Category: Energy

MIL-OSI USA: Case Opposes Housing And Transportation, Energy And Water Funding Measures That Fail To Support Americans Facing Rising Housing, Energy And Transportation Costs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today voted in full Committee against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Appropriations and FY 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations measures.

The FY 2026 housing and transportation bill proposes to spend $89.9 billion for HUD, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Department of Transportation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This is a decrease of $4.5 billion from the FY 2025 enacted level.

The $57.3 billion Energy and Water Appropriations bill funds the Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) civil works programs and various energy programs. This is a decrease of nearly $776 million from the FY 2025 enacted level.

“While these measures fund many critical Hawai‘i priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against both bills because of massive cuts to federal program that help everyday Americans with rising housing, transportation and energy costs,” explained Case.

The Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill included some important wins for Hawai‘i requested by Case including $5.5 million for Case’s Community Funding Projects (described below), as well as $18.3 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant and $28 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund (for both of which programs the President’s budget has proposed $0). It also included Case’s request to continue funding for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety of the helicopter and small aircraft industry through accident investigation, analysis and recommendations to prevent future incidents, including several fatal accidents throughout Hawai‘i.

Despite these positives, Case said the bill poses significant risks to vulnerable communities by exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis and undercutting critical housing support systems. The bill eliminates the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the only federal program dedicated to developing new affordable rental and homeownership options. It also defunds the PRO Housing Program, which empowers local governments to address housing shortages. Together, these actions remove essential tools for expanding the affordable housing supply.

The bill further harms Americans aspiring to homeownership by stripping funding from housing counseling assistance. The net effect of the bill threatens nearly 415,000 households that rely on HUD assistance, putting them at risk of eviction and housing instability.

The Energy and Water Appropriations bill also included numerous wins for Hawai‘i requested by Case, including funding for USACE programs that aid in the preservation of Hawaii’s coastlines across all seven inhabited islands. Specifically, the bill includes $2 million to study avenues of protection for public infrastructure on small beaches from erosion and damage caused by storms and natural wave currents; $18 million for regional sediment management, construction, operations and regulatory functions in the coastal zone; and $38 million for programs which manage aquatic weeds in public waters.

Notably, one of Case’s highest priorities, an instruction to the USACE to complete a major update study for Honolulu Harbor, was included in the bill. This provision directs the USACE to investigate modifications to Honolulu Harbor to better handle the impacts of military operations in the state and throughout the Indo-Pacific as a whole, which can open up additional federal resources for the planned improvements of Honolulu Harbor. Also included in the bill is $9.5 million for USACE program that aids in the planning, designing and construction of small projects for commercial navigation purposes such as channels, breakwaters and jetties. This funding will aid in the investigation of best practices for Honolulu Harbor modifications.

Despite these positives, Case opposed the measure in light of the widespread elimination of funding to advance clean, affordable and secure energy for Americans. The bill slashes vital clean energy funding nationwide, with Hawai‘i set to experience a cut of 31% on federal funding for clean energy projects and investments.

“While the Energy and Water Appropriations measures fund many critical Hawai‘i and priorities I requested, regrettably the bill will increase energy costs for American families by revoking more than $5 billion in clean energy investments.

“Without these federally funded programs and incentives, we risk falling dangerously behind our clean energy goals,” said Case.

Through his assignment on the Committee, Case secured the following seven Member-designated Community Project Funding (CPF) projects across the two bills that specifically focused on local needs in Hawai‘i:

·      $2 million for the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to repair Aloha Tower, including replacing its 40-foot mast, repairing the crown of the tower and replacing its windows to weatherproof the landmark. This funding is essential to maintain Aloha Tower’s structural integrity, enhance public access and ensure that it remains a celebrated symbol of Honolulu’s history for generations to come.

·      $1 million for the City and County of Honolulu for its Waikīkī Vista Project. This project converts former Tokai University and Hawai‘i Pacific University classrooms into a consolidated, family-friendly emergency shelter and additional affordable housing units for low-income families. This investment will directly enhance the City’s ability to reduce family homelessness and expand affordable housing inventory in one of Hawaii’s most housing-challenged areas.

·      $850,000 for the City and County of Honolulu to support its Safe Harbor Support for Housing Survivors of Domestic Violence project. This funding will expand the Domestic Violence Action Center’s successful housing program by supporting property acquisition and staffing to increase safe and stable housing options for survivors and their children.

·      $850,000 for Kalihi Waena Elementary School to construct a new single-span pedestrian bridge with American with Disabilities Act-compliant access between Kūhiō Park Terrace and the school. The new bridge will replace dangerously deteriorating infrastructure and ensure safe and equitable access for students and community members.

·      $300,000 for Highlands Intermediate School to modernize and expand its media center infrastructure. The renovation will create a collaborative, technology-driven learning environment that fosters student creativity, innovation and digital literacy.

·      $250,000 for the Hawai‘i State Parks System and Hawai‘i Nature Center to upgrade educational and operational facilities, including classroom expansion and replacement of a sustainable wetland wastewater system supporting environmental education for thousands of Title I students annually.

·      $250,000 for the Hawai‘i State Broadband Office for broadband infrastructure development in our local community centers. Funding will be used toward essential network enhancements, including rewiring, electrical system upgrades and the installation of Wi-Fi access points to ensure reliable, high-speed connectivity.

The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.

Transportation-HUD Funding Bill

More specifically, the bill includes the following funding requested by Case for programs to improve access to affordable housing in Hawai‘i and nationwide:

·      $18.3 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program, which supports the building, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable homes.

·      $5 million for core housing research partnerships with Native Hawaiian serving institutions among other minority serving institutions.

·      $56 million for the Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program.

·      $17 billion for project-based rental assistance.

·      $5.6 billion for the Community Development Fund, which includes $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant formula program.

·      $4 billion for the Homeless Assistance Grants.

Transportation and infrastructure programs requested and secured by Case include:

·      $380 million for the Maritime Security Program, $123 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program and $30 million for assistance to small shipyards like Kalaeloa/Barbers Point.

·      $64 billion for the Federal Highway Administration to improve the safety and long-term viability of our highways.

·      $23 billion for the FAA, including $10 billion to fully fund air traffic control operations and allow the FAA to hire 2,500 air traffic controllers to replace the retiring workforce.

·      $15 billion for the Federal Transit Administration.

A summary of the Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill is available here.

Energy and Water Funding Bill

More specifically, the bill includes the following energy and water-related programs and provisions requested and secured by Case and of specific benefit to Hawai‘i:

·      Language directing the USACE to investigate modifications to Honolulu Harbor to better accommodate the impacts of military operations in the state and throughout the Indo-Pacific as a whole.

·      $2 million for the USACE’s beach erosion and hurricane and storm damage reduction activities.

·      $40 million for flood control and coastal emergencies efforts.

·      $18 million for the USACE’s National Coastal Mapping Program, which provides high-resolution elevation and imagery data along the U.S. shorelines on a recurring basis which can provide a better understanding of human uses, issues and constraints in coastal regions.

·      $12 million for the USACE’s Aquatic Plant Control Program, which conducts research and development of biological, chemical, cultural and ecological capabilities for controlling invasive aquatic plants.

·      Language modifying a clean energy program under DOE that has been widely beneficial for Hawai‘i. The newly named Energy Technology Innovation Office, previously known as the Energy Transitions Initiative, supports island and remote communities by providing personalized technical and financial assistance. Case recently introduced legislation make to make this program permanent. (See here for more details.)

·      Language directing the DOE to investigate potential benefits of having small-modular nuclear reactors as a source of clean, domestically sourced electricity for remote, noncontiguous U.S. areas such as Hawai‘i.

A summary of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill is available here.

These two bills are the 6th and 7th of twelve separate bills developed and approved by the Appropriations Committee that would fund the federal government at some $1.6 trillion for FY 2026 commencing October 1^st of this year. The bills now move on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
PM Modi to visit Bihar, West Bengal today, unveil development projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bihar and West Bengal today (Friday), where he will launch a range of developmental projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore. After giving a major thrust to infrastructure development in both states, PM Modi will also address public gatherings in Motihari in Bihar and Durgapur in West Bengal.

The projects, amounting to over Rs 7,200 crore for Bihar and over Rs 5,000 crore for Bengal, aim to elevate the region’s connectivity and overall infrastructural growth, while boosting employment, rural livelihoods and digital innovation.

In Motihari, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects across rail, road, IT, fisheries and rural development sectors. He will flag off four Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Patna, Motihari, Darbhanga and Malda Town to major northern cities including Delhi and Lucknow.

Key railway projects in Bihar include the inauguration of automatic signalling on the Samastipur-Bachhwara line and the doubling of Darbhanga-Thalwara and Samastipur-Rambhadrapur sections worth Rs 580 crore.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for rail infrastructure projects including a Vande Bharat maintenance facility at Patliputra and doubling of the Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj line, amounting to Rs 4,080 crore.

In road infrastructure, PM Modi will launch the four-laning of the Ara bypass and Parariya-Mohania section of NH-319 with a combined investment of Rs 820 crore, improving access to the Delhi-Kolkata Golden Quadrilateral.

To foster Bihar’s digital economy, the Prime Minister will inaugurate a Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Darbhanga and an incubation centre in Patna, boosting start-ups and IT/ITES exports.

Under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, he will launch new fisheries infrastructure including hatcheries, aquaculture units and fish feed mills.

PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal, worth around Rs 1,950 crore to give a boost to Oil and Gas infrastructure in the region. It will provide PNG connections to households, commercial establishments and industrial customers and provide CNG at the retail outlets.

PM Modi will also dedicate to the nation the Durgapur to Kolkata section (132 Km) of Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline and Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline, also known as Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) Project. (IANS)

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: More invitations issued to the Economic Reform Roundtable

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Today we have issued another round of invitations to the government’s Economic Reform Roundtable.

The Roundtable is all about building consensus on long term economic reform, with a focus on resilience, productivity and budget sustainability.

The latest round of invitees includes expert voices on economic policy, leaders with broad industry and policy experience, and important perspectives from regulators, the public sector and the states.

It’s an outstanding group of people who we believe will make a big contribution to the future direction of economic reform.

They are thought leaders who have been chosen for their ability to make meaningful contributions across a broad range of areas and across each of the three days.

More invitations will be issued for participants to attend specific sessions, as the agenda takes shape.

While we can’t invite representatives from every industry or organisation, everyone has the chance to have their say in this process with online submissions still open.

Roundtable invitations issued today include:

Sue Lloyd‑Hurwitz AM, Chair, National Housing Supply and Affordability Council

Kerry Schott, Chair, Competition Review Expert Advisory Panel

Matt Comyn, Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Scott Farquhar, Chair, Tech Council of Australia

Cath Bowtell, Chair, IFM Investors

Ben Wyatt, Board Member, Woodside, and former Treasurer of Western Australia

Ken Henry AC, Chair, Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation

Andrew Fraser, Chair, Australian Retirement Trust, Chancellor, Griffith University and former Treasurer of Queensland

Allegra Spender MP, Federal Independent Member for Wentworth

Daniel Mookhey MLC, Chair, Board of Treasurers and NSW Treasurer

Gina Cass‑Gottlieb, Chair, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Steven Kennedy PSM, Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of the Treasury

Invitations issued last month:

Danielle Wood, Chair, Productivity Commission

Sally McManus, Secretary, Australian Council of Trade Unions

Michele O’Neil, President, Australian Council of Trade Unions

Liam O’Brien*, Assistant Secretary, Australian Council of Trade Unions

Joseph Mitchell*, Assistant Secretary, Australian Council of Trade Unions

Bran Black, Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Australia

Andrew McKellar, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Innes Willox, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Industry Group

Matthew Addison, Chair, Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia

Cassandra Goldie, Australian Council of Social Service

Ted O’Brien, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Treasurer

*These participants will attend as alternates for the Secretary and President of the ACTU.

Biographies

Sue Lloyd‑Hurwitz AM

Sue is the Chair of National Housing Supply and Affordability Council; a non‑executive director of Rio Tinto, Macquarie Group and INSEAD; and a Fellow of the University of Sydney Senate. Previously, Sue was CEO and Managing Director of Mirvac and President of Chief Executive Women.

Dr Kerry Schott AO

Kerry is a Director of AGL, Chair of the Carbon Market Institute and Chair of the Competition Review Expert Advisory Panel. Recently, she was Chair of the New South Wales Net Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board, Chair of the Advisory Board to EnergyCo NSW, and an Adviser to Aware Super. Kerry brings extensive experience in transport, infrastructure and energy, across both business and government sectors.

Matt Comyn

Matt is the CEO and Managing Director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Matt has over 25 years of experience in the banking sector, including as Managing Director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s biggest digital business, CommSec, and brings extensive experience in digital adoption.

Scott Farquhar

Scott is the Co‑Founder of Atlassian, one of the world’s leading software collaboration companies and Australia’s first tech unicorn. Scott is a Founding Member and Chair of the Tech Council of Australia and is also the Co‑Founder of Skip Capital, a private fund investing in exceptional tech and infrastructure entrepreneurs.

Cath Bowtell

Cath is the Chair of IFM Investors, Industry Super Holdings and is a Director of Industry Fund Services. Cath has worked for many years in senior roles in both the superannuation industry and union movement. Cath is also currently the Chair of the Jobs and Skills Australia Ministerial Advisory Board.

The Hon Ben Wyatt

Ben is a former Treasurer of Western Australia and holds a number of current board positions, including for Woodside. Ben held a number of ministerial positions in WA and became the first Indigenous treasurer of an Australian parliament. Ben brings extensive knowledge of public policy, finance, international trade and Indigenous affairs.

Dr Ken Henry AC

Ken is an Australian economist and former public servant, including as Secretary of the Department of the Treasury from 2001 to 2011. Ken has held numerous positions in both government and the private sector, and is currently Chair of the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation, the Nature Finance Council, and Wildlife Recovery Australia.

The Hon Andrew Fraser

Andrew is the Chair of the Australian Retirement Trust, Chancellor of Griffith University and a Director of the Bank of Queensland. He also works in the charity sector, where he serves as the Chair of Orange Sky Australia. Andrew is a former Deputy Premier and Treasurer of Queensland, and brings broad experience across the private and public sectors, and the charitable and education sectors.

Allegra Spender MP

Allegra is the Federal Independent Member for Wentworth. Prior to entering Parliament, Allegra worked as a business analyst at McKinsey, a policy analyst with UK Treasury and was later the Managing Director at Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd. Allegra was also previously the Chair of the Sydney Renewable Power Company, and CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network.

The Hon Daniel Moohkey MLC

Daniel is NSW Treasurer and the current Chair of the Board of Treasurers. Daniel has been a member of the NSW Legislative Council for over ten years and has delivered three Budgets in his over two years as the Treasurer of NSW.

Gina Cass‑Gottlieb

Gina is Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Gina has over 30 years’ experience advising on merger, competition and regulatory matters in Australia and New Zealand. Gina brings broad and deep experience on consumer and competition issues across the economy.

Dr Steven Kennedy PSM

Steven is Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and was previously Secretary to the Treasury. Prior to this, Steven was Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development between September 2017 and August 2019. In a public service career spanning more than 30 years, Steven has held a series of other senior positions.

Jenny Wilkinson PSM

Jenny Wilkinson commenced as Secretary to the Australian Treasury in June 2025, becoming the first woman to hold this position in its 124‑year history. Jenny was previously Secretary of the Department of Finance. During her career, Jenny has held other senior positions in Commonwealth Treasury, the Parliamentary Budget Office, the Department of Industry, the Department of Climate Change, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Reserve Bank of Australia.

MIL OSI News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur Statement at the Full Committee Markup of the 2026 Energy and Water Development Funding Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the full committee’s markup of its fiscal year 2026 bill:

Thank you very much, Chairman Cole. Ranking Member DeLauro, my dear friend, Chair Fleischmann and all the members as we gather today to mark up this Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development Bill. I have to restate, Chairman Fleischmann, I have truly appreciated working with you. You are always open to suggestions and, to all of our colleagues on this subcommittee that is a very, bipartisan subcommittee to develop and pass these bills, and our committee has long had this practice. We affect every single Congressional District in this country.

I’m truly saddened that this vital subcommittee is, being steered yet again to return to a partisan process not caused by our subcommittee, but as we move forward with this Fiscal Year 2026 House bill.

I would like to begin by thanking our diligent staff for all their hard work on this bill from the minority staff Scott McKee, Anisha Singh, and Adam Wilson, and on our personal staff, Kaitlin Ulin, TJ Lowdermilk, and Margaret McInnis. Truly thank you to you all.

Engineered energy and water systems undergird America’s way of life. They are not optional, but essential to sustaining life. Of late, we have been piercingly reminded about our subcommittee’s purpose, especially as related to water management by the extreme flash flooding and tragic loss of over 132 lives, and with over 101 missing, in the Guadalupe River catchment area in Texas.

The deadly West Virginia flash flooding this past month significantly damaged over 100 homes. Unfortunately, taking the lives of at least nine people, including a three year old, in Valley Grove, West Virginia. And we’ve seen flooding events in central North Carolina and New Mexico. All our hearts go out to the families of the victims and their communities. These tragedies inform us of the power of water and wild energy in our atmosphere. Not because of cloud seeding, but because of nature’s awesome power generated inside the thin seven layer atmosphere surrounding our spinning and rotating earth. Let me be clear. No matter how much members on the other side of the aisle want to pretend that the climate isn’t changing, for the record, the last ten years are the ten hottest in recorded history.

So many have been held up on their plane flights back here. It’s an unusual change in the weather across this country, and members are personally experiencing these delays, as are the American people. These recent floods are made worse by the heating atmosphere. We had four 1,000 year floods last week alone. That is a record.

So far in July, our country has seen over 1,200 flooding events, more than double the normal for an average July, and we’re just halfway through the month. Constitutionally, it is our sworn duty to prepare and protect the people in our communities, and it is hard to accept that no warning sirens had been installed along the Guadalupe River, despite prior tragedies along that very treacherous corridor. Our nation needs to install warning systems and build resilient infrastructure, and we are behind.

For example, in a district like mine, we had to bring funding for tornado sirens many years ago. I was shocked that they didn’t exist. And in Ohio, we do zone to prevent flooding from threatening human life. But many places in our country do not, and we cannot keep bailing out places that are irresponsible in their behavior. My home in the City of Toledo has gone into Billions of dollars of debt to build new sewers, along with gigantic underground catchment basins, some as large as two football fields in size, in order to handle increasing water loads.

We are making investments all over our district to protect Lake Erie shoreline and its tributaries. But in places where infrastructure investments aren’t cost effective, how does our nation make sure that families will be protected with adequate local planning and disaster warning systems? America needs more rigor in land and water planning systems, and my friends, quite frankly, we as a nation don’t get a grade A on that.

It is our awesome responsibility as public servants to address the structural shortcomings at the federal, state, and local level that contributed to the recent loss of life. Sadly, this Republican energy and water bill does not meet our nation’s imperative for the future. It’s over $700 Million below last year. We must invest faster in modern infrastructure, and become energy independent in perpetuity. That is our responsibility. In a nation of 350 million people headed to 500 million people, we must make energy cost less and invest in grid resilience, which is sadly behind what this country needs.

I find it interesting that Russell Vought, the chief architect of the budget cuts that we are being asked to endure in this bill, claims that he’s so savvy. But how is it possible? He’s supposed to be known as a budget cutter, right? But how is it possible that he has added $3.4 Trillion, despite our cuts to the national debt over the next ten years? Over 20 years, he’s adding $9.5 Trillion, and $18.7 Trillion by 30 years out. So that’s a total of $32 Trillion, if temporary measures are extended permanently. Think about that one. So if they’re doing such a good job over there at the Executive Branch and OMB, how come the national debt is rising when we’re cutting every single bill that we are discussing today, and those that will follow?

This bill fails to address the cost of living crisis. The price of electricity has risen 5.8% over the last year. Every family in this country knows that, and even higher energy bills lie ahead for families and businesses. China is investing record levels in energy, my friends. But this bill retreats from US global leadership in the future in the form of a diversified and clean energy economy. This energy and water bill cuts $1.6 Billion, or 47%, from the Department of Energy’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. The adage analysis prevention is worth a pound of cure applies to our nation’s imperative to deliver clean, affordable, and secure energy to the American people and to ensure our nation leads, not lags, in the global race toward energy independence in perpetuity, including an abundant clean energy future.

Our mom and dad taught us how to be thrifty and not wasteful. Dad would say, “it’s not how much you make, it’s how much you save,” and that applies to energy and fresh water. Conservation are good goals for the future of our children and grandchildren, and we’ve made some strides toward those horizons. The United States on the oil front is producing more than ever before, record high levels of production, but we are still tethered to a volatile global energy market dominated by cartels and petroleum dictators like OPEC. We must advance an all of the above energy strategy to be successful long term. Europe learned the hard way about being too reliant on one source of energy, Russian gas. In their case when Russia invaded Ukraine. Let us heed that chilling warning.

China aims to be the OPEC for the next century, and gain dominance in clean energy, and they are well on their way. Their investments dwarf the rest of the world’s. A Chinese company has developed an EV battery. Are you ready for this? That can travel 1,800 miles in a single charge and recharge in just five minutes. Think about that. What sense does it make for this Energy and Water Bill to slash the Department of Energy’s vital research and development programs?

The Republican plan cripples America’s energy future by awarding giant tax breaks to Millionaires and Billionaires in the Big Billionaire Bonanza Bill that’s creating the big, huge additions to the debt. America must focus on building an economy that works for everyone, especially our working families and retirees, not just the wealthy few. The bill this bill eliminates funding for the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, and worse, it revokes $5.1 Billion of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law resources from the Department of Energy that will cede the US global lead in hydrogen, direct air capture, battery recycling, and energy savings in every public and private structure. Already, US businesses have canceled. This is shocking number. More than $15 Billion in investments in new factories and electricity production projects this year, as a result of the Republican Bonanza for Billionaires Bill. Those canceled projects were expected to create nearly 12,000 new jobs, all now gone.

I can remember when we brought back the heavy Ford heavy truck line from Mexico to the region that I represent, and I stood next to the CEO of the company at that time, and I said, what can I do to keep these jobs anchored here in Northern Ohio? And he looked at me and he didn’t waste a moment. He said, cut my energy bills by a third. Well, think about that one.

Thus I strongly oppose the Republican cuts to vital energy production and conservation and our future through the US Department of Energy. Shortchanging these advances pushes our nation backwards and raises already high energy prices for consumers. Why drive America backwards by slow walking energy innovation and failing to modernize our nation’s electric grids, which are old.

In other areas, this bill dangerously short changes our national security, and this is really critical. The bill slashes $412 Million from the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account. This effectively guts our efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, detect covert nuclear threats, and uphold arms control agreements that keep us safe. All a big gift for Iran, Russia, China, Belarus, and North Korea. Think about that Spiderweb of Tyranny.

Additionally, this bill turns its back on communities still living with the toxic legacy of America’s atomic past. Zeroing out the Army Corps program to clean up radioactive waste at early nuclear sites. It slashes $779 Million from the Department of Energy’s nuclear cleanup efforts. Delaying the cleanup of these communities have been promised for decades. I’ll note for the committee that one of these sites is in the village of Luckey, Ohio, not so far from my district, and believe me, you don’t want to breathe in or ingest atomic waste anywhere in the world. Finally, this bill includes numerous controversial poison pill riders that sadly show some extremists among us are not interested in real bills that can gain bipartisan support and become law.

In closing, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill. America can, and must meet the new age frontiers of energy and water. We owe it to the future. Nature is signaling, times are changing. And it’s good to remind ourselves, 200 years after Daniel Webster stated this, that is up on the wall in the House of Representatives chamber. “Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether also we in our time and generation may not perform something worthy to be remembered.” That is our mandate today.

Thank you, and I yield back.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER SECURES $54 MILLION AUTHORIZATION IN SENATE NATIONAL DEFENSE BILL FOR NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION TO BUILD NEW COMBINED OPERATIONS ALERT FACILITY; SENATOR LAUNCHES PUSH TO DELIVER $$$ IN…

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Is Critical Base For Air Force In Western NY, But Current Operations Are Spread Across Multiple Facilities, Wasting Energy & Degrading Command & Control & NFARS Has Lacked Funding To Build New Combined Facility

After Months Of Work, Schumer Just Secured New $54M Authorization For Project In The FY 2026 Senate NDAA; Senator Says Now House Needs To Back Funding, Too; Schumer Is Pushing To Deliver $$ For New Centralized Facility In The Next Defense Appropriations Bill

Schumer: We Are A Major Step Closer To A New Combined Operations Alert Facility For The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station!

Following months of advocacy, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced he has secured a $54 million authorization in the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 in a major step forward to building a new Combined Operations Alert Facility (COAF) at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (NFARS).

The senator has been advocating for a new COAF to provide the station with more effective command and control, improved cohesion between squadrons, improved mission response times, and streamlined communications. Currently, support functions for the 914^th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) are distributed across multiple stovepiped and outdated facilities at NFARS, adding unnecessary burden and mission load. Schumer underscored that centralizing operations has been a major priority for NFARS.

“Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and the 914^th Air Refueling Wing has continuously delivered for New York and America’s strategic deterrence over the last 50 years, but to best fulfill its mission going forward it needs a new facility to centralize its command & control operations and improve communication across squadrons. Today, we take a major step towards bringing a new Combined Operations Alert Facility to life. I am proud to announce I just secured the long desired federal funding authorization of $54 million to build a new NFARS Combined Operations Alert Facility in the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act,” said Senator Schumer. “NFARS is one of Niagara County’s top employers and it needs continued federal investment to keep this facility in top notch shape. This is a major step forward to improving efficiency and upgrading operations at NFARS, which is why we need the House to follow suit as we continue efforts to deliver this funding. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to secure funding in appropriations to get dollars through the door and shovels in the ground for this new facility for the Niagara Falls Reserve Station and all the hardworking men and women in Niagara County.”

Schumer explained, “With 914^th ARW command and control operations and support functions currently spread across multiple facilities, wasting energy and degrading communications, securing this $54 million authorization in the Senate is a massive step forward in the push to build a new facility to consolidate alert operations across key units and support functions.”

The senator said the House needs to follow suit backing this authorization as the he fights to deliver funding in the next defense appropriations bill. Schumer previously secured $2.8 million in federal funding for the design and planning of the COAF in FY 2023.

Schumer has long fought for greater federal investment into NFARS. Schumer has visited NFARS many times, including in 2017, when he worked with Air Force and National Guard officials to secure funding for a new training facility, building on the structures already in place at NFARS. Also in 2017, Schumer announced after his advocacy that the base would receive eight KC-135 aircraft, which brought nearly $25 million in investment, jobs and increased flight hours.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Huge boost for UK industry as Government powers ahead with cuts to electricity costs
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Huge boost for UK industry as Government powers ahead with cuts to electricity costs

The Government has announced a huge boost to UK industry as it powers ahead with its plan to cut electricity costs.
Plans to slash electricity network costs for energy-intensive businesses by 90% are set in motion as Government launches new consultation.

Around 500 of UK’s most energy-intensive firms set to save up to £420m a year when current 60% discount on network charging costs increases to 90% from 2026.

Shows UK getting on with delivering announcements in Modern Industrial Strategy that will level the playing field for British businesses, backed by Plan for Change

Around 500 of the UK’s most energy-intensive businesses such as British Steel and INEOS are set for a huge boost as the Government powers ahead with a 90% discount for businesses’ network charging costs.

Delivering on its promise in the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy launched last month to slash energy costs for heavy industry, the Government today (18 July) launches a four-week consultation on its plans to increase the discount on businesses’ electricity network charges from 60% to 90%.

The landmark new support is expected to save around 500 of Britain’s most energy-intensive firms in key sectors like steel, ceramics, glass and chemicals up to £420m per year from 2026 when in force and bring the UK’s industrial energy prices in line with European competitors, helping secure jobs and attract new investment as part of the Plan for Change.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

This government is on the side of British industry. When we make promises we deliver on them. That’s why we’re wasting no time in powering ahead with our plans to tackle energy costs for great British businesses and level the playing field.

The cornerstone of our modern Industrial Strategy, this landmark new support will meet a longstanding need from industry which other governments shirked – paving the way for new investment and job creation at the heart of our Plan for Change.

The launch of the consultation on the Network Charging Compensation (NCC) scheme, part of the Government’s British Industry Supercharger package of measures to tackle industrial electricity costs, will seek industry’s views on the 30% uplift and double the window which businesses have to apply for support through the scheme from one month to two.

Network charges are the costs paid by electricity network users for access to the service and are already discounted by 60% for some of the UK’s biggest industrial businesses through the NCC scheme since April 2024, saving businesses millions of pounds every month.

The proposals in the consultation launched today would see their costs fall by around a further £7 per megawatt hour (/MWh) bringing electricity prices more into line with European countries such as France and Germany.

The news follows Deloitte’s latest survey of finance officers which has found the UK is the joint top location for investment in the world, and new data from Make UK and BDO which finds that manufacturing in the UK has recovered to 2019, pre-pandemic, levels in every region, with 12,000 new jobs created in the year to March 2024.

The uplift follows other new landmark support for British industry announced in last month’s modern Industrial Strategy, with the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme expected to slash energy costs by up to 25 percent for over 7,000 businesses.

This scheme, which government will consult on shortly and is due to come into force in 2027, will cut costs for thousands of electricity-intensive businesses in key manufacturing sectors like aerospace, automotive and chemicals, supporting hundreds of thousands of skilled jobs by exempting firms from paying levies like the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market.

A new Connections Accelerator Service will also come into force by the end of 2025, streamlining access to the UK electricity grid for major investment projects to speed up delivery and bring new high-quality jobs and economic growth.

New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before Parliament, could also allow the Government to reserve grid capacity for strategically important projects, cutting waiting times and unlocking growth in key sectors.

Gareth Stace, Director General of UK Steel, and Chair of Energy Intensive Users Group, said:

Increasing network charge compensation under the Government’s Supercharger scheme is a very welcome and much-needed step towards achieving competitive electricity prices for the UK’s steel sector and other foundation industries.

These reforms reflect solutions that UK Steel has long advocated to address the persistent challenge of uncompetitive industrial electricity costs. While more still needs to be done, this is meaningful progress.

Truly competitive energy prices are essential to unlocking investment, creating jobs, accelerating decarbonisation, and securing the long-term future of steelmaking in the UK.

Investment Minister Baroness Gustafsson visited Special Melted Products – an historic British advanced manufacturing firm which currently benefits from the 60% network charging discount – in Sheffield yesterday to welcome the news, as well as a major investment in the company from Taiwanese firm Walsin Lihwa, set to create over 200 skilled jobs by 2028.

Notes to editors:

The Government’s modern Industrial Strategy can be found here.

The consultation will be published on Gov.UK later today here.

The total estimated value of the network charging compensation component of the Supercharger (at 90%) is £310-420m this year (in 2025 prices).

The NCC uplift will provide an estimated additional £7-10/MWh discount to eligible businesses.

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Published 18 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Further Promote American Energy

Source: US Whitehouse

class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

1. Coal-fired electricity generation is essential to ensuring that our Nation’s grid is reliable and that electricity is affordable to the American people, and to promoting our Nation’s energy security. The Federal Government plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Nation’s power supply remains secure and reliable. Forcing energy producers to comply with unattainable emissions controls jeopardizes this mission.
2. On May 7, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule, pursuant to section 112 of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7412, titled National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review, 89 FR 38508 (Rule), which amended the preexisting Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule to make it more stringent. The Rule’s effective date was July 8, 2024. Id. Its compliance date is July 8, 2027, 3 years after its effective date. See 89 FR 38519.
3. The Rule places severe burdens on coal-fired power plants and, through its indirect effects, on the viability of our Nation’s coal sector. Specifically, the Rule requires compliance with standards premised on the application of emissions-control technologies that do not yet exist in a commercially viable form. The current compliance timeline of the Rule therefore raises the unacceptable risk of the shutdown of many coal-fired power plants, eliminating thousands of jobs, placing our electrical grid at risk, and threatening broader, harmful economic and energy security effects. This in turn would undermine our national security, as these effects would leave America vulnerable to electricity demand shortages, increased dependence on foreign energy sources, and potential disruptions of our electricity and energy supplies, particularly in times of crisis.
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 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7412(i)(4), do hereby proclaim that certain stationary sources subject to the Rule, as identified in Annex I of this proclamation, are exempt from compliance with the Rule for a period of 2 years beyond the Rule’s compliance date — i.e., for the period beginning July 8, 2027, and concluding July 8, 2029 (Exemption). The effect of this Exemption is that, during this 2-year period, these stationary sources are subject to the compliance obligations that they are currently subject to under the MATS as the MATS existed prior to the Rule. In support of this Exemption, I hereby make the following determinations:
a. The technology to implement the Rule is not available. Such technology does not exist in a commercially viable form sufficient to allow implementation of and compliance with the Rule by its compliance date of July 8, 2027.
b. It is in the national security interests of the United States to issue this Exemption for the reasons stated in paragraphs 1 and 3 of this proclamation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventeenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

ANNEX I

Affected Facility/Source: Cardinal Unit 1, Unit 2, and Unit 3, Ohio

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association

Affected Facility/Source: Craig Generating Station Unit 2 and Unit 3, Colorado

City Water, Light and Power

Affected Facility/Source: Dallman Unit 4, Illinois

Cardinal Operating Company

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao’s Bill to Expand Telehealth Opportunities Passes Out of House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G. Valadao (California)

WASHINGTON – Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced H.R. 3419, the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act, out of full committee markup. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) and would provide investment in rural healthcare by reauthorizing the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs through Fiscal Year 2030.

“Central Valley families shouldn’t have to wait weeks just to see a doctor,” said Congressman Valadao. “Expanding access to telehealth gives patients more flexibility, helps address workforce shortages that are straining our healthcare system, and gives families the tools needed to better connect with providers. I’m grateful to Chairman Brett Guthrie and the Energy and Commerce Committee for prioritizing this issue and look forward to advancing this bill.”

Background:

Originally enacted in 1944, the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) provides the foundation for the nation’s public health programs and workforce. Over the years, it has been a critical tool in addressing America’s evolving health care needs—particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to quality care remains a challenge.

Through key provisions supporting community health centers, workforce development programs, and telehealth expansion, the PHSA has helped bring vital services to millions of Americans living in rural areas. Reauthorizing the telehealth network and telehealth resource grant programs ensures continued investment in initiatives that recruit and retain health professionals in rural communities, strengthens rural hospitals and clinics, and closes the geographic gaps in receiving quality care.

Read the full bill here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy Sector – New rules unlock network connection barriers to support electrification

Source: Electricity Authority

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority) is making it easier and faster to connect to the electricity network so New Zealand can electrify faster.

The changes are the first steps in the Authority’s work to make it easier and more efficient for businesses, developers and other consumers to get access to the electricity network so communities and the economy can benefit.

The Authority consulted on a package of changes late last year, with a focus on reducing the time and cost to connect infrastructure such as public EV charging stations, manufacturing, and solar farms.

Authority General Manager Networks and System Change Tim Sparks says standardised rules about how the 29 lines companies process connection applications and how they develop and structure pricing for new and upgraded connections are vital to getting more electricity into the network and reducing costs.

“Inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the application processes and pricing methodologies across New Zealand’s 29 lines companies can add unnecessary time and cost to projects, particularly for those who want to operate in multiple regions,” Sparks said. “The changes we’ve announced today will help address these issues and unlock more of the barriers to electrification.

“Under the new rules, lines companies must offer the least-cost, technically acceptable solution,” Sparks said. “Any extra costs to enhance the connection – for example running the connection underground – will be paid for by whoever requested it. This ensures people aren’t paying for other network costs they didn’t ask for.”

The Authority’s changes include introducing processes for larger users wanting to connect – such as an EV charge point operator or a public transport operator electrifying its fleet – including setting timeframes for decisions. To date, large energy users haven’t had baseline protections because the rules have only applied to electricity generators directly connecting to the network. Providing a clear and consistent process will increase transparency and certainty for those needing to connect and make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

“We have been working with the Commerce Commission and industry on these improvements, which we believe will increase transparency and consistency and address some known issues. Overall, we expect both lines companies and those needing to connect will benefit from more efficient connection processes. All New Zealanders will benefit over time through increased choice and value as more services and infrastructure come online sooner.”

The Authority is introducing eight new requirements to improve the network connection application process and four new connection pricing requirements. The Authority is further considering two of the rule changes originally proposed in last year’s consultation papers to ensure they fully and effectively address the issues they are intended to resolve. They are:

– the ‘reliance limit’, which aimed to prevent already high-upfront charges from increasing further

– creating an obligation for distributors to connect all applications that meet certain criteria.

The Authority expects to further consult on these two further potential changes before the end of the year.

The Authority is now seeking feedback on the draft wording of the new connection pricing rules to ensure it accurately reflects the decisions made. The technical consultation on the draft wording of the new rules for connection application processes will open in August.

Most of the requirements for new connection pricing methodologies come into effect on 1 April 2026 to align with any other distribution pricing changes, as well as with the Commerce Commission processes. The new requirements for the connection application processes come into effect in the second half of 2026, allowing 12 months after the changes have been gazetted. The exception is the application process for large consumers, which will come into effect 18 months after being gazetted, as this involves entirely new processes that need to be developed.

For more information:

Distribution connection pricing reform decision paper

Network connections project stage one decision paper

Notes:The Electricity Authority is an independent Crown Entity with the main statutory objective to promote competition in, reliable supply by, and the efficient operation of, the electricity industry for the long-term benefit of consumers. The additional objective of the Authority is to protect the interests of domestic consumers and small business consumers in relation to the supply of electricity to those consumers.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Grants Regulatory Relief from Burdensome EPA Restrictions to Promote American Security
Source: US Whitehouse
PROVIDING REGULATORY RELIEF: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed four proclamations, each granting two years of regulatory relief from stringent Biden-era regulations that impacted various sectors vital to national security.
- The proclamations cover coal plants, taconite iron ore processing facilities, and certain chemical manufacturers that produce chemicals related to semiconductors, medical device sterilization, advanced manufacturing, and national defense systems.
- These proclamations allow certain of these facilities to comply with the EPA standards that were in place before the Biden Administration rulemakings for two years.
- The exemptions ensure that these facilities within these critical industries can continue to operate uninterrupted to support national security without incurring substantial costs to comply with, in some cases, unattainable compliance requirements.
REDUCING BURDENSOME RESTRICTIONS: President Trump recognizes that overly restrictive environmental regulations undermine America’s energy reliability, economic vitality, and national security.
- Biden-era emissions standards impose costly and, in some cases, unattainable compliance requirements on these industries essential to national interests.
- The technologies necessary to comply with these Biden-era standards are further not commercially viable in many instances.
- These sectors are critical to maintaining national security and economic stability. Shutdowns could compromise our grid and lead to electricity shortages and reliance on foreign energy, increase our reliance on foreign supply chains for semiconductors, reduce our ability to provide sterile medical equipment for public health and military readiness, and reduce the supply on steel that we need to support critical infrastructure.
BALANCING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS WITH AMERICAN PROSPERITY: President Trump has consistently prioritized a pragmatic approach, ensuring environmental policies support, rather than undermine, America’s economic strength and national security.
- President Trump has sought to protect American industries while maintaining standards that allow Americans to have among the cleanest air and water in the world.
- He directed the EPA to repeal the Obama-era Clean Power Plan during his first term, replacing it with the Affordable Clean Energy rule in 2019 that set achievable standards to preserve jobs while addressing emissions.
- He paused the expansion of windmills, recognizing their detrimental environmental impact, particularly on wildlife, often outweighs their benefits.
- He has championed an energy dominance strategy, boosting domestic oil and gas production to reduce reliance on foreign energy while maintaining practical environmental oversight.
- His approach encourages industry to develop cost-effective solutions like improved emissions technologies rather than imposing unfeasible mandates that risk economic disruption.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Harshbarger Joins President Trump at White House for Signing of HALT Fentanyl Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House to celebrate the signing of the bipartisan Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act, landmark legislation aimed at cracking down on the trafficking and abuse of deadly illegal fentanyl that continues to devastate communities across the nation.

“Counterfeit Fentanyl is one of the deadliest drug threats our country has ever faced, and East Tennessee families have seen the devastation firsthand,” said Rep. Harshbarger. “The HALT Fentanyl Act is a commonsense, life-saving bill that will help law enforcement keep these poisons out of our communities and hold criminals accountable. I was proud to stand with President Trump and my colleagues at the White House today to mark this important victory in our fight to protect American lives.”

BACKGROUND:

Harshbarger was an original co-sponsor of the House version of this legislation. As a pharmacist and member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Harshbarger has been a vocal advocate for combating the opioid and illegal fentanyl crisis and played a critical role in advancing the bill through Congress. Additionally, Harshbarger is the Vice Chair of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and is a part of the Republican Doctors Caucus.

The bill permanently classifies illicit fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, giving law enforcement the tools they need to stop traffickers and ensuring this incredibly dangerous substance remains off our streets.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Orca Energy Group Inc. Announces Departure of Chief Operating Officer

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orca Energy Group Inc. (“Orca” or the “Company” and includes its subsidiaries and affiliates) (TSX-V: ORC.A, ORC.B) announces that Mr. Ewen Denning is no longer employed in the position of Chief Operating Officer with the Company and its subsidiaries effective July 15, 2025. “On behalf of the Company, I would like to thank Ewen for his time with Orca,” stated Jay Lyons, Chief Executive Officer. “We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.” The Company is not seeking a replacement for Mr. Denning.

Orca Energy Group Inc.

Orca Energy Group Inc. is an international public company engaged in natural gas development and supply in Tanzania through its subsidiary, PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited. Orca trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbols ORC.B and ORC.A.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

Certain information regarding Orca set forth in this news release, including but not limited to Orca’s ability to continue regular distributions to shareholders constitutes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The words “may”, “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “expects”, “plans”, “intends”, “trends”, “indications”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “likely” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information, by its very nature, involves inherent risks and uncertainties and is based on several assumptions, both general and specific. Orca cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although believed reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Such forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of Orca to be materially different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such information.

The forward-looking information contained in this new release is provided as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable Canadian securities laws.

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Talen Energy to Report Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on August 7, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talen Energy Corporation (“Talen”) (NASDAQ: TLN) plans to release its second quarter 2025 financial results on Thursday, August 7, 2025, before market open. President and Chief Executive Officer Mac McFarland and Chief Financial Officer Terry Nutt will discuss the financial and operating results during an earnings call at 8:00 a.m. EDT (7:00 a.m. CDT) on August 7, 2025.

To participate in the call, please register for the webcast via the page linked here. Participants can also join by phone by calling 1-646-968-2525 (New York) or 1-888-596-4144 (U.S. & Canada) prior to the start of the call to receive access. For those unable to participate in the live event, a digital replay will be archived for approximately one year and available on the Events page of Talen’s Investor Relations website linked here.

About Talen
Talen Energy (NASDAQ: TLN) is a leading independent power producer and energy infrastructure company dedicated to powering the future. We own and operate approximately 10.7 gigawatts of power infrastructure in the United States, including 2.2 gigawatts of nuclear power and a significant dispatchable fossil fleet. We produce and sell electricity, capacity, and ancillary services into wholesale U.S. power markets, with our generation fleet principally located in the Mid-Atlantic and Montana. Our team is committed to generating power safely and reliably, delivering the most value per megawatt produced. Talen is also powering the digital infrastructure revolution. We are well-positioned to serve this growing industry, as artificial intelligence data centers increasingly demand more reliable, clean power. Talen is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, visit https://www.talenenergy.com/.

Investor Relations:
Sergio Castro
Vice President & Treasurer
InvestorRelations@talenenergy.com

Media:
Taryne Williams
Director, Corporate Communications
Taryne.Williams@talenenergy.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this communication, or incorporated by reference into this communication, are forward-looking statements. Throughout this communication, we have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” or other forms of these words or similar words or expressions or the negative thereof, although not all forward-looking statements contain these terms. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions concerning, among other things, capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, regulatory matters, hedging, liquidity and capital resources and accounting matters. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our future business, financial condition, results of operations or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this communication. All of our forward-looking statements include assumptions underlying or relating to such statements that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, and are subject to numerous factors that present considerable risks and uncertainties.

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: South Bow Announces Extension of Expiration Date for Exchange Offers Relating to Certain Outstanding Notes

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Bow Corp. (TSX & NYSE: SOBO) (South Bow or the Company) announces the extension of the expiration date for the previously announced exchange offers relating to certain outstanding notes of South Bow Canadian Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. (the Canadian Exchange Offer) and South Bow USA Infrastructure Holdings LLC (the U.S. Exchange Offer).

South Bow Canadian Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. exchange offer

South Bow Canadian Infrastructure Holdings Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of South Bow, has extended the expiration date for the Canadian Exchange Offer, in which: (i) the holders of its outstanding 7.625% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2055 (the Initial Series 1 Notes) were offered the opportunity to exchange all or a portion of their Initial Series 1 Notes for an equal aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2055 (the New Series 1 Notes); and (ii) the holders of its outstanding 7.500% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2055 (the Initial Series 2 Notes and collectively with the Initial Series 1 Notes, the Initial Canadian Notes) were offered the opportunity to exchange all or a portion of their Initial Series 2 Notes for an equal aggregate principal amount of 7.500% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2055 (the New Series 2 Notes and collectively with the New Series 1 Notes, the New Canadian Notes), in each case, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the short form prospectus of South Bow Canadian Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. dated July 3, 2025 (the Canadian Prospectus).

South Bow Canadian Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. is extending the previous Canadian Exchange Offer expiration date of 5:00 p.m. ET on Aug. 4, 2025, to 5:00 p.m. ET on Aug. 6, 2025 (the New Expiration Date). The deadline to validly withdraw tenders of the Initial Canadian Notes also was extended to the New Expiration Date. The Canadian Exchange Offer will now expire on the New Expiration Date, unless further extended. All other terms of the Canadian Exchange Offer remain unchanged.

South Bow Canadian Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. has filed the Canadian Prospectus with the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which contains certain important information about the Canadian Exchange Offer. South Bow Canadian Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. recommends that holders of Initial Canadian Notes read the Canadian Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein carefully before deciding whether to tender their Initial Canadian Notes in exchange for New Canadian Notes in the Canadian Exchange Offer. Copies of the Canadian Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein may be obtained on request without charge from the Corporate Secretary of South Bow at 707 – Fifth St. S.W., Calgary, Alta., Canada, T2P 1V8 or by telephone at 1-587-318-5410, and are also available under South Bow Canadian Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and in South Bow Canadian Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.’s filings with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

South Bow USA Infrastructure Holdings LLC exchange offer

South Bow USA Infrastructure Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of South Bow, has extended the expiration date for the U.S. Exchange Offer, in which: (i) the holders of its outstanding 4.911% Senior Notes due 2027 (the Initial 2027 Notes) were offered the opportunity to exchange all or a portion of their Initial 2027 Notes for an equal aggregate principal amount of 4.911% Senior Notes due 2027 (the New 2027 Notes); (ii) the holders of its outstanding 5.026% Senior Notes due 2029 (the Initial 2029 Notes) were offered the opportunity to exchange all or a portion of their Initial 2029 Notes for an equal aggregate principal amount of 5.026% Senior Notes due 2029 (the New 2029 Notes); (iii) the holders of its outstanding 5.584% Senior Notes due 2034 (the Initial 2034 Notes) were offered the opportunity to exchange all or a portion of their Initial 2034 Notes for an equal aggregate principal amount of 5.584% Senior Notes due 2034 (the New 2034 Notes); and (iv) the holders of its outstanding 6.176% Senior Notes due 2054 (the Initial 2054 Notes and collectively with the Initial 2027 Notes, the Initial 2029 Notes, and the Initial 2034 Notes, the Initial U.S. Notes) were offered the opportunity to exchange all or a portion of their Initial 2054 Notes for an equal aggregate principal amount of 6.176% Senior Notes due 2054 (the New 2054 Notes and collectively with the New 2027 Notes, the New 2029 Notes, and the New 2034 Notes, the New U.S. Notes), in each case, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the short form prospectus of South Bow USA Infrastructure Holdings LLC dated July 3, 2025 (the U.S. Prospectus).

South Bow USA Infrastructure Holdings LLC is extending the previous U.S. Exchange Offer expiration date of 5:00 p.m. ET on Aug. 4, 2025, to 5:00 p.m. ET on Aug. 6, 2025. The deadline to validly withdraw tenders of the Initial U.S. Notes also was extended to the New Expiration Date. The U.S. Exchange Offer will now expire on the New Expiration Date, unless further extended. All other terms of the U.S. Exchange Offer remain unchanged.

South Bow USA Infrastructure Holdings LLC has filed the U.S. Prospectus with the ASC and the SEC, which contains certain important information about the U.S. Exchange Offer. South Bow USA Infrastructure Holdings LLC recommends that holders of Initial U.S. Notes read the U.S. Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein carefully before deciding whether to tender their Initial U.S. Notes in exchange for New U.S. Notes in the U.S. Exchange Offer. Copies of the U.S. Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein may be obtained on request without charge from the Corporate Secretary of South Bow at 920 Memorial City Way, Suite 800, Houston, TX, U.S.A., 77024 or by telephone at 1-832-389-8831, and are also available under South Bow USA Infrastructure Holdings LLC’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and in South Bow USA Infrastructure Holdings LLC’s filings with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Forward-looking information and statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements), including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of applicable securities legislation, that are based on South Bow’s current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. All statements other than statements of historical fact may constitute forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as, “anticipate”, “will”, “expect”, “estimate”, “potential”, “future”, “outlook”, “strategy”, “maintain”, “ongoing”, “intend”, and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance.

In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to, without limitation, the expected timing of the Canadian Exchange Offer and the U.S. Exchange Offer. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that South Bow has made as of the date of this news release regarding, among other things: the completion of the Canadian Exchange Offer and the U.S. Exchange Offer, respectively, on the expected terms and within the anticipated timelines. Although South Bow believes the assumptions and other factors reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that these assumptions and factors will prove to be correct and, as such, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially, including, but not limited to: the risk that the Canadian Exchange Offer or the U.S. Exchange Offer may not be completed on the expected terms, within the anticipated timelines, or at all. The foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Additional information on the assumptions, risks, and uncertainties relevant to the Canadian Exchange Offer are contained in the Canadian Prospectus under the heading “Risk Factors” and additional information on the assumptions, risks, and uncertainties relevant to the U.S. Exchange Offer are contained in the U.S. Prospectus under the heading “Risk Factors”.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date hereof. South Bow does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

About South Bow

South Bow safely operates 4,900 kilometres (3,045 miles) of crude oil pipeline infrastructure, connecting Alberta crude oil supplies to U.S. refining markets in Illinois, Oklahoma, and the U.S. Gulf Coast through our unrivalled market position. We take pride in what we do – providing safe and reliable transportation of crude oil to North America’s highest demand markets. Based in Calgary, Alberta, South Bow is the investment-grade spinoff company of TC Energy, with Oct. 1, 2024 marking South Bow’s first day as a standalone entity. To learn more, visit www.southbow.com.

Contact information

Investor Relations Media Relations

Martha Wilmot Solomiya Lyaskovska

investor.relations@southbow.com communications@southbow.com

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Eos Energy Enterprises Announces Date for Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Conference Call

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

EDISON, N.J., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: EOSE) (“Eos” or the “Company”), an American energy company and the leading innovator in designing, sourcing, manufacturing, and providing zinc-based battery energy storage systems (BESS) manufactured in the United States, today announced it will release its second quarter 2025 financial results after the U.S. market closes on July 30, 2025. A conference call to discuss its results will take place the following morning on July 31, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

Eos partners with Say Technologies to allow retail and institutional shareholders to submit and vote on questions ahead of the earnings call. A selection of key questions applicable to the broad investor base will be addressed live during the call, offering shareholders an opportunity to engage with Eos management.

Beginning on July 18, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. ET, registered shareholders will be able to submit questions via the Say Technologies Q&A Platform, which will remain open until 6:00 p.m. ET on July 28, 2025. For any support inquiries shareholders may email support@saytechnologies.com.

Registration Information

The live webcast of the earnings call will be available on the “Investor Relations” page of the Company’s website at Eos Investors or may be accessed using this link (registration link). To avoid delays, we encourage participants to join the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time.

The conference call replay will be available via webcast through Eos’ investor relations website for twelve months following the live presentation. The webcast replay will be available from approximately 11:30 a.m. ET on July 31, 2025, and can be accessed by visiting Eos Investors.

About Eos Energy Enterprises

Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. is accelerating the shift to American energy independence with positively ingenious solutions that transform how the world stores power. Our breakthrough Znyth™ aqueous zinc battery was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional lithium-ion technology. It is safe, scalable, secure, sustainable, manufactured in the U.S., and the core of our innovative systems that today provides utility, industrial, and commercial customers with a proven, reliable energy storage alternative for 4 to 16+ hour applications. Eos was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey. For more information about Eos (NASDAQ: EOSE), visit eose.com.

Contacts
Investors: ir@eose.com
Media: media@eose.com

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Talen Energy Expands and Enhances Portfolio with Best-in-Class CCGT Acquisitions in PJM
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talen Energy Corporation (“Talen,” “we,” or “our”) (NASDAQ: TLN), a leading independent power producer, announced it has signed definitive agreements to acquire Caithness Energy’s Moxie Freedom Energy Center (“Moxie”) in Pennsylvania and Caithness Energy and BlackRock’s Guernsey Power Station (“Guernsey”) in Ohio, both combined-cycle gas-fired plants located within the PJM power market.

The net acquisition price is $3.5 billion after adjusting for estimated tax benefits, or approximately $3.8 billion gross. The net purchase price reflects an attractive acquisition multiple of 6.7x 2026 EV/EBITDA for two of the most efficient natural gas plants in PJM, at a material discount to current new-build CCGT costs. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to free cash flow per share by over 40% in 2026, and over 50% through 2029.

“This acquisition enhances Talen’s fleet by selectively adding modern, highly efficient baseload H-class CCGTs in Talen’s key markets, where we are an innovator in data center contracting,” said Mac McFarland, Talen President and Chief Executive Officer. “The transaction is immediately and highly accretive, maintains our balance sheet discipline, and adds more than the equivalent of another Susquehanna nuclear plant to our platform, further enabling large load service.”

“Caithness has built an extensive portfolio of leading-edge power generation facilities to support our valued customers,” said James D. Bishop, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Caithness Energy. “We are proud of what we have accomplished and this sale to Talen positions the assets for continued success under a strong and successful management team.”

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Key Strategic and Acquisition Highlights
- Expands Talen’s Fleet with Modern, High Efficiency, H-Class CCGTs: These highly efficient plants add both baseload generation and cash flow diversification. The plants have an average heat rate of 6,550 Btu/kWh. Their highly efficient dispatch profile results in significant energy margin and strong cash flow conversion and increases our annual generation by 50% from approximately 40 TWh to 60 TWh.
  The plants benefit from an advantaged location and reliable access to gas pipeline infrastructure from the Marcellus and Utica shale formations, with their rich natural gas reserves and interconnects to primary natural gas pipelines.
- Enhances Platform for Data Center and Large-load Contracting: The addition of the facilities to Talen’s portfolio enhances Talen’s ability to offer reliable, scalable, grid-supported and regionally diverse low-carbon capacity to hyperscale data centers and large commercial off-takers. With greater operational flexibility, proximity to key load pockets, and proven track record in bilateral contracting, the proforma company will be well positioned to meet the evolving needs of high-growth, 24/7 power demand sectors.
- Unlocks Material Value Day One: Immediately accretive to free cash flow per share by over 40% in 2026, and over 50% through 2029.
- Maintains Balance Sheet Strength: Talen expects robust pro forma cash flows to drive rapid deleveraging and is committed to maintaining a leverage target of 3.5x or lower, anticipated by year-end 2026.
- Capital Allocation Discipline: The acquisition supports a target of approximately $500 million of annual share repurchases through the 2026 deleveraging period with an aimed return to capital allocation of 70% of adjusted free cash flow thereafter.
Additional Transaction Details
Talen expects to issue approximately $3.8 billion in new debt to fund the acquisitions and refinance target debt, using both secured and unsecured instruments.

The Moxie and Guernsey transactions are both expected to close in Q4 2025. Each transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the waiting period pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino act, and regulatory approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other regulatory agencies.

As part of the transaction, Talen is also acquiring the equity interests in Guernsey owned by the mid-market infrastructure funds managed by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock.

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Advisors
RBC Capital Markets and Citi are co-lead financial advisors to Talen. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and White & Case LLP are legal counsel to Talen. Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP is legal counsel to RBC Capital Markets and Citi.

Lazard is lead financial advisor to Caithness. Paul Hastings LLP is legal counsel to Caithness. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as lead financial advisor and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is legal counsel to Global Infrastructure Partners, a part of BlackRock.

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Investor Call
Talen will host an investor call at 4:30 p.m. EDT today, Thursday, July 17, 2025. To participate in the call, please register for the webcast via the page linked here. Participants can also join by phone by registering via the form linked here prior to the start time of the call to receive a conference call dial-in number. For those unable to participate in the live event, a digital replay will be archived for approximately one year and available on the Events page of Talen’s Investor Relations website linked here.

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About Talen
Talen Energy (NASDAQ: TLN) is a leading independent power producer and energy infrastructure company dedicated to powering the future. We own and operate approximately 10.7 gigawatts of power infrastructure in the United States, including 2.2 gigawatts of nuclear power and a significant dispatchable fossil fleet. We produce and sell electricity, capacity, and ancillary services into wholesale U.S. power markets, with our generation fleet principally located in the Mid-Atlantic and Montana. Our team is committed to generating power safely and reliably and delivering the most value per megawatt produced. Talen is also powering the digital infrastructure revolution. We are well-positioned to serve this growing industry, as artificial intelligence data centers increasingly demand more reliable, clean power. Talen is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, visit https://www.talenenergy.com/.

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About Caithness
Caithness Energy, LLC is a privately held independent power producer with over 30 years of experience developing, managing, and operating innovative power generation projects. Headquartered in New York, Caithness focuses on clean, efficient natural gas and renewable energy assets, including the Moxie and Guernsey facilities—some of the most advanced combined-cycle gas plants in the U.S. The company is known for its leadership in developing state-of-the-art, low-carbon generation solutions that support reliable power delivery and environmental stewardship.

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Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this communication, or incorporated by reference into this communication, are forward-looking statements. Throughout this communication, we have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” or other forms of these words or similar words or expressions or the negative thereof, although not all forward-looking statements contain these terms. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions concerning, among other things statements regarding the proposed Moxie and Guernsey acquisitions, the expected closing of the proposed transactions and the timing thereof, the financing of the proposed transactions, capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, regulatory matters, hedging, liquidity and capital resources, accounting matters, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, shareholder returns and underlying assumptions. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our future business, financial condition, results of operations or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this communication. All of our forward-looking statements include assumptions underlying or relating to such statements that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations and are subject to numerous factors that present considerable risks and uncertainties.

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Talen Contact Information

Investor Relations
Sergio Castro, Talen Energy
Vice President & Treasurer
(281) 203-5315
InvestorRelations@talenenergy.com

Media Contact
Taryne Williams, Talen Energy
Director, Corporate Communications
Taryne.Williams@talenenergy.com

The MIL Network –
July 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Adams Natural Resources Fund Announces First Half 2025 Performance

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BALTIMORE, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc. (NYSE: PEO) announces the Fund’s investment returns for the first half of 2025. The total return on the Fund’s net asset value for the first half of 2025 was 2.3%, with dividends and capital gains reinvested. The comparable figures for the S&P Energy Sector and the S&P 500 Materials Sector were 0.8% and 6.0%, respectively. Our benchmark, which is comprised of the S&P 500 Energy Sector (80%) and the S&P 500 Materials Sector (20%), returned 1.8%. The total return on the Fund’s market price for the same period was 3.1%.

The Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders is expected to be available on or about July 23, 2025.

ANNUALIZED COMPARATIVE RETURNS (6/30/2025)

	1 Year	3 Year	5 Year	10 Year
Adams Natural Resources Fund (NAV)	-2.2%	10.7%	21.2%	6.1%
Adams Natural Resources Fund (market price)	1.7%	12.3%	22.1%	6.8%
S&P 500 Energy Sector	-4.0%	9.7%	22.5%	5.5%
S&P 500 Materials Sector	1.9%	8.4%	11.6%	8.5%

NET ASSET VALUE ANNOUNCED

The Fund’s net asset value at June 30, 2025, compared with the year earlier, was:

	6/30/2025	6/30/2024
Net assets	$634,743,865	$689,986,546
Shares outstanding	26,888,697	25,453,641
Net asset value per share	$23.61	$27.11

TEN LARGEST EQUITY PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS (6/30/2025)

	% of Net Assets
Exxon Mobil Corporation	22.7%
Chevron Corporation	11.5%
ConocoPhilips	5.3%
Linde plc	4.7%
EOG Resources, Inc.	3.8%
Williams Companies, Inc.	3.6%
Kinder Morgan, Inc.	2.9%
Hess Corporation	2.9%
Phillips 66	2.8%
Marathon Petroleum Corporation	2.7%
Total	62.9%

INDUSTRY WEIGHTINGS (6/30/2025)

	% of Net Assets
Energy
Integrated Oil & Gas	35.1%
Exploration & Production	19.8%
Storage & Transportation	11.6%
Refining & Marketing	7.2%
Equipment & Services	5.1%

Materials
Chemicals	13.6%
Metals & Mining	3.6%
Containers & Packaging	1.8%
Construction Materials	1.6%

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 or 800.638.2479

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Restore and Modernize National Labs

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Restore and Modernize Our National Labs Act of 2025, legislation that would invest in maintenance projects and infrastructure improvements at America’s National Labs. Specifically, the legislation would authorize funding for deferred maintenance projects and infrastructure improvements throughout the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Laboratory system to support the technological capacity of the laboratories while also creating local jobs in construction and equipment supply.
The Department of Energy’s National Laboratories are experiencing a maintenance backlog from decades of underfunding that puts the Labs’ missions at risk. Significant new federal investments are needed to repair and update laboratories, administrative buildings, and critical infrastructure like roads and power plants. Making these improvements will keep the Labs’ nearly 80,000 employees safe and secure and ensure that these research facilities are equipped to fulfill their mission.
“Across the country, our National Labs – including Sandia and Los Alamos in New Mexico – have positioned the U.S. as a global leader in cutting-edge research and scientific innovation,” said Senator Luján, Co-Chair of the Senate National Labs Caucus. “To meet the challenges of the 21st century – from driving innovation in emerging technologies like quantum and AI to strengthening national security – our Labs need strong, reliable infrastructure. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Restore and Modernize Our National Labs Act to upgrade outdated facilities and expand the capabilities of our world-class institutions. I’ll keep fighting to ensure our National Labs have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a skilled workforce.”
“Illinois is home to world-class research centers, including Argonne and Fermi National Laboratories, that push the boundaries of scientific discovery,” said Senator Durbin. “But it’s critical that the U.S. maintains its position as a global leader in scientific discovery by properly investing in our labs and building critical infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st century. With the Restore and Modernize Our National Labs Act, we can offer our scientists at our nation’s premier labs the support and resources they need.”
“California’s national laboratories are critical to maintaining our nation’s global leadership in advancing science and technology. We must invest in modernizing and building reliable infrastructure for our nation’s labs so we can better support our STEM workforce, strengthen American global competitiveness and innovation, and address our country’s greatest scientific challenges,” said Senator Padilla.
“Our National Labs ensure we remain world leaders in energy, national security, and scientific research,” said Senator Bennet. “It is essential that we repair and update the laboratories, administrative buildings, and critical infrastructure like roads and power plants that make this research possible. This legislation will address the backlog of laboratory modernizations and keep our world-class workforce safe.”
“The cutting-edge research conducted at national laboratories in New York and across the country is vital to our national security and high-tech economy,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This legislation would create good-paying jobs while helping ensure that our national labs maintain the modern, advanced infrastructure they need to drive innovation and attract top scientists from around the world. I will continue to fight to ensure that our research facilities have the resources they need to thrive and push back against dangerous attempts to cut their funding, which would harm our economy and global competitiveness.”
“An ongoing challenge at our national laboratories is the lack of sufficient funding for essential maintenance and upgrades. Right now, there’s a severe backlog of unfunded modernization projects,” said Rep. Foster, Co-Chair of the House National Labs Caucus. “Our national laboratories make remarkable contributions to technologies that improve everyday life and keep the U.S. on the cutting edge of innovation. Ensuring the necessary resources to make capital improvements will allow the labs to continue driving research and supporting our economy.”
The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). Representative Bill Foster (D-Ill) leads companion legislation in the House.
Senators Luján and Durbin are co-leads of the Senate National Labs Caucus. The caucus works to identify legislative opportunities that elevate the National Labs’ visibility and meet national energy and security objectives. The caucus also helps identify bipartisan initiatives to maintain and extend U.S. leadership in critical scientific sectors.
Full text of the bill is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Possibilities in the pipe for Nordegg
To address the higher heating costs faced by families and businesses in the Nordegg regions – saving them up to 25 per cent on their utility bills – Alberta’s government is providing $2.5 million through the Rural Gas Program to build a natural gas pipeline. This pipeline will provide Nordegg and surrounding communities with safer, more reliable and more affordable heating, as well as more opportunities to grow their local economies.

Albertans living in rural and remote areas face unique challenges in accessing the affordable, reliable utilities they need. In Nordegg, to keep families, homes and businesses warm during cooler weather, residents have relied primarily on propane and other alternative heating fuels, and as a result, face significantly higher utility bills than the average Albertan.

“By delivering natural gas to the Nordegg area, we’re making life more affordable for families and businesses, as well as laying the groundwork to help this beautiful region of our province grow and thrive for many years to come.”

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

“This project is a game-changer for Nordegg and the surrounding area. Reliable, affordable access to natural gas means real savings for families and a boost for the local economy. I’m proud to see this investment in our communities and their prosperity.”

Jason Nixon, MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre

Nordegg pipeline extension near the Nordegg Ranger Station.

The 11-kilometre natural gas pipeline will run along Highway 11 into the Village of Nordegg, connecting the community to the nearby Tidewater Stolberg Gas Plant. Construction began in February and is expected to be completed by fall.

“This project is a valuable partnership that will create new opportunities for business, and a brighter, more sustainable future for our rural community.”

Michelle Swanson, Reeve, Clearwater County

“The government’s support for the Nordegg Gasification Project is a reminder of the power of partnership in building rural Alberta. It means economic growth, community resilience, and opportunity for generations to come.”

Tom Kee, Executive Director, Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops

To help rural communities across the province access critical services like gas, power and water, $8.5 million is being provided through Budget 2025 for the Rural Utilities Program. This program consists of the Rural Electric Program, Rural Gas Program, Rural Water Program and the Remote Area Heating Allowance, which delivers direct financial relief to thousands of Albertans facing the higher costs of alternative heating fuels where natural gas service is not available.

Quick facts:
- The Rural Gas Program was established in 1973 and has distributed more than $500 million to help build the largest rural gas distribution system in the world.
- Rural Gas Program funding is administered by the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops.
Related information
- Farm fuel and rural utility programs
Related news
- Powering life in rural Alberta (April 2, 2025)
- Power up, costs down (March 25, 2025)
- Keeping Albertans’ lights on and homes warm (Oct. 21, 2024)
MIL OSI Canada News –
July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: ACP Statement on Lengthy New Review Procedures from DOI for Energy Projects

Source: American Clean Power Association (ACP)

Headline: ACP Statement on Lengthy New Review Procedures from DOI for Energy Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 17, 2025 – The American Clean Power Association (ACP) issued the following statement from ACP CEO Jason Grumet in response to the announcement of new lengthy review procedures from the Department of the Interior targeting solar and wind development:
“The recently released memo from the Interior Department is a bewildering departure from the Administration’s promise to bring down energy prices and make America competitive in the race against China for AI and data centers.
“In stark contradiction to the Administration’s commitment to tackling bureaucracy, this directive adds three new layers of needless process and unprecedented political review to the construction of domestic energy projects. The Secretary of the Interior will apparently now be personally reviewing thousands of documents and permit applications for everything from the location and types of fences to the grading of access roads on construction sites across the country.
“This intentional effort to slow energy production comes at the worst possible moment. U.S. electricity demand is projected to surge 35-50% by 2040, with data centers alone requiring over 100 GW of new capacity. To meet this demand, America needs a true ‘all of the above’ strategy, which includes additional natural gas and intense efforts to accelerate geothermal and advanced nuclear technologies.
“Clean energy represented 93% of new capacity added to the grid last year because these sources are the best way to meet demand right now. It’s basic economics that cutting off the fastest and most affordable energy available to the grid just as demand surges will constrain our energy supply and lead to significant cost increases for American businesses and families.
“This isn’t oversight. It’s obstruction that will needlessly harm the fastest growing sources of electric power. The move is particularly confounding as we look to the Administration to support bipartisan efforts in Congress to streamline permitting for all sources of American energy.”
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MIL OSI Global Banks –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held the 39th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held the 39th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification. It was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Energy, Gazprom, Gazprom Mezhregiongaz, the Government Coordination Center, the Federal Antimonopoly Service, and regional authorities.

During the meeting of the federal headquarters, they discussed the progress of implementing the instructions of the President of Russia on connecting households to gas, including those in the territory of gardening non-profit partnerships (SNT) located in populated areas, and social facilities in the first half of 2025, and also determined a work plan for the second half of the year.

“The President has ordered that natural gas be supplied to 1.6 million households by 2030. An additional task has been set to supply additional gas to gardening associations,” recalled Alexander Novak, opening the headquarters meeting.

In total, over 1.5 million gas connection contracts have been concluded since the start of the pre-gasification program in 2021. Technical connection capability has been created for over 1.6 million households. Over 1.3 million contracts have been executed up to the boundaries of consumers’ land plots. 1,047 contracts have been concluded with medical and educational institutions.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the number of households that received the technical capability to conduct gas supply in 2025 increased by 223 thousand. The schedule for additional gasification of SNT includes more than 200 thousand houses, 43 thousand contracts have already been concluded, more than 8650 of them have been executed up to the boundaries of the plots, more than 3.7 thousand gas connections to houses have been made. The process of inventorying SNT and registering residential buildings as property continues, which is a mandatory condition for obtaining the ability to conduct gas supply to them.

The head of the Mari El Republic, Yuri Zaitsev, and the acting head of the Tambov Region, Evgeny Pervyshov, reported on the progress of additional gasification in the regions. They reported on the fulfillment of planned indicators for gas supply to households, the continuation of work on additional gasification of SNTs, and measures to support preferential categories of citizens when gas is supplied to homes.

The Deputy Prime Minister instructed the regional authorities to pay attention to the need to increase the number of gas supplies to residential buildings. The heads of regional gasification headquarters were instructed to assess the level of use of funds allocated to support preferential categories of citizens for gas supply.

Alexander Novak also drew special attention to the need to intensify work on additional gasification of SNT, taking into account the high potential for additional gasification of garden associations located within the boundaries of populated areas.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held a meeting on the issue of energy supply for mining activities

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held a meeting on the issue of energy supply to consumers engaged in mining activities. It was attended by representatives of federal authorities, energy companies, public business associations and industry associations, and State Duma deputies.

The representative of the Ministry of Energy reported on the current state of regulation of energy supply for mining activities in Russia, including issues of identifying and preventing electricity consumption by miners in regions where this activity is prohibited. A number of amendments to the current legislation were proposed in order to further improve energy supply for mining. This concerns the procedure for using capacity temporarily unclaimed by miners during the period of the ban on their work, increasing liability for violating the requirements for mining cryptocurrency, and a proposal to label and certify foreign equipment for mining cryptocurrency imported into Russia. In addition, the representative of the Ministry of Energy reported on the status of the preparation of regulatory legal acts providing for the creation of a fourth category of reliability of energy supply to consumers, which takes into account the introduction of remote restriction of the consumption mode during peak loads and the threat of energy and power shortages in the region.

The head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media Andrey Lipov spoke about tools for identifying individuals mining cryptocurrencies by analyzing Internet traffic and electricity consumption patterns.

A representative of the Federal Tax Service reported on the number of persons registered in the relevant mining registries. This refers to entities or companies mining cryptocurrencies and to mining infrastructure operators.

Alexander Novak instructed the Ministry of Energy to finalize proposals for the introduction of the fourth category of reliability of energy consumers, and in close cooperation with regional authorities and energy companies to prepare a final proposal on the mechanism for the redistribution of released capacity when limiting mining activities in the region in order to connect socially significant consumers to power grids. The Deputy Prime Minister instructed to work out proposals to increase liability for illegal connection to power grids, theft of electricity, and violation of the ban on limiting mining activities in terms of electricity supply.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Russia maintains its leading position in foreign trade with the CIS countries.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Russia remains one of the key trade and economic partners of the CIS member states. According to the results of January-April 2025, it ranks first in the foreign trade turnover of Belarus and Armenia, second in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and third in Azerbaijan.

This was stated by Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Vladimir Ilyichev, commenting on the results of the 106th meeting of the CIS Economic Council, which took place in Moscow. The Russian delegation at the event was headed by Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexey Overchuk.

The meeting participants discussed a wide range of issues, including cooperation in energy security, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the development of forestry, the construction industry, as well as measures to combat dangerous animal and bird diseases. Particular attention was paid to the macroeconomic indicators of the CIS countries for 2024.

According to preliminary estimates, the combined GDP of the Commonwealth states grew by 4.5% in 2024. The unemployment rate fell by 14% and amounted to more than 3% of the workforce. “All these economic indicators indicate that the Commonwealth of Independent States is a strong and sustainable integration entity,” Vladimir Ilyichev emphasized.

According to the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, in January-May 2025, the growth of Russia’s GDP and agricultural production amounted to 1.5% each, industrial production – 1.3%. At the same time, the economies of the CIS partners are also demonstrating positive dynamics.

The meeting participants approved a number of documents aimed at further developing cooperation, including the Declaration on Regional Energy Security, the Action Plan for the Use of Nuclear Energy until 2030, and the Concept of Pricing in Construction. These initiatives will be considered in September at a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government.

The successful implementation of the program for the reclamation of uranium sites in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan was also noted. In addition, the Russian Research Institute of the Bakery Industry received the status of a basic organization of the CIS for training personnel for this industry.

The parties reviewed information on the progress of the Action Plan for the implementation of the first stage of the CIS Economic Development Strategy until 2030.

The next meeting of the CIS Economic Council is scheduled to be held in September 2025 in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, which holds the CIS presidency this year.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Danish Presidency debriefs EP committees on priorities

Source: European Parliament

Denmark holds the Presidency of the Council until the end of 2025. This text will be updated regularly as the hearings take place.

Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

On 15 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, said that the Presidency will focus on easing the administrative burden for farmers while continuing to promote the green transition and animal welfare. Concluding the current negotiations on the common agricultural policy (CAP) simplification package and starting discussions on the post-2027 CAP will also be priorities.

Several MEPs called for fair conditions between farmers inside and outside the EU in connection with the Mercosur Agreement and animal welfare. They asked how the presidency will help guarantee the EU’s protein and fertiliser self-sufficiency and support organic farmers. Others raised the issue of ensuring that the green transition does not compromise the agriculture sector’s sustainability.

Regional Development Committee

On 15 July, Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre argued that cohesion policy should continue to play a crucial role in the EU budget, as the Presidency works on proposals for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). She said that funding should also support competitiveness and be flexible in the face of unexpected events. Ms Bjerre highlighted the need to strengthen rule of law conditionality in the allocation of EU funds.

MEPs agreed on the need to modernise cohesion policy and make it more flexible, but asked for the Presidency’s support in defending the policy’s core purpose – reducing inequalities between regions – and the role of regions and local authorities.

Legal Affairs Committee

On 15 July, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stressed the need to boost EU competitiveness but also to protect common values while advancing the green and digital transition. He committed to make progress on draft bills on the protection of adults and insolvency, while promoting rules on parenthood.

Morten Bødskov, Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, will strive to simplify existing rules for the benefit of EU businesses in the upcoming negotiations on sustainability reporting and due diligence obligations. Mr Bødskov also intends to advance the patent package and the “28th regime” initiative (a single set of EU rules to support innovation).

MEPs inquired about plans to strengthen the rule of law, fight illegal migration and improve licensing, considering the planned withdrawal of the proposal on standard essential patents. They also asked for work to move ahead on the special tribunal for the crime of aggression, for measures to ensure that simplification does not lead to deregulation, and for efforts to balance rights and copyright in the context of new technologies.

Foreign Affairs Committee

On 15 July, European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre said that the Presidency wants to advance EU accession negotiations with all candidate countries. She also added that the EU must act more independently to ensure its security. The dialogue with Türkiye will continue, but its accession negotiations will remain on hold.

MEPs called for more support for some candidate countries on their EU path. They also enquired on possible new strategic partners for the EU, given recent developments in relations with the US, and called for the deepening of relations with Latin America. They also asked what steps the Presidency intends to take to help the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Environment, Climate Change and Food Safety Committee

On 15 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, highlighted the need to simplify EU legislation for farmers and food producers, and to promote innovation through tools such as new genomic techniques, on which the Presidency aims to strike a deal with Parliament. He stressed the importance of making the EU’s agri-food sector more competitive while maintaining high standards of sustainability and food safety. Other priorities include an EU strategy for plant-based proteins, animal welfare, and action to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

MEPs raised questions about the future of the CAP, demanding greater fairness, increased support for smaller farms, and clear targets for pesticide reduction. MEPs also enquired about trade agreements, such as with Mercosur, and a possible ban on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, stressed the importance of reaching an agreement on the EU 2040 climate target, to offer clear guidance for climate action, investment, and industrial competitiveness. He underlined the need for an agreement before the COP30 in Brazil on 10–21 November 2025, to show EU leadership and unity.

Some MEPs raised concerns about energy affordability and the social impact of the new emissions trading system, while others stressed excessive flexibility would undermine the 2040 target.

Civil liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee

On 15 July, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said the Presidency would prioritise work on the fight against serious cross-border and organised crime, action to improve victims’ rights, and police cooperation to counter migrant smuggling. The Presidency will also advance work on the directive and regulation to combat child sexual abuse.

Torsten Schack Pedersen, Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, called for implementation of the “Preparedness Union” strategy to strengthen EU security, resilience and preparedness. The Presidency will advance work on the reformed EU civil protection mechanism, the stockpiling strategy and measures to protect critical infrastructure.

MEPs asked the Presidency about progress on the directives on combating corruption and victims’ rights. According to the Justice Minister, work on both will continue promptly as a priority. MEPs and the Ministers also discussed law enforcement access to data, and measures against terrorism and online radicalisation.

Kaare Dybvad, Minister for Immigration and Integration, emphasised the need to implement the Asylum and Migration Pact in full. The Presidency will work on proposals on safe third countries, safe countries of origin and a common approach to returns. He also mentioned the possibility of developing external partnerships and possible return hubs in third countries, stressing the need to uphold international law and human rights. Other priorities are action to combat migrant smuggling and the EU talent pool.

On Migration and Asylum Pact implementation, MEPs asked about the solidarity platform, protection of human dignity, and cooperation with third countries. The minister replied that priority should be given to people in need of refugee status. Economic migrants must use legal channels, and those with no right to stay need to be returned to their home countries.

Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs, said the Presidency aimed to strengthen the link between respect for EU values and access to EU funds, enhance the Council’s rule of law dialogues, and support tools such as the Commission’s rule of law report. It will also work to reinforce the conditionality mechanism in the next long-term budget, by increasing funding for it and ensuring more automatic application.

Some MEPs raised concerns about the situation in Hungary, and called for a stronger conditionality mechanism and better protection of media freedom and civil society. Others called for clarity on the definition of rule of law, and raised the issues of spyware use against journalists and the situation in Gaza.

Employment and Social Affairs Committee

On 15 July, Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen stressed that the Presidency would focus on investing in skills, fair labour mobility, strengthening social dialogue, and occupational health. She aims to advance the revision of the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (CMRD) and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers. Minister for Social Affairs and Housing Sophie Hæstorp Andersen highlighted the need to improve independent living for persons with disabilities and to improve access to sustainable and affordable housing.

MEPs highlighted the lack of legislative proposals in social areas and voiced concern about the future of the European Social Fund+. They stressed the need to strengthen the European Labour Authority, and addressed the working conditions of non-EU nationals, the lack of skilled workers, and the migration of qualified workers. Others asked for action on employment rights for persons with disabilities, the coordination of social security systems, and the European Child Guarantee.

Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee

On 15 July, Caroline Stage Olsen, Digital Affairs Minister, emphasised the need for action to boost investment and cut red tape. Special attention will be given to protecting minors online through firm Digital Services Act enforcement, new age verification rules and action to tackle addictive design. She supported postponing elements of the AI Act to give business, especially smaller companies, more time to comply.

Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, stressed the Presidency’s intention to tackle customs challenges, unfair competition, slow growth and job loss. The minister also expressed strong support for the green transition and the need to advance work on simplification packages and regulatory burden reduction targets.

MEPs asked about the Presidency’s plans to work on e-commerce, the posting of workers, attracting talent and the “28th regime” (a single set of EU rules to support innovation). They also enquired about digital policy loopholes and the Digital Fairness Act, and the need to advance negotiations on the late payments regulation and the European defence industrial strategy.

Development Committee

On 15 July, Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called for a stronger Team Europe approach, given the widening gap between humanitarian needs and the resources available. Presidency priorities include the Global Gateway, the Samoa Agreement, the EU-African Union (AU) Summit, human rights and the sustainable development goals. The Presidency will champion external action in negotiations on the next long-term EU budget.

MEPs stressed the importance of development aid and the need to make sure foreign investment upholds human rights, while also voicing concern over irregular migration. They called for a broader EU presence at the next EU-AU Summit, and asked about the Presidency’s plan for the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Public Health Committee

On 16 July, Sophie Løhde, Danish Minister for Interior and Health, highlighted the need to strengthen EU preparedness through efficient medical countermeasures, ensure better access to medicines, and address antimicrobial resistance. She shared the Presidency’s commitment to finalising the Council’s position on the critical medicines act, hoping an agreement with Parliament could be reached on the pharmaceutical package by the end of the year.

MEPs quizzed the minister on medicine affordability, rare diseases, and healthcare workforce shortages. Some called for a greater focus on women’s health, action against PFAS contamination, and improved EU coordination of health and military crisis preparedness.

Constitutional Affairs Committee

On 16 July, European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre said the Presidency priorities were to advance a merit-based EU accession process and uphold the rule of law. She also highlighted the need to reinforce democratic resilience, for instance through the Commission’s Democracy Shield and improved transparency of foreign interests. The Presidency is also committed to strengthening interinstitutional cooperation and pursuing institutional reforms within the existing treaty framework.

MEPs raised questions on the link between internal EU reforms and future accessions, the use of qualified majority voting to overcome institutional deadlocks, the right of inquiry, and electoral reform. Bjerre replied that the lack of consensus among member states on possible treaty changes made that a less feasible path.

Security and Defence Committee

On 16 July, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that one of the priorities was to continue to support Ukraine politically, militarily and financially, and work on integrating the Ukrainian defence industry into the EU one. This includes paving the way for Ukrainian companies to set up facilities in the rest of Europe. He also mentioned the need for Europe to be able to defend itself by 2030 by increasing its defence readiness and production, and freeing up defence financing.

MEPs questioned the minister on a range of topics, including the use of frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, a dedicated European defence fund, removing hurdles to support the Ukrainian defence industry, and the pros and cons of non-EU country access to EU defence funds.

Fisheries Committee

On 16 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, said the Presidency would prioritise the green transition, simplification, including for the Ocean Pact, and better regulation of fisheries. They will also focus on fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Baltic Sea for 2026 to allow fishers to plan early.

MEPs highlighted fleet renewal, the Baltic Sea’s herring situation and the MFF’s role in achieving sustainability, simplification, and climate goals. They expressed concern over the 24-metre fleet renewal restriction and called for specific funding mechanisms for the Ocean Pact. Finally, they welcomed the focus on 2026 fishing quotas and sustainability objectives.

Transport and Tourism Committee

Boosting competitiveness, easing the administrative burden, ensuring a green transition in transport and tourism, but also military mobility, are the main drivers of Danish presidency, said Thomas Danielsen, Minister of Transport on 16 July. He hoped to start talks with MEPs on passenger rights and rules on counting CO2 emissions, as well as to finish negotiations on railway capacity infrastructure. Morten Bødskov, Minister of Business, Industry and Financial Services, added the Presidency perspective on shipping transport and upcoming EU ports and maritime industry strategies.

The majority of transport committee MEPs welcomed the Presidency priorities, the ambition to reach a Council position on weights and dimensions rules, while some questioned the focus on the green transition. On passenger rights, MEPs were frustrated with the Council decision to force into a tight deadline to reach a deal on future rules, and asked the minister not to forget the multimodal part of the package.

Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee

On 16 July, Minister for Environment and Gender Equality, Magnus Heunicke, outlined priorities including combating gender-based violence, promoting equal opportunities by involving men and boys, and strengthening LGBTQI equality amid rising hate and harassment. He announced that a Council meeting on 17 October would focus on equality and non-discrimination.

MEPs raised concerns about the absence of an EU-wide consent-based definition of rape, the lack of progress on the revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive, the under-representation of women in government, and the stalled horizontal anti-discrimination directive. In response, Heunicke confirmed that there would be a discussion on a consent-based rape definition, and that finalising the Victims’ Rights Directive negotiations was a priority.

International Trade Committee

On 16 July, Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen named agreements on the revised general scheme of preferences (GSP) and the foreign investment screening review as being among his priorities. The phasing-out of Russian gas imports and ratification of the trade agreement with Mercosur are also high on the agenda. The Presidency will also work to negotiate a new trade relationship with the US, while being prepared for other scenarios.

MEPs welcomed the priorities, particularly on concluding the Mercosur Agreement, phasing out Russian gas imports and concluding the revision of the GSP. Some MEPs also questioned the Presidency on how EU-Israel trade relations should evolve given the humanitarian situation in the Middle East.

Culture and Education Committee

On 16 July, Mattias Tesfaye, Minister for Education and Youth, said that Presidency wanted to make vocational education and training more attractive, ensure learning mobility, and focus on how the digitalisation affects learning outcomes. The Presidency will also prioritise negotiations on the next generation of Erasmus+ and on the European education area.

Many MEPs expressed their concerns about the future of the Erasmus+ programme and enquired about the protection of children online, recognition of competences, and the safety of young students in the workplace.

Jakob Engel-Schmidt, Minister for Culture, Media and Sports Policy, highlighted the need to prohibit the use of images, voice and other personal features in deepfakes or lifelike imitations. The EU Copyright Regulation should be updated to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to the cultural and creative sectors, either by guaranteeing fair remuneration for rights holders or by achieving the best possible conditions for licensing agreements. In sport, the Presidency promises to do more to uphold democratic values and integrity in the awarding of international sports events.

MEPs asked for measures to help EU countries implement the European Media Freedom Act and highlighted the revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. MEPs also raised issues such as protecting heritage against natural disasters and gender equality programmes in sport.

Industry, Research and Energy Committee

On 16 July, Caroline Stage Olsson, Minister for Digital Affairs, outlined two priorities: enhancing digital competitiveness and protecting minors online. She advocated for reducing the administrative burden on business and for strategic investment for a more sovereign Europe. She also highlighted work on enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA), stricter regulations for age verification and data protection, and the establishment of a competitiveness fund.

Some MEPs stressed the need to reduce dependency on non-European tech companies and to balance regulation with simplification, to foster innovation while protecting consumers. Questions were asked about the impact of the DSA on free speech and privacy, and about investment in less connected regions.

Troels Lund Poulsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, outlined four priorities: enhancing Europe’s defence capabilities, supporting Ukraine, fostering cooperation with NATO and strengthening the EU’s defence against hybrid threats. He also stressed the importance of the European defence industry programme (EDIP) to this end.

Torsten Schack Pedersen, Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, focused on cybersecurity and highlighted three priorities: strengthening EU cyber resilience, framing a robust EU response to cyber crises, and simplifying the EU cyber legislation framework.

MEPs enquired about the creation of a unified European defence market, the standardisation of defence products, and the need for joint procurement to enhance defence capabilities. Questions also focused on Baltic Sea security and measures to counter potential sabotage. Concerns were voiced about Europe’s dependency on non-European defence suppliers.

Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, emphasised the importance of a secure, clean and affordable energy supply, as well as of a stronger energy sector, focusing on renewable and clean energy produced locally. He called for an approach that would balance environmental protection with economic competitiveness and for Europe to phase out its dependency on Russian energy.

Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs focused on competitiveness and highlighted the need for increased investment in green technologies and new critical technologies such as life sciences, artificial intelligence, biotech, and quantum. Mr Bødskov also stressed the need to simplify regulations to foster innovation and growth.

MEPs stressed the need for a more efficient regulatory environment to foster innovation and competitiveness. They expressed concerns about high energy prices and highlighted the importance of investing in clean energy technologies and infrastructure to achieve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several MEPs questioned the balance between environmental protection and economic competitiveness, and called for a more pragmatic approach to regulation that would not stifle innovation and growth.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: As Trump’s Chaos Jeopardizes America’s Farmers, Duckworth Discusses Agriculture Priorities with Illinois Corn Growers and Illinois Soybean Association

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

July 17, 2025

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) yesterday met with leaders and members from the Illinois Corn Growers and the Illinois Soybean Producers to discuss their shared priorities to grow Illinois’s agriculture industry and support our farmers. Duckworth and the members discussed the importance of supporting our family farmers by expanding the biofuels market, increasing agricultural exports and improving farm safety net programs as Donald Trump continues to threaten critical federal agricultural programs. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Corn Growers can be found on the Senator’s website. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Soybean Producers can be found on the Senator’s website.

“America has always depended on our nation’s farmers to grow the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to advocate for them on both the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “The work of Illinois’s farmers is so important to the strength of our state and our nation, and I will continue to do everything I can to support the Illinois Corn Growers, the Illinois Soybean Association and our farmers across the state at the federal level.”

In the Senate, Duckworth has been a leader in supporting biofuels, including expansion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and permanent authority to use E15 fuel year-round. Duckworth, the founding co-chair of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Caucus, helped introduce the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and the bipartisan Next Generations Fuel Act to allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Duckworth additionally helped introduce the bipartisan Home Front Energy Independence Act to ban Russian oil and expand use and production of biofuel that’s grown in the American heartland, while providing American families with a less expensive option to fuel their vehicles. Previously, she introduced the SAF Accuracy Act and helped introduce the Farm to Fly Act and to help accelerate the production and development of SAF.

As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth has been an advocate for Illinois agriculture across the globe and helped secure significant wins for Illinois and American agriculture. After Duckworth’s visit in 2023, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy, and following a prior trip to Taiwan in 2022, she helped secure a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of our Illinois’s corn and soybeans.

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: As Trump’s Chaos Jeopardizes America’s Farmers, Duckworth Discusses Agriculture Priorities with Illinois Corn Growers and Illinois Soybean Association

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

July 17, 2025

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) yesterday met with leaders and members from the Illinois Corn Growers and the Illinois Soybean Producers to discuss their shared priorities to grow Illinois’s agriculture industry and support our farmers. Duckworth and the members discussed the importance of supporting our family farmers by expanding the biofuels market, increasing agricultural exports and improving farm safety net programs as Donald Trump continues to threaten critical federal agricultural programs. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Corn Growers can be found on the Senator’s website. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Soybean Producers can be found on the Senator’s website.

“America has always depended on our nation’s farmers to grow the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to advocate for them on both the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “The work of Illinois’s farmers is so important to the strength of our state and our nation, and I will continue to do everything I can to support the Illinois Corn Growers, the Illinois Soybean Association and our farmers across the state at the federal level.”

In the Senate, Duckworth has been a leader in supporting biofuels, including expansion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and permanent authority to use E15 fuel year-round. Duckworth, the founding co-chair of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Caucus, helped introduce the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and the bipartisan Next Generations Fuel Act to allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Duckworth additionally helped introduce the bipartisan Home Front Energy Independence Act to ban Russian oil and expand use and production of biofuel that’s grown in the American heartland, while providing American families with a less expensive option to fuel their vehicles. Previously, she introduced the SAF Accuracy Act and helped introduce the Farm to Fly Act and to help accelerate the production and development of SAF.

As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth has been an advocate for Illinois agriculture across the globe and helped secure significant wins for Illinois and American agriculture. After Duckworth’s visit in 2023, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy, and following a prior trip to Taiwan in 2022, she helped secure a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of our Illinois’s corn and soybeans.

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana achieves stable power supply, eyes green future after major energy reforms

Source: APO

Ghanaians are now enjoying a stable and dependable power supply, thanks to significant ongoing reforms in the energy sector, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced.

Taking his turn at the Government #AccountabilitySeries, John Jinapor stated that there has been a significant turnaround from the “persistent and erratic power outages” experienced earlier this year.

“We have witnessed a remarkable improvement and reliable supply of power,” he stated, attributing this success to comprehensive reforms addressing both technical inefficiencies and financial challenges within the sector.

“You can attest to the fact that we are now experiencing a reliable, uninterruptible supply of power,” he emphasised, a demonstration of the visible impact of the government’s interventions.

Looking ahead, Mr Jinapor unveiled plans for a five-year strategic document aimed at accelerating Ghana’s renewable energy and green transition agenda.

This crucial blueprint will guide future policy reforms, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future for the nation.

The Ministry’s initiatives reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a robust, sustainable, and reliable energy sector for all Ghanaians.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Media files

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MIL OSI Africa –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Why employees hesitate to disclose mental health concerns – and what employers can do about it

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Zhanna Lyubykh, Assistant Professor, Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University

About one in four employees has a diagnosable mental health condition, and up to 65 per cent say mental health concerns interfere with their ability to work.

The economic toll is staggering. In the United States alone, mental health concerns cost over $280 billion annually. Worldwide, that figure reaches an estimated US$1 trillion annually.

Mental health is increasingly being recognized as critical to workplace functioning. Organizations invest substantial resources in wellness programs, mental health training and employee assistance programs. Some even offer on-site therapy sessions at no cost to their employees.

Yet despite these efforts, many employees remain hesitant to seek help or disclose their mental health conditions. This reluctance can leave employees under-supported and contribute to increased absenteeism and turnover. Those who choose not to disclose often miss out on access to workplace accommodations and support, which can exacerbate their conditions and even increase the risk of job loss.

Disclosure can be a gateway to vital support, but questions remain about how to facilitate such disclosures. Our research, recently published as an open-access article, shows the decision to disclose a mental health condition isn’t purely personal and can depend on the broader workplace environment.

Supportive workplaces lead to better mental health

Across two samples, we surveyed 1,232 employees from Canada and the U.S. We recruited participants from Qualtrics, an online panel provider, and a large financial institution in Canada that operates across multiple locations. We asked employees — both with and without mental health concerns — to indicate the extent to which they perceived their organization as supportive of disclosing mental health concerns.

Employees with mental health concerns shared whether they had disclosed their condition to their employer, how willing they were to disclose in the future, their levels of anxiety and depression, and a range of work-related attitudes and behaviours.

We found that a work environment that was safe and supported the disclosure of mental health concerns was extremely beneficial for both employees and organizations.

First, employees working in highly supportive environments were 55 per cent more likely to disclose their mental health concerns. These environments were also linked to greater willingness to disclose current or potential mental health concerns.

Second, supportive environments were associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression, both of which are important indicators of mental health. This suggests that organizations can contribute to employee mental health by fostering supportive environments.

Third, employees who felt their organization supported disclosure reported higher job satisfaction, greater work engagement, and more organizational citizenship behaviours, such as helping co-workers or going above and beyond their job duties. These kinds of behaviours help create healthy, high-performing workplaces.

In one of our samples, we matched employee responses with their organizational records of absenteeism. We found that when employees rated their organizational environment as supportive of mental health disclosure, they were less likely to miss work due to illness.

Supporting mental health disclosure

Our study identified three elements of a workplace that support mental health disclosure. The first is the absence of stigma and anticipated discrimination. Many employees choose to conceal their concerns because they are fearful of being stigmatized, facing unfair treatment or being passed over for promotions.

Employees often pick up on subtle cues in their environment — consciously or not — to estimate the risk of stigma. If they observe colleagues with disclosed mental health conditions being treated negatively, this signals low organizational support and makes disclosure appear risky.

The second element is the availability of organizational resources. Disclosing one’s mental health concerns should unlock access to organizational supports, such as time off or counselling programs. These supports need to be tangible and go beyond mere mentions in the employee handbook. Employees form perceptions about how seriously their organization takes mental health based on whether these resources are present and accessible.

The third element is the presence of social support. Our research found that social support was an important indicator of informal culture around mental health concerns. Such support may include emotional support from peers or supervisors, and the ability to openly discuss mental health.

Employees notice whether, and how, mental health is discussed at work. When employees are encouraged to talk openly about it, the workplace appears more conducive to disclosure. In contrast, when concerns are dismissed or met with unhelpful advice such as “stay positive” or “toughen up,” the environment is unlikely to be seen as supportive.

How organizations can support disclosure

Our research points to four main strategies organizations can use to foster an environment that signals support for disclosing mental health concerns.

1. Identify areas for improvement.

Our research provides a list of survey items that organizations can use to track employee perceptions and identify priority areas for improvement. For example, employees might be asked whether they feel safe disclosing a mental health concern, or whether they believe the organization responds supportively when others do. These items can be include in annual employee surveys, with anonymity ensured to encourage honest responses.

2. Combat stigma by role modelling.

Workplace leaders are well-positioned to make positive change and role model appropriate behaviours. Employees often look to leaders and model their behaviour. Providing leaders with training about implicit biases, and equipping them with tools to provide support to employees with mental health concerns, can help start the cycle of positive change. Leaders who receive mental health training tend to be more supportive, more likely to encourage disclosure and are better able to guide employees toward appropriate help.

3. Make resources visible and easily accessible.

Even when organizations have resources available, employees may not know about them or may find them difficult to access. Organizations and managers need to frequently communicate about the availability of mental health resources and ensure they are easy to access. Red tape and bureaucracy can deter employees from accessing organizational supports.

4. Talk openly about mental health.

Talking about mental health can help normalize it and encourage employees to share their concerns. This can include intentionally creating opportunities for such discussions, such as mental health days. In addition, when senior leaders share their experiences with mental health concerns, it can help normalize such discussions.

Ultimately, a disclosure-supportive environment benefits employee mental health and encourages positive work behaviours. In other words, when employees feel safe enough to speak up, both employees and organizations benefit from it.

Zhanna Lyubykh receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Justin Weinhardt receives funding fromHaskayne School of Business’s Future Fund, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Nick Turner receives research funding from Cenovus Energy Inc., Haskayne School of Business’s Future Fund, Mitacs, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

– ref. Why employees hesitate to disclose mental health concerns – and what employers can do about it – https://theconversation.com/why-employees-hesitate-to-disclose-mental-health-concerns-and-what-employers-can-do-about-it-261158

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Will Donald Trump get Vladimir Putin (before Maga gets Trump)?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

This article was first published in The Conversation UK’s World Affairs Briefing email newsletter. Sign up to receive weekly analysis of the latest developments in international relations, direct to your inbox.

You know when the Kremlin is worried about something – it starts talking about nuclear weapons. And so it was, just two days after Donald Trump revealed he had decided to lift his administration’s pause on the supply of US-made weapons to Ukraine, that Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, raised Russia’s nuclear doctrine. In response to a handy question from a friendly reporter as to whether Russia’s nuclear doctrine was still active, Peskov said: “Russia’s nuclear doctrine remains in effect, and thus, all its provisions continue to apply.”

By saying “all its provisions”, he was emphasising the changes made in December last year which significantly lowered the bar for Russia to use its nuclear deterrent. It states that Russia “reserves the right to employ nuclear weapons” in response to nuclear weapons or “other types of weapons of mass destruction” against itself or its allies.

Whether Putin and his team consider the sorts of weapons the US is prepared to allow Ukraine to use against Russia as weapons of mass destruction is not clear as yet. The US president specifically said that a fresh supply of Patriot systems was already en route to Ukraine from Germany. But he also hinted that other more offensive weapons could also be in the mix. And in a July 4 phone call he is reported to have asked the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, whether he could hit Moscow or St Petersburg, to which Zelensky replied: “Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons.”

Trump is reported to have gone on to say that it was important to “make [Russians] feel the pain”.

At the beginning of the week, the US president was also keen for Russia to feel the economic pain of indirect sanctions, with 100% tariffs promised against any country buying Russia’s oil. Could this be a turning point?

Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

Interesting question, says David Dunn. Dunn, professor of international relations at the University of Birmingham, says Trump’s decision – if he follows through with it – pretty much brings the US back in line with its policy under the Biden administration. Particularly now that Trump appears to have ruled out, for the time being, allowing Ukraine to use long-range offensive missiles against targets in Moscow.

As Dunn points out, there’s no sense that Trump has changed his overall tack on what he is looking for from Putin: a ceasefire, rather than, as Biden repeatedly insisted, a settlement that respects Ukrainian sovereignty and restores the land occupied illegally by Russian troops.

Meanwhile the economic pain he promised to inflict on Russia has been scheduled to begin in 50 days. This – as many commentators have been quick to point out – has irresistible echoes of his off-again, on-again tariff regime. So will these sanctions actually happen?

Read more:
What Trump’s decision to send more weapons to Ukraine will mean for the war

The Russian stock market certainly wasn’t that worried. Shortly after trump made his announcement, the Moscow stock exchange increased by 2.7% and the rouble strengthened. Oil markets also appear to have relaxed, suggesting traders see no imminent risks. Maybe this is another case of “Taco” (Trump always chickens out)?

Patrick O’Shea, an international relations and global governance specialist at the University of Glasgow, believes that the markets’ reaction is more than just indifference to what Trump was threatening. It was relief.

“Trump’s threat isn’t just non-credible, the positive market reaction in Russia suggests it is a gift for Moscow,” O’Shea writes. “The 50-day ultimatum is seen not as a deadline but as a reprieve, meaning nearly two months of guaranteed inaction from the US.”

What has not been widely reported in the UK is that a bipartisan bill making its way through the US congress would have been far more punitive that anything Trump is threatening. Now this has been paused pending Trump’s initiative in 50 days’ time.

Read more:
Why Russia is not taking Trump’s threats seriously

Back in Europe, meanwhile, Ukraine’s allies got together in Rome last weekend to discuss what will be needed to rebuild the war-torn country and how to raise the necessary funds. Stefan Wolff was watching proceedings and believes that while countries in the “coalition of the willing” are ready to open their coffers to help Ukraine get back on its feet, the funds so far pledged will not touch the sides.

Ukraine’s allies at the conference have pledged more than €10 billion (£8.7 billion). But, Wolff – an expert in international relations at the University of Birmingham who has contributed regular analysis of the war in Ukraine – points out that this sum looks minuscule alongside the World Bank’s latest assessment that Ukraine will need at least US$524 billion (£388 billion) over the next decade to fund its recovery.

There have been some fairly upbeat forecasts about Ukraine’s potential for growth. The IMF forecasts growth for Ukraine of between 2% and 3% for 2025, which is likely to grow to over 4% in 2026 and 2027. But it cautions that this will not happen without considerable overseas support. And an end to the war. Neither is certain anytime soon.

Read more:
Over €10 billion has now been pledged for Ukraine’s recovery. It’s nowhere near enough

Maga moves – but will Trump take responsiblity?

To Washington, where the US president is having what would probably count as the worst week of his second administration so far. Large sections of his faithful Maga base are in almost open revolt at his seeming reluctance to release what have become known as the “Epstein files”. You may remember he littered his election campaign last year with dark hints about the revelations the files must surely contain about the possible involvement of the rich and powerful in child-sex exploitation. But this week he essentially said it was old news, which was “pretty boring”, adding that “I think, really, only pretty bad people, including fake news, want to keep something like that going.”

This is not only at odds with what he spent much of 2024 saying. It also flies in the face of what his own attorney general, Pam Bondi, said in February when she said Epstein’s client list was “sitting on [her] desk right now to review”. Now of course, the justice department says there is no list. This is not what much of his base wants to hear.

Rob Dover, an intelligence specialist at the University of Hull who has researched conspiracy theories and the people who obsess about them, says this is a dangerous moment for the Trump presidency. He points to Maga unrest over Trump’s decision to bomb Iran and to resume military aid to Ukraine, both of which appear to contradict his pledge to keep the US out of foreign conflicts. Trump’s “big beautiful bill”, which has cut medicaid and other benefits to the poorest people in the US, will also inflict hurt on many is his base. Even his recent musing that he agrees with his health secretary’s questionable assertion that Coca-Cola should be made with sugar cane not corn syrup to “make America healthy again” is sure to anger corn farmers in the Midwest, another core Trump constituency.

“Maga is not a uniform group in belief or action. But if Trump loses either the loyalty of some or they refuse to flex their beliefs as they have done before, it will be politically dangerous for him,” Dover concludes.

Read more:
Trump’s changing stance on Epstein files is testing the loyalty of his Maga base

Trouble brewing in Bosnia

I had the great good fortune to visit Sarajevo in December last year where I spent a few days exploring, taking a walking tour of the old town and a wider tour of the whole city which took us across the notional border with the Republika Srpska, one of the two main constituent parts of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sarajevo: a beautiful but troubled city.
Julian Nyča via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-NC-SA

The country was created by the Dayton accord, bringing an end to the ethnic conflict in the mid-1990s that saw whole populations displaced as ethnic Serbs and Croats sought to create new pure mini-states by expelling mainly Muslim Bosniaks.

When visiting, I felt a pervading sense that the two parts of the new country sit uncomfortably next to each other – and in recent months the friction has intensified considerably. Birte Julia Gippert of the University of Liverpool, who has researched extensively the conflict in the Balkans and the attempts to bring peace to the region, explains how the situation has become so tense.

Read more:
Bosnia and Herzegovina in crisis as Bosnian-Serb president rallies for secession

Why is Israel bombing Syria?

Conflict in Syria escalated again this week, with Israeli warplanes launching airstrikes against government buildings in Damascus this week. A Netanyahu government minister, Amichai Chikli, referred to Syria’s leader, Ahmed al-Shara, as “a terrorist, a barbaric murderer who should be eliminated without delay”.

Mixed up in all this is sectarian fighting in southern Syria was has been going on sporadically since al-Shara took power at the end of last year. But, as Ali Mamouri of Deakin University explains, Israel wants to see the emergence of a federal Syria, which the new regime has ruled out. It also want to retain influence in the region and secure its northern border with Syria.

While a ceasefire is in place for now, Mamouri sees the situation as extremely fragile with further clashes “not only possible but highly probable”.

World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get updates directly in your inbox.

– ref. Will Donald Trump get Vladimir Putin (before Maga gets Trump)? – https://theconversation.com/will-donald-trump-get-vladimir-putin-before-maga-gets-trump-261416

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces More Than $11 Million for Great Trails State Program Projects in Western North Carolina
Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Stein Announces More Than $11 Million for Great Trails State Program Projects in Western North Carolina

Governor Stein Announces More Than $11 Million for Great Trails State Program Projects in Western North Carolina
lsaito
Thu, 07/17/2025 – 12:32

Raleigh, NC
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded more than $11 million authorized by the General Assembly in grants to communities and nonprofits in western North Carolina from Great Trails State Program funding. This announcement comes during Governor and First Lady Stein’s week exploring the unforgettable mountains of western North Carolina, supporting small businesses, and showcasing all that the region has to offer travelers.

“From the barrier islands to the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina is home to amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, this funding for trails will help local communities increase tourism, promote healthy living, and improve quality of life for all North Carolinians.”

“Trails bring incredible benefits to both urban and rural communities, boosting tourism and economic development,” said Pamela B. Cashwell, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “This generous funding made possible by the N.C. General Assembly will help transform the state trails system in the Great Trails State.”

The Great Trails State Program legislation was established through the General Assembly in 2023, representing a historic investment of $25 million in North Carolina trails. The program offers matching grants to North Carolina local governments, public authorities, regional council of governments, and nonprofit organizations.

These awards encompass more than 70 local trail projects throughout the state, helping to solidify North Carolina as the Great Trails State. In western North Carolina, 37 local trail projects will benefit from $11,162,342 in Great Trails State Program funding, including designing the first greenway in Alleghany County, expanding the New River Paddle Trail, and enhancing and expanding trails throughout the region.

“The 125 member organizations of the Great Trails State Coalition thank the North Carolina General Assembly for creating and funding the Great Trails State Program,” said Palmer McIntyre, director N.C. Great Trails State Coalition. “This visionary investment in all types of trails across the state will deliver transformative economic, health, and quality-of-life benefits for communities of all sizes. The Coalition will continue to work alongside N.C. State Parks to support this program.”

Local communities applied for the grants to fund new trail development and extension of existing trails. This includes paved trails or greenways, natural surface trails, biking trails, equestrian trails, and any other type of trail recognized by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Projects could include planning and feasibility studies, design and engineering, acquisition of lands for trail development, trail construction, and maintenance of existing trails. Applicants were required to provide matching funds, based on their county tier designation. The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation received 89 applications requesting $28 million, and 79 projects were selected with more than $44.5 million provided in matching funds for a total trail investment exceeding $69.3 million.

This summer, Governor Stein and VisitNC have teamed up to encourage people “Rediscover the Unforgettable” in western North Carolina as the region recovers from Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein announced the initiative at the reopening of Chimney Rock State Park, which is now open to the public with limited hours. The initiative seeks to bring people from all over the world to western North Carolina to boost tourism, support local businesses, and highlight outdoor recreation opportunities like walking and hiking trails.

Western North Carolina grant recipients and amounts are as follows:
- Alleghany County: AppHealthCare, $150,000 for Pathways to a Greener Future: Designing the First Greenway in Alleghany County.
- Ashe County: Blue Ridge Conservatory, $150,000 for NPST – Three Top Mountain Section.
- Ashe County: Blue Ridge Conservatory, $312,000 for Lansing Creeper Trail Park Expansion.
- Ashe County: New River Conservancy, $130,666 for New River Paddle Trail Expansion.
- Buncombe County: Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa, $100,000 for Swannanoa Greenway Feasibility Study Update.
- Buncombe County: Town of Woodfin, $500,000 for Riverside Park Expansion & Improvement.
- Burke County: City of Morganton, $374,000 for Morganton Greenway and Mountain Bike Extension.
- Burke County: Burke County, $399,819 for Burke County FFST & OVST Construction- Paddy Creek.
- Burke County: Burke County, $363,067 for Burke County FFST & OVST Repairs and Construction.
- Burke, Caldwell, and McDowell Counties: Camp Grier, $499,197 for Grandfather Ranger District Trail Expansion.
- Burke and Catawba Counties: Western Piedmont Council of Governments, $100,000 for Burke – Catawba Blueway Planning and Feasibility Study.
- Catawba County: City of Hickory, $500,000 for Reconstruct the Elevated Boardwalk at Glenn C. Hilton, Jr. Memorial Park.
- Cherokee County: Town of Murphy, $500,000 for Murphy Riverwalk Primitive Loop Improvements.
- Clay, Graham, Haywood, and Macon Counties: Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, $253,731 for Urgent Wilderness Restoration: Trail Stewardship and Recovery After the Storm.
- Cleveland County: City of Shelby, $500,000 for Shelby R.A.I.L. – Regional Access Improvement Line.
- Cleveland County: Cleveland County Water, $500,000 for Stagecoach Greenway – Narrows Segment.
- Gaston County: Town of Cramerton, $500,000 for Riverlink Greenway Trail Extension.
- Gaston County: Catawba Lands Conservancy & Carolina Thread Trail, $500,000 for Spencer Mountain Trail Construction.
- Graham County: Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team (GREAT), $285,600 for Robbinsville Greenway Project.
- Henderson County: Town of Fletcher, $293,441 for Expanding and Improving the Cane Creek Greenway System.
- Jackson County: Friends of Panthertown ,$86,667 for Panthertown Valley Trail & Bog Bridge Project.
- Jackson County: The Village Green of Cashiers, INC, $233,673 for Resurfacing, enhancing, and maintaining trails in The Village Green.
- McDowell County: McDowell County, $500,000 for Curtis Creek Bridge – Old Fort Fonta Flora Complex, Phase III.
- McDowell County: McDowell County, $500,000 for Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway – Phase III (STIP Project No. EB-5916).
- Rutherford County: Carolina Climbers Coalition, $341,060 for Lower Ghost Town Land Acquisition and Trail Expansion.
- Rutherford, McDowell County: Foothills Regional Commission, $100,000 for Peavine to Thermal Belt Rail-Trail Connector Planning.
- Transylvania County: City of Brevard, $112,333 for Filling the Gaps: Engineering the Final Sections of Brevard’s Estatoe Trail Greenway.
- Watauga County: Blue Ridge Conservancy, $500,000 for Angler Park on the Middle Fork Greenway.
- Watauga County: Town of Blowing Rock, $500,000 for Glen Burney Trail Improvements.
- Wilkes County: Town of Wilkesboro, $499,100 for Bridge Between the Boros.
- Wilkes County: Town of Elkin, $377,988 for Elkin Creek Headwaters Trail Phase 1.
- Wilkes County: Elkin Valley Trails Association, $500,000 for Bridge of Dreams.
Jul 17, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –
July 18, 2025

Investor Relations	Media Relations
Martha Wilmot	Solomiya Lyaskovska
investor.relations@southbow.com	communications@southbow.com

Category: Energy

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Allegra Spender MP

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Gina Cass‑Gottlieb

Dr Steven Kennedy PSM

Jenny Wilkinson PSM

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