NewzIntel.com

Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand Police team up with Z Energy, NZTA and ACC to remind Kiwis to drive safe this Easter

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    New Zealand Police, in partnership with Z Energy (Z), New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and ACC, are urging drivers to be safe on our roads and not to risk their lives or others.

    This Easter weekend, increased activity on our roads is likely, with many people all over the country expected to capitalise on the two long weekends and school holidays.

    Inspector Peter McKennie of the National Road Policing Centre says this partnership with Z is aimed at reminding people travelling to keep road safety top of mind.

    “So far in 2025, we’ve seen far too many people lose their lives on our roads. This ongoing initiative is another means of reminding drivers and riders of the everyday dangers you face on your journey and how your behaviour can influence the safest outcome.

    “Road safety is simply something we all have to take a greater responsibility for if we’re genuinely serious about reducing harm on our roads.

    Police can’t control the actions of every driver 24/7. Our staff can’t be beside you in the car telling you to slow down, or to put your seatbelt on.”

    It’s a responsibility Z, with a network of over 180 retail sites across New Zealand, has taken on board. That’s why they’re sharing road safety messages in-store and on the forecourts.

    “At Z we believe when you are part of a community, you look out for it. And as we have the privilege to be part of many communities across Aotearoa, this partnership allows us to help remind our customers of the great safety messages Police, NZTA and ACC have developed,” says Z’s GM Corporate Affairs, Haley Mortimer.

    “As the majority of our customers visit us by car, it just makes good sense for us to provide them with a timely reminder of a road safety message right before they get back on the road,” continues Haley.

    Inspector McKennie says initiatives like this can only be positive and hopes many road users can rethink their behaviour on the road when they do stop to refuel or recharge.

    “We are all working together in an effort to ensure everyone on the road is safe. Although we want to be clear, if road users are detected to be displaying unsafe behaviours, they will be ticketed.

    You can expect to see Police anywhere, anytime on the road to deter any dangerous behaviour that impacts the safety of road users.”

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor’s poll surge continues in YouGov, but they’re barely ahead in Freshwater

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    Labor increased their lead again in a YouGov poll, but Freshwater put them ahead by just 50.3–49.7. This article also covers the final WA upper house results for the March 8 election.

    A national YouGov poll, conducted April 11–15 from a sample of 1,506, gave Labor a 53–47 lead, a 0.5-point gain for Labor since the April 4–10 YouGov poll. It’s Labor’s biggest lead in YouGov for 18 months. Primary votes were 33% Labor (up one), 33% Coalition (down 0.5), 7% One Nation (down 1.5), 2% Trumpet of Patriots (up one), 9% independents (steady) and 3% others (steady).

    Using 2022 election preference flows would give Labor about a 54.5–45.5 lead from these primary votes. YouGov is applying preference flows from its previous poll that was conducted from late February to late March.

    However, recent polls that use respondent preferences suggest the gap in the Coalition’s favour between respondent and 2022 preference flows has dropped to nearly zero. This means YouGov’s current preference assumptions may be too pro-Coalition. Analyst Kevin Bonham has more on this.

    In contrast to voting intentions, leaders’ ratings moved to Peter Dutton and against Anthony Albanese. Albanese’s net approval was down four points to -6, with 49% dissatisfied and 43% satisfied. Dutton’s net approval was up five points to -10. Albanese had a 48–38 better PM lead over Dutton (48–37 previously).

    I’ve said before that changes in leaders’ ratings may indicate the next change in voting intentions in a poll, though this doesn’t always follow.

    While YouGov shows Labor’s surge continuing, the Freshwater poll below only gave Labor a 50.3–49.7 lead. However, this was still a gain for Labor from the post-budget Freshwater poll. Freshwater has the Coalition primary vote at 39%, four points higher than in any other poll in the past week.

    Here is the poll graph. I’m using the unrounded two-party numbers for Freshwater’s last two polls, improving Labor from a 51–49 deficit in the post-budget poll to a 50.6–49.4 deficit. There’s a big difference between this week’s Freshwater and all other national polls taken in the past week.

    Freshwater poll has very narrow Labor lead

    A national Freshwater poll for The Financial Review, conducted April 14–16 from a sample of 1,062, had a 50–50 tie by respondent preferences, a one-point gain for Labor since the Freshwater poll conducted after the March 25 budget. Before rounding, Labor led by 50.3–49.7.

    Primary votes were unchanged at 39% Coalition, 32% Labor, 12% Greens and 17% for all Others. By 2022 election flows, this poll would give about a 50–50 tie.

    Albanese’s net approval was up one point to -10, while Dutton’s was steady at -11. Albanese led as preferred PM by 46–41 (46–45 previously).

    The Coalition’s lead over Labor on cost of living has been cut from a high of 14 points last October to two points in this poll. The Coalition held a 17-point lead on economic management last November, which has been reduced to six points. Cost of living remained the most important issue, with 73% citing it as a top issue.

    Resolve poll on tax and housing policies

    To gauge the popularity of Labor and the Coalition’s housing policy announcements at their April 13 campaign launches, a Resolve poll for Nine newspapers was conducted April 14–15 from a sample of 801. This poll didn’t report voting intentions, which were assessed in the April 9–13 Resolve poll.

    By 40–34, voters preferred Labor’s tax policy to the Coalition’s, which were both announced the week of the March 25 budget. By 40–27, they preferred Labor’s housing policy.

    JWS polls of Greens-held Brisbane seats

    The Greens hold three seats in Brisbane: Ryan (by 52.6–47.4 vs the Liberal National Party), Brisbane (by 53.7–46.3) and Griffith (by 60.5–39.5). The Poll Bludger reported Thursday that JWS polls for Australian Energy Producers gave the LNP a 57–43 lead over Labor in Ryan with the Greens a distant third on primary votes.

    In Brisbane, Labor led the LNP by 51–49 with the Greens once again a distant third. In Griffith, Labor led the LNP by 51–49, but the LNP led the Greens by 53–47.

    Seat polls conducted by JWS Research have had very strong results for the Coalition. While the Greens could lose these seats to Labor, I believe the massive swings to the LNP shown here are unrealistic. I expect inner city seats to be good for left-wing parties relative to the national swing.

    Redbridge poll: Labor close to majority

    A national poll by Redbridge and Accent Research, using MRP methodology and reported by the News Corp tabloids, was conducted from February 3 to April 1 from a sample of 9,953. Labor was still polling poorly in February before they started to lift from early March.

    The most likely outcome was 72 of the 150 House of Representatives seats for Labor, four short of a majority, 63 for the Coalition and 15 for all Others. The previous MRP poll by Redbridge and Accent Research in December had the most likely outcome as 71 Coalition seats to 65 for Labor.

    Unemployment rate steady at 4.1%

    The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported Thursday that the unemployment rate was 4.1% in March, unchanged from February, with over 32,000 jobs added. The employment population ratio (the percentage of eligible Australians that are employed) was steady at 64.1% after dropping from a near-record high of 64.4% in January.

    WA upper house final result

    The button was finally pressed on Wednesday to electronically distribute preferences for the upper house for the March 8 Western Australian state election. The upper house used a reformed system with 37 members elected statewide by proportional representation with preferences. A quota was just 1/38 or 2.63%.

    Labor won 16 of the 37 seats (down six on 2021 when they won their first WA upper house majority on a massive landslide), the Liberals won ten seats (up three), the Nationals two (down one), the Greens four (up three), One Nation two (up two), Legalise Cannabis one (down one), Australian Christians one (up one) and Animal Justice one (up one). Overall, left-wing parties won the upper house by 22–15 over right-wing parties.

    Final primary votes gave Labor 15.54 quotas, the Liberals 10.3, the Nationals 2.1, the Greens 4.2, One Nation 1.45, Legalise Cannabis 1.1, Australian Christians 1.0, an independent group 0.51 and Animal Justice 0.46.

    After distribution of preferences, One Nation’s second candidate had 0.83 quotas Labor’s 16th candidate 0.70 quotas, Animal Justice’s top candidate 0.66 quotas and Sophia Moermond, the independent group’s top candidate, 0.63 quotas. Owing to exhaustion, the top three were elected to the last three seats short of a quota.

    Adrian Beaumont 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. Labor’s poll surge continues in YouGov, but they’re barely ahead in Freshwater – https://theconversation.com/labors-poll-surge-continues-in-yougov-but-theyre-barely-ahead-in-freshwater-254708

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Renewable Energy – Equinor suspends offshore construction activities for the Empire Wind project

    Source: Equinor

    18 APRIL 2025 – In accordance with a halt work order issued by the US government, Empire Offshore Wind LLC (Empire) will safely halt the offshore construction in waters of the outer continental shelf for the Empire Wind project.

    On 16 April, Empire received notice from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), ordering Empire to halt all activities on the outer continental shelf until BOEM has completed its review.

    Empire is engaging with relevant authorities to clarify this matter and is considering its legal remedies, including appealing the order.

    The federal lease for Empire Wind was signed with the US Administration in 2017. Empire Wind 1 has validly secured all necessary federal and state permits and is currently under construction. The project is being developed under contract with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to provide an important new source of electricity for the State of New York. The construction phase has put more than 1,500 people to work in the US. Empire wind 1 has the potential to power 500,000 New York homes.

    Empire is complying with the order affecting project activities for Empire Wind. Upon receipt of the order, immediate steps were taken by Empire and its contractors to initiate suspension of relevant marine activities, ensuring the safety of workers and the environment.

    Empire Wind has per 31 March 2025 a gross book value of around USD 2.5 billion, including South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

    Equinor’s ownership to Empire is held through the Equinor Wind US LLC.

    Total amount drawn under the project finance term loan facility per 31 March 2025 was around USD 1.5 billion. Empire is in the process of ascertaining the impact on the project and project financing. Equinor US Holdings Inc has provided guarantees for the equity commitment in the project financing. In a full stop scenario, the USD 1.5 billion will be repaid from the equity commitment to the project finance lenders and Empire Offshore Wind LLC will be exposed to termination fees towards its suppliers.

    The halt work order will be disclosed as a subsequent event in the first quarter 2025 report.

    Equinor is a broad energy company with more than 35 years of history in the US. Equinor has invested more than 60 billion USD in the US to date, including in oil, gas and renewables.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI: Gregory W. Buckley Elected President of Adams Natural Resources Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BALTIMORE, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc. (NYSE: PEO), one of the nation’s oldest closed-end funds, today announced that Gregory W. Buckley has been elected President of the Fund.

    Mr. Buckley has been an Executive Vice President and a portfolio manager of ADX since April 20, 2023. He will continue to serve as a member of the portfolio management team that is currently headed by CEO James P. Haynie.

    Mr. Buckley joined Adams Natural Resources Fund in September 2013 as a senior equity analyst covering the energy and utilities sectors. He was promoted to Vice President-Research in April 2015. He is also a Vice President-Research of Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc., PEO’s affiliate, since 2019. “Greg has done an excellent job since joining the PEO portfolio management team and has exhibited the dedication and insight that I believe will make him valuable as President of the Fund,” said Mr. Haynie.

    Mr. Buckley began covering the energy sector in 1999 and prior to joining Adams Funds worked at BNP Paribas as an Equity Analyst and Portfolio Manager. His experience also includes managing a long/short Energy fund at Citadel LLC and working as an Energy Analyst at Pioneer Investments.

    Mr. Buckley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Villanova University and an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina.

    Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected closed-end funds and is the longest-tenured closed-end fund specializing in energy and natural resources stocks.

    About Adams Funds
    Since 1929, Adams Funds has consistently helped generations of investors reach their investment goals. Adams Funds is comprised of two closed-end funds, Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ADX) and Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc. (NYSE: PEO).The Funds are actively managed by an experienced team with a disciplined approach and have paid distributions for more than 90 years across many market cycles. The Funds are committed to paying a minimum annual distribution rate of 8% of NAV paid evenly each quarter throughout the year, providing reliability for long-term shareholders. A portion of any distribution may be treated as paid from sources other than net income, including but not limited to short-term capital gain, long-term capital gain, and return of capital. The final determination of the source of all distributions for tax reporting purposes in a calendar year, including the percentage of qualified dividend income, will be made after year-end. Shares can be purchased through our transfer agent or through a broker. For more information about Adams Funds, please visit: adamsfunds.com.

    For further information: adamsfunds.com/about/contact │800.638.2479

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unleashing American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
    A PROCLAMATION
    The Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) was established by Proclamation 8336 of January 6, 2009 (Establishment of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument), and then further expanded by Proclamation 9173 of September 25, 2014 (Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument Expansion).  Under these monument proclamations, over 400,000 square miles in the Pacific Ocean were appropriated and withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, leasing, or other disposition under the public land laws for care and management by the Federal Government.The PRIMNM was established to protect and preserve the lands and marine environment around Wake, Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands; Johnston and Palmyra Atolls; Kingman Reef; and the historic and scientific objects therein.  These objects include fish, birds, marine mammals, coral, and the general biodiversity of the ecosystems encompassed by the PRIMNM.As part of the management of the PRIMNM, commercial fishing is currently prohibited within its boundaries.  As explained herein, following further consideration of the nature of the objects identified in Proclamations 8336 and 9173 and the protection of those objects already provided by relevant law, I find that appropriately managed commercial fishing would not put the objects of scientific and historic interest that the PRIMNM protects at risk.With respect to fish in particular, fisheries in the region are effectively managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.  Management of the PRIMNM is doing little to guard fish populations against overfishing as tunas and other pelagic species found within the boundaries of the PRIMNM are migratory in nature, and do not permanently reside within the PRIMNM.As a result of the prohibitions on commercial fishing, American fishing fleets have lost access to nearly half of the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific Islands.  This has driven American fishermen to fish further offshore in international waters to compete against poorly regulated and highly subsidized foreign fleets.  This disadvantages honest United States commercial fishermen and is detrimental for United States territories like American Samoa, whose private sector economy is over 80 percent dependent on the fishing industry.Proclamations 8336 and 9173 do not list recreational fishing as a threat to local fish populations within the PRIMNM.  A host of Federal protections exist under current laws and agency management designations to protect the area’s natural resources, vulnerable marine species, and unique habitats, such as coral and seamount ecosystems.These laws include the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Endangered Species Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712), the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), the Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460k et seq.), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (Oil Pollution Act) (33 U.S.C. 2701et seq.), and Title I of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (Ocean Dumping Act), 33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.  For example, the Endangered Species Act generally prohibits the taking of listed fish and wildlife species, and also generally ensures that Federal actions, including fisheries management, are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any such species nor adversely modify designated critical habitats.  Numerous other statutes, including the Clean Water Act, the Oil Pollution Act, and the Ocean Dumping Act, address both land-based and ocean-based sources of pollution and help ensure that water quality conditions support the conservation values of the Pacific Remote Island ecosystems.Therefore, I find that appropriately managed commercial fishing would not put objects of scientific and historic interest within the PRIMNM at risk.After further consideration of the nature of the objects identified in Proclamations 8336 and 9173 and the protection of those objects already provided by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other relevant laws, I find that a prohibition on commercial fishing is not, at this time, necessary for the proper care and management of the PRIMNM or the objects of historic or scientific interest therein.NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 320301 of title 54, United States Code (Antiquities Act), hereby proclaim that:(a)  All language under the section entitled “Management of the Marine National Monument” in Proclamation 9173 is deleted and replaced with the following:“Nothing in this proclamation shall change the management of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument as specified in Proclamation 8336.  The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall have primary responsibility for management of the Monument Expansion pursuant to applicable legal authorities.  The Secretary of Commerce, through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, shall within the Monument Expansion have primary responsibility with respect to fishery-related activities regulated pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and any other applicable legal authorities.  The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior shall not allow or permit any appropriation, injury, destruction, or removal of any object of the Monument Expansion except as provided for by this proclamation as modified by the Proclamation of April 17, 2025 (Unleashing American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific).Between 50 to 200 nautical miles from the landward boundaries of the Monument, the Secretary of Commerce shall not prohibit commercial fishing within the boundaries of the Monument and the Monument Expansion in those areas where the Monument and Monument Expansion is coterminous with the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States.  The implementation of any regulation of commercial fishing within the Monument and the Monument Expansion shall be done in coordination with the Secretary of Defense.  Only United States flagged vessels shall be allowed to commercially fish within the boundaries of the Monument and the Monument Expansion, except that permits may be issued to foreign flagged vessels to transship fish harvested by United States fishermen.The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior shall take appropriate action pursuant to their respective authorities under the Antiquities Act; the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; and such other authorities as may be available to implement this proclamation, to regulate fisheries, and to ensure proper care and management of the Monument Expansion.The United States shall continue to preserve the freedom of the seas (i.e., all of the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law and enjoyed by all nations, including the conduct of military activities, exercises, and surveys in or over the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States), and to protect the training, readiness, and global mobility of the United States Armed Forces as United States national interests that are essential to the peace and prosperity of civilized nations.The Secretary of Defense shall continue to manage Wake Island and Johnston Atoll as specified in Proclamation 8336.”.(b)  The Secretary of Commerce, through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall expeditiously publish new proposed rules in the Federal Register to amend or repeal all burdensome regulations that restrict commercial fishing in the PRIMNM.Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to revoke, modify, or affect any withdrawal, reservation, or appropriation, other than the one created by Proclamations 8336 and 9173.Nothing in this proclamation shall change the management of the areas designated and reserved by Proclamations 8336 and 9173, except as explicitly provided in this proclamation.If any provision of this proclamation, including its application to a particular parcel of land, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this proclamation and its application to other parcels of land shall not be affected thereby.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand thisseventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
                                  DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On 18.04.2025, the deposit auction of JSC “SME Corporation” will take place

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89591

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    Parameters
    Date of the deposit auction 04/18/2025
    Placement currency Rub
    Maximum amount of funds placed (in placement currency) 1 100 000 000.00
    Placement period, days 32
    Date of deposit 04/18/2025
    Refund date 05/20/2025
    Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 20.00
    Conditions of imprisonment, urgent or special Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in placement currency) 1 100 000 000.00
    Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1
    Auction form, open or closed Open
    Basis of the Treaty General Agreement
     
    Schedule (Moscow time)
    Preliminary applications from 10:30 to 10:40
    Applications in competition mode from 10:40 to 10:50
    Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid until 11:30
       
    Additional terms  

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak congratulated the faculty, students and graduates of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas on its 95th anniversary

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Dear colleagues!

    On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and on my own behalf, I congratulate the staff, students and graduates of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University) on its 95th anniversary!

    The university’s teachers and graduates make a decisive contribution to the development of the domestic oil and gas complex, which is one of the most powerful in the world.

    For decades, Gubkin University has played a key role in developing the human resources potential of the Russian oil and gas complex and related industries, providing highly qualified specialists to the critical infrastructure of the country’s fuel and energy complex.

    The University carries out fundamental and applied scientific activities in the interests of the Russian fuel and energy complex, offering new innovative solutions for industry companies in terms of the introduction of new technologies, digitalization and automation of production, and makes a significant contribution to the achievement of national goals outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    Gubkin University pays special attention to the continuity of generations, while introducing modern educational and scientific approaches, actively interacting with leading industry enterprises, advanced research centers in Russia and abroad.

    I wish all the faculty, students and graduates of the university new successes for the benefit of the Russian fuel and energy complex, good health and all the best!

    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 Russia: The region is developing steadily – Yuri Trutnev on the rate of socio-economic growth of the Magadan Region

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the issue of socio-economic development of the Magadan Region

    April 17, 2025

    Awarding of the public and business prize “Star of the Far East”

    April 17, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev inspected the recreational complex on Zavyalova Island

    April 17, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev inspected the recreational complex on Zavyalova Island

    April 17, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev at the Military Training Center at SVGU

    April 17, 2025

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    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the issue of socio-economic development of the Magadan Region

    Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the issue of socio-economic development of the Magadan Region.

    “The region is developing steadily. Investments in fixed assets have grown by 3%. This is not the best indicator in the Far East, but there is positive dynamics. The industrial production index has grown by 5.9%, which is already quite a high indicator. Magadan Region confidently ranks second in the Far East in terms of wages. The growth rate of average monthly wages in 2024 was 114.8% compared to 2023. Consolidated budget revenues in 2024 increased by 30%. This is also a good result, which allows us to do a lot of useful things,” Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting.

    The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that the Russian Government continues to work to create conditions for comfortable living for people in the region. “A number of social facilities have been built and reconstructed in the region as part of the presidential unified subsidy. Thanks to the Far Eastern Mortgage program, 2,460 families have improved their housing conditions. More than 2,600 people in the region have received a Far Eastern hectare. On the instructions of the President of Russia, the master plan for the urban district of Magadan is being implemented. The plan provides for infrastructure measures totaling 159 billion rubles. The Government is working to ensure that master plans are financed on time and in full,” he said.

    Magadan Region Governor Sergey Nosov reported on the dynamics of the region’s socio-economic development. The region’s income grew by 143.6%. It was due to the price situation on the precious metals market and the growth of gold production. A record of 54 tons of gold production was achieved. The second stage of the plant at the Pavlik deposit reached its design capacity. As a result of the introduction of the flotation shop by Polyus, the metal recovery rate at the Natalkinskoye deposit was increased. Large investors in the field of mineral extraction are entering the region.

    Energy development issues were discussed. 30 investment projects with a total maximum capacity of energy receiving devices of 490.85 MW are planned for technological connection from 2025.

    Issues of support for the fishing industry were considered. In particular, in order to restore coastal fisheries, as part of the implementation of the instructions of the Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the restoration of the Magadan sea fishing port continues through the implementation of the project “Magadan Sea Logistics Center”.

    The agenda included issues of improving the quality of tourist services. This year, the opening of the first stage of the tourist center on Zavyalova Island is expected. The boutique hotel “Territory” has been built. The balneological resort “Talaya” is getting ready to open. The construction of a four-star hotel has begun. The construction of a sea tourist center continues.

    Yuri Trutnev drew the attention of those present to the introduction of new measures to support investors. The State Duma adopted in the first reading a bill on the creation of a priority development area in the region. “We hope that the result of creating a priority development area will be the development of shipbuilding and ship repair, logistics, tourism, and servicing of mining equipment,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    On the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the implementation of the Magadan master plan continues. “We still have a lot of work ahead of us to implement the master plans approved by the Russian President. The amounts of funds that are planned to be invested in the construction of new social infrastructure, engineering infrastructure, have never been invested in the Far East. These are really very large amounts of funds. We must ensure thorough implementation of the plans. Ensure that all the money comes to the right place, that all the projects are completed,” emphasized Yuri Trutnev.

    The implementation of the Magadan master plan began in 2019. Within the framework of the master plan, 24 objects were commissioned. The most significant of them was the FOK “Presidential”. Since 2023, the master plan has been implemented within the framework of the long-term comprehensive development plan approved by the order of the Government of Russia. During this time, five objects have been commissioned. The largest of them is the airport terminal complex of Magadan airport, it began operating in December 2024. At the end of the year, a building of the polytechnic college, which had stood unfinished in the city center for more than 30 years, was also opened. An engineering school was commissioned. The Okhotsky Briz boarding house for the elderly and disabled began operating. A cultural development center was opened. A building of the martial arts school was erected with extra-budgetary funds. The improvement of the left bank of the Dukcha River has been completed, a children’s playground is being equipped in the Dukcha Park. This year, the fourth stage of Mayak Park is planned to be commissioned – a cultural and social center and a fountain.

    In 2025, four facilities are planned to be commissioned within the framework of the infrastructure menu, three of which are being built using the Far Eastern concession mechanism, including a multidisciplinary rehabilitation center for 50 people. According to the head of the region, Sergei Nosov, the work will continue in all sectors. “There can be no trifles here. The tasks have been set. The result of this meeting were very specific instructions on the issues that were voiced by people directly working on this land. The solution of the tasks set will allow us to improve the work, indicators, including revenues to the regional budget,” he noted.

    “There is a lot of work. Some of the issues are related to the work of federal ministries. We just need to solve the problems together with the region. I can only say one thing. We have no right to work carelessly. I would like to emphasize that the region is working purposefully, honestly and trying to achieve results,” Yuri Trutnev summed up the meeting.

    On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister familiarized himself with the implementation of investment projects and visited a number of sites. In particular, he arrived at the military training center at SVGU, where he familiarized himself with the presentation of UAVs manufactured within the framework of the Patriotic priority development area, inspected the construction of a marine tourist center in Nagaev Bay, inspected a recreational complex on Zavyalova Island, visited a shooting sports site under construction in the Staraya Vesyolaya microdistrict, and talked with the management of the Rynda cultural and exhibition center, an independent art venue created to develop the artistic environment of the city and the region.

    Yuri Trutnev also met with Natalia Sivakova, who became the winner of the “Everything for Victory” nomination of the seventh public and business award “Star of the Far East”. The award was given to the project of the school of unmanned aerial vehicles based on the OGUP “Aviation of Kolyma”, within the framework of which not only military personnel are trained, but also drones are assembled.

    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: Adams Natural Resources Fund Announces First Quarter 2025 Performance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BALTIMORE, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc. (NYSE: PEO) announces the Fund’s investment returns for the first quarter of 2025. The total return on the Fund’s net asset value for the first quarter of 2025 was 8.8%, with dividends and capital gains reinvested. The comparable figures for the S&P 500 Energy Sector and the S&P 500 Materials Sector were 10.2% and 2.8%, respectively. Our benchmark, which is comprised of the S&P 500 Energy Sector (80%) and the S&P 500 Materials Sector (20%), returned 8.7%. The total return on the Fund’s market price for the same period was 7.4%.

    The First Quarter Report to Shareholders is expected to be released on or about April 23, 2025.

    ANNUALIZED COMPARATIVE RETURNS (3/31/2025)
     
      1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10 Year
    Adams Natural Resources Fund (NAV) 1.4 % 10.1 % 29.1 % 6.7 %
    Adams Natural Resources Fund (market price) 8.9 % 11.3 % 31.3 % 6.9 %
    S&P 500 Energy Sector 2.5 % 11.1 % 31.6 % 6.2 %
    S&P 500 Materials Sector -5.7 % 1.3 % 16.1 % 8.1 %

    NET ASSET VALUE ANNOUNCED

    The Fund’s net asset value at March 31, 2025, compared with the year earlier, was:

      3/31/2025 3/31/2024
    Net assets $684,022,125 $712,708,809
    Shares outstanding   26,575,646   25,506,011
    Net asset value per share $25.74 $27.94
    TEN LARGEST EQUITY PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS (3/31/2025)
       
      % of Net Assets
    Exxon Mobil Corporation 23.5 %
    Chevron Corporation 12.9 %
    ConocoPhillips 6.0 %
    Linde plc 4.4 %
    EOG Resources, Inc. 3.8 %
    Williams Companies, Inc. 3.2 %
    Hess Corporation 3.2 %
    Baker Hughes Company 2.7 %
    Kinder Morgan, Inc. 2.7 %
    ONEOK, Inc. 2.6 %
    Total 65.0 %
    INDUSTRY WEIGHTINGS (3/31/2025)
     
      % of Net Assets
    Energy  
    Integrated Oil & Gas 36.4 %
    Exploration & Production 21.4 %
    Storage & Transportation 10.9 %
    Refining & Marketing 6.2 %
    Equipment & Services 5.9 %
       
    Materials  
    Chemicals 12.7 %
    Metals & Mining 2.8 %
    Containers & Packaging 1.8 %
    Construction Materials 1.3 %

    About Adams Funds

    Since 1929, Adams Funds has consistently helped generations of investors reach their investment goals. Adams Funds is comprised of two closed-end funds, Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ADX) and Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc. (NYSE: PEO). The Funds are actively managed by an experienced team with a disciplined approach and have paid dividends for more than 90 years across many market cycles. The Funds are committed to paying a minimum annual distribution rate of 8% of NAV paid evenly each quarter throughout the year, providing reliability for long-term shareholders. A portion of any distribution may be treated as paid from sources other than net income, including but not limited to short-term capital gain, long-term capital gain, and return of capital. The final determination of the source of all distributions for tax reporting purposes in a calendar year, including the percentage of qualified dividend income, will be made after year-end. Shares can be purchased through our transfer agent or through a broker. For more information about Adams Funds, please visit: adamsfunds.com.

    For further information: adamsfunds.com/about/contact │800.638.2479

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 13)

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The following issues are planned to be considered at the meeting:

    1. On the progress of preparations for spring field agricultural work in 2025

    2. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Articles 105 and 112 of the Federal Law “On Enforcement Proceedings””

    The bill is aimed at eliminating the risk of debtors-budget recipients incurring debt on enforcement fees, which are a penalty for failure to comply with the requirements of non-property enforcement documents.

    3. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Articles 17.15 and 23.68 of the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses”

    The bill is aimed at establishing administrative liability of budget recipient debtors for their failure to comply with the requirements of non-property enforcement documents.

    4. On the draft amendment of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 699828-8 “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On Concession Agreements””

    The draft amendments are aimed at clarifying the proposed procedure for concluding a new concession agreement, the object of which is heat supply facilities, centralized hot water supply systems, cold water supply and (or) sanitation systems, individual facilities of such systems, before the expiration of the current concession agreement, including the implementation no earlier than 24 months before the expiration of the agreement of the preemptive right of the person who is the concessionaire under the current concession agreement.

    5. On the allocation by the Ministry of Energy of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation of budgetary appropriations for the provision of a subsidy to the joint-stock company South-West Electric Grid Company

    The draft order is aimed at implementing measures to restore distribution networks within the framework of the program of socio-economic development of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Lugansk People’s Republic, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions.

    Moscow, April 17, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

    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 Security: Nine facing federal immigration-related offenses in southern Illinois

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal grand jury has charged nine illegal aliens with immigration-related offenses in Effingham, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties over the last two months.

    “Every time an illegal immigrant unlawfully enters the United States, they commit a federal crime. But eight of these individuals are repeat offenders—often deported after earlier crimes, only to reenter and face new charges,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “The only person who wasn’t a prior offender was indicted for a firearms offense. These charges show our commitment to prioritizing repeat offenders and those who threaten public safety.”

    Josue Lopez-Serrano, 35, a Mexican national, was charged with one count of illegal reentry after deportation in Monroe County.

    Angel Carmona-Perez, 44, a Mexican national, is facing one count of illegal reentry after deportation in Madison County.

    Gaspar Lux-Lopez, 30, a Guatemalan national, was charged with one count of illegal reentry after deportation in Madison County.

    Luis Morocho-Minga, 42, an Ecuadorian national, is facing one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm in St. Clair County.

    Pedro Ramos-Garcia, 36, a Guatemalan national, was charged with one count of illegal reentry after deportation in Effingham County.

    Andres Jimenez-Santiago, 26, a Mexican national, is facing one count of illegal reentry after deportation in St. Clair County.

    Jose Ariza-Angula, 37, a Mexican national, is facing one count of illegal reentry after deportation in St. Clair County.

    Erick Roman-Roman, 49, a Mexican national, was charged with one count of illegal reentry after deportation in St. Clair County.

    Mayorie Fernandez-Ormeno, 44, a Chilean national, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, attempted access device fraud and illegal entry after deportation in Madison County and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

    In February, a southern Illinois jury convicted an illegal alien from India for participating in an imposter scam and working to exploit more than $400,000 from elderly victims across the Midwest. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 29 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis. 

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is leading the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Kapsak, Madalyn Campbell and Kathleen Howard are prosecuting the cases.

    The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Organized Labor, Energy Advocates Slam Trump Administration’s Stop Work Order on New York’s Second Largest Offshore Wind Project

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Trump Administration Illegally Ordered Construction to Cease at Empire Wind 1, Threatens Offshore Wind Projects Nationwide 

     

    Empire Wind 1 Development Employs 1,500 Union Workers, Will Power 500,000 NYC Homes Upon Completion 

     

    See Pictures and Video from Event Here

    New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) was today joined by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, organized labor, and industrial workforce and energy advocates for a press conference slamming the Trump administration’s unlawful stop work order for the fully-permitted Empire Wind 1 wind farm — the second-largest wind farm project in New York State — and urging the administration to reverse course. 

    The project employs 1,500 union workers and was set to deliver clean, renewable energy to over half a million New York City homes, provide over $100 million in supply chain economic investments across New York, and make significant progress toward the city’s climate and energy goals. 

    “Trump’s decision to halt the Empire Wind 1 project, and all offshore wind development, is a betrayal of his own ‘America first’ agenda,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “If executed, this directive would kill thousands of union jobs, reduce American manufacturing, increase energy prices, weaken our national security, and hand the clean energy future to China. In the name of his assault on climate initiatives, the President is actually undermining his own agenda and reducing American energy independence and dominance. I urge my Republican colleagues to work together to reverse this ill-advised decision.”

    Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “Donald Trump has made it clear that he is hellbent on keeping our air polluted and putting Americans out of work. The President claims to be all about creating blue collar jobs, but here he is erasing over 1,000 union jobs in what remains of Brooklyn’s working waterfront. With Empire Wind, Brooklyn is leading the nation’s transition toward renewable, reliable, and affordable energy. We won’t back down just because Trump says so. I’m proud to stand with Rep. Goldman and so many other partners today to reject this reckless decision.”

    State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “The Trump Administration’s decision to revoke approval for Empire Wind 1 is a slap in the face to all New Yorkers. Empire Wind 1 isn’t just about power generation—it’s about powering our economy with good-paying union jobs, apprenticeships for our young workers, and billions in economic investment in neighborhoods like Sunset Park and Red Hook. This project was fully permitted. Shovels were already in the ground, creating jobs. We cannot sit by quietly while this administration blocks the path toward affordable energy, resilient infrastructure, and jobs that support families.”

    Councilmember Alexa Avilés said, “I am profoundly concerned by the decision to stop the ongoing offshore wind project in New York. Our community has fought for years to ensure that Sunset Park would be part of solutions to reduce carbon emissions, build healthier and green energy, and provide new local union jobs. It is undeniable that we must build offshore wind to address our energy needs while recognizing the climate crisis. Thank you to all the community partners, city agencies, unions and Equinor for their commitment to our community and offshore wind. We stand in deep support.”

    Glen Siegel and Michael Stamatis, Managing Partners of SSBMT L.P., Operators of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, said, “We are deeply disappointed by the Trump Administration’s abrupt and shortsighted decision to halt all construction of Equinor’s Empire Wind project in federal waters. This decision undermines years of planning, investment, and collaboration between public and private partners working together to realize New York’s clean energy goals and create good-paying union jobs right here in Brooklyn. Equinor’s Empire Wind project is not only essential to our state’s energy future—it is the catalyst for revitalizing SBMT as a national hub for offshore wind staging, assembly, and operations. This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform New York’s working waterfront, drive economic development, and deliver sustainable, renewable energy to millions of residents.”

    Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and Climate Jobs New York Director, said, “Hundreds of workers were prepared to start jobs on the offshore construction of Empire Wind 1 in just a few weeks, but now, their financial futures have been pulled out from under them. Thousands more jobs supporting the offshore wind industry – on the port at South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, assembly and staging at Arthur Kill Terminal on Staten Island, and component manufacturing in Albany and across the country, to name a few – are also all now at risk. Our union members and our communities are counting on clean energy jobs. We need to protect them.”

    Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, and Climate Jobs New York Director, said, “This announcement is a blow to New York’s hardworking tradesmen and tradeswomen who are counting on this project to create high-quality, long-lasting jobs, and to everyone in New York who is struggling to afford their electric bills right now. Empire Wind was going to bolster the middle class, make our air cleaner, and bring much-needed local power to our energy grid to lower costs. This stop work order on a shovel-ready energy project is a massive step backward for union workers and our quest to build more domestic energy, and it sends a chilling effect to any developers looking to build energy projects here in America.”

    Christopher Erikson, Business Representative for Local Union No. 3 IBEW, said, “The nearly 29,000 members of Local Union No. 3, IBEW are disappointed with the federal government’s decision to pause construction on the Empire Wind 1 project. This action is detrimental to my members, other Building Trades workers, Sunset Park, and the surrounding communities who were counting on clean energy to be added to the grid to help power our neighborhoods. Local 3, IBEW members have been preparing for this project for years in anticipation of the union wages and benefits that would support them and their families. We stand in solidarity with Congressman Goldman, Equinor, and the team behind Empire Wind to express our dismay, disappointment, and anger at this shortsighted decision by the Trump administration. We hope this is only a pause, so that we can get to work on securing a clean energy future in our city and a healthier planet for ourselves and our families.”

    Jesse Solomon, Executive Director of the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Corporation, said, “For the past year, SBIDC has been working directly with small businesses in Brooklyn to help them access offshore wind contracts and prepare for a generational economic opportunity. Empire Wind 1 is central to that progress. This is one of the most important climate and economic development projects New York has ever seen – we stand with Rep. Goldman in urging the federal government to reinstate this project.” – Jesse Solomon, Executive Director, Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation.” 

    Chris Ward, Interim President and CEO at Waterfront Alliance said, “Clean, affordable, and reliable power for 500,000 homes. 1,000 jobs. A billion-dollar port. Yesterday, the Trump administration decided that New Yorkers do not need these. With the scratch of a pen, an incredible $2 billion investment to make the world better was halted. Waterfront Alliance is confident that wiser minds will prevail. We will offer every support to Equinor, the State and City of New York, and our partners in offshore wind and port development to see that this decision is reversed,”

    Esther Rosario, Executive Director of Climate Jobs New York, said, “If we stall these projects, we don’t just jeopardize our energy grid’s stability—we put workers’ livelihoods at risk. These aren’t abstract ideas — they’re real paychecks that were promised to working people in our unions and our communities. Local businesses, from bodegas to gas stations, also benefit when these projects are underway. We urge our federal government to reverse their decision to halt this project and our leaders in New York to stay the course and invest in and protect the union jobs that are rebuilding our middle class and building our future.”

    Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, “The federal government is placing American energy independence and abundance, thousands of union jobs, and clean air at risk with the reckless stop work order for Empire Wind. This project is fully permitted and will provide energy for half a million homes – there are no other ways to get that amount of energy into New York’s grid in the near term when electric demand is growing. We are proud to stand with Governor Hochul, Congressman Goldman, our friends in labor, and the environmental movement to fight this attempt to derail our clean energy future and hurt New York’s nation-leading progress to develop offshore wind power.”

    Allyson Samuell, Sierra Club’s Senior Campaign Organizer in New York said, “Offshore wind creates good jobs with good salaries and doesn’t pollute our air and water. This is the future for our energy system. The downstate New York region is incredibly dense, we don’t have a lot of space for large scale energy infrastructure on land. Offshore wind projects, like Empire Wind 1, are the ideal solution for providing electricity to the entire New York City metro-area. This project is essential to helping downstate New York meet the rising demand for electricity and ensure reliable energy for families. For New Yorkers, this is local power that is generated near where it’s needed, bringing us closer to energy independence.”

    Spurred by clean energy subsidies in President Biden and House Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project would be the first of its kind to plug directly into the New York City power grid, ultimately powering over 500,000 homes. The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal would also be the largest offshore wind Operations and Maintenance hub as well as staging area in the United States.  

    Congressman Goldman has championed the Empire Wind 1 project and offshore wind energy as a national security and economic imperative since taking office. 

    Last June, Congressman Goldman joined elected officials to break ground on the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, which would serve as the largest offshore wind staging and maintenance port in the nation and connect offshore wind power to over 500,000 homes across New York City. 
    Last Spring, Congressman Goldman led a walking tour of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal to tout the role that Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits played in making Brooklyn the future offshore wind capital of America.  
    Congressman Dan Goldman is a member of the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus, which pushes for policies to improve offshore wind technology, increase investment in the offshore wind workforce, and position the United States as a global leader in the industry. 

     ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Unleashes American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    UNLEASHING OPPORTUNITY IN THE PACIFIC: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation to unleash American commercial fishing in the Pacific Ocean—a key component of the America First Fishing Policy.
    The proclamation opens the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) to commercial fishing, boosting the economy of American Samoa.
    It allows U.S.-flagged vessels to fish commercially within 50 to 200 nautical miles of the PRIMNM’s boundaries.
    EMPOWERING AMERICAN COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN: President Trump believes that removing unnecessary restrictions on American fishermen will strengthen the U.S. economy, support local communities, and restore fairness to an industry disadvantaged by overregulation and foreign competition.
    The PRIMNM was first established by President Bush in 2009 and then expanded by President Obama, closing off over 400,000 square miles of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific.
    The ban on commercial fishing within the PRIMNM did little to guard fish populations against overfishing, as tuna and other pelagic species are migratory in nature and do not permanently reside within the PRIMNM.
    As a result of the prohibitions on commercial fishing, American fishing fleets have lost access to nearly half of the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific Islands.
    This has driven American fishermen to fish further offshore in international waters to compete against poorly regulated and highly subsidized foreign fleets, most notably from China.
    By supporting honest American fishermen, we combat the rampant illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by foreign fleets.

    This disadvantages United States commercial fishermen and is detrimental for United States territories like American Samoa, whose private sector economy is dependent on the fishing industry.
    American Samoa is home to the only Buy American-compliant tuna processing facility for U.S. military rations and school lunch programs.
    This cannery is the largest employer on the island, providing about 5,000 jobs.  In fact, the cannery accounts for 99.5% of American Samoa’s exports and 84% of the private employment in the territory.

    ADVANCING U.S. ECONOMIC INTERESTS: President Trump’s actions to revitalize commercial fishing are part of his broader strategy to unleash the full potential of the American economy by prioritizing deregulation and cutting red tape.
    President Trump launched a 10-to-1 deregulation initiative, ensuring every new Federal rule is justified by clear benefits and accompanied by much larger deregulatory measures.
    President Trump established the National Energy Dominance Council to cut red tape, enhance private sector investments, advance innovation, and streamline the permitting process across all forms of American energy.
    President Trump established the “Department of Government Efficiency” to examine how to streamline the operations of the Federal Government, eliminate unnecessary programs and wasteful spending, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiency.
    President Trump has already reduced unnecessarily large governmental entities and terminated numerous harmful Biden expansions of governmental authority.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Kaptur Call on Energy Department to Reverse New Indirect Cost Cap That Will Gut Funding for Cutting-Edge Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright expressing deep concern about how the Department’s recently announced cap on indirect costs for DOE research will jeopardize critical research and innovation—and calling on him to immediately reverse the policy.

    “We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent decision to impose a cap on indirect cost rates for DOE-funded research. This change threatens to destabilize America’s scientific research infrastructure, delay critical energy innovation, and result in widespread economic harm,” write Murray and Kaptur. “At a time when China is investing billions to catch up to the scientific advancements driven by decades of DOE investments, the U.S. should be accelerating its technological leadership, but this policy does the opposite.”

    The lawmakers note the cap will cut funding essential to conducing cutting-edge DOE research: “This cap represents a sweeping, indiscriminate funding cut that will jeopardize not just projects at universities but also university partners at the national laboratories and in industry. Scientists could be forced to scale back or shutter vital studies; collaboration across sectors may be frozen; and the next generation of clean energy technologies could be delayed or lost entirely.”

    Murray and Kaptur also underscore the implications of DOE’s new policy for the economy, stating: “Beyond its scientific implications, this policy change has serious economic consequences. DOE-funded research supports tens of thousands of jobs—from researchers and engineers to technical staff and support personnel—across all 50 states. In fiscal year 2024 alone, federal energy research investments generated billions in economic activity and helped anchor American competitiveness in global innovation markets. Weakening that support will reverberate through entire regions and industries, putting livelihoods at risk.”

    The lawmakers press Secretary Wright to explain the abrupt new policy change and call on him to reverse it, concluding: “[W]e also ask that you to immediately reverse this shortsighted and harmful new cap, which amounts to nothing short of a disastrous funding cut. DOE’s mission is too important to allow political interference to undercut America’s progress in energy research, climate resilience, and economic development. Let our scientists, engineers, and institutions continue their lifesaving, world-shaping work—uninterrupted.”

    The full letter is available HERE and below:

    April 16, 2025

    The Honorable Christopher Wright
    U.S. Department of Energy
    1000 Independence Ave SW
    Washington, DC 20585

    Dear Secretary Wright:

    We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent decision to impose a cap on indirect cost rates for DOE-funded research. This change threatens to destabilize America’s scientific research infrastructure, delay critical energy innovation, and result in widespread economic harm. At a time when China is investing billions to catch up to the scientific advancements driven by decades of DOE investments, the U.S. should be accelerating its technological leadership, but this policy does the opposite.

    DOE has long played a crucial role in supporting cutting-edge research in energy, climate science, advanced manufacturing, and national security. By capping indirect cost rates at 15 percent, this new policy undermines the essential support systems that make this research possible—such as the operation and maintenance of research facilities, labs, and technical infrastructure. Research institutions depend on these funds to conduct safe, innovative, and effective science.

    This cap represents a sweeping, indiscriminate funding cut that will jeopardize not just projects at universities but also university partners at the national laboratories and in industry. Scientists could be forced to scale back or shutter vital studies; collaboration across sectors may be frozen; and the next generation of clean energy technologies could be delayed or lost entirely. Even more worrying is the impact on our future science workforce, particularly in energy and critical and emerging technologies, where our nation has long struggled to recruit and train the best talent into roles at the intersection of technology and national security. 

    Beyond its scientific implications, this policy change has serious economic consequences. DOE-funded research supports tens of thousands of jobs—from researchers and engineers to technical staff and support personnel—across all 50 states. In fiscal year 2024 alone, federal energy research investments generated billions in economic activity and helped anchor American competitiveness in global innovation markets. Weakening that support will reverberate through entire regions and industries, putting livelihoods at risk.

    The policy’s abrupt implementation—absent consultation with the research community or Congress—has also introduced confusion and uncertainty into the energy research ecosystem. Programs will be paused, partnerships disrupted, and project leaders left with no clarity about how to proceed. In a moment that demands bold, collaborative leadership to meet America’s energy needs, these actions cause paralysis instead.  In regards to this new policy cap, please provide answers to the following questions:

    1. What will happen to existing awards at universities if they do not meet the new terms and conditions in this policy?
    2. What specific data or analysis did DOE use to determine that a 15% cap on indirect costs is appropriate and sustainable for research institutions?
    3. How does DOE justify this cap given that many universities currently operate with indirect cost rates significantly higher than 15% to cover essential research infrastructure and compliance?
    4. Was there any consultation with academic stakeholders, such as university administrators or research organizations, prior to implementing this policy change?
    5. What impact assessments has DOE conducted to understand how this cap will affect the financial viability of ongoing and future research projects at universities?
    6. Has DOE evaluated how this cap could influence the United States’ position in global research and innovation competitiveness?
    7. What are the long-term implications of this policy on the pipeline of future scientists and researchers trained through university programs?

    Particularly in light of the lack of information justifying this policy we also ask that you to immediately reverse this shortsighted and harmful new cap, which amounts to nothing short of a disastrous funding cut. DOE’s mission is too important to allow political interference to undercut America’s progress in energy research, climate resilience, and economic development. Let our scientists, engineers, and institutions continue their lifesaving, world-shaping work—uninterrupted.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: She shoots, she scores!

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: News release: Collaboration is key at CanREA’s Operators Summit 2025

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: News release: Collaboration is key at CanREA’s Operators Summit 2025

    The fifth edition of Canada’s largest wind, solar and energy-storage operations conference and exhibition galvanizes the operators community.

    Toronto, April 17, 2025—More than 325 people assembled in Toronto this week for the fifth annual CanREA’s Operators Summit, Canada’s largest conference and exhibition devoted to the operation of renewable energy and energy storage sites.

    “The Operators Summit event brings together wind, solar and energy storage operators to learn from each other and improve how they operate facilities across Canada, making them safer, more resilient and more efficient,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “This year’s event, taking place at such a pivotal time in Canada’s history, forced our industry to reflect on the strong partnerships we will need to continue growing our industry.”

    The Director of CanREA’s Operators Program, Mathieu Côté, put together the conference’s program to appeal to Canada’s operators community, those who manage, operate and maintain this country’s expanding fleet of wind, solar and energy storage assets, delivering the nuts and bolts of Canada’s energy transition.

    “Our theme, Engaging Communities, speaks not only to the importance of collaborating with local and Indigenous communities, but also to the strength of the operational community itself. That kind of engagement builds the resilience of our workforce—and helps ensure our wind, solar and energy storage sector is ready for the future,” said Côté.

    The strategic panel discussions centered around stakeholder engagement, community considerations in emergency response plans, how we should address our workforce needs going forward—one highlight was the launch of Electricity Human Resources (EHRC)’s new labour market analysis report.

    The Summit featured interactive discussions of operators’ experiences in the field and also covered highly technical operations topics, such as optimizing energy storage operations, vegetation management, troubleshooting anomalous gassing in transformers, and bat species protection on wind farms.“The insights we gained at this year’s Ops Summit will not only inform the operators community across Canada but also help shape the future of CanREA’s Operators program,” said Côté.

    CanREA wishes to thank all attendees, exhibitors and event sponsors for helping to make this year’s Operations Summit a success. A special thank you to Health & Safety Sponsor EDF Renewables, Registration Sponsor Nordex, Reception Sponsor Clearlight Energy, Hospitality and Lunch Sponsor Pandell, Mobile App Sponsor Energy Safety Canada, Charging Station Sponsor Goldwind, Bronze Sponsor Pattern Energy and Event Sponsors Aviva, Enercon and Sungrow.

    Don’t miss the Operators Summit 2026! To stay informed, subscribe to Watt’s On, CanREA’s events newsletter.

    Photos

    Photo: More than 325 people attended the fifth annual CanREA’s Operations Summit in Toronto on April 16-17, 2025, a unique conference devoted to the operation of Canada’s renewable energy and energy storage sites.Media can contact CanREA for more high-resolution photos. A photo album from the Summit will be available soon, here.

    Quotes

    “The Operators Summit event brings together wind, solar and energy storage operators to learn from each other and improve how they operate facilities across Canada, making them safer, more resilient and more efficient. This year’s event, taking place at such a pivotal time in Canada’s history, forced our industry to reflect on the strong partnerships we will need to continue growing our industry.” 
    —Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association

    “Our theme, Engaging Communities, speaks not only to the importance of collaborating with local and Indigenous communities, but also to the strength of the operational community itself. That kind of engagement builds the resilience of our workforce—and helps ensure our wind, solar and energy storage sector is ready for the future. The insights we gained at this year’s Ops Summit will not only inform the operators community across Canada but also help shape the future of CanREA’s Operators program.”
    — Mathieu Côté, Operators Program Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association

    For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:

    CommunicationsCanadian Renewable Energy Association(613) 805-4465communications@renewablesassociation.ca

    About CanREA

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

    The post News release: Collaboration is key at CanREA’s Operators Summit 2025 appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 287 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The IAEA team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) today examined the area near the plant’s training centre where a drone was reportedly shot down and crashed, once again underlining potential risks to nuclear safety during the military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

    The IAEA requested access to the purported crash site after receiving information from the ZNPP that the incident had occurred on Wednesday afternoon, local time. The crash sparked a fire that ignited surrounding vegetation but caused no casualties nor structural damage to the training centre itself, which is located just outside the site perimeter, the ZNPP added.

    At the impact site, the IAEA team observed white ash covering a small area and was shown what the ZNPP identified as the remains of a drone, including four small electric motors still lying on the ground. Plastic fragments, apparently parts of the body of a drone, were also visible.

    The latest incident came a few months after a similar report about a drone incident near the same training centre for the ZNPP. In February 2025, a drone attack caused significant damage to the New Safe Confinement structure at the Chornobyl site in northern Ukraine. There are also frequent reports of drones detected near Ukraine’s other nuclear sites.

    “Any attempt to target a nuclear site with drones can have serious consequences. Whilst offensive drones may be relatively small, they can have serious implications for nuclear safety, for example by causing fires or structural damage. I continue to call for utmost military restraint near all nuclear facilities,” Director General Grossi said.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Anusandhan” National Research Foundation (ANRF) to anchor upscaled collaborations involving private players, says Dr Jitendra Singh;

    Source: Government of India

    “Anusandhan” National Research Foundation (ANRF) to anchor upscaled collaborations involving private players, says Dr Jitendra Singh;

    ANRF to Anchor India’s Scientific Future: Dr. Jitendra Singh Charts Roadmap for Cross-Ministry Collaboration

    ‘No More Silos’: Dr. Jitendra Singh Pitches Unified Scientific Vision

    From Lab to Market: Govt Taps ANRF to Turn Research into Scalable Public Goods with commercial viability

    Dr. Jitendra Singh Chairs Joint Review Meet of All Science Ministries, Charts Unified Innovation Roadmap

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 10:19PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant move aimed at transforming India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem into a collaborative and commercially viable enterprise, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today called for positioning the newly constituted “Anusandhan” National Research Foundation (ANRF) as a critical organisation for all science ministries and departments across the government and declared that ANRF has been envisaged to anchor upscaled collaborations involving private players.

     Chairing a high-level joint  meeting of all the science Ministries and departments in Govt of India  at the National Science Centre here today, the Minister laid out a vision for aligning research outcomes across departments with national priorities, private sector participation, and market readiness.

    At the core of this shift, said Dr Jitendra Singh,  is the aspiration to build a unified research strategy that breaks silos, avoids duplication and delivers tangible, scalable benefits to society. “All the science ministries must work with the intent to deliver market-relevant, public-good products,” he  emphasised, adding that ANRF will not only act as a coordinating body but also serve as a catalyst to bring in private sector investment and innovation.

    The ANRF’s newly appointed CEO, Dr.Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, outlined a bold roadmap that envisions catalytic funding models, deep private sector integration, and AI-led scientific acceleration. The agency is set to model its functioning on globally successful institutions like the NSF and DARPA, launching cross-ministerial missions focused on economic growth and societal impact.

    Notably, ANRF is set to launch a “Small Business Deep Tech Innovation” programme inspired by global best practices, aimed at supporting startups and MSMEs in scaling technologies for real-world application. In a bid to maximise national research infrastructure, ANRF will also roll out a “Cloud of Research and Innovation Infrastructure” to allow deep-tech startups and institutions to access underused equipment across the country.

    The foundation’s AI-for-Science initiative is another key highlight, focusing on using AI to model scientific equations in physics, chemistry, and biology — a leap expected to drastically shorten the time from theory to practice in core scientific domains.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the importance of projects with visible public utility, citing CSIR’s HANSA-NG aircraft, the Department of Atomic Energy’s Bharat Small Modular Reactors, and space-based applications as models to emulate.

    The HANSA-NG, a two-seater trainer aircraft developed indigenously by CSIR-NAL, is already witnessing strong market interest with 110 orders and production lined up in collaboration with Pioneer Clean Arms Pvt Ltd. Dr. Jitendra Singh noted the project’s potential to reduce India’s dependency on expensive foreign pilot training, and suggested roping in private airlines and aerospace component manufacturers to scale up production beyond Bengaluru.

    Similarly, the Department of Atomic Energy is developing the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR), a 200 MW pressurised water reactor intended for industrial applications and grid-independent power generation. These initiatives demonstrate the type of innovation the Minister wants the ANRF to incubate and scale.

    India’s space programme also featured prominently in the review. From the recent success of the SPADEX satellite docking to the development of reusable engine technology and advanced space exploration missions, the Department of Space reported rapid strides, including preparations for India’s human spaceflight mission by 2040.

    Across the spectrum — whether it’s ocean mining technology from the Ministry of Earth Sciences, bio-manufacturing hubs by DBT, or cutting-edge chips and AI solutions in partnership with semiconductor labs — the government is pushing for synergy, scalability, and sustainability.

    Concluding the meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that the future of Indian science lies in integration and innovation. “The time for working in silos is over. We must institutionalise collaboration and deliver solutions that matter,” he said, signalling a new era for India’s science ecosystem — one where policy, private investment, and research institutions converge under the stewardship of ANRF.

    The meeting was attended by Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister; Hari Ranjan Rao, Additional Secretary in the PMO; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR; Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space, along with other senior officials.

    ******

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bose Institute scientists receive Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics as part of ALICE collaboration at CERN

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 4:38PM by PIB Delhi

    The Experimental High Energy Physics (HEP) group of Bose Institute (BI), currently consisting of Faculty members- Prof. Supriya Das, Dr. Sidharth Kumar Prasad and Dr. Saikat Biswas, Post Doctoral Fellow- Dr. Sanchari Thakur and Senior Research Fellow- Mr. Mintu Haldar, has been awarded the Breakthrough Prize 2025 in Fundamental Physics as a part of ALICE at CERN.

    The $3 million Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for 2025 is awarded to thousands of researchers from more than 70 countries representing four experimental collaborations at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – ATLAS, CMS, ALICE and LHCb.

    Fig 1: 2025 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony

    Bose Institute, Kolkata is the only Autonomous Institute under Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, working in A Large Ion Collider Experiment (ALICE) at CERN along with many other collaborators in India. ALICE studies the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP), a state of extremely hot and dense matter that existed in the first microseconds after the Big Bang.

    The institute joined ALICE Collaboration under the leadership of Prof. Sibaji Raha, former Director of Bose Institute as Principal Investigator.

    Prof. Kaustuv Sanyal, Director, Bose Institute conveyed his warm congratulations to the team members of Experimental High Energy Physics group and said, “This is a great achievement not only for the Bose Institute team but also for the entire community of Indian high energy physicists working in mega science projects such as ALICE at CERN. Such awards will encourage young minds to join this kind of complex and large experimental programs for exploration of new physics.”

    The HEP Group of Bose Institute has made significant contributions in several areas of the ALICE experimental program such as detector hardware development, simulation, physics analysis, data-taking and operations of the experiment.

    Fig 2: Bose Institute Faculties at CERN

    An indigenously built proportional counter based highly granular Photon Multiplicity Detector (PMD) was deployed in the ALICE experiment for detection of inclusive photons at forward rapidity. The PMD was commissioned in ALICE in the year 2008 and participated in the data taking program till 2018. Bose Institute played a leading role in the operations of PMD at CERN since 2014 till its decommissioning. Post data collection, the efforts of data clean up, calibration and quality assurance of the entire PMD data set to optimize it for physics analysis was also led by the faculty from Bose Institute in collaboration with students from various Indian institutes/universities participating in ALICE.

    A new type of Time Projection Chamber (TPC) is being used after the upgrade of the ALICE so as to cater to the high luminosity environment expected at the LHC facility. This device relies on the intrinsic ion back flow (IBF) suppression of Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors (MPGD) based technology in particular the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM).

    The new read-out chambers in TPC consist of stacks of 4 GEM foils combining different hole pitches. In addition to the low ion back flow, other advantages of GEM technology are good energy resolution and long-term stability in operation. Researchers from Bose Institute were involved in ALICE-TPC upgradation project.

    Faculties and trainees from Bose Institute have made significant contributions to the Physics program of the ALICE by leading about six publications in addition to contributing to several other ALICE papers. Bose Institute members have contributed to several areas of Physics studies.

    Fig 3: Faculty members and students of Bose Institute working in ALICE experiments

    Congratulating all the collaborators, the ALICE Spokesperson Prof. Marco Van Leeuwen wrote “I would like to congratulate the entire collaboration and the LHC community for this well-deserved recognition of the scientific advancements achieved through our collective efforts. All authors of publications based on Run 2 data up to 15 July 2024 will be listed as laureates.”

    Prof. Sanjay Kumar Ghosh, Dr. Rathijit Biswas, Dr. Abhi Modak, Dr. Debjani Banerjee, Dr. Prottoy Das and Dr. Md. Asif Bhatt were also part of this group.

    The Break Through prize money is allocated to ATLAS ($1 million); CMS ($1 million), ALICE ($500,000) and LHCb ($500,000), in recognition of 13,508 co-authors of publications based on LHC Run-2 data released between 2015 and July 15, 2024. [ATLAS – 5,345 researchers; CMS – 4,550; ALICE – 1,869; LHCb – 1,744].

    The prize money will be used to fund a Breakthrough prize studentship to allow selected PhD students to spend up to two years at CERN while working on their PhD research.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project Opens Applications To Support Coastal, Remote, and Island Communities

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Program Provides Energy Planning and Technical Support for Local Governments, Community Organizations, Utilities, and Other Groups Across the Country

    Many coastal, remote, and island communities need more affordable, reliable, and secure energy systems but lack the resources to change the status quo. Aging infrastructure and harsh weather conditions can leave these relatively isolated places vulnerable to energy disruptions and the attendant restoration costs.

    The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) connects these communities with energy experts who can deliver strategic energy analysis and planning support to improve the affordability, reliability, and security of their local energy systems. ETIPP is accepting applications now through July 27, 2025, for new communities to join the program.

    ETIPP communities receive up to two years of technical support from researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other national laboratories, along with input from regional partner organizations that have relevant expertise and connections in their specific geographic areas.

    This program offers two tracks for technical assistance: strategic energy planning or technical deep dives. Communities in the early stages of planning energy system improvements will spend four to eight months in ETIPP developing a strategic energy plan that clearly defines their energy goals and objectives. Those joining ETIPP with an existing energy plan or well-defined energy project will embark on a 12- to 24-month process to explore the technical dimensions of specific energy solutions.

    Now entering its fifth year, ETIPP has already partnered with 57 communities—including local governments, Tribes, community-based organizations, and utilities—to develop strategic plans and validate prospective technology investments for local energy projects.

    Providing local leaders with information to address local energy challenges is the key driver of ETIPP’s services. Communities collaborate with national laboratory researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, NREL, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories to advance their local goals and make decisions informed by world-class modeling and analysis.

    Additionally, selected communities may have the opportunity to receive funds (up to $20,000 for communities selected for strategic energy planning and up to $50,000 for those engaging with deep-dive technical assistance) for services rendered to help implement the technical assistance.

    ETIPP is currently accepting applications through July 27, 2025. Prospective applicants must first contact an ETIPP regional partner or program manager to discuss their eligibility. ETIPP’s regional partners include Groundswell for the Southeastern Seaboard region; Hawaii State Energy Office for the Pacific region; Hispanic Federation for communities in Caribbean territories; Island Institute for Northeast communities; Renewable Energy Alaska Project for Alaska; Slipstream for communities in the Great Lakes region; Spark Northwest for communities in the Pacific Northwest; and Southeast Sustainability Directors Network and STEM NOLA for communities along the Gulf Coast.

    Visit the ETIPP page to learn more about the program, eligibility, and application process and to apply.

    ETIPP is managed by NREL and funded and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter puts forward bill to make permanent the National Energy Dominance Council

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter puts forward bill to make permanent the National Energy Dominance Council

    Carter puts forward bill to make permanent the National Energy Dominance Council

    Washington, April 16, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced a bill codifying President Trump’s executive order establishing the National Energy Dominance Council, granting permanency to this body charged with positioning American energy for the next century, lowering prices, strengthening American economic security, and restoring our nation’s energy dominance.

    “Securing our nation’s energy dominance is an economic and national security priority. We must ensure that we are not reliant on hostile foreign nations to meet our needs. President Trump’s visionary leadership allowed for the creation of this council that, frankly, should have existed a while ago. By codifying the executive order into law, we will protect this critical council from future radical left administrations that want to see our nation energy dependent,” said Rep. Carter.   

    According to the White House, this council will:

    • Be established within the Executive Office of the President, chaired by the Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and vice-chaired by the Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and comprised of members of President Trump’s cabinet and key government agencies.
    • Advise President Trump on strategies to achieve energy dominance by improving the processes for permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation, and transportation across all forms of American energy.
    • Recommend a National Energy Dominance Strategy to the President aimed at cutting red tape, enhancing private sector investments, and advancing innovation.
    • Facilitate cooperation between the federal government and domestic energy partners, ensuring policy consistency.
    • Consult with various public and private sector stakeholders to expand energy production and address cost barriers.

    Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Secures Key Victories for Energy Infrastructure

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Secures Key Victories for Energy Infrastructure

    Unleashing American Energy was one of President Donald J. Trump’s first actions, and it includes infrastructure like pipelines and oil and gas export facilities. Recently, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) secured four wins in court that underpin the intentions of the president’s executive order.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Secures Key Victories for Energy Infrastructure

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Unleashing American Energy was one of President Donald J. Trump’s first actions, and it includes infrastructure like pipelines and oil and gas export facilities. Recently, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) secured four wins in court that underpin the intentions of the president’s executive order.

    The Dakota Access Pipeline crosses Lake Oahe in North Dakota. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently preparing a supplemental environmental impact statement which the District Court for the District of Columbia ordered for the pipeline’s easement. Last year, the Corps was sued again to shut down the pipeline while they work on that statement, but ENRD last month was granted its motion to dismiss that lawsuit.

    In the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, a Tennessee pipeline company was essentially allowed to go ahead and build a pipeline to deliver natural gas to the Tennessee Valley Authority for a new gas power plant. The court denied a petition for review of the Corp’s permit to the company and upheld its reliance on Tennessee’s certification of the project under the Clean Water Act’s Section 401.

    The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a published decision affirming the Corps decision to issue a permit for a proposed expansion of an oil-export facility in Texas. The court held that the Corps thoroughly analyzed the effects of issuing the permit and properly assessed the project’s scope.

    The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals denied plaintiffs’ petition for review of a Department of Energy (DOE) action to authorize exporting liquefied natural gas from a proposed terminal on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. The gas is to come from Alaska’s north slope and would be transported to the terminal via a proposed pipeline across the state. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had previously authorized where the project’s facilities would be, and DOE authorized and reaffirmed exporting the gas. This development will help unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential, in keeping with the administration’s directive.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Secures Key Victories for Energy Infrastructure

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    Unleashing American Energy was one of President Donald J. Trump’s first actions, and it includes infrastructure like pipelines and oil and gas export facilities. Recently, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) secured four wins in court that underpin the intentions of the president’s executive order.

    The Dakota Access Pipeline crosses Lake Oahe in North Dakota. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently preparing a supplemental environmental impact statement which the District Court for the District of Columbia ordered for the pipeline’s easement. Last year, the Corps was sued again to shut down the pipeline while they work on that statement, but ENRD last month was granted its motion to dismiss that lawsuit.

    In the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, a Tennessee pipeline company was essentially allowed to go ahead and build a pipeline to deliver natural gas to the Tennessee Valley Authority for a new gas power plant. The court denied a petition for review of the Corp’s permit to the company and upheld its reliance on Tennessee’s certification of the project under the Clean Water Act’s Section 401.

    The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a published decision affirming the Corps decision to issue a permit for a proposed expansion of an oil-export facility in Texas. The court held that the Corps thoroughly analyzed the effects of issuing the permit and properly assessed the project’s scope.

    The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals denied plaintiffs’ petition for review of a Department of Energy (DOE) action to authorize exporting liquefied natural gas from a proposed terminal on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. The gas is to come from Alaska’s north slope and would be transported to the terminal via a proposed pipeline across the state. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had previously authorized where the project’s facilities would be, and DOE authorized and reaffirmed exporting the gas. This development will help unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential, in keeping with the administration’s directive.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces $7.5 Million Now Available To Support Municipalities With Sustainable Waste Reduction

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that $7.5 million in state funding is now available to support Connecticut’s municipalities in their efforts to increase recycling and diversion and augment their self-sufficiency in managing municipal solid waste disposal.

    “The state is continuing to help our towns and cities identify sustainable ways to dispose of waste and realize savings,” Governor Lamont said. “With local options for solid waste disposal shrinking and the cost to dispose of waste out of state rising, this grant opportunity gives municipalities more control of their disposal costs and more creative options that are also good for the environment.”

    The Sustainable Materials Management Grant Program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), has opened a request for applications (RFA) for a second round of grants, which are aimed at supporting the development of food scrap collection and unit-based pricing programs, as well as other reduction, recycling, and diversion programs. Many of the strategies that will be funded by these grants were recommended by the Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management, a coalition of more than a hundred municipalities across Connecticut that are working to develop strategies to reduce waste and increase reuse and recycling.

    “Municipal leaders throughout the state know first-hand that the easiest way to reduce the cost of managing municipal solid waste is to reduce the amount of waste being created in the first place,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “The funding we’re announcing today will do just that – reduce the amount of organic waste simply being thrown in the trash and instead redirect it to more beneficial uses like composting. We know from the first round of this grant program that these strategies really work, bringing down costs for towns while at the same time contributing to Connecticut’s self-sufficiency. We are grateful for the leadership of Governor Lamont and the General Assembly for authorizing these dollars to combat the waste crisis and look forward to continuing our work with municipalities in bringing down their waste disposal costs.”

    “It’s great to see the Sustainable Materials Management program be granted $7.5 million more to help our state’s environment,” State Representative John-Michael Parker (D-Madison), co-chair of the legislature’s Environment Committee, said. “Programs funded through this grant will help develop innovative new ways of using our resources, especially food scraps, and I can’t wait to see how our state uses this grant money. Thank you to all my colleagues for their work securing these funds.”

    The $7.5 million announced today under this second round builds on the program’s first round, which funded pilot programs in fifteen municipalities and three regional entities, supporting a variety of piloted food scraps diversion programs that included unit-based pricing elements. These pilot programs provided a wealth of data across a diverse subset of Connecticut’s municipalities and demonstrated that a variety of approaches can be effective in reducing costs and environmental impacts associated with municipal solid waste disposal.

    Grants are available for individual and groups of municipalities, as well as regional entities (councils of governments, regional planning agencies, resource recovery authorities, recycling operating committees, and regional waste authorities). Eligible applicants must submit a completed application in conformance with the RFA, which can be found on DEEP’s Municipal and Regional Grants and Technical Assistance webpage. Grant applications must be submitted to DEEP by Friday, June 27, 2025.

    An informational session to address questions regarding the grant program will be held via Zoom on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register for the informational session, click here. Questions about the RFA may be submitted to Michael.Looney@ct.gov.

    DEEP launches RFP for waste characterization study

    DEEP today also announced that it is launching a request for proposals (RFP) for a waste characterization study, which was requested by the waste industry and municipalities to better understand the composition of materials entering the waste and recycling streams in Connecticut. Last updated in 2015, this study will identify the types and amounts of waste generated within Connecticut, where that waste is disposed, and the volume of material diverted for recycling.

    This RFP seeks a technical expert to perform the research, surveys, and field work required to complete the study, and to draft the study itself, with a scheduled completion date of October 31, 2026. Once completed, this study will help inform future waste policies at the state, regional and municipal levels.

    Funding for both rounds of the Sustainable Materials Management Grant Program and the waste characterization study were proposed by Governor Lamont and approved by the state legislature and State Bond Commission.

    Today’s announcement closely follows the recently announced Materials Management Infrastructure Grant Program awards, which provided nearly $15 million to support waste management infrastructure improvements in six municipalities and three regional organizations. Taken together, these programs represent an unprecedented investment in cost-effective, sustainable alternatives to traditional waste disposal operations and recommitment to data gathering and analysis. These announcements will provide municipalities and regional entities with the resources to implement programs that will achieve greater system reliability, environmental sustainability, and fiscal predictability.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Libya Energy & Economic Summit Returns to Tripoli for 2026 Edition

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

    TRIPOLI, Libya, April 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Now in its fourth year, the Libya Energy & Economic Summit has established itself as the premier international platform for driving investment, technical innovation and private sector engagement in Libya’s energy sector. Building on three years of unprecedented growth, the 2026 edition will take place in Tripoli on January 24-26 – marking the first time the event will span three full days in response to growing international interest.  

    As Libya aims to increase oil production to two million barrels per day within the next two to three years, LEES 2026 will provide crucial insights into the country’s ambitious energy agenda, with a central focus on the role of private sector actors, both Libyan and international, in driving this growth. Natural gas development and associated infrastructure are also key priorities for Libya’s energy sector, as the country seeks to boost gas output to meet domestic energy needs and ensure reliable fuel supplies for critical downstream industries.  

    Importantly, LEES 2026 will be the first major industry gathering to take place after the close of Libya’s licensing round at the end of 2025, making it the definitive forum for understanding the new exploration landscape and identifying high-value opportunities. Libya recently launched its 2025 licensing round — the first in 17 years — offering 22 onshore and offshore exploration blocks. With 167 active contractual blocks and an exploration success rate of 33%, the country is well-positioned to attract new investors and encourage existing operators to expand their acreage, thereby further advancing drilling and discovery efforts. 

    As Libya continues to scale up its oil and gas production, the 2026 summit will feature an expanded technical agenda, building on the success of the in-depth technical sessions introduced in 2025. The upcoming edition will offer even more programming focused on engineering, exploration, digitalization and field development, in response to strong demand for technical expertise from upstream and midstream professionals.  

    International participation is also set to grow in 2026, with LEES continuing to partner closely with leading industry associations from top investor countries including the U.S., the U.K. and Italy, among other strategic partners. The upcoming edition is expected to feature an expanded number of international pavilions, reflecting heightened global interest in Libya’s energy sector. Recent changes to U.K. travel guidance and other foreign policy shifts are paving the way for broader international involvement — signaling that Libya is opening up and re-engaging with the private sector on a larger scale. 

    Building on previous endorsements from the Ministry of Oil and Gas and the National Oil Corporation (NOC), the summit unites global energy leaders, policymakers and investors to forge strategic partnerships and drive the ongoing revitalization of Libya’s energy sector. LEES 2026 is poised to continue this momentum, serving as a vital catalyst for private sector investment and global partnerships. The upcoming edition will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders — including NOC subsidiaries, international oil companies, financial institutions, energy organizations and leading technology providers — with a shared focus on driving investment and highlighting high-impact opportunities to realize Libya’s energy ambitions. 

    The Libya Energy & Economic Summit unites regional and global industry stakeholders to unlock Libya’s energy potential. Now entering its fourth year, the summit returns to Tripoli on January 24–26, 2026 to serve as a gateway to investment, collaboration and innovation in Africa’s leading oil and gas market. Visit www.LibyaSummit.com for more information. To sponsor or attend as a delegate, contact sales@energycapitalpower.com 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bean Introduces Bill Removing Barriers to Alternative Marine Fuel Usage

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—Today, Ways and Means Committee member U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) along with Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05), Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), and Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced the Maritime Fuel Tax Parity Act (MFTPA), to correct an outdated tax code provision by exempting alternative fuels, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), for marine vessels from paying Federal Highway Trust Fund excise taxes. 

    Upon introduction, Congressman Bean said: “Expanding the use of alternative fuels like LNG will strengthen Jacksonville’s maritime industry and allow maritime vessels to use LNG as a fuel source without being penalized by an onerous tax and compliance burden. I thank Congressman Rutherford for his leadership on this bill, which will modernize our tax code and bring marine fuels into the 21stcentury.” 

    “We should be encouraging, not penalizing, our maritime industry as they find alternative and innovative ways to power American vessels,” said Congressman Rutherford. “Jacksonville’s maritime industry leaders made Northeast Florida home to the world’s very first liquified natural gas-powered containership. As the Trump Administration unleashes American energy and innovation, I am proud to join a bipartisan coalition to introduce this bill that would afford the U.S. maritime industry the freedom and parity to explore new energy opportunities to fuel American shipping and trade.”

    “Florida’s ports play a vital role in fueling our economy, supporting tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and helping move goods across the globe. I’m proud to support this bill to protect our maritime and aviation industries from unnecessary tax burdens and strengthen trade between U.S. ports. With SeaPort Manatee in my district generating billions in annual economic impact for our region, this commonsense measure will keep Florida’s Gulf Coast competitive,” said Congressman Buchanan. 

    BACKGROUND 

    LNG is the cleanest, most readily available fuel for shipping today. Unfortunately, a discrepancy in the tax code unintentionally disincentivizes our domestic maritime carriers from utilizing LNG and other alternatives as a maritime fuel. 

    The current tax code treats diesel more favorably than alternative fuels, which are disadvantaged by being subjected to excise taxes. Diesel fuel used in maritime vessels is exempt from this excise tax today, but alternative fuels, like LNG, are not. 

    According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) January 2025 Quarterly Gas Report, based on the current order book for vessels, the number of LNG-fueled ships is expected to almost double and reach over 1,200 vessels by 2028.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening of the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) Summit [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Your Excellency To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam,
    Your Excellency Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam,
    Your Excellency Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,
    Your Excellency Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia,
    Excellencies,
    Distinguished guests,

    On behalf of the Secretary-General, António Guterres, I thank the Government of Viet Nam and the co-chairs H.E. Mr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and the Prime Minister of Denmark for organizing this year’s P4G Summit.

    This year marks a crucial inflection point: the tenth anniversary of both the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

    A decade has passed, and much progress has been made.

    But let’s state what we all know to be true: we are nowhere near where we need to be.

    As I speak, there are 750 million people who do not have access to electricity.

    2 billion people have no clean cooking solutions to cook their dinner tonight.

    Children across the world are breathing air increasingly filled with fossil fuel emissions affecting their health.

    Not only are we not where we need to be, but  intensifying climate shocks and geopolitical turmoil threaten to push back some of the progress and development wins of the past decade.

    These statistics, and the picture I have painted is enough to make some give up. But as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, ‘Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness’.

    Excellencies, three things give me hope today.

    First, what I see in this room today – leaders, representatives of governments, businesses, investors, and civil society from around the world. By showing up, you are showing your commitment to building societies that are more sustainable, more resilient, more inclusive, and more prosperous. You are not giving up.

    Second, the relentless human endeavor for genuine collaboration gives me hope. The Just Energy Transition Partnerships and the P4G’s public-private partnership are just two examples.  By working together for a common purpose, we can help emerging and developing economies transform their energy, water, and food systems to become zero-carbon and more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

    Third, the economic imperatives of taking climate action have never been stronger and more urgent.

    Last year, climate disasters caused 320 billion dollars worth of damage worldwide.

    The climate crisis is draining our pockets of resources that we desperately need for development.

    Yet experts estimate that every dollar invested in climate adaptation generates a return of up to 10 times.

    Meanwhile, the costs of wind, solar, and battery storage have plummeted so much that they have become the cheapest source of new electricity across most markets.

     Last year, renewables accounted for 92.5% of all new power capacity added globally, and clean power surpassed 40% of global electricity generation for the first time.

    This is not just an opportunity for tomorrow – the clean energy sector is already driving development and boosting jobs, accelerating digitalization and granting energy access to a wider range of people .

    1.5 million jobs and 10 per cent of GDP growth globally were added in 2023 across the sector.

    And crucially, most economies are now breaking the link between GDP growth and rising emissions.

    Viet Nam is setting the pace on clean energy. Its bold shift from coal isn’t just fighting climate change, it’s fuelling a fairer, more equal future for all.

    Excellencies,

    We have a rare opportunity in our hands.
     
    A new economic era is about to begin — and we’re right at the cusp of setting a concrete pathway to green growth.

    One that can ensure energy access, affordability, and security, and one that can create zero-carbon, disaster-resilient, and sustainable societies while protecting people and planet. At the UN, we have translated that vision and what it means for the multilateral system, under the Pact for the Future.

    Yet time is a luxury we do not have.

    The climate crisis is setting the pace and scale. It’s our responsibility to keep up.

    Investment is critical.

    To keep 1.5 degrees in reach and deliver on the SDGs, experts estimate that 2.4 trillion dollars per year will need to flow to emerging and developing economies outside China by 2030.

    That means around 1.6 trillion dollars of that going to the clean energy transition.

    And it means around 250 billion dollars to strengthen adaptation and resilience.

    And so, I urge every government leader here today to use the tools at your disposal.

    Accelerate the readily available, cost-effective solutions.

    And drive change with smart policies and reforms at every level – locally, nationally, and globally.

    The next round of national climate plans — or Nationally Determined Contributions — due well before COP 30 present a unique opportunity in this mission. As does meeting the Baku Road Map to deliver 1.3 trillion in Belém.

    They are the key to syncing energy and development plans, building energy efficient infrastructure that aligns with a country’s climate goals, developing industries of the future in green energy, as Vietnam has demonstrated, and creating clear, consistent policies that draw big investments.

    This means aligning national energy and development strategies, including regulatory framework to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) with sustainable agricultural systems, digitalization, job creation, and clean energy access – fostering policy coherence and predictability to attract investments at scale.

    Viet Nam is demonstrating that attracting investments, even in challenging times, is not only possible but achievable. With FDI reaching impressive new levels of $2-3 billion every month, Vietnam stands as a powerful example for others to follow. 

    To the corporate, financial, and civil society leaders in the room, I urge you to keep up the pressure. Keep innovating and collaborating and shifting obstacles into business opportunities.

    And keep creating new models and partnerships that can mobilize finance at scale to drive commitments on climate and sustainable development into real investments in peoples’ lives.

    Finally, let us commit to deliver on the promise of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement to our people today and for future generations.

    Thank you.                                                    
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    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Solar Project Planned For North Albany Landfill

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the City of Albany will co-develop a new 1.5-megawatt solar energy project at the capped North Albany/Shaker Park landfill. The ground-mounted solar farm is estimated to come online in 2027 and will power the equivalent of more than 200 homes. This is also NYPA’s first renewable energy project in the newly established Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program, which will lower energy costs for low- or moderate-income Albany area residents and eligible New Yorkers in the surrounding area. At the landfill solar project kickoff event today, the City of Albany also was recognized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for achieving silver status, the highest level of certification as a Climate Smart Community.

    “Transforming the North Albany landfill into a source of clean energy is evidence of our steadfast commitment to create a more affordable and reliable electric system for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this collaboration and project, NYPA is advancing its efforts to develop new renewables while simultaneously benefiting low- and moderate-income area residents with bill credits through its new REACH program. This project also reflects our focus on repurposing underutilized sites to meet our ambitious climate goals in smart, sustainable ways.”

    New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The Power Authority’s second clean energy project as part of its Renewables Strategic Plan is in partnership with the City of Albany and will transform a capped landfill into a 1.5 MW solar facility that will power the equivalent of over 200 homes by 2027. The project is also the first to be part of NYPA’s new REACH program, which was designed to support energy affordability for low- and moderate-income residents, furthering our commitment to a cleaner, more equitable energy future for all New Yorkers.”

    Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “The North Albany landfill solar project is the next step towards bringing more clean energy benefits to City of Albany residents and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Albany is committed to becoming a city with net zero emissions by 2050 and innovative projects like this are exactly how we are going to meet that goal. We cannot thank Governor Hochul and President Driscoll enough for the commitment and investment in clean energy.”

    The North Albany/Shaker Road project is one of the first to be developed under NYPA’s Renewables Strategic Plan. The plan is a roadmap for NYPA’s renewable energy development under its expanded authority to build additional renewable energy resources to help advance New York State’s climate goals. The project will be built adjacent to the city’s Department of General Services headquarters and further enshrines Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s commitment to the environment and the city’s sustainability goals. The North Albany landfill site was chosen after an extensive evaluation of multiple sites by Albany’s Office of Sustainability in cooperation with NYPA. In addition to their signed contract, the City of Albany and Power Authority have completed pre-feasibility studies for the site and will now move forward to the next phases of development, including preparing and submitting an interconnection application to the local utility.

    The project is the first to be developed through NYPA’s new REACH program, which will provide bill credits for eligible low- or moderate-income households after the project comes online in 2027. Those who enroll in the state’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP) and the Statewide Solar for All program may be eligible for automatic monthly bill credits through the REACH program once the project is completed, online and generating revenue, with a target of 2027.

    NYPA recently announced Somers Solar, a 20 MW solar energy generation project in the town of Fort Edward in Washington County, will be its first renewables project under the expanded authority.

    NYPA’s Expanded Authority to Develop Renewable Energy

    The 2023-24 Enacted State Budget authorized NYPA to advance renewable energy and support state priorities, building on NYPA’s existing efforts to provide clean, affordable power and expand New York’s transmission system. Specifically, this expanded authority called for NYPA to accelerate renewable energy development, support workforce training, establish the REACH program, support decarbonization efforts across the state, and deactivate its small natural gas power plants in New York City and on Long Island.

    Since Governor Kathy Hochul signed the 2023-2024 Enacted State Budget into law, NYPA has made significant progress, including establishing business structures, filling key roles, and advancing initial projects. NYPA has also created a subsidiary to facilitate external capital and protect against project risks.

    The Power Authority, through its wholly owned subsidiary the New York Renewable Energy Development Holdings Corporation (NYRED), will construct the 1.5 MW solar generation project.

    In January 2025, the Power Authority published its inaugural Renewables Strategic Plan for developing new renewable energy generation projects to supply New Yorkers with affordable, reliable, and emissions-free electricity. The plan outlines 37 projects across New York State, representing a potential of more than 3 GW of renewable energy. The plan also reflects feedback from thousands of stakeholders statewide, sets priorities for projects to be advanced over the next two years and includes the pursuit of additional projects in future updates to the plan.

    State Senator Kevin Parker said, “This project is a powerful example of how bold leadership and innovative partnerships can transform underutilized spaces into sources of clean, renewable energy. By prioritizing equity through the REACH program, we are not only advancing sustainability but also delivering tangible benefits to the families who need it most. Albany is setting a standard for what climate-smart progress looks like in New York State.”

    State Senator Pat Fahy said, “New Yorkers are struggling every month with the rising cost of energy and utility bills. That’s why we’re investing in cheaper, cleaner energy sources like solar that will help us lower the demand for increasingly expensive natural gas and new infrastructure. Co-locating a solar farm with an existing landfill is a good example of how the state can responsibly site solar, creatively meet our ambitious climate goals, and ultimately lower the utility burden weighing on so many families here in the 46th District and Capital Region.”

    Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “This new solar project on Albany’s capped landfill, the first under NYPA’s expanded authority, is just the kind of siting that we should be prioritizing in New York State. When stakeholders work together, we can identify sites for energy projects that utilize the many brownfields across the State, instead of siting them on prime farmland.”

    Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, “This project will be a huge milestone for the REACH program and for renewable energy efforts in New York State. Lowering energy costs for Albany residents and advancing our climate goals is a win for everyone. I applaud NYPA and Mayor Sheehan for their continued commitment to sustainability and affordable, renewable energy.”

    Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, “This project is a win-win for Albany and New York State. By transforming this capped landfill into a source of renewable energy, we’re not only advancing our climate goals, we’re also delivering direct benefits to the families who need them most. The REACH program exemplifies how public investment can lower energy costs for working households while building a more sustainable future. I commend NYPA and Mayor Sheehan for their leadership and collaboration on this transformative project.”

    Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “I applaud the New York Power Authority and City of Albany for this plan to transform an underutilized landfill into a powerful source of clean, renewable energy. When completed, this project will generate enough electricity to power hundreds of homes each year, significantly reducing the city’s carbon footprint and saving taxpayers money over the long term. I’ve been proud to prioritize renewable energy during my time as County Executive, and this project will complement the solar array we opened last year along Watervliet Shaker Road in the Town of Colonie. Together, we are proving that sustainability and smart governance go hand in hand. This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together when we prioritize smart infrastructure and environmental responsibility.”

    Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “This new solar energy project at the capped North Albany/Shaker Park landfill is an excellent example of how municipalities are utilizing solar to reduce emissions and lower energy costs for residents. With support from NYPA’s Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program, Albany is safely and successfully leveraging underutilized land to help harness renewable energy. DEC also congratulates the City of Albany for reaching silver certification through the Climate Smart Communities program, the highest designation available and illustrative of the locally driven climate action to decrease pollution and enhance resilience in Capital Region communities and across the state.”

    Albany Commissioner of Administrative Services Ann Marie Salmon said, “Participating in this project is a win for the environment and a win for residents who live in or near Albany who will benefit from lower electricity bills.”

    Albany Director of Sustainability Jason West said, “Over the life of this project, more than 2,268 MWh/year of clean energy will be added to the grid, preventing an estimated 21,995 tons of greenhouse gasses from being emitted. That’s equivalent to the emissions absorbed by 329,928 trees being planted and grown for ten years.”

    New York State’s Commitment to Land Use and Renewable Energy

    This project complements New York State’s efforts to encourage consideration of closed landfills, cleaned-up brownfields, and other underutilized sites for renewable energy. The State Department of Environmental Conservation issued guidance for photovoltaic solar projects at closed landfills to help municipalities address the site-specific characteristics of a project and ensure protections remain in place during solar installation. Solarization and re-development of old or unused landfills are prime examples of state and local partnerships at their best, especially during this critical time when policies and programs are being rolled back on the federal level.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Nine Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions

    Source: US State of Missouri

    APRIL 17, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced nine appointments to various boards and commissions.

    Scott Boswell Sr., of Kansas City, was appointed to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners.

    Dr. Boswell is a recently retired chairman of Commerce Trust and currently serves as a professor for the Executive Master of Business Administration program at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). In addition to his professional career, he is an active member of several boards and organizations including the Heart of America Council for the Boy Scouts of America, the UMKC Board of Trustees, the Kansas City Symphony Board, and more. Dr. Boswell earned his Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago, and Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College.

    Alphonso Hogan II, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

    Mr. Hogan has served as a police officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department since 2015. Prior to entering into law enforcement, he served in the United States Air Force, earning a rank of E-3 Airman 1st Class before his honorable discharge. Hogan is a legal board member and representative of the St. Louis Police Officers Association. He earned his Missouri Peace Officer license in 2008.

    Thomas Leasor, of Wentzville, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

    Dr. Leasor is the executive director of the Eastern Missouri Police Academy, overseeing the training of police officer recruits and continued education courses for current police officers as well. He is also a Subject Matter Expert for the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission. Dr. Leasor worked in law enforcement before 25 years before retiring and later assuming his current role. He currently sits on the Eastern Missouri Peer Support Council and Lindenwood University Criminal Justice Advisory Board. Dr. Leasor holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Maryville University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Lindenwood University.

    Tracey Lewis, of Kansas City, was reappointed to the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

    Mr. Lewis is the president and chief executive officer of Economic Development Corporation. Previously, he served as the senior vice president at the Commerce Trust Company. Lewis was previously appointed to the Missouri Housing Development Commission in 2019. Lewis also sits on the boards of the Truman Medical Center and SchoolSmartKC. Mr. Lewis earned a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications from Boston College.

    Pat McCuthen, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission.

    Mr. McCuthen is a captain at the Jefferson City Police Department with over 20 years of experience in police instruction, leadership, and operational management. He is highly active in his community, serving on the Council for Drug-Free Youth, Community Resource Counseling Committee, Jefferson City Day Care Center board, Disproportionate Minority Committee, and the Jefferson City Youth Hockey Club board. Mr. McCuthen holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College and a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia School of Public Safety. He also earned his Missouri Peace Officer license in 1998.

    Paul Ogier, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Health and Educational Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri.

    Mr. Ogier currently serves as a board member of LeadingAge Missouri and as treasurer of Nursing Facility Agency Corporation (NFAC). Prior to retirement, Mr. Ogier spent over 40 years in the finance industry. He previously served as chief financial officer for Lutheran Senior Services in Brentwood. Mr. Ogier holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Missouri State University.

    Bryan Strider, of Richmond, was appointed to the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.

    Mr. Strider is a fifth-generation farmer and business development manager for Holganix. With deep roots in the farming community and a career built on  hands-on experience, Strider’s focuses on advancing sustainable farming practices and helping make farmers for profitable and resilient. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from Northwest Missouri State University.

    William “Billy” Thiel, of Richmond, was appointed to the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.

    Mr. Thiel is a partner of more than 40 years in a family farm that produces corn and soybeans. Thiel was appointed to the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority in 2016. He is a past president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association and has been active in the National Corn Growers Association. Thiel also served as chairman of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, is a director on the Board of the Rural Electric Association, and a member of the Mid-Missouri Energy Board.

    Tom Werdenhause, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.

    Mr. Werdenhause previously served as the general manager and chief executive officer for Three Rivers Electric Cooperative prior to his retirement in 2019. He is the current president of the State Technical College of Missouri Foundation, and past president of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Central Electric Power Cooperative, and Missouri Institute of Cooperatives. Mr. Werdenhause earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central Missouri State University. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –