NewzIntel.com

Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Taree NPWS hazard reduction burn 22 September 2024

    Source: New South Wales Environment and Heritage

    The 72 hectare ‘Starrs Creek HR – Stage 2’ aims to provide a fuel reduced zone within Coorabakh National Park, aiding in the suppression of bushfire in the area.

    The burn will also stimulate reproduction of the critically endangered Banksia conferta within the prescribed burn area.

    NPWS crews will be working on roads and trails throughout Coorabakh National Park to implement the burn. The public are advised that smoke may affect roads in the area and motorists are reminded to exercise caution when driving along roads in the area.

    Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires. Fires such as this one are also specifically planned to have an ecological outcome.

    All burns around the state are coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service.

    People with known health conditions can sign up to receive air quality reports, forecasts and alerts via email or SMS from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW).

    For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health or Asthma Australia.

    More information on hazard reduction activities is available at NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW Government Hazards Near Me website and app.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Move over Olympians, Australia’s wildlife are incredible athletes

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Euan Ritchie, Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University

    Now that the Paris Olympics and Paralympics have disappeared from our screens, let’s get back to watching animal videos.

    But seriously, have you ever paused to think about the athletic abilities of Australian wildlife?

    In my research as an ecologist, I’m constantly amazed by the strength, speed and resilience of our native animals. Their prowess is testament to the wonders of evolution, and the necessity of species having to adapt to challenging and changing environments in order to survive.

    Let’s take a closer look at some of our best competitors and how might they fare, against humans and overseas entrants. On your marks, get set… swim, hop, dig, dance, glide!

    Swimming

    Australians are renowned for being strong swimmers. But what is the fastest swimmer in the animal kingdom?

    On this there is much debate. Some suggest it’s the Indo Pacific sailfish, clocking in at about 30km/hr. That’s impressive, but much slower than oft-cited (but inaccurate) claims it can travel at more than 100km/hr.

    For perspective, the fastest human to swim the 50 metres freestyle is American Caeleb Dressel, completing this in a time of 20.16 seconds. That’s roughly 9km/h – faster than many people jog, but still no match for a sailfish.

    As in humans, swimming speed in fishes tends to increase with body length. Larger species that challenge sailfish for the fastest swimmer title include blue or black marlin. Shorter, torpedo-like bluefin tuna are also in contention. All are found in Australian waters, though not exclusively.

    While American swimmer Michael Phelps put in an impressive showing against a simulated great white shark, no human would beat much faster sailfish, marlin and tuna.

    Sprinting, long and high jump

    Aussie icons, red kangaroos can reach speeds of around 60-70km/hr. But they are no match for cheetahs, which can move at more than 120km/hr.

    Long jump is surely the kangaroo’s main event. Red kangaroos can jump a staggering 13 metres or more. Amazingly, this might not be enough to clinch gold. Snow leopards can jump more than 15 metres.

    Kangaroos can clear heights of up to 3m, so would perform well in the high jump. But they’d finish behind bottlenose dolphins, which can jump over 7m in the air, just for kicks.

    Scaled for body size, though, both species would be embarrassed by a tiny insect known as a froghopper. It jumps to heights of more than 140 times its body length.

    Kangaroos sure can jump, but they’re not the greatest of all in the animal kingdom.

    Battles of strength

    African elephants can lift more than 1,000kg and weaver ants more than 100 times their own body weight.

    But relative to size, a truly impressive champion is Australia’s horned dung beetle. At just a centimetre long, these diminutive powerhouses can pull more than 1,100 times their own body weight, roughly equating to an average man lifting two fully-loaded 18-wheeler trucks.

    And yet, horned dung beetles might still only claim silver. Another invertebrate Aussie, the tiny tropical moss mite, is perhaps the world’s strongest animal. It can pull more than 1,180 times its weight.

    Bigger does not always equal stronger.

    Packing the fastest, deadliest punch

    In terms of combat sports, bigger is not always better.

    Peacock mantis shrimps – invertebrates found in Australian marine waters and elsewhere – have the swiftest and most powerful punch in the lightweight crustacean division.

    They kill prey by punching them with strong, club-like appendages. They deliver blows at up to 23m per sec, akin to the speed and force of a .22 calibre bullet being fired.

    So powerful is the punch, it vaporises water and creates a super-hot shockwave that breaks up and incapacitates its prey.

    Nature’s deadliest punch?

    Tantalising contests

    What about a digging contest? Eastern barred bandicoots can shift 4.8 tonnes of soil a year. How would that stack up against marsupial moles, which can disappear almost instantly into desert sands? Or the expert excavations of wombats and aardvarks that can dig more than half a metre in 15 seconds?

    In terms of free-diving and flying, there’s really no contest. Cuvier’s beaked whale can dive nearly 3000m and peregrine falcons can reach over 320 km/hr. These animals are found across the globe, however – not just in Australia.

    Australia’s largest gliding marsupial, the greater glider, can sail up to 100m between trees. But gliding gold would surely go to the giant flying squirrel, which can glide up to 450m.

    I’d love to see a shooting contest between Australia’s archer fish and Madagascar’s panther chameleon. But finding the right arena for both aquatic and land-based sharpshooters would be tricky.

    Raygun’s kangaroo hop is now legendary, but a breaking (break dancing) contest between a peacock spider, spanish dancer (a type of nudibranch) and a magnificent riflebird might genuinely break the internet.

    Step aside, Raygun, peacock spiders are taking the floor.

    Appreciating wildlife athletes

    So who would win a global contest for the best wildlife athlete overall?

    If the competition was on land and focused on running, jumping, strength and climbing, it’s hard to go past the overall abilities of a Bengal tiger.

    Many amazing wildlife athletes are threatened with extinction. Others are gone forever.

    They include the incredible oolacunta – also known as the desert rat kangaroo. It’s powers of endurance in the desert are the stuff of folklore. As legendary Australian mammalogist Hedley Herbert Finlayson wrote in 1931:

    Its speed for such an atom, was wonderful, and its endurance amazing … when we finally got it, it had taken the starch out of three mounts and run us 12 miles; all under such adverse conditions of heat and rough going, as to make it almost incredible that so small a frame should be capable of such an immense output of energy.

    Let’s celebrate wildlife and their athletic abilities and ensure they have a secure future.

    Euan Ritchie receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action. Euan is a Councillor within the Biodiversity Council, a member of the Ecological Society of Australia and the Australian Mammal Society, and President of the Australian Mammal Society.

    – ref. Move over Olympians, Australia’s wildlife are incredible athletes – https://theconversation.com/move-over-olympians-australias-wildlife-are-incredible-athletes-238303

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: US blasted for high subsidies to PV sector

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The China Photovoltaic Industry Association has expressed serious concerns about and strong opposition to the United States’ distorting the global solar market by providing excessive subsidies to US companies and imposing high tariffs on imported solar products.

    It said the US moves are hampering international cooperation in the fight against climate change.

    The trade body said in a recent statement that the US has built high walls of protectionism by imposing multiple trade restrictions and continuously increasing tariff barriers on imported photovoltaic products. In May, for example, the US decided that the import tax on Chinese solar cells would rise from 25 percent to 50 percent.

    The association also pointed out that the US implemented exclusive and discriminatory industrial policies through legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and subsidized its own photovoltaic industry on a large scale.

    “The Inflation Reduction Act, introduced in 2022, offers subsidies of an unprecedented $369 billion to support investments and production in the clean energy sector, including domestic PV products, aiming to reconstruct the PV industry chain,” said the trade body’s statement.

    On May 16, the US Department of Energy announced $71 million investment to fund the Silicon Solar Manufacturing and Dual-Use Photovoltaics Incubator Program ($27 million) and the Advancing US Thin-Film Solar Photovoltaics Funding Program ($44 million), aiming to close the gaps in PV supply chain manufacturing capabilities, the association added.

    Such moves violated multilateral trade rules and severely distorted the market operations of the global supply chain of the PV industry, according to the statement.

    Experts and business leaders said that while subsidies are common globally in the new energy industry, the US strategy of raising tariffs under anti-subsidy pretexts and financially backing domestic companies is a double standard, with the aim of hindering Chinese solar companies from capturing global market share.

    They said that Chinese-made solar and wind power equipment has facilitated the widespread adoption of affordable renewable energy worldwide, contributing to a global shift toward green development, adding that collaboration among global economies is essential for mutual gains in the sector.

    Cui Fan, an international trade professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that policy interventions are necessary globally to address market flaws in advancing new energy. Solely relying on market forces could significantly delay global decarbonization progress by 20 to 30 years, which would be out of sync with the pace of global green initiatives, he added.

    “However, in the WTO framework, subsidies must adhere to specific conditions, including avoiding unjust discrimination. The US’ Inflation Reduction Act breaches this by favoring US products over Chinese imports,” Cui said.

    Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University, said that the US’ high subsidies for its new energy industry, as well as its consistent raising of tariffs on Chinese goods under anti-subsidy pretexts, showcase a US double standard.

    Song Hao, assistant vice-president at GCL Technology Holdings, said the US’ contradictory actions of restricting imports under anti-subsidy pretexts while heavily supporting domestic solar industries were undermining fairness.

    Lin said: “Although the US has continuously raised trade barriers, it has limited impact on the Chinese solar industry, as China’s direct exports to the US are relatively small. Chinese companies have diversified investments globally, forging stronger ties with Europe, the Middle East and other regions to explore new opportunities.”

    The US was not among the top 10 markets for China’s solar module exports in the first half of this year, while Europe and Asia collectively accounted for over 80 percent of these exports, according to the China Photovoltaic Industry Association. Solar modules accounted for 87 percent of China’s total PV product exports in terms of value, it added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address to the Indian Diaspora, New York, USA

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 3:58AM by PIB Delhi

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Namaste U.S.! Now even our “Namaste” has gone multinational, transitioning from local to global, and it’s all because of you. Every Indian who holds Bharat close to their heart has made this possible.

    Friends, 

    You’ve come here from far and wide. Some faces are familiar, while others are new. Your love is a great honour for me. I recall the days when I wasn’t a PM, wasn’t a CM, wasn’t a leader at all. Back then, I used to come here as an inquisitive traveller, eager to see and understand this land, carrying many questions in my mind. Even when I held no official position, I had already toured almost 29 states in America. Later, when I became a CM, I continued connecting with you through technology. As a PM, too, I’ve received immense affection and warmth from you. In 2014, it was Madison Square; Sam Jose in 2015; Houston in 2019; Washington in 2023; and now New York in 2024, and each time, you surpass the last record.

    Friends, 

    I’ve always recognized the strength of the Indian diaspora. Even when I held no official post, I understood it, and I understand it today. You have always been Bharat’s strongest brand ambassadors for me. That’s why I call you the ‘Rashtradoot’ (nation’s emissaries). You’ve connected America to Bharat and Bharat to America. Your skills, talent, and commitment are unparalleled. Though you’ve crossed seven seas, no ocean is deep enough to separate you from the Bharat that resides in your hearts. What Maa Bharti has taught us, we can never forget. Wherever we go, we treat everyone like family. Embracing diversity, living it, and integrating it into our lives—these are our values, embedded in our very being. We are from a country with hundreds of languages and dialects, home to every religion and sect. Yet, we move forward as one and united. In this very hall, some speak Tamil, others Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi, or Gujarati. Our languages may differ, but our spirit is one: “Bharat Mata ki Jai” (Victory to Mother Bharat), the spirit of Indianness. This is our greatest strength in connecting with the world. These values naturally make us ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (global friend). As our scriptures say, तेन त्यक्तेन भुंजीथा: meaning those who sacrifice are the ones who truly enjoy. We find happiness by doing good to others and by sacrificing.  Wherever we live, this spirit remains unchanged. We contribute maximum to the societies we live in. In America, be it as doctors, researchers, tech professionals, scientists, or in other professions, you’ve soared high, and the world has witnessed it.  Just a short while ago the T-20 Cricket World Cup was held here and the USA team played amazingly, and the world has also seen the contribution of the Indians living here in that team.

    Friends, 

    For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but I believe AI stands for America-India. This America-India spirit is the AI power of the new world, elevating Bharat-America relations. I salute all of you, the Indian diaspora. 

    Friends, 

    Wherever I go in the world, I hear nothing but praise for the Indian diaspora from every leader. Just yesterday, President Biden invited me to his home in Delaware. His warmth and hospitality were truly touching. This honour is for 140 crore Indians, for your hard work, for the millions of Indians living here. I extend my gratitude to President Biden and to all of you. 

    Friends, 

    The year 2024 is crucial for the world. On one side, we see conflicts and tensions among nations, while on the other, some countries are celebrating democracy. Bharat and America are together in this celebration of democracy. Elections are upcoming here in the U.S., while Bharat has already held its elections. These elections in Bharat were the largest in human history. You can imagine: almost double the number of voters as the total population of the U.S., and more voters than the entire population of Europe! So many people cast their votes in Bharat. When we see the scale of Bharat’s democracy, it fills us with pride. A three-month-long polling process, 15 million polling staff, over a million polling stations, more than 2,500 political parties, more than 8,000 candidates, thousands of newspapers in different languages, hundreds of radio stations, TV news channels, millions of social media accounts, lakhs of social media channels—all of this makes Bharat’s democracy vibrant. It’s an era of expanding freedom of expression, and our electoral process undergoes scrutiny at this level.

    And friends, 

    This long election process has led to something unprecedented in Bharat this time. What happened? What happened? What happened? ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—), ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—), ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—)!

    Friends, 

    Our government has been re-elected for the third time. This hadn’t happened in Bharat in the last 60 years. The mandate the people of Bharat has given us is huge and significant. In this third term, we have even greater goals to achieve. We must move forward with three times the strength and three times the speed. You’ll remember one word: PUSHP (flower). Yes, consider it a lotus, I have no objections. PUSHP, and I define this PUSHP. P for Progressive Bharat, U for Unstoppable Bharat, S for Spiritual Bharat, H for Humanity First Bharat, and P for Prosperous Bharat. Together, these five petals of PUSHP will shape a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

    Friends, 

    I am the first Prime Minister of Bharat born after independence. During the freedom struggle, millions of Indians dedicated their lives to Swaraj (self-rule). They didn’t think of their personal interests or comfort zones; they forgot everything and fought against the British. Some were hanged, some were shot, some endured torturous imprisonment, and many spent their youth in jail.

    Friends, 

    We couldn’t die for our country, but we can surely live for it. Dying wasn’t in our destiny, but living is our destiny. Right from day one, my mind and mission has been clear. I couldn’t give my life for ‘Swaraj’ (independence), but I decided to dedicate my life to ‘Suraj’ (good governance) and a ‘Samridh’ (prosperous) Bharat. A large part of my life was spent wandering across the country for years. Wherever I found food, I ate; wherever I found a place to sleep, I slept. From the shores of the ocean to the mountains, from deserts to snow-covered peaks, I met people from every region, got to know and understand them. I gained first-hand experience of my country’s life, its culture, and its challenges. Though my path was different, destiny brought me into politics. I never imagined becoming a Chief Minister, but I became Gujarat’s longest-serving CM for 13 years. I remained Gujarat’s Chief Minister for 13 years and then people promoted me to Prime Minister. But the lessons I learned traveling through the country have shaped my governance model, both at the state and central levels. Over the past 10 years, the success of this governance model is evident to you and the world. And now, with great trust, the people of Bharat have given me a third term. I approach this third term with three times the sense of responsibility.

    Friends, 

    Today, Bharat is one of the world’s youngest nations. Bharat is filled with energy and dreams. Every day, new records are being set. Every day, new news. Just today, we received great news: Bharat won gold in both men’s and women’s categories at the Chess Olympiad. But let me tell you one more thing, which will require even more applause. For the first time in nearly 100 years, this has happened! The whole country and every Indian is proud of our chess players. There’s another AI driving Bharat. And what is that? It is A for Aspirational and I for Bharat: Aspirational Bharat. This is our new energy. The aspirations of millions of Indians are driving Bharat’s growth. Every aspiration is giving rise to new achievements, and every achievement is fuelling new aspirations. In just one decade, Bharat has risen from the 10th to the 5th largest economy. Now every Indian wants Bharat to quickly become the third-largest economy. Today, a large section of Bharat’s population has seen their basic needs met. Over the past 10 years, crores of people have gained access to clean cooking gas, piped water, electricity, and toilets. These crores of people now aspire to a better quality of life.

    Friends,

    Now, the people of Bharat don’t just want roads; they want magnificent expressways. Now, the people of Bharat don’t just want rail connectivity; they want high-speed trains. Every city in Bharat aspires to have metro services, and every city wants its own airport. Every citizen, whether from a village or a city, wants world-class facilities, and we are seeing the results of these aspirations. In 2014, only 5 cities in Bharat had metro services; today, 23 cities have metros. Bharat now has the second-largest metro network in the world, and it is expanding every day.

    Friends,

    In 2014, only 70 cities in Bharat had airports; today, more than 140 cities have airports. In 2014, fewer than 100 gram panchayats had broadband connectivity; today, more than 200,000 panchayats have it. In 2014, Bharat had around 140 million LPG consumers; today, the number has risen to over 310 million. What used to take years to accomplish is now being completed in months. There is a new confidence in Bharat’s people, a determination to reach their goals. Development in Bharat is becoming a people’s movement, and every Indian is becoming an equal partner in this movement of development. They believe in Bharat’s success and in its achievements.

    Friends,

    Today, Bharat is a land of opportunities. Bharat no longer waits for opportunities; Bharat creates opportunities. Over the past 10 years, Bharat has prepared a new launching pad for opportunities in every sector. Look at this – just in the last decade, and this will make you proud, 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty. How did this happen? It happened because we changed the old mindset and approach. We focused on empowering the poor. We connected more than 500 million people to the banking system, provided more than 550 million people with free medical treatment up to 500,000 rupees, gave over 40 million families proper housing, and through collateral-free loans, we provided millions of people with ease of credit. Many such initiatives helped people lift themselves out of poverty, and those who have emerged from poverty today form the neo-middle class, which is driving Bharat’s development at a faster pace.

    Friends,

    We have prioritized women-led development alongside women’s welfare. The crores of houses built by the government have been registered in the name of women. Out of the crores of bank accounts opened, more than half were in women’s names. Over the past decade, 10 crore Indian women have joined the Micro Entrepreneurship Scheme. Let me give you another example. We are making significant efforts to integrate agriculture with technology in Bharat, and today, drones are being used extensively in farming. While drones may not be new to you, what might surprise you is this: do you know who is taking responsibility for them? It’s rural women. We are training thousands of women to become drone pilots, and this remarkable technological revolution in agriculture is being driven by rural women.

    Friends,

    The areas once neglected have now become national priorities. Bharat is more connected today than ever before. You may be astonished to learn the current size of Bharat’s 5G market. Would you mind if I told you? Today, Bharat’s 5G market is larger than that of the United States, and this achievement has been made within just two years. Now, Bharat is working on Made-in-India 6G. How did this happen? It happened because we devised policies to advance this sector. We invested in Made-in-India technology, affordable data, and mobile phone manufacturing. Today, nearly every major mobile brand in the world is Made in India. Bharat is now the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally. There was a time, before my tenure, when we were importing mobile phones; today, we are exporting them.

    Friends, Bharat no longer lags behind. Now, Bharat creates new systems and leads the way. Bharat has introduced the world to a new concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). DPI has promoted equality and become a powerful tool in reducing corruption. Bharat’s UPI is now capturing the world’s attention. While you may have a wallet in your pocket, in Bharat, people have both physical wallets and e-wallets on their phones. Many Indians no longer carry physical documents, as they now use DigiLocker. When travelling to airports, they seamlessly use DigiYatra. This has become the launching pad for digital public infrastructure, innovation, job creation, and every related technology.

    Friends,

    Bharat will not stop now, nor will it slow down. Bharat envisions a future where as many global devices as possible operate on Made-in-India chips. We have made the semiconductor sector the foundation of Bharat’s accelerated growth. In June last year, Bharat announced incentives for the semiconductor industry, and just a few months later, the foundation stone for Micron’s first semiconductor unit was laid. To date, five such units have been approved in Bharat. The day is not far when you will see Made-in-India chips here in America as well. This small chip will elevate Bharat’s journey towards development to unprecedented heights, and that’s Modi’s promise.

    Friends,

    The resolve and commitment towards reforms in Bharat today are unprecedented. Our Green Energy Transition Programme is a prime example of this. Despite accounting for 17 percent of the world’s population, Bharat’s contribution to global carbon emissions is only 4 percent. We played no part in harming the planet. In fact, compared to the rest of the world, our impact is nearly negligible. We, too, could have fuelled our growth by relying on carbon emissions, but we chose the path of green transition, guided by our deep-rooted respect for nature. As a result, we are investing heavily in solar, wind, hydro, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy. Bharat was the first country in the G20 to achieve the Paris climate goals. Since 2014, our solar energy capacity has increased by over 30 times. We are working to make every home in the country a solar-powered home. To achieve this, we have launched an extensive rooftop solar mission. Today, our railway stations and airports are transitioning to solar energy. From homes to streets, Bharat has embarked on a journey towards energy-efficient lighting. These efforts are generating a large number of green jobs in Bharat.

    Friends,

    21st-century Bharat is advancing through education, skills, research, and innovation. You are all familiar with the name Nalanda University. Not long ago, Bharat’s ancient Nalanda University was revived in a modern form. Today, it’s not only the university but also the spirit of Nalanda that is being reborn. We are creating a modern educational ecosystem that attracts students from across the globe to come to Bharat and study. Over the past 10 years, something remarkable has happened in Bharat. In this period, one new university has been built in Bharat every week, two new colleges have been established every day, and one new ITI has opened each day. In a decade, the number of IIITs has risen from 9 to 25, IIMs from 13 to 21, and AIIMS has tripled to 22. The number of medical colleges has nearly doubled in the same period. Today, even the world’s top universities are coming to Bharat. Bharat is now renowned. The world has long witnessed the power of Indian designers; now it will witness the brilliance of ‘Design in India’.

    Friends,

    Today, Bharat’s partnerships are expanding globally. Previously, Bharat followed a policy of Equal Distance, but now it embraces a policy of Equal Proximity. We are also becoming a strong voice for the Global South. You may have noticed that, due to Bharat’s initiative, the African Union was granted permanent membership at the G20 Summit. Today, when Bharat speaks on the global stage, the world listens. Not long ago, when I said, “This is not the era of war,” the gravity of the statement was understood worldwide.

    Friends,

    Whenever there is a crisis anywhere in the world, Bharat is one of the first to respond. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we sent vaccines and medicines to over 150 countries. Whether it was an earthquake, a cyclone, or a civil war, we were among the first to offer assistance. This is a reflection of the values and teachings passed down by our ancestors.
    Friends,

    Bharat is emerging as a new catalyst on the global stage, and its influence will be felt across all sectors. Bharat’s role will be crucial in accelerating global growth, promoting global peace, advancing climate action, closing the global skills gap, driving innovation, and stabilising the global supply chain.

    Friends,

    For Bharat, power and capability are symbolised by “ज्ञानायदानायचरक्षणाय”, meaning knowledge is for sharing, wealth is for caring, and power is for protecting. Therefore, Bharat’s priority is not to impose its dominance but to enhance its influence. We are not like fire that burns; we are like the sun’s rays that provide light. We do not seek to dominate the world but to contribute to its prosperity. Whether it’s promoting yoga, advocating for superfood millets, or championing the Mission LiFE vision (Lifestyle for the Environment), Bharat is prioritizing human-centric growth alongside GDP-centric growth. I urge you all to promote Mission LiFE as much as possible here. Small changes in our lifestyle can have a significant positive impact on the environment.

    You may have heard, and perhaps some of you have already participated, in a movement that’s gaining momentum in Bharat. Across the country, people are planting a tree in honour of their mothers (Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam). If your mother is alive, plant a tree along with her. If she is no longer with us, plant a tree in her memory – carry a picture of her with you and plant a tree. This movement is taking place in every corner of Bharat, and I encourage all of you to initiate a similar campaign here. This will not only honour the mothers who gave us life but also our Mother Earth.

    Friends,

    Bharat today dreams big and pursues those dreams with determination. The Paris Olympics concluded just a few days ago, and the next host will be the USA. Soon, you will also witness the Olympics being held in Bharat. We are making every possible effort to host the 2036 Olympics. Whether in sports, business, or entertainment, Bharat has become a centre of global attraction. Today, Indian leagues like the IPL rank among the world’s top leagues, and Indian films are making waves internationally. Bharat is also soaring in global tourism. There is a growing interest in celebrating Indian festivals across different countries. I notice that people in cities everywhere are now learning Garba for Navratri—this reflects their love for Bharat.

    Friends,

    Today, every country seeks to learn more about Bharat. I have something else that will bring you joy. Just yesterday, America returned 300 ancient inscriptions and statues to Bharat, some as old as 1,500 to 2,000 years, which had been stolen from Bharat So far, the United States has returned around 500 such artefacts to Bharat. This is not just about the return of a few items; it is a tribute to our rich heritage spanning thousands of years. It is a matter of pride for Bharat and for all of you. I am deeply grateful to the US government for this gesture.

    Friends,

    The partnership between Bharat and the United States is growing stronger by the day. Our collaboration is for the benefit of the world. We are enhancing cooperation across all sectors, and your convenience has been taken into account as well. Last year, I announced that our government would open a new Consulate in Seattle, which has now become operational. I had also sought your suggestions for the opening of two more consulates, and I am pleased to inform you that, based on your feedback, Bharat has decided to open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles.

    I am also delighted to announce the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Chair for Tamil Studies at the University of Houston. This will further help in propagating the philosophy of the great Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar to the world.

    Friends,

    This event of yours has truly been remarkable. The cultural programme that took place here was fantastic. I have been informed that thousands of people wished to attend this event, but the venue proved to be too small. I apologise to those whom I couldn’t meet today. I look forward to meeting all of you next time, at another venue on another day. However, I know the enthusiasm will remain the same, and the passion will remain undiminished. May you all stay healthy and prosperous, and continue to strengthen the India-US friendship. With these wishes, I extend my heartfelt thanks to you all!

    Join me in saying:

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Many thanks.

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy Development – Carterton solar farm granted fast track consent – EPA

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    An independent panel has approved resource consent, subject to conditions, for a solar farm in Carterton, Wairarapa.
    Harmony Energy NZ #2 applied for resource consent under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020.
    The project involves constructing and operating a solar farm on approximately 156 hectares of land to supply electricity to the national grid. It includes installing approximately 240,000 solar panels and constructing power stations, a substation, a transformer, and a transmission line.
    The resource consent conditions are in the decision report on the page linked below.
    The decision comes 181 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.
    The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel convenor, Judge Laurie Newhook, and the expert consenting panel he appoints.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mount Royal National Park hazard reduction burn 24 September 2024

    Source: New South Wales Environment and Heritage

    A 140-hectare burn will take place adjacent to Kurranulla Creek, on the southernmost tip of Mount Royal National Park, east of Muswellbrook, and 5 km due north of Carrowbrook.

    The burn will begin in the morning, with crews continuing into the late evening. Crews will be present for a number of days after the burn.

    The low intensity burn is being undertaken to reduce fuel loads in the area and protect neighbouring properties.

    NPWS will be assisted by the NSW Rural Fire Service.

    Smoke may be visible and impact on the area around Carrowbrook and Mount Royal for a number of days. Motorists should exercise caution when driving along roads in the area.

    People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and follow their health plan.

    This burn is one of many hazard reduction operations undertaken by NPWS each year, many with assistance from the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.

    All burns around the state are coordinated with the NSW Rural Fire Service to ensure the impact on the community is assessed at a regional level.

    People with known health conditions can sign up to receive air quality reports, forecasts and alerts via email or SMS from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

    For health information relating to smoke from bushfires and hazard reduction burns, visit NSW Health or Asthma Australia.

    More information on hazard reduction activities is available at NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW Government’s Hazard’s Near Me website and app.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Greg Landsman misleads voters in campaign ad

    Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    September 20, 2024

    Sleazy politician Greg Landsman has been caught misleading voters in his campaign ad, where he claims “Members of Congress are using insider information to get rich trading stocks. That’s crazy,” and “I don’t take corporate PAC money because I want you to know I’m with you and not billionaires.”

    Well, a new report shows Landsman actually failed to disclose his own transactions for months—a violation of the STOCK Act. He also held shares in oil and pharmaceutical companies—industries he’s railed against

    “Sleazy politician Greg Landsman is engaging in more sleazy politics… not surprising! Ohio voters deserve transparency from their representative — not lies in campaign ads just to score a vote.” — NRCC Spokesman Mike Marinella

    Read more from the Washington Free Beacon here or see excerpts below.

    Dem Rep. Greg Landsman, An Aggressive Financial Ethics Crusader, Failed To Disclose His Stock Trades
    The Washington Free Beacon 
    Meghan Blonder 
    September 19, 2024

    Rep. Greg Landsman (D., Ohio) has spent years pushing government ethics reforms and demanding more financial transparency from public officials. But the congressman failed to disclose his own transactions for months—a violation of the STOCK Act, a campaign finance expert told the Washington Free Beacon.
     
    As a Cincinnati city councilman, Landsman introduced reforms “aimed at restoring public trust in government,” such as an ethics commission “tasked with local reporting of financial disclosure forms” and investigating complaints, CityBeat reported in 2020. He continued his ethics crusade after winning a House seat, claiming this month in a reelection ad that “members of Congress are using insider information to get rich trading stocks. That’s crazy.”
     
    But Landsman filed a required disclosure form in August showing that he failed to report more than 87 financial transactions within the legally required timeframe. That failure, according to Craig Holman, an ethics lobbyist with the progressive think tank Public Citizen, is a violation of the STOCK Act, a 2012 law intended to combat insider trading through financial transparency. The August disclosure also showed Landsman held shares in oil and pharmaceutical companies—industries he’s railed against.
     
    “Rep. Landsman is required to file a periodic transaction report no later than 45 days after each transaction,” Craig Holman told the Free Beacon. The majority of Landsman’s transactions, 63, were from 2023, with 19 dating back to January that year. Each violation carries a $200 penalty.
     
    […]
     
    Still, the Democrat’s failure stands at odds with his aggressive advocacy for financial transparency for government officials. In 2020, then-councilman Landsman pushed several local reforms following Cincinnati corruption scandals. In addition to the ethics commission, he proposed hiring a chief ethics officer and creating mechanisms to punish or even remove officials who violate campaign finance rules.
     
    “We need people to know that this is a highly effective government, one that is fair, and one that people can trust. We also need good people in public service to stay, and for good people considering public service to join what I believe to be incredibly important and noble work,” Landsman told CityBeat at the time.
     
    In his September reelection ad, Landsman called Washington “a mess.”
     
    “I don’t take corporate PAC money because I want you to know I’m with you and not billionaires,” Landsman said.
     
    His belated financial disclosure, meanwhile, showed he held shares in some of the most profitable companies of all time, including Nvidia, BlackRock, CrowdStrike, Amazon, and Microsoft. It also showed he bought and sold stocks in Diamondback Energy, an oil and natural gas company, as well as in Horizon Therapeutics, formerly Horizon Pharma.
     
    In March 2022, Landsman accused his opponent, then-Rep. Steven Chabot (R.), of being beholden to those industries.
     
    “He’ll be with Big Pharma and Big Oil. I’ll be with our children and families,” he wrote.
     
    The next month, Landsman published a press release titled “Pharma Over Families: Chabot Chooses Chaos in Fight to Lower Costs” and called out political contributions his opponent received from pharmaceutical companies.
     
    “[T]hat’s whose side he’s on…not ours,” Landsman wrote.
     
    Landsman bought and sold up to $30,000 in Horizon shares between January and February 2023, while his wife sold as much as $15,000, according to his financial disclosure. He also bought up to $65,000 in Diamondback shares and sold up to $30,000 between January 2023 and July 2024.
     
    Landsman spent his 2022 congressional campaign criticizing oil and gas companies, calling them “out of control.”
     
    “Oil and gas corporations are making record profits right now,” he posted to X. “They’re price gouging. It’s outrageous, totally unfair to our working families, and a disaster for our economy.”
     
    Landsman’s 2024 campaign website says he’s fighting to “hold polluters accountable” and is working to direct federal funds to “renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental restoration in Southwest Ohio.”
     
    Diamondback focuses on the “acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin in West Texas,” its website states.
     
    Helwig did not comment on the Free Beacon inquiries about Landsman’s specific investments.
     
    This is not the first time Landsman failed in his responsibilities to the government. In March 2022, the state of Ohio filed a tax lien against the Democrat and ordered him to pay interest on unpaid taxes he owed through his accounting firm Landsman & Associates, the Free Beacon previously reported. Still, Landsman voted eight times to raise taxes and fees over a four-year period as a city councilman—even as he acknowledged his constituents were “struggling.”
     
    The Landsman household income, according to finance documents, totaled more than $380,000 in 2022. During a debate, the Ohio Democrat described the rising inflationary costs of gas and groceries as “very frustrating” for him and his wife.

    Read more here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Manitoba’s Affordable Energy Plan Launches Historic Partnerships in Wind Generation

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    September 20, 2024

    Manitoba’s Affordable Energy Plan Launches Historic Partnerships in Wind Generation

    – – –
    Next Generation of Energy Will Keep Rates Low for All Manitobans: Kinew

    The Manitoba government is unveiling the plan to build the next generation of affordable energy, Premier Wab Kinew, Finance Minister Adrien Sala, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, and Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today.

    “We are giving you the freedom to make climate-friendly choices by making those choices more affordable,” said Kinew. “Building more energy capacity starts with a new government-to-government partnership in wind, the best source of new clean energy. By building out the grid we’ll keep rates low for everyone and put more Manitobans to work in good union jobs. Together we’ll build the next generation of affordable energy to power Manitoba’s future.”

    For the first time in the province’s history, the Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan formalizes into government policy Indigenous-owned, utility-scale electricity resource supply through the creation of government-to-government partnerships with Indigenous nations in wind generation, while ensuring Manitoba Hydro stays public.

    “Manitoba has some of the lowest energy costs in the country, thanks to decades of investment in Manitoba Hydro’s clean energy grid and skilled workforce,” said Sala. “But we can’t just take it for granted. Now it’s time to build on our advantage to ensure we have low rates, good jobs and clean energy for years to come.”

    Other actions in the plan include:

    • Creating an Indigenous loan-guarantee program to provide First Nations and Métis the capital support and capacity to participate in the energy transition and finance new partnerships in wind generation.
    • Refurbishing Manitoba Hydro generating stations to unlock up to 200 megawatts of power.
    • Ending the first-come, first-served approach for large grid connection to better align with Manitoba’s economic development goals.
    • Strengthening energy codes for homes and buildings to generate long-term energy savings for Manitoba families.
    • Stronger oversight of the oil and gas sector with regular provincial inspections to ensure environmental safety and reliability.
    • Installing new Manitoba Hydro owned and operated public electric vehicle chargers.
    • A renewed focus on energy security with stronger protections in place for procurement and data management to keep Manitoba’s energy supply safe and secure.

    “Our plan supports Manitoba’s path to net zero emissions by 2050 and will help us protect our air, land and water for future generations,” said Schmidt. “By making clean energy choices more affordable, we’ll help families save money while they save energy.”

    To read the plan, visit https://manitoba.ca/energyplan.

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S Navy to Christen Future USNS Lucy Stone

    Source: United States Navy

    The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, will deliver the ceremonial principal address. Remarks will also be provided by the Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment, Vice Adm. Jeffery T. Jablon, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics, and David J. Carver, President, General Dynamics NASSCO. In the time-honored Navy tradition, the ship’s sponsors and U.S. Navy ship introduction specialists who have helped bring to life over 100 ships in the past 20 years, Alicia Aadnesen and Debbie Simmons, will christen the ship with the traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow.

    The ship is named for American suffragist Lucy Stone, who joined other notable advocates such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Ernestine Rose, and Antoinette Brown Blackwell to petition for suffrage and abolition in the 19th century. Her efforts as a founder of the Women’s National Loyal League were essential to the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery.

    “Lucy Stone’s legacy of leadership and advocacy for equality reflects the values we uphold in the U.S Navy,” said Secretary Del Toro. “USNS Lucy Stone stands as a testament to our commitment to operational excellence and is a proud moment as we continue to build and strengthen our maritime capabilities.”

    The future USNS Lucy Stone will be the fifth Lewis-class fleet replenisher oiler and will be operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. The oilers feature a substantial volume for oil, significant dry cargo capacity and aviation capability. T-AOs provide additional capacity to the Navy’s Combat Logistical Force and become the cornerstone of the fuel delivery system.

    PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s largest acquisition organizations, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, auxiliary ships, special mission ships, sealift ships and support ships.

    Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. More information on the Fleet Replenishment Oilers can be found at: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2222909/fleet-replenishment-oilers-t-ao/

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Barrasso, Daines Team Up to Combat Workforce Housing Shortage at National Parks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Steve Daines (R-MT), chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on National Parks respectively, and John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, have introduced bipartisan legislation to help combat the housing shortage that the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Forest Service and other land management agency employees are facing across the country. The Land Manager Housing and Workforce Improvement Act would authorize the NPS, U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to expand their authority to secure and build more workforce housing on or close to the federal lands. The legislation is especially needed in Maine; just months ago, a fundraiser was held in Bar Harbor to create additional housing for up to 300 seasonal workers at Acadia National Park.
    “Every corner of Maine and the country is being impacted by the housing crisis — and our National Parks are no exception,” said Senator King, Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee. “The lack of safe, quality housing that doesn’t break the bank has made it difficult for park employees, and those who are called to preserve our public lands, to live in the communities they serve. The bipartisan Land Manager Housing and Workforce Improvement Act is a commonsense step, that allows the National Park Service and Forest Service use new approaches and public-private partnerships to combat the housing shortage. While this bill won’t solve the shortage on its own, it is a key part of a wider strategy to support our Parks and Forest Service employees. Safe, quality, and affordable housing is critical to ensuring that our parks stay staffed and open, and that visitors fully appreciate ‘America’s Best Idea.’”
    “Wyoming is home to the most beautiful national parks in the country. We are blessed to host millions of visitors from across the country and around the world each year,” said Senator Barrasso, ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “To continue to do so, employees of the National Park Service and the Forest Service need access to affordable and adequate housing on or near the lands where they work. Our bipartisan bill will help address the growing demand for housing by making it possible for these agencies to partner with the private sector to find solutions to the housing shortage.
    “This legislation will provide much-needed housing relief to Montanans who are living paycheck to paycheck and bearing the brunt of the Biden-Harris administration’s sky-high inflation,” said Senator Daines. “By prioritizing National Park Service workforce housing and supporting local gateway communities, we are one step closer towards addressing the housing shortage both in Montana and across the U.S.”
    Specifically the Land Manager Housing and Workforce Improvement Act would authorize:
    the National Park Service (NPS) to engage philanthropic partners to address workforce housing needs through matching grants and other cooperative efforts;
    the Secretary of the Interior to use income from rent for the development, construction, rehabilitation, and management of workforce housing;
    the Secretary of the Interior to enter into contracts for workforce housing within the private sector; and
    the secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to hire to fill vacant positions at NPS and Forest Service units if government housing is not available.
    As Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks and a lifelong advocate for conservation, Senator King has spent decades championing environmental stewardship and advocacy. Senator King was an active participant in discussions to ensure that the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument would not be designated against the will of local citizens. Prior to rising to the position of National Parks Subcommittee Chairman, Senator King also led the Great American Outdoors Act to address the $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks. For his continued leadership, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation “Hero” Award.
    Senator King has also long been committed to ensuring Maine people across the state can access safe and affordable housing, as well as working with his colleagues on creative solutions to combat the housing shortage. He introduced the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to create nearly two million new affordable homes across the country — including thousands in Maine. He also worked with his Republican colleagues to improve affordability of rural homes and farms through the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act of 2023 and the Farmhouse-to Workforce Housing Act. Additionally, he has worked to expand affordable workforce housing on Mount Desert Island to support the economic development surrounding Acadia National Park. Earlier this year, he co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to expand affordable housing availability in Maine through redevelopment of historic buildings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB at #UNGA79: Strengthening the multilateral system, reinforcing investment in global health and climate finance

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • President Nadia Calviño leads EIB delegation to 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
    • The EIB will announce new initiatives on financing global health, and climate.
    • Multilateral Development Banks present latest climate finance effort of $125 billion.

    At the 79th United Nations General Assembly, European Investment Bank (EIB) President Nadia Calviño will join partners and global leaders to present new solutions and innovative financing approaches to tackle global challenges.

    The EIB initiatives include support for women’s health with the Gates Foundation, the launch of new investment plans to strengthen primary healthcare alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO). EIB President Calviño will be accompanied by Vice-Presidents Ambroise Fayolle and Thomas Östros. She will be meeting heads of United Nations agencies, Multilateral Development Banks and leading private sector figures to explore ways of deepening collaboration. 

    President Calviño said: “We are proud to contribute to the UN Summit of the Future to create and scale up solutions for today’s challenges, paving the way for a stronger, more inclusive and connected multilateralism. That’s what we are here to do – with a focus on high-impact investments outside the EU – we are announcing new projects and initiatives alongside our partners to deliver primary health care, women’s health, as well as stepping up finance for  climate action and resilience.” 

    Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) today announced that their global climate finance reached a record high of $125 billion in 2023. Mobilised global private finance nearly doubled to $101 billion compared to 2022. The combined total climate finance from the MDBs, including the European Investment Bank, is more than double the amount provided in 2019, when MDBs announced their ambition to increase climate finance volumes over time at the United Nations Secretary General’s Climate Action Summit.

    Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle, responsible for Climate Action and Just Transition at the EIB, said: “The combined efforts from the world’s Multilateral Development Banks to deliver $125 billion in direct investments last year for climate action sends the strong message that the MDBs are working as a system to deliver and that the global community can count on MDBs, including the EIB, to accelerate global climate action. As the largest multilateral lender for climate action projects, the EIB will continue to support high impact operations such as breakthrough technologies, climate adaptation and a just transition for the most vulnerable to climate change. To make the green transition a success, we must make sure that climate action works for everybody.”

    On 23rd September, Multilateral Banks will also come together in New York on the margins of the United Nations for a high-level roundtable on the new Health Impact Investment Platform for primary healthcare financing co-hosted by the EIB and the World Health Organisation. The roundtable will spotlight country-level action to boost community based health and vaccination. The event will be livestreamed on EIB and WHO channels.

    Vice-President Thomas Östros, responsible for Health financing and Energy said: “Our collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic showed that we can achieve more when we work together. It also highlighted the need for greater collaboration to address current global health challenges and to prepare for potential future emergencies. In the coming days, we will announce new initiatives that I believe will significantly enhance the health of communities worldwide”.                                                        

    EIB at UNGA

    The EIB delegation will be participating in a number of events on the margins  of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA). President Calviño and Vice-President Fayolle will take part in a Project Syndicate event on Climate Finance on Sunday 22nd September which also includes Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados,  Gabriel Boric, President of Chile, Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil, Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund and Mukhtar Babayev, President-Designate of COP29 and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan.

    A fireside chat on 23rd September 11.00 EDT between President Calviño and WHO Director-General Dr.Tedros Ghebreyesus will be livestreamed on UN and EIB channels, as part of the SDG Media Zone events.

    Media interviews

    For interview requests with members of the EIB delegation please get in touch with the .

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It is active in more than 160 countries and makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm dedicated to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance.  EIB Global is designed to foster strong, focused partnership within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions, and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Climate finance by multilateral development banks hits record in 2023

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Sum for low-and middle-income economies was $74.7 billion, including $24.7 billion for climate change adaptation  
    • MDBs committed record $125 billion last year for climate action worldwide
    • Mobilised global private finance nearly doubled to $101 billion compared to 2022

    Multilateral development banks (MDBs) announced today that their global climate finance reached a record high of $125 billion in 2023. The combined total last year from institutions, including the European Investment Bank, is more than double the amount provided in 2019, when MDBs announced their ambition to increase climate volumes over time at the United Nations Secretary General’s Climate Action Summit.

    Low and middle-income economies

    Last year, $74.7 billion of MDB climate finance were for low- and middle-income economies. Of this sum, 67% – or $50 billion – went to climate change mitigation and $24.7 billion, or 33%, for climate change adaptation. The amount of mobilised private finance for this group of countries stood at $28.5 billion.

    High-income economies

    In 2023, $50.3 billion were allocated for high-income economies. Of this amount, $47.3 billion, or 94%, were for climate change mitigation and the remaining $3 billion or 6% were for climate change adaptation. The amount of mobilised private finance for high-income countries stood at $72.7 billion.

    Climate finance in focus at COP29

    Today’s announcement comes in the run-up to the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Climate Change Conference that will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024. One of the key deliverables of COP29 is to increase global climate finance and reach agreement on the new collective quantified goal on climate finance.

    EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle said: “Nearly halfway into the critical decade, we must continue to work hard if we are to keep the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5ºC within reach. Since 2019, multilateral development banks have increased their collective climate financing year on year, exceeding our joint targets. In addition, we are strengthening our cooperation to maximise impact for people and the planet through coordinated country-level support for a just transition away from fossil fuels and more work on adaptation and disaster risk management. Ahead of COP29, today’s announcement of $125 billion in climate finance sends the strong message that the MDB system is delivering and that the global community can count on MDBs, including the EIB, to accelerate global climate action.”

    The EIB delivered record volumes of $42.1 billion of climate finance in high-income economies and $4 billion for low- and middle-income economies through its specialised development arm EIB Global. The EIB mobilised global private finance of $53 billion.

    Transparent joint reporting on climate finance

    The Joint Report on Multilateral Development Banks’ Climate Finance is an annual collaboration to publish MDBs’ climate finance figures, together with a clear explanation of the methodologies for tracking this finance. The joint report, along with the banks’ independent publication of their own climate finance statistics, is intended to monitor progress in relation to their joint climate finance objectives such as those announced at COP21 and the greater ambition pledged for the post-2020 period.

    The 2023 multilateral development bank report, coordinated and prepared for publishing by the European Investment Bank (EIB), combines data from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the EIB, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the New Development Bank (NDB) and the World Bank Group (WBG).

    For an overview of the key figures click here

    Read the report here

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It is active in more than 160 countries and makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

    • In 2019, the EIB’s updated Energy Lending Policy was adopted to end financing to any unabated fossil fuels energy projects, including natural gas, the first MDB to do so.
    • In 2021, the EIB became the first MDB to align its financial activities with the Paris Agreement.
    • Through its Climate Bank Roadmap the EIB Group aims to support €1 trillion of investment in climate action and environmental sustainability through the critical decade, 2021-2030.
    • With a commitment to increase investment in climate action and environmental sustainability to more than 50% of the EIB’s annual lending by 2025 – last year that was exceeded with 60%.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm dedicated to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance.  EIB Global is designed to foster strong, focused partnership within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions, and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strong Introduces Legislation to increase Tennessee Valley power generation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)

    Washington, D.C.  — This week, Congressman Dale W. Strong (AL-05) introduced legislation to advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and micro-reactors in the U.S.  

    To achieve this goal, the Department of Energy will be required to construct and demonstrate two near-term SMR or micro-reactor projects that can be fully deployed by 2034. At least one of these projects must be located on or adjacent to an operating or retired nuclear reactor site. 

     

    Bellefonte Nuclear Plant, an unfinished Tennessee Valley Authority asset, is one such site that would qualify under this legislation. 

     

    “North Alabama has seen tremendous population growth and economic expansion in the last two decades, and I am committed to ensuring we make enough power to fuel North Alabama residents and businesses,”said Congressman Strong.“Winter Storm Elliott was a wake-up call for us all. To avoid shortages in the future, we must be constantly investing in modern energy sources to power our economy for the next generation.” 

     

    Fellow North Alabama Representative Robert Aderholt (AL-04) co-sponsored Strong’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Demonstration Act of 2024. 

     

    “Our nation’s energy policy must reflect a commitment to increasing energy production so those in North Alabama, and across the nation, will always have access to power when they need it most,” said Congressman Aderholt.“Residents of Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District should never be subjected to a lack of power or lack of economic opportunities due to electric providers not being able to produce adequate energy supplies. This is why this bill is so important. Those in rural areas of the nation, like my district, will benefit greatly from the use of SMRs.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Announces $200 Million for Moses Lake’s Group 14 to Help Power America’s Battery Manufacturing Sector, Create 300 Local Jobs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray is the Chair of the full Senate Appropriations Committee and the subcommittee that funds the Department of Energy, and has made investments in clean energy and American manufacturing and innovation a top funding priority for the federal government
    ICYMI FROM AUGUST 2023: Senator Murray Discusses New Clean Energy Jobs and Opportunities at Big Bend Community College’s Workforce Training Center in Moses Lake
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Energy & Water Development Appropriations subcommittee, announced $200 million in federal funding to help Moses Lake’s Group 14 build a new facility to produce silane. Silane gas is critical for the development and manufacturing of new energy storage devices and advanced batteries. The proposed facility would produce silane in Moses Lake at a significantly reduced capital and energy requirement from the conventional process and be capable of directly feeding silane to multiple silicon anode powder manufacturers via pipeline or container, alleviating a critical bottleneck for the industry.
    “For America to continue building a stronger, cleaner economy and leading the world in new technologies, we have to strengthen our supply chains and invest in bringing the industries that are powering the future to states like Washington—and that’s exactly what this funding from our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will do,” said Senator Murray. “This investment isn’t just bringing hundreds of millions of dollars to Moses Lake, it is bringing hundreds of jobs to Moses Lake and helping our country ramp up production of a key resource that is necessary to make batteries. The new Group14 facility in Washington state will reduce America’s dependence on countries like China for silane gas and provide a crucial foundation to build even more domestic manufacturing of other products for years to come. We are building a stronger clean energy economy while creating good-paying union jobs in our rural communities—this is a win for Moses Lake, for union workers, our future, and our entire economy.”
    By manufacturing and delivering large commercial volumes of transformational silicon-based anode material named SCC55 , Group14 is seeking to support the global transition from fossil fuels to a green energy future with a net zero-carbon economy.
    However, manufacturing large commercial volumes of silicon-based anode materials in the U.S. requires commensurately large-scale commercial access to silane gas. The objective of this project is to install, commission, and operate a U.S.-based silane manufacturing plant.
    While the largest source of silane today is China, Group14 and other silicon battery companies must strategically source this critical raw material domestically to support EV-scale battery production and reduce foreign battery supply chain dependence. Approximately 80% of the largest available source of silane produced in the U.S. is controlled by a single company and earmarked for solar polysilicon. Additional domestic silane capacity is required to develop the silicon battery industry.
    The proposed project will create more than 300 jobs to construct the plant and retain 150 employees to commission, ramp up, and sustain production. Group14 will be meeting quarterly with the Washington Building Trades to collaborate on ensuring there is a skilled workforce to complete the project on time and on budget. In addition, Group14 will use its Project Advisory Council and Youth Advisory Council for local residents to provide feedback on the project and address issues early on in the project. Group14 anticipates that it will provide funding to help support workforce development in the local community.
    As Appropriations Chair, Senator Murray is supporting key investments to ensure the federal government can deliver grants and loans to develop a diversified portfolio of projects that help deliver a durable and secure battery manufacturing supply chain for the American people. In the Fiscal Year 2025 Senate energy bill Murray authored and passed out of committee, she secured $17.74 billion for the Department of Energy’s non-defense programs, a $296 million increase over Fiscal Year 2024. That funding includes key investments to boost renewable energy and strengthen our energy grid. Murray is currently working to pass this bill into law before the end of the year.
    Murray visited Moses Lake just last year to tour Big Bend Community College’s Workforce Training Center and hold a roundtable discussion on how new clean energy investments are bringing career opportunities to communities like Moses Lake while helping tackle the climate crisis. Murray’s visit came shortly after Group14 broke ground on their battery materials manufacturing facility in Moses Lake—with a boost from climate incentives Murray secured in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Promote U.S.-Israel Energy Development Cooperation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

    Washington DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Brad Schneider (IL-10) announced the introduction Thursday of the BIRD Energy and U.S.-Israel Energy Center Reauthorization Act of 2024. This bipartisan legislation expands upon the U.S.-Israel energy cooperation program, increasing funding and extending the program through 2034 to advance clean energy technologies, improve energy security, and foster economic innovation in both nations.

    The BIRD Energy program has consistently demonstrated its success, supporting 49 projects with a combined investment of more than $38 million. These initiatives have driven advancements in clean energy technologies and fostered strong U.S.-Israel collaboration.

    “By renewing and expanding this vital partnership, we can leverage our combined resources to tackle the most pressing energy challenges of today, while supporting clean energy innovation and job creation in both the U.S. and Israel,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “This legislation will drive advancements in energy storage, cybersecurity for energy infrastructure, renewable energy, and more.”

    “The BIRD Energy partnership allows both the U.S. and Israel to develop the next generation of clean energy technology. This initiative not only strengthens our economic ties but also accelerates innovation, which is the key to protecting our environment while growing our economy,” said Rep. Carter. “Together, we can create a reliable, affordable clean energy sector, and reauthorizing the BIRD program is a critical step in getting us there.”

    “Reauthorizing the BIRD Energy program is an important demonstration of the strong partnership with our ally Israel, making lasting investments in the future of clean energy. By collaborating on cutting-edge technologies, we can enhance our energy security, create good-paying jobs, and contribute to the global fight against climate change,” said Rep. Schneider. “The success of this program proves that when nations come together with a shared goal, we can make meaningful strides toward a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous future.”

    “I am grateful to cosponsor this important bipartisan bill that will further critical U.S.-Israel cooperation on the energies of the future like hydrogen and fusion as well as the technologies to modernize and protect our energy infrastructure. U.S.-Israel energy cooperation brings together the best of both nations’ capabilities to advance our joint energy goals,” said Rep. Wilson “It is imperative that we deepen and expand our cooperation with our valued ally Israel across all sectors to ensure we can meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

    The BIRD Energy program has sparked partnerships between Israel and U.S. companies resulting in the development of innovative flexible solar panels for wireless electronics. Another collaboration led to solar energy production systems that operate over water reservoirs.

    By focusing on innovative solutions like solar energy, smart grid systems, and energy efficiency, BIRD Energy has significantly enhanced both countries’ energy security while contributing to global progress in the clean energy sector.

    The U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation program, established in 2009, has supported the commercialization of clean energy technologies and played a key role in improving both countries’ energy competitiveness. Read the entire bill here.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: September 20th, 2024 Heinrich, Boozman Introduce Bipartisan Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Bill extends the wildly successful Every Kid Outdoors Program that Heinrich helped to establish in 2019 to provide all American fourth graders and their families free national park access

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and John Boozman (R-Ark.) introduced their bipartisan Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act to provide free access to national parks and other public lands to all American fourth grade students and their families, through 2031.

    “As a father and a former outdoor educator, I know firsthand how much of a difference getting outside can make for our kids,” said Heinrich. “I’m so proud of the doors we have opened to our public lands for fourth graders and their families since we passed my Every Kid Outdoors Act into law five years ago. Now, we can double down on this successful program, turning our national parks and other public lands into outdoor classrooms with endless opportunities for children to learn and families to make new memories.”

    “Introducing young Americans to our national parks inspires an appreciation for the lands and resources that help define our country. I’m proud to support this legislation that allows the next generation to discover our national treasures and explore the outdoors,”said Boozman.

    Starting in 2015, the U.S. Department of the Interior has offered fourth graders and their families free entrance to all federally managed public lands. Heinrich led the original bipartisan effort in Congress, alongside then-U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) to codify the Every Kid Outdoors program into law. Heinrich and Alexander’s Every Kid Outdoors Act passed in 2019 as part of the larger John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. 

    The authorization under Heinrich’s original legislation is currently scheduled to expire in 2026. Heinrich and Boozman’s Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act would extend the authorization for the program through 2031.

    Full text of the Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act can be found HERE.

    The Every Kid Outdoors program has been wildly successful at encouraging tens of thousands of children and their families to explore America’s public lands, waters, and historic sites, including national parks – more than 2,000 sites in all. In 2023, Every Kid Outdoors vouchers helped create free admission for 11,805 visits to New Mexico public lands, including 879 visits to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, 295 visits to Bandelier National Monument, and 396 visits to White Sands National Park.

    Support for the Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act:

    The Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act has garnered widespread support, including endorsements from The Wilderness Society, the Sierra Club, and the Outdoor Alliance for Kids.

    “Over the past nine years, hundreds of thousands of children have been able to enjoy our public lands with the support of the Every Kid Outdoors program. This program has helped to introduce and facilitate outdoors adventures and experiences to these children and their families during a critical formative period in their lives. The Outdoors Alliance for Kids is eager to see this program continue to benefit families and communities for generations to come,” said Julia Hurwit, Campaign Manager for Outdoors Alliance for Kids.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NREL Research Points Path to Higher Blends of Biodiesel

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    NREL researchers have identified strategies to blend more biomass-based diesel fuel into petroleum diesel. Photo from National Biodiesel Board, NREL

    Barriers that are currently preventing the use of greater percentages of biomass-based diesel fuel blended into petroleum diesel have been identified, along with strategies to overcome them, according to researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

    The bio-derived diesel fuel in use today is blended into petroleum diesel at a relatively low percentage, typically from 5% to 20%. An NREL team investigated the performance of much higher blends of biodiesel into both renewable diesel and petroleum diesel. They specifically examined blends of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. A switch to using higher percentages of biomass-based diesel fuels would reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by the transportation sector. Biodiesel is an oxygenate made from fats, oils, and greases. Renewable diesel is made from the same feedstocks but processed to be a hydrocarbon chemically similar to petroleum diesel.

    “It’s amazing to me, but there are thousands of papers published every year on biodiesel, and almost nobody looks at blends over 20%,” said NREL Senior Research Fellow Robert McCormick, corresponding author of the newly published research paper “Properties That Potentially Limit High-Level Blends of Biomass-Based Diesel Fuel,” which appears in the journal Energy & Fuels. “This research addresses a major data gap about biodiesel blends, both because it looks at high-level blends and because it looks at blends with renewable diesel as well as petroleum diesel. Biodiesel blends with renewable diesel are 100% renewable.”

    The paper was coauthored by researchers Gina Fioroni, Nimal Naser, and Jon Luecke, all also from NREL.

    The researchers examined biodiesel produced from soybean oil, which is the most common feedstock used in the United States to make the fuel. They pointed out that a detailed understanding about the properties of biodiesel blended at levels above 20% is lacking.

    Heavy-duty long-haul trucks and off-road equipment, marine shipping, and commercial aircraft are expected to continue requiring liquid fuels even as electrification of smaller vehicles ramps up. These fuels will need to be low-net greenhouse gas emissions—such as biodiesel and renewable diesel—and compatible with existing engines. The use of biodiesel and renewable diesel is forecast to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions from 40% to 86% compared to petroleum diesel, depending upon the feedstock used. 

    McCormick said with a biodiesel blend greater than about 50%, “you start to have property differences with petroleum that that could be problematic.” At less than 50%, the differences do not pose much of a challenge. 

    Challenges with biodiesel blends greater than 50% can be mitigated, however. For example, diesel fuels must be reformulated in winter months to ensure that the cloud point—the temperature where wax begins to form—is below the expected ambient temperature. Wax can cause fuel filter clogging such that the engine cannot operate. Biodiesel cloud point can be as low as 20°F but for soy biodiesel is around 32°F, making the use of 100% biodiesel problematic in areas with colder winters.  

    “This issue can be managed by reducing the blend level or by blending the biodiesel into different hydrocarbon blendstocks with a lower cloud point during the winter months—as is commonly done today for B20 [a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel],” McCormick said. “A similar strategy could be used to mitigate the high boiling point of biodiesel, which is near the top of the diesel boiling range.” 

    A hydrocarbon blendstock with a lower boiling point, such as kerosene, could be used for biodiesel blends over 50%, alleviating challenges in cold starting the engine, accumulation of fuel in the engine lubricant, and potentially failure of emission control catalysts to “light-off” or achieve high enough temperature.

    The research, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, also examined other fuel properties such as density, oxidation stability, and water content to determine whether these might limit the blending of biodiesel. Oxidation stability, for example, may be reduced as more biodiesel is blended, but the problem can be overcome by using higher levels of antioxidant additives.

    Significant future research is needed to address the challenges of high level biodiesel blends, particularly on how they impact diesel engine emission control systems. The NREL paper serves as a research road map for addressing these challenges.

    Learn more about NREL’s sustainable transportation and mobility research. Sign up for NREL’s quarterly transportation and mobility research newsletter, Sustainable Mobility Matters, to stay current on the latest news.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Navy to Christen Future USNS Lucy Stone

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    The U.S. Navy will christen the future USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209) during an 11 a.m. PST ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 21, in San Diego.

    The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, will deliver the ceremonial principal address. Remarks will also be provided by the Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment, Vice Adm. Jeffery T. Jablon, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics, and David J. Carver, President, General Dynamics NASSCO. In the time-honored Navy tradition, the ship’s sponsors and U.S. Navy ship introduction specialists who have helped bring to life over 100 ships in the past 20 years, Alicia Aadnesen and Debbie Simmons, will christen the ship with the traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow.

    The ship is named for American suffragist Lucy Stone, who joined other notable advocates such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Ernestine Rose, and Antoinette Brown Blackwell to petition for suffrage and abolition in the 19th century. Her efforts as a founder of the Women’s National Loyal League were essential to the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery.

    “Lucy Stone’s legacy of leadership and advocacy for equality reflects the values we uphold in the U.S Navy,” said Secretary Del Toro. “USNS Lucy Stone stands as a testament to our commitment to operational excellence and is a proud moment as we continue to build and strengthen our maritime capabilities.”

    The future USNS Lucy Stone will be the fifth Lewis-class fleet replenisher oiler and will be operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. The oilers feature a substantial volume for oil, significant dry cargo capacity and aviation capability. T-AOs provide additional capacity to the Navy’s Combat Logistical Force and become the cornerstone of the fuel delivery system.

    PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s largest acquisition organizations, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, auxiliary ships, special mission ships, sealift ships and support ships.

    Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. More information on the Fleet Replenishment Oilers can be found at: 
    https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2222909/fleet-replenishment-oilers-t-ao/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman McCaul Announces Markup on Various Measures

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul announced the full committee will hold a markup to consider various measures on Tuesday, September 24th. 

    What: Markup to find Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress, as well as nine measures, including H.R. 8683, H.R. 9564, H.R. ___, H.Res. 1348, H.R. 9172, H.R. 9718, H.Res. 1449, H.Res. 1435, and H.R. 9082.

    Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024

    Time: 10:15am ET

    Location: Rayburn 2172

    MARKUP OF:

    Committee Report, Recommending the House of Representatives find Antony Blinken, Secretary, U.S. Department of State, in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena duly issued by the Committee on Foreign Affairs;

    H.R. 8683, To require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State to monitor efforts by the People’s Republic of China to build or buy strategic foreign ports, and for other purposes;

    H.R. 9564, To authorize the imposition of sanctions with respect to the Houthis, and for other purposes;

    H.R. ___, To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to modify requirements regarding management of the United States Agency for International Development, and for other purposes;

    H.Res. 1348, Urging the Government of Nigeria to immediately release Tigran Gambaryan from imprisonment;

    H.R. 9172, To establish the Precursor Chemical Destruction Initiative to promote bilateral counterdrug interdiction efforts with the governments of specified countries, and for other purposes;

    H.R. 9718, To provide for the approval of the Amendment to the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for Cooperation on the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defense Purposes;

    H.Res. 1449, Condemning the global rise of antisemitism and calling upon countries and international bodies to counter antisemitism;

    H.Res. 1435, Raising concern about the proposed constitutional reforms in Mexico; and

    H.R. 9082, To direct the Secretary of State to host regular Summits of the Americas, and for other purposes.

    Documents:

    ***NOTE: Measures may be added or changed. Check here for updates.***

    ***Coverage note: All committee proceedings are webcast live here.***

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) has institutionalizes the National e-Governance Webinar Series (NeGW) 2023-24 to disseminate and replicate award-winning e-governance initiatives

    Source: Government of India (2)

    The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) has institutionalizes the National e-Governance Webinar Series (NeGW) 2023-24 to disseminate and replicate award-winning e-governance initiatives

    DARPG organizes the Webinar on National e-Governance Award-Winning Initiatives under the theme “Excellence in Providing Citizen-Centric Delivery at the State/UT Level,” where two award-winning initiatives were presented

    “Excellence in Providing Citizen-Centric Delivery at the State/UT Level” theme of the 8th National e-Governance Webinar

    Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 9:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) launched the monthly National e-Governance Webinar Series (NeGW 2023-24) on September 22, 2023, to disseminate and replicate India’s award-winning e-governance initiatives. NeGW 2023-24 is held monthly, typically on the third Friday of each month.

    The 8th National e-Governance Webinar, under the theme “Excellence in Providing Citizen-Centric Delivery at the State/UT Level,” was held today.

    The webinar was chaired by Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG. He commended the award-winning initiatives—e-Registration (Self Help Portal) and Chikitsa Setu, for leveraging emerging technologies to enhance service delivery and foster innovation in governance practices. He recommended replicating these initiatives.

    The following award-winning initiatives were presented:

    • Shri Shravan Hardikar (IAS), Managing Director, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Govt. of Maharashtra, showcased the e-Registration (Self Help Portal) for document registration. This initiative allows developers to register themselves, their projects, and schemes; prepare templates for agreements; and complete data entry forms. Joint District Registrars can verify and approve projects and schemes online. Similar to other e-Registration applications, Sub-Registrars can verify documents, payments, and the identity of the parties involved, and complete the registration process. The application benefits real estate developers, purchasers, and the Department of Registration & Stamps, serving citizens across all sectors of society—from premium flat buyers to PMAY beneficiaries—across the state’s 36 districts.
    • Shri Prashant Sharma (IAS), Special Secretary, Department of Additional Sources of Energy, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the Chikitsa Setu mobile application. Launched by the Department of Medical Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, “Chikitsa Setu” is designed to train doctors, paramedical staff, and other COVID-19 frontline workers. The platform includes videos created by medical experts from King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow—the state government’s premier medical education institution. One of the key aspects of the application is the availability of training material from medical experts at users’ fingertips, with short videos (1 to 7 minutes) that retain audience engagement. More than 30 topics, based on extensive field surveys and research, are covered. Chikitsa Setu has trained over 200 doctors and more than 1,200 paramedical and associated staff.

    The webinar was attended by around 400 officials from across the nation, including Principal Secretaries, Administrative Reforms Secretaries, IT Secretaries of States/UTs, District Collectors, Police Departments, State Information Officers, and academia from IITs/IIITs/NITs and other institutions. The webinar was also broadcastedon YouTube.

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    AG

    (Release ID: 2057215) Visitor Counter : 36

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada Announces Significant Funding to Unlock More Critical Minerals Development in Northern British Columbia and the Yukon

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    September 20, 2024                                         Vancouver, British Columbia                                                                              Natural Resources Canada

    Investments in critical minerals infrastructure are essential to enable Canada to seize the generational opportunity of the transition to a low-carbon economy and capitalize on our rich mineral resources. Canada is well positioned to be a global leader and first-class producer of a wide variety of critical minerals that are essential to power the clean economy and, in turn, create good jobs and support economic opportunities across critical mineral value chains — from upstream exploration and extraction to downstream processing, manufacturing and recycling.

    Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, with the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Premier of the Yukon, announced up to $60 million in funding, pending final due diligence from Natural Resources Canada, for two critical minerals infrastructure developments in B.C.’s Golden Triangle and the Yukon. This funding would be provided through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF).

    Galore Creek Mining Corporation (Galore Creek) is planning to construct a 43-kilometre access road to support the development of its copper mine located in Tahltan Territory in northwest B.C. The Galore Creek deposits contain over 12 billion pounds of copper and, once in production, will significantly increase Canada’s annual copper supply. The construction of the Galore Creek Access Road would link the mine project to existing road infrastructure, provide ground access to proposed mill and processing facilities, and provide the electricity transmission corridor allowing the Galore Creek mine to operate using BC Hydro’s low-emission electricity grid. Road improvements are integral to advancing critical minerals development in B.C.’s northwest, in partnership with First Nations. Pending final due diligence, Natural Resources Canada has conditionally approved an investment of up to $20 million under the CMIF for this project.

    The Government of Yukon is seeking to undertake pre-feasibility activities to advance a 765-kilometre, high-voltage transmission line network that would connect the Yukon electrical grid to the North American grid in B.C. This regional project has proposed energy infrastructure located in two priority regions for critical minerals development — Yukon’s Cassiar and Tanana regions and B.C.’s Golden Triangle. The transmission line could support projects producing critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, molybdenum, nickel, platinum group metals, tungsten and zinc in the Yukon and northern B.C. Pending final due diligence, Natural Resources Canada has conditionally approved an investment of up to $40 million under the CMIF for this project.

    The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund is a key program under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy to address infrastructure gaps and enable sustainable critical minerals production and connect resources to markets through various clean energy, electrification and transportation infrastructure projects. Future funding decisions for projects under the CMIF to further critical minerals infrastructure development are also expected in the coming months.

    These projects — which benefit from close collaboration under the B.C. and Yukon Regional Energy and Resource Tables — are, in addition to the recently announced Northwest BC Highway Corridor Improvements Project, key to facilitating critical minerals development in the Golden Triangle and Yukon. B.C.’s Golden Triangle has considerable mineral potential and holds approximately 75 percent of Canada’s known copper reserves. Copper is crucial in various industrial processes and a fundamental component in electrical wiring, electronics and renewable energy systems, including solar panels and wind turbines.

    Critical minerals are essential components in products used for clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles, electrical transmission lines and batteries. B.C. and the Yukon’s mining sectors provide many of the building blocks of clean technologies needed to fight climate change and build a clean economy. Across the country, clean energy solutions are providing enormous economic opportunity for Canada.

    Quotes

    “These two projects, under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy’s flagship program, will develop the necessary infrastructure to access and transport our rich critical mineral resources in northern B.C. and the Yukon. Developments like these help mines get built faster, and they are a key element in seizing the generational opportunity before us. These investments are needed to support critical minerals development in the region, improve community access and safety, and create good mining jobs across British Columbia and the Yukon.”

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson

    Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

    “B.C. has the critical minerals that Canada and the world needs to build a clean economy. We have a generational opportunity to create good jobs, not only in northwest B.C. but also in communities across the province that supply and provide services to our mining sector. That’s why we are working with Canada and First Nations on key infrastructure upgrades needed to unlock billions of investments in new critical mineral mines like Galore Creek and provide new opportunities for people and communities.”

    The Honourable Josie Osborne

    B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

    “The Grid Connect Project is more than an energy initiative: it presents a transformative opportunity for all Yukoners. By delivering clean, affordable and reliable clean energy, this project will not only power our homes but also drive economic and social growth. I thank our partners in British Columbia and the federal government for their collaboration on this important project, which will positively impact our northern communities. This is a proud milestone for our government on the path toward a more sustainable energy future.”

    The Honourable Ranj Pillai

    Premier of the Yukon 

    “This project will connect Canada’s two most western jurisdictions, helping bring the Yukon on to the North American power grid. It marks a significant step in our shared journey to build a more connected and resilient energy landscape for Yukoners while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I extend my deepest thanks to everyone whose hard work and determination made this vision a reality. I look forward to seeing how it will enhance clean energy in the Yukon, help protect our incredible natural landscapes and fuel new opportunities for economic growth.”

    The Honourable John Streicker

    Yukon’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources

    “We’d like to thank Minister Wilkinson and the Government of Canada for their contribution to developing the Galore Creek Mine and, by extension, Canada’s critical minerals industry. Canada’s support for Galore Creek represents confidence in our project, our owners, the relationships we have fostered with the Tahltan Nation and our commitment to responsibly developing a world-class copper–gold mine.”

    Rob Mean

    General Manager, Galore Creek Mining Corporation

    “Galore Creek has the potential to significantly increase Canada’s production of the copper needed for the energy transition and global development, generating jobs and economic activity, in alignment with Teck’s focus as a Canadian-based energy transition metals company. This investment by the Government of Canada will support the development of infrastructure needed to advance critical mineral projects and strengthen the nation’s mining sector.”

    Jonathon Price

    President and Chief Executive Officer, Teck Resources Limited

    “Newmont is a 50/50 partner of the Galore Creek Project with Teck Resources. Galore Creek stands as Canada’s largest undeveloped copper project, poised to play a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. As global demand for copper surges, we will soon face a supply deficit that underscores the project’s significance. The investment through Canada’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund in a vital road for Galore Creek will help unlock the project and the broader region’s substantial critical mineral potential in northwest B.C.”

    Bernard Wessels

    Managing Director North America, Newmont Corporation

    Quick facts

    • Canada has developed its own critical minerals strategy with the aim of advancing the development of these resources and related value chains to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy and support advanced technology and manufacturing.

    • The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy addresses five core objectives:

      o   supporting economic growth, competitiveness and job creation;

      o   promoting climate action and strong environmental management;

      o   enhancing global security and partnerships with allies;

      o   advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; and

      o   fostering diverse and inclusive workforces and communities.

    • Canada’s whole-of-government approach to critical mineral development is collaborative, forward-looking, iterative, adaptive and long-term. The initiatives presented in the Strategy will be implemented and refined in collaboration with provincial, territorial, Indigenous, industry and other Canadian and international partners.

    • The CMIF is a key program under the Strategy to support enabling clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects necessary to increase Canada’s supply of responsibly sourced critical minerals.

    • The CMIF supports strategic priorities such as decarbonizing industrial mining operations, strengthening supply chains through transportation infrastructure and advancing economic reconciliation by supporting the participation of Indigenous Peoples in infrastructure and critical minerals projects.

    • In addition, the federal government is helping to develop Canada’s abundant critical minerals through NRCan’s Regional Energy and Resource Tables. These regional tables are joint partnerships with individual provinces and territories — in collaboration with Indigenous partners and with the input of key stakeholders — to identify and accelerate shared economic priorities for a low-carbon future in the energy and resource sectors.

    Associated links

    Contacts

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

    Cindy Caturao
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    613-795-5638
    cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The 33rd Capacity Building Programme for the Civil Servants of Maldives successfully completed today at NCGG, New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    The 33rd Capacity Building Programme for the Civil Servants of Maldives successfully completed today at NCGG, New Delhi

    This was the first programme of the second phase post signing of MoU between NCGG and CSC, Maldives to Train 1,000 Civil Servants over next five years (2024-2029)

    34 civil servants from key departments and ministries participated in the programme

    Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 8:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) successfully completed the 33rd Capacity Building Programme (CBP) for Civil Servants of Maldives today in New Delhi. The two-week program, was organized from 9th to 20th September 2024, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Notably, this is the first program under the second phase for civil servants of Maldives following the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train 1,000 Maldivian civil servants. The MoU was signed by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and the Maldives’ Foreign Minister, Mr. Moosa Zameer, for the period 2024-2029. The current program was attended by 34 civil servants from the Maldives, including Assistant Directors, Senior Administrators, Council Officers, Faculties and Community Health Officers, representing key ministries and departments from Maldives.

    The valedictory session was chaired by Shri V. Srinivas, Director General of NCGG and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India. In his address, he reflected on the achievements of the first phase capacity building programmes (2019-2024), during which over 1,000 Maldivian civil servants visited the NCGG. In his address he highlighted how technology has been used in the country to transform institutions and bring citizens closer to the government. He discussed about use of technology in Direct Benefit Transfers, Health, Education and Secretariat and use of Aadhar to bring about governance. He asked the participants to take the learnings from the programme as most of the challenges are common and apply them to bring about greater transparency and efficiency in government processes.

    During the Valedictory the participants also presented three insightful presentations on Bringing Transparency in Government Procurement in Maldives, Climate Change & its impact on Biodiversity in Maldives and Tourism in Maldives showcasing the learnings gained during the programme.

    Mrs. Fathmath Inaya from Civil Service Commission, Maldives and head of delegation, expressed her gratitude to the Indian government and the NCGG for the opportunity. She stated that all of them learnt and gained extensively from the program.

    Dr. B S Bisht, Associate Professor, NCGG and Course Coordinator of the programme while giving the welcome address and summary of the programme highlighted how the focus of the capacity building programme was to share India’s good governance models and best practices from various development schemes among others. He also shared that the second week of the programme had visits planned to Smart City Project and ITDA and Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), International Solar Alliance, Exposure visit to Indira Prayavaran Bahwan: India’s first Zero Energy Building, PM Sangrahalaya and visit to Taj Mahal to give a first hand view of India’s rich culture and heritage.

    The NCGG has till now trained civil servants from 33 countries including Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, South Africa, Indonesia, Madagascar, Fiji, Mozambique, Cambodia, Madagascar, Fiji, Indonesia, South Africa among others.

    The programme was supervised and coordinated by Dr. B. S. Bisht, Course Coordinator, Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Co-Course Coordinator, Shri. Brijesh Bisht, Training Assistant and Ms. Monisha Bahuguna, Young Professional along with the capacity building team of NCGG.

    *****

    AG

    (Release ID: 2057202) Visitor Counter : 37

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito, Manchin, W.Va. Officials Announce Form Energy Selection for $150 Million to Build Out Battery Factory in Weirton

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), and a number of West Virginia officials announced that Form Energy has been selected for an award negotiation of up to $150 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing and Recycling programs to support Form Factory 1 in Weirton, W.Va. The funding is part of the more than $6 billion included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to support a strong domestic battery supply chain.
    “When I was crafting and negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), delivering support for manufacturing initiatives in West Virginia was an impact I knew we could make. Form Energy is providing a needed boost to the manufacturing industry in our state, specifically to the Weirton community. During my visit to the facility this summer, I saw how their embrace of new technological capabilities will help America continue to lead the way in energy innovation. This grant through the IIJA will expand Form Energy’s production and workforce, and will help continue West Virginia’s proud tradition of being an energy state,” Ranking Member Capito said. 
    “West Virginian workers and families have made the hard sacrifices to power our country to greatness and become a global energy leader. With today’s investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are continuing to ensure that we are producing the materials needed to protect our nation’s energy independence right here in the Mountain State,” Senator Manchin said. “I was proud to secure this funding and I am thrilled that Form Energy will be able to utilize it to create good-paying jobs in Weirton and help preserve our legacy as America’s Energy Powerhouse for decades to come.” 
    “We are incredibly grateful to the Department of Energy, Senator Manchin, Senator Moore Capito, and the many state and local leaders from West Virginia who provided pivotal support on the path to this award selection. This selection will enable us to more rapidly scale up our manufacturing capabilities and hire hundreds of skilled workers at Form Factory 1. We’re proud to help contribute to the growth of a clean, domestic, and independent energy economy in America. And we’re honored to do it alongside a strong local workforce, right here from West Virginia.” Mateo Jaramillo, Co-Founder and CEO of Form Energy, said . 
    “With its investment in Form Energy and Weirton, the U.S. Department of Energy is acknowledging that West Virginia is an ideal place to locate all-of-the-above energy development and manufacturing,” West Virginia Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael said. “Thanks to the encouragement and support of Senators Manchin and Capito, this backing will ensure even greater success in the Mountain State.”
    “With our robust history and past successes in heavy industry, the Northern Panhandle has paved the way for Form Energy and other innovative companies to be successful here in West Virginia,” Anthony Clements, Executive Director of the Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle, said. “This funding from the U.S. Department of Energy shows the unanimous support from our state and our United States Senators Manchin and Capito for our region. I am thrilled we have the opportunity to see Form Energy grow right here in West Virginia.”
    “For years as a result of the decline and closure of its steel industry, the people of Weirton believed that its days as a manufacturing hub were over,” West Virginia State Senator Ryan Weld said. “Now, thanks to significant investments made by the State of West Virginia and the U.S. Department of Energy, along with the leadership of Senators Manchin and Capito, there is a renewed excitement for Weirton’s future and the products that will be made here.”   
    BACKGROUND:
    This announcement comes after Ranking Member Capito, Senator Manchin, and a group of their bipartisan colleagues sent a letter to DOE urging them to include alternative battery types, like the iron-air batteries manufactured by Form, in their grant awards. Once awarded, Form plans to use the funding to more rapidly scale up its commercial-scale manufacturing lines to produce up to 20 GWh/yr iron-air batteries and employ at least 600 employees to operate them.
    To learn more about the IIJA, click here.
    To learn more about DOE’s Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Grants, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA’s General Conference 2024 – The Week in a Nutshell

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Nearly 3000 participants took part in the IAEA’s 68th General Conference in Vienna this week, with an additional 8700 people joining online. The conference sets the course of the Agency’s work for the coming year, as it seeks to use nuclear science and technology to improve lives worldwide. Watch the IAEA’s video news summary of the week.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis and Colorado Energy Office Celebrate $50 Million from Biden-Harris Administration for Clean Battery Manufacturing in Colorado

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Solid Power in Thornton to receive $50 million to continue producing clean batteries that power Colorado’s popular electric vehicles

    THORNTON – Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Energy Office applauded the Biden-Harris administration for continuing to invest in clean energy in Colorado and around the country. Solid Power in Thornton will receive $50 million to produce materials that create batteries needed for electric vehicles. Colorado is among the top states for EV adoption in the nation, with more than 22% of new cars sold being electric.

    “Congratulations to Solid Power on this major investment that will continue driving Colorado’s leadership in electric vehicles. The strong partnership of the Biden-Harris administration is helping Colorado lead the way in providing low-cost, zero-emission tech, saving people money and improving air quality,” said Governor Jared Polis.

    “Electric vehicles are becoming more popular nationwide, and innovative new technologies continue to make these vehicles better and better,” said Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor. “As EV adoption soars in Colorado, we are pleased to see Colorado businesses play such an important role in electrifying the transportation system, and we thank the Department of Energy for their continued investment in Colorado.”

    Solid Power is a national leader in creating the sulfide-based solid electrolytes that help manufacture all-solid-state batteries, which can power electric vehicles. Their batteries are expected to provide more energy with a longer life, and safer and lower cost than conventional lithium-ion technology. With this grant, Solid Power plans to expand their production in Thornton and reduce their costs of production through the first known global implementation of an efficient, continuous manufacturing process.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India and its sub ordinate offices observe ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ 2024 campaign

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 6:56PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Food and Public Distribution organized a door-to-door awareness campaign on at Firoz Gandhi Camp, New Delhi. The officers and the staff of the department visited the camp in the evening and distributed brooms, dustbins, soaps, sanitizers to the residents of the camp. The officers briefed the residents about the importance of not only keeping their houses clean but also their surroundings. The children of the residents were also sensitized about personal hygiene and keeping their environment clean.

    .

    Meanwhile the following activities were undertaken by the PSUs and Attached offices of the Department.

    Food Corporation of India:-Swachhata ki Bhagidari:-

    Food Corporation of India, in its Headquarter in New Delhi organized a walkathon to Bengali Market which was flagged off by the CMD, Smt. Vanita Ratan Sharma. Around 120 employees of the Corporation participated in this event. Shouting slogans of Swachhata they generated awareness among the general public about cleanliness. During their walkathon they collected around 150 kgs of garbage which was disposed off in the blue and green dustbins.

     Besides this, events like Mini Marathon, human chain formation, walkathon, painting competition for school kids etc. were organized FCI, Regional Offices, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Ahmedabad, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Raipur, Zonal Office West. Mumbai, Zonal Office (East), Kolkata, Divisional Office Kanuur and Food Supply Depot Muzhuppilangad on 19th September 2024.

    The Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGMRI), Hapur  organized  a successful cleanliness it its Staff Colony. During the drive, organic waste was collected, which will be used in the compost pit to create nutrient-rich compost for our plants and lawns. Some of the photographs of today’s activity are attached.

    Central Warehousing Corporation, Hqrs. Office distributed dustbin to nearby residents  for degradable and biodegradable waste disposal in Shahpur Jatt Village, New Delhi

    Besides this  activities like cleanliness work near Railway Line by Regional Warehouse Corporation , Nishatpura, Bhopal,   distribution of Sanitation kits in slums  & awareness program on Swachhata Pakhwada in a School Maligaon by Regional Office Guwahati, cleaning of dirty space and earmarking them for horticulture activities by Regional Office, Kochi, plantation under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, at Central Warehouse Chhindwara, Gwalior, establishing selfie centres were also undertaken to observe SHS 2024.

    Directorate of Sugar &Vegetable Oils successfully conducted a cleanliness drive as part of the SHS 2024 campaign.

     

    Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority conducted an essary writing competition   under SHS 2024.

     

    National Sugar Institute, Kanpur also had a cleanliness drive in its premises.

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    AD/NS

    (Release ID: 2057144) Visitor Counter : 31

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Legislation considered under suspension of the Rules of the House of Representatives during the week of September 23, 2024

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announces bills that will be considered under suspension of the rules in that chamber. Under suspension, floor debate is limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, points of order against the bill are waived, and final passage requires a two-thirds majority vote.

    At the request of the Majority Leader and the House Committee on the Budget, CBO estimates the effects of those bills on direct spending and revenues. CBO has limited time to review the legislation before consideration. Although it is possible in most cases to determine whether the legislation would affect direct spending or revenues, time may be insufficient to estimate the magnitude of those effects. If CBO has prepared estimates for similar or identical legislation, a more detailed assessment of budgetary effects, including effects on spending subject to appropriation, may be included.

    CBO’s estimates of the bills that have been posted for possible consideration under suspension of the rules during the week of September 23, 2024, include:

    • H.R. 522, Deliver for Veterans Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 618, Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 1657, Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 1726, Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 1735, Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 2468, Mountain View Corridor Completion Act, as amended
    • H.R. 2706, Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 2950, Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 3208, DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program Act 
    • H.R. 3433, Give Kids a Chance Act of 2023 
    • H.R. 3884, Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023
    • H.R. 4094, Great Salt Lake Stewardship Act 
    • H.R. 4259, Think Differently about Education Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 4527, Health DATA Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 4596, Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 5302, Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act 
    • H.R. 5490, Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 5509, Electronic Permitting Modernization Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 5526, Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 5646, Stop Campus Hazing Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 5867, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 109 Live Oaks Boulevard in Casselberry, Florida, as the “Colonel Joseph William Kittinger II Post Office Building” 
    • H.R. 6125, Online Dating Safety Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 6219, ASCEND Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 6231, Department of Homeland Security Policy Issuance Review act 
    • H.R. 6474, To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expedite geothermal exploration and development in previously studied or developed areas
    • H.R. 6633, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9355 113th Street in Seminole, Florida, as the “Army SSG Ryan Christian Knauss Memorial Post Office Building”
    • H.R. 6656, Stuck on Hold Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 6829, HEARTS Act of 2024, as amended 
    • H.R. 6852, Holcombe Rucker Park Landmark Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7073, Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7189, Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024, as amended 
    • H.R. 7323, Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2024, as amended 
    • H.R. 7370, Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7422, Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2024, as amended 
    • H.R. 7630, ANCHOR Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7685, IMPACT Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7764, Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7832, Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act 
    • H.R. 8108, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to add a Medicaid State plan requirement with respect to determination of residency of certain individuals serving in Armed Forces 
    • H.R. 8419, American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act 
    • H.R. 8674, Milestones for Advanced Nuclear Fuels Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 8958, To reauthorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes, as amended
    • H.R. 9459, PATHS Act 
    • H.R. 9460, DHS Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2024 
    • H.R. 9488, SHIELD Act, as amended 
    • S. 133, NAPA Reauthorization Act 
    • S. 134, Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act 
    • S. 150, Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act of 2023 
    • S. 376, A bill to designate the area between the intersections of 16th Street, Northwest and Fuller Street, Northwest and 16th Street, Northwest and Euclid Street, Northwest in Washington, District of Columbia, as “Oswaldo Paya Way”
    • S. 612, Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act 
    • S. 656, Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023
    • S. 670, IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act 
    • S. 679, GAO Database Modernization Act of 2024 
    • S. 794, CTPAT Pilot Program Act 
    • S. 1549, CBO Data Access Act 
    • S. 2087, Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act of 2023 
    • S. 2685, Reuse Excess Property Act
    • S. 3639, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2075 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the “Robert Hayden Post Office”
    • S. 3640, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 155 South Main Street in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the “Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office”
    • S. 3764, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2024 
    • S. 3851, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan, as the “Sojourner Truth Post Office”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lee Announces $4 Million to Nevada Small Businesses in Key Economic Growth Sectors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    Supports Rural and Tribal Businesses, Healthcare Businesses, and Advanced Clean Energy Manufacturers

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) announced more than $4 million in federal investments to help small businesses in key sectors of the economy grow and hire new workers. The investment is being awarded to the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Investing in America Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP). 

    SBOP provides funding to connect underserved and small businesses to the financing needed to participate in key supply chains, including electric vehicle manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, construction, transportation, clean energy generation, and more. It was designed to catalyze additional private sector investment by supporting small business technical assistance services. 

    “Small businesses and their workers are the lifeblood of our economy and our communities,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “I will always fight to bring back the federal dollars southern Nevada small businesses need to grow so we can create more local, good-paying jobs right here at home.” 

    This week, Congresswoman Lee was awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Advocate for American Business Award for her strong bipartisan record of supporting businesses of all sizes. To date, she has helped secure nearly $4 billion in federal investments for hardworking Nevadans. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: City of Chehalis Gets Nearly $1M Grant to Plan Hydrogen Fueling Facility at Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    09.20.24
    City of Chehalis Gets Nearly $1M Grant to Plan Hydrogen Fueling Facility at Airport
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that the City of Chehalis will receive a $994,653 federal grant to help plan a proposed hydrogen fueling facility as part of the Chehalis Hub for Aviation Innovation and Sustainable Energy (CHAISE) at Chehalis-Centralia Airport.
    The grant will fund a feasibility study, design services, and public engagement for the proposed multimodal hydrogen fueling facility. The development may include a fueling station, on-site storage, or hydrogen generation. The Chehalis-Centralia Airport is an ideal location for a hydrogen fueling center, since it’s halfway between Seattle and Portland and close to I-5. Chehalis is also seeking funding from the SMART grant program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant program.
    Hydrogen is a clean fuel that, when consumed in a fuel cell, produces no dirty emissions — only water. Hydrogen can be produced from existing power resources, such as solar and hydropower.
    The grant was awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Innovative Finance Asset Concession Grant Program, administered by the Build America Bureau, and is a new program authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The program provides $100 million over five years to help public entities scan existing assets to unlock value from them and explore innovative financing and delivery opportunities through, e.g., the Build America Bureau’s Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act?(TIFIA) low-cost loan program. The program awards two types of grants: technical assistance grants and expert services grants. According to USDOT,  the technical assistance grants will use the funding to enhance their organizational capacity and advance a portfolio of assets by conducting pre-construction tasks, such as asset scans, market studies, delivery option analyses, financial modeling, and other activities considering innovative finance and delivery, including asset concessions. The expert services grants will use the funding to hire advisors to analyze a specific existing asset for innovative financing and delivery opportunities, including public-private partnerships.
    Sen. Cantwell has helped position the Pacific Northwest to be a leader in hydrogen production. In July 2023, she announced that the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2) will receive $27.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to kickstart the first phase of a $1 billion federal investment to develop hydrogen as a green energy source in the region. She called the July announcement “a huge milestone in our region’s efforts to create a hydrogen ecosystem that can help provide clean and affordable alternative fuels for our heavy-duty transportation and manufacturing facilities.”
    Sen. Cantwell worked to include the H2Hubs program and other key hydrogen investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law during consideration in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where she served as a senior member, in July 2021, and pushed for its successful passage through the Senate.
    Together with the clean hydrogen incentives included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), these investments represent a historic investment that will help spur hydrogen to be an important piece of the decarbonizing puzzle needed to reach our climate goals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Canada announces significant funding to boost critical mineral development in northern British Columbia and Yukon

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French

    Press release

    September 20, 2024 Vancouver, British Columbia Natural Resources Canada

    Investments in critical minerals infrastructure are needed to ensure Canada seizes the unique opportunity presented by the shift to a low-carbon economy and capitalizes on its rich mineral resources. The country is well positioned to be a global leader and leading producer of a wide range of critical minerals that are essential to fueling the clean economy, and in doing so, create good jobs and economic opportunities across the critical minerals value chain – from upstream exploration and extraction to downstream processing, manufacturing and recycling.

    The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, together with the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon, today announced, subject to a final due diligence review by Natural Resources Canada, funding of up to $60 million for two critical minerals infrastructure projects in British Columbia’s Golden Triangle and Yukon. The funding would come from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF).

    Galore Creek Mining Corporation (Galore Creek) plans to build a 43-kilometre access road to facilitate the development of its copper mine in Tahltan territory in northwestern British Columbia. The Galore Creek deposit contains over 12 billion pounds of copper. Once operational, the mine will significantly increase Canada’s annual supply of the metal. Construction of the access road would connect the mine project to existing road infrastructure, providing overland access to the proposed mill and processing facilities, and creating a transmission corridor for the mine to tap into BC Hydro’s low-emission electricity grid. Road improvements are essential to advancing critical mineral development in northwestern British Columbia, in partnership with First Nations. Subject to final due diligence, Natural Resources Canada has conditionally approved a CMIF investment of up to $20 million for this project.

    The Yukon government is seeking to undertake pre-feasibility activities to support a 765-kilometre high-voltage transmission line that would connect the Yukon electricity grid to the North American grid in British Columbia. It includes the development of energy infrastructure in two priority areas for critical mineral development: the Cassiar-Tanana region in Yukon and the Golden Triangle region in British Columbia. The transmission line would support critical mineral production projects such as cobalt, copper, molybdenum, nickel, platinum group metals, tungsten and zinc in Yukon and northern British Columbia. Subject to final due diligence, Natural Resources Canada has conditionally approved an investment of up to $40 million in CMIF funding for this project.

    The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund is a key program under Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy that aims to address infrastructure gaps and ensure the sustainable production of critical minerals and the flow of resources to market through transportation, electrification and clean energy infrastructure projects. Further funding decisions on critical minerals infrastructure development projects under the CMIF are expected in the coming months.

    These projects, which benefit from close collaboration within the regional tables on energy and resources British Columbia and Yukon, along with the recently announced Northwest British Columbia Highway Corridor Improvement Project, are fundamental initiatives to facilitate the development of critical minerals in the Golden Triangle and Yukon. British Columbia’s Golden Triangle has significant mineral potential and contains approximately 75% of Canada’s known copper reserves. Copper is critical to a variety of industrial processes and is a fundamental component of electrical wires, electronics and renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines.

    Critical minerals are fundamental components of products used in clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles, power transmission lines and batteries. British Columbia and Yukon’s mining sectors provide many of the building blocks for the clean technologies needed to combat climate change and build a clean economy. Across the country, clean energy solutions represent enormous economic opportunities.

    Quotes

    “These two projects, delivered through the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy’s flagship program, will help build the infrastructure needed to access and transport our rich critical mineral resources in northern British Columbia and the Yukon. Projects like these accelerate mine construction and allow us to seize this unique opportunity. We need these investments to support critical mineral development in the region, improve community accessibility and safety, and create good mining jobs in British Columbia and the Yukon.”

    The Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson

    Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

    “British Columbia is home to the critical minerals Canada and the world need to build a clean economy. We have a unique opportunity to create good jobs not only in northwest British Columbia, but in communities across the province that supply and service our mining sector. That is why we are working with Canada and First Nations to make the infrastructure improvements needed to unlock billions of dollars of investment in new critical mineral mines like Galore Creek, creating new opportunities for people and communities.”

    The Honourable Josie Osborne

    British Columbia Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

    “The Grid Connect project is not just an energy project; it is a transformative initiative for all Yukoners. It will provide clean, affordable and reliable energy that will not only power our homes, but also drive economic and social growth. I thank our partners in British Columbia and the federal government for their collaboration on this important project that will benefit our northern communities. Our government is proud to take this step toward a more sustainable energy future.”

    Honourable Ranj Pillai

    Premier of Yukon

    “This project will connect Canada’s two westernmost territories and help integrate Yukon’s electricity grid with North America. It marks an important step in our shared journey to create a more connected and resilient energy landscape for Yukoners, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. My sincere thanks to all those whose hard work and dedication made this goal a reality. I look forward to seeing how this progress will clean up Yukon’s energy, help protect our incredible natural landscapes, and create opportunities for economic growth.”

    The Honourable John Streicker

    Yukon Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources

    “We would like to thank Minister Wilkinson and the Government of Canada for their contributions to the development of the Galore Creek Mine and, by extension, Canada’s critical minerals industry. Canada’s support for the Galore Creek Mine demonstrates confidence in our project, our owners, our relationship with the Tahltan Nation, and our commitment to responsibly developing a world-class copper-gold mine.”

    Rob Mean

    Managing Director, Galore Creek Mining Corporation

    “The Galore Creek mine has the potential to significantly increase Canadian production of the copper needed to support the energy transition and global development, creating jobs and economic activity, which aligns with Teck’s goal as a Canadian metals company enabling the energy transition. This investment by the Government of Canada will support the development of the infrastructure needed to advance critical mineral projects and strengthen the country’s mining sector.”

    Jonathan Price

    President and CEO, Teck Resources Limited

    “Newmont is an equal partner in the Galore Creek project with Teck Resources. The Galore Creek mine is Canada’s largest non-developed copper project and could play a critical role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Global demand for copper is exploding, and we are facing a shortage that underscores the importance of the project. The investment in a critical mine road, made through the Government of Canada’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund, will help unlock the project and unleash the significant critical mineral potential of this region of northwest British Columbia.”

    Bernard Wessels

    General Manager, North America, Newmont Corporation

    Quick Facts

    Canada has developed its own critical minerals strategy with the aim of promoting the development of these resources and related value chains to contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy and support advanced manufacturing and technologies.

    There Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy has five main objectives:

    supporting economic growth, competitiveness and job creation; promoting climate action and strong environmental stewardship; strengthening global security and partnerships with allies; advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and communities.

    Canada’s whole-of-government approach to critical minerals development is collaborative, forward-looking, iterative, adaptive and long-term. The initiatives outlined in the Strategy will be implemented and refined in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, industry and other partners in Canada and internationally.

    The FIMC is a flagship program of the Strategy that supports transportation and clean energy infrastructure projects needed to increase Canada’s supply of critical minerals from responsible sources.

    The FIMC supports a variety of strategic priorities, including: decarbonizing mining industry operations, strengthening supply chains through the deployment of transportation infrastructure, and advancing economic reconciliation by supporting the participation of Indigenous peoples in critical infrastructure and mineral projects.

    The federal government also supports the development of Canada’s abundant critical mineral resources through regional tables on energy and resources of Natural Resources Canada. These regional tables are joint partnerships established with each provincial and territorial government that, in collaboration with Indigenous partners and with input from key stakeholders, seek to identify and accelerate the achievement of shared economic priorities for a low-carbon future in the energy and resource sectors.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    Natural Resources CanadaMedia Relations343-292-6100media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Cindy CaturaoPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources613-795-5638cindy.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