NewzIntel.com

Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. LaMalfa Co-Leads Legislation to Repeal California’s Extreme Vehicle Emissions Mandates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.— Yesterday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee along with key California Western Caucus members introduced three Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions to overturn the Biden administration’s approval of California’s vehicle emissions mandates, including the Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, the Advance Clean Trucks regulation, and the Omnibus Low-NOx Emissions rule. These rules, previously approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), allow California to impose aggressive regulations on cars and trucks that drive up costs and restrict consumer choice in California and nationwide.

    The three CRAs, co-lead by Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), were introduced by Representatives John Joyce (R-PA), John James (R-MI), and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and would repeal these unrealistic mandates, preventing California from being able to force these costly policies on its residents and onto the rest of the country.

    “California’s sweeping and unachievable emissions mandates are a direct assault on everyone who lives, works, or does business in our state,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “These regulations drive up costs, limit consumer choice, and force trucking and automotive industries into an impossible transition timeline. Californians are already paying some of the highest fuel and energy costs in the country. These rules are causing the cost of new and used cars and trucks to increase for everyone. If you want to buy an electric vehicle, buy one, but everybody else shouldn’t be forced into this mandate. The Federal Government cannot allow one state to destroy the American car and truck market. Instead of making life even more expensive, we should focus on what consumers want. I’m pleased to support this effort to stop California’s insanity and protect drivers and consumers across my state and the country.”

    “The American people should choose what vehicle is right for them, not California bureaucrats. By submitting the three California waivers to Congress, Administrator Zeldin is ensuring that Congress has oversight of these major rules that impact every American,” said House Energy and Commerce Chairman Guthrie. “The Committee has been committed to addressing this issue since California first attempted to create a de facto EV mandate. Energy and Commerce Republicans will continue to fight against far-left policies that would harm consumers and will now work to ensure that the Congressional Review Act process finally puts these issues to rest.”

    Background

    Under the Clean Air Act, states are generally prohibited from setting their own tailpipe emission standards for cars and trucks. However, California has a unique exemption under Section 209, which allows the state to establish its own emissions regulations if it submits a waiver to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and receives approval. Once granted, these California standards can also be adopted by other states under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act. Currently, about a dozen states follow California’s emissions policies, effectively turning the state’s regulations into a nationwide mandate.

    The Biden administration approved several controversial waivers requested by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), allowing the state to impose extreme emissions rules that impact car and truck costs and availability across the country. These include:

    • Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC2) – Approved in December 2024, this regulation mandates that 35% of new car sales be zero-emission by 2026, increasing to 100% by 2035. At least 12 states have already adopted ACC2. Failure to meet this goal means a maximum penalty of $25,000 per non-compliant vehicle sold to consumers.
    • Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) – Approved in March 2023, this regulation forces truck manufacturers and retailers to meet strict zero-emission quotas by 2035, including 55% of Class 2B-3 truck sales, 75% of Class 4-8 straight truck sales, and 40% of truck tractor sales. At least 11 states have adopted ACT.
    • Omnibus Low-NOx Emissions Rule – Approved in December 2024, this regulation imposes aggressive emissions reductions on medium- and heavy-duty truck and other engines, requiring NOx emissions to be cut by 75% below current standards for Model Year 2024-2026 compared to 2010 levels and particulate matter emissions to be cut by 50%.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gosar Reintroduces the Public Lands Renewable Energy Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement after reintroducing H.R. 1994, the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2025 (PLREDA),legislation which increases the production of wind and solar energy on public lands:

    “The previous administration’s unprecedented four-year war on American energy made it nearly impossible to produce domestic energy on public lands and was nothing short of catastrophic.  

    While timely permitting of energy projects on federal lands was a serious problem, looking ahead, renewable energy sources like wind and solar should be an integral part of the United States’ all-of-the-above energy strategy.  Our nation’s public lands can play a critical role in lowering energy prices and can help meet our nation’s growing energy demand.

    To help drive investment towards the highest quality renewable sources, my legislation streamlines land use and promotes more renewable energy on federal lands.  It also ensures revenue from their development is shared with the states and counties while also supporting conservation programs where these projects are located.  

    This funding will allow rural and western communities to benefit from renewable energy development on federal lands to support essential services,” said Representative Paul Gosar.

    “The demand for electricity in the U.S. is growing rapidly, driven by economic expansion, manufacturing, and new technologies. To meet this demand, we must unlock America’s full energy potential, including responsible development of renewable energy on federal lands,” added Frank Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Officer at American Clean Power (ACP). “The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act is key to harnessing these resources to enhance energy security, improve grid reliability, and boost local economies. ACP appreciates Representative Gosar’s leadership in reintroducing this bill and looks forward to working with Congress to accelerate renewable energy development.”

    “With increasing demand for renewable energy development on public lands, it is critical that thoughtful policies are implemented that ensure continued conservation and public access. As hunters and anglers, we support the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act which would distribute a portion of revenue collected from renewable energy projects on public lands into a new conservation fund for the benefit of fish and wildlife habitat as well as improved recreational access to public lands. Passing this legislation into law would ensure a revenue source to support the interests of hunters and anglers alongside the expansion of renewable energy.” said Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

    “CRES is proud to support Congressman Gosar’s Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act, which streamlines the responsible development of renewable energy on public lands,” said Heather Reams, President of the Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES). “As America moves toward energy dominance, we must embrace an all-of-the-above approach to energy. This bill expands our energy supply, benefits local communities and promotes environmental stewardship while ensuring continued economic growth.”

    Cosponsors:

    Representatives Amodei, LaMalfa

    Outside group support:

    American Clean Power Association

    Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

    Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

    Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES)

    Trout Unlimited

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES SENATE JUST PASSED BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION TO END TRUMP’S DESTRUCTIVE TARIFFS ON CANADA; SENATOR CALLS ON HOUSE TO VOTE ON RESOLUTION AND STAND UP AGAINST TARIFFS TO PROTECT UPSTATE NY…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Senate Last Night Passed Bipartisan Resolution Terminating Trump’s National Emergency That Is Justifying His Destructive Tariffs On Canada, With Republicans Joining Rebuke Saying Canadian Tariffs Would Raise Prices And Hurt Local Economies

    Trump’s Tariffs Could Cost New York State Families And Businesses $7+B; Raise Prices On New Yorkers As Much Over $5,000 For Gas, Groceries, Cars And Everyday Goods – All While Decimating Small Businesses, Killing Good-Paying Jobs, Shrinking 401K’s And Damaging Upstate NY’s Vital Tourism Industry

    Schumer: House Republicans Must Join Senate To Protect Upstate NY From Devastating Price Increases And Job Losses

    U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced the Senate has passed a bipartisan resolution led by Senator Kaine to end Trump’s destructive tariffs on Canada. Schumer called on the House, particularly NY Republicans, to join the Senate in passing this resolution to protect New York from disastrous price increases and job losses as a result of tariffs on Canada, which is New York State’s top trading partner.

    “Trump’s destructive tariffs are a tax on Upstate New Yorkers, raising costs for families, small businesses, and hurting jobs. I’m proud that the Senate voted to stand up against this price hike on Upstate NY families and small businesses and begin to stop this Trump Slump to our economy. Now the House of Representatives must follow suit, and I am calling on the House to vote on the Senate’s bipartisan bill undoing Trump’s disastrous tariffs on Canada.” said Senator Schumer. “Yesterday was not liberation day, it was tax day. Trump’s tariffs on Canada will mean higher prices for middle class families, essentially a tax increase on people and small businesses already struggling with high costs.”

    Schumer said the Senate vote to end Trump’s destructive tariffs on Canada – America’s neighbor, close ally, and top trading partner – is a step in the right direction. Schumer explained Trump’s tariffs are a tax on Americans that are expected to increase costs for Upstate New York’s families by over $5,000 a year and could impact 150,000+ jobs in directly targeted industries across Upstate New York. Across New York State, families and business are expected to pay over $7 billon due to Trump’s tariffs.

    Earlier this week, Schumer broke down the impact of Trump’s tariffs on Upstate New York. Canada is New York State’s top importer and exporter, last year importing $20.5 billion of goods from Canada and exporting $17.4 billion. 70% of Canadian imports are used to manufacture American-made products. In the North Country, there are nearly 100 businesses connected to Canadian companies in the Plattsburgh area alone, and an estimated 20% of the local workforce either commutes across the border for work or works for a Canadian or border-related company here in the US. Approximately 20% of the Plattsburgh workforce works for a Canadian or border-related employer, according to the North Country Chamber of Commerce.

    Schumer added, “Donald Trump called yesterday liberation day, but nobody was feeling even close to liberated. Quite the opposite: American families are learning the hard way that Donald Trump has them right in the middle of a pincer, and is squeezing them on both sides. On the one side, Donald Trump is pushing tariffs that will cost working families an extra over $5,000 a year. And by his own admission, he couldn’t care less. On the other side, Donald Trump is working with Republicans to gut vital programs working families rely on, like Medicaid, Social Security, veterans’ programs.”

    Schumer also explained Trump’s tariffs are damaging Upstate New York’s vital tourism industry and killing good-paying jobs. The tariff war is already slowing sales, and tourism from Canada is down. There has already been a 23% drop in the number of Canadians taking round-trip trips to the United States compared to February 2024, according to Statistics Canada. The U.S. Travel Association warned that even a 10% reduction in Canadian travelers would translate to $2.1 billion in lost spending and jeopardize 140,000 hospitality jobs nationwide, according to Forbes, many of which would be in Upstate NY as one of the most popular close by destinations.

    Trump previously delayed the start of his tariffs twice, creating uncertainty for families and small businesses and triggering volatility for the American economy. Trump’s tariff uncertainty is causing the stock market to fall, hurting Upstate New York seniors’ retirements. Today, the markets are plunging, with the Dow down 800 points, and the SP500 on track for its worst day in years. This will hurt Upstate New York’s seniors’ retirements and is leading to fears for a recession.

    Schumer concluded, “If the Speaker really cares about the American people and the costs they would bear by these tariffs, he should call back the House and take up the Senate bill immediately. We will not stop fight to stop this un-strategic and destructive trade war and lower costs for the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Foster Introduce American Innovation Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    April 03, 2025

    As the Trump Administration continues to ax critical research funding, Durbin and Foster introduce legislation that would bolster research funding at five federal research agencies

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11) today reintroduced the bicameral American Innovation Act, which would provide annual budget increases at a rate of five percent, indexed to inflation, for cutting edge research at five federal agencies: the Department of Energy Office of Science; the National Science Foundation; the National Institute of Standards and Technology Scientific and Technical Research Services; the Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs; and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Directorate.  The American Innovation Act would position the U.S. as a leader in development and discovery for decades to come by creating steady, sustained funding for breakthrough research at America’s top research agencies.

    “In its crusade to damage essential government infrastructure, the Trump Administration has failed to recognize that sustained support for basic scientific research has enabled the United States to put a man on the moon, build the internet, and produce a COVID-19 vaccine in record time.  If we want to maintain our status as a world leader in research and technology, we must empower and fund our federal research agencies and retain their top talent,” said Durbin.  “I’m introducing the American Innovation Act to ensure our nation’s scientists and researchers have access to critical funding to push our world forward while also creating jobs, growing our economy, and improving our national security.”

    “I’m proud to work with Senator Durbin on this legislation to expand federal investment in scientific research,” said Foster.  “Since World War II, investments in science and technology have helped expand our economy, create millions of jobs, and advance our national security.  As we confront new and existing challenges, it’s critical that our scientists have the resources they need to ensure our nation remains at the forefront of research and innovation.”

    The introduction of the American Innovation Act comes as the Trump Administration continues to gut federal research agencies by slashing programs and firing scientists conducting critical research.  These moves only harm the future of the U.S., as investments in scientific research have helped the nation lead the world in new technologies, create millions of jobs, grow the economy, and advance national security.  Further, without serious federal investment in research, the U.S. could fall behind its competitors, particularly China.

    Basic science funding in the U.S. has lagged in recent decades. Since the 1970’s, the United States investment in basic science has decreased by tenfold to about 0.1 percent of GDP.  Meanwhile, China’s research intensity (GDP expenditures on R&D) has increased by 500 percent since 1996– if this trend continues, China will soon surpass the U.S. in investment in science.

    The American Innovation Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).

    The legislation has earned the endorsement of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; Association of American Universities; American Mathematical Society; Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities; Council on Undergraduate Research, Institute for Progress; Coalition for Academic Scientific Computation; American Physical Society; Federation of American Scientists; American Geophysical Union; and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

    A one-pager on the legislation can be found here.

    -30- 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Virginia Tangvald’s Ghosts of the Sea opens in Quebec theatres on May 9 after screenings on the festival circuit

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    March 27, 2025 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

    Virginia Tangvald’s documentary Les enfants du large (Ghosts of the Sea), a family investigation shot all over the world, opens in Quebec theatres on May 9. The theatrical release will follow the film’s festival tour, first in Quebec and then in Toronto at the prestigious Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, in the Canadian Spectrum Competition. The filmmaker will be attending several screenings of her documentary on the tour.

    The film is a Canada-France co-production, produced by micro_scope with the NFB and Urban Factory, distributed by the NFB in Canada and Reservoir Docs internationally.

    Watch the trailer

    About the film

    Les enfants du large (Ghosts of the Sea) by Virginia Tangvald (micro_scope/NFB/Urban Factory, 97 min)

    While searching for clues about the death of her brother Thomas, who was lost at sea, the filmmaker embarks on a fascinating investigation into her family’s dark secrets. Calling into question the idyllic life of her father, legendary sailor Peter Tangvald, her quest dismantles the myth of absolute freedom. The film won the TV5 Audience Award for best French-language film at the Festival du nouveau cinéma last October.

    In 2024, Virginia Tangvald published her autobiographical story, Les enfants du large, alongside the launch of Ghosts of the Sea, her first feature documentary. A true literary success, the novel has sold more than 25,000 copies in France and Quebec, winning the Discovery of the Fall prize awarded by the French literary organization Société des gens de lettres.

    Festival tour – dates

    • Vues sur mer – Festival du cinéma documentaire de Gaspé
      Thursday, April 10, 9:15 p.m.
      Screening

    – 30 –

    Stay Connected

    Online Screening Room: nfb.ca
    NFB Facebook | NFB Twitter | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo
    Curator’s perspective | Director’s notes

    About the NFB

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Trump Imperils Program to Help Working Americans Heat and Cool Their Homes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Trump and RFK Jr. fired entire staff running LIHEAP—putting program that helps 6 million American households heat and cool their homes in grave jeopardy
    $378 million due to go out to help Americans avoid sweltering heat this summer now at risk
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, responded to President Trump and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. firing the entirety of the staff who run the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps 6 million American households with the tightest budgets afford to heat and cool their homes.
    6 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS SERVED BY LIHEAP ANNUALLY
    In a statement, Senator Murray said:
    “As he raises costs for American families by $3,800 and works to give billionaires like himself new tax breaks, Trump has now also fired all the staff in charge of helping over 6 million American households heat and cool their homes.
    “If the idea here is to prevent federal funding from reaching working class families who are counting on help to cool their homes this summer, Trump and RFK Jr. are on to something—because who exactly is supposed to ensure this funding gets out now? In a matter of weeks, HHS is due to send states hundreds of millions of dollars in new resources ahead of the summer heat—who is going to ensure that happens? When HHS has to quickly turn around new appropriations in October to release funding to states ahead of the winter cold, who is going to ensure that is done quickly and correctly?
    “Even a brief delay could ruin the finances of working families who are hanging on by a thread if this money doesn’t get out—and leave seniors stranded in deadly heat waves this summer. If there are serious errors with calculations that end up shortchanging communities, we have Trump and RFK Jr. to thank for firing the very people who keep this program running.
    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk would like us to believe that our country cannot afford to pay the salaries of the people who help working people across America heat and cool their homes—but that we can afford over $5 trillion in new tax breaks for billionaires like themselves. It is as absurd as it is offensive—and it is working people across the country who will suffer the consequences of their recklessness.”
    LIHEAP helps 6 million households in every state and territory afford to heat and cool their homes with $4.1 billion in assistance for fiscal year 2025. The program is particularly important in ensuring working class Americans and vulnerable populations like seniors are not left in deadly heat waves or winter freezes. Each year, extreme heat causes more deaths than any other weather events.
    Approximately $378 million in fiscal year 2025 funding to help Americans cool their homes this summer has yet to go out. Without it, Americans will lose out on a lifeline that saves them money each month and allows them to stay cool.
    A state-by-state breakdown of LIHEAP funding in jeopardy because Trump and RFK Jr. fired the entirety of the staff that run the program is below:
    STATE
    FUNDING
    HOUSEHOLDS SERVED
    Alabama
    $61,827,868
    80,636
    Alaska
    $12,514,996
    4,737
    Arizona
    $34,579,159
    27,788
    Arkansas
    $38,052,625
    69,242
    California
    $252,804,332
    222,271
    Colorado
    $60,504,810
    88,951
    Connecticut
    $80,405,772
    101,181
    Delaware
    $14,532,965
    11,431
    District of Columbia
    $12,663,494
    14,893
    Florida
    $118,510,347
    106,968
    Georgia
    $93,715,302
    137,619
    Hawaii
    $8,322,955
    8,349
    Idaho
    $23,198,387
    34,439
    Illinois
    $197,224,161
    172,841
    Indiana
    $84,494,967
    122,931
    Iowa
    $58,755,595
    83,353
    Kansas
    $40,143,968
    39,185
    Kentucky
    $60,361,460
    119,407
    Louisiana
    $61,891,569
    103,858
    Maine
    $41,291,192
    41,195
    Maryland
    $82,939,890
    96,798
    Massachusetts
    145,506,393
    152,011
    Michigan
    $179,606,815
    431,842
    Minnesota
    $125,243,116
    133,166
    Mississippi
    $38,710,989
    46,243
    Missouri
    $87,476,893
    130,057
    Montana
    $23,598,855
    17,254
    Nebraska
    $35,797,133
    41,270
    Nevada
    $17,014,767
    12,273
    New Hampshire
    $30,873,308
    29,669
    New Jersey
    $135,718,896
    241,888
    New Mexico
    $21,859,849
    43,592
    New York
    $400,902,563
    1,162,529
    North Carolina
    $114,199,252
    201,988
    North Dakota
    $23,610,179
    14,633
    Ohio
    $171,388,890
    265,455
    Oklahoma
    $43,138,184
    112,440
    Oregon
    $44,165,847
    57,454
    Pennsylvania
    $215,460,689
    312,789
    Rhode Island
    $26,802,894
    26,052
    South Carolina
    $53,276,376
    48,638
    South Dakota
    $21,292,485
    23,787
    Tennessee
    $75,921,984
    118,073
    Texas
    $197,192,608
    120,725
    Utah
    $28,641,042
    24,344
    Vermont
    $23,140,644
    26,695
    Virginia
    $103,773,588
    118,347
    Washington
    $66,214,242
    84,654
    West Virginia
    $35,191,790
    56,108
    Wisconsin
    $112,736,789
    189,941
    Wyoming
    $11,065,033
    7,615
    TOTAL
    $4,115,400,000
    5,939,605
    Funding listed is the full FY24 allocation released to states by HHS. FY25 allocations are not yet final or fully disbursed. [HHS DATA]
    Households served is the number of households served by LIHEAP in FY23—the latest data on record. [HHS DATA]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Thune, Colleagues Urge Trump to Authorize Nationwide, Year-Round Sale of E15

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in urging President Trump to permit the nationwide sale of E15 fuel through the 2025 summer driving season and beyond. The move would enhance America’s energy security and lower fuel costs for consumers while leveraging American agriculture.
    “To meet our nation’s energy needs and decrease the cost of fuel, we must deploy an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which includes leveraging domestic biofuels,” the senators wrote. “As affirmed by the actions you took to first allow year-round E15 in 2019, and those approved for the summers afterward, the sale of higher blends of biofuels like E15 through the summer months supports the domestic fuel supply, reduces consumer costs, and promotes American biofuels and agriculture feedstocks.
    “Utilizing American ethanol year-round is a direct solution to reinforcing our energy supply and reducing consumer costs, and the issuance of a nationwide waiver for the 2025 summer driving season is a clear path toward these shared goals,” the senators continued.
    The senators’ bipartisan letter requests that President Trump use the nationwide temporary waivers provided under the Clean Air Act to extend the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver through the 2025 summer driving season.
    Additional cosigners include Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).
    Background:
    On the first day of his second term, President Trump directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to explore the benefits of making E15 available year-round through his Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency.
    Grassley has long-championed year-round E15:
    April 2024: Welcoming the EPA’s announcement permitting summertime E15 sales in eight Midwestern states
    December 2023: Pushing the Biden administration to quickly finalize a summertime waiver, helping retailers prepare for summer 2024 sales
    May 2021: Introducing legislation to restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
    May 2019: Leading the effort to encourage the first Trump administration to approve year-round E15
    October 2018: Authoring an op-ed with Sen. Ernst in support of year-round E15
    October 2010: Welcoming the EPA’s decision first authorizing E15 usage
    Full text of the letter to President Trump is available HERE.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Report charts path to addressing mature assets in Alberta

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DOE Identifies 16 Federal Sites Across the Country for Data Center and AI Infrastructure Development

    Source: US Department of Energy

    GOLDEN, COLORADO—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced plans to help ensure America leads the world in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and lower energy costs by co-locating data centers and new energy infrastructure on DOE lands. DOE has released a Request for Information (RFI) to inform possible use of DOE land for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure development to support growing demand for data centers. DOE has identified 16 potential sites uniquely positioned for rapid data center construction, including in-place energy infrastructure with the ability to fast-track permitting for new energy generation such as nuclear.

    In accordance with President Trump‘s Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence and Unleashing American Energy Executive Orders, DOE is exploring opportunities to accelerate AI and energy infrastructure development across the country, prioritizing public-private partnerships to advance the use of innovative technologies and strategies.

    “The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan project, and with President Trump’s leadership and the innovation of our National Labs, the United States can and will win,” Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said. “With today’s action, the Department of Energy is taking important steps to leverage our domestic resources to power the AI revolution, while continuing to deliver affordable, reliable and secure energy to the American people.”

    “President Trump is committed to ensuring American leadership in artificial intelligence and Secretary Wright is delivering,” said White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios. “The Trump Administration will unleash Federal resources to build out the data resources needed for an AI-powered future.”

    The Department is seeking input from data center developers, energy developers, and the broader public to further advance this partnership. The information collected will be used to inform development, encourage private-public partnerships and enable the construction of AI infrastructure at select DOE sites with a target of commencing operation by the end of 2027.

    The sites also offer the industry a chance to partner with DOE’s world-class research facilities co-located on the sites, furthering advancements in both the power systems design needed to run the centers and developing next-generation data center hardware. Publicly available information about each site, including location, available acreage, and other characteristics is provided in appendices to the RFI.

    Additionally, the RFI aims to gather information on potential development approaches, technology solutions, operational models, and economic considerations associated with establishing AI infrastructure.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: National Fuel Announces Executive Management Change

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Utility President Donna DeCarolis to Retire;
    Will Continue to Serve as a Senior Energy Advisor to National Fuel

    Michael Colpoys to Succeed DeCarolis as
    President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation

    WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — National Fuel Gas Company (“National Fuel” or the “Company”) (NYSE: NFG) today announced that Donna L. DeCarolis, President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company, has indicated her intention to retire, effective July 1, 2025, after more than 40 years of service.

    While Donna retires from the day-to-day management of New York’s largest natural gas only utility, she is being retained as a Senior Energy Advisor for the Company, continuing her role actively representing National Fuel in New York’s statewide energy policy matters. Since 2019 when New York passed the most aggressive climate and decarbonization legislation in the country, DeCarolis has been a staunch advocate for natural gas customers and the need for them to have affordable, reliable and resilient energy options. She has participated in hundreds of community conversations to increase awareness and education on the State’s climate mandates and their potential impact on the lives of New York residents as well as the State’s economy. DeCarolis has been an active presence in Albany identifying real regional differences, and how a policy that might work downstate is potentially harmful for upstate New York due to our more extreme weather and less wealth than metro New York City. Her important role as a vocal advocate in this arena is not going to change, she’ll just be in a different capacity as a senior advisor for National Fuel.

    “Donna’s leadership has made a lasting mark on National Fuel and the communities and organizations she has served for more than 40 years,” said David P. Bauer, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Fuel Gas Company. “Her dedication and vision have helped shape the long-term success of our organization, and I am pleased that she will continue to represent the Company in key energy policy matters as a senior advisor. I hope that her next chapter will be as rewarding as her career has been for National Fuel.”

    DeCarolis was named President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, National Fuel’s Utility subsidiary, in February 2019. Prior to that, since 2007, she held the title of Vice President of Business Development for National Fuel Gas Company. During her more than 40-year tenure with the Company, she ascended through several different business areas, including Corporate Investor Relations, Utility Customer Quality Assurance, Corporate Communications, Human Resources, Utility Energy Marketing, Government Affairs, Utility Consumer Business/Customer Service as well as having previously been president of several of the Company’s non-regulated business entities. Active in her support of the community, Donna has served in leadership capacities on the boards of the Business Council of New York, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House Restoration Complex, Leadership Buffalo, Shea’s O’Connell Preservation Guild, the University at Buffalo’s School of Management, Buffalo Sabres Foundation, Niagara University and the African American Veteran’s Monument.

    Shortly after assuming the role of Utility President, DeCarolis was named the second appointment to the New York State Climate Action Council, a 22-member body created in statute under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act). The Council was charged with developing a plan to reach New York State’s 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and spent three years developing a final scoping plan, issued December 2022. DeCarolis was one of the three energy industry executives to vote against the Scoping Plan because of unanswered and unaddressed concerns about the Climate Act’s impact on customer affordability, energy reliability, the elimination of customer choice and the overall impact on New York’s ability to maintain its business competitiveness if the state were to decarbonize and electrify everything.

    The Company also announced that on July 1, 2025, DeCarolis will be succeeded by Michael Colpoys as President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation. Colpoys is a long-tenured National Fuel officer who has spent much of his career on the Operations side of the industry. With decades of experience in all aspects of utility operations, Colpoys was named Senior Vice President for National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation in 2021, gaining oversight for all utility field operations in New York and Pennsylvania. In addition, he oversees the Rates and Regulatory Affairs, Energy Services and Gas Supply Administration departments.

    Originally from Buffalo, Colpoys started his career in 1987 as a Management Trainee and was promoted to Junior Engineer in 1988. In the following years, he was promoted numerous times, advancing to Assistant Vice President of Distribution Corporation in 2009 and then to Vice President in 2015 of National Fuel Gas Midstream Company where he oversaw the development, construction and operation of the company’s expanding gathering pipelines. In 2016, he was named Vice President of Distribution Corporation. He received a bachelor’s degree from Clarkson University and a Master of Business Administration from Penn State Behrend.

    Colpoys resides in Erie, Pa., and is actively involved with industry, business and community groups, serving on the boards of Northeast Gas Association, Energy Association of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Chamber, Erie Downtown Development Corporation, Penn State Behrend College of Fellows and the 100 Club of Buffalo.

    National Fuel is an integrated energy company reporting financial results for four operating segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering and Utility. National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation is the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company and provides natural gas service for 2.2 million residents in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. Additional information about National Fuel is available at www.nationalfuel.com.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d16aac8d-4110-4b4a-9e31-e12c1a87dce2
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1cb8680-74fe-4355-a3c5-3c5878a05868

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. Announces the Appointment of Anthony Gallegos to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Midland, Texas, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Midland, Texas, April 3, 2025 – Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (“NGS” or the “Company”) (NYSE: NGS), a leading provider of natural gas compression equipment, technology, and services to the energy industry, announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) appointed Anthony Gallegos to the Board on April 1, 2025. Mr. Gallegos fills the position vacated by David Bradshaw in connection with his retirement from the Board in December 2024.

    “On behalf of the entire team at NGS, we are excited to welcome Anthony Gallegos to the Board of Directors,” said Justin Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer. “Anthony brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in the energy sector where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional operational expertise. His deep understanding of our industry, along with his vast network, will be invaluable as we navigate the next phase of growth at NGS. The Board and I are eager to collaborate with Anthony as we focus on driving shareholder value and advancing our mission to deliver innovative natural gas compression solutions.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Gallegos stated, “I am excited to work alongside the Directors and executive team of Natural Gas Services Group, and I look forward to leveraging my experiences and expertise to help drive shareholder value. The company has done an extraordinary job driving innovation, growing its fleet, and expanding both its customer base and pipeline for future growth. It is my goal to work together to uncover new ways of driving growth and profitability and an improved customer experience.” 

    Stephen Taylor, Chairman of the Board added, “We are delighted to add someone of Anthony’s background and experience to our Board of Directors as he brings exceptional expertise in the oilfield services industry and across various functional areas of our business. His knowledge will serve our company, our customers, and our shareholders well as we continue to execute our long-term growth plans.”

    Mr. Gallegos has more than 30 years of experience in the offshore, international, and US land drilling business. He currently serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. (ICD), positions he has held since October 2018.  Prior to his role with ICD, Anthony held various executive positions with Sidewinder Drilling Company, a company he co-founded in 2011, until Sidewinder’s merger with ICD in October 2018. Previously, Anthony held various leadership positions in the areas of operations, marketing, and corporate planning with Scorpion Offshore Ltd., Transocean Offshore, Atwood Oceanics, and Ensco, all publicly listed companies. 

    Mr. Gallegos began his career working as a roughneck on offshore drilling rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the International Association of Drilling Contractors. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army and holds a B.B.A. from Texas A&M University and an M.B.A. from Rice University.

    About Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS): NGS is a leading provider of natural gas compression equipment, technology, and services to the energy industry.  The Company rents, operates and maintains natural gas compressors for oil and gas production and processing facilities. In addition, the Company designs and assembles compressor units for rental to its customers and provides aftermarket services in the form of call-out services on customer-owned equipment as well as commissioning of new units for customers. NGS  is headquartered in Midland, Texas, with a fabrication facility located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a rebuild shop located in Midland, Texas, and service facilities located in major oil and natural gas producing basins in the U.S. Additional information can be found at www.ngsgi.com.

    For More Information, Contact:
    Anna Delgado, Investor Relations
    (432) 262-2700
    ir@ngsgi.com www.ngsgi.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins, Bipartisan Group Urge Administration to Reverse Course on LIHEAP Staffing Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Jack Reed (D-RI), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), led ten of their Senate colleagues, including Senator Angus King, in sending a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on the recently reported elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) workforce. As a result of the Administration’s reduction of about 10,000 employees from HHS, the entire staff running the $4.1 billion LIHEAP, which helps millions of American households afford their heating and cooling bills, has reportedly been cut.

    The federally funded LIHEAP is a crucial lifeline that helps 6.2 million low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes afford their energy bills, including those who use natural gas, propane, electricity, and home heating oil. Without this assistance, many Americans may not be able to afford their utility bills and could end up falling victim to extreme weather.

    “We are concerned that the reported staff terminations will undermine the HHS’s ability to deliver this critical funding to low-income seniors and families,” the Senators wrote. “We are also concerned that the local community action agencies that help enroll qualified beneficiaries could be weakened by other actions and funding cuts being undertaken by HHS and the Department of Government Efficiency.”

    The Senators also highlighted that the termination of the entire staff that oversees LIHEAP could hold up hundreds of millions of dollars in funding that Congress already appropriated to assist low-income Americans.

    “As you know, our states are expecting HHS to release nearly $400 million in FY25 funding later this month.  Any delay in providing this funding will set back efforts to provide summer cooling grants, weatherize low-income homes, and plan for the next winter heating season,” the Senators continued.

    HHS has already released 90 percent of those federal funds to state partners. The remaining 10 percent, almost $400 million, used by states to pay for summer cooling, and emergency funding for households that need additional assistance and weatherization, cannot be released until HHS determines the state-by-state allocation. Now, it’s unclear how the remaining funds could be disbursed to the states.

    “Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors. To that end, we urge you to reverse course on any staffing or funding cuts that would jeopardize the distribution of these funds to our constituents,” the Senators concluded.

    Senators Collins, Reed, and Murkowski led the successful effort to provide a total of $4.1 billion for LIHEAP this fiscal year, with $4 billion through appropriations and $100 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds.

    In addition to Senators Collins, Reed, Murkowski, and King, the letter was signed by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Edward Markey (D-MA) Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).

    The complete text of the letter can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: THIRD GENERATION METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Earth Sciences

    PARLIAMENT QUESTION: THIRD GENERATION METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has allocated Rs. 480/- crore and billed for the launch of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-3DS).

    Currently, INSAT-3DS, along with INSAT-3DR, are in use for operational weather services, and some of the important applications of its products are:

    • Round-the-clock monitoring of severe weather conditions with rapid scan capability. Satellite images are generated every 5 minutes for the area of interest (where the severe weather is prevailing).
    • A satellite visualization tool known as Real-time Analysis of Products and Information Dissemination (RAPID) to visualize and analyze satellite images and derived products as per the user’s choice (https://rapid.imd.gov.in/r2v/).
    • Numerous satellite-derived products and imageries are generated at each 30-minute gap, which is very useful in real-time monitoring the cyclone activity and determination of cyclone track and intensity.
    • During pre-monsoon season thunderstorms and lightning season of March to May, various products like Outgoing Longwave Radiation, Quantitative Precipitation Estimate, Sea Surface Temperature, Insolation, winds, winds derived products, etc. and Temperature, Humidity profiles/Thermodynamic indices etc.) are used for monitoring the movement of convective weather systems.
    • Satellite-derived products are also helpful in monitoring the onset, active, and withdrawal phases of southwest and northeast monsoons. It is also used to monitor and analyse the origin, movement, and possible impact of Western disturbance moving across North India.
    • Data Collection and Dissemination: The satellite’s data relay transponder facilitates efficient collection and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data from various ground stations, supporting The India Meteorological Department (IMD).
    • Search and Rescue Operations: The satellite has a dedicated search and rescue payload that assists in locating and saving lives during maritime and aviation emergencies. These advancements in INSAT-3DS have strengthened India’s capacity to monitor and predict weather patterns, enabling better preparedness for extreme weather events and contributing to improving agricultural and water management decisions.
    • Meteorological data and products from both the INSATs are also useful in various sectors in real-time:

     

    • Aviation Meteorological services (root forecast, convection cloud development, movement, etc.)
    • Marine weather forecast (convection movements, high /low-pressure zones, winds convergence, divergence, etc.)
    • Power Sector (clouds, convection, etc.)
    • Tourism sector (root, temperature, clouds, dry or moist areas, winds, circulation, etc.)
    • Monitoring severe weather phenomena like intense rainfall episodes, heatwave conditions, cold wave day and night fog, etc.) are easily monitored over the Indian region/neighbouring countries by day and night (24-hour) coverage of satellite data.
    • Special sector images are generated for pilgrimage (Like Amarnathji yatra, Kumbh Mela, Kedarnath Jee yatra, etc.)
    • The accumulated snow-bound area images during winter time are generated for specially monitoring the fresh and old snow and its coverage.
    • Agriculture sector services. Satellite provides better guidance for agro meteorology with the help of many satellite-derived products (like Insolation, Land Surface Temperature, Evapotranspiration, etc.).
    • Renewable energy sector: Satellite-based Winds, clouds, Outgoing longwave radiation, etc., provide an important input to this sector for managing the resources efficiently.
    • Research and development activities. New algorithms and approaches (like AI/ML, deep learning, etc.) are also under development to further streamline the process.
    • Therefore, with the support of INSAT-3DS (which provides advanced imaging and sounding capabilities), weather monitoring service capabilities are enhanced. It offered detailed observations of land and ocean surfaces, real-time data on cloud cover, moisture content, temperature profiles, and other atmospheric parameter which are crucial for weather monitoring.

     

    The INSAT-3D has reached its end of life and has been replaced by the INSAT-3DS, whereas INSAT-3DR is operational in sensing and transmitting meteorological data.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118387)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Ukraine Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk, the new Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented his credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Mr. Tsymbaliuk served as Special Envoy of Ukraine to the International Atomic Energy Agency since August 2024, and as Ambassador-at-Large on Human Rights, Gender Equality and Diversity for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine since January 2024.

    Mr. Tsymbaliuk served as Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna from July 2019 to December 2023.  From April 2015 to June 2018, he served as Ambassador of Ukraine to Kenya, concurrently serving as non-resident Ambassador to the Union of the Comoros, and as Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Environment Programme and to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme from October 2015 to June 2018.  He also served as non-resident Ambassador to Rwanda from December 2015 to June 2018, and Tanzania from June 2015 to June 2018.

    He has also held high-level domestic roles within the Ukrainian Government, including as Deputy Director-General of the Department for International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2019); First Deputy Head of the Directorate of Strategic Planning and Operational Support of the Administration of the President (2018-2019); and Deputy Director-General of the Secretariat of the Minister for Foreign Affairs (2012-2015).

    Mr. Tsymbaliuk obtained a master’s degree in history at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, where he also completed studies in English and German, and gained a second master’s degree in German language education at the Kyiv National Linguistic University.  Born on 30 May 1972 in Magdeburg, Germany, he is fluent in English and German, and is married and has one daughter.

    _______________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CR25.014E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Yukon launches the Low Carbon Buildings Program

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Government of Yukon launches the Low Carbon Buildings Program
    jlutz
    April 3, 2025 – 10:25 am

    The Government of Yukon is launching the Low Carbon Buildings Program, which supports local and national emissions reductions in commercial and institutional buildings.

    As part of the Good Energy rebates, the Low Carbon Buildings Program helps building owners save on energy costs, make their buildings last longer, reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

    The updated program will provide funding towards building upgrades that will result in significant energy savings and carbon reductions. Businesses, municipalities, First Nations governments and non-profit organizations play an important role in reducing the territory’s collective energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and supporting climate action and a net-zero future.

    This program was paused in May 2023 after successfully allocating all available funding for 209 projects from the Government of Yukon and the federal Low Carbon Economy Fund. In March 2025, the Government of Yukon secured a new funding agreement under a renewed Low Carbon Economy Fund, allowing the Government of Yukon to restart this popular program. The total joint investment of $21.8 million, $16.4 million from the Government of Canada and $5.5 million from the Government of Yukon, will fund the ongoing delivery of Good Energy rebate programs for buildings for 2025–2029.

    The Government of Yukon’s incentives program makes energy efficient retrofits accessible, affordable and achievable. These climate actions contribute to the Yukon’s green economy and build a cleaner, sustainable and resilient future for all Yukoners.

    Our government is excited to launch the Low Carbon Buildings Program. With renewed funding, this program will help building owners save on energy costs, reduce emissions and improve efficiency, supporting businesses, municipalities and organizations in creating more energy-efficient buildings. This is just one of the many Good Energy programs helping us meet emissions reduction targets by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

    Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker 

    Quick facts

    • Applicants can call or email the branch to get the new guide and to help them prepare project proposals.

    • To learn more, vist: yukon.ca/en/apply-commercial-institutional-energy-rebates

    Media contact

    Laura Seeley
    Cabinet Communications
    867-332-7627
    laura.seeley@yukon.ca

    Kate Erwin
    Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
    867-667-3183
    kate.erwin@yukon.ca

    News release #:

    25-148

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NEW URANIUM DEPOSITS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:39PM by PIB Delhi

    The state-wise and year-wise in-situ uranium resources augmented by Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in the last five years are as follows:

     

    State

    U-oxide Resource (in tonne)

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    (till Dec.

    24)

    Andhra Pradesh

    12,966

    18,182

    19,561

    7,450

    2,500

    Jharkhand

    5,894

    715

    3,367

    13,100

    4,080

    Karnataka

    617

    373

    –

    –

    –

    Rajasthan

    1,861

    1,336

    –

    900

    798

    Total

    21,338

    20,606

    22,928

    21,450

    7,378

    In principle approval exists for initiating 13 projects including capacity expansion of some existing units and construction of new production facilities (Mines & Plants) in the country. Pre-project activities related to obtaining statutory clearances from various Central and State authorities have been initiated. On implementation of the projects, the projected mining capacity in terms of Ore production is envisaged approximately 11.535 million TPA and in terms of U3O8 production is envisaged approximately as 1095 TPA.

    As the pre-project activities related to obtaining statutory clearances from various Central and State authorities have been initiated for the projects for which in-principle approval is received, presently no funds are allocated for those projects. The fund allocation shall be taken up once the project contours are firmed up after finalizing of Detailed Project Report and once administrative and financial sanction is obtained.

    In recent years, AMD has established U-oxide resource at Jaduguda North – Baglasai-Mechua deposit, East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand; which is the north-western continuity of Jaduguda uranium deposit. The deposit is expected to strengthen India’s long- term nuclear fuel security substantially.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118383) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SAFETY OF ATOMIC ENERGY PLANTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Highest priority is accorded to safety in all aspects of nuclear power viz. siting, design, construction, commissioning, and operation. Nuclear power plants are designed adopting safety principles of redundancy, diversity and provided fail-safe design features following a defence-in-depth approach, in line with codes and guides of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The operations are performed adopting well laid out procedures by highly qualified, trained and licensed personnel. Appropriate Personal Protection Equipments and monitoring aids are provided to all the personnel working in the nuclear power plants. The safety of nuclear power plants is continuously monitored and reviewed by the AERB.

    India is member state of multilateral organization International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and scientific officers of the Department are participating regularly in events organized by IAEA on advance nuclear technology development for knowledge sharing.

    A large public awareness and outreach programme based on a structured multipronged approach is implemented by NPCIL to spread awareness and address the apprehensions of the people in a credible and easy to understand manner.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118381) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: WEATHER FORECASTING CAPABILITIES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:38PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry continuously enhances and upgrades meteorological observations, communications, modeling tools, and forecasting systems. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses the latest tools and technologies to predict severe weather events. This includes sophisticated dynamical numerical weather prediction models at higher spatial and temporal resolutions, multi-model ensemble methods, artificial intelligence, and machine learning (AI/ML) & data science methodologies, complemented with improved ground-based & upper air observations and advanced remote sensing network for real-time monitoring and predictions. IMD uses the latest dissemination tools, including Common Alert Protocol (CAP), mobile apps, websites, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and other social media platforms, to provide efficient, effective, and timely early warning services. IMD is constantly working to improve and adapt to the latest technologies.

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) explores integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies into weather forecasting systems in addition to physics-based numerical models. This initiative is a part of the broader strategy to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of meteorological predictions, which are crucial for various sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning. The Ministry has established a dedicated virtual center on AI/ML/Deep Learning (DL) at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune. A dedicated functional group has been established in IMD under the MoES to strengthen the research and development (R&D) activities in AI/ML. These centers focus on leveraging AI, ML, and DL techniques for advancements in Earth Sciences. It has already developed several AI/ML-based applications tailored for localized predictions and the analysis of weather and climate patterns.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is rendering the weather forecast-based agro-advisory services to farmers under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) project through the existing 130 Agrometeorological Field Units (AMFUs) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), etc. The AMFUs prepare agro-advisories for their respective districts and disseminate them through various modes, including mass media, mobile Apps, SMS, etc.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.  

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118382) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NATIONAL RARE EARTHS POLICY

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish an effective framework for India’s self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. Under the NCMM, Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been assigned to carry out 1200 exploration projects from 2024-25 to 2030-31.

    In order to reduce the import dependency of Rare Earth Elements (REE), Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) is carrying out exploration to augment resources of REE along the coastal / inland / riverine placer sands of the country for augmentation of heavy mineral resource, which include monazite (a phosphate mineral containing Th and REE) and xenotime (a phosphate mineral of yttrium and REE) as well as in several potential geological domains (hard rock) of the country. Further, during the last three years (2021-22 to 2023-24), GSI has taken up 368 mineral exploration projects on critical minerals including Rare Earth Elements (REE) and for 2024-25, GSI has taken up 195 exploration projects to assess the mineral potential of critical minerals including REE specified in Part D of First Schedule of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023.

    IREL (India) Limited (IREL), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has been mandated to produce Rare Earth Elements in the form of high pure Rare Earth Oxides from Rare Earths (RE) bearing mineral Monazite in India. IREL has been operating in three locations having the facility for integrated mining and processing of mineral sands and a facility each for extraction and refining of rare earths. With the grant of Letter of Intent (LoI) for three more reserve deposits in different geographies of India, the domestic production is planned to be enhanced.

    As a part of functioning of IREL, IREL undertakes economic feasibility of mining of Rare Earths before taking up mining operations at each location.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118380) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INDIGENOUS NUCLEAR REACTORS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:36PM by PIB Delhi

    Units-3&4 of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS-3&4), the first pair of indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) setup at Kakrapar in Gujarat are already operational, having commenced commercial operation on 30.06.2023 and 31.03.2024 respectively.

    Two units of 700 MW indigenous PHWRs were sanctioned to be setup at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan (RAPP-7&8, 2X700 MW)

    One of the units, RAPP-7 has been connected to the grid on 17.03.2025, while RAPP- 8 is under advanced stage of commissioning and is expected to be completed in 2025-26.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118379) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: MONSOON FORECAST AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:43PM by PIB Delhi

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has adopted a new strategy for issuing monthly and seasonal operational forecasts for the southwest monsoon rainfall over the country based on both the statistical forecasting system and the newly developed Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) based forecasting system. The MME approach uses the coupled global climate models (CGCMs) from different global climate prediction and research centers, including IMD’s Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System (MMCFS) model. The MMCFS and MME forecasts are updated every month. This was to satisfy the demands from different users and Government authorities for the forecasts of the spatial distribution of monthly and seasonal rainfall along with the regionally averaged rainfall forecasts for better regional planning of activities.

    Since introducing the Statistical Ensemble Forecasting System (SEFS) in 2007 and implementing the MME approach in 2021 for seasonal forecasting, IMD operational forecast for the monsoon rainfall has shown noticeable improvement. For example, the average absolute forecast error in the forecasting of all India’s seasonal rainfall has reduced by about 21% during the recent 18 years (2007-2024) compared to the same number of  previous years (1989-2006), which indicates a highly successful forecast in recent years compared to previous years. The anomaly correlation between the observed and forecast ISMR during 2007-2023 was 0.55 compared to -0.21 during 1989-2006. It may be noted that IMD was able to correctly forecast the twin deficient monsoon years of 2014-2015, as well as the below-normal rainfall in 2023 and above-normal rainfall in 2024. These clearly indicate improvement made in the operational forecast system in the recent 18 years period compared to the earlier 18 years period. For 2025, the MME approach will continue to be used as this method introduced in 2021 has shown good skill in forecasting both the area-averaged rainfall at various geographical regions and spatial distribution of rainfall across the country at monthly as well as seasonal scales.

    To strengthen weather and climate services for the agriculture sector, the MoES has launched the Mission Mausam, which is envisaged to be a multi-faceted and transformative initiative to boost India’s weather and climate-related science, research, and services. The Mission is launched to make Bharat a weather-ready and climate-smart nation with the aim that no weather will go undetected and early warning for all. It will help monsoon-dependent agricultural regions, citizens, and last-mile users to tackle extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change in a better way.

    Further, the Mission’s focus includes improving the observations by augmenting various observational networks throughout the country to provide highly accurate and timely weather and climate information across temporal and spatial scales, capacity building, and awareness generation. Apart from physics-based numerical models, the Ministry is developing new methods based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for weather, climate, and ocean forecasting systems. And the formulation of collaborative research projects with academic institutions to share knowledge and develop innovative solutions for weather forecasting and climate modeling capabilities. Local user communities such as farmers/agricultural authorities, aviation authorities, power generation & distribution agencies, industries, health agencies, etc., are constantly involved/engaged, and periodic familiarization is imparted through user meet/stakeholder meet awareness programs, etc. The feedback is taken from the communities for the improvement of all-weather & climate services. Extensive use of local languages in forecast dissemination and regularly organizing workshops and awareness programs for community outreach is being undertaken.

    By strengthening the observational network will also help to observe the changes in long-term weather patterns compared to past years to assess the changes in the climate and take measures towards climate resilience.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been using satellite technology extensively for weather monitoring and forecasting. This started with the use of photographs from Television Infrared Observation Satellites (TIROS-1) launched by the United States of America (USA) in April 1960. These photographs provided new information on cloud systems, including spiral formations associated with large storms, immediately proving their value to operational meteorologists. Over the years, IMD has embraced new developments in satellites and their applications, boosted through global coordination and support, such as geostationary satellites in 1974 and polar-orbiting satellites. With the advent of Indian National Satellites (INSAT) developed by the Space Research Organisation (ISRO) satellites in 1982, IMD has augmented satellite applications utilizing image and data products in collaboration with the ISRO. Currently, IMD is utilizing available international satellites, including European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and INSAT-3DR/3DS, as well as polar-orbiting satellites, including Oceansat-3 and Metop-B/C. The utilization of satellite data and products has improved nowcasting and severe weather along with timely detection of large-scale systems like monsoon circulation, cyclones, western disturbances, thunderstorms, etc. Above 90% of the data in the numerical models run by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is satellite-based. The assimilation of satellite data in the models has improved the accuracy in short to medium range forecasting by about 20% to 30%. Algorithms/tools developed by IMD/ISRO and other international institutes, such as EUMETSAT, like nowcast tools, RAPID, Dvorak technique, etc., have improved decision-making and forecasting. These data and products are proven to be useful for disaster preparedness. However, there are still gaps in detecting small-scale weather events, such as cloudbursts, thunderstorms, localized heavy rainfall, squalls, hail storms, etc., due to a lack of high-resolution data, products, and satellite-based tools. Considering this, IMD and ISRO are working together for the development of the INSAT-4 series with better sensors and resolution.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118393) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PROGRESS OF THE BHARAT SMALL MODULAR REACTOR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:35PM by PIB Delhi

    Presently, concept design of the lead unit of Bharat Small Modular Reactor 200 MWe has been completed, which includes sizing of the nuclear reactor alongwith the primary heat transport system. Detailed engineering design of nuclear and non-nuclear systems has been taken-up by the Department.

    The erection and start-up of the demonstration unit of BSMR200 is expected to be completed in 6 years’ time after financial approval. Plant commissioning followed by regular operation will be feasible at the end of 7th year. Expected cost of the lead unit is ₹5,700 Crores.

    BSMR is being developed by BARC and NPCIL as all the required expertise is available in house for deployment of lead unit of BSMR. The Department will avail services of developed indigenous private nuclear vendors, who will deliver various equipment and components of BSMR 200 through competitive bidding. The construction, erection and commissioning works will be entrusted with pre-qualified EPC vendors.

    BSMR is based on the globally proven pressurized water reactor technology. It has been provided with passive safety features as well as several engineered safety systems to ensure nuclear safety during off normal conditions. In addition to this Nuclear safety of BSMR-based power plant will be subjected to comprehensive regulatory licensing process in vogue. Design standardization will be taken-up in the follow-on units to ensure cost-effectiveness and optimization of project timelines. BSMR will be largely indigenous, facilitating its sustainability and mass deployment. Use of imported uranium (slightly enriched) will be an option to be exercised, if required.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118377) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR AND ATOMIC POWER PLANTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The share of nuclear power in the country’s energy basket is proposed to be increased by augmenting the installed nuclear power capacity.

    A large nuclear power expansion programme of 13,600 MW is under implementation which is expected to increase the nuclear power capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. Further, the Government has announced an ambitious Nuclear Energy mission with a target of reaching a nuclear power capacity of 100 GW by 2047.

    The details are given in the annexure.

    Annexure

    State

    Location

    Unit

    Capacity

    (MW)

     

     

    Maharashtra

     

     

    Tarapur

    TAPS-1

    160

    TAPS-2

    160

    TAPS-3

    540

    TAPS-4

    540

     

     

     

     

     

    Rajasthan

     

     

     

     

     

    Rawatbhata

    RAPS-1

    100

    RAPS-2

    200

    RAPS-3

    220

    RAPS-4

    220

    RAPS-5

    220

    RAPS-6

    220

    RAPS-7

    700

     

     

    TamilNadu

     

    Kalpakkam

    MAPS-1

    220

    MAPS-2

    220

     

    Kudankulam

    KKNPP-1

    1000

    KKNPP-2

    1000

     

    Uttar Pradesh

     

    Narora

    NAPS-1

    220

    NAPS-2

    220

     

     

    Gujarat

     

     

    Kakrapar

    KAPS-1

    220

    KAPS-2

    220

    KAPS-3

    700

    KAPS-4

    700

     

     

    Karnataka

     

     

    Kaiga

    KGS-1

    220

    KGS-2

    220

    KGS-3

    220

    KGS-4

    220

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118376) Visitor Counter : 34

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: OPERATIONAL NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Presently, there are 25 operational nuclear power plants in the country with a total capacity of 8880 MW. The details of operational nuclear power plants in the country are given in Annexure.

    India is pursuing a three-stage nuclear power programme, for optimum utilization of its limited uranium resources and exploit vast thorium resources for long term energy security, by following nearly closed nuclear fuel cycle wherein the spent fuel from reactors is treated as resource material and not waste. India has developed expertise in backend fuel cycle of pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).

    The Programme of Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD&ER) is linked to the front end of nuclear fuel cycle, wherein exploration is carried out to identify, evaluate and augment atomic mineral resources to cater the need of Nuclear Power Programme of India. As on date, AMD&ER has established 4,28,300 tonnes in-situ U-oxide resource in 47 uranium deposits located in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra. The state-wise details of uranium resources are given in Table 1.

    Besides,Directoratehasestimated13.15million tonnes (Mt) in-situmonazite (a mineral containing thorium, uranium and Rare Earth Elements) resource occurring in the coastal beach and teri/red sands in parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and in the inland alluvium in parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Monazite in beach placer

    sands contain about 9-10% thorium oxide. The estimated in-situ monazite resource (13.15Mt) contains approximately 1.04Mt thorium metal (Th) or approximately 1.18Mt thorium oxide (ThO2). The state-wise details of these resources are given in Table 2.

    Uranium fuel requirement for the reactors which are under domestic safeguards is adequately met by Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), a Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Time to time, projects which include capacity expansion of some of existing units as well as for establishing new projects in various parts of the country, are planned for maintaining sustained supply from UCIL.

    Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) with its initial establishment in Hyderabad has further augmented its own production facilities for fuel and structural fabrication at Hyderabad and further establishednewfacilitiesthroughGreenfieldProjectsat“ZirconiumComplex”, Pazhayakayal for Zirconium sponge production and “NFC-Kota” for Fuel Production. The project at Zirconium Complex, Pazhayakayal is completed in 2009 and is under operation since then.

    NFC-Kota project is scheduled for completion by March 2026 and has currently achieved more than 90% physical progress with commissioning of major equipment in advanced stage.

    Currently, the spent fuel from PHWRs is reprocessed to extract fissile material for use as fuel for next stage nuclear powerplants. However, a small volume of radioactive liquid wastes containing minor actinides and fission products is generated during reprocessing. The high level radioactive liquid waste, generated from reprocessing of spent fuel, is subjected to a process called vitrification, wherein it is converted to glass. This vitrified solid product is subjected to natural cooling in solid storage surveillance facility. This policy is at par with international practices following the guidelines of International Atomic Energy Agency.

    For efficient management of high-level radioactive waste, BARC has developed and demonstrated partition technology for separation of long-lived actinides to facilitate increase in specific loading of waste in the vitrified solid and thereby facilitating substantial volume reduction of vitrified waste. Moreover, this partition technology also helps in recovery of useful radio- isotopes such as Caesium-137, Strontium-90, Ruthenium-106 from the liquid wastes for various societal applications.

    Capacity enhancement for PHWR fuel reprocessing and waste management is under progress by construction of large capacity Integrated Nuclear Recycling Plant (INRP) for deploying the partition technology.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118374) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TARGET OF DOUBLING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has prepared plans across key sectors namely Industry, Buildings (including appliances), Transport and Others/Miscellaneous. By implementing these plans, it is aimed to reduce the energy consumption by 89 Million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) in 2030 as compared to the scenario in which these interventions are not carried out.

    Sustainable cooling acts as a tool to address the growing cooling demand. To balance the growing cooling demand while ensuring the sustainable and energy efficient cooling solutions, two new building codes: the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) for commercial buildings and the Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) for residential buildings have been published by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for adoption by States. The Air-conditioners, Ceiling Fans and Refrigerators have been brought under mandatory compliance of Standard and Labelling programme to ensure that energy efficient devices are deployed for cooling purposes.

    Additionally, with the overarching goal to address the rising cooling demand, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP).

    Bureau of Energy Efficiency, under the aegis of Ministry of Power has taken several initiatives to promote the energy efficiency in industry, transport and domestic sectors which includes;

    1. Perform, Achieve and Trade scheme to improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries. It sets sector-specific energy reduction targets, allowing industries to earn Energy Saving Certificates for exceeding targets, which can be traded on power exchanges. This incentivizes cost-effective energy savings while providing flexibility in compliance.
    2. Under the Standards and Labelling programme, the major energy consuming appliances are given star rating from 1 to 5 with 5 star as most efficient appliance. Based on star label, the consumer is encouraged for making informed choice regarding purchase of energy efficient appliances thereby saving electricity consumption.
    3. The Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) for commercial buildings and the Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) for residential buildings have been published for energy savings in building sector. These codes are to be adopted and implemented by the States / local bodies.
    4. Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency norms for passenger cars for energy savings in transport sector.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Power, Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    SK

    (Release ID: 2118327) Visitor Counter : 86

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Polis Administration Awards $14.4 Million to Support Nation-Leading Efforts in Geothermal Heating

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Awards from two programs will support 16 geothermal heating studies and projects to bring affordable geothermal heat to Colorado homes and buildings

    STATEWIDE – The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) announced a total of $14.4 million in funding awards Thursday to support geothermal heating projects across Colorado. This funding from the Geothermal Energy Grant Program (GEGP) and Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering (GETCO) will enable awardees to plan and install geothermal heat pumps and thermal energy networks that deliver low-cost, energy efficient heating and cooling to homes and buildings around the state. Awardees include local governments, school districts, residential communities, a medical campus, and a wastewater treatment facility.

    “Geothermal energy – the heat beneath our feet – is a clean energy option that will help save Coloradans money and protect our state for future generations. I am thrilled to announce this $14.4 million investment in  advancing geothermal energy across our state and empower companies to harness the heat beneath our feet,” said Governor Polis.

    CEO made a total of 11 awards through the GEGP program and five through GETCO. Some projects qualified for both incentives based on project eligibility. This round of GEGP provided grants for single-structure geothermal, thermal energy network studies, and thermal energy network construction projects. GETCO recipients receive a refundable tax credit reservation that can be deducted from their income tax liability. Cycle two of GETCO provided tax credit reservations for geothermal electricity or thermal energy network studies and project installations.

    “Geothermal energy is such an important part of our overall effort to transform our energy system because it provides a clean, firm energy source for both buildings and electricity generation,” said CEO Executive Director Will Toor. “Geothermal heat pumps and thermal energy networks reduce greenhouse gas pollution while improving indoor air quality and saving Coloradans energy and money on heating and cooling costs. We are pleased to support such a diverse array of geothermal projects around the state through these two key incentive programs.”

    The awarded projects include a broad range of ways to utilize geothermal energy. For example, the City and County of Denver will use its GETCO award to study the creation of a cutting-edge, multisource district thermal system that provides heating and cooling through a shared water loop for 5.5 million square feet of municipal buildings.

    “The downtown thermal network pilot project is a key step toward a carbon-free downtown Denver,” said Liz Babcock, Executive Director of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency. “With support from the state, Denver can meet our community’s needs while demonstrating how this affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy option can meet the needs of cold weather climate cities around the world.”

    Liberty School District J-4 will apply its funding to install a geothermal energy network for two buildings at Liberty School. This will replace a 60-year-old hydronic heating system with three cost-efficient heat pumps that will add cooling, improve ventilation, and enhance indoor air quality for better occupant health and comfort.

    “Liberty School District J-4 extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Colorado Energy Office for their invaluable support in funding a new geothermal heating and air conditioning system for our K-12 facility,” said Liberty School District J4 superintendent Rhonda Puckett. “Their guidance throughout the GETCO application process was instrumental in developing a compelling application narrative that demonstrated the significant needs of our building (IAQ, temperature control, reliability, etc.). With CEO’s support, our project is now financially viable and is planned to be completed in the summer/fall of 2025 and will significantly improve the learning environment for our students and serve the broader community as a whole.”

    GEGP recipients are:

    • Town of Bayfield: $51,000
    • Town of Mountain Village: $64,269.50
    • Town of Winter Park: $64,269.50
    • Karval School District: $225,000
    • Liberty School District: $246,000
    • Golden Hills: $60,000
    • Mount Zion Church: $240,000
    • Mountain View Church: $75,000
    • Memorial Hospital: $57,626.80
    • Metro Water Recovery: $250,000
    • Clayworks Parcel B3: $200,000

    GETCO awardees are:

    • Pitkin County: $131,700
    • Liberty School District: $1.109 million
    • City and County of Denver: $4.999 million
    • Eagle County: $3.484 million
    • Metro Water Recovery: $3.095 million

    This announcement marks the second round of funding for GEGP and GETCO. For the first cycle of GETCO, SIMCOE LLC received a tax credit reservation of $1 million for the Florida Mesa Geothermal Project to support the development of up to 20 MW of geothermal electricity in Southwestern Colorado. This funding will help SIMCOE LLC determine the heat source in the project location. The current application cycle for GETCO opened April 1 and will close June 30. GETCO applications will open twice annually through 2032 or until all $35 million in available tax credit reservations have been allocated.

    Last May, the Polis administration also announced $7.7 million in awards for the GEGP. Applications for the third GEGP funding round, which is the last planned round of funding for the program, closed March 31. CEO expects to announce awardees in early summer.

    In addition to these funding opportunities, the Colorado Heat Pump Tax Credit can help reduce the cost to install eligible heat pump technology, including geothermal heat pumps and thermal energy networks, through 2032.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: VIABILITY GAP FUNDING FOR BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:39PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Cabinet approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) on 6th September 2023, to support the development of BESS.  As per the Scheme, VGF support will be provided for BESS approved during 2023-26. The fund disbursement will occur in 5 tranches: 10% upon financial closure of the project, 45% upon achieving the Commercial Operation Date (COD), and 15% per year over the next 3 years from COD.With the decline in battery prices, the scheme capacity has been increased from 4000 MWh to 13,200 MWh while staying within the approved budgetary allocationof Rs 3,760 Cr.

    A budgetary provision of ₹96 Crore was made for 1000 MWh BESS in 2024-25, assuming 10% disbursement upon financial closure. However, with falling BESS costs, the VGF amount reduced from ₹96 lakh per MWh (estimated in 2023-24) to ₹46 lakh per MWh or 30% of capital cost, whichever is lower. As a result, the budgetary allocation was revised from ₹96 Crore to ₹46 Crore. As per scheme guidelines, 10% of VGF is to be disbursed after financial closure. Since, none of the projects could achieve financial closure, no expenditure was incurred under the scheme during 2024-25.

    Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is responsible for monitoring the scheme, while the Ministry of Power oversees the scheme, to ensure timely completion and efficient fund utilisation.

    The National Electricity Plan 2023 estimates that 236 GWh BESS would be required by 2031-32.  This scheme will support integration of renewable energy and help minimize costs during peak demand periods in non-solar hours.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Power, Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    SK

     

    (Release ID: 2118325) Visitor Counter : 113

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ESTABLISHMENT OF THIRD LAUNCH PAD

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

    A Third Launch Pad (TLP) will be established at Sriharikota. The project has been approved by the Union Cabinet and financial sanction has been obtained for a total budget outlay of ₹3984.86 Crore. Establishment of the pad is envisaged to be completed within 4 years timeframe.

    ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which is under development is about 90 m tall with a maximum lift-off mass of approximately 1000 tonne. Existing launch pads at Sriharikota cannot launch this class of vehicles. The propellant servicing facilities and the Umbilical Tower of the existing launch pads are not designed to meet the requirements of the new propulsion system based on Liquid Methane.

    In view of very large height & size, the next generation of launch vehicles are planned with horizontal integration and transport, which are then tilted onto the launch pad along with a Tiltable Umbilical Tower (TUT). Also, TLP incorporates necessary features in terms of foundation support & servicing requirements for future augmentation towards supporting the launches of India’s Crewed Lunar mission.

    The first stage of NGLV is configured with a cluster of 9 engines. The hot testing of this stage is planned at the Launch Pad, thereby eliminating the need for establishing a huge separate facility for stage testing.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118304) Visitor Counter : 82

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: USING REMOTE SENSING DATA FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Remote sensing data and space technology are widely employed for societal development activities/ programmes. The space technology is utilized in many of the government programmes targeting rural and remote areas of the country. The details of major programmes utilizing space based inputs are as given below:

    • Geospatial technology for supporting MGNREGA Programme (Geo- MGNREGA): The creation of assets and activities under the MGNREGA programme, are being monitored through Satellite data, Geoportal and mobile applications. More than 6.24 crore assets/ activities have been geo-tagged on the Geo-MGNREGA geoportal. Subsequently, Yuktdhara geospatial planning portal is also developed, for decision support towards planning and implementation of new assets or activities. Phase-II of Geo-MGNREGA project monitored changes over three years due to implementation of natural resource management activities in 23 Gram Panchayats (one Gram Panchayat for each state) of MGNREGA.
    • Integrated Watershed Management Programme: ISRO/ DOS has implemented Geospatial solution for monitoring of about 86,000 micro-watersheds under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (PMKSY-WDC 1.0). Under this, more than 18 lakh watershed development interventions are geotagged. Under PMKSY-WDC 2.0, around 1150 projects are assessed through Bhuvan tools employing high resolution satellite data (Cartosat 2S & 3).
    • Space based Information Support for Decentralized Planning (SIS-DP): Under two phases of this project, very large scale (1:10,000) country level thematic database on Land Use / Land Cover, Drainage, Settlements, Rail & Road and slope is generated using remote sensing data. Visualisation and analytical tools are deployed on ‘Bhuvan Panchayat’ geoportal (https://bhuvanpanchayat.nrsc.gov.in) to facilitate developmental planning at Panchayat / Village level.
    • Rural Road Infrastructure Mapping: The high-resolution satellite data on Bhuvan was used for mapping rural roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY). Database of rural roads is prepared for entire country and PMGSY dashboard is deployed on Bhuvan Web Portal for monitoring the progress by MoRD and State Govt. Officials.
    • Under Pradhan MantriAwasYojana – Housing for All (PMAY-HFA) and Gramin project, a geospatial platform on the Bhuvan portal is developed to streamline the implementation of the (PMAY-HFA) initiative. It helps in managing the construction of homes for 78.64 Lakhs beneficiaries, to monitor progress through five distinct stages of construction and releasing funds based on project advancement.

    Under the Disaster Management Support Programme (DMSP) of ISRO/ DoS, ISRO enables the use of space-based inputs for disaster management activities by the respective nodal Ministries/ Departments. Space based inputs are being used in the hazard; vulnerability; risk (HVR) assessment, disaster monitoring, damage assessment, and development of early warning systems for major disasters such as flood, cyclones, landslide, earthquakes and forest fire. Data from Indian Earth Observation satellites such as Resourcesat-2 & 2A, Cartosat-2 Series, Cartosat-3, EOS-04 (RISAT-1A), EOS-06 (Oceansat-3) and INSAT-3DR & 3DS are being used for disaster management support, in addition to the data from various global satellite missions.

    During 2024, major floods were monitored using satellite data and about 300 flood inundation maps were provided to various State and Central disaster management agencies. As part of the National Hydrology Project (NHP), ISRO developed spatial flood early warning system for Godavari and Tapi Rivers. Flood alerts were disseminated through Bhuvan-NHP and NDEM Geoportals, and also to AP State Disaster Management Authority, with 2- day lead time and 85% accuracy. Very High Resolution data from India’s RISAT satellite was used for assessing the extent of the Wayanad (Kerala) landslide in July 2024. In the year 2024, tropical cyclones Remal, Asna, Dana and Fengal were monitored with INSAT-3DR, INSAT-3DS and Oceansat-3 data. Active forest fires were detected using satellite data daily 6 to 8 times during the Indian forest fire season in 2024 and the activity is ongoing for the fire season in 2025.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118302) Visitor Counter : 79

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: UPDATES ON THE SPACE APPLICATIONS CENTRE OF ISRO

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The genesis of the Centre dates back to 1966, with establishment of the Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES), by late Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai in Ahmedabad. In 1972, the different units of ISRO in Ahmedabad pursuing research in applications of space technology were merged to form Space Applications Centre (SAC). A unique experiment called the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) was conducted by SAC/ISRO during 1975-76. Hailed as ‘the largest techno-social experiment in the world’, SITE demonstrated the potential of satellite technology as an effective mass communication media, aimed at socio-economic development of rural India.

    Space Applications Centre (SAC), is a major and unique multi–disciplinary research and development Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). SAC today stands high in each of its endeavour with its strong space research & development capabilities and continues to deliver world-class technologies and applications for various national, strategic, societal and technology demonstration missions of ISRO. These applications are in diverse areas and primarily meet the communication, navigation and remote sensing needs of the country. Located at Ahmedabad, SAC is spread across three campuses having multi-disciplinary activities apart from Delhi Earth Station (DES), which is located in New Delhi.

    SAC has state-of-the-art electronic and mechanical fabrication facilities, highly sophisticated payload integration, climatic & environmental test facilities, systems reliability area, image processing and analysis facilities and project management support group.

    SAC is the lead centre in the development of key payload technologies for Earth Observation, Communication, Navigation and Space Exploration. Further, the Centre also develops various applications that cater to various user ministries in the field of Agriculture, Meteorology, Fisheries, Oceanography, Environment, Forest, Railways, Urban development etc.

    The notable technologies that were developed by the Space Applications Centre for spacecraft payloads including S-Band SAR for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, C-Band and X-Band Microwave Radars for RISAT series, Lander/Rover Cameras, Ka Radar Altimeters, Hazard Detection and Avoidance  Sensors for Lunar Landing for Chandrayaan-3, demonstration of spectrum sensing, ADS-B, GNSS-R reflectometry, Pseudolite systems for RLV, High resolution Electro-optical payloads, Ka-band payload for high throughput satellites (50 Gbps), spread-spectrum modems for Gaganyaan crew communication system, Indian Atomic clock-Indian Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (IRAFS) for NavIC and Travelling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTA) for Communication satellites. Currently, a large number of payloads are under various stages of realization at SAC including, GSAT-7R, HRSAT Series, Resourcesat-3 series, Oceansat-3A, G20- Satellite, Indian Mauritius Joint Satellite (IMJS), GSAT-N3, IDRSS-2, payloads for Quantum Communication.

    Various downstream applications developed and demonstrated for users include National Drought Portal for Krishi-Decision Support System (DSS), application development for Yield Estimation System based on Technology (YES-Tech) program under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Geospatial Energy map portal of India, Sea Ice Advisories for polar expedition routes for National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), System for national scale Crop Yield Estimation, Very short range weather forecast, Value added Agro-Met products for Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS), Hybrid weather prediction system for customized station specific weather forecast (transferred to Bihar Mausam Sewa Kendra (BMSK) for operational use), Satellite and in situ based data assimilative technique for ocean wave forecasting (transferred to Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Hyderabad), High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) methodology for using Doppler Weather Radars (DWR) data (transferred to India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi), Satellite-based ocean drift model for search and rescue (transferred this application to National Operational Data Processing and analysis Centre (NODPAC)/ Indian Navy, Kochi), Monitoring of fishing boats with keel lengths <24m which is now being rolled-out nationally, Locomotive-mounted satcom terminals for tracking of trains for safety-of-life & train information, real-time aircraft tracking for aviation safety & fleet management, authentication geo-fixes for Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) – Aadhar enrolment operatives, Indus river-level monitoring system, high-accuracy NavIC receivers for e-tolling applications for National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

    SAC objectives are realized and met with a well-planned strategy for a sustained capacity building through skilled human resources, establishment of state-of-the-art facilities, industry and academia participation and international cooperation under a well-defined policy support of ISRO. SAC has been proactively enhancing and upgrading the skills and competencies of internal human resource through standard as well as tailored training and development programs. SAC has systematic capacity enhancement plans at individual level to meet the organizational objectives, which also includes non-training interventions such as conferences, seminars, workshops at national as well as international levels. Higher education in premier academic institutions is also a part of the capacity enhancement strategy.

    SAC has built a strong partnership with over 300 small, medium and large scale industries and commercial organizations specialized in various fields including RF, Digital, Optical, Microwave, Mechanical, Electrical, Antenna, Scientific software, specialized materials etc. are presently associated with SAC. SAC has a well-established academia partnership programs for research in the areas associated with space technology, space science and exploration including RESPOND, STC etc.

    SAC has state-of-the-art highly sophisticated payload integration laboratories, electronic & Mechanical fabrication facilities, environmental test facility, image processing, and analysis facilities.

    SAC has outlined a detailed technology roadmap, as a part of space vision 2047. It is envisioning a new paradigm of space borne observations for Earth system and Planetary studies with special emphasis on developing advanced Radars, LIDAR, Hyperspectral and Terahertz technologies with high quality analysis-ready data products and also advanced techniques for geophysical parameters retrieval and customised web-based solutions to meet various User requirements in the domain of Agriculture, Forestry, Coastal Zone Management, Meteorology, Fisheries, Urban Planning, Oceanography etc.

    SAC has defined roadmap for development of Quantum technologies including Space Based Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Quantum computing.

    SAC has evolved roadmap for competitive & advanced Satellite Navigation (SATNAV) services and achieve larger penetration of NavIC applications across strategic, civilian and scientific domains; secure and self-reliant Satellite Communication (SATCOM) systems and applications; NavCom systems and applications for various Users all of which will be enabled by indigenous technology, products & services and propelled by Indian Industries/NGEs.

    SAC has defined roadmap for state-of-the art capability and self-reliance in design and development of crew centric systems for Human Space Programme and ensure crew safety through specific human-rated R&QA practices.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118301) Visitor Counter : 75

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –