NewzIntel.com

Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy Sector – Extended support on the way during the Low Fixed Charge Tariff phase-out

    Source: Electricity Retailers’ Association of New Zealand (ERANZ)

     

    The Electricity Retailers’ Association of New Zealand (ERANZ) and Electricity Networks Aotearoa (ENA) are pleased to announce that members from both organisations will extend the industry-funded Power Credit Scheme from 2027 to 2032. 

     

    The Power Credits Scheme is a $5 million fund that began in June 2022. It assists low-electricity-use households struggling to pay their power bills as the Low Fixed Charge Tariff (LFC) regulations are phased out.

     

    ERANZ Chief Executive Bridget Abernethy says the LFC phase-out is working as intended, rebalancing consumer bills’ fixed and variable components.

     

    “We understand that the phase-out isn’t easy for everyone, so ERANZ and ENA members are extending the scheme for five years, putting $1 million per year back into the hands of struggling consumers.”

     

    Abernethy says she is pleased to see the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Mid-Point Review of the Phase-out of the Low Fixed Charge, which was released today, confirm that the phase-out of the LFC regulations means more equitable electricity bills for standard users.

     

    “Before the phase-out, high-income households with low electricity consumption received lower electricity bills, which came at the expense of larger low-income households with relatively high electricity consumption.”

     

    Abernethy says anyone who is struggling should get in touch with their retailer to see what support is available to them. Consumers can also check with their retailer that they are on the right plan for their needs.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Supporting Kiwis with the costs of power

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Energy Minister Simon Watts is welcoming an extension to the industry funded Power Credit Scheme which is supporting lower income Kiwis with the costs of power. 
    The Scheme supports those who are struggling to pay their energy bills and are affected by the phase-out of a low fixed electricity charge by offering them a $110 power credit from their providers. 
    “Extending the Scheme will help alleviate the financial burden on households by providing them financial relief in the face of rising costs,” Mr Watts says.
    “It has been a challenging time for many Kiwis, with cost-of-living pressures making it difficult for households to budget for everyday necessities including food, rent, and power. That’s why this Government is working hard to grow the economy to reduce the cost of living and help Kiwi households get ahead.
    “Things won’t change overnight but our plan to support Kiwis is working. We have gotten inflation under control, delivered tax relief which has put more money back into Kiwis pockets, and supported families with childcare payments through FamilyBoost. 
    “Recent increases in power prices are likely to put further pressure on household budgets. That’s why I have worked with larger electricity retailers and lines companies to secure a five-year industry funded extension to the Power Credit Scheme, through to 2032.
    “I acknowledge the large retailers and lines companies for providing the scheme as the Regulations are phased out and afterwards.
    “I encourage anyone coming off a low fixed charge plan to check with their power company to see if they are eligible for a power credit,” Mr Watts says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In April, more than 600 educational events were prepared for schoolchildren and college students

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    More than 600 educational events were prepared for young Muscovites, their parents and teachers in April. Registration for them is available on the service “Horizons” based on the Moscow Electronic School (MES). Here you can find a list of all free educational events for children and youth in the capital — lectures, festivals, master classes, competitions, quests, hackathons and excursions.

    “The Horizons service allows schoolchildren and college students to attend sports, cultural and educational events. Since its launch in 2023, it has been used more than 2.5 million times, and the number of unique users has exceeded 1.3 million. The service was most in demand among 10th-11th grade students and parents of schoolchildren,” the press service of the capital said.

    Department of Education and Science.

    So, on April 12 at 12:00 a master class will be held at the Moscow University of Finance and Law “Traditional Chinese Cuisine”. Participants will not only learn about the national dishes of the Celestial Empire, but also learn to write their names in Chinese. Schoolchildren and college students are invited to the lesson.

    On April 12 at the same time, the Palace of Children and Youth Creativity “Vostochny” will host a festival for schoolchildren master class in karate. The course is suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes. And at 16:00, students will be able to join the lesson right here “Rhythm in vocals”The children will be told about methods of working with musical ear and will be revealed the secrets of expressive performance.

    Available for primary school students and their parents excursion through the enclosure complex of the Bitsevsky Forest natural and historical park. Guests will get acquainted with wild and farm animals – squirrels, pheasants, chickens, goats and sheep, and learn interesting facts about them. The event will begin on April 16 at 14:30.

    On April 19 at 12:45 at the Russian State University of Oil and Gas named after I.M. Gubkin you can attend a lecture “Computer – from Babbage to smartphone”. Pupils of grades 7–11, college students, their parents and teachers will be told about the creation of computers and the first programs.

    In total, more than 10 thousand events were published in the Gorizonty service. The events are divided into four areas: “Technology, exact, natural sciences”, “Humanities and economics”, “Medicine, health and sports”, “Culture and art”. For the convenience of users, a filter is available that helps select an event according to age. After registration, information about the event automatically appears in the schedule of the MES electronic diary, and is also sent to e-mail.

    The Horizons service is available in the School section (News tab) of the electronic diary and in the Events section of the mobile application “MESH Diary”. You can also use the service on the website Horizons.Mos.ru.

    “Moscow Electronic School”— a joint project of the capital’s departments education and science Andinformation technology, created in 2016. A single digital educational platform is available to Moscow teachers, students and their parents. Among the main services of “MES” are a library of educational materials, an electronic diary and journal, “Moskvenok”, “Student Portfolio” and “Olympiads”.

    Providing the capital’s schoolchildren with modern digital services increases the efficiency of the educational process, helps children to plan their school and personal time wisely and corresponds to the objectives of the “All the Best for Children” national project “Youth and Children”.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152355073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Token (BGB) Burn Model Updated with First Quarterly Burn Exceeding 30 Million Tokens

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced a significant update to the burn mechanism of Bitget Token (BGB). This enhancement introduces a utility-based model that ties BGB’s quarterly burn amount to its on-chain usage, signifying the token’s evolution towards higher transparency, compliance, and sustainable token value.

    To better reflect the growing integration of BGB across centralized and decentralized ecosystems, the new burn mechanism links quarterly burn volumes to the amount of BGB used for on-chain gas fees through Bitget Wallet’s GetGas accounts. By anchoring the burn to real usage, the model facilitates BGB’s transformation as a key asset within Web3 and real-world applications. The burn formula accounts for BGB’s usage as gas fees, quarterly average price, and predefined constants to ensure a dynamic and verifiable process.

    The first quarterly burn under this new mechanism has now been calculated. In Q1 2025, 6,943.63 BGB were topped up in Bitget Wallet’s GetGas accounts for on-chain gas fee usage. Based on the new formula, a total of 30,006,905 BGB will be burnt in this quarter. All data related to the burn — including transaction records and wallet addresses — are publicly accessible on-chain to ensure full transparency.

    “BGB is becoming a vital bridge between centralized and decentralized ecosystems. By linking its burn mechanism to actual on-chain utility, BGB’s quarterly burn amount can evolve with real usage. This update incentivizes adoption and enables transparent and sustainable tokenomics,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “As BGB continues to expand its role in on-chain ecosystems, a more sustainable burn mechanism can be expected.”

    Bitget Token (BGB) is the utility token that fuels the entire Bitget ecosystem, spanning both its centralized exchange and decentralized wallet. BGB can be staked to earn passive income or qualify for popular token airdrops via Launchpool and PoolX. It also unlocks early access to high-potential Web3 projects through Launchpad and LaunchX. On-chain, BGB is used to cover multi-chain gas fees in Bitget Wallet. Holding BGB grants users exclusive perks such as VIP-level upgrades and profit-sharing opportunities for elite traders. More than just a token, BGB is a gateway for users to engage with, influence, and grow alongside the Bitget ecosystem.

    Earlier this year, the BGB ecosystem was strengthened by permanently burning 800 million team-held tokens, representing 40% of the total supply. Following this burn in January 2025, the total supply was reduced to 1.2 billion, with 100% now in circulation.

    Launched in July 2021 at an initial price of 0.0585 USDT, BGB reached an all-time high of 8.5 USDT in December 2024 — delivering over 100x in cumulative gains. According to CoinMarketCap, it now ranks among the top three CEX native tokens by market cap and is listed as a top 30 crypto asset.

    For more information about the BGB burn, visit this link.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/081df246-71da-4680-a026-fe10467ba259

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 8th, 2025 Heinrich, Sheehy Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act Passes Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) announced that their Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025, legislation to strengthen the aerial wildfire suppression fleet and better combat the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfire, passed the Senate.
    Heinrich and Sheehy led the introduction of their legislation in January. The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act now awaits House passage.
    “I’m pleased that my Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act is one step closer to becoming law,” said Heinrich. “The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act is urgently needed to expand the operations of Very Large Air Tankers that have proven absolutely essential to firefighters battling large wildfires in New Mexico and across the West. I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources that our communities need to effectively respond to wildfires.”
    “It’s only April, and this year has already seen the most dangerous and expensive wildfire season in history. It’s clear our government must do more to give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect communities and save lives. The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act supports that mission by eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to provide our aerial wildfire suppression fleet the resources necessary to fight wildfires quickly and aggressively. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support of this bipartisan legislation, and I will continue to use the full power of my office to support the brave first responders on the front lines fighting wildfires across the country,” said Sheehy.
    “In Arizona and across the West, wildfires are more frequent, more intense, and no longer confined to a single season. Our response capabilities need to reflect that new reality,” said Kelly. “Strengthening our aerial firefighting fleet by making more aircraft and parts available is a smart, proven way to help firefighters respond faster and keep communities safe. I’m proud to support this effort to ensure the tools are in place to meet the growing threat, and I’ll keep working to get it done.”
    “As catastrophic wildfires devastate communities across the country, we need to be smarter and more resourceful in our approach to wildfire suppression,” said Padilla. “Californians saw firsthand the power of our aerial wildfire suppression fleet in putting out the Los Angeles fires as quickly as possible. Shoring up aerial firefighting fleets by allowing the Department of Defense to sell excess aircraft parts is a lifesaving, commonsense priority — and I’m glad to see the Senate come together to unanimously pass this bipartisan legislation.”
    The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale of excess aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression. The bill will help the U.S. better suppress wildfires year-round by facilitating the acquisition of military excess aircraft, sold at fair market value, for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet. Additionally, the sale of parts will help the U.S. maintain its existing aerial firefighting aircraft fleet.
    The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense’s authority to sell excess Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts, which are acceptable for commercial sale, to persons or entities that contract with the government for the delivery of fire retardant or water by air to suppress wildfires, as long as the aircraft and parts are used only for wildfire suppression. The initial authority expired in 2005 and was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017 before lapsing again.
    Read more on the bill here.
    Heinrich’s Support for Aerial Firefighting:
    Heinrich has long worked to expand and improve aerial firefighting operations in New Mexico to more effectively fight wildfires. In 2022, Heinrich secured more than $15 million to upgrade the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. Those upgrades were completed in 2024 – a major milestone that makes it possible to support and refuel Very Large Air Tanker planes that can drop large volumes of fire retardant on blazes.
    In an op-ed published in the Albuquerque Journal, Col. Mike Power, Kirtland Air Force Base Installation Commander, highlighted the importance of these newly completed upgrades at the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base that will help the U.S. Forest Service fight wildfires in New Mexico more efficiently and effectively.  one of only two bases in the United States with that capability.
    “This base upgrade, where now up to 30 Forest Service professionals work to lead the fight against wildfires, includes the larger ramp space for a stronger, more efficient capability to fight wildfires in New Mexico year-round. It now also houses a retardant tank farm,” said Col. Power in the op-ed. “What does that mean to the average New Mexican? It means 75,000 gallons of retardant available at one time, and cuts response time to a fire in half. Ours is one of only two bases in the United States with that capability.”
    Heinrich’s Continued Leadership on Wildfire Response & Recovery:
    Heinrich remains focused on delivering the resources New Mexico needs to effectively respond to wildfires and prevent future devastating blazes by restoring the health and resilience of our forests and watersheds.
    Last week, Heinrich attempted to amend Republicans’ budget resolution that funds Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s tax handouts for billionaires by filing an amendment to increase forest health and wildfire mitigation forest treatments to support wildland firefighting.  
    In March, Heinrich demanded USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to reverse the Trump-Musk terminations of forest service workers responsible for protecting our communities from wildfires. In his letter, Heinrich highlighted impacts of the USDA’s actions across New Mexico. Specifically, in the Gila National Forest, Heinrich pointed to the USDA’s termination of an entire trail crew that previously spent their days clearing debris from trails to make them safe for the community and help prevent catastrophic wildfire.
    Additionally, Heinrich pressed the USDA on Trump’s plans to fire forest service workers responsible for wildfire prevention and watershed restoration.
    In January, Heinrich introduced the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to ensure the federal government can recruit and retain a sufficient wildland firefighting workforce to keep communities safe. The legislation would also permanently increase federal wildland firefighter pay.
    Heinrich is keeping up the effort to do right by the New Mexico families whose lives were upended by the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. As communities continue to rebuild, Heinrich will keep working to deliver for every personimpacted by that fire and the floods that followed.
    Heinrich, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) successfully secured an additional $1.5 billion to help New Mexicans recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire within the Continuing Resolution that Congress passed in December 2024.
    The 2024 Continuing Resolution also extended the period that victims may file claims with the Hermit’s Peak Claims Office to March 14, 2025. The Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández are continuing to call for the passage of their Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Extension Act, legislation they introduced to extend the period a victim can file a claim with the Hermit’s Peak Claims Office through the end of 2027.
    The New Mexico Congressional Delegation has now secured a total of $5.45 billion in federal resources to help New Mexicans recover and rebuild since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
    In November 2024, Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández announced that President Biden’s disaster supplemental request included transfer authority for $1.5 billion to help New Mexicans recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. That same month, Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández also sent a letter urging the FEMA Director of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and the FEMA Director of the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office to address concerns from New Mexicans about the process for receiving compensationfrom the Claims Office and help families get the relief and compensation needed to recover.
    Additional information on Heinrich’s leadership on Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Response and Recovery can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Don’t let embarrassment stop you – talking about these anal cancer symptoms could save your life

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suzanne Mahady, Gastroenterologist & Clinical Epidemiologist, Senior Lecturer, Monash University

    sarkao/Shutterstock

    Anal cancer doesn’t get a lot of attention. This may be because it’s relatively rare – anal cancer affects an estimated one to two Australians in every 100,000. As a comparison, melanomas affect around 70 in every 100,000 people.

    But it’s also likely due to embarrassment. Anal cancer is an abnormal growth in the cells lining the anus, the last few centimetres of the bowel. Many people feel awkward talking about this part of their body.

    So, when symptoms appear – such as bleeding or itchiness – they may delay speaking to a doctor. But it’s crucial to know what to look for, because if anal cancer is caught early the chances of treating it are much higher.

    The anus is the last few centimetres of the bowel.
    Designua/Shutterstock

    Do we know what causes it?

    Up to nine in ten anal cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.

    HPV is common – more than 80% of people who have ever been sexually active will be infected at some point with a strain (there are more than 150).

    Most HPV strains won’t cause any problems. But some, particularly HPV16, are higher risk. Persistent infection can cause changes in the anal lining and this can progress to anal cancer. This can happen even if you don’t have anal sex.

    Vaccination against HPV is a highly effective method to reduce the risk of cancers related to HPV infection such as anal and cervical cancer.

    Since the national HPV vaccination program began in Australia in 2007, there has been a substantial drop in diseases linked to HPV (such as genital warts). While it’s too early to say, it is hoped that over time cancer rates will also fall due to vaccination.

    Other factors that increase your risk for anal cancer include:

    • being older
    • a history of smoking
    • a weakened immune system (for example from medication or HIV)
    • sexual activity (having anal sex or multiple sexual partners)
    • a history of cervical, vulval or vaginal cancer.
    Only some HPV strains are linked to cancer.
    wisely/Shutterstock

    What are the symptoms?

    Sometimes anal cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms. A doctor may instead detect the cancer visually during a colonoscopy or another examination.

    Other times, symptoms may include bleeding from the bottom (you might see blood on the toilet paper), a new anal lump, or feeling non-specific discomfort or itchiness in your anus.

    You may also have an unusual sensation that you can’t pass a stool as “fully” or easily as before.

    If you have any of these symptoms – particularly if they are new or getting worse – it is important to speak with your doctor.

    The symptoms of anal cancer can be very similar to common conditions such as haemorrhoids, so it’s best to get them checked by a doctor to get the diagnosis right.

    It’s understandable you might be embarrassed. But for doctors, this is all part of routine practice.

    Catching it early improves your chances

    Survival rates are much better for anal cancer caught in the early stages.

    Around 90% of people diagnosed with stage one anal cancer will live five years or more. That drops to 60% if the diagnosis is made when the cancer has developed to stage three.

    The test may be as simple as a quick anal examination. Or it may require other investigations such as anoscopy (looking inside the bottom with a slim tube) or specialised ultrasounds or scans.

    Most tests involve only a small amount of discomfort or none at all. They can rule out anything serious, giving you peace of mind.

    If a cancer is detected, treatment usually involves radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery, or a combination.

    The bottom line

    If you need another reason to get symptoms checked out, here’s one: they could also indicate bowel cancer.

    Bowel cancer (also known as colon or colorectal cancer) is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in Australia, and the second most common cause of cancer death, with similar symptoms such as bleeding from the bottom.

    So, it’s crucial to not to let awkwardness get in the way. Speak to your doctor if any symptoms concern you. Starting the conversation early could save your life.

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

    – ref. Don’t let embarrassment stop you – talking about these anal cancer symptoms could save your life – https://theconversation.com/dont-let-embarrassment-stop-you-talking-about-these-anal-cancer-symptoms-could-save-your-life-249570

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Praises President Trump’s Pro-Coal Executive Order

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    April 8, 2025

    Washington, D.C. —  Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement today applauding President Trump’s pro-coal executive order.

    “I am thrilled that President Trump is reversing the failed energy policies of the Biden administration and officially lifting this ridiculous moratorium on federal coal leasing,” said Lummis. “The previous administration’s anti-science, anti-energy, anti-Wyoming policies cost good paying jobs, increased energy costs, and played into the hands of America’s adversaries. President Trump knows that increased American energy is a strength, not a weakness. As America’s leading coal-producing state, Wyoming stands ready and able to support President Trump’s initiative to expand and Unleash American Energy.”

    Background: 

    Earlier today, President Trump signed an EO: Executive Actions to Support the Coal Industry, which does the following:

    • Directs the Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council to designate coal as a “mineral” under Executive Order 14241, entitling coal to all of the benefits of that prior Order.
    • Directs relevant agencies to identify coal resources on Federal lands, lift barriers to coal mining, and prioritize coal leasing on those lands.
    • Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acknowledge the end of the Jewell Moratorium, which paused coal leasing on Federal lands.
    • Requires agencies to rescind any agency policies that seek to transition the Nation away from coal production or otherwise establish preferences against coal as a generation resource.
    • Directs CEQ to assist agencies in adopting coal-related categorical exclusions under NEPA.
    • Seeks to promote coal and coal technology exports, facilitate international offtake agreements for U.S. coal, and accelerate development of coal technologies.
    • Calls for the Secretary of Energy to determine whether coal used in the production of steel meets the definition of a “critical material” and “critical mineral” under the Energy Act of 2020, and if so, add it to the relevant lists.
    • Pushes for using coal to power new artificial intelligence (AI) data.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: EVs assist during Australia-wide blackout

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) smart chargers can help us transition away from fossil fuels to 100 per cent renewable energy.

    During a blackout on the Australian energy grid in February, ACT Government vehicles fed power back into the grid.

    Major storms in Melbourne caused the blackout. At the time, there were 16 ACT Government fleet EVs plugged into vehicle-to-grid (V2G) smart chargers across the ACT. Four of them were charging, and 12 were sitting idle.

    These 16 EVs received a signal from the grid. They started supplying power back into the grid in seconds. This is potentially the first time in the world that this V2G response has assisted during a power emergency.

    V2G technology works using a bi-directional charger. The energy from an EV battery can send electricity back into the grid, just like rooftop solar. In this case, the emergency response lasted a few minutes before the grid stabilised. The cars began charging again as normal with minimal disruption.

    These results show that V2G can:

    • contribute to the security of our electricity grid
    • reduce emissions from transport.

    “V2G represents a huge opportunity for Australia,” Ross De Rango, Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Electric Vehicle Council, said.

    “Over time it will put downward pressure on energy bills for everyone (not just EV drivers) and enable us to close coal and gas fired power stations sooner.

    “We’ll be able to meet significant amounts of energy system peak demand from our cars, rather than from burning fossil fuels, and then recharge them later on from excess wind or solar.”

    EV uptake is growing in Canberra. V2G can play a pivotal role here and across Australia as we transition our national energy systems away from fossil fuels to 100 per cent renewable energy.

    Enabling V2G technology is a commitment in the ACT’s first Integrated Energy Plan. For more information on the ACT’s pathway to electrification, visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Media release: Statement on the Coalition’s Frontier Economics gas policy modelling – Australian Energy Producers

    Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association

    Headline: Media release: Statement on the Coalition’s Frontier Economics gas policy modelling – Australian Energy Producers

    Attributable to Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch: 

    The Frontier Economics modelling of the Coalition’s gas price controls policy released last night leaves many unanswered questions about how the policy would work and reaffirms industry’s fundamental concerns. 

    The policy would introduce price controls in the east coast gas market and would be yet another heavy-handed intervention that will drive away investment and risk exacerbating the supply pressures in the longer term.  

    The Coalition rightly opposed a similar policy in 2022, when the Federal Government introduced price caps that ultimately delayed new supply and damaged investor confidence.  

    At the time, the Coalition noted that “price caps in the gas market would be a disaster” that could lead to “a collapse in industry confidence resulting in job losses and long-term investment downturns”, and cited EnergyQuest modelling “that showed a $10-per-gigajoule cap could remove or delay more than 700 petajoules of new gas supply in less than eight years.” 

    Rather than increasing gas supply, the Coalition’s policy risks reducing domestic gas production and supply because there would be no incentive to produce sub-economic gas, and it would damage already suppressed investor confidence. 

    The modelling also ignores the material infrastructure constraints that limit how much gas from Queensland can be sent to the southern states, with the pipes already running at full capacity during peak periods – a point the Coalition made less than six months ago.  

    There is much in the Coalition’s broader gas plan that is welcome and responds to what industry has been calling for, including streamlining environmental approvals, providing more certainty and protection from lawfare for critical energy projects, including gas in the Capacity Investment Scheme, and support for pipeline and storage to address infrastructure constraints. 

    We will continue to work with both major parties on sustainable solutions that promote a functioning, competitive and well supplied east coast gas market. 

    Media contact: 0434 631 511

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Secures Commitment from Interior Dep. Sec. Nominee to Help Protect Wild Horses in TRNP

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    04.08.25
    ***Click for video and audio.***
    WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator John Hoeven secured a commitment from Katharine MacGregor, nominee to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior, to work together on legislation to protect wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP).
    “We continue our efforts to ensure that the National Park Service fulfills its commitment to protecting wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. At the same time, we are working to secure Kate MacGregor’s confirmation as Interior Deputy Secretary, and I look forward to working with her to implement a long-term management plan that preserves a healthy, genetically diverse herd of horses for future generations to enjoy,” said Hoeven.
    Hoeven is continuing his efforts to ensure the National Park Service (NPS) maintains a herd of free-roaming horses at TRNP on a permanent basis.
    As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven passed a provision in annual funding legislation directing NPS to maintain “the historic scene commensurate with the historic herds during the period when President Theodore Roosevelt was a rancher in the area.”
    Advanced this priority with NPS officials, including Midwest Regional Director Bert Frost.
    On April 25, 2024, NPS formally terminated its proposed removal of horses at TRNP under the environmental assessment process initiated in 2022, and as a result, horses continue to be maintained at the park.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: President Signs Executive Orders to Strengthen Access to Affordable, Reliable Baseload Electricity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    04.08.25

    Senator at White House for EO Signing, Working to Secure Future of Coal in Support of U.S. Energy Dominance

    ***Click for video and audio.***

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today joined President Donald Trump at the White House as he signed executive orders to strengthen access to the affordable and reliable baseload electricity provided by coal. The orders align with Hoeven’s longtime work to secure the future of the U.S. coal industry, ensuring the nation can continue to utilize this abundant energy resource in support of making the country energy dominant. Specifically, President Trump signed orders that:

    • Direct the Department of the Interior to identify coal reserves on federal lands and prioritize federal coal leasing.
    • Provide regulatory relief for coal mining and coal-fired power plants, including exempting certain coal plants from the onerous Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule imposed by the Biden administration.
      • Hoeven, along with then-Congressman Kelly Armstrong, led bicameral legislation to block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing its new MATS rule.
    • Support the development of technologies like carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and encourage coal technology exports to support U.S. global energy leadership.
    • Utilize emergency authority under the Federal Power Act to address the premature retirement of coal-fired power plants and enable these facilities to continue supporting the reliability of the grid.

    “Today’s executive orders help mobilize President Trump’s team in support of our nation’s coal producers, who provide affordable and reliable baseload power that is essential to the stability of our electric grid,” said Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Leveraging our vast coal reserves, including those on federal lands, is a key part of our efforts to make the U.S. truly energy dominant. North Dakota has long led the way on priorities like CCUS, and I look forward to continuing my efforts with the administration, including Interior Secretary Burgum and Energy Secretary Wright, to provide the regulatory relief and legal certainty needed to unlock our country’s energy potential.”

    Leading in CCUS

    Hoeven has worked for more than 15 years to advance North Dakota’s leadership in cracking the code on CCUS technologies to enable the next generation of clean, coal-fired electric power, including:

    • Putting in place the legal, tax and regulatory requirements to advance CCUS.
    • Making North Dakota the first state to be granted regulatory primacy for Class VI wells, to ensure CO2 is safely and securely stored below the surface.
    • Advancing Basin’s Dakota Gasification synfuels plant, the largest coal-based carbon capture project in the world, which is currently in operation and captures up to 2.25 million metric tons of CO2 per year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Pavilion to delight visitors at Expo 2025

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

    A media day event at the China Pavilion of Expo 2025 in the Japanese city of Osaka offered a preview of exhibitions centered on green development, cutting-edge technologies, and the vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

    Held on Monday, the China Media Day event showcased the pavilion’s design and displays, all unified under the core theme: “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature — Future Society of Green Development”.

    Li Qingshuang, deputy head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and government representative for the China Pavilion, said: “The exhibitions at the China Pavilion closely align with the expo’s theme and emphasize immersion, interactivity and experience. The presentation methods are diverse, blending tradition and modernity, and rich in cultural sentiment.”

    Covering an area of around 3,500 square meters, the China Pavilion stands as one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at Expo 2025, also known as the World Expo, which will open in Osaka on Sunday and run for six months.

    During the expo, the Walker C humanoid robot, developed by UBTech Robotics, will interact with visitors at the south plaza of the China Pavilion, offering intelligent tour guide services and human-robot interaction experiences.

    The mythological figure Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, will make an appearance at the China Pavilion. This version of Sun Wukong is powered by a next-generation cognitive intelligence model developed by Chinese information technology company iFlytek. It integrates cutting-edge technologies such as robust noise-resistant speech recognition, multiemotion voice synthesis and multimodal interaction.

    Visitors will be able to engage in interactive Q&A sessions with Sun Wukong in Chinese, Japanese and English.

    One of the highlights at the China Pavilion will be samples brought back from the moon by the Chang’e 5 and Chang’e 6 lunar probes.

    “This will be the most precious exhibit the China Pavilion presents to global visitors during Expo 2025.It will also be the world’s first side-by-side, close-up display of samples from both the near and far sides of the moon,” Li said.

    She emphasized that visitors will have the opportunity to observe the distinct structures of the lunar samples and the subtle differences between both sides of the moon through a specially designed lens installation. Nearby, a video message from three Chinese astronauts aboard the space station will offer greetings to visitors at the China Pavilion.

    According to Liu Shuo, deputy director of the China Pavilion, its design was inspired by traditional bamboo slips, incorporating cultural elements such as bamboo and Chinese characters.

    The pavilion will be in three sections, each highlighting a different facet of China’s approach to sustainability — its traditional ecological philosophy, contemporary green development efforts, and the vision for global collaboration toward a sustainable future.

    The “Harmony Between Humanity and Nature” section delves into traditional Chinese culture, emphasizing the deep-rooted wisdom and reverence the Chinese people have for the natural world.

    The “Green Mountains and Clear Waters” section presents China’s modern commitment to green development, showcasing its efforts to drive comprehensive economic and social transformation through sustainable practices.

    The “Endless Vitality” section looks to the future, featuring China’s exploration of outer space and the deep sea, and its dedication to working with the international community to build a greener and more beautiful Earth.

    The Future Smart City exhibition, organized by China Energy Engineering Group, presents a vision for future urban development. It integrates eight types of urban networks — including energy, digital, transportation and industrial networks — demonstrating China’s technological breakthroughs and practical applications in areas such as clean energy, artificial intelligence and urban development.

    Liu said the China Pavilion will host a wide variety of events during the expo. The pavilion will officially open on Sunday, and the National Pavilion Day falls on July 11.

    Thirty Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and the city of Shenzhen will hold themed events at the pavilion. Additionally, many government agencies and businesses will organize cultural, technological and economic exchange activities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Global EV adoption fails to cut CO₂ – study – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    There’s little point in buying an electric vehicle if you’re charging it with electricity generated by fossil fuels. In fact, when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions, your EV may be doing more harm than good.

    This is according to a study by researchers from the University of Auckland and Xiamen University in China, published in the journal Energy. (ref. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036054422500115X?via%3Dihub )

    The researchers analysed the environmental impacts of human activity and used a robust statistical approach to investigate what drives a nation’s carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

    Using data from 26 countries over 15 years, they found a surprising trend: higher EV uptake was linked to increased CO₂ emissions. The reason? In a number of countries, EVs are still being powered by electricity generated through burning fossil fuels like coal or oil.

    Associate Professor Stephen Poletti and Simon Tao, a doctoral candidate at the Business School’s Energy Centre, didn’t observe a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions globally due to EV adoption.

    “On the contrary, EV adoption is positively associated with CO₂ emissions,” says Tao. “This finding appears counterintuitive; it challenges the conventional belief that EVs contribute to decarbonisation.

    “Our analysis highlights that the environmental benefits of EVs are contingent on the composition of a country’s electricity generation mix.”

    Take EVs charged using electricity from coal-fired power plants, says Poletti.

    “In that case, they may indirectly contribute to higher emissions than modern gasoline or diesel vehicles, especially considering the entire lifecycle from production to disposal.”

    The study results suggest only when the global share of renewable electricity generation reaches approximately 48 percent will electric vehicle adoption contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.

    Renewable energy, mainly wind, solar and hydro, accounted for only a little more than 30 percent of the world’s electricity in 2023, so there’s a way to go, says Poletti.

    “Electric vehicles are often seen as a silver bullet for climate change, but our results show that’s not the case if the electricity powering them isn’t clean.”

    New Zealand, where over 80 percent of electricity generation is renewable, is well-placed to reap the benefits of EVs. Across the ditch, a Clean Energy Council report found that renewables overall accounted for nearly 40 percent of Australia’s total electricity supply in 2023.

    “This research is a reminder that decarbonising transport can’t happen in isolation,” says Poletti.

    “EVs are only as green as the grid they plug into, and government policies should aim to increase the adoption and integration of renewable energy like solar and hydro. This can be achieved by setting ambitious renewable energy targets and providing adequate subsidies such as tax credits to producers and consumers of renewable energy.”

    Poletti says investments in smart grids and transmission networks can boost the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy supply.

    “Policies should support community-based renewable energy projects, which can increase public acceptance of renewable energy installations.”

    Further, the researchers say eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels and implementing carbon pricing mechanisms could also incentivise renewable energy development.

    “Electric vehicle uptake can help countries meet climate-related targets, as long as the energy used to power them is clean,” says Tao.

    In addition to EV uptake, the researchers examined the impacts of economic growth, green technology innovation, renewable energy consumption and population density on emissions.

    They found that economic growth increases emissions, while innovation in environmentally friendly technology and population density, in the form of more compact cities, can help lower them. Renewable energy use had the most significant emissions-reducing effect.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Reintroduces Bill to Protect the Ruby Mountains from Oil and Gas Drilling Pushed by the Trump Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) reintroduced her legislation to expand protections for and prohibit oil and gas development in Nevada’s beautiful and pristine Ruby Mountains. Her reintroduction of the Ruby Mountains Protection Act follows the Trump administration’s decision to reopen the Rubies to speculative oil and gas drilling. Last Congress, this bill passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) is a cosponsor of the legislation.

    “The natural beauty of the Ruby Mountains, Nevada’s Swiss Alps, is beloved by locals and draws tourists from across the country,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Unproductive oil and gas drilling would only harm Northern Nevada’s tourism economy and keep this natural treasure from generations of future Nevadans. There’s bipartisan support for my legislation, and there is no reason not to pass it into law.”

    “Instead of taking meaningful action to bolster American energy independence, the Trump administration is taking reckless and unproductive steps that endanger Nevada lands with low likelihood of oil and gas production,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill with Senator Cortez Masto to fight back against President Trump’s efforts and protect the Ruby Mountains from drilling. I’ll keep pushing back against this wrongheaded approach that threatens the Ruby Mountains and other beautiful parts of our state.”

    The Ruby Mountains Protection Act would withdraw approximately 450,000 acres of National Forest land, comprising the Ruby Mountain Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, from any eligibility for oil and gas leasing. The bill will also expand protection to the 39,926-acre Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Ruby Mountains Protection Act would not affect any recreational use of these pristine lands, including for hunting, hiking, and fishing. Last Congress, the Ruby Mountains Protection Act passed the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on a bipartisan basis.

    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have been champions for Nevada’s great outdoor spaces and public lands. They passed critical legislation to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which protects public lands in Nevada and across the U.S. Cortez Masto’s bipartisan, bicameral legislation to restore Lake Tahoe was recently passed into law, and she delivered critical funding to protect Lake Tahoe in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Cortez Masto and Rosen also helped pass the historic Great American Outdoors Act, which was signed into law and provides robust funding to preserve and maintain public lands across the country. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Govt Re-Configures MSOs – Diesel users to pay for new standards at the pump – ERA

    Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

    Energy Resources Aotearoa warns that consumers will ultimately face higher costs at the pump because of new Minimum Stockholding Obligations (MSO) announced today.
    Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says with diesel consumption expected to decline in the coming years, investment in diesel assets is challenged and may become obsolete.
    “The Government’s decision to add 7 days of diesel stockholding obligation on importers, rather than fund and manage themselves, will require industry to either lease additional tanks or convert/build tanks to support current demand. Both options require significant long-term investment which will be passed through to the consumer at the pump.”
    “Add the low likelihood of experiencing a sustained and severe fuel disruption to that picture, and we will have a high-cost solution imposed on New Zealanders for a rare and unprecedented event.”
    Carnegie says that while the government’s reasoning for increasing fuel stocks is New Zealand’s vulnerability to international fuel supply disruptions, the costs to consumers far outweigh the benefits beyond the current 21 days of mandated cover.
    “New Zealand operates in a nimble, complex and highly integrated supply chain system that supplies liquid fuels in Asia Pacific, which has only improved since the closure of the Marsden Point refinery.
    Now, more than ever, more ships are on the water delivering fuel across New Zealand. Since the refinery closure, fuel companies have been providing fuel to New Zealand through more frequent shipments from a wider range of sources.”
    Carnegie says if the government wants to enhance resilience, it should fund an extra seven days of coverage instead of imposing this requirement on fuel importers.
    “The beneficiaries are all New Zealanders rather than diesel users who will have to carry these costs. Government funding is the fairest approach to sharing the costs because resilience is a form of public insurance for the highly unlikely event of a sustained and severe fuel disruption.
    Costs associated with MSO include monitoring systems and IT, labour, storage for fuel and data, legal and contractual fees, engineering, and design. All of these costs will ultimately be passed on to the consumer.
    We are not convinced that increasing onshore stocks will improve diesel resilience or is the right approach to future-proofing New Zealand’s emergency management system.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rep. Pfluger On Sunday Mornings Futures

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) joined Sunday Morning Futures on Fox News to discuss President Trump’s energy agenda and the vital role the Permian Basin will have in accomplishing it. Watch the full interview HERE, or read the conversation below.

    Jackie DeAngelis: We’re talking all morning about Trump’s economic agenda. Obviously, tariffs are on everyone’s mind, but energy is also a big part of this. He wants to unleash American energy once again. President Biden tried to suffocate the energy industry. Explain to me how that’s going to work in the Permian – deregulation is part of it, investment is part of it, and the companies are on board.

    Rep. Pfluger: Well Jackie, it’s great to be with you, and you’re absolutely right. Energy underpins everything we do, our entire economy, our national security sector – it’s the most important thing, and it’s foundational to everyday life. What we do in the Permian Basin, as you rightfully showed, is unleashing affordable, reliable energy, and that’s what we should be doing throughout the United States. I was proud to have a bill signed into law just a couple of weeks ago that cut the harmful natural gas tax that President Biden imposed, but that’s not it. That’s not all of it. What President Trump is now doing is cutting that red tape. He’s cutting the bureaucracy. He’s making it easier. You’re going to see lease sales both onshore and offshore. And most importantly, we have to get to a place of permitting reform so that energy companies are not competing with Uncle Sam. That you don’t have years of delays due to litigation or the red tape that the bureaucracy has imposed and I think that’s what you’re going to see. It’s going to enter us into a new era of energy and with the incoming AI data centers and the technology that you’re seeing, the demand for electricity is only going to increase. In some cases, people are predicting as much as double.

    Jackie DeAngelis: When you look at oil prices, there are a few bright spots in this market right now, even amidst the turmoil that we’re watching on the specific indices with stocks. Because you’re looking at oil prices that have come down, you’ve got OPEC, increasing supply, playing ball with President Trump, as he’s trying to modify the energy agenda, you bring those gas prices down, not only for consumers, but you bring them down for companies. And you’re talking about lower inflation.

    Rep. Pfluger: Well, there’s a sweet spot for the production of oil and gas because you want enough rigs to drill, you want the ability to be able to produce, and the supply to match the demand. And so, actually, I think what people are probably looking at across the United States is somewhere in the neighborhood of $65 to $85 and that really allows the predictability. Predictability is the word in this industry that people are looking for. They want a predictable future to invest in. And super high prices, over $100 or even $20, $30, $40 per barrel of oil is not good for the economy. What is good for it is a predictable barrel of oil price so we can compete around the world.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Increased diesel reserves to improve resilience

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The minimum stockholding obligation for diesel importers will increase from 21 to 28 days’ cover, bolstering New Zealand’s diesel reserves and resilience to supply disruptions, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says.
    The Coalition Government consulted on the proposal late last year and has agreed that from 1 July 2028, fuel importers that have more than a 10 per cent market share must hold an additional seven days’ supply onshore.
    “We use around 11 million litres of diesel every day in New Zealand, and it is vital for the economy – from food production and distribution to emergency electricity generation and the movement of essential goods and services,” Mr Jones says.
    “While the chances of a severe and sustained fuel disruption are low, the consequences for Kiwis and our economy would be catastrophic.
    “Our diesel reserves are lower than reserves for other fuel types, meaning we are particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions. The Fuel Security Study I released in February found our diesel cover of 21 days in reserve could be tight to manage, even for a minor disruption.
    “Building our resilience must carefully balance the risks with the cost of mitigation to the sector and ultimately consumers. A reserve of 28 days is a good compromise and means we will be able to better ride out smaller disruptions and, in the event of a major supply event, it will give us time to get solutions in place.”
    Fuel security continues to be a priority for the Government as work progresses on a Fuel Security Plan for New Zealand, a commitment in the New Zealand First-National Coalition Agreement. The plan is expected to be delivered later this year.
    “Establishing the requirement to hold more diesel reserves from July 2028 allows operators enough time to determine how to incorporate additional diesel into their networks and if necessary, to build or refurbish existing tanks,” Mr Jones says.
    The minimum stockholding obligation for diesel importers with a market share of less than 10 per cent will be reviewed next year.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Pressure from Warren, Trump Nominee Commits to Holding Private Military Landlords Accountable, Protecting Housing Rights for Servicemembers, Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 08, 2025

    Mr. Marks: “I believe that residents do need to have robust rights to include where they live.” 

    Mr. Marks: “If confirmed, you have my commitment to work with this committee, you, and others, and the services on behalf of our residents (to ensure safe and high quality housing). We owe them that for the service that they give our great nation.”

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, questioned Mr. Dale Marks, nominee for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, on his vision for addressing military housing problems for servicemembers and their families. 

    After a 2018 Reuters investigation revealed that military families were subjected to mold, pest infestations, and other safety hazards, Congress and the Department of Defense (DoD) began work to improve housing conditions. Congress passed multiple reforms in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, including a Tenant Bill of Rights and creation of a public complaint database that became the Housing Feedback System, which allows servicemembers and their families to submit and document publicly concerns about the safety of their homes. 

    Mr. Marks agreed to use the Housing Feedback System to hold private military housing contractors accountable, saying that, as a former military housing resident himself, he is committed to “build(ing) transparency and trust with our residents.”  

    Senator Warren highlighted that, despite the reforms passed by Congress, families are still denied justice through concepts like the Enclave Doctrine, which says that tenants living on federal lands are not entitled to the same rights as those living outside of them. 

    After being questioned by Senator Warren, Mr. Marks committed to “dig deeper to see how we could address (the Enclave Doctrine)” and affirmed that “residents do need to have robust rights to include where they live.” He also committed to working with Senator Warren, SASC, and the military services to ensure service members and their families receive safe and high quality housing. 

    Senator Warren called for the committee to address the issues with military housing conditions in this year’s NDAA. 

    “We have a duty to make sure that military families’ homes are safe so they can stay focused on the mission of keeping the rest of us safe. Substandard housing conditions hurt military readiness. That’s a problem we could fix,” Senator Warren concluded.  

    Transcript: Hearing to consider the nominations of: Mr. Bradley D. Hansell to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security; Mr. Earl G. Matthews to be General Counsel of the Department of Defense; Mr. Dale R. Marks to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment; and Honorable Brandon M. Williams to be Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security
    Senate Armed Services Committee 
    April 8, 2025 

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations to all of our nominees. 

    So, after a 2018 Reuters investigation found that military families were living in homes that were filled with mold, pest infestations, and other safety hazards, this committee opened an inquiry and instituted a slate of reforms in 2019 to hold private military housing contractors accountable.

    One of these reforms was the creation of a Tenant Bill of Rights to ensure that military families have the quality housing they deserve. Another was the creation of a public database for military families to report when their landlords fail to provide that quality housing.

    I am glad that DOD finally created that database, called the Housing Feedback System, last year. I’m sorry that servicemembers had to wait five years for it. DOD needs to do better to rebuild trust with military families.

    Mr. Marks, if you are confirmed, it will be your job to make sure that servicemembers and their families have “safe, high-quality, and affordable” housing. So will you commit to preserving and using DoD’s Housing Feedback system to hold private military housing contractors accountable? 

    Mr. Dale Marks, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment: Senator, thank you for that. And as someone who has been a military housing resident, I appreciate the additional oversight to include that database which has been implemented. And I have watched that roll out at the local installation level. If confirmed, you have my commitment we will continue to build transparency and trust with our residents. We owe them that. 

    Senator Warren: Good. I appreciate that and I appreciate your strong response here. While the reforms we’ve put in place are an important start, military families are still being treated as second-class citizens by unscrupulous landlords. At Fort Belvoir, the housing conditions in these private homes were so reprehensible that families couldn’t even live there. But the families had to continue paying rent for their unlivable homes while they made do in temporary housing. 

    Mr. Marks, do you agree that military families deserve the same tenant protections provided to their civilian neighbors – so for example the right to terminate their leases if their landlord fails to address safety hazards, or the right to sue their landlords for relief if their family got sick because of poor conditions in their home?

    Mr. Marks: Senator, we owe our residents the highest standards of quality in homes and to continue to make robust the informal and formal dispute resolution processes. And, if confirmed, I would want to work with you and this committee to see what we can do. 

    Senator Warren: Let me just – my question is: should our military families have the same rights that their civilian neighbors have to insist under local and state laws to get protection?

    Mr. Marks: Senator, I understand. There are some laws to include the Enclave Act that needs to be addressed. And so what I would want to do is, if confirmed, dig deeper to see how we could address that. I believe that residents do need to have robust rights to include where they live.

    Senator Warren: Well, you know, we already have a pretty bad example here because these families at Fort Belvoir who have tried to file claims under the Virginia consumer and housing protection laws and their complaints were dismissed because of the Enclave Doctrine. This is the doctrine that says on federal lands tenants might not be entitled to the same rights as other members of the state or community. 

    I want to work with my colleagues to address this in the NDAA but DOD also recently provided a response to a letter that I sent with Senators Ossoff and Kaine that said the military services already have the authority to require private military housing companies to take corrective action and can negotiate to provide families with additional rights. 

    So let me ask you, Mr. Marks, will you work with this committee and the military services to fight for and enforce military families’ housing protection rights and ensure they receive the safe and high quality housing they’re entitled to?

    Mr. Marks: Senator, if confirmed, you have my commitment to work with this committee, you, and others, and the services on behalf of our residents. We owe them that for the service that they give our great nation.

    Senator Warren: I appreciate that and I hope this is something we’ll take up in the NDAA. We have a duty to make sure that military families’ homes are safe so they can stay focused on the mission of keeping the rest of us safe. Substandard housing conditions hurt military readiness. That’s a problem we could fix. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Purpose.  The United States is experiencing an unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven by rapid technological advancements, including the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers and an increase in domestic manufacturing.  This increase in demand, coupled with existing capacity challenges, places a significant strain on our Nation’s electric grid.  Lack of reliability in the electric grid puts the national and economic security of the American people at risk.  The United States’ ability to remain at the forefront of technological innovation depends on a reliable supply of energy from all available electric generation sources and the integrity of our Nation’s electric grid.  
    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to ensure the reliability, resilience, and security of the electric power grid.  It is further the policy of the United States that in order to ensure adequate and reliable electric generation in America, to meet growing electricity demand, and to address the national emergency declared pursuant to Executive Order 14156 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency), our electric grid must utilize all available power generation resources, particularly those secure, redundant fuel supplies that are capable of extended operations
    Sec. 3.  Addressing Energy Reliability and Security with Emergency Authority.  (a)  To safeguard the reliability and security of the United States’ electric grid during periods when the relevant grid operator forecasts a temporary interruption of electricity supply is necessary to prevent a complete grid failure, the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with such executive department and agency heads as the Secretary of Energy deems appropriate, shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, streamline, systemize, and expedite the Department of Energy’s processes for issuing orders under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act during the periods of grid operations described above, including the review and approval of applications by electric generation resources seeking to operate at maximum capacity.  (b)  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Energy shall develop a uniform methodology for analyzing current and anticipated reserve margins for all regions of the bulk power system regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and shall utilize this methodology to identify current and anticipated regions with reserve margins below acceptable thresholds as identified by the Secretary of Energy. This methodology shall:(i)    analyze sufficiently varied grid conditions and operating scenarios based on historic events to adequately inform the methodology;(ii)   accredit generation resources in such conditions and scenarios based on historical performance of each specific generation resource type in the real time conditions and operating scenarios of each grid scenario; and(iii)  be published, along with any analysis it produces, on the Department of Energy’s website within 90 days of the date of this order.(c)  The Secretary of Energy shall establish a process by which the methodology described in subsection (b) of this section, and any analysis and results it produces, are assessed on a regular basis, and a protocol to identify which generation resources within a region are critical to system reliability.  This protocol shall additionally:(i)   include all mechanisms available under applicable law, including section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, to ensure any generation resource identified as critical within an at-risk region is appropriately retained as an available generation resource within the at-risk region; and(ii)  prevent, as the Secretary of Energy deems appropriate and consistent with applicable law, including section 202 of the Federal Power Act, an identified generation resource in excess of 50 megawatts of nameplate capacity from leaving the bulk-power system or converting the source of fuel of such generation resource if such conversion would result in a net reduction in accredited generating capacity, as determined by the reserve margin methodology developed under subsection (b) of this section. 
    Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP
    THE WHITE HOUSE,    April 8, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
     1.  Coal-fired electricity generation is essential to ensuring that our Nation’s grid is reliable and that electricity is affordable for 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 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 of America, 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 paragraph 3 of this proclamation.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand thiseighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1. Purpose. In order to secure America’s economic prosperity and national security, lower the cost of living, and provide for increases in electrical demand from emerging technologies, we must increase domestic energy production, including coal. Coal is abundant and cost effective, and can be used in any weather condition. Moreover, the industry has historically employed hundreds of thousands of Americans. America’s coal resources are vast, with a current estimated value in the trillions of dollars, and are more than capable of substantially contributing to American energy independence with excess to export to support allies and our economic competitiveness. Our Nation’s beautiful clean coal resources will be critical to meeting the rise in electricity demand due to the resurgence of domestic manufacturing and the construction of artificial intelligence data processing centers. We must encourage and support our Nation’s coal industry to increase our energy supply, lower electricity costs, stabilize our grid, create high-paying jobs, support burgeoning industries, and assist our allies.
    Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States that coal is essential to our national and economic security. It is a national priority to support the domestic coal industry by removing Federal regulatory barriers that undermine coal production, encouraging the utilization of coal to meet growing domestic energy demands, increasing American coal exports, and ensuring that Federal policy does not discriminate against coal production or coal-fired electricity generation.
    Sec. 3. Strengthening Our National Energy Security. The Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) shall designate coal as a “mineral” as defined in section 2 of Executive Order 14241 of March 20, 2025 (Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production), thereby entitling coal to all the benefits of a “mineral” under that order. Further, Executive Order 14241 is hereby amended by deleting the reference to “4332(d)(1)(B)” in section 6(d) of that order and replacing it with a reference to “4532(d)(1)(B)”.
    Sec. 4. Assessing Coal Resources and Accessibility on Federal Lands. (a) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Energy shall submit a consolidated report to the President through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy that identifies coal resources and reserves on Federal lands, assesses impediments to mining such coal resources, and proposes policies to address such impediments and ultimately enable the mining of such coal resources by either private or public actors.
    (b) The Secretary of Energy shall include in the report described in subsection (a) of this section an analysis of the impact that the availability of the coal resources identified could have on electricity costs and grid reliability.
    Sec. 5. Lifting Barriers to Coal Mining on Federal Lands. (a) The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall prioritize coal leasing and related activities, consistent with applicable law, as the primary land use for the public lands with coal resources identified in the report described in section 4(a) of this order and expedite coal leasing in these areas, including by utilizing such emergency authorities as are available to them and identifying opportunities to provide for expedited environmental reviews, consistent with applicable law.
    (b) The Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the authorities in the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended and supplemented (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands of 1947, as amended (30 U.S.C. 351-359), and the Multiple Mineral Development Act of 1954 (30 U.S.C. 521-531 et seq.), shall acknowledge the end of the Jewell Moratorium by ordering the publication of a notice in the Federal Register terminating the “Environmental Impact Statement Analyzing the Potential Environmental Effects from Maintaining Secretary Jewell’s Coal Leasing Moratorium”, and process royalty rate reduction applications from Federal coal lessees in as expeditious a manner as permitted by applicable law.
    Sec. 6. Supporting American Coal as an Energy Source. (a) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall identify any guidance, regulations, programs, and policies within their respective executive department or agency that seek to transition the Nation away from coal production and electricity generation.
    (b) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the heads of all relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall consider revising or rescinding Federal actions identified in subsection (a) of this section consistent with applicable law.
    (c) Agencies that are empowered to make loans, loan guarantees, grants, equity investments, or to conclude offtake agreements, both domestically and abroad, shall, to the extent permitted by law, take steps to rescind any policies or regulations seeking to or that actually discourage investment in coal production and coal-fired electricity generation, such as the 2021 U.S. Treasury Fossil Fuel Energy Guidance for Multilateral Development Banks rescinded by the Department of the Treasury and similar policies or regulations.
    (d) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Development Finance Corporation, the President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and the heads of all other agencies that have discretionary programs that provide, facilitate, or advocate for financing of energy projects shall review their charters, regulations, guidance, policies, international agreements, analytical models and internal bureaucratic processes to ensure that such materials do not discourage the agency from financing coal mining projects and electricity generation projects. Consistent with law, and subject to the applicable agency head’s discretion, where appropriate, any identified preferences against coal use shall immediately be eliminated except as explicitly provided for in statute.
    Sec. 7. Supporting American Coal Exports. The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Energy, the United States Trade Representative, the Assistant to the President for National Security, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall take all necessary and appropriate actions to promote and identify export opportunities for coal and coal technologies and facilitate international offtake agreements for United States coal.
    Sec. 8. Expanding Use of Categorical Exclusions for Coal Under the National Environmental Policy Act. Within 30 days of the date of this order, each agency shall identify to the Council on Environmental Quality any existing and potential categorical exclusions pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, increased reliance on and adoption of which by other agencies pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4336c could further the production and export of coal.
    Sec. 9. Steel Dominance. (a) The Secretary of Energy, pursuant to the authority under the Energy Act of 2020 (the “Act”), shall determine whether coal used in the production of steel meets the definition of a “critical material” under the Act and, if so, shall take steps to place it on the Department of Energy Critical Materials List.
    (b) The Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the authority under the Act, shall determine whether metallurgical coal used in the production of steel meets the criteria to be designated as a “critical mineral” under the Act and, if so, shall take steps to place coal on the Department of the Interior Critical Minerals List.
    Sec. 10. Powering Artificial Intelligence Data Centers. (a) For the purposes of this order, “artificial intelligence” or “AI” has the meaning set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3).
    (b) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Energy shall identify regions where coal-powered infrastructure is available and suitable for supporting AI data centers; assess the market, legal, and technological potential for expanding coal-based infrastructure to power data centers to meet the electricity needs of AI and high-performance computing operations; and submit a consolidated summary report with their findings and proposals to the Chair of the NEDC, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto.
    Sec. 11. Acceleration of Coal Technology. (a) The Secretary of Energy shall take all necessary actions, consistent with applicable law, to accelerate the development, deployment, and commercialization of coal technologies including, but not limited to, utilizing all available funding mechanisms to support the expansion of coal technology, including technologies that utilize coal and coal byproducts such as building materials, battery materials, carbon fiber, synthetic graphite, and printing materials, as well as updating coal feedstock for power generation and steelmaking.
    (b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Energy shall submit a detailed action plan to the President through the Chair of the NEDC outlining the funding mechanisms, programs, and policy actions taken to accelerate coal technology deployment.
    Sec. 12. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Lifts Burdensome EPA Restrictions on Coal Plants

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    SUPPORTING OUR NATION’S COAL INDUSTRY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation granting two-years of relief from a stringent Biden-era environmental rule to certain coal-fired power plants, safeguarding the Nation’s energy grid and security, and saving coal plants from closure.
    The proclamation allows certain coal plants to comply with a less stringent version of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule for two years, instead of the more onerous version put in place by the Biden Administration.
    The move ensures these plants are not prematurely forced offline due to unattainable compliance requirements under the new rule.
    ADDRESSING THE THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY AND ENERGY STABILITY: President Trump recognizes that environmental advocate overreach jeopardizes America’s energy reliability, economic vitality, and national security.
    Coal is essential to our Nation’s grid, making up 16% of U.S. electricity generation.
    Compliance with the Biden-era standards requires the application of emissions-control technologies that, for many coal plants, are not commercially viable.
    The current compliance timeline of the Biden-era rule could force widespread coal plant shutdowns, risking thousands of jobs and the stability of our electrical grid.
    These shutdowns could lead to electricity shortages, increased reliance on foreign energy, and heightened vulnerability during crises.
    This relief is necessary to maintain operational coal plants, protect energy security, and allow time for viable technology solutions, avoiding broader risks to America’s economy and defense readiness.
    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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Reinvigorates America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ACHIEVING AMERICAN ENERGY DOMINANCE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order reinvigorating America’s beautiful clean coal industry. The Executive Order:
    Directs the Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council to designate coal as a “mineral” under Executive Order 14241, entitling coal to all of the benefits of that prior Order.
    Directs relevant agencies to identify coal resources on Federal lands, lift barriers to coal mining, and prioritize coal leasing on those lands.
    Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acknowledge the end of the Jewell Moratorium, which paused coal leasing on Federal lands.
    Requires agencies to rescind any agency policies that seek to transition the Nation away from coal production or otherwise establish preferences against coal as a generation resource.
    Directs CEQ to assist agencies in adopting coal-related categorical exclusions under NEPA.
    Seeks to promote coal and coal technology exports, facilitate international offtake agreements for U.S. coal, and accelerate development of coal technologies.
    Calls for the Secretary of Energy to determine whether coal used in the production of steel meets the definition of a “critical material” and “critical mineral” under the Energy Act of 2020, and if so, add it to the relevant lists.
    Pushes for using coal to power new artificial intelligence (AI) data.
    INCREASING DOMESTIC ENERGY PRODUCTION: President Trump believes that coal is essential to our national and economic security.
    The coal industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and adds tens of billions to the U.S. economy each year.
    America’s coal resources are vast, with a current estimated value in the trillions of dollars.
    Coal-fired electricity generation is cleaner than ever, yet the previous administration waged war on coal.
    Coal will be critical to meeting the rise in electricity demand due to a resurgence of domestic manufacturing and the construction of AI data processing centers. 
    Supporting our coal industry will increase our energy supply, lower electricity costs, stabilize our grid, create high-paying jobs, support burgeoning industries, and assist our allies.
    FUELING THE NATION: By reinvigorating clean coal, President Trump is following through on his promise to once again unleash American energy.
    President Trump: “We will develop the liquid gold that is right under our feet, including American oil and natural gas and we will also embrace nuclear, clean coal, hydropower, which is fantastic, and every other form of affordable energy to get it done.”
    This Executive Order builds on actions President Trump has already taken to bring Americans the lowest-cost energy and electricity on earth. This includes:
    Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement.
    Revoking Biden executive actions that hampered American energy production.
    Terminating the Green New Deal.
    Unleashing Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential.
    Declaring a national energy emergency.
    Reversing the pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits.
    Cutting red tape to speed up the Federal permitting process.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strengthens the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ENHANCING GRID RELIABILITY AND SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to strengthen the reliability and security of the United States electric grid. The Executive Order:
    Directs the Secretary of Energy to streamline, systemize, and expedite processes for issuing emergency orders under the Federal Power Act during forecasted grid interruptions.
    Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a uniform methodology to analyze reserve margins across all regions of the bulk power system.
    The methodology will assess varied grid conditions and accredit generation resources based on historical performance.

    Requires the Secretary of Energy to incorporate such methodology into a process that assesses reserve margins on a regular basis and identifies which generation resources in a region are critical to system reliability.
    The Secretary of Energy will then utilize that process to prevent significant generation resources from leaving the grid or converting fuel sources if it would result in a net reduction in accredited generating capacity.
    POWERING AMERICA FOR GENERATIONS TO COME: This Executive Order is critical to meeting the Nation’s growing energy needs and protecting national security.
    Rapid technological advancements, an expansion of AI data centers, and increased domestic manufacturing are driving an unprecedented surge in electricity demand, placing a significant strain on our Nation’s electric grid.
    The Nation’s electricity is expected to rise 16% in the next 5 years—triple the growth forecasted just a year ago.
    The Nation’s 2,700 data centers, mostly operated by tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, consumed over 4% of U.S. electricity in 2022 and are expected to reach 9% by 2030.
    An estimated 80 million transformers, averaging over 40 years old, are vital to keeping the grid running nationwide.
    Grid reliability is essential to maintaining our national and economic security.
    The United States’ ability to remain at the forefront of technological innovation depends on a reliable supply of energy from all available sources.
    MAKING AMERICA ENERGY DOMINANT: President Trump believes it is vital for America to be energy dominant and energy secure.
    On the campaign trail, President Trump warned, “you have a grid system in this country that’s obsolete and a disaster,” underscoring his urgency to act.
    On Day One, President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency to ensure the integrity of our Nation’s electrical grid. 
    He is revitalizing America’s big beautiful coal industry to support grid stability and American jobs.
    President Trump is cutting red tape and rolling back regulations that hinder coal, oil, and natural gas production.
    He is pushing to expand domestic energy production by investing in next-generation energy technologies and accelerating energy projects by streamlining the permitting process.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Statement on Trump Coal Executive Actions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    U.S. President Donald Trump announced a series of actions at the White House to help the U.S. American coal industry. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee Chair and U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) attended the White House event. Following the event, Rep. Griffith issued the following statement:

    “The ‘War on Coal’, launched by the Obama Administration and continued by the Biden Administration, destroyed American jobs and devastated communities whose lifelines depended on coal. 

    “It is clear that coal is not going away anytime soon. Not only does the United States have the resources to be a leading coal supplier. But we can also make use of coal in a manner which is cleaner than anywhere else in the world.

    “I welcome President Trump’s actions to support American coal jobs, boost America’s energy independence and rein in harmful regulations.”

    BACKGROUND

    In the 118th Congress, Rep. Griffith chaired the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.

    The 119th Congress is Rep. Griffith’s first term as the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee Chair.

    Rep. Griffith is Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, Levin Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral CA Delegation Push to Preserve ARCHES Hydrogen Hub Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, Levin Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral CA Delegation Push to Preserve ARCHES Hydrogen Hub Funding

    The network of hydrogen hubs promotes American energy independence, lowers costs for consumers, and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across California
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Representatives George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27) and Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), led a bipartisan, bicameral delegation of 45 lawmakers in urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to preserve funding for hydrogen production hubs, specifically California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). The letter follows reports that DOE is considering eliminating funding for the development of four hydrogen hubs, including ARCHES.
    These cuts would break existing agreements while leading to significant job losses and a reduction in growth of new energy resources. With federal, private, and state matching funds, ARCHES is projected to create over 200,000 jobs in California and generate more than $2.95 billion annually in economic value by 2030.
    “As bipartisan members of the California delegation, we write with concern about reports that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to cancel the hydrogen hub award commitment made to California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES),” wrote the lawmakers. “As the administration evaluates existing energy investments and pathways to make energy affordable, we respectfully urge you to continue supporting the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California. ARCHES plays a critical role in securing American energy dominance, advancing world-leading energy technology, creating new manufacturing jobs, and lowering energy costs for American families.”
    “The investment is already being used to bring together private industry, local governments, and community organizations to collaborate and build a secure, American-made energy future,” continued the lawmakers. “We view ARCHES as a strategic investment in American energy innovation, an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and energy independence and competitiveness.”
    In addition to Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, and Levin, the letter was also signed by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11) and Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Vince Fong (R-Calif.-20), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Young Kim (R-Calif.-40), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43).
    Senator Padilla has been a strong supporter of the development of clean hydrogen power in California. Padilla secured up to $1.2 billion for the ARCHES hydrogen hub from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and sent a letter to former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm urging the Department of Energy to support ARCHES’ proposal as part of its Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program. Last week, Padilla, Senator Schiff, and 25 other Democratic Senators sounded the alarm on DOE’s “hit list” of key energy projects, demanding Secretary of Energy Chris Wright follow the law and preserve the hydrogen hub program. Padilla also questioned President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of Energy on the hit list, highlighting the importance of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program to “jumpstart” the national hydrogen economy and urging him to protect vital funding for ARCHES.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Wright:
    As bipartisan members of the California delegation, we write with concern about reports that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to cancel the hydrogen hub award commitment made to California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). As the administration evaluates existing energy investments and pathways to make energy affordable, we respectfully urge you to continue supporting the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California. ARCHES plays a critical role in securing American energy dominance, advancing world-leading energy technology, creating new manufacturing jobs, and lowering energy costs for American families.
    In July 2024, the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) awarded $30 million to the California Hydrogen Hub through the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems to initiate hydrogen hub projects, following its selection as one of seven regional hubs in October 2023. These projects – and the economic growth and American jobs they support – are dispersed across the State of California from the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland to the reservation of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians to Lancaster, California. The investment is already being used to bring together private industry, local governments, and community organizations to collaborate and build a secure, American-made energy future. As California’s Hydrogen Hub, ARCHES anticipates the creation of 220,000 good paying jobs, from research and development (R&D) to manufacturing and maintenance of renewable hydrogen systems. This, in turn, promotes public-private partnerships to expand our STEM workforce.
    We view ARCHES as a strategic investment in American energy innovation, an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and energy independence and competitiveness. With that, we respectfully request that you continue supporting ARCHES and provide time for the California hub and its member organizations to further justify their vital role in meeting the energy goals of the administration.
    Thank you, and we look forward to your response.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Energy and Commerce Committee Advances Latta’s ROUTERS Act and NTIA Reauthorization Act

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

    Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has advanced Congressman Bob Latta’s (R-OH5) ROUTERS Act and the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) Reauthorization Act, two bipartisan pieces of legislation that will safeguard and increase American taxpayer access to connectivity.

    The ROUTERS ACT would safeguard Americans’ communications networks from foreign-adversary controlled technology, including routers, modems, or devices that combine both. This legislation was previously passed by the House of Representatives in the last Congress.

    The NTIA Reauthorization Act would reauthorize the NTIA for the first time in 30 years and improve the management of spectrum as well as update the mission and functions of the agency. This legislation was previously passed by the House of Representatives in the last Congress.

    “I’m pleased that the Energy and Commerce Committee has advanced my legislation to protect Americans from cyber threats posed by foreign-adversary controlled technology and to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a crucial agency that ensures the security and advancement of the U.S. telecommunications infrastructure,” Latta said. “I urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to support both of these important, bipartisan pieces of legislation when they come to the floor for a vote.”   

    To read the bill text of the ROUTERS Act, click HERE.  

    To read the bill text of the NTIA Resolution Act, click HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Audited results of Invalda INVL Group for 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Invalda INVL reported equity of EUR 222 million at the end of December 2024, or EUR 18.48 per share. These figures were 25.4% and 25.3% higher, respectively, than a year earlier, including the dividends paid last year.

    In 2024, Invalda INVL earned an audited net profit of EUR 44.4 million, compared with EUR 45.8 million in 2023, when a strategically important merger of Invalda INVL group’s retail businesses with Šiaulių bankas was completed. From last year’s profit, the company proposes a dividend payout of EUR 15 million, or EUR 1.25 per share. The proposal will be put to a vote at the general meeting of shareholders on 30 April.

    “2024 was a successful and profitable year for our clients and for the Invalda INVL group. In a rapidly changing geopolitical and economic environment, we consistently focus our work on creating long-term value by investing, ensuring asset diversification and liquidity for our clients, and growing and strengthening the managed businesses to enhance their competitiveness,” says Darius Šulnis, the CEO of Invalda INVL.

    The group generated gains of EUR 157 million for its clients last year. Client assets under management grew by 17% during the year, reaching EUR 1.68 billion at the end of December 2024.

    Strategic core business: asset management and family office activities

    Invalda INVL’s revenue from the management of assets entrusted by its clients totalled EUR 14.1 million in 2024, 16.5% less than in 2023. The decline in the period of comparison reflects the exclusion of revenue from the retail business, which was transferred to Šiaulių Bankas in early December 2023.

    The 2024 profit of strategic core business of the group, which also includes the company’s own investments in the products it manages, amounted to EUR 17.8 million, compared with EUR 39.4 million in 2023.

    The activities of the INVL Baltic Sea Growth Fund (INVL BSGF) were among last year’s most significant events. In February 2024, the fund acquired the buckwheat producer and grain trader company Galinta, and near the end of the year the fund signed an agreement to acquire shares in Pehart Group, a leading producer of household and industrial paper products in Romania. The completion of that transaction will make Pehart Group the INVL BSGF’s 10th and the last investment. Also, a new milestone for the fund was launched: in March 2025, the INVL BSGF completed the sale of InMedica Group, private healthcare network, demonstrating the success of the fund’s strategy to build sector leaders. During the 6 years of the fund’s investment in InMedica Group, the company increased its revenues more than 15 times, and the group grew from 18 clinics to a network of 89 medical clinics, hospitals and laboratories.

    “The remaining portfolio companies of INVL Baltic Sea Growth Fund are also being successfully strengthened, and some are already being prepared for the sale. In 2025, we will focus on generating cash flows from the fund’s portfolio along with a solid return for our investors,” Darius Šulnis says.

    Last year the preparatory work was carried out for a second-generation private equity fund, which has begun operations in 2025. Having raised EUR 305 million, INVL Private Equity Fund II,  the largest private equity fund in the Baltics, has started operations, exceeding its target size in the first closing.

    Total revenues across the Invalda INVL group’s portfolio companies of private equity funds amounted to EUR 854 million in 2024, with EBITDA totalling EUR 207 million and combined 12,500 employees at year-end.

    The investment opportunities offered by Invalda INVL Group in global third country funds have also been well received by investors in the Baltic region. The INVL Partner Global Real Estate Fund I, established early last year, attracted USD 13.25 million from investors, while the INVL Partner Power Opportunities Fund, launched in September 2024, raised USD 24.71 million.

    The INVL Renewable Energy Fund I is due to complete its investment phase this year and prepare to manage power generation projects that will begin producing revenue. The fund’s team will also focus on realizing value, which may include the potential sale of projects. In 2025, work began on analyzing possible scenarios for the establishment of a second renewable energy fund with a broader infrastructure strategy.

    The INVL Sustainable Timberland and Farmland Fund II entered a new geographic market in 2024 with its acquisition of forests in Romania as the fund’s total portfolio of land and forest exceeded 20,000 hectares. This year the fund will focus on improving the quality of its portfolio, undertaking value-creating transactions and seeking to ensure a steady revenue generation and achieve the targeted return for investors.

    INVL Technology earned a net profit of EUR 8.1 million in 2024, 56.6 more than in 2023. The price of the company’s shares on the stock exchange rose nearly 70% last year. In mid-March 2024, INVL Technology announced that it had signed an agreement with an investment advisor and M&A intermediary for the sale of the company’s portfolio of businesses.

    INVL Baltic Real Estate, the real estate investment company, had a consolidated net profit of EUR 2.74 million last year, which is 3.9 times the figure for 2023.  INVL Baltic Real Estate completed the sale of a property holding in Latvia last year in a transaction valued at EUR 7.45 million.

    As of late 2024, INVL Asset Management became the manager of INVL Bridge Finance, a fund that is successfully operating in the private debt market.

    The INVL Family Office continued its successful activities in Lithuania and expanded operations in the other Baltic countries. The first clients are already being served in the Family Office representative offices in Latvia and Estonia.

    Equity investments

    Invalda INVL’s other equity investments, aside from the asset management, had a EUR 32.1 million impact on earnings in 2024.

    This result was positively influenced by the strong performance of the banks in which the company holds stakes, along with their growth in value and dividend payouts. Invalda INVL has investments in Šiaulių Bankas and in maib, Moldova’s largest bank.

    The positive impact of Šiaulių Bankas on Invalda INVL’s pretax profit, including dividend payments, was EUR 23.6 million. In 2024, the bank has successfully integrated the INVL retail business, moved forward with a business transformation to strengthen the bank, and, in April this year, announced plans to change its name to Artea. Šiaulių Bankas last year earned a record EUR 79.3 million net profit and half of it has allocated to dividends. The bank’s share price on the stock exchange rose 19% during 2024. 

    During the last year, maib once again delivered solid financial results in 2024, reflecting both resilience and sustainable growth in all business segments. The bank had an unaudited net profit of EUR 73.4 million last year and paid EUR 39.4 million in dividends. Maib made the positive influence of EUR 4.8 million on Invalda INVL’s pretax profit.

    Litagra, one of the largest agribusiness groups in Lithuania, has benefited from favourable market trends.  Since the second half of 2024, the company’s revenue, EBITDA and profit have recovered and increased. Litagra had a positive influence of EUR 3.3 million on Invalda INVL’s result for 2024.

    The person authorized to provide additional information is:
    Darius Šulnis, CEO of Invalda INVL
    Darius.Sulnis@invl.com

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on Senior National Security Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today chaired a hearing examining nominees for several senior positions at the Department of Defense and one at the Department of Energy.  
    During his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker underscored the significant responsibilities these roles entail, including the modernization of our nuclear weapons and the protection of our intelligence against China’s aggressive espionage campaign.  
    Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered below. 
    I welcome our four witnesses and their families, and I thank them for being here this morning. 
    Mr. Brandon Williams has been nominated to be Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). As the Administrator, Mr. Williams would be responsible for rebuilding and modernizing our long-neglected nuclear weapons stockpile. Failure here is not an option. Over the past several years, we have watched as Russia, China, and North Korea have rapidly expanded their nuclear arsenals and developed new types of weapons – weapons for which we are sorely unprepared. 
    This committee is focused on ensuring that the Department of Defense and the NNSA deliver results. As the Congressional Strategic Posture Commission made clear, modernizing our country’s nuclear deterrent is a national imperative. I look forward to hearing how Mr. Williams intends to pursue this objective.
    Mr. Bradley Hansell has been nominated to be the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security. In addition to serving as the Secretary of Defense’s principal advisor on intelligence, counterintelligence, security, and law enforcement matters, the Under Secretary is tasked with protecting the Department’s most sensitive information from our adversaries. This includes ensuring the provision of timely and accurate intelligence to our forces, overseeing the security clearance vetting process, guarding against insider threats, and protecting our industrial base from China’s aggressive campaign of espionage and theft. 
    Mr. Hansell served as a Naval officer and an Army Green Beret. During his distinguished career in uniform, he saw first-hand that quality intelligence is crucial to executing the mission. That experience and his work in the private sector gives me confidence he will do an excellent job. I look forward to hearing Mr. Hansell outline his priorities for our intelligence and security enterprise. 
    Mr. Earl Matthews has been nominated to be the General Counsel of the Department of Defense. He has had a distinguished career as a Judge Advocate in the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard, serving as the senior headquarters staff judge advocate for the D.C. National Guard. Mr. Matthews also brings extensive civilian government experience. He worked for Secretary Mattis in 2017 before moving over the Army General Counsel office, where he served as Acting General Counsel of the Army. 
    President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have taken bold and necessary steps to reform the Department of Defense. As we all know, purposeful and thoughtful reform requires purposeful and thoughtful lawyers. I am confident that Mr. Matthews possesses both qualities. I look forward to hearing his opinion about what the DOD Office of General Counsel is doing right, and I want to hear his ideas for how he would do things differently. 
    Mr. Dale Marks has been nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, a role which ensures the operational readiness and resiliency of the Department of Defense (DoD). If confirmed, Mr. Marks would oversee the management of military installations and infrastructure, the bedrock of the safety and well-being of service members and their families. 
    This critical position will play a key part in the implementation of several reforms from last year’s NDAA. Among them are the mandate requiring a minimum four-percent plant replacement value for DOD facilities – let me repeat that – among them are the mandate, in the NDAA, requiring a minimum four-percent plant replacement value for DOD facilities, leveraging of area-wide contracting authorities, and a review of Biden-era green energy policies that focus more on climate change than combat lethality. I look forward to hearing from Mr. Marks about how he intends to tackle these important issues. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pfluger: Big Tech Will Not Remain Complicit Anymore – They Will Take It Down

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, spoke in support of his bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Network (TAKE IT DOWN) Act, during a full committee legislative markup.

    This critical legislation would protect victims of real and deepfake ‘revenge pornography’ by criminalizing the publication of these harmful images, in addition to requiring websites to remove them quickly. The rising popularity of AI requires decisive federal legal protections that will empower victims of these heinous crimes, most of whom are women and girls.

    Watch his remarks HERE, or read them as delivered below:

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of the TAKE IT DOWN Act.

    I am deeply concerned about the rise in deep fake pornographic images in the United States that destroy innocent lives, as well as the inconsistent, or rather nonexistent, legislation to protect victims of this egregious act at a state level. This bill is a critical step to solve this problem and protect innocent victims of non-consensual intimate imagery.

    We’ve heard time and again of the horrific stories of people ranging from celebrities to 14-year-old girls who have been victimized by this harmful content by strangers or even their peers. While AI has the potential to be harnessed for incredible things, there are far too many predators out there who abuse its power to exploit innocent people. This is why Congress must implement decisive federal guidelines.

    As a father of three girls – it is sickening, it is harmful, and it must stop. Big tech will not remain complicit anymore – they will take it down. This commonsense legislation is simple and should be a no-brainer to support. It would criminalize the publication of non-consensual, sexually exploitative images, including AI-generated deepfakes, and require platforms to remove them.

    This legislation has also been narrowly crafted to ensure that it does not affect consensual and constitutionally protected speech, which brings me back to the fact that this should be a no-brainer to support. If anyone here is on the fence about this legislation, I urge you to put yourself in the shoes of your daughter, your wife, your sister, or anyone who has fallen victim to these egregious acts.

    The TAKE IT DOWN Act has not only passed the Senate unanimously, but President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have also openly supported this legislation. I’m proud to be one of the house co-leads on this bipartisan, bicameral effort to prevent explicit material from circulating and harming innocent victims.

    And of all the things that we do in Congress, I think this act, this TAKE IT DOWN Act, in a bipartisan fashion can move the needle to protect innocent people. Can move the needle to protect our sisters, our daughters, our wives, and anyone who has been taken advantage of.

    I urge both Republicans and Democrats on this committee to support this legislation and get it swiftly signed into law and I yield back.

    Background:

    In January 2025, Rep. Pfluger joined several of his colleagues in reintroducing the TAKE IT DOWN Act. Over 100 organizations and advocacy groups support the act, and a full list can be found here.

    Additionally, First Lady Melania Trump has strongly backed this bill, speaking in support of this legislation during a roundtable she hosted at the U.S. Capitol

    To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –