased the amount of Russian fossil fuels they buy.

    But, by and large, the state of play in the global energy market seems to be changing. Central Asia is in a strong position to benefit.

    Lorena Lombardozzi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. China is reshaping central Asia’s energy sector as Russian influence fades – https://theconversation.com/china-is-reshaping-central-asias-energy-sector-as-russian-influence-fades-245232

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Atlantic Petroleum Posts Net Profit of DKK 1,4MM for 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, 2025-04-30 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — P/F Atlantic Petroleum (NASDAQ OMX: ATLA DKK) today announces its Annual Results for 2024. This company announcement should be read in conjunction with Atlantic Petroleum’s Consolidated Annual Report

    Highlights are:

    • The result after tax for 2024 was a net profit of DKK 1.4MM (2023: loss of DKK 20.7MM).
    • The Group had a gross profit of DKK 0MM in 2024 (2023: Gross profit of DKK 0MM).
    • Exploration expenses amounted to DKK 0.0MM in 2024 (2023: DKK 0.0MM).
    • General and administration costs amounted to DKK 2.4MM in 2024 (2023: DKK 2.3MM).
    • Loss before taxation was DKK 2.4MM in 2024 (2023: loss of DKK 20.7MM).
    • Total shareholders’ equity amounted to DKK -112.8MM at the end of 2024 (2023: DKK -115.9MM).
    • Net cash provided from operating activities amounted to DKK 0.5MM in 2024 (2023: DKK 1.7MM).
    • Cash and cash equivalents totalled DKK 0.0MM at the end of 2024 (2023: DKK 1,1MM).

    Mark T. Højgaard, CEO commented:

    The overhead costs remain at a very low-cost base. General and administration costs in 2024 were DKK 2.4MM which is slightly higher than the general and administration cost in 2023 of DKK 2.3MM.

    The main focus has been to get a solution on the bank debt from Betri Banki and the convertible debt from London Oil and Gas in Administration.

    Atlantic Petroleum reached an agreement on the 4thApril 2025 with its main creditors to reduce the Company’s debt. The total debt will be reduced by at least DKK 90MM. However, the debt restructuring is not finalized. The Directors believe that finalization of the agreed upon framework will be in place in May 2025.

    The ability of the Group to continue as a going concern is dependent on the finalization of the debt restructuring, and the cash flows generated from the interest in the Orlando field.

    Atlantic Petroleum in brief:

    Atlantic Petroleum participates in oil and gas joint ventures with reputable, international partners. Atlantic Petroleum P/F is based in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, and the Company has subsidiaries and offices in the UK and Ireland. Atlantic Petroleum’s shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen.

    Further Details:

    Further details can be obtained from Mark T. Højgaard, (markh@petroleum.fo). This announcement will be available, together with other information about Atlantic Petroleum, on the Company’s website: www.petroleum.fo.

    Announcement no.: 5/2025

    Issued: 30-04-2025

    P/F Atlantic Petroleum
    Lucas Debesargøta 8
    P.O.Box 1228
    FO-110 Torshavn
    Faroe Islands

    Website: www.petroleum.fo

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CEO LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, CA., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: CETY) (the “Company” or “CETY”).

    Dear Shareholders,

    As we navigate an ever-changing clean energy landscape shaped by global economic and political dynamics, I want to reaffirm our commitment to you of being both transparent and informative. My goal is to ensure you have a clear understanding of our company’s short-term objectives and long-term strategies.

    At Clean Energy Technologies, we understand the critical need for adaptability in this fast-evolving market. We are focused on positioning ourselves to capitalize on opportunities, overcome challenges, and drive sustainable growth and profitability while creating value for our shareholders.

    Being a NASDAQ-listed clean energy company is both an opportunity and a challenge, especially with limited resources in a capital-intensive industry. But we remain focused on execution, innovation, and building long-term value.

    Since our uplisting in 2023, we’ve gained better access to capital markets but truly haven’t been able to take advantage of it for various reasons. We’ve made strategic moves to tighten operations and focus on areas that align with our strengths and form synergistic strategic partnerships to expand our capabilities across multiple applications in order to scale up.

    One major milestone is our Vermont Renewable Gas (VRG) biomass waste to energy project:

    • $12M secured for construction
    • $20M long-term O&M agreement
    • CETY serving as technology provider and O&M partner

    The Vermont Renewable Gas (VRG) project serves as a model for how CETY plans to engage in future clean energy infrastructure—providing engineering, procurement, proprietary technology, and long-term operations and maintenance services. Several similar opportunities are currently in development, each with the potential to add significant value to our backlog through EPC and service agreements.

    We have successfully navigated a year-long permitting process for VRG, with all permits we believe are necessary secured except for the final sign-off from the Public Utility Commission. With the other permits secured, we are in the final stages of regulatory review and are preparing to proceed with project execution upon approval.

    We’re also growing our pipeline in heat to power and geothermal, deploying our proprietary technology into sectors like industrial manufacturing, data centers, and utilities. The $500K Qymera project secured in Q1 2025 is as a result of that. We are currently preparing our shipment to Qymera.

    In parallel, we’ve positioned CETY as a full-scope, eco-friendly energy and microgrid solutions provider by forming strategic partnerships with Metis Power and Exergy. Together, we offer integrated systems that encompass power generation, large-scale heat recovery, energy storage, and advanced energy management. As a result, we currently have multiple data center and large-scale heat-to-power project bids under consideration. These projects are capital-intensive and require financing through private equity or infrastructure funds, which can lead to longer lead times before contracts are finalized.

    Due to macroeconomic factors such as declining natural gas prices and reduced industrial demand, we expect lower near-term revenues from our natural gas activities. As a result, CETY HK will defer the commencement of the Shenzhen Gas joint venture until market conditions are more favorable.

    Tariffs are expected to affect the cost structure of our heat-to-power products at a time when we are actively focused on reducing production costs. To help mitigate these pressures, we are pursuing international manufacturing partnerships aimed at optimizing efficiency and maintaining our competitiveness in the market.

    To support these efforts, we’ve built a talented, multidisciplinary team across engineering, systems integration, procurement, and technical services—with a focus on seamless project delivery from design to commissioning.

    We continue to collaborate with project developers and private equity partners to expand our market reach. In these partnerships, CETY provides the core technology, execution capabilities, and long-term operations and maintenance services, while our partners lead on financing and asset ownership through power purchase agreement (PPA) structures.

    Here’s our strategy going forward:

    • Deliver turnkey clean energy solutions including technology, EPC, and O&M services.
    • Expand across multiple applications including power generation, waste to energy, and heat to power solutions.
    • Strengthen strategic partnerships to offer integrated microgrid and energy systems.
    • Establish captive partnerships to support developers and project financiers with the technical foundation to scale clean energy infrastructure.
    • Prioritize markets where we can lead such as industrial manufacturing, data centers, and waste-to-energy, where our proprietary technologies can deliver reliable, scalable, and cost-effective clean energy solutions.

    We remain committed to executing our strategy and building long-term value. While challenges remain, our recent developments and partnerships reflect meaningful progress toward establishing CETY as a reliable provider of clean energy technologies and solutions.

    About Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. (CETY)

    Headquartered in Irvine, California, Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. (CETY) is a rising leader in the zero-emission revolution by offering eco-friendly green energy solutions, clean energy fuels and alternative electric power for small and mid-sized projects in North America, Europe, and Asia. We deliver power from heat and biomass with zero emissions and low cost. The Company’s principal products are Waste Heat Recovery Solutions using our patented Clean CycleTM generator to create electricity. Waste to Energy Solutions convert waste products created in manufacturing, agriculture, wastewater treatment plants and other industries to electricity and BioChar. Engineering, Consulting and Project Management Solutions provide expertise and experience in developing clean energy projects for municipal and industrial customers and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) companies.

    CETY’s common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “CETY.” For more information, visit www.cetyinc.com.

    For more information, visit www.cetyinc.com.

    Follow CETY on our social media channels: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook

    This summary should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2024 and other periodic filings made pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which contain, among other matters, risk factors and financial footnotes as well as a discussions of our business, operations and financial matters located on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This news release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to achieving corporate objectives, developing additional project interests, the Company’s analysis of opportunities in the acquisition and development of various project interests and certain other matters. These statements are made under the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained herein. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on the Company’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of CETY’s business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Company’s control. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Clean Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Investor and Investment Media inquiries:
    949-273-4990
    ir@cetyinc.com
    Source: Clean Energy Technologies, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New FERC-NERC Report Details Increased Resiliency of Natural Gas Systems During Recent Winter Weather Events

    Source: Independent Petroleum Association of America

    Headline: New FERC-NERC Report Details Increased Resiliency of Natural Gas Systems During Recent Winter Weather Events

    Apr 17, 2025 New FERC-NERC Report Details Increased Resiliency of Natural Gas Systems During Recent Winter Weather Events

    WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2025 – The Natural Gas Council (NGC), whose members represent the full natural gas value chain, welcomed a new joint report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and North American Electric Reliability Corporation recognizing the strong performance of the nation’s natural gas system during recent winter weather events and periods of record demand.

    The report finds that the natural gas market was able to meet record demand, with natural gas infrastructure – including wellheads, gathering, processing, pipeline transportation, and local gas distribution – performing well during the January 2025 arctic events. Moreover, the natural gas system appears to have experienced fewer disruptions than during Winter Storms Uri (2021) and Elliott (2022) and did not have widespread freezing, mechanical, or production loss issues. The report highlights several factors that contributed to the overall performance, including advanced preparations, incorporating lessons learned from past storms, diversity of fuel supplies, and natural gas storage. More specifically:

    • “Natural gas entities appear to be showing continuous improvement from prior winter storm experiences on their cold weather performance, preparations, and communications.”
    • “Not only were the production losses lower compared to prior winter storms, but the duration of the losses was much shorter compared to prior winter storms.”
    • “Interstate natural gas pipelines appear to have issued more proactive and more frequent notices, including Operational Flow Orders (OFOs) to communicate with their customers and the electric industry stakeholders; pipeline personnel also participated in their situational awareness calls to better coordinate on natural gas inventories, compressor station availability, and pipeline readiness.”
    • “VACAR South noted it benefited from the Mountain Valley Pipeline, which reached full capacity in January 2025 for the first time since it became operational in June 2024. VACAR South indicated that the pipeline played a crucial role in maintaining reliable electric supply during this high demand period by sustaining stable pipeline pressure.”

    The report also highlighted how the natural gas system supported record-breaking demand of over 150 Bcf/day at the peak of Storm Enzo. This number is 9.5% above peak consumption during the 2014 Polar Vortex. Also, the report shows that during Winter Storm Enzo, natural gas generation provided a record additional 122 GW above what has typically been observed for typical winter hours (291 GW compared to 169 GW), more than any of the previous winter storms.

    The results of the FERC-NERC report are consistent with the findings from PJM’s recently released winter assessment. PJM stated in its operational assessment that the “[g]eneral consensus is that the upstream gas sector (producers, gatherers, and processors) has ramped up their winter preparedness and equipment winterization efforts since Winter Storm Elliott.

    The U.S. natural gas market began 2025 in record territory: January was the coldest in more than three decades, based on gas-weighted heating degree days (HDDs). As of January 28, cumulative HDDs for the lower-48 states totaled 982, making it the fifth highest since 1982 and the highest since 1994. Additionally, the recent Arctic blast pushed lower-48 natural gas demand to an all-time high. (See AGA’s Natural Gas Market Indicators for January 30 here.)

    The NGC would also like to recognize the efforts of regional operators that took steps to provide gas fired generators with a better opportunity to prepare and make their natural gas arrangements in advance of the winter weather through early commitments and improvements in load forecasting. Actions that increase the ability of generators to procure supply in advance of winter events greatly enhances generator fuel availability.

    Although the increased focus on natural gas system reliability has been very successful, as evidenced by the performance outlined in this report, the U.S. energy system continues to be stretched to its limits. Natural gas infrastructure will need to stay apace to continue to reliably meet growing demand from AI data centers, crypto mining, and electrification.

    ###

    The Natural Gas Council was formed in 1992, uniting all sectors of the natural gas industry to work together toward common goals. The five full members of the Council — the American Gas Association, the American Petroleum Institute, the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the Natural Gas Supply Association — collectively represent nearly all the companies that produce, transport and distribute natural gas consumed in the United States. Leadership of the NGC rotates annually.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nadler Opening Statement on the Markup of Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Reconciliation Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) made the following statement on the Markup of Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Reconciliation Bill.

    “This markup is just one small slice of a much larger, deeply dangerous reconciliation bill. But even this narrow portion tells you everything you need to know about Republican priorities.

    Let’s start with just one example: the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program. This is one of the few federal programs specifically designed to repair the damage done by decades of discriminatory infrastructure policy—when highways were deliberately routed through Black and Brown neighborhoods and tore those communities apart. These grants fund real, shovel-ready projects that reconnect people to jobs, schools, health care, and each other.

    And here’s what’s especially galling: half of this grant funding is headed to states that voted for Donald Trump—rural areas and small towns that have been left behind for generations and stand to benefit the most from these investments.

    So why are Republicans attacking it? Because instead of delivering for their own constituents, they’re trying to scrape together offsets to fund their extreme, unpopular tax cuts for billionaires. And they’re doing it by targeting the very programs their communities rely on—Medicaid, SNAP, and other lifelines working families depend on to survive.

    In fact, by passing a budget resolution instructing $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid and billions more to SNAP, Republicans are proposing the most devastating assault on the health and well-being of American families in modern history.
    And let’s be very clear: in March, the CBO confirmed what we have known all along—the only way Republicans can cut at least $880 billion within the Energy and Commerce Committee’s jurisdiction is by making deep, harmful cuts to Medicaid. Additionally, we know that cutting waste, fraud, and abuse will not get you anywhere in the same universe as $880 billion.

    The consequences of these Medicaid cuts would be catastrophic. Medicaid alone covers one in five Americans—nearly 72 million people. In New York, it protects nearly 5.5 million residents, including 44 percent of all children, half of all births, and two-thirds of our nursing home residents. For tens of millions of Americans, Medicaid isn’t just a line in a budget. It’s how they survive. It’s how they manage cancer treatment, vaccinate their children, or afford a wheelchair for an aging parent.

    A new analysis from the Center for American Progress estimates that if Republicans succeed in slashing Medicaid’s federal match rate, more than 34,000 people could die each year. Their likely proposal to impose punitive work reporting requirements—which have consistently failed—would result in another 15,000 unnecessary deaths annually.

    And behind these numbers are real lives. Patricia, 83 years old, lives in poverty in New York and relies on Medicaid just to get to her doctor. She told us, “I have no transportation other than help from Medicaid. I also live on only my Social Security and SNAP. If I lose this precious help, I will be homeless and surely die.” That’s the real cost of these cuts.

    Nearly $9.3 billion in Medicaid payments go to New York hospitals each year, including billions in support for safety-net care. Half of New York’s community health centers’ revenue comes from Medicaid. If this bill passes, doors will close, jobs will vanish, and entire communities—especially in rural areas—will lose access to care altogether. It’s been reported that states like South Dakota, Missouri, and Oklahoma will face even more severe consequences from these cuts.

    And perhaps most absurdly, even after all these brutal cuts, this reconciliation bill will still add over $3 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade. Why? Because the tax giveaways for the ultra-wealthy cost more than the services they’re gutting to justify them. My Republican colleagues aren’t even reducing the deficit—they’re exploding it.

    So my message to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle is simple: reject these cruel cuts. Refuse to take food and health care away from the people who elected you. Each of you has the power to stop this. And let’s be honest—hitching your wagon to a president with the lowest 100-day approval rating in 70 years is not just morally indefensible, it’s politically reckless. Your constituents are watching—and so is history”.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s Statement on Trump’s First 100 Days

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, issued the following statement marking the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second occupancy of the White House.

    “Donald Trump’s first 100 days have been a damning masterclass of cruelty, callousness, chaos, and corruption. From slashing essential services and attacking reproductive freedom to terrorizing immigrants and firing thousands of dedicated federal workers—Trump has governed with a reckless disregard for the Constitution and contempt for everyone who calls America home.

    “In just 100 days, Trump has launched a full-scale assault on workers, families, and our most vulnerable communities. He is gutting Medicaid, slashing funding for Head Start, defunding life-saving scientific and medical research, and ending critical programs that put food on the table and keep our families safely housed. He has torn immigrant families apart through mass deportations and unlawful detentions—including the abduction and detention of my constituent Rümeysa Öztürk—and pushed through policies that would rip away healthcare, threaten access to abortion care, and restrict our bodily autonomy. And he has consistently sought to erase Black history, resegregate society, and roll back decades of civil rights progress—all while enacting tariffs that will raise the cost of groceries, housing, and other essentials.

    “Trump has attacked everyone and everything except the rising cost of living, and now Republicans are marking the 100-day milestone by advancing a reconciliation bill that would end Medicaid as we know it and make the largest cuts to food assistance and other essential programs in American history. The cruelty is the point.

    “As Congresswoman for the Massachusetts 7th, I will not be silent, and I refuse to be complicit. I will continue using every tool at my disposal—legislation, litigation, and mobilization—to stand in the gap and fight for the dignity, safety, and economic wellbeing of my constituents and communities across this country.”

    Congresswoman Pressley has been a leading voice in Congress speaking out against Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s unprecedented assault on our democracy, and she has been a steadfast advocate for protecting the essential services that federal workers and agencies provide.

    • On April 25, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Trump Administration’s abrupt reinstatement of international student visas. 
    • On April 25, 2025, Rep. Pressley, along with Senator Markey and Rep. McGovern, published an op-ed in the New York Times in which they discussed their meeting with Rümeysa Öztürk in detention and warned the American people of the dangers posed by the Trump administration’s unlawful attacks on our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and due process.
    • On April 24, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Elizabeth Warren and Massachusetts lawmakers sounding the alarm on the Trump Administration’s cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities staff and grants.
    • On April 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley and her colleagues visited the ICE detention facilities in Basile and Jena, Louisiana with her colleagues, where Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil are being unlawfully detained, respectively.
    • On April 22, 2025, Rep. Pressley and Senators Markey and Warren demanded answers about the Trump Administration’s concerning pattern of ripping individuals from their communities and shipping them to jurisdictions more favorable to the Trump administration’s deportation agenda.
    • On April 18, 2025, Rep. Pressley and Senators Warren and Markey demanded the State Department release a memo and documents related to Rumeysa Ozturk’s arrest after a recent report indicated that an internal State Department memo concluded that the key premise underlying her arrest was false.
    • On April 14, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Ed Markey and the Massachusetts congressional delegation demanding answers on the sudden termination of the federal staff responsible for administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
    • On April 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she slammed Trump’s Executive Order attacking Smithsonian museums – namely the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or Blacksonian – and his blatant attempt to erase Black history. 
    • On April 9, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined the Massachusetts delegation in sending a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers after the abrupt shuttering of the entire HHS Regional Office in Boston.
    • On April 9, 2025, Rep. Pressley led lawmakers in sending a letter to Trump’s trade official demanding he resign from holding multiple positions with clear conflicts of interest that would further harm federal workers.
    • On April 3, 2025, Rep. Pressley and Senators Warren and Markey sounded the alarm on Rumeysa Ozturk’s medical neglect in ICE custody and renewed their urgent calls for her release.
    • On March 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey led over 30 lawmakers demanding information from DHS about the arrest and detention of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk and similar incidents across the country.
    • On March 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming Trump’s executive order to end collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees.
    • On March 26, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested and detained Rumeysa Ozturk, an international student with legal status in a graduate program at Tufts University. 
    • On March 25, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Boston and other municipalities in Massachusetts.
    • On March 21, 2025, Rep. Pressley led Massachusetts lawmakers in a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sharply criticizing and demanding answers about the impact of the Musk-Trump Administration’s mass firings of federal workers in Massachusetts.
    • On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley spoke out against the U.S. Department of Education’s mass layoffs of over 1,300 workers, which effectively guts the agency.
    • On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley voted against Republicans’ shameful government budget bill, which would harm vulnerable families and provide a blank check for Elon Musk and Donald Trump to continue their unprecedented assault on our democracy. She later issued a statement condemning its final passage in the Senate.
    • On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined 13 of her colleagues on a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding answers and the immediate release of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, whose illegal abduction is an attack on his constitutional right to free speech and due process.
    • On March 4, 2025, Rep. Pressley walked out of the House chamber in protest during Donald Trump’s presidential joint address to Congress.
    • On March 4, 2025, Rep. Pressley welcomed Claire Bergstresser, an Everett constituent, dedicated public servant, AFGE union member, and former HUD worker who was unjustly terminated as part of Musk and Trump’s assault on federal agencies as her guest to the presidential joint address to Congress.
    • On February 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley led 85 lawmakers in a letter urging the Office of Special Counsel to immediate reinstate and expand protections for all unfairly fired federal workers.
    • On February 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined over 200 Democrats in filing an amicus brief defending the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau before a U.S. District Court.
    • On February 26, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley discussed what true government efficiency looks like and denounced Elon Musk and Donald Trump for utilizing DOGE to gut the essential services that keep people safe, fed, and housed.
    • On February 25, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley condemned Elon Musk’s abuse of government efficiency through the fraudulent Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    • On February 25, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she railed against Republicans’ cruel budget resolution that would slash Medicaid by nearly $1 trillion.
    • On February 20, 2025, Rep. Pressley and her Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
    • On February 13, 2025, in a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley emphasized the critical role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in safeguarding consumers and sharply criticized Donald Trump and Elon Musk for halting the critical work of the agency.
    • On February 10, 2025, Rep. Pressley rallied with Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member Maxine Waters, and advocates to protest Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s unlawful takeover of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
    • On February 11, 2025, in a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley criticized the Trump-Musk administration for halting the critical work of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) with crypto scams on the rise.
    • On February 10, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming the Trump Administration’s harmful cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding to support hospitals, universities, and research institutions conducting lifesaving research.
    • On February 10, 2025, as Trump and Musk threaten to dismantle the essential work of the U.S. Department of Education, Rep.  Pressley delivered a powerful floor speech to affirm the role of public education in American democracy.
    • On February 6, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful rebuke of Republicans’ efforts to gut diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and eliminate essential services for vulnerable communities.
    • On February 5, 2025, Rep. Pressley rallied outside the U.S. Department of Treasury to protest Elon Musk’s unlawful assault on federal agencies and our democracy.
    • On January 30, 2025, Rep. Pressley slammed Donald Trump for blaming the tragic plane crash at Reagan National Airport, which killed over 60 people, including some families from Massachusetts, on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
    • In January 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming Trump’s illegal freeze on federal grants and loans and its harmful impact on vulnerable communities.
    • On January 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned floor speech condemning Republicans’ cruel anti-abortion bill that criminalizes providers and denies families care.
    • On January 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues to reintroduce the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, a bill to repeal an outdated law that has been used to target innocent immigrants without due process rights.
    • On January 22, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s harmful executive actions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Carney calls for strength across the nation and protection of natural resources

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Carney calls for strength across the nation and protection of natural resources

    “CanREA looks forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Canadian government to advance clean-energy initiatives nationwide. Expanding investments in wind, solar, and energy storage technologies is essential for safeguarding Canada’s economic sovereignty while delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy solutions. The urgency to act has never been greater,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. Read more!
    The post Carney calls for strength across the nation and protection of natural resources appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft held a series of patriotic events in Samara in honor of the Great Victory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Employees of the Samara group of enterprises of NK Rosneft organized a large-scale project dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The action united more than 500 participants – veterans and employees of Rosneft enterprises, students, volunteers and residents of the Samara region.

    The patriotic initiative began with a flash mob in Novokuibyshevsk. Next to the memorial complex to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, volunteers unfurled an 80-meter St. George ribbon – a symbol of valor, fortitude and pride in the Great Victory. Participants honored the memory of the fallen heroes with a minute of silence and laid flowers at the Eternal Flame.

    A bright continuation of the event was the motor rally – 30 cars and motorcycles with the Victory Banners, went to the city of Samara. During the Great Patriotic War, Kuibyshev (now Samara) became the “reserve capital” of the country and the largest industrial center. The route of the rally included significant historical places, including the Kuibyshevsky district of Samara, which appeared on the city map in 1943 thanks to the construction of the Kuibyshev Oil Refinery.

    The grand opening of the open-air historical photo exhibition took place on the Volga River embankment. The exhibition “Samara Oil – for Victory” reflects the main stages of the formation and development of the oil industry in the region during the war years. Having received the order from the Motherland to accelerate the development of the oil industry for the uninterrupted supply of fuel to the front, Samara oil workers of Kuibyshevneft (now Samaraneftegaz) were the first in the USSR to find Devonian oil and increase production fivefold. They also built two oil refineries, the Syzran and Kuibyshev Oil Refineries, in record time.

    The culmination of the event was the screening of the film “War of Motors”, created on the initiative of NK “Rosneft” and dedicated to the selfless work of Soviet oil workers during the Great Patriotic War. Home front workers demonstrated courage, fortitude and heroism, providing the front with fuel – forged Victory in the rear.

    The event ended with a festive concert, which featured the beloved songs of the war years, “Smuglyanka”, “Katyusha” and “Blue Scarf”, performed by the company’s employees – winners of the corporate festival “Energy of Talents”.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft April 30, 2025

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Latta Washington Times Op-Ed: A Plan for American Energy Dominance

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

    Latta Washington Times Op-Ed: A Plan for American Energy Dominance

    Washington, April 30, 2025 | Ashley Juhn (202-225-6405)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a new op-ed in the Washington Times, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-5), the Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee details his all-of-his-above strategy for a new era of American energy dominance working with the Republican majority in Congress and the Trump administration.

    Below, please find an excerpt from the op-ed.

    A plan for American energy dominance

    Washington Times

    By: Congressman Bob Latta

    April 28, 2025

    With global tensions on the rise and energy prices increasing across the country, the new administration has made one thing quite clear: American energy dominance is no longer agoal-it’s a necessity. As chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on theEnergy and Commerce Committee, I’m committed to advancing an all-of -the-above energy approach that strengthens our economy, protects our national security, and puts American workers first. We must come together not only to reverse the damage caused by the Biden administration’s misguided policies, but also to build a resilient, proactive energy future that prioritizes innovation, affordability, and reliability.

    I firmly believe that we need to produce more energy in this country, not less. At a recent Energy Subcommittee hearing, I asked the Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO) and Independent System Operators(ISO) if America needs more or less energy to meet demand. Every witness said America needs to produce more energy to meet the growing demand. At the same time, they all agreed that we can’t be taking current generation offline. More energy is needed for consumers, small and large manufacturers, agriculture, and medical facilities.

    What is the largest contributing factor for our growing energy needs? AI data centers…

    The Department of Energy reported that data centers’ load growth tripled over the past decade, and will likely double to triple in the next three years…

     Energy security is national security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Trahan’s Youth Poisoning Protection Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Lori Trahan’s (D-MA-03) Youth Poisoning Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that would ban the consumer sale of products containing high concentrations of sodium nitrite, a meat-curing chemical that can be lethal when ingested. The legislation was introduced earlier this year alongside Congressmen Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) and Mike Carey (R-OH-15) as well as U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Curtis (R-UT), and Bernie Moreno (R-OH). 
    “Most Americans have never heard of Sodium Nitrite, but for families who’ve lost loved ones, it’s something they’ll never forget,” Congresswoman Trahan said. “The Youth Poisoning Protection Act would restrict sales of Sodium Nitrite above 10 percent concentration to businesses with verified industrial or commercial use.”
    CLICK HERE or the image below to view Trahan’s speech during the House’s consideration of the legislation. A transcript is embedded below.

    A 2021 New York Times investigation into an online suicide forum found that sodium nitrite was being popularized and encouraged as an easily accessible method to die by suicide. The forum, which is disguised as a safe place to discuss suicidal ideation, hosts threads where anonymous users provide detailed instructions and real-time guidance on how to die by suicide using sodium nitrite. A 2021 toxicology publication based on data from the National Poison Data System (NPDS), one of the data sources used by the CDC, points to a rise in self-poisonings using sodium nitrite in the United States since 2017.
    There is no known recreational use for highly concentrated amounts of sodium nitrite, but at the time of the Times’ investigation, highly concentrated amounts of the poison were widely available on multiple e-commerce platforms, including with free two-day shipping on Amazon. Following outcry from lawmakers and victims’ families, Amazon and a number of other online marketplaces began removing sodium nitrite listings. In May 2023, a Canadian citizen was arrested and charged for shipping packages containing lethal amounts of sodium nitrite to over 40 countries, including 272 sales to individuals in the United Kingdom, of whom at least 88 people died.
    The Youth Poisoning Protection Act bans the sale of consumer products with a concentration of sodium nitrite greater than 10 percent. The bipartisan legislation passed in the House with overwhelming bipartisan support last May.
    If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, feeling at risk of suicide, or experiencing a state of distress, it is crucial to find help immediately. There are many resources available, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline which provides free, confidential support 24/7, and the Crisis Text Line which offers free crisis counseling 24/7. Dial 988 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with these services.
    ——————————————–
    Congresswoman Lori Trahan
    Remarks As Delivered
    Floor Speech on The Youth Poisoning Protection Act
    April 28, 2025

    I thank the gentleman for yielding as well as his leadership and Chair Bilirakis on this important issue.
    Mr. Speaker, I introduced the Youth Poisoning Protection Act alongside Representative Mike Carey because we are facing an urgent and deeply troubling trend: The promotion of Sodium Nitrite, a toxic chemical, as a method to die by suicide.
    In 2022, the New York Times revealed the existence of online suicide forums that don’t just discuss suicide – they promote it. Anonymous users on these platforms encourage vulnerable children and young adults to end their lives, and they often suggest using this chemical to do it.
    Now, most Americans have never heard of Sodium Nitrite, but for families who’ve lost loved ones, it’s something they’ll never forget. In lower concentrations, it’s a chemical used safely to cure meats and fish, but in higher concentrations, it’s deadly. And for the few who have survived attempts to end their lives using Sodium Nitrite, they report agonizing pain as the chemical deprives their body of oxygen.
    After learning how easy it is to purchase high-concentration Sodium Nitrite, my office worked with retailers to limit access to businesses with a proven use for the chemical, but some sites still openly market it as part of so-called “suicide kits” to people in crisis. There is no federal law that allows us to stop this.
    That’s where this bipartisan legislation comes in. The Youth Poisoning Protection Act would restrict sales of Sodium Nitrite above 10 percent concentration to businesses with verified industrial or commercial use. That threshold is based on expert recommendations for safe handling and won’t interfere with legitimate industries like food processing.
    This bill is focused and reasonable. It targets bad actors who are exploiting a loophole to profit off tragedy, and it does so without burdening responsible businesses.
    That’s why, last Congress, this bill passed the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously before passing it here on the floor with overwhelming support. Now, we must finish the job. I urge my colleagues to support the Youth Poisoning Protection Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: LNG Energy Group Announces Director and Officer Resignation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LNG Energy Group Corp. (TSXV: LNGE) (TSXV: LNGE.WT) (OTCQB: LNGNF) (FRA: E26) (the “Company” or “LNG Energy Group”) would like to announce that Michael Galego has communicated his resignation from his positions with the Company, effective immediately.

    We would like to thank Michael for his contributions to the Company, and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours.

    About LNG Energy Group

    The Company is focused on the acquisition and development of oil and gas exploration and production assets in Latin America.

    For more information, please see below:

    Website:
    www.lngenergygroup.com

    Investor Relations:
    Angel Roa, Chief Financial Officer
    Email: investor.relations@lngenergygroup.com
    Telephone: +57-321-943-9396

    Find us on social media:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lng-energy-group-inc/  
    Instagram: @lngenergygroup
    X: @LNGEnergyCorp

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NextNRG Expands Services into Oklahoma

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (“NextNRG” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy innovation—transforming how energy is produced, managed, and delivered through its advanced Utility Operating System, smart microgrid technology, wireless EV charging, and on-demand mobile fuel delivery solutions— today announced the expansion of its mobile fueling operations into Oklahoma, further extending its national footprint and advancing its recurring revenue strategy.

    Initial operations in Oklahoma will begin with servicing one of the nation’s largest in-house fleet operators under a long-term agreement. The Company expects to build on this foundation by expanding services to additional national accounts and opening new markets across the state.

    NextNRG believes that Oklahoma’s expanding infrastructure and logistics sectors represent a significant opportunity for mobile fueling services. With more than $9 billion in planned construction through 2030, a high concentration of fleet-reliant industries, and its role as a national freight and energy corridor, the state aligns well with NextNRG’s customer profile and operating model.

    “Oklahoma represents a strong entry point as we expand fueling services for one of the largest in-house fleet operators in the U.S.,” said Michael D. Farkas, Founder and CEO of NextNRG. “This launch not only supports an existing customer relationship under a long-term agreement, but also provides a foundation for broader growth across the state as we scale with additional national partners and open new markets in the region.”

    NextNRG’s direct-to-site fueling services are currently active in several states, including Florida, Texas, California, Tennessee, Michigan and Arizona. The Company provides centralized account management, on-demand scheduling and secure tracking tools through its proprietary customer interface.

    About NextNRG, Inc.
    NextNRG, Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into renewable energy, next-generation energy infrastructure, battery storage, wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging and on-demand mobile fuel delivery to create an integrated ecosystem.

    At the core of NextNRG’s strategy is its Utility Operating System, which leverages AI and ML to help make existing utilities’ energy management as efficient as possible; and the deployment of NextNRG smart microgrids, which utilize AI-driven energy management alongside solar power and battery storage to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs and improve grid resiliency. These microgrids are designed to serve commercial properties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, parking garages, rural and tribal lands, recreational facilities and government properties, expanding energy accessibility while supporting decarbonization initiatives.

    NextNRG continues to expand its growing fleet of fuel delivery trucks and national footprint, including the acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s fuel division and Shell Oil’s trucks, further solidifying its position as a leader in the on-demand fueling industry. NextNRG is also integrating sustainable energy solutions into its mobile fueling operations. The company hopes to be an integral part of assisting its fleet customers in their transition to EV, supporting more efficient fuel delivery while advancing clean energy adoption. The transition process is expected to include the deployment of NextNRG’s innovative wireless EV charging solutions.

    To find out more, visit: www.nextnrg.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact
    NextNRG, Inc.
    Sharon Cohen
    SCohen@nextnrg.com

    The MIL Network –