NewzIntel.com

Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI USA: Providing Sustainable Power for 123,000 More Homes

    Source: US State of New York

    In celebration of Climate Week, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission has issued final siting permits for the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind LLC projects. The solar farm and the wind farm, located in St. Lawrence County and Steuben County, respectively, will bring a combined 387 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to New York’s electric grid, powering more than 123,000 average-sized homes. Both facilities will contribute significantly to the State’s ambitious climate goals while providing economic benefits to local communities.

    “These two massive renewable energy projects are prime examples of our progress in transitioning to a clean energy economy,” Governor Hochul said. “With the issuance of these siting permits, we are creating good-paying jobs in the North Country and the Southern Tier, while providing clean sustainable energy for our families and businesses.”

    The Rich Road Solar project developers estimate that the 240 MW solar farm—which will be supplemented with an additional 20 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) located in the Town of Canton, St. Lawrence County—will generate clean energy capable of powering more than 61,000 average-sized homes. The Prattsburgh wind farm, a 147 MW wind project spanning the Towns of Prattsburgh, Avoca, Cohocton, Howard, and Wheeler in Steuben County, will produce enough power for an estimated 62,000 homes according to its developers.

    Today’s announcement marks the second and third major renewable energy facility permits issued by ORES this month. Together, the projects bring the total number of ORES-approved large-scale renewable energy projects to 18 since 2021, representing over 2.7 gigawatts of clean energy. The approvals come during New York’s Climate Week, highlighting the State’s continued leadership in advancing clean energy initiatives and reinforcing its commitment to working toward the State’s climate goals.

    Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission Interim Executive Director Jessica Waldorf said, “Today’s announcement demonstrates the State’s continued commitment to a clean energy transition and the responsible siting and development of renewable energy resources. ORES’ issuance of the permits of the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind LLC projects will support the delivery of significant amounts of clean energy to the electric grid and local community benefits, while mitigating significant adverse environmental impacts.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “The implementation of wind and solar developments like the projects announced today in St. Lawrence and Steuben counties is a critical part of Governor Hochul’s commitment to advancing a clean energy economy and achieving the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. DEC commends the Governor and ORES for their efforts to accelerate green energy deployment and address the challenges of climate change to ensure a greener future for all New Yorkers.”

    Alliance for Clean Energy New York Executive Director Marguerite Wells said, “Every megawatt of clean energy that comes online is a win for New Yorkers in the fight against climate change, and brings lasting economic benefits to our state. We thank the state and ORES for granting these siting permits and we look forward to the day the switch is flipped and power flows from these important projects.”

    New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, “With the impacts of climate change growing more dire by the day, we can no longer afford to just talk about renewable energy, we need to deliver real projects on the ground, and that’s why we’re thrilled to see Governor Hochul and the team at ORES approve the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind projects. Together, their promise of 387 megawatts of clean energy mark another important step on New York’s path to meeting our CLCPA obligations and transitioning to the clean energy economy we need.”

    The application for the Rich Road solar farm was deemed complete on January 3 and a draft permit was issued by ORES on March 4. A thorough, timely, and transparent review process followed that included a public comment period and hearing. The facility will feature three ground-mounted solar PV arrays on single-axis tracker racking systems, a 34.5 kilovolt (kV) to 345 kV collection substation, and a point of interconnection switchyard. Construction of the facility will create more than 300 full-time jobs, with four permanent positions during operation. The project is expected to provide $24 million in direct payments to the Town of Canton, St. Lawrence County, and local school districts over the next 35 years.

    The application for the Prattsburgh wind farm was deemed complete on October 30, 2023, with a draft permit issued by ORES on December 29, 2023. The project will encompass 36 wind turbines and related infrastructure across approximately 53 acres of primarily rural land. The project will generate more than $1.2 million annually in tax revenue for local municipalities and over $500,000 in direct lease and neighbor agreement payments to landowners. Additionally, it will create 81 on-site jobs during construction and eight full-time positions during operation.

    Both projects are integral to New York’s broader strategy to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s targets, which mandate 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and a zero-emissions electricity sector by 2040. Additionally, both projects were approved in less than the one-year timeframe required under the law.

    For more information about the Rich Road Solar and Prattsburgh Wind projects, as well as other ORES-permitted facilities, visit the ORES website.

    New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan

    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that a minimum of 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path toward a zero emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York’s unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector as of 2022 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with more than 400 registered and more than 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, over 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can cryptocurrencies ever be green?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jean Bessala, Lecturer in Finance, Salford Business School, University of Salford

    Mabeline72/Shutterstock

    Cryptocurrencies have been condemned over their environmental record at a time when
    traditional investments have been rapidly moving towards greener environmental, social and governance (ESG) values. So how long will it be until crypto earns its green credentials?

    Green investments are assets like bonds that pay for projects with positive environmental and social outcomes. Green bonds for example, contribute to cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, an increase of renewable energy capacity and uptake in clean transport infrastructures.

    Crypto investments on the other hand are widely seen as environmentally unfriendly, mainly because of crypto mining and the huge energy it demands. Mining in the context of crypto refers to a mechanism called “proof of work” (POW) where crypto “miners” use specialised computers to solve complex mathematical equations to secure transactions and create new coins. This is where the energy use comes in.

    Agencies and organisations like the International Energy Agency and the United Nations have raised concerns about the effects of crypto mining – particularly Bitcoin, the best-known crypto asset.

    The environmental footprint of crypto

    The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health estimated that in 2020-2021, Bitcoin networks had significant carbon, water and land footprints. Bitcoin’s carbon footprint was equivalent to burning 38 billion tonnes of coal, while its water footprint (mainly used for cooling systems) would have met the domestic water needs of more than 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa.

    The Cambridge Blockchain Network Sustainability Index puts the electricity consumption of Bitcoin networks above those of several developed countries, including Norway and Sweden. For investors who are serious about achieving ESG goals, this aspect of crypto would likely be a deal-breaker.

    It is also made difficult by the lack of regulations around crypto activities. After years of being on the fringes of financial markets and being considered a “get-rich-quick” venture, crypto investments are becoming mainstream. But there is still little regulation to protect investors and ensure participants adopt practices that are in line with ESG values.

    Sceptics point out the major issues plaguing these markets including the use of cryptocurrencies and platforms for money-laundering, scamming, and price manipulation.

    So it is certainly hard to make a green case for crypto. But at the same time, it would be misleading to look only at one side of the coin. The fact is that crypto has a challenging but reachable path towards being widely accepted as green.

    Decarbonising the crypto industry

    First and foremost, the industry itself has recognised the need to change practices and processes to become more sustainable. In 2021, a significant number of players in the crypto industry signed the crypto climate accord (CCA) with the long-term target of decarbonising the global crypto industry by 2040.

    The CCA set two interim objectives. The first was the development of standards and technologies to have 100% renewably powered blockchains as soon as 2025. The second aim states that signatories should achieve net-zero emissions from electricity consumption by 2030.

    Recent developments in technology suggest the industry has started putting plans into action, with the appearance of sustainable tools and infrastructures.

    Several companies such as Mara and Argo are working on technologies like energy-efficient immersion cooling systems that significantly reduce the energy consumption required for mining.

    When cryptocurrency Ethereum changed its processes, it cut its energy use by close to 100%.
    rafapress/Shutterstock

    These companies are also developing systems that can recycle heat produced by digital assets and from data centres, and redirect it to provide energy to communities. The implementation of these technologies is facilitated by the relative mobility of crypto miners and the opportunities that some governments and regions offer to them.

    In addition, the crypto industry has seen the emergence of self-proclaimed environmentally friendly cryptocurrencies, such as Cardano public blockchain and Powerledger. These currencies use a less energy-intensive mechanism called “proof-of-stake” (POS) rather than POW.

    Unlike POW, POS miners must stake their holdings (the amount of cryptocurrency) when validating and verifying transactions and records. So if a miner tries to falsify records, they could potentially lose their stake. The process removes the need for the complex computer calculations and so cuts the energy use dramatically. In fact, in 2022, the cryptocurrency Ethereum transitioned from POW to POS, reducing its energy consumption by nearly 100%.

    The path towards green crypto is being eased by institutions like the Financial Stability Board, which is taking steps to provide frameworks for understanding, compliance and achievements of ESG goals and values.

    Together, these elements could open the door to a future where conscious investors can take a chance on cryptocurrencies.

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

    – ref. Can cryptocurrencies ever be green? – https://theconversation.com/can-cryptocurrencies-ever-be-green-238359

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Member of Parliament for Yukon, Brendan Hanley, to Make a Critical Minerals Announcement

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    WHITEHORSE — Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, will make a funding announcement in support of critical minerals infrastructure. He will be joined by Yukon’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, the Honourable John Streicker. A media availability will follow.

    Date: September 20, 2024

    Time: 2 p.m. PT

    All accredited media are asked to pre-register by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. 

    Contacts

    Media Relations
    Natural Resources Canada
    Ottawa
    343-292-6100
    media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Cindy Caturao
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    Cindy.Caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trash to Treasure: Could energy wastewaters be a viable source of lithium?

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Global demand for lithium has skyrocketed as the need grows for batteries to power electric vehicles and store energy generated by wind turbines and solar panels. 

    USGS estimates show that there is likely enough lithium in the Earth’s crust to meet demand several times over, but accessing it can require large amounts of energy, water and infrastructure. The challenge is getting lithium quickly, efficiently and with minimal environmental impact.

    That’s why USGS scientists are looking for it in a surprising place.  

    In 2023, over 10 times as much lithium was produced from mines than in 2003. This increase in production reflects the rising demand for lithium.

    From Trash to Treasure?  

    Each year, billions of gallons of saline water are pumped from deep underground to the surface during oil and gas production. These brines, known as “produced waters”, can be ten times saltier than seawater and can be contaminated with oils, greases and heavy metals that must be pumped back into the ground or intensively treated.  

    But these waters also contain lithium and other valuable materials.   

    “Treating waste as a potential resource is a crucial shift for the energy and mineral fields,” said Sarah Ryker, PhD, USGS Associate Director for Energy and Minerals. “Every state, and every country, has legacy waste from extractive industries. A key question is how much of that waste could be put to use to strengthen energy and mineral supply chains.”  

    Lithium is typically difficult to access. The highest concentrations of lithium are in rocks called pegmatites formed deep under the ground, often at the edge of ancient and vast volcanic systems. Mining these pockets of lithium-rich minerals is expensive, energy and water intensive and can impact local water and air quality.  

    Instead, much of the lithium produced in the world comes from the briny waters within arid salt flats. Here, lithium-rich fluids are caught in low-lying areas and concentrated over time by high evaporation rates. Producing lithium from brines is typically less expensive and energy intensive than mining hard rock, but still requires considerable infrastructure including a large network of evaporation pools.

    Recovering lithium during oil and gas production could provide a new way to meet demands for lithium and other valuable minerals.

    To understand how feasible this method might be, however, scientists must know where lithium-rich produced waters might be, and how much lithium they could contain.   

    Studying the Brines 

    USGS scientists are working to understand the geologic conditions that create lithium-rich brines and identify locations with potentially high lithium concentrations.  

    One tool in this hunt is the U.S. Produced Waters Database, a compilation of geochemical information from roughly 113,000 produced water samples analyzed by USGS, academia, private industry, and other federal and state agencies.  

    Madalyn Blondes, PhD, co-lead of the has worked on the database for over a decade and explains that many of these samples were taken before lithium was in demand, but that the routine lithium measurements are now proving invaluable.  

    “This database lets us look across the nation to identify national and regional trends in lithium concentration, as well as understand resource availability at the local scale,” Blondes said.  

    The USGS U.S. Produced Waters Database is an important tool for understanding the potential for recovering valuable commodities, including lithium, during oil and gas production. This map shows the locations of more than 6500 measurements of lithium concentration in oil and gas wastewaters. 

    This extensive dataset can also be combined with machine learning algorithms to predict how much lithium is in locations that haven’t been sampled. Katherine Knierim, PhD, USGS research hydrologist has been working on estimating the total lithium that could be recovered from oil and gas production in the Smackover formation in southern Arkansas, a hotspot of petroleum production with promising lithium concentrations. 

    “We’re at a really exciting time where we have both the computing power and the incoming data to run these models and predict where energy and mineral commodities may occur at significant concentrations,” said Knierim.  

    Down the hall from Knierim, a more micro approach is in action. Here, scientists in the USGS Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory painstakingly measure the concentrations of lithium and other commodities in samples taken at oil and gas wells. Scientists also heat up fragments of rocks taken from deep underneath the ground to mimic the geologic conditions that leach lithium into underground fluids.  

    “At the USGS, we have both the technical knowledge of how to analyze the samples and an understanding of the geologic context from our research,” said Blondes.  

    Researchers are beginning to understand how rock-type, chemistry and pressure interact to create valuable brines.  

    “I think lithium recovery from energy wastewaters has real potential,” Blondes said, “The data are showing that there are high concentrations of lithium in places across the country where it could be a really important resource. And the infrastructure to produce it is already there.” 

    USGS scientists process samples of brines from an oil and gas production site in the Smackover Formation in Southern Arkansas. These samples are transported to Reston, VA where scientists will use them to estimate how much lithium or other mineral commodity is concentrated in the brines. 

    This research can also be applied beyond petroleum production: USGS scientists are using the same principles to identify locations where geothermal energy and lithium could be produced side-by-side. 

    One location is of particular interest: the Salton Sea in California.  

    In 2021, USGS partnered with the Department of Energy in an initiative known as GeoFlight to send low-flying aircraft across the area to gather magnetic, radiometric and elevation characteristics of rocks above and below the ground.   

    USGS scientists are currently analyzing these data to understand how heat and fluids are generated and transported through the earth, and what locations could be both geothermal and lithium hotspots.  

    Science for the Future 

    Ryker explains this research is not only illuminating a potential avenue to help meet demands for lithium and low-carbon energy: it also demonstrates the power of thinking about any geologic resource as a circular economy, where wastes can feed back into production.  

    “Our science is identifying ways to turn waste into an opportunity, not only a liability,” said Ryker. “Our goal is to bring this science to bear on both clean-up at legacy waste sites and waste management at present-day sites.” The USGS is also researching the potential of recovering minerals from wastes left behind historic mines, and from modern-day mining. 

    Several companies have already launched pilot programs to recover lithium and other valuable materials from produced waters. If scaling up recovery of minerals from energy wastes proves to be economically and technologically feasible, produced waters, long seen as streams of waste, may be seen with new eyes as streams of resource.  

    In which case, USGS science will be more important than ever in deciding how best to use the resources below our feet.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn and Eversource Host Third Annual Sustainable Clean Energy Summit

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Electric grid decarbonization and emerging technologies in clean energy were the focus at this year’s Sustainable Clean Energy Summit at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. The annual summit, hosted by UConn and Eversource, was a featured event of Connecticut’s first ever Sustainability & Resiliency Week. A keynote address by Gene Rodrigues, Assistant Secretary for Electricity, U.S. Department of Energy kicked off the event. Academic and state leaders as well as energy industry experts led panel discussions on various clean energy topics following opening remarks by UConn President Radenka Maric and Eversource Executive Vice President, Customer Experience and Energy Strategy Penni Conner.

    From left, Tilak Subrahmanian, vice president of energy efficiency and electric mobility for Eversource Energy, Interim Associate Vice President of Facilities Operations Stan Nolan, UConn President Radenka Maric, and Penni McLean-Conner, executive vice president of customer experience and energy strategy for Eversource Energy, sign a memorandum of understanding between UConn and Eversource during the Sustainable Clean Energy Summit in the Student Union Theater on Sept. 23, 2024. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    In addition to the panel discussions, Eversource and UConn celebrated recent federal funding from the Department of Energy for the “Power Up New England” multi-state proposal, allowing Eversource to commit $4 million to establish the Connecticut Institute for Sustainable Energy at UConn Avery Point. The Institute will help to expand the sustainable energy workforce in the state and region through scholarships, real-world engagement on offshore wind projects, and certificate programs relating to offshore wind, with a particular focus on engagement with individuals from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds.

    During the summit, Eversource and UConn signed a three-year memorandum of understanding designed to advance the university’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030, moving the UConn campus from a focus on LED lighting energy-saving projects to measures that involve studies, building controls, HVAC equipment and other decarbonization or carbon mitigation measures across all UConn campuses and UConn Health.

    “I want to give great recognition to our students,” said Maric. “Without our students saying, ‘Here are our priorities, here are our needs,’ we would probably not have the scholarships from Eversource and all the critical initiatives that we started. Besides being an educational institution, we are an innovation institution. Innovation happens here. Our goal is to create a dedicated sustainability academic unit in the coming years. Creating this unit will be a team effort.”

    “Eversource and UConn have a proven track record of working together towards our shared decarbonization goals while advancing a more sustainable future for the state, and we look forward to building on those efforts to maximize the benefits of a clean energy future for all residents and businesses,” said Conner. “Our partnership is building the workforce of the future and preparing students to tackle the critical clean energy and sustainability challenges facing Connecticut and the Northeast – setting a strong example for the progress that can be made through collaboration.”

    The winners of the Clean Energy and Sustainability Innovation Program (CESIP) Student Challenge Award stand onstage with Bill Quinlan, left, president of transmission & offshore wind projects for Eversource Energy, during the Sustainable Clean Energy Summit in the Student Union Theater on Sept. 23, 2024. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    Four student-led finalist teams from the Eversource-sponsored Clean Energy and Sustainability Innovation Program (CESIP) presented their innovative research ideas to reduce carbon footprints and prepare for climate extremes at the local, state and regional levels with one finalist team receiving funding and mentorship to bring their idea to life over the next year.

    This year, that finalist team included Zhiqing “Lucy” Li, Steven Matile, and Meshach Ojo. Their project was titled “Potential Micro-Hydropower Retrofits at Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants.” The student team was supported by UConn mentor Diego Cerrai, assistant professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Associate Director and Program Manager, Eversource Energy Center; and Eversource mentor Nick Pellon, Senior Engineer, Transmission Interconnections.

    Eversource will continue their sponsorship of the CESIP to provide more UConn students with the opportunity to develop new ideas to advance a clean energy future.

    The day’s first panel explored innovations for grid decarbonization, climate adaptation, and modernization to manage extreme weather and intermittent renewable energy challenges through a policy lens. The second panel showcased the opportunities and challenges faced by diverse energy sources such as offshore wind, geothermal, nuclear and hydrogen and their integration to the modern electric grid.

    Closing remarks by President Maric and Emmanouil Anagnostou, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor and Director, Eversource Energy Center, were followed by the Clean Energy Engagement Fair, a career fair-style event for students to meet with Eversource and other employers and learn about UConn curriculum opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Yukon MP Brendan Hanley to make announcement on critical minerals

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Media Advisory

    WHITEHORSE — Yukon Member of Parliament, Dr. Brendan Hanley, on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, will make a funding announcement to support critical minerals infrastructure projects. He will be joined by the Yukon Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, the Honourable John Streicker. A media availability will follow.

    Date: September 20, 2024

    Time: 2:00 p.m. (PT)

    Accredited journalists wishing to attend the event are requested to register in advance by sending an email to the following address: media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

    Contact persons

    Media RelationsNatural Resources CanadaOttawa343-292-6100media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Cindy CaturaoPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesCindy.Caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK oil and gas workers risk becoming the ‘coal miners of our generation’

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Freddie Daley, Research Associate, Centre for Global Political Economy, University of Sussex

    Grangemouth oil refinery is set to close in 2025 with the loss of 400 jobs. orxy / shutterstock

    At the end of September, the UK’s last remaining coal power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, will be retired. The closure of the plant should – and will – be celebrated by environmentalists, as the move away from coal has made Britain’s electricity much cleaner over the past decade. It is on this basis that the UK claims climate leadership.

    In the 1950s, coal provided the overwhelming majority of British energy, and as recently as 2012 it still generated 40%. By 2022, it was less than 2%. In a month’s time, it will be zero.

    Phasing out coal was a brutal and profound process. Organised labour was decimated, entire regions were forced into decline, and communities were left with sustained economic, social and health problems. The towering ghosts of power stations like Ratcliffe-on-Soar will haunt Britain’s ongoing effort to phase out North Sea oil and gas and replace it with clean energy.

    Towering ghosts: Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station.
    The Exposure / shutterstock

    And we are witnessing this haunting in real-time. After the Labour government announced its plans to end new licenses for oil and gas in British waters – necessary to meet the Paris Agreement – workers and trade unions feared history would repeat itself in terms of job losses and blighted communities.

    The general secretary of Unite, Sharon Graham, noted that without a more thorough plan, the policy risked creating “the coal miners of our generation”. A recent motion at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) gathering in Brighton called for no ban on oil and gas licensing before a fully funded jobs guarantee is agreed. The motion narrowly passed.

    Workers and unions are demanding a “just transition” from polluting industries into the clean industries of the future. But to achieve this, the UK government must learn from what happened with coal.

    Many places still rely on oil and gas jobs

    Although oil and gas are not as embedded throughout British life as coal once was, there are many settlements and larger areas still dependent on energy jobs. Grangemouth in central Scotland is a good example. In November 2023, the owner, Petroineos, announced plans to close the town’s oil refinery in 2025, bringing a century of production to an end at the cost of 400 jobs.

    Even if the UK government did issue new oil and gas licences, the North Sea faces structural decline. Production peaked around the turn of the century. Since 2014, as many as 200,000 jobs have been lost either offshore or along the supply chain onshore.

    From gas to wind?

    Planning for the end of fossil fuels is therefore an urgent endeavour. The dominant strategy for protecting skilled jobs is to transition workers into the industries set to replace North Sea production: wind energy and other low-carbon technologies.

    However, though Britain has developed a large wind power sector, it remains a major importer of turbines. Domestic manufacturing makes only a small contribution, and developers are not required to use British-made turbines or other parts, despite the jobs this would create.

    This has left Grangemouth workers discontented. When one of us (Ewan Gibbs) and Riyoko Shibe interviewed young refinery workers at Grangemouth earlier this year, many commented that there were relatively few jobs in renewables. When jobs were visible on LinkedIn and comparable job sites, one told us that “you’ll see there’s a big difference in terms and conditions”.

    Wind farms are relatively easy to run once installed, so most jobs are in building them.
    Kevin Shipp / shutterstock

    In its current form, the UK wind industry will find it hard to provide the types of secure ongoing employment that oil and gas historically has. Most jobs are in the construction and maintenance of wind farms, with the latter threatened by automation. Without public investment and a targeted industrial policy, Britain will remain a net importer of wind technology, and the phasing out of North Sea oil and gas will prove costly in job terms.



    Read more:
    Grangemouth job losses are a stark reminder of the cost of a greener industrial future

    More investment needed

    Britain’s lack of state intervention is not the norm. After all, more than half of British wind farms are state-owned, though less than 1% are owned by the UK government. Swedish, Norwegian, French, Irish and German state-owned entities are major players, but the biggest is Denmark’s Ørsted, a former oil company turned renewables giant which is mostly state-owned. In the UK’s most recent offshore wind auction, 70% of the projects were awarded to Ørsted.

    The newly launched Great British Energy could give the state a foothold in the North Sea once more. This publicly owned company plans to focus on domestic manufacturing and will invest in ports and other infrastructures to “unlock strategic bottlenecks”.

    But if such projects are to be meaningfully incorporated into a just transition, they will need to offer continuity and security to oil and gas workers. As one Grangemouth worker put it, referring to his colleagues facing the choice of either remaining unemployed locally or relocating to use their skills:

    They’re moving to the Middle East, they’re moving to the north-east of Scotland. They’re moving offshore, they’re moving to the Shetlands, and therefore it’s not a just transition, in my view, if we’re moving to these jobs.

    Another worker highlighted the risks that Grangemouth could join the coalfields in becoming “stranded” communities:

    We’ve got a community that’s been built round the site, we’ve got skills and we’ve got people that work there, we’ve got the infrastructure there – why should we not have these jobs when the time comes to move to these industries? Why can we not have it at Grangemouth?

    Britain’s push to phase out oil and gas is urgent and necessary, but it cannot follow the same trajectory as Britain’s exit from coal – lessons must be learned. The opportunities presented by the transition away from fossil fuels will only be fully realised if workers are at its centre.

    Freddie Daley receives funding from UKRI for the SUS-POL project at the University of Sussex, which explores fossil fuel phase-outs around the world. Freddie also campaigns on demand reduction with Badvertising.

    Ewan Gibbs received funding from a British Academy Wolfson Fellowship that supported this research (grant number: WF21210099).

    – ref. UK oil and gas workers risk becoming the ‘coal miners of our generation’ – https://theconversation.com/uk-oil-and-gas-workers-risk-becoming-the-coal-miners-of-our-generation-239262

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur, Mann, Brown, Marshall Lead Bipartisan and Bicameral Legislation Fighting For American Farmers

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

    Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01), Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Senator Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS), introduced the bicameral and bipartisan Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act requiring the Treasury Department to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks and extending the tax credit to make it a full ten-year credit.

    “I joined my colleagues in this important bicameral and bipartisan effort because helping American farmers, producers, and growers goes beyond state and party lines,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.” We must ensure the Clean Fuel Production tax credit is structured in a way that benefits domestic producers and not one that advantages foreign-produced feedstocks from China or Brazil. Our legislation will extend this credit through 2034 and bolster American energy independence by prioritizing American producers and the production of domestic biofuels.”

     “In no world should American tax incentives first benefit foreign producers,” said Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01). “While the use of foreign feedstocks can play an important role in producing domestically manufactured ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, we must not displace harvest in America. Our legislation puts American farmers first by ensuring that American tax credits are incentivizing American-grown products.”

    “American tax dollars should support American farmers – not imported feedstocks. To continue to grow the biofuels industry and open new markets for Ohio farmers, we must stop taxpayer money from subsidizing a surge in Chinese cooking oil or any other foreign feedstock from infiltrating the American market. Our bipartisan bill ensures these investments benefit Ohio farmers and Ohio energy producers,” Said Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH).

    “It’s very tough in farm country with high interest rates and low commodity prices, which is exactly why we can’t have a tax policy that will lower commodity prices even more. While we support free trade and open markets, we do not believe foreign feedstocks should be incentivized through the hard-earned dollars of US taxpayers to the detriment of American farmers,” said Senator Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS). “This legislation puts farmers FIRST to ensure they are the primary beneficiaries of renewable fuel tax incentives and provides businesses a decade of certainty.”

    “The federal clean fuel production tax credit is meant to foster a domestic market for cleaner burning fuels that promote American jobs and energy independence,” said Rusty Goebel, President, Ohio Soybean Association. “Foreign imported feedstocks shouldn’t benefit from American taxpayer investments in this industry. Ohio Soybean farmers support Congresswoman Kaptur’s efforts to ensure Ohio-grown feedstocks aren’t undercut by foreign suppliers.”  

    “NOPA commends this bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort which puts U.S fuel producers, US crushers and US farmers first. We thank Senators Brown and Marshall and Representatives Mann and Kaptur for their leadership,” said NOPA President and CEO Kailee Tkacz Buller. “We support free trade and open markets but do not believe foreign feedstocks should benefit on the backs of U.S. taxpayers to the detriment of US farmers. Without this fix, the 45Z credit will incentivize the use of foreign feedstocks over those grown by US farmers. Our industry has made significant investments to expand US crush capacity by 30 percent and this fix is pivotal to ensuring these investments are delivered.”

    “Corn growers are making every effort to help the airline industry lower its greenhouse gas emissions through the use of corn ethanol,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA president Harold Wolle. “We are deeply appreciative of these leaders for introducing legislation that establishes requirements for the tax credit that will level the playing field for America’s corn growers.”

    “Biofuel production paves a key path for our country to be a clean energy leader, and US farmers who grow the crops going into those biofuels take pride in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the US economy and energy independence,” said ASA President Josh Gackle, a North Dakota soybean farmer. “However, for continued growth of America’s promising biofuels industry, US farmers need the support of a final 45Z rule that prioritizes domestically sourced feedstock.”

    “The Farmer First Fuel Incentive Act recognizes the vital role of American agriculture in 45Z. This legislation ensures that the guidance is designed and implemented in a farmer-focused manner, supporting domestic clean energy production and stimulating economic growth across rural America,” said Craig Meeker, Chairman of National Sorghum Producers.

    “This important bill sends a strong signal that extending the 45Z credit is going to be a top, bipartisan priority in this Congress and the next,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud all our rural champions for working to give biofuel producers and our farm partners the long-term certainty we need to accelerate innovation in America’s bioeconomy. With a longer runway from Congress, and clear, flexible, and timely guidance from the US Department of the Treasury, we’ll have the pieces in place to unlock billions of dollars in new clean energy investments across rural America,” Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, said.

    The 10-year credit will give the ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed for the US to be less reliant on foreign fuel, open new markets for farmers, and increase ethanol production across the Midwest. However, we recently learned that 45Z has a glaring flaw that needs to be fixed for farmers wanting to sell feedstocks to the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry. If 45Z goes into effect as is, taxpayers will be massively subsidizing Chinese used cooking oil and would all but eliminate the use of homegrown soy or corn oil in renewable diesel.

    House cosponsors include: Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02)  Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Representatives James Comer (KY-01).

    Senate cosponsors include: Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tina Smith (D-MN). 

    The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act is supported by Growth Energy, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, Ohio Soybean Association, Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Soybean Association, Kentucky Soybean Association, Scoular, and Louis Dreyfus Company. 

    Background:

    Prior to introducing this legislation, Congresswoman Kaptur joined Senators Brown and Marshall in a July bipartisan letter they led calling for the US Treasury Department to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically-sourced feedstocks, like Kansas soybean oil and corn oil. You may click here to read Senator Brown and Marshall’s full letter. Representatives Kaptur and Mann led 39 House colleagues in a subsequent letter September. A similar letter calling for 45z to be restricted to domestic feedstocks was sent by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, and National Farmers Union to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Moment Event [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, dear friends,  

    The Sustainable Development Goals represent a bold vision: a commitment to a better, healthier, safer and more prosperous and sustainable future.   

    But the Goals are facing massive headwinds.

    More than 4 out of 5 SDG targets are off track.

    On top of the impacts from a global pandemic, many countries are being crushed by massive debt burdens, limited liquidity and sky-high borrowing costs.

    Conflicts, hunger, inequalities and the climate crisis are all intensifying.

    And the global financial architecture is not providing developing countries with sufficient financing and liquidity or to act as an effective safety net for all.

    The world has the wealth, the technology, and the know-how to achieve the SDGs.

    Last September’s SDG Summit included consensus around an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion per year in financing for developing countries — and the need for global financial architecture reform.

    It highlighted key transitions to generate maximum progress — ending hunger, expanding renewable energy, digitalization, education, social protection and decent work, and ending the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

    It also underscored the vital importance of ensuring that women, girls and young people are at the decision-making table.   

    Today, you will hear from leaders about their countries’ progress across all these areas — leaders determined to make changes, even in the face of great odds.

    And we will celebrate some milestones at the global level.

    From reducing child mortality rates…to preventing new HIV infections…to increasing access to renewable energy and broadband …to greater gender parity across education systems.

    As we reflect on next steps, I urge focus on the three development drivers that can accelerate progress.

    The first is finance. 

    Crushing debt and inefficient tax systems are starving investments in health, education and food in many developing countries.

    The Pact for the Future includes support for the SDG Stimulus and global financial architecture reform to help ease the debt crisis of so many developing countries.

    This includes multiplying the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to provide more resources for climate action and sustainable development, and changing their business model to leverage massive amounts of private finance.  

    As we look towards next year’s Summits on Social Development and Financing, I urge all countries to double down on these reform efforts.

    The second development driver is climate action.

    I urge countries to put forward ambitious national climate action plans that align with the 1.5 degree limit, and cover the whole economy and all sectors.

    This requires aligning national energy strategies with a 1.5-degree world, ending fossil fuel subsidies and putting a price on carbon.

    It is time for a rapid and just phase-out of fossil fuels, and a rapid and smart scale-up of renewables to drive sustainable development, energy security and economic prosperity.

    We must fairly and sustainably meet the global demand for critical minerals that can power the renewables revolution. And the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has provided recommendations to do this.

    Protecting development gains from climate upheaval is also critical.

    We need new and generous contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund.

    We need developed countries honouring their commitment to double adaptation funding by 2025.

    And we need governments to agree on a significant new climate finance goal at COP29, including new and innovative sources of finance.

    Le troisième facteur de développement, c’est la paix.

    Tous nos plans de développement sont rapidement anéantis par des conflits sans fin causant la mort, la destruction, la faim, les déplacements de populations et les violences basées sur le genre.

    Et les ressources dont nous avons tant besoin pour nourrir et éduquer nos enfants et construire une planète durable pour notre jeunesse sont gaspillées en dépenses militaires.

    Nous avons besoin de paix – à Gaza, en Ukraine, au Soudan, et partout ailleurs.

    J’appelle les dirigeants du monde entier à surmonter les divisions, à mettre fin aux conflits, et à investir dans l’avenir de leurs populations et dans la paix.

    Chers amis,

    Dans un monde de richesses exceptionnelles, de connaissances et de technologies sans précédent, nous n’avons aucune excuse.

    Il est temps de tenir les promesses du Programme 2030 – de mettre fin à la pauvreté, de protéger la planète, et de ne laisser personne de côté.  

    Gardons les Objectifs de développement durable en vie.

    Je vous remercie.

    ***
    [all-English]

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    The Sustainable Development Goals represent a bold vision: a commitment to a better, healthier, safer and more prosperous and sustainable future.   

    But the Goals are facing massive headwinds.

    More than 4 out of 5 SDG targets are off track.

    On top of the impacts from a global pandemic, many countries are being crushed by massive debt burdens, limited liquidity and sky-high borrowing costs.

    Conflicts, hunger, inequalities and the climate crisis are all intensifying.

    And the global financial architecture is not providing developing countries with sufficient financing and liquidity or to act as an effective safety net for all.

    The world has the wealth, the technology, and the know-how to achieve the SDGs.

    Last September’s SDG Summit included consensus around an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion per year in financing for developing countries — and the need for global financial architecture reform.

    It highlighted key transitions to generate maximum progress — ending hunger, expanding renewable energy, digitalization, education, social protection and decent work, and ending the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

    It also underscored the vital importance of ensuring that women, girls and young people are at the decision-making table.   

    Today, you will hear from leaders about their countries’ progress across all these areas — leaders determined to make changes, even in the face of great odds.

    And we will celebrate some milestones at the global level.

    From reducing child mortality rates…to preventing new HIV infections…to increasing access to renewable energy and broadband …to greater gender parity across education systems.

    As we reflect on next steps, I urge focus on the three development drivers that can accelerate progress.

    The first is finance. 

    Crushing debt and inefficient tax systems are starving investments in health, education and food in many developing countries.
       
    The Pact for the Future includes support for the SDG Stimulus and global financial architecture reform to help ease the debt crisis of so many developing countries.

    This includes multiplying the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to provide more resources for climate action and sustainable development, and changing their business model to leverage massive amounts of private finance.  

    As we look towards next year’s Summits on Social Development and Financing, I urge all countries to double down on these reform efforts.

    The second development driver is climate action.

    I urge countries to put forward ambitious national climate action plans that align with the 1.5 degree limit, and cover the whole economy and all sectors.

    This requires aligning national energy strategies with a 1.5-degree world, ending fossil fuel subsidies and putting a price on carbon.

    It is time for a rapid and just phase-out of fossil fuels, and a rapid and smart scale-up of renewables to drive sustainable development, energy security and economic prosperity.

    We must fairly and sustainably meet the global demand for critical minerals that can power the renewables revolution. And the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has provided recommendations to do this.

    Protecting development gains from climate upheaval is also critical.

    We need new and generous contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund.

    We need developed countries honouring their commitment to double adaptation funding by 2025.

    And we need governments to agree on a significant new climate finance goal at COP29, including new and innovative sources of finance.

    And the third development driver is peace.

    All our development plans are quickly erased by relentless conflicts that cause death, destruction, hunger, displacement and gender-based violence.

    And the resources we desperately need to feed and educate our children and build a sustainable planet for our young people are wasted on military expenditures.

    We need peace — from Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond.

    I call on global leaders to heal divisions, end conflicts, and invest in people and peace.

    Dear friends,

    In our world of unprecedented wealth, knowledge and technologies, there is no excuse.

    It’s time to keep the promises of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end poverty, protect the planet, and leave no one behind.  

    Let’s keep the SDG commitment alive.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [all-French]

    Excellences, Chers amis,

    Les objectifs de développement durable incarnent une vision audacieuse. Ils constituent un engagement en faveur d’un avenir meilleur, plus sain, plus sûr, plus prospère et plus durable.

    Mais les vents contraires sont nombreux.

    Nous sommes mal partis pour atteindre plus de quatre sur cinq de toutes les cibles associées aux objectifs de développement durable.

    Outre les conséquences d’une pandémie mondiale auxquelles ils doivent faire face, de nombreux pays sont écrasés par un endettement massif, des liquidités limitées et des coûts d’emprunt très élevés.

    Les conflits, la faim, les inégalités et la crise climatique s’intensifient.

    En outre, l’architecture financière mondiale ne permet pas aux pays en développement de pouvoir compter sur suffisamment de financements et de liquidités et ne leur offre pas un filet de sécurité efficace pour tous.

    Le monde a pourtant les richesses, les technologies et le savoir-faire qu’il faut pour atteindre les objectifs de développement durable.

    Au mois de septembre dernier, le Sommet sur les objectifs de développement durable a permis de dégager un consensus autour d’un plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable, prévoyant des financements d’au moins 500 milliards de dollars par an pour les pays en développement – et de s’accorder sur le fait qu’il est nécessaire de réformer l’architecture financière mondiale.

    L’accent a été mis sur les transitions clés qui permettront d’accomplir un maximum de progrès dans toute une série de domaines : élimination de la faim, développement des énergies renouvelables, numérisation, éducation, protection sociale et travail décent, ainsi que de mettre fin à la triple crise planétaire, à savoir les changements climatiques, la pollution et l’appauvrissement de la biodiversité.

    Il a également été souligné qu’il était crucial de veiller à ce que les femmes, les filles et les jeunes aient leur place à la table des décisions.

    Aujourd’hui, vous entendrez des dirigeants et dirigeantes parler des progrès réalisés par leur pays dans tous ces domaines. Ils sont déterminés à faire bouger les lignes, en dépit des difficultés énormes auxquelles ils heurtent.

    Et nous célébrerons des réussites phares à l’échelle planétaire : depuis la réduction des taux de mortalité infantile jusqu’à l’amélioration de la prévention des nouvelles infections par le VIH, en passant par l’élargissement de l’accès aux énergies renouvelables et de l’accès au haut débit et par l’amélioration de la parité entre les femmes et les hommes dans les systèmes éducatifs.

    Alors que nous réfléchissons aux prochaines étapes, je vous invite à vous concentrer sur les trois moteurs du développement qui pourraient permettre d’accélérer le rythme des progrès.

    Tout d’abord, les financements.

    Dans de nombreux pays en développement, les investissements dans les domaines de la santé, de l’éducation et de l’alimentation sont exsangues à cause du niveau écrasant de la dette et de l’inefficacité des systèmes fiscaux.

    Dans le Pacte pour l’avenir, il est prévu d’appuyer le plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable et la réforme de l’architecture financière mondiale afin d’atténuer la crise de la dette que traversent de trop nombreux pays en développement.

    Il s’agit notamment de multiplier la capacité de prêt des banques multilatérales de développement afin de dégager davantage de ressources pour l’action climatique et le développement durable, et de modifier leur modèle de fonctionnement afin de mobiliser en masse des financements privés.

    Les Sommets sur le développement social et le financement auront lieu l’an prochain, et j’invite tous les pays à redoubler d’efforts pour faire avancer la réforme dans cette perspective.

    Le deuxième moteur du développement, c’est l’action climatique.

    J’invite les pays à adopter des plans d’action nationaux pour le climat qui soient ambitieux, en ne dépassant pas la limite des 1,5 degré, et en couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie et tous les secteurs.

    Il faudra pour cela aligner les stratégies énergétiques nationales sur l’objectif d’une élévation de la température mondiale ne dépassant pas les 1,5 degré, mettre fin aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et fixer un prix pour le carbone.

    L’heure est venue d’éliminer progressivement mais rapidement les combustibles fossiles, au terme d’une transition équitable, et d’augmenter rapidement, avec discernement, les énergies renouvelables pour favoriser le développement durable, la sécurité énergétique et la prospérité économique.

    Nous devons répondre d’une manière juste et durable à la demande mondiale en minéraux essentiels, qui ont le potentiel de porter la révolution des énergies renouvelables. Et le Groupe chargé de la question des minéraux essentiels à la transition énergétique a formulé des recommandations à cette fin.

    Il est également essentiel de protéger les acquis du développement face aux bouleversements climatiques.

    Il faut par ailleurs que de nouvelles et généreuses contributions soient versées au Fonds pour les pertes et les préjudices.

    Les pays développés doivent honorer l’engagement qu’ils ont pris de doubler le financement de l’adaptation d’ici à 2025.

    Et il faut que les gouvernements se mettent d’accord sur un nouvel objectif ambitieux en ce qui concerne le financement de l’action climatique lors de la vingt-neuvième session de la Conférence des Parties à la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques, y compris au sujet des sources de financement nouvelles ou novatrices.

    Le troisième facteur de développement, c’est la paix.

    Tous nos plans de développement sont rapidement anéantis par des conflits sans fin causant la mort, la destruction, la faim, les déplacements de populations et les violences basées sur le genre.

    Et les ressources dont nous avons tant besoin pour nourrir et éduquer nos enfants et construire une planète durable pour notre jeunesse sont gaspillées en dépenses militaires.

    Nous avons besoin de paix – à Gaza, en Ukraine, au Soudan, et partout ailleurs.

    J’appelle les dirigeants du monde entier à surmonter les divisions, à mettre fin aux conflits, et à investir dans l’avenir de leurs populations et dans la paix.

    Chers amis,

    Dans un monde de richesses exceptionnelles, de connaissances et de technologies sans précédent, nous n’avons aucune excuse.

    Il est temps de tenir les promesses du Programme 2030 – de mettre fin à la pauvreté, de protéger la planète, et de ne laisser personne de côté.

    Gardons les objectifs de développement durable en vie.

    Je vous remercie.
    ***

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The IAEA’s Vital Support of Development and International Security

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    (As prepared for delivery)

    President, Secretary-General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    “The best way to predict the future is to build it.” It is a truth worth remembering, especially when political division, climate change, war, hunger, and disease seem to overshadow our effort.

    We have the tools to deal with these challenges. We have the knowledge, the technology, the financial means, the diplomacy and the robust international institutions.

    The IAEA serves its 180 Member States with the lifesaving and lifeaffirming tools of nuclear science and technology. These contribute directly to the SDGs.

    Health comes first. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 we jumped into action, harnessing our equipment and knowledge for quick and reliable testing against COVID with the portable RT-PCR machines, or “labs in a suitcase”.

    We launched what would become the largest emergency operation in the history of IAEA to nearly 130 States. In so doing, we reached tens of millions of people. For some countries these kits were the first, and sometimes the only equipment they had to conduct reliable testing against COVID-19.

    Drawing on this and earlier experiencessupporting the fight against Ebola, avian influenza and Zika, we launched – in that same year – the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC). Under ZODIAC we have trained people from more than 95 countries in dealing with zoonotic diseases. Laboratories in developing countries have received equipment for 3 serology and molecular diagnostic or genetic sequencing. Many of these labs are now being used to combat Mpox.

    The IAEA has more than 6 decades of experience in radiotherapy and medical imaging. But today the cancer crisis is hitting low and middleincome countries particularly hard and I am determined to make a greater impact in partnership with our Member States. That is why we launched Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All at the African Union Summit in February 2022, with firm support from the World Health Organization (WHO). Africa is where the cancer care gap is the starkest: more than 20 African nations lack even a single radiotherapy machine. So far, 86 countries have reached out to the IAEA for support under Rays of Hope and concrete actions have been initiated in more than 30 States.

    Under our new initiative, NUTEC: NUclear TEchnology for Controlling Plastic Pollution, 86 States around the world are participating in marine microplastic monitoring using nuclear and isotopic tracing techniques. This will help them to put in place better-informed policies that combat the plastic pollution threatening the ocean, its plants and creatures and therefore also the communities that rely on them for their livelihoods. Some 39 States are participating in plastic recycling using radiation technology, four of which are progressing towards establishing pilot-scale plants. This will allow them to reduce plastic waste and advance towards a circular economy. The Global Marine Monitoring Network continues to grow with 99 States now benefiting from capacity building efforts.

    Atoms4Food was launched by the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in October 2023. It offers tailor-made approaches in 4 Food and Agriculture, which for years has been the number 1 area of support sought by our Member States. Atoms4Foods supports countries in using innovative nuclear techniques to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce food losses, ensure food safety, improve nutrition, and adapt to the challenges of climate change. This supports farmers as well as the fight against deadly malnutrition.

    There is no development without energy. Nuclear power provides about a quarter of the world’s low-carbon electricity. Much more is needed if we are to meet the climate goals set out on the Paris Agreement. In their historic first Global Stocktake, approved at COP28 in Dubai last year, the signatory countries to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change called for accelerating the deployment of low-emission energy technologies including nuclear power. The Pact for the Future adopted yesterday, in Action 26 reaffirmed the inalienable right of all countries to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination, in conformity with their respective obligations.

    Today, in addition to the 415 nuclear power reactors operating in 31 countries there are 62 reactors under construction in 15 countries, most of them in Asia. The IAEA is assisting States, many of them developing countries, either with enlarging their civilian nuclear programs, or with safely embarking on them. We are working with industry and regulators on small modular reactors (SMRs) which will make more affordable the price of entry to the nuclear energy club.

    The IAEA is also playing an important role in maintenance of 5 international peace and security.

    Mandated by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), we conduct nuclear safeguards, making sure the increased amount of nuclear material around the world does not result in the secret proliferation of nuclear weapons. There is material for thousands of nuclear warheads in the world. Thanks to the robust international safeguards regime and our inspection system, who never stopped even during the COVID pandemic, the number of nuclear weapon States around the world is far fewer than had been feared before the IAEA was established and the NPT came into force.

    The IAEA assists States in the creation and implementation of nuclearweapon-free zones, which already cover vast regions of the world. These are important steps towards a world without nuclear weapons.

    Our work in Iran, Syria, other countries of the Middle East, and on different continents, contributes to international stability through nonproliferation and through the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

    Since February 2022 a large-scale conventional conflict has raged in a country with a large civilian nuclear program. Ukraine used to generate more than half its electricity from nuclear power plants. From the first months of the war, the IAEA has focused on assisting Ukraine in preventing a radiological or nuclear accident, which could have a serious transborder impact. Today, the IAEA has advisory and assistance missions stationed at all five of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, including Zaporizhzhia, which is located right at the front line. Following months 6 of negotiations and consultations, on 30 May 2023 at the UN Security Council I outlined five concrete principles to help ensure nuclear safety and security at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya NPP. It received strong support from the Members of the Council.

    The IAEA continues to monitor the safe discharge of water from the Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Station and engages in consultations with neighbouring and coastal countries with strong interest in the process. Our independent analysis and the data we publish relating to the discharge offer facts that dispel misunderstandings and fears about the process.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I firmly believe in supporting the ability of everyone, regardless of gender, to fully benefit and contribute to the IAEA’s work.

    Conviction requires action. When I began my tenure as the IAEA’s Director General five years ago, one of my very first actions was to set a goal for gender parity by 2025 and to put in place the policies to achieve a more diverse workforce.

    Five years ago, women represented less than 30% of the Agency. Today, they have surpassed 48%.

    Mindful of the need to continue helping future generations, I also launched the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) in 2020. It drives diversity as well as scientific and technological innovation by encouraging women to pursue a career in the nuclear field. Since its launch, hundreds of women from over 120 countries have been awarded fellowships with generous stipends. They have studied in more than 70 7 countries and have also benefited from internships in many areas of the field. Our follow-up program, named after the scientist Lise Meitner, empowers early- and mid-career through career-enhancing opportunities like site visits.

    The IAEA is a key multilateral player to make the Pact of the Future a reality. Thank you.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Profile: Fuelling Success – Gloria Kwong’s Path to Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Gloria Kwong during a panel at the ATOMEXPO International Forum held from 19-21 June 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo: Rosatom)

    The IAEA profiles employees to provide insight into the variety of career paths that support the Agency’s mission of Atoms for Peace and Development and to inspire and encourage readers, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or STEM-adjacent fields. Read more profiles of women at the IAEA.   

    Growing up in a conservative, Chinese household in Canada, Gloria Kwong was raised to avoid taking risks and to prioritize her education to help ensure her success.  

    Throughout her professional journey, which has led her from Canada to Austria via France, Kwong has always remained committed to her work in the areas of nuclear waste, decommissioning and environmental remediation. During her career, she has navigated challenges in a male-dominated industry and advises young women to follow their passions and embrace new opportunities, even when they come with challenges or risks. 

    As a young girl, Kwong aspired to become a professional chef, but her parents encouraged her and her four siblings to focus on their academic studies. After high school, Kwong earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Toronto, Canada, and within a few years, she advanced to a managerial role at a leading telecommunications company. However, she realized that her passion was in more technically demanding work, eventually leading her to her current role as Head of the Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Section at the IAEA.   

    “It may surprise people that my experience working in a managerial position for a telecommunications company impacts my work at the IAEA. Although technical competency is essential, good decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills are no less important, and this is something that comes in hand every day when I work with my team and colleagues at the Agency. An unconventional professional background does not limit you, but instead provides you with more tools to succeed,” said Kwong. 

    Seeking to broaden her horizons, Kwong transitioned to the nuclear field as a design engineer at the Ontario Power Generation Darlington Power Station (OPG) in Toronto. While working as a Senior Engineer at OPG, Kwong pursued her PhD in materials engineering from Imperial College London. It would be years later before Kwong took another career leap – this time across the Atlantic. After over a decade at OPG, which later became the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, she was offered the position of Radioactive Waste Management Specialist at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in Paris, France. 

    Kwong’s career at the NEA was marked by her willingness to take on new challenges and leadership roles. For over 11 years, she held various managerial positions, including Acting Head of the Radioactive Waste Management Division and the Nuclear Technology Development & Economics Division. Her leadership skills and technical insight were recognized, leading to other roles as Deputy Head of the Office of Policy and Coordination, Head of the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation, and eventually, Senior Advisor to the Director-General. 

    Like other women working in a male-dominated industry, Kwong made a concerted effort to establish her credibility and earn the respect of her peers. Her career has been filled with professional milestones and unique international experiences, but it has not been without challenges. 

    “A big hurdle for women has always been work-life balance and prioritizing career development , but I see more employers, like the IAEA, addressing these matters through educational scholarships that relieve financial burdens, flexible professional development programmes and new, accommodating HR policies, thereby attracting more women to the nuclear sector,” said Kwong. 

    After over a decade at the NEA, Kwong left Paris and moved to Vienna to join the IAEA as the Head of the Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Section. She and her colleagues strive to promote nuclear decommissioning and environmental remediation by supporting sustainable nuclear energy development. They encourage countries to integrate circular economy principles into national decommissioning and radioactive waste management policies, and they facilitate knowledge sharing to promote the efficient use of resources and the safe reuse of materials. 

    “I want to contribute to narrowing the energy equity gap to ensure more people can access affordable, sustainable and clean energy. I believe that nuclear power can elevate its contribution to complement other clean energy sources, which is why I believe in the mission and work of the IAEA,” Kwong said.  

    Her piece of advice to young women considering a career in the nuclear field: 

    “Follow your heart in decision making. Explore other opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take some risks.” 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With Tracks from Selena, Freddy Fender, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Others, Congressman Castro Nominates 30 Latino Recordings for Preservation in the Library of Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

    September 24, 2024

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released his annual nomination list of songs, sounds, and albums by Latino voices that should be preserved in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.

    Established by the U.S. Congress in 2000, the National Recording Registry is designed to preserve sounds and recordings with cultural, historic, or aesthetic significance to life in the United States. As of 2024, the National Recording Registry includes 650 recordings, with 25 additional recordings added each year. Less than five percent of current recordings can be attributed to Latinos or Hispanics, who make up nearly 20 percent of the population of the United States.

    Since Congressman Castro began submitting nomination lists in 2022, the National Recording Preservation Board has inducted recordings by four of his nominated artists – Juan Gabriel’s “Amor Eterno” (1990), Héctor Lavoe’s “El Cantante” (1978), Irene Cara’s “Flashdance…What A Feeling” (1983), and Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina” (2004). “Gasolina” made history as the first Reggaeton song to be preserved in the National Recording Registry.

    To ensure that his nomination list reflects a wide range of music, genres, and generations, Congressman Castro solicited public feedback and received hundreds of suggestions from across the United States and the world. For the first time, Congressman Castro’s 2024 nomination list includes a radio recording to honor the first full-time Spanish language radio broadcast in the United States, which aired on KCOR / KWEX in San Antonio, Texas in 1946. The Library of Congress will continue to collect public nominations for 2024 online through October 1, 2024.

    “The National Recording Registry’s existence speaks to the importance of music and audio in American culture and society. Latino music and its influence can be found across languages, geographical boundaries, and genres. Further, Spanish-language broadcasts demonstrate the diversity of culture in the United States…. The list below was selected with feedback from the public and each played a significant creative and cultural impact worthy of selection. I hope you will carefully consider each recording listed,” Castro wrote in his nomination letter.

    See the full letter here.

    Congressman Castro’s 2024 Nominations to the National Recording Registry
    1. First Full Time Spanish-Language Radio Station Broadcast in the United States based in San Antonio, TX (formerly KCOR-TV and later known as KWEX-TC) (1946) (Broadcast)
    2. The Hamilton Mixtape – Lin-Manuel Miranda (2009) (Song)
    3. Amor Prohibido – Selena (1992) (Album)
    4. Before the Next Teardrop Falls – Freddy Fender (1974) (Song)
    5. Diamonds and Rust – Joan Baez (1975) (Album)
    6. Suavemente – Elvis Crespo (1999) (Song)
    7. Caminos Chuecos – Sunny and The Sunglows (1963) (Song)
    8. Volver, Volver – Vicente Fernández (1972) (Song)
    9. Cien Años – Pedro Infante (1953) (Song)
    10. Desvelado – Bobby Pulido (1995) (Album)
    11. Don Luis El Tejano – Latin Breed (1991) (Song)
    12. Las Nubes – Little Joe y La Familia (1972) (Song)
    13. Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano (1970) (Song)
    14. La Chona – Los Tucanes De Tijuana (1995) (Song)
    15. Cosas del Amor – Vikki Carr (1998) (Song)
    16. Maria Maria – Santana ft. The Product G&B (1999) (Song)
    17. Tu Pum Pum – El General (1989) (Song)
    18. Chilanga Banda – Café Tacvba (1996) (Song)
    19. Mambo No. 5 – Perez Prado (1952) (Song)
    20. Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira (2005) (Song)
    21. Rinconcito En El Cielo – Ramón Ayala (2001) (Song)
    22. Genie in a Bottle – Christina Aguilera (1999) (Song)
    23. Regalo del Alma – Celia Cruz (2003) (Album)
    24. Introducing Johnny Rodriguez – Johnny Rodriguez (1971) (Album)
    25. Blue Bayou– Linda Ronstadt (1977) (Song)
    26. Romance – Luis Miguel (1991) (Album)
    27. Simplemente Amigos – Ana Gabriel (1988) (Song)
    28. Conga – Gloria Estefan, Miami Sound Machine (1992) (Song)
    29. The Last – Aventura (2009) (Album)
    30. Cypress Hill – Cypress Hill (1991) (Album)

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: More Than Two Dozen Individuals From Erie Area Indicted on Drug and Firearms Violations

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    ERIE, Pa. – An Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation has led to charges against a total of 26 defendants across nine separate but related Indictments for violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

    The Indictments charge a network of overlapping regional drug dealers based out of Erie, Pennsylvania, with trafficking multi-kilogram quantities of fentanyl powder and pills, substantial quantities of methamphetamine, and cocaine. During this long-term wiretap investigation, several firearms were seized from drug distributors who were prohibited from possessing firearms or possessed the firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking. Investigators also seized multiple Glock conversion devices—commonly referred to as “Glock switches”—which are designed to convert a semiautomatic Glock pistol into an automatic machinegun.

    The Indictments, all unsealed September 18, 2024, include:
    – an 11-count Indictment returned on September 10, 2024, charging 14 defendants with obtaining and redistributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in and around Erie County and other areas of the Western District of Pennsylvania;
    – a two-count Indictment returned on September 10, 2024, charging four defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute varying quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine;
    – a one-count Indictment returned on September 10, 2024, charging two defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine, and
    – six additional one-defendant Indictments charging one to three offenses involving drugs, firearms, or both. These Indictments were returned between July 30, 2024, and September 10, 2024.

    A list of the defendants, charges, and maximum penalties is included at the bottom of this release. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    “The combination of guns and illicit drugs—like fentanyl and methamphetamine—leads to tragic consequences for communities in the Erie area and across our district,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Today’s charges against 26 defendants reinforce a core message: if you peddle deadly drugs in the Western District of Pennsylvania, you should expect a visit from law enforcement. Our office and our law enforcement partners will not sit idly by and allow drug traffickers and those who carry devices capable of turning semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic weapons to operate with impunity. Simply put, we are unrelenting in our resolve to keep ordinary citizens safe and secure in their own homes and neighborhoods.”

    “The message to those who think they can continue trafficking cartel poison in our communities at will is the FBI and our partners with the EAGLE Safe Streets Task Force will not stop until we break the cycle of drug violence,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Your operations will be dismantled, your drug-fueled profits will be seized, and you will be brought to justice. This marks the third large-scale operation in the Erie area in the last three years. The FBI’s resolve, and that of our partners, in combatting drugs on our streets will not change.”

    “Operation Hot Block is the epitome of a joint investigation,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Sara Bay. “Working hand in hand, HSI and FBI, along with multiple federal agencies, state, county, and city police, all contributed to the significant enforcement action today. Through these collective efforts, a dangerous criminal organization that dealt in violent crime and supplied deadly drugs like fentanyl to victims in northwestern Pennsylvania has been dismantled. Residents of northwestern Pennsylvania are safer due to the efforts of all law enforcement professionals that helped bring this investigation to fruition.”

    “The Erie Police Department is proud to participate on the FBI EAGLE Task Force,” said Erie Police Department Chief Daniel Spizarny. “Working together with other law enforcement agencies in the region, we strive to prevent these deadly drugs from reaching our city. The damage these drugs do to our community, our friends, our neighbors, and our families must be stopped. A safer city for all is our goal.”

    Assistant United States Attorneys Molly Anglin and Paul Sellers are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

    This prosecution is a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Erie Resident Agency Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Safe Streets Task Force—which is comprised of investigators from the FBI, United States Customs and Border Protection, Erie Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Millcreek Police Department, Oil City Police Department, Franklin Police Department, and Erie School District Police Department—conducted the investigation leading to the indictments, in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations; the Internal Revenue Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Pennsylvania State Police Vice and Drug Law Units; Erie County Detectives; and Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

    The investigation was also conducted in association with the Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative, which was formed following Erie County’s designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in 2021. The HIDTA program was created by Congress in 1988 to coordinate and assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in addressing regional drug threats with the purpose of reducing drug trafficking and drug production in the United States. The Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative coordinates personnel and resources between multiple agencies including the Pennsylvania State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Erie Police Department, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County Detectives, United States Postal Inspection Service, EAGLE Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and other participating agencies.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    List of Defendants

    Name

    Age

    City

    Charges

    Maximum Penalty

    Colone Dwayne Roberts

    33

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

    15 years imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

    Life imprisonment

    Amajaeon Depree Moore

    20

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Attempt to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

    15 years imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    30 years imprisonment

    Onyeah Lashay Roberts

    32

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Shaliel Dupree Wall

    26

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fluorofentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine

    40 years imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

    Life imprisonment

    Dajuwon Brown Faulkner

    22

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    40 years imprisonment

    Oliver Deshawn Williams

    31

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Jamaine Jarrel Gambill

    38

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Noah Devon Thomas

    35

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Desmar Deshawn Samson

    34

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Kory Paul Durfey

    36

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Michael Ray Nelson

    34

    Unknown

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    40 years imprisonment

    John Allen Lauver

    46

    Altoona, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    40 years imprisonment

    Deborah Lea Bean

    43

    Corry, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Terrell Lamont Stonewall

    49

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Thomas Devon Moffett

    32

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

    15 years imprisonment

    Jaymil Avon Davis

    33

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Elisabeth Mae Burger

    43

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Paul Scott Denning

    32

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Lee Earl McLaurin

    37

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine

    30 years imprisonment

    Miciah Rashaid McLaurin

    35

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine

    30 years imprisonment

    Christopher Elliott Barnes

    37

    Erie, PA

    Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    40 years imprisonment

    Darrian M. Brooks

    35

    Farrell, PA

    Possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

    15 years imprisonment

    Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

    Life imprisonment

    Oarmell Burrell Douglas

    46

    Erie, PA

    Possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Oujacquan Akeem Jones

    41

    Erie, PA

    Possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine

    40 years imprisonment

    Brendon Malone

    35

    Erie, PA

    Possession of a machinegun

    10 years imprisonment

    Aaquil Pacley

    27

    Erie, PA

    Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    20 years imprisonment

    Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    40 years imprisonment

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Moment Event [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    xcellencies, dear friends,  

    The Sustainable Development Goals represent a bold vision: a commitment to a better, healthier, safer and more prosperous and sustainable future.   

    But the Goals are facing massive headwinds.

    More than 4 out of 5 SDG targets are off track.

    On top of the impacts from a global pandemic, many countries are being crushed by massive debt burdens, limited liquidity and sky-high borrowing costs.

    Conflicts, hunger, inequalities and the climate crisis are all intensifying.

    And the global financial architecture is not providing developing countries with sufficient financing and liquidity or to act as an effective safety net for all.

    The world has the wealth, the technology, and the know-how to achieve the SDGs.

    Last September’s SDG Summit included consensus around an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion per year in financing for developing countries — and the need for global financial architecture reform.

    It highlighted key transitions to generate maximum progress — ending hunger, expanding renewable energy, digitalization, education, social protection and decent work, and ending the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

    It also underscored the vital importance of ensuring that women, girls and young people are at the decision-making table.   

    Today, you will hear from leaders about their countries’ progress across all these areas — leaders determined to make changes, even in the face of great odds.

    And we will celebrate some milestones at the global level.

    From reducing child mortality rates…to preventing new HIV infections…to increasing access to renewable energy and broadband …to greater gender parity across education systems.

    As we reflect on next steps, I urge focus on the three development drivers that can accelerate progress.

    The first is finance. 

    Crushing debt and inefficient tax systems are starving investments in health, education and food in many developing countries.

    The Pact for the Future includes support for the SDG Stimulus and global financial architecture reform to help ease the debt crisis of so many developing countries.

    This includes multiplying the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to provide more resources for climate action and sustainable development, and changing their business model to leverage massive amounts of private finance.  

    As we look towards next year’s Summits on Social Development and Financing, I urge all countries to double down on these reform efforts.

    The second development driver is climate action.

    I urge countries to put forward ambitious national climate action plans that align with the 1.5 degree limit, and cover the whole economy and all sectors.

    This requires aligning national energy strategies with a 1.5-degree world, ending fossil fuel subsidies and putting a price on carbon.

    It is time for a rapid and just phase-out of fossil fuels, and a rapid and smart scale-up of renewables to drive sustainable development, energy security and economic prosperity.

    We must fairly and sustainably meet the global demand for critical minerals that can power the renewables revolution. And the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has provided recommendations to do this.

    Protecting development gains from climate upheaval is also critical.

    We need new and generous contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund.

    We need developed countries honouring their commitment to double adaptation funding by 2025.

    And we need governments to agree on a significant new climate finance goal at COP29, including new and innovative sources of finance.

    Le troisième facteur de développement, c’est la paix.

    Tous nos plans de développement sont rapidement anéantis par des conflits sans fin causant la mort, la destruction, la faim, les déplacements de populations et les violences basées sur le genre.

    Et les ressources dont nous avons tant besoin pour nourrir et éduquer nos enfants et construire une planète durable pour notre jeunesse sont gaspillées en dépenses militaires.

    Nous avons besoin de paix – à Gaza, en Ukraine, au Soudan, et partout ailleurs.

    J’appelle les dirigeants du monde entier à surmonter les divisions, à mettre fin aux conflits, et à investir dans l’avenir de leurs populations et dans la paix.

    Chers amis,

    Dans un monde de richesses exceptionnelles, de connaissances et de technologies sans précédent, nous n’avons aucune excuse.

    Il est temps de tenir les promesses du Programme 2030 – de mettre fin à la pauvreté, de protéger la planète, et de ne laisser personne de côté.  

    Gardons les Objectifs de développement durable en vie.

    Je vous remercie.

    ***
    [all-English]

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    The Sustainable Development Goals represent a bold vision: a commitment to a better, healthier, safer and more prosperous and sustainable future.   

    But the Goals are facing massive headwinds.

    More than 4 out of 5 SDG targets are off track.

    On top of the impacts from a global pandemic, many countries are being crushed by massive debt burdens, limited liquidity and sky-high borrowing costs.

    Conflicts, hunger, inequalities and the climate crisis are all intensifying.

    And the global financial architecture is not providing developing countries with sufficient financing and liquidity or to act as an effective safety net for all.

    The world has the wealth, the technology, and the know-how to achieve the SDGs.

    Last September’s SDG Summit included consensus around an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion per year in financing for developing countries — and the need for global financial architecture reform.

    It highlighted key transitions to generate maximum progress — ending hunger, expanding renewable energy, digitalization, education, social protection and decent work, and ending the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

    It also underscored the vital importance of ensuring that women, girls and young people are at the decision-making table.   

    Today, you will hear from leaders about their countries’ progress across all these areas — leaders determined to make changes, even in the face of great odds.

    And we will celebrate some milestones at the global level.

    From reducing child mortality rates…to preventing new HIV infections…to increasing access to renewable energy and broadband …to greater gender parity across education systems.

    As we reflect on next steps, I urge focus on the three development drivers that can accelerate progress.

    The first is finance. 

    Crushing debt and inefficient tax systems are starving investments in health, education and food in many developing countries.
       
    The Pact for the Future includes support for the SDG Stimulus and global financial architecture reform to help ease the debt crisis of so many developing countries.

    This includes multiplying the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to provide more resources for climate action and sustainable development, and changing their business model to leverage massive amounts of private finance.  

    As we look towards next year’s Summits on Social Development and Financing, I urge all countries to double down on these reform efforts.

    The second development driver is climate action.

    I urge countries to put forward ambitious national climate action plans that align with the 1.5 degree limit, and cover the whole economy and all sectors.

    This requires aligning national energy strategies with a 1.5-degree world, ending fossil fuel subsidies and putting a price on carbon.

    It is time for a rapid and just phase-out of fossil fuels, and a rapid and smart scale-up of renewables to drive sustainable development, energy security and economic prosperity.

    We must fairly and sustainably meet the global demand for critical minerals that can power the renewables revolution. And the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has provided recommendations to do this.

    Protecting development gains from climate upheaval is also critical.

    We need new and generous contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund.

    We need developed countries honouring their commitment to double adaptation funding by 2025.

    And we need governments to agree on a significant new climate finance goal at COP29, including new and innovative sources of finance.

    And the third development driver is peace.

    All our development plans are quickly erased by relentless conflicts that cause death, destruction, hunger, displacement and gender-based violence.

    And the resources we desperately need to feed and educate our children and build a sustainable planet for our young people are wasted on military expenditures.

    We need peace — from Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond.

    I call on global leaders to heal divisions, end conflicts, and invest in people and peace.

    Dear friends,

    In our world of unprecedented wealth, knowledge and technologies, there is no excuse.

    It’s time to keep the promises of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end poverty, protect the planet, and leave no one behind.  

    Let’s keep the SDG commitment alive.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [all-French]

    Excellences, Chers amis,

    Les objectifs de développement durable incarnent une vision audacieuse. Ils constituent un engagement en faveur d’un avenir meilleur, plus sain, plus sûr, plus prospère et plus durable.

    Mais les vents contraires sont nombreux.

    Nous sommes mal partis pour atteindre plus de quatre sur cinq de toutes les cibles associées aux objectifs de développement durable.

    Outre les conséquences d’une pandémie mondiale auxquelles ils doivent faire face, de nombreux pays sont écrasés par un endettement massif, des liquidités limitées et des coûts d’emprunt très élevés.

    Les conflits, la faim, les inégalités et la crise climatique s’intensifient.

    En outre, l’architecture financière mondiale ne permet pas aux pays en développement de pouvoir compter sur suffisamment de financements et de liquidités et ne leur offre pas un filet de sécurité efficace pour tous.

    Le monde a pourtant les richesses, les technologies et le savoir-faire qu’il faut pour atteindre les objectifs de développement durable.

    Au mois de septembre dernier, le Sommet sur les objectifs de développement durable a permis de dégager un consensus autour d’un plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable, prévoyant des financements d’au moins 500 milliards de dollars par an pour les pays en développement – et de s’accorder sur le fait qu’il est nécessaire de réformer l’architecture financière mondiale.

    L’accent a été mis sur les transitions clés qui permettront d’accomplir un maximum de progrès dans toute une série de domaines : élimination de la faim, développement des énergies renouvelables, numérisation, éducation, protection sociale et travail décent, ainsi que de mettre fin à la triple crise planétaire, à savoir les changements climatiques, la pollution et l’appauvrissement de la biodiversité.

    Il a également été souligné qu’il était crucial de veiller à ce que les femmes, les filles et les jeunes aient leur place à la table des décisions.

    Aujourd’hui, vous entendrez des dirigeants et dirigeantes parler des progrès réalisés par leur pays dans tous ces domaines. Ils sont déterminés à faire bouger les lignes, en dépit des difficultés énormes auxquelles ils heurtent.

    Et nous célébrerons des réussites phares à l’échelle planétaire : depuis la réduction des taux de mortalité infantile jusqu’à l’amélioration de la prévention des nouvelles infections par le VIH, en passant par l’élargissement de l’accès aux énergies renouvelables et de l’accès au haut débit et par l’amélioration de la parité entre les femmes et les hommes dans les systèmes éducatifs.

    Alors que nous réfléchissons aux prochaines étapes, je vous invite à vous concentrer sur les trois moteurs du développement qui pourraient permettre d’accélérer le rythme des progrès.

    Tout d’abord, les financements.

    Dans de nombreux pays en développement, les investissements dans les domaines de la santé, de l’éducation et de l’alimentation sont exsangues à cause du niveau écrasant de la dette et de l’inefficacité des systèmes fiscaux.

    Dans le Pacte pour l’avenir, il est prévu d’appuyer le plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable et la réforme de l’architecture financière mondiale afin d’atténuer la crise de la dette que traversent de trop nombreux pays en développement.

    Il s’agit notamment de multiplier la capacité de prêt des banques multilatérales de développement afin de dégager davantage de ressources pour l’action climatique et le développement durable, et de modifier leur modèle de fonctionnement afin de mobiliser en masse des financements privés.

    Les Sommets sur le développement social et le financement auront lieu l’an prochain, et j’invite tous les pays à redoubler d’efforts pour faire avancer la réforme dans cette perspective.

    Le deuxième moteur du développement, c’est l’action climatique.

    J’invite les pays à adopter des plans d’action nationaux pour le climat qui soient ambitieux, en ne dépassant pas la limite des 1,5 degré, et en couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie et tous les secteurs.

    Il faudra pour cela aligner les stratégies énergétiques nationales sur l’objectif d’une élévation de la température mondiale ne dépassant pas les 1,5 degré, mettre fin aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et fixer un prix pour le carbone.

    L’heure est venue d’éliminer progressivement mais rapidement les combustibles fossiles, au terme d’une transition équitable, et d’augmenter rapidement, avec discernement, les énergies renouvelables pour favoriser le développement durable, la sécurité énergétique et la prospérité économique.

    Nous devons répondre d’une manière juste et durable à la demande mondiale en minéraux essentiels, qui ont le potentiel de porter la révolution des énergies renouvelables. Et le Groupe chargé de la question des minéraux essentiels à la transition énergétique a formulé des recommandations à cette fin.

    Il est également essentiel de protéger les acquis du développement face aux bouleversements climatiques.

    Il faut par ailleurs que de nouvelles et généreuses contributions soient versées au Fonds pour les pertes et les préjudices.

    Les pays développés doivent honorer l’engagement qu’ils ont pris de doubler le financement de l’adaptation d’ici à 2025.

    Et il faut que les gouvernements se mettent d’accord sur un nouvel objectif ambitieux en ce qui concerne le financement de l’action climatique lors de la vingt-neuvième session de la Conférence des Parties à la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques, y compris au sujet des sources de financement nouvelles ou novatrices.

    Le troisième facteur de développement, c’est la paix.

    Tous nos plans de développement sont rapidement anéantis par des conflits sans fin causant la mort, la destruction, la faim, les déplacements de populations et les violences basées sur le genre.

    Et les ressources dont nous avons tant besoin pour nourrir et éduquer nos enfants et construire une planète durable pour notre jeunesse sont gaspillées en dépenses militaires.

    Nous avons besoin de paix – à Gaza, en Ukraine, au Soudan, et partout ailleurs.

    J’appelle les dirigeants du monde entier à surmonter les divisions, à mettre fin aux conflits, et à investir dans l’avenir de leurs populations et dans la paix.

    Chers amis,

    Dans un monde de richesses exceptionnelles, de connaissances et de technologies sans précédent, nous n’avons aucune excuse.

    Il est temps de tenir les promesses du Programme 2030 – de mettre fin à la pauvreté, de protéger la planète, et de ne laisser personne de côté.

    Gardons les objectifs de développement durable en vie.

    Je vous remercie.
    ***

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Energy transition – 24-09-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Energy transition is central to the European Union’s ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The EU greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets – 55 % by 2030 and net-zero by 2050 – have accelerated the move away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources and increased energy efficiency. The REPowerEU plan and other EU measures launched in response to the energy crisis meanwhile brought to the fore the importance of ensuring energy security and energy affordability. Existing EU legislation in support of energy transition includes the recently revised Renewable Energy Directive, the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. These laws set targets for renewables in consumption, energy efficiency and building renovations. The recently adopted hydrogen and decarbonised gas market package, along with the electricity market reform, also promote the use of cleaner energy and integration of renewables into the EU energy system. The new political priorities of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen include a future clean industrial deal boosting investment in clean energy infrastructure and technologies. The aim is to further decarbonise the economy and bring down energy prices. In a similar vein, the recent report on EU competitiveness (Draghi Report) highlights the need to reconcile industrial competitiveness with climate neutrality through increased support for clean technologies. These include for instance renewables (such as solar and wind), batteries, heat pumps, electrolysers (used for hydrogen production) and CO2 capture technologies. While the EU has been steadily increasing the rollout of renewables and working towards decarbonisation, several challenges remain. The energy infrastructure must be adapted to accommodate low-carbon energy sources through the expansion of grids and energy storage. Dependence on raw materials needed for clean energy technologies needs to be addressed. The new EU ambitions in terms of boosting industrial competitiveness will also require massive investment. All this has to happen while ensuring secure energy supply and energy affordability.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 001-002 – JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the devastating floods in central and eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change – RC-B10-0057/2024(001-002)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 001-002
    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
    pursuant to Rule 136(2) and (4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10-0057/2024 (PPE)
    B10-0058/2024 (The Left)
    B10-0059/2024 (Renew)
    B10-0060/2024 (ECR)
    B10-0061/2024 (S&D)
    B10-0063/2024 (Verts/ALE)
    on the devastating floods in central and eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change
    (2024/2817(RSP))
    Bartosz Arłukowicz, Andrey Novakov, András Tivadar Kulja, Siegfried Mureşan, Lídia Pereira, Peter Liese, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Daniel Buda, Andrzej Buła, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Adina Vălean, Dolors Montserrat, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Gheorghe Falcă, Mircea-Gheorghe Hava, Miriam Lexmann, Zoltán Tarr, Dóra Dávid, Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Andrzej Halicki, Krzysztof Hetman, Monika Hohlmeier, Adam Jarubas, Dariusz Joński, Kinga Kollár, Eszter Lakos, Magdalena Adamowicz, Krzysztof Brejza, Borys Budka, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Marcin Kierwiński, Łukasz Kohut, Ewa Kopacz, Janusz Lewandowski, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Jagna Marczułajtis-Walczak, Mirosława Nykiel, Jacek Protas, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, Michał Szczerba, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Marta Wcisło, Daniel Caspary, Christine Schneider, Andrea Wechsler, Ralf Seekatz
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Mohammed Chahim, Tiemo Wölken, Marcos Ros Sempere, Andreas Schieder, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Dan Nica, Klára Dobrev, Victor Negrescu, Maria Grapini, Mihai Tudose, Gabriela Firea, Adrian-Dragoş Benea, Claudiu Manda, Gheorghe Cârciu, Ştefan Muşoiu, Vasile Dîncu, Csaba Molnár, Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Robert Biedroń, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Evelyn Regner, Hannes Heide, Elisabeth Grossmann, Günther Sidl
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Waldemar Buda, Roberts Zīle, Pietro Fiocchi, Ivaylo Valchev, Ondřej Krutílek, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Veronika Vrecionová, Geadis Geadi, Georgiana Teodorescu, Gheorghe Piperea, Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Adrian-George Axinia, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alexandr Vondra, Daniel Obajtek, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Jacek Ozdoba, Patryk Jaki, Adam Bielan, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Michał Dworczyk, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Kosma Złotowski, Marlena Maląg, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Beata Szydło, Dominik Tarczyński, Mariusz Kamiński, Tobiasz Bocheński, Maciej Wąsik, Bogdan Rzońca, Anna Zalewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Michal Wiezik, Martin Hojsík, Ľudovít Ódor, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Lucia Yar, Ľubica Karvašová, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Sigrid Friis, Yvan Verougstraete, Grégory Allione, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Hilde Vautmans, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Anna Stürgkh, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Michał Kobosko
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Sara Matthieu
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Jonas Sjöstedt, Younous Omarjee
    on behalf of The Left Group

    Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 012-012 – JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the devastating floods in central and eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change – RC-B10-0057/2024(012-012)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 012-012
    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
    pursuant to Rule 136(2) and (4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10-0057/2024 (PPE)
    B10-0058/2024 (The Left)
    B10-0059/2024 (Renew)
    B10-0060/2024 (ECR)
    B10-0061/2024 (S&D)
    B10-0063/2024 (Verts/ALE)
    on the devastating floods in central and eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change
    (2024/2817(RSP))
    Bartosz Arłukowicz, Andrey Novakov, András Tivadar Kulja, Siegfried Mureşan, Lídia Pereira, Peter Liese, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Daniel Buda, Andrzej Buła, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Adina Vălean, Dolors Montserrat, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Gheorghe Falcă, Mircea-Gheorghe Hava, Miriam Lexmann, Zoltán Tarr, Dóra Dávid, Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Andrzej Halicki, Krzysztof Hetman, Monika Hohlmeier, Adam Jarubas, Dariusz Joński, Kinga Kollár, Eszter Lakos, Magdalena Adamowicz, Krzysztof Brejza, Borys Budka, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Marcin Kierwiński, Łukasz Kohut, Ewa Kopacz, Janusz Lewandowski, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Jagna Marczułajtis-Walczak, Mirosława Nykiel, Jacek Protas, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, Michał Szczerba, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Marta Wcisło, Daniel Caspary, Christine Schneider, Andrea Wechsler, Ralf Seekatz
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Mohammed Chahim, Tiemo Wölken, Marcos Ros Sempere, Andreas Schieder, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Dan Nica, Klára Dobrev, Victor Negrescu, Maria Grapini, Mihai Tudose, Gabriela Firea, Adrian-Dragoş Benea, Claudiu Manda, Gheorghe Cârciu, Ştefan Muşoiu, Vasile Dîncu, Csaba Molnár, Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Robert Biedroń, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Evelyn Regner, Hannes Heide, Elisabeth Grossmann, Günther Sidl
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Waldemar Buda, Roberts Zīle, Pietro Fiocchi, Ivaylo Valchev, Ondřej Krutílek, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Veronika Vrecionová, Geadis Geadi, Georgiana Teodorescu, Gheorghe Piperea, Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Adrian-George Axinia, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alexandr Vondra, Daniel Obajtek, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Jacek Ozdoba, Patryk Jaki, Adam Bielan, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Michał Dworczyk, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Kosma Złotowski, Marlena Maląg, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Beata Szydło, Dominik Tarczyński, Mariusz Kamiński, Tobiasz Bocheński, Maciej Wąsik, Bogdan Rzońca, Anna Zalewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Michal Wiezik, Martin Hojsík, Ľudovít Ódor, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Lucia Yar, Ľubica Karvašová, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Sigrid Friis, Yvan Verougstraete, Grégory Allione, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Hilde Vautmans, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Anna Stürgkh, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Michał Kobosko
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Sara Matthieu
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Jonas Sjöstedt, Younous Omarjee
    on behalf of The Left Group

    Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Picuris Pueblo Site Visit: 750-Kilowatts of New Solar PV Capacity

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Known as the “Little Pueblo That Could,” Picuris Pueblo in New Mexico finished installing 750-kW of solar power on the Tribe’s lands. This $2.3 million project, co-funded by the Office of Indian Energy, is expected to save the Tribe about $84,900 annually.

    This project builds upon the Tribe’s 1-megawatt solar array project completed in Dec. 2017, also co-funded by the Office of Indian Energy.

    Learn more about the project: https://www.energy.gov/indianenergy/picuris-pueblo-2018-project

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf–v8-s2CU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Ukraine [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

    Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

    The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

    And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

    The death toll keeps rising.

    Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

    Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

    Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

    I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

    And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

    Mr. President,

    Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

    This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

    But we need the support of the international community.

    15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

    But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

    I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

    We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

    In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

    I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

    I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

    Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

    Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

    Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

    L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

    Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

    Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

    Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

    Je vous remercie.

    ******

    [all-English]

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

    Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

    The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

    And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

    The death toll keeps rising.

    Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

    Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

    Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

    I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

    And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

    Mr. President,

    Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

    This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

    But we need the support of the international community.

    15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

    But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

    I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

    We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

    In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

    I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

    I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

    Mr. President,

    Two and half years since the full-blown invasion of Ukraine, more than 11,000 civilians have been killed.

    The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.

    This would not only impact the region, but further deepen global tensions and divisions – at a time when our world desperately needs more cooperation and collective action.

    We must stop the suffering and break the cycle of violence – for the sake of the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and the world.

    The Black Sea Initiative and the continued exchanges of prisoners of war serve as reminders that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed – even in the darkest hour.

    Today, though the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am inspired by the growing calls for dialogue.

    So let us intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine – a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly.

    United Nations stands ready to support all efforts towards achieving this goal.

    Thank you.

    ******

    [all-French]

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Il y a deux jours, à travers le nouveau Pacte pour l’avenir, les dirigeants du monde ont réaffirmé leur attachement au droit international et à la Charte des Nations unies.

    Notre Organisation est fondée sur le principe de la souveraineté de tous les États membres – à l’intérieur de leurs frontières internationalement reconnues.

    La Charte est sans équivoque : tous les États doivent s’abstenir de recourir à la menace ou à l’emploi de la force contre l’intégrité territoriale ou l’indépendance politique de tout autre État, et que les différends internationaux doivent être réglés par des moyens pacifiques.

    L’invasion massive de l’Ukraine par la Russie en février 2022 – après l’annexion illégale de la République autonome de Crimée et de la ville de Sébastopol il y a dix ans – constitue une violation manifeste de ces principes.

    Et les populations civiles continuent d’en payer le prix.

    Le nombre de morts ne cesse d’augmenter.

    Près de 10 millions de personnes ont fui leurs foyers.

    Les attaques systématiques contre les hôpitaux, les écoles, les supermarchés… ne font qu’amplifier la douleur et la détresse.

    Les coupures de courant et les dommages causés aux infrastructures ont plongé des millions de personnes dans l’obscurité.

    Je condamne fermement toutes les attaques contre les civils et les installations civiles, peu importe où elles se produisent et qui est responsable. Elles doivent toutes cesser immédiatement.

    Et je reste profondément préoccupé par la sécurité, les besoins humanitaires et les droits humains des personnes résidant dans les régions occupées.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Malgré d’immenses défis, l’Organisation des Nations Unies reste pleinement engagée, représentant la plus grande présence internationale en Ukraine.

    Rien que cette année, en coopération avec nos partenaires, nous avons apporté une aide vitale à plus de 6,2 millions de personnes.

    Mais nous avons besoin du soutien de la communauté internationale.

    15 millions de personnes en Ukraine ont besoin d’aide humanitaire – et plus de la moitié d’entre elles sont des femmes et des jeunes filles.

    Cependant, à l’approche de l’hiver, moins de la moitié de notre Plan d’intervention humanitaire pour 2024 est financée.

    J’exhorte les donateurs à nous aider à poursuivre notre travail vital sur le terrain.

    Nous assistons également le gouvernement ukrainien dans ses efforts de redressement économique et de reconstruction.

    Cela comprend l’accès aux services de base et la restauration des capacités de production d’énergie de l’Ukraine.

    Ces dernières semaines, nous avons vu une recrudescence de rhétorique incendiaire et d’incidents autour des sites nucléaires – en particulier à la centrale nucléaire de Zaporizhzhia et, de façon inquiétante, à la centrale nucléaire de Koursk, dans la Fédération de Russie.

    Je félicite l’Agence internationale de l’énergie atomique, notamment pour sa présence essentielle sur les sites nucléaires ukrainiens, afin de contribuer à garantir la sûreté et la sécurité nucléaires.

    J’appelle toutes les parties à agir de manière responsable et à éviter toute déclaration ou action susceptible de déstabiliser davantage une situation déjà incendiaire.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

    Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

    Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

    Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

    L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

    Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

    Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

    Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Ukraine [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    r. President, Excellencies,

    Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

    Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

    The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

    And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

    The death toll keeps rising.

    Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

    Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

    Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

    I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

    And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

    Mr. President,

    Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

    This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

    But we need the support of the international community.

    15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

    But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

    I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

    We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

    In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

    I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

    I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

    Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

    Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

    Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

    L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

    Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

    Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

    Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

    Je vous remercie.

    ******

    [all-English]

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

    Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

    The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

    And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

    The death toll keeps rising.

    Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

    Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

    Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

    I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

    And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

    Mr. President,

    Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

    This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

    But we need the support of the international community.

    15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

    But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

    I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

    We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

    In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

    I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

    I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

    Mr. President,

    Two and half years since the full-blown invasion of Ukraine, more than 11,000 civilians have been killed.

    The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.

    This would not only impact the region, but further deepen global tensions and divisions – at a time when our world desperately needs more cooperation and collective action.

    We must stop the suffering and break the cycle of violence – for the sake of the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and the world.

    The Black Sea Initiative and the continued exchanges of prisoners of war serve as reminders that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed – even in the darkest hour.

    Today, though the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am inspired by the growing calls for dialogue.

    So let us intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine – a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly.

    United Nations stands ready to support all efforts towards achieving this goal.

    Thank you.

    ******

    [all-French]

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Il y a deux jours, à travers le nouveau Pacte pour l’avenir, les dirigeants du monde ont réaffirmé leur attachement au droit international et à la Charte des Nations unies.

    Notre Organisation est fondée sur le principe de la souveraineté de tous les États membres – à l’intérieur de leurs frontières internationalement reconnues.

    La Charte est sans équivoque : tous les États doivent s’abstenir de recourir à la menace ou à l’emploi de la force contre l’intégrité territoriale ou l’indépendance politique de tout autre État, et que les différends internationaux doivent être réglés par des moyens pacifiques.

    L’invasion massive de l’Ukraine par la Russie en février 2022 – après l’annexion illégale de la République autonome de Crimée et de la ville de Sébastopol il y a dix ans – constitue une violation manifeste de ces principes.

    Et les populations civiles continuent d’en payer le prix.

    Le nombre de morts ne cesse d’augmenter.

    Près de 10 millions de personnes ont fui leurs foyers.

    Les attaques systématiques contre les hôpitaux, les écoles, les supermarchés… ne font qu’amplifier la douleur et la détresse.

    Les coupures de courant et les dommages causés aux infrastructures ont plongé des millions de personnes dans l’obscurité.

    Je condamne fermement toutes les attaques contre les civils et les installations civiles, peu importe où elles se produisent et qui est responsable. Elles doivent toutes cesser immédiatement.

    Et je reste profondément préoccupé par la sécurité, les besoins humanitaires et les droits humains des personnes résidant dans les régions occupées.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Malgré d’immenses défis, l’Organisation des Nations Unies reste pleinement engagée, représentant la plus grande présence internationale en Ukraine.

    Rien que cette année, en coopération avec nos partenaires, nous avons apporté une aide vitale à plus de 6,2 millions de personnes.

    Mais nous avons besoin du soutien de la communauté internationale.

    15 millions de personnes en Ukraine ont besoin d’aide humanitaire – et plus de la moitié d’entre elles sont des femmes et des jeunes filles.

    Cependant, à l’approche de l’hiver, moins de la moitié de notre Plan d’intervention humanitaire pour 2024 est financée.

    J’exhorte les donateurs à nous aider à poursuivre notre travail vital sur le terrain.

    Nous assistons également le gouvernement ukrainien dans ses efforts de redressement économique et de reconstruction.

    Cela comprend l’accès aux services de base et la restauration des capacités de production d’énergie de l’Ukraine.

    Ces dernières semaines, nous avons vu une recrudescence de rhétorique incendiaire et d’incidents autour des sites nucléaires – en particulier à la centrale nucléaire de Zaporizhzhia et, de façon inquiétante, à la centrale nucléaire de Koursk, dans la Fédération de Russie.

    Je félicite l’Agence internationale de l’énergie atomique, notamment pour sa présence essentielle sur les sites nucléaires ukrainiens, afin de contribuer à garantir la sûreté et la sécurité nucléaires.

    J’appelle toutes les parties à agir de manière responsable et à éviter toute déclaration ou action susceptible de déstabiliser davantage une situation déjà incendiaire.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

    Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

    Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

    Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

    L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

    Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

    Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

    Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Marshall, Brown, and Reps. Mann, Kaptur Lead Bipartisan Legislation Fighting For Farmers with Biofuel Tax Credit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. introduced the bicameral and bipartisan Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act requiring the Treasury Department to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks and extending the tax credit to make it a full ten-year credit.  This bill is co-led with Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) with companion legislation introduced by Representatives Mann (R-KS-01) and Kaptur (D-OH-09) in the House of Representatives. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Tina Smith (D-MN) also cosponsored the legislation. 
    The 10-year credit will give the ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed for the U.S. to be less reliant on foreign fuel, open new markets for farmers, and increase ethanol production across the Midwest. However, we recently learned that 45Z has a glaring flaw that needs to be fixed for farmers wanting to sell feedstocks to the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry. If 45Z goes into effect as is, taxpayers will be massively subsidizing Chinese used cooking oil and would all but eliminate the use of homegrown soy or corn oil in renewable diesel.
    “It’s very tough in farm country with high interest rates and low commodity prices, which is exactly why we can’t have a tax policy that will lower commodity prices even more. While we support free trade and open markets, we do not believe foreign feedstocks should be incentivized through the hard-earned dollars of U.S. taxpayers to the detriment of American farmers,” said Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS). “This legislation puts farmers FIRST to ensure they are the primary beneficiaries of renewable fuel tax incentives and provides businesses a decade of certainty.”
    “American tax dollars should support American farmers – not imported feedstocks. To continue to grow the biofuels industry and open new markets for Ohio farmers, we must stop taxpayer money from subsidizing a surge in Chinese cooking oil or any other foreign feedstock from infiltrating the American market. Our bipartisan bill ensures these investments benefit Ohio farmers and Ohio energy producers.” Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said.
    “In no world should American tax incentives benefit foreign producers,” said Congressman Tracey Mann (R-KS-01). “While the use of foreign feedstocks can play an important role in producing domestically manufactured ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, we must not displace harvest in America. Our legislation puts American farmers first by ensuring that American tax credits are incentivizing American-grown products.”
    “I joined my colleagues in this important bicameral and bipartisan effort because helping American farmers, producers, and growers goes beyond state and party lines,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.” We must ensure the Clean Fuel Production tax credit is structured in a way that benefits domestic producers and not one that advantages foreign-produced feedstocks from China or Brazil. Our legislation will extend this credit through 2034 and bolster American energy independence by prioritizing American producers and the production of domestic biofuels.”
    “U.S. soybean farmers have been at the forefront of our domestic clean-energy production through the booming biodiesel and renewable diesel industry over the last decade. The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act ensures our Kansas soybean growers maintain access to this vital market sector going forward and strengthens the clean fuel production credit for the future,” Kaleb Little, Kansas Soybean Association CEO, said. 
    “We appreciate the efforts of Senator Marshall and his colleagues on this bill to ensure imported feedstocks do not receive tax credits funded by American taxpayers in the 45Z program for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Companies have a right to import feedstocks from foreign countries, but those foreign producers should not receive tax credits funded by U.S. taxpayers,” said Kansas Corn Growers Association CEO Josh Roe.
    “Ensuring American farmers reach maximum profitability and build resiliency to pass down their farms to the next generation should be our top priority,” said Adam York, Kansas Sorghum Producers CEO. “This legislation helps make sure the intended benefits of this program arrive into our rural economies.”
    “NOPA commends this bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort which puts U.S fuel producers, U.S. crushers and U.S. farmers first. We thank Senators Brown and Marshall and Representatives Mann and Kaptur for their leadership,” said NOPA President and CEO Kailee Tkacz Buller. “We support free trade and open markets but do not believe foreign feedstocks should benefit on the backs of U.S. taxpayers to the detriment of U.S. farmers. Without this fix, the 45Z credit will incentivize the use of foreign feedstocks over those grown by U.S. farmers. Our industry has made significant investments to expand U.S. crush capacity by 30 percent and this fix is pivotal to ensuring these investments are delivered.”
    “Corn growers are making every effort to help the airline industry lower its greenhouse gas emissions through the use of corn ethanol,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA president Harold Wolle. “We are deeply appreciative of these leaders for introducing legislation that establishes requirements for the tax credit that will level the playing field for America’s corn growers.”
    “Biofuel production paves a key path for our country to be a clean energy leader, and U.S. farmers who grow the crops going into those biofuels take pride in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the U.S. economy and energy independence,” said ASA President Josh Gackle, a North Dakota soybean farmer. “However, for continued growth of America’s promising biofuels industry, U.S. farmers need the support of a final 45Z rule that prioritizes domestically sourced feedstock.”
    “The Farmer First Fuel Incentive Act recognizes the vital role of American agriculture in 45Z. This legislation ensures that the guidance is designed and implemented in a farmer-focused manner, supporting domestic clean energy production and stimulating economic growth across rural America,” Craig Meeker, Chairman of National Sorghum Producers, said.
    “This important bill sends a strong signal that extending the 45Z credit is going to be a top, bipartisan priority in this Congress and the next,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud Senators Brown, Marshall, and all our rural champions for working to give biofuel producers and our farm partners the long-term certainty we need to accelerate innovation in America’s bioeconomy. With a longer runway from Congress, and clear, flexible, and timely guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, we’ll have the pieces in place to unlock billions of dollars in new clean energy investments across rural America,” Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, said.
    Background:
    Prior to introducing this legislation, Senator Roger Marshall also led a bipartisan letter calling for the U.S. Treasury Department to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically-sourced feedstocks, like Kansas soybean oil and corn oil. You may click HERE to read Senator Marshall’s full letter. 
    Representatives Mann and Kaptur led a similar letter in the House.
    A similar letter calling for 45z to be restricted to domestic feedstocks was sent by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, and National Farmers Union to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Unlock Your Trading Edge With Axi at The 2024 Dubai Forex Expo

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi is attending this year’s Dubai Forex Expo, taking place on October 7-8, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Center.

    Event attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Axi Select, the innovative capital allocation program, designed to empower ambitious traders on their trading journey. “We invite all traders to visit our team at Booth 2 and uncover the future of trading with Axi,” says Louis Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer at Axi, before adding “We look forward to networking with follow traders and showcase the exceptional benefits of Axi Select. Our program features zero registration fees, capital funding of up to $1,000,000 USD, the opportunity to earn up to 90% of the profits, and advanced tools to accelerate traders’ trading potential.”

    Additionally, visitors can explore their Introducing Broker (IB) and Affiliate programs or learn more about Axi’s longstanding partnership with Man City, Premier League Champions. The championship trophy will be on display for photos and attendees stand the chance to win exciting prizes from the broker.

    Recently, the broker has renewed its collaboration with LaLiga club, Girona FC, and their Brand Ambassador, England international John Stones. They’ve also recently launched their biggest global trading competition ever, with a total prize pool of $250,000 USD. Over 45 prizes were given to traders including the grand prize of $100,000 USD.

    About Axi

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.

    At Axi, we are proud of our reputation as an honest, and fair broker, providing our customers with outstanding service and trading conditions since 2007. We also work with leading regulatory governing authorities globally to ensure we exceed the highest standards in the industry.

    Contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

    The Axi Select programme is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available to AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. Standard trading fees apply.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Net Asset Value(s)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WisdomTree Issuer plc – Daily Fund Prices 23-September-24
                   
    WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BDVPNG13 12803630 USD 781,957,988.75 61.0731
    WisdomTree AT1 CoCo Bond UCITS ETF – EUR Hedged 23/09/2024 IE00BFNNN236 1608706 EUR 135,789,574.05 84.4092
    WisdomTree AT1 CoCo Bond UCITS ETF – GBP Hedged 23/09/2024 IE00BFNNN459 105960 GBP 9,418,208.39 88.8846
    WisdomTree AT1 CoCo Bond UCITS ETF – USD 23/09/2024 IE00BZ0XVF52 659253 USD 57,192,822.77 86.754
    WisdomTree AT1 CoCo Bond UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BZ0XVG69 51373 USD 6,298,067.19 122.5949
    WisdomTree AT1 CoCo Bond UCITS ETF – USD Hedged 23/09/2024 IE00BFNNN012 88391 USD 8,532,954.32 96.5365
    WisdomTree Battery Solutions UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BKLF1R75 5333258 USD 146,900,626.53 27.5443
    WisdomTree BioRevolution UCITS ETF – USD ACC 23/09/2024 IE000O8KMPM1 212000 USD 3,755,617.97 17.7152
    WisdomTree Broad Commodities UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BKY4W127 24200000 USD 267,633,623.18 11.0592
    WisdomTree Cloud Computing UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BJGWQN72 9888863 USD 309,271,377.88 31.2747
    WisdomTree Cybersecurity UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BLPK3577 7598520 USD 191,085,124.79 25.1477
    WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income UCITS ETF 23/09/2024 IE00BQQ3Q067 7886527 USD 121,236,080.82 15.3726
    WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income UCITS ETF Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BDF12W49 730051 USD 19,810,672.71 27.136
    WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BM9TSP27 580000 USD 12,617,397.21 21.7541
    WisdomTree Emerging Markets Small Cap Dividend UCITS ETF 23/09/2024 IE00BQZJBM26 1755000 USD 36,945,606.19 21.0516
    WisdomTree Enhanced Commodity ex-Agriculture UCITS ETF – EUR Hedge Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BDVPNV63 15084926 EUR 159,541,721.33 10.5762
    WisdomTree Enhanced Commodity ex-Agriculture UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BDVPNS35 2590364 USD 29,657,366.43 11.4491
    WisdomTree Enhanced Commodity UCITS ETF – CHF Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BG88WL21 365000 CHF 4,566,150.50 12.51
    WisdomTree Enhanced Commodity UCITS ETF – EUR Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BG88WG77 1695000 EUR 20,597,366.38 12.1518
    WisdomTree Enhanced Commodity UCITS ETF – GBP Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BG88WH84 2672311 GBP 34,607,301.76 12.9503
    WisdomTree Enhanced Commodity UCITS ETF – USD 23/09/2024 IE00BZ1GHD37 8287478 USD 111,609,743.73 13.4673
    WisdomTree Enhanced Commodity UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BYMLZY74 11257255 USD 166,310,192.08 14.7736
    WisdomTree Europe Equity Income UCITS ETF 23/09/2024 IE00BQZJBX31 2533458 EUR 31,292,084.32 12.3515
    WisdomTree Europe Equity Income UCITS ETF Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BDF16007 203690 EUR 3,895,048.61 19.1224
    WisdomTree Europe Equity UCITS ETF – CHF Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BYQCZT11 95208 CHF 2,193,046.70 23.0343
    WisdomTree Europe Equity UCITS ETF – EUR Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BYQCZX56 387585 EUR 9,521,285.61 24.5657
    WisdomTree Europe Equity UCITS ETF – GBP Hedged 23/09/2024 IE00BYQCZQ89 132327 GBP 1,899,073.19 14.3514
    WisdomTree Europe Equity UCITS ETF – USD Hedged 23/09/2024 IE00BVXBH163 933618 USD 23,156,217.19 24.8027
    WisdomTree Europe Equity UCITS ETF – USD Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BYQCZP72 1313847 USD 42,189,041.57 32.1111
    WisdomTree Europe Small Cap Dividend UCITS ETF 23/09/2024 IE00BQZJC527 1544268 EUR 29,295,597.59 18.9705
    WisdomTree Europe Small Cap Dividend UCITS ETF Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BDF16114 1419362 EUR 28,742,419.10 20.2502
    WisdomTree Eurozone Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – EUR 23/09/2024 IE00BZ56SY76 376939 EUR 7,317,494.66 19.4129
    WisdomTree Eurozone Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – EUR Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BZ56TQ67 1929440 EUR 46,346,351.35 24.0206
    WisdomTree Global Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – USD 23/09/2024 IE00BZ56RN96 9936630 USD 352,209,220.37 35.4455
    WisdomTree Global Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BZ56SW52 17286291 USD 713,165,724.60 41.2561
    WisdomTree Japan Equity UCITS ETF – CHF Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BYQCZL35 332345 CHF 11,907,390.67 35.8284
    WisdomTree Japan Equity UCITS ETF – EUR Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BYQCZJ13 909254 EUR 28,982,870.11 31.8754
    WisdomTree Japan Equity UCITS ETF – GBP Hedged 23/09/2024 IE00BYQCZF74 820383 GBP 16,153,445.31 19.6901
    WisdomTree Japan Equity UCITS ETF – JPY Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BYQCZN58 4387257 USD 128,696,862.70 29.3342
    WisdomTree Japan Equity UCITS ETF – USD Hedged 23/09/2024 IE00BVXC4854 2564459 USD 81,877,009.00 31.9276
    WisdomTree Japan Equity UCITS ETF – USD Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BYQCZD50 1503756 USD 59,484,303.55 39.5572
    WisdomTree New Economy Real Estate UCITS ETF USD 23/09/2024 IE000X9TLGN8 40664 USD 932,232.24 22.9252
    WisdomTree New Economy Real Estate UCITS ETF USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE000MO2MB07 109638 USD 2,632,193.44 24.008
    WisdomTree Recycling Decarbonisation UCITS ETF USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE000LG4J7E7 150000 USD 2,617,181.53 17.4479
    WisdomTree UK Equity Income UCITS ETF 23/09/2024 IE00BYPGTJ26 2230000 GBP 10,283,263.62 4.6113
    WisdomTree US Equity Income UCITS ETF 23/09/2024 IE00BQZJBQ63 1735120 USD 43,552,315.18 25.1005
    WisdomTree US Equity Income UCITS ETF – EUR Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BD6RZW23 69499 EUR 1,587,208.62 22.8379
    WisdomTree US Equity Income UCITS ETF – GBP Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BD6RZZ53 32218 GBP 687,247.16 21.3312
    WisdomTree US Equity Income UCITS ETF Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BD6RZT93 1628773 USD 48,882,641.85 30.0119
    WisdomTree US Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – USD 23/09/2024 IE00BZ56RD98 3029106 USD 128,089,957.04 42.2864
    WisdomTree US Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BZ56RG20 10349837 USD 496,399,099.98 47.962
    WisdomTree USD Floating Rate Treasury Bond UCITS ETF – USD 23/09/2024 IE00BJFN5P63 433887 USD 22,063,158.27 50.85
    WisdomTree USD Floating Rate Treasury Bond UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE00BJJYYX67 4109598 USD 233,309,133.18 56.7718
    WisdomTree Blockchain UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE000940RNE6 232500 USD 7,603,206.03 32.702
    WisdomTree Global Automotive Innovators UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE000TB3YTV4 60000 USD 1,878,567.19 31.3095
    WisdomTree Global Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – EUR Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE0007M3MLF3 245121 EUR 4,679,035.50 19.0887
    WisdomTree Global Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – GBP Hedged 23/09/2024 IE000LRRPK60 58309 GBP 1,111,130.00 19.0559
    WisdomTree Renewable Energy UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE000P3D0W60 90000 USD 1,629,057.03 18.1006
    WisdomTree US Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – EUR Hedged Acc 23/09/2024 IE000CXVOXQ1 327188 EUR 5,926,997.23 18.115
    WisdomTree US Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – GBP Hedged 23/09/2024 IE000IGMB3E1 51708 GBP 937,249.05 18.1258
    WisdomTree US Efficient Core UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE000KF370H3 456000 USD 15,295,152.73 33.542
    WisdomTree UK Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – GBP 23/09/2024 IE0003UH9270 100000 GBP 2,991,162.06 29.9116
    WisdomTree Megatrends UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE0000902GT6 1936000 USD 52,987,706.83 27.3697
    WisdomTree Global Quality Dividend Growth UCITS ETF – USD (Inst) 23/09/2024 IE00030Y2P41 65149 USD 723,717,805.57 11108.656
    WisdomTree Energy Transition Metals and Rare Earths Miners UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE000KHX9DX6 60000 USD 1,446,985.36 24.1164
    WisdomTree US Quality Growth UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE000YGEAK03 360000 USD 10,366,092.56 28.7947
    WisdomTree Global Sustainable Equity UCITS ETF – USD Acc 23/09/2024 IE000XNILW20 12176000 USD 320,121,796.40 26.2912

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – GRAN TIERRA ENERGY INC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf its affiliates who are also investment advisors (”Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this form 8.3.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		    
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Gran Tierra Energy Inc  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 23 September 2024  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 YES
    I3 Energy PLC    		  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: USD 0.001 ordinary (US38500T2006)  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,315,575 4.24 %      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 1,315,575 * 4.24 %      
    * Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and/or its affiliates do not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 2,170 shares that are included in the total above.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    		  
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    		  
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    USD 0.001 ordinary (US38500T2006) Purchase 2,100 8.4338 CAD  
       
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 24 September 2024  
    Contact name Thomas Hone  
    Telephone number +44 20 3033 3419  
       

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool Named World’s First “Accelerator City” for Climate Action by UN Climate Change

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool has become the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action, under UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme.

    The title comes in recognition of Liverpool’s impressive commitment to innovation and smart regulation to rapidly decarbonise the live music and TV/Film production sectors – both vital parts of the city’s economy – following several years of developmental work by ACT 1.5, an artist-led research and action effort, and climate scientists from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

    To mark the launch of this initiative, the following key events and plans were also announced today:

    • A three-night live music series at Liverpool Arena from 28 – 30 November in collaboration with Massive Attack, ACT 1.5 and SJM concerts, to showcase innovations in sustainability and the smart design of live music events.
    • A headline industry event, called Expedition 1, on (29 November) and public event (30 November) in the adjacent ACC Liverpool which will test and showcase eight cross-sectoral pilot projects for rapid decarbonisation across live music, TV and film productions scheduled in 2025, and then invite the public into multiple climate action workshops, live audience podcasts, and performances.
    • The implementation of three initial plans for galvanising decarbonization in the cultural sector: a pioneering integrated public transport and ticketing program (TAG Network); electrification with 100% renewable energy of all key live event and filming locations in the city centre; and a new Paris 1.5-degree compatible sustainability standard that major events will need to meet in order to be granted a land use agreement for an event to proceed.

    This work builds upon the groundbreaking project commissioned by the band Massive Attack and developed over the past four years, culminating in a climate action accelerator event entitled ACT 1.5 in Bristol (UK) in late August.

    The band worked in collaboration with the Tyndall Centre, AGF, and super low-carbon providers to produce what is anticipated to have been the lowest greenhouse gas emissions show of its size ever staged.

    As an ’Accelerator City’ Liverpool, which has just announced huge plans for the future of its music sector, will expand on this use of policy, technology, infrastructure, and transport practices to pilot and then embed decarbonisation methods into the fabric of the city, extending the scope of this work to include national film and television institutions; establishing cross-sectoral solutions with clean, green providers and sustainability-focused event & onscreen producers.

    The world-leading Accelerator City programme is supported by Ecotricity and is comprised of a partnership network of private, public sector, and UN organisations including BBC, BAFTA Albert, BFI, Earth Percent, Equity, BECTU, The European Space Agency, A Greener Future, Association of Independent Festivals, UN Climate Change, UNESCO, ZENOBE Energy, and numerous transport, food and local service providers.

    Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, said: “I commend the city of Liverpool on its ambitious plans to dramatically speed up decarbonisation in this vital sector. Cities and towns are absolutely essential in picking up the pace and scale of climate action – and the cultural sector plays a vital role in unlocking innovation and promoting sustainable behaviours. I applaud Liverpool’s initiative and look forward to identifying other ‘Accelerator Cities’ in the future.” 

    UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy MP, said: “I am proud and delighted that Liverpool – as famous for its cultural exports as it is for its maritime history – will be the UN’s first Accelerator City for climate change action.

    “I would especially like to congratulate the artists, scientists, providers and the city council who have made huge efforts and driven innovative solutions to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and are having their work recognised in this way. Dynamic projects like these are completely in line with our mission for the UK to become global leaders in this action once again, and with our efforts to boost clean, green, highly skilled jobs at home to drive economic growth and achieve clean power by 2030.”

    Robert Del Naja, (3D – Massive Attack), said: “Our recent Bristol show demonstrated beyond question that major live music events can be Paris 1.5 compatible, and that audiences will embrace change enthusiastically. The vast scope of work in Liverpool and UN recognition means we can now concentrate more dynamic pilots and experiments to rapidly phase out fossil fuels. This idea and this insistence are not going back in any box. We’re delighted to see artists like Coldplay testing elements like localised ticket pre-sales and 100% renewable energy as recommended in the Tyndall Centre Paris 1.5 decarbonisation road map and encourage other artists to do so freely. The talking stage is over, it’s time to act.”    

    Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:  ‘Liverpool has redefined the transformative power of culture over the past 25 years by blending imagination and innovation with a passion to deliver amazing results – be it staging the best-ever Eurovision to playing a leading role in the UK’s recovery from Covid. Now we’re ready to apply all of our best efforts to tackling the biggest challenge humanity faces and we are deeply honoured the UN has recognised our commitment to decarbonise our cultural sector and appointed Liverpool as the World’s First “Accelerator City” for Climate Action.

    “What is so fantastic about this status, is not just the plans we have to help decarbonise music, events and filming, but also the way that this project will educate and motivate audiences through something they really care about – music and entertainment. Liverpool is a city that has always strived to innovate and inspire, and this award recognises that on a global scale.“

    Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Liverpool has always been a city of firsts but being named the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ is huge for our region, and another example of how we’re leading the charge on climate action. We’re not just talking about change; we’re making it happen. By bringing innovation to the sectors that define us—like music, film and TV —we’re showing the world how culture can drive real, meaningful climate action. Together, we’re proving that the Liverpool City Region isn’t just making headlines; it’s helping to write the playbook for building a fairer, greener future a reality for everyone.”

    Matt Scarff, Managing Director BAFTA Albert, said: “The screen industries are uniquely placed to help drive forward the vital progress and innovation needed to protect the future of our planet. BAFTA albert is proud to support this brilliant UN initiative and support the city of Liverpool as we work to make it a hub of sustainable creativity for generations to come.”

    Professor Carly McLachlan, Director of Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, said: “This city level action to transform live music and film and TV production is really exciting in its ambition and the critical combination of collaboration and regulation. We need to move fast on decarbonisation and that means innovation and new ways of working, but crucially it also means sharing learning, getting the right infrastructure in place and ratcheting up minimum standards. Liverpool’s global recognition as such a culturally rich city make it a brilliant location to demonstrate to the world how things can be done differently.”                                                         

    Dale Vince OBE, Founder of Ecotricity, said: “Big congrats to Liverpool, leading the way by adopting Act 1.5 across the city. We’ve been working with Massive Attack on the music side and with partners in film and tv production to show that it’s possible for the live event sector to operate this way – that’s important not just for the sake of its own … footprint but because of the platform it has – we can reach huge amounts of people this way and show them there is another way to live.  I love the scale and the ambition.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace USA: For People and Planet

    Source: Greenpeace –

    ALERT: Big Oil is suing Greenpeace USA

    Greenpeace is facing a $300 million lawsuit from Big Oil that threatens to silence our vital work for people and the planet. Can you join us in our fight back?

    Our Work

    We’ve been campaigning for a green and peaceful future for over 50 years — and we’re not stopping now. It’s time to rise up like never before and fight for our climate and communities.

    View our work

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Media Advisory: Oxfam and partners at UNGA79

    Source: Oxfam –

    Oxfam leaders, experts, and partners are joining the UN 79th General Assembly, Summit of the Future, and Climate Action week in New York, hosting and attending events focused on UN Security Council Reform, gender, digital rights, inequality, climate action, and humanitarian issues. They will be urging global leaders to take bold decisions and action as they deliberate on the pressing issues of our time.   

    This year’s theme is “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations.” 

    Here is an overview of Oxfam’s key events, including a press conference on a report on UN Security Council Reform, media spokespeople, and products: 

    “Our global systems have failed to address the unprecedented challenges we face today, leaving millions behind. Conflict is rampant, the climate crisis is at a breaking point, and inequality is soaring. As we gather at this year’s Assembly, leaders cannot squander the opportunity to restore people’s faith in the UN’s role as the flagbearer for global peace, security, and cooperation. They must move beyond mere rhetoric and make bold choices to create a system that serves all of humanity, not just the powerful few.” 

    Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International Executive Director

    Oxfam International

    A few highlights from Oxfam’s agenda at UNGA (all times in EST): 

    Thursday, September 19: Oxfam will publish a report titled,“Vetoing Humanity,” which highlights how the five UN Security Council Permanent Member States’ (P5) have abused the veto and negotiating powers in their own geopolitical interests; and how they have paralyzed the Council’s ability to maintain international peace and security or mitigate prolonged conflicts and human suffering. 

    At 8:30am, Oxfam will be hosting a photo call at an art installation in Tudor City outside the UN, featuring a large dove shackled to a “veto” weight, signifying how the Security Council veto has restrained efforts for global peace. Brooklyn-based artist Miles Giordani built the installation with Oxfam.  

    At 11:00 am, Oxfam will also hold a press conference on the “Vetoing Humanity” report in the UN Correspondents Association briefing room. 

    At 5:30pm, Oxfam and other civil society organizations will be hosting a media happy hour for a chance for experts and journalists to connect. Media can RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unga-media-civil-society-happy-hour-tickets-1009525918197 

    Saturday, September 21: Oxfam and partners will host a Summit of the Future Action Days Official Side Event on “Reforming the UN Security Council for an Equal and Sustainable Future” at the UN Headquarters.  Speakers will include Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International Executive Director; Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of the New America; Ambassador Lazalous Kapambwe former Zambia Permanent Representative to the UN and 67th President of UN ECOSOC; Wameedh Shakir, Founder and Chairperson of Itar Foundation in Yemen; Augusto Lopez-Claros, Executive Director and Chair – Global Governance Forum and Ishaan Shah co-founded Stolen Dreams. Register to participate or watch the Livestream here: Reforming the UN Security Council for an Equal and Sustainable Future (Side Event, Action Day 2, Summit of the Future) | UN Web TV 

    Monday, September 23: Oxfam will publish “Multilateralism in an Era of Global Oligarchy: How Extreme Inequality Undermines International Cooperation,” a report highlighting how ultrawealthy individuals — often enabled by the richest countries — exert disproportionate influence over policy decision. The paper proposes the solutions needed for progress and provides new global data prepared for UNGA. On Thursday, September 26, a joint event with the Ford Foundation will outline key aspects the report; the panelists will include: Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar; Ronald Lamola, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; and Nanjala Nyabola, Kenyan writer, researcher, and political analyst; moderated by The Washington Post’s Karen Attiah. 

    Reactive Statements: 

    Oxfam will be making statements regarding Summit of the Future outcomes, Heads of State Speeches during the High-Level Debate and other developments throughout. 

    Oxfam Spokespeople: 

    • Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International, Executive Director: Sustainable Development Goals, UN Reform, Inequality, Climate, Democracy, Human Rights, war in Gaza 
    • Abby Maxman, Oxfam America President and CEO: Sustainable Development Goals, Inequality, Humanitarian Issues 
    • Lebogang Ramafoko, Oxfam South Africa Executive Director: Summit of the Future, Climate and Inequality 
    • Brenda Mofya, Head of Oxfam New York Office: Sustainable Development Goals, The Summit of the Future, Humanitarian Issues  
    • Dr. Tawanda Mutasah, Oxfam America Vice President of Global Partnerships and Impact: Sustainable Development Goals, UN Reform 
    • Ashfaq Khalfan, Oxfam America Director of Climate Justice: U.S. position and context on climate issues in UN agenda, Climate and Inequality, Future Generations 
    • Nabil Ahmed, Oxfam America Director of Economic and Racial Justice: Economic/Wealth Inequality, Progressive Taxation, Corporate Power, Multilateralism 
    • Pauline Chetcuti, Oxfam International Head of Humanitarian Advocacy and Campaigns; Humanitarian and Climate Financing, Humanitarian Issues 
    • Neal McCarthy, Oxfam America Associate Director of Digital in Program: Summit of the Future Digital Compact  
    • Rebecca Shadwick, Oxfam International Gender Rights & Justice Policy & Advocacy Lead: Gender Justice and Rights in the Summit of the Future 
    • Abdulwasea Mohammed, Oxfam in Yemen Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns Lead; Yemen, Inclusive Peace and Security 

    Partners:  

    • Marinel Ubaldo, Climate Activist from the Philippines; Climate and Youth Activism 
    • Hilda Nakabuye, Climate Activist from Uganda: Climate and Youth Activism 

    • Wameedh Shakir, Chairwoman of Itar Foundation for Social Development in Yemen; Yemen, Gender, UN Reform

      Full list of events and media products: 

      Wednesday, September 18: 

    • YEMEN JOINT NGO BRIEFING NOTE: Humanitarian Situation and Funding in Yemen on the Occasion of the 79th United Nations General Assembly 

      Thursday, September 19: 

    • OXFAM REPORT + PRESS CONFERENCE + PHOTO CALL: Oxfam is publishing the report “Vetoing Humanity: How a few powerful nations hijacked global peace and why reform is needed at the UN Security Council.” 
    • Embargoed press release and report 
    • Public press release and report (links will go live at 00:01 EST) 
    • As detailed above, Oxfam will be presenting the report at a press conference and presenting a temporary art installation featuring a dove of peace shackled by the weight of the veto by Brooklyn-based artist Miles Giordani. 

    • OXFAM JOINT CIVIL SOCIETY MEDIA HAPPY HOUR: Oxfam and civil society partners are hosting a happy hour to connect policy experts with media. Media RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unga-media-civil-society-happy-hour-tickets-1009525918197 
      TIME: 5:30-8:30pm 
      LOCATION: The Stag’s Head, 252 E 51st Street (at 2nd Avenue) 

      Friday, September 20: 

    • FRIDAYS FOR FUTURE + OXFAM EVENT: Youth Climate Strike: Tear Down the Pillars of Fossil Fuels. Oxfam staff and partners will take part; Climate activist Hilda Nakabuye will speak at the rally 
      TIME: 2:00-4:00pm 
      LOCATION: Meet at Foley Square, RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/youth-climate-strike-tear-down-the-pillars-of-fossil-fuels-2  
    • OXFAM + TRUST AFRICA EVENT: African Civil Society Dialogue on the Summit of the Future 
      LOCATION: Jay Suites – Fifth Avenue, 15 W 38th Street  
      Note: This event continues to September 21. For more information contact Gail Smith (gail.smith@oxfam.org.za). 
       
      Saturday, September 21: 
    • OXFAM SIDE EVENT: Summit of the Future – “Transforming Economies beyond GDP: towards a caring and feminist future with people, well-being and planet at the center.” 
      TIME: 9:00-10:45am 
      LOCATION: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pmurQXRqTlqJFa4Ysp_AFA  
    • OXFAM EVENT: “Connecting the Global North and South in fulfilling existing legal obligations on climate finance, including loss and damage” 
      TIME: 11:00am-12:30pm 
      LOCATION: Oxfam NY Office, 369 Lexington Avenue 
      Note: For more information contact Karelia Pallan (karelia.pallan@oxfam.org) 
    • OXFAM + IMPACT COALITION ON AI EVENT: Oxfam’s Neal McCarthy will be speaking on the Panel on AI & Technology Governance”  
      TIME: 4:00-5:15pm 
      LOCATION: UNHQ – CR12 
       
      Monday, September 23: 
    • OXFAM REPORT: “Multilateralism in an Era of Global Oligarchy” will outline how extreme economic inequality undermines multilateral efforts to effectively respond to critical global challenges like global taxation, health, and debt and propose the solutions needed for progress. The paper provides new global data prepared for UNGA. 
    • OXFAM STATEMENT: Oxfam will issue a media reaction to the Pact of the Future and Summit of the Future outcomes 

    • OXFAM STATEMENT: Oxfam will issue a statement ahead of President Biden’s address at the General Debate  

      Tuesday, September 24: 

    • OXFAM EVENT: “Building Global Consensus for Justice in Mining for the Energy Transition: Can the UN Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM) Panel lead the way?” RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/un-panel-on-critical-energy-transition-minerals-toward-the-change-we-need-tickets-999360422927 
      TIME: 3:00-4:30pm 
      LOCATION: Oxfam NY Office – Sinatra Room (2nd Floor), 15 W 38th Street  
       
      Wednesday, September 25: 
    • OXFAM SPEAKING ON DEVEX PANEL: “Food as a weapon in the new age of starvation.” Oxfam in Yemen’s Abdulwasea Mohammed, Advocacy, Policy and Media Lead, will speak about the food security crisis in Yemen 
      TIME: 10:25-11:00am 
      LOCATION: In-person in New York and online at https://pages.devex.com/devex-at-unga-79.html 
       
      Thursday, September 26: 
    • OXFAM + FORD FOUNDATION EVENT: “Multilateralism in an Era of Oligarchy” will explore how extreme economic inequality undermines multilateral efforts to effectively respond to critical global challenges like global taxation, health, and debt; Oxfam panelists will be moderated by The Washington Post’s Karen Attiah. 
      TIME: 12:30-2:30pm 
      LOCATION: Ford Foundation, 320 E 43rd Street 
      Note: Please contact Shelby Bolen (shelby.bolen@oxfam.org) to be added to the RSVP list. 

    ABOUT OXFAM 

    Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice and will highlight the urgent need in tackling the intersections of rising inequality, humanitarian emergencies, and the climate crisis. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Latvia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 5, 2024

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with the Republic of Latvia and endorsed the staff appraisal on a lapse-of-time basis without a meeting.

    The Latvian economy contracted with significant disinflation. After the post-pandemic recovery, growth contracted by 0.3 percent in 2023, due to tighter financial conditions and weak external demand. Headline inflation declined to 0.0 percent y/y in May 2024. However, core inflation still stood at 3.1 percent in April 2024. The financial sector has so far been resilient although risks are elevated. Fiscal performance in 2023 was stronger than expected, reflecting revenue buoyancy linked to inflation and expenditure under-execution. The current account deficit narrowed to 4 percent of GDP in 2023 from 4.8 percent in 2022, due to import contraction and lower energy prices. Russia’s war in Ukraine and the related geoeconomic fragmentation are adding to structural challenges amid multiple transitions, notably, climate change and energy, and aging and labor shortages. The economic consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine continue to depress private investment and productivity, thus compromising further Latvia’s lagging income convergence.

    Amid high uncertainty, the outlook is for higher growth and the balance of risks is tilted to the downside. Real GDP growth is projected to increase to 1.7 and 2.4 percent in 2024 and 2025, respectively, underpinned by a recovery in private consumption, higher public investment, and stronger external demand. Growth in the medium-term is projected to continue at an average of around 2.5 percent, supported by public investment and reforms. Inflation is expected to continue to moderate. Headline inflation (annual average) is projected to decline to 2.0 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, core inflation (annual average) is projected to slow to 3.3 percent in 2024, reflecting persistent services inflation. Downside risks dominate, including risk to competitiveness associated with recent high wage growth, rising geopolitical tensions and deeper geoeconomic fragmentation, and weaker external demand.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Latvia’s economy has encountered severe headwinds. The Latvian economy contracted with significant disinflation against the backdrop of geopolitical headwinds. Notably, Russia’s war in Ukraine and the related geoeconomic fragmentation are adding to long-standing challenges to productivity, investment, and labor supply, amid multiple transitions around climate change and energy, aging and labor shortages, and rising defense costs.

    Amid high uncertainty, growth is projected to rebound, but risks are tilted to the downside. Real GDP growth is projected to increase in 2024 and 2025, largely driven by a rebound in private consumption, higher public investment, and stronger external demand. The main risks stem from rising geopolitical tensions and deeper geoeconomic fragmentation, credit risks related to variable-rate loans, and weaker-than-expected external demand. Risks to competitiveness can also arise given recent high wage growth. Over the medium-term, delays in public investment and structural reforms could weigh on potential growth.

    Considering the improving outlook, staff recommends a less expansionary, neutral fiscal stance for 2024 and a tighter fiscal stance in 2025. Proactively identifying spending efficiency and better targeting social support, while protecting the most vulnerable, would help. Staff commends the authorities for the targeting of energy support measures. In 2025, the fiscal stance should be tighter to build buffers for future spending needs. Policy options to achieve this include reducing tax exemptions, raising revenue from property taxation, strengthening tax enforcement, and improving investment spending efficiency. Fiscal policy should remain flexible and evolve if risks materialize.

    Although Latvia has some fiscal space, structural fiscal measures are needed to provide buffers for medium to long term spending pressures. Over the medium term, options for fiscal consolidation include (i) broadening the bases of corporate income tax (CIT) and personal income tax (PIT), including by reducing the shadow economy; (ii) broadening the base of property taxes; (iii) reducing tax exemptions and fossil fuel subsidies, and (iv) rationalizing spending on goods and services. Given this scaling-up of public investment amid high uncertainty and cost overrun, enhanced public investment management is warranted to mitigate fiscal risks. The mission welcomes the healthcare reform aimed to generate efficiency gains, while mitigating risks and supporting solidarity. Staff also welcomes the government’s pension reform efforts and recommends linking the retirement age to life expectancy. Latvia should swiftly implement the NRRP. 

    Although the financial sector has so far been resilient, continued monitoring of macrofinancial vulnerabilities and spillovers is warranted. The banking sector remained well capitalized and liquid, with a low NPL ratio. However, given heightened risks, continued monitoring of financial sector vulnerabilities is important. Notably, regular risk-based monitoring of banks’ asset quality and liquidity should continue, supported by tailored stress tests. Any households’ financial distress related to variable-interest-rate mortgage loans should be addressed through the consumer bankruptcy framework, supplemented by the social protection system for the most vulnerable. The new untargeted interest subsidy scheme for variable-interest-rate mortgages should not be renewed at its expiration in 2024. The authorities should refrain from further initiatives to increase taxation on bank profits given their adverse impact on bank capital and financial stability. Staff welcomes the continued efforts to mitigate cybersecurity risk.

    While the current macroprudential policy stance is broadly appropriate, the recent adjustment to the borrower-based measures for energy-efficient housing loans should be reconsidered. The overall policy stance strikes the right balance between maintaining financial stability and the need to extend credit to the economy. However, borrower-based macroprudential measures should be relaxed only when their presence is overly stringent from the financial stability perspective.

    Latvia has made significant progress in strengthening its AML/CFT frameworks and governance reforms. Staff commends the authorities’ effort to pursue AML/CFT reforms and supports the authorities’ priorities to prepare for the 6th round of MONEYVAL evaluation. Staff welcomes the authorities’ reforms to digitalize the procurement system and the continued implementation of Latvia’s anti-corruption plan and national strategy.

    Structural reforms should be accelerated to enhance productivity and resilience. Accelerating corporate reforms could boost investment and productivity by improving capital allocation and access to finance. Given the aging population and skill mismatch, Latvia should continue to address reforms to boost high-skilled labor supply which will enhance investment in productivity. Efforts should focus on promoting training and internal labor mobility toward priority sectors (green and transition, digitalization, health). Further streamlining product and service markets regulations could boost competition, innovation, and productivity. Staff welcomes the ongoing overhaul of the administrative procedures and their digitalization. Implementing measures to promote digital transformation of the economy could help reduce labor shortages and support productivity. Regarding the green and energy transition, more vigorous climate policy is needed. Staff encourages the authorities to expedite the adoption of the climate law and the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). The authorities should aim to achieve a robust balance between fiscal support, carbon pricing or taxation, and norms while addressing distributional concerns. Staff welcomes the ongoing work on climate adaptation. Latvia should continue to enhance energy security, and boost investment in clean energy and connection.

    Table 1. Latvia: Selected Economic Indicators, 2019–25

     

    2019

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025
               

    Proj.

    National Accounts

        (Percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)

    Real GDP

    0.6

    -3.5

    6.7

    3.0

    -0.3

    1.7

    2.4

    Private consumption

    0.0

    -4.3

    7.3

    7.2

    -1.3

    2.4

    2.3

    Public consumption

    5.6

    2.1

    3.5

    2.8

    7.0

    2.3

    2.2

    Gross capital formation

    0.7

    -10.0

    24.9

    -3.6

    5.1

    2.6

    2.7

    Gross fixed capital formation

    1.5

    -2.2

    7.2

    0.6

    8.2

    3.1

    3.1

    Exports of goods and services

    1.3

    0.4

    9.0

    10.3

    -5.9

    3.0

    2.6

    Imports of goods and services

    2.2

    -1.1

    15.1

    11.1

    -2.8

    3.0

    2.5

    Nominal GDP (billions of euros)

    30.6

    30.1

    33.3

    38.4

    40.3

    42.4

    44.8

    GDP per capita (thousands of euros)

    15.9

    15.8

    17.6

    20.5

    21.4

    22.5

    23.9

    Savings and Investment

    		              

    Gross national saving (percent of GDP)

    22.2

    24.3

    21.1

    20.3

    19.0

    19.1

    18.9

    Gross capital formation (percent of GDP)

    22.8

    21.4

    25.0

    25.0

    23.0

    22.8

    22.5

    Private (percent of GDP)

    18.9

    17.2

    21.2

    21.7

    19.4

    18.7

    18.6

    HICP Inflation

    		              

    Headline, period average

    2.7

    0.1

    3.2

    17.2

    9.1

    2.0

    2.4

    Headline, end-period

    2.1

    -0.5

    7.9

    20.7

    0.9

    3.9

    1.6

    Core, period average

    2.7

    1.1

    2.0

    11.3

    9.8

    3.3

    3.1

    Core, end-period

    1.9

    0.9

    4.7

    15.2

    4.0

    3.7

    2.8

    Labor Market

    		              

    Unemployment rate (LFS; period average, percent)

    6.3

    8.1

    7.6

    6.9

    6.5

    6.5

    6.5

    Nominal wage growth

    7.2

    6.2

    11.7

    7.5

    11.9

    8.5

    7.0

    Consolidated General Government 1/

    (Percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    Total revenue

    37.3

    37.7

    37.6

    37.2

    38.5

    38.6

    38.7

    Total expenditure

    37.7

    41.4

    43.2

    40.9

    42.0

    42.0

    41.4

    Basic fiscal balance

    -0.4

    -3.7

    -5.5

    -3.7

    -3.5

    -3.4

    -2.7

    ESA fiscal balance

    -0.5

    -4.4

    -7.2

    -4.6

    -2.2

    -2.9

    -2.7

    General government gross debt

    36.7

    42.7

    44.4

    41.8

    43.6

    44.7

    44.8

    Money and Credit

    Credit to private sector (annual percentage change)

    -2.3

    -4.4

    11.9

    7.1

    5.1

    …

    …

    Broad money (annual percentage change)

    8.0

    13.1

    9.2

    5.1

    2.7

    …

    …

    Balance of Payments

    		              

    Current account balance

    -0.6

    2.9

    -3.9

    -4.8

    -4.0

    -3.7

    -3.5

    Trade balance (goods)

    -8.6

    -5.1

    -8.3

    -10.7

    -9.3

    -8.8

    -8.8

    Gross external debt

    117.1

    122.1

    110.5

    102.3

    98.5

    94.9

    86.6

    Net external debt 2/

    18.1

    13.6

    10.3

    8.1

    7.5

    10.7

    13.5

    Exchange Rates

    		              

    U.S. dollar per euro (period average)

    1.12

    1.14

    1.18

    1.05

    1.08

    …

    …

    REER (period average; CPI based, 2005=100)

    123.0

    124.5

    125.0

    129.7

    136.8

    …

    …

    Terms of trade (annual percentage change)

    0.9

    1.8

    -1.6

    -0.6

    3.6

    -0.1

    0.9

    Sources: Latvian authorities; Eurostat; and IMF staff calculations.

    1/ National definition. Includes economy-wide EU grants in revenue and expenditure.

    2/ Gross external debt minus gross external assets.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Boris Balabanov

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/05/pr-24319-latvia-imf-executive-board-concludes-2024-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USAID Joins PepsiCo, Unilever, Danone, McCormick & Company, and Nespresso to Launch Collaboration to Advance Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains

    Source: USAID

    Today, USAID joined consumer goods multinational companies PepsiCo, Unilever, Danone, McCormick & Company, and Nespresso in launching a new public-private partnership that aims to accelerate gender equality and enhance environmental sustainability in agricultural supply chains. The new initiative, Advancing Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains, aligns with the Women in the Sustainable Economy (WISE) initiative – a partnership launched by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2023 to bolster women’s economic security in sectors that address climate change. 

    With a planned, collective investment of $50 million to start – including over $11 million of USAID funding – this new agricultural supply chain initiative will help catalyze industry-level change through learning, scaling, and providing evidence on how supporting women in agricultural supply chains can help deliver environmental sustainability goals. The initiative will drive scale by bringing in new organizations and additional funds, with a total target of $90 million over the next five years. 

    In parallel, USAID also welcomed the Skoll Foundation as the newest partner to WISE through its support of the USAID-led Climate Gender Equity Fund – a public-private partnership with Amazon, Reckitt, the UPS Foundation, and the Visa Foundation that seeks to increase access to climate finance for women-led and women-benefiting organizations working at the forefront of climate action. Three of its newest grantees – Altree Capital, The Rallying Cry, and Villgro Philippines – were also announced. 

    Finally, Acumen, Germany, Heading for Change, the Republic of Cyprus, and the United Kingdom announced $339 million in new aligned commitments to advance the WISE Initiative through their independent efforts that advance WISE objectives. The Millennium Challenge Corporation, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and the U.S. Department of Energy announced $289 million in additional aligned U.S. government commitments to the WISE initiative. In all, today’s announcements total $681 million in direct and aligned commitments – bringing the collective commitment of 33 governments, corporations, foundations, and civil society organizations to a total of over $2 billion towards the WISE Initiative. 

    For more information about the WISE Initiative, please visit ClimateLinks or email wise@usaid.gov.

    Advancing Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains Women in the Sustainable Economy WISE

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Diamondback Energy, Kinetik Holdings and EPIC Midstream Announce Transformative Transactions for EPIC Crude

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FANG) (“Diamondback”), Kinetik Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KNTK) (“Kinetik”) and EPIC Midstream Holdings LP (“EPIC Midstream”), today announced a series of transactions to support the continued growth and strengthened financial profile of EPIC Crude Holdings, LP (“EPIC Crude”), an affiliate of EPIC Midstream, including:  

    • Diamondback and Kinetik (together, the “Partners”) acquired a 30% equity interest in EPIC Crude. The Partners now each own 27.5% of EPIC Crude.
    • EPIC Midstream continues to own a 45% equity interest in and manage the operations of EPIC Crude.
    • Diamondback is converting its existing commitment on EPIC Crude into a significantly larger volume commitment of 200 MBpd to accommodate additional crude barrels from Diamondback’s newly completed merger with Endeavor Energy Resources. As a result of that merger, Diamondback is the third largest crude producer in the Permian Basin.
    • Kinetik is also entering into a new transportation arrangement with EPIC Crude and a new connection between Kinetik’s crude gathering system and the EPIC Crude pipeline.
    • The combined long-term volume commitments from the Partners are expected to commence in 2025 and extend until 2035, fully supported by minimum volume commitments (“MVC”) and representing over 33% of EPIC Crude’s volume capacity.
    • EPIC Crude and its Partners are continuing to focus on reducing controllable costs and enhancing financial returns which will further maximize value for all stakeholders of EPIC Crude.
    • Taken together, these actions will position EPIC Crude for long-term success while increasing its long-term strategic alignment with Diamondback and Kinetik.

    EPIC Crude continues to transport more than 600 MBpd and has secured MVCs or contracts for approximately 90% of 2025 total volumes while substantially extending the weighted average contract life. EPIC Crude’s differentiated strategy helps its customers gain access to all markets and docks in Corpus Christi, in addition to the Dated Brent market through the EPIC dock.

    “Along with our execution over the past couple of years, these transactions position EPIC Crude for continued strategic and financial success,” said Brian Freed, Chief Executive Officer of EPIC Midstream. “The business continues to be transformed, and the strategic importance of this asset is supported by our Partners’ long-term commitments. EPIC Crude continues to be a critical asset for Permian Basin crude production egress to the Corpus Christi market.”

    “This series of transactions signifies a major step in ensuring reliable, cost-effective takeaway out of the basin for our expanded crude portfolio for a significant period of time, and positions EPIC Crude to be our preferred crude pipeline given our increased ownership stake and expanded governance role in the joint venture,” said Kaes Van’t Hof, President and Chief Financial Officer of Diamondback.

    “We are excited to partner with Diamondback, Ares Management funds and EPIC Midstream on these transactions,” said Jamie Welch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinetik. “Our volume commitment, alongside Diamondback, will generate incremental value for our crude customers seeking access to a premium market.”

    “Going forward, we believe EPIC Crude is even better positioned for shared business, customer and owner success,” said Robert Kimmel, Partner in the Ares Private Equity Group. “We remain excited to partner with Brian and his team in this transformative next chapter for EPIC Crude.”

    EPIC Crude’s financial profile continues to strengthen and is supported by continued improvement expected in its credit ratings. Its improving leverage, investment grade customers, and long-term contract profile provide a strong foundation for the business.

    EPIC Crude has the only remaining opportunity for a large-scale, highly economic crude oil pipeline expansion in the Permian. The potential expansion project is highly economic given its limited capital requirements, mostly focused on additional pumps for the existing pipeline. EPIC Crude anticipates the potential expansion project will be carried out with fully underwritten contracts, with the Partners having an option for approximately one-third of the expansion capacity.

    About EPIC Midstream

    EPIC was formed in 2017 to build, own and operate midstream infrastructure in the Delaware, Midland and Eagle Ford basins. EPIC’s Crude Oil Pipeline and NGL Pipeline each span approximately 700 miles and transport crude and natural gas liquids for delivery from the Permian and Eagle Ford basins into the Corpus Christi market. The Crude Oil Pipeline connects to the Port of Corpus Christi, including EPIC’s Marine Terminal, third-party export terminals and local refineries. EPIC’s NGL Pipeline has connectivity to EPIC’s operated fractionation complex in Robstown, Texas as well as Gulf Coast refiners, petrochemical companies and export markets. EPIC is a portfolio company of funds managed by the Private Equity Group of Ares Management. For more information, visit www.epicmid.com.

    About EPIC Crude

    EPIC Crude Holdings, LP (“EPIC Crude”) was formed in 2017 to build and operate the EPIC Crude Oil Pipeline, a 700-mile, 30” crude oil pipeline that extends from Orla, Texas to the Port of Corpus Christi and services the Midland, Delaware and Eagle Ford basins. The Crude Oil Pipeline is currently operating at a capacity of greater than 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) and has a maximum capacity of 1,000,000 bpd, as well as total operational storage of approximately 7,500,000 barrels. EPIC Crude includes terminals in Orla, Pecos, Saragosa, Crane, Wink, Midland, Helena and Gardendale, with Port of Corpus Christi connectivity and export access.

    About Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    Diamondback is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves primarily in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit www.diamondbackenergy.com.

    About Kinetik Holdings Inc.

    Kinetik is a fully integrated, pure-play, Permian-to-Gulf Coast midstream C-corporation operating in the Delaware Basin. Kinetik is headquartered in Houston and Midland, Texas. Kinetik provides comprehensive gathering, transportation, compression, processing and treating services for companies that produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and water. Kinetik posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, www.kinetik.com. 

    Investor and Media Contacts:

    EPIC Midstream Holdings, LP
    Mike Garberding
    Chief Financial Officer        
    (346) 231-1776
    mike.garberding@epicmid.com

    Kinetik
    Alex Durkee
    Investor Relations        
    (713) 574-4743
    adurkee@kinetik.com

    Diamondback
    Adam Lawlis
    Investor Relations
    (432) 221-7467
    alawlis@diamondbackenergy.com

    The MIL Network –