NewzIntel.com

Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Moves Towards Full Energy Independence to Become Major Energy Exporter – Rosneft CEO

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    China is moving towards full energy independence and will turn from an importer to a major energy exporter in the foreseeable future, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin said in his report at the Energy Panel of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    He noted that China is a unique example of a competent approach to energy system development – the country now accounts for a third of the world’s investments in the energy sector.

    “In my opinion, China, which has already ensured its energy security, is confidently moving towards complete energy independence, forming a stable energy balance based on its own resources. There is no doubt, taking into account the persistence and professionalism of the Chinese comrades, that in the foreseeable future they will achieve the desired result, which will turn China from an importer of energy resources into a major energy exporter,” said the CEO of Rosneft.

    According to Igor Sechin, in recent years it is in China that the largest amount of new renewable energy capacity has been commissioned and more than 70% of the world’s capacity for the production of equipment for the “green” economy is located. This applies to the entire value chain: from critical minerals to the production of high-tech equipment that has no analogues in Western countries.

    Rosneft’s CEO also noted China’s efforts in increasing investments in related infrastructure: investments in power grids increased by 15% last year and may double this year. “investments in rechargeable batteries have grown almost fivefold to $11 billion. As of today, the total capacity of such batteries in China exceeds 35 GW , which amounts to two-thirds of the entire global capacity,” Igor Sechin said.

    At the same time, China has never given up fossil fuels. Over the last five years, the country has outpaced the rest of the world in terms of commissioning new coal-fired generation capacity. “Today, coal accounts for almost 60% of China’s electricity generation. Last year alone, China issued permits for about 100 gigawatts of new coal-fired power generation, the highest in a decade, which should strengthen coal’s role in the grid,” emphasized the CEO of Rosneft.

    China’s efforts to strengthen its own energy security have drawn a barrage of criticism, often disguised as concern for the environment. “As the outstanding Chinese strategist and thinker Sun Tzu aptly noted two and a half thousand years ago: ‘The more brilliant your plan, the fewer people will agree with it,’” the Rosneft CEO added. 

    According to Sechin, China’s coordinated approach to energy security is particularly clear from the example of electric cars. The growth of their sales led to a significant slowdown in demand for motor fuel last year, and “the continuation of this trend may have a significant reversing effect on the balance of the oil market”.

    An important part of China’s strategy to reduce its dependence on energy imports is the processing of coal into synthetic fuels and chemical products. “Chinese companies are investing billions of dollars in the development of this industry. According to experts, today in China 40 million tons of coal is used to produce synthetic fuels and more than 260 mln tons for ammonia and methanol production,” Igor Sechin concluded.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    June 21, 2025

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Finalizes Development of GTL Technology, Plans Introduction in Taimyr Project – Sechin

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft, speaking at the Energy Panel at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, said that the Company has completed the development of proprietary technologies and catalysts throughout the entire chain of the GTL* process using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

    “I would also like to inform that Rosneft has completed the development of proprietary technologies and catalysts throughout the entire chain of the GTL process using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. All stages of the technological process are covered by respective patents. We plan to introduce this technology in Taimyr,” Igor Sechin said.

    The CEO of the Company demonstrated to the participants of the energy panel a flask with the obtained fuel, noting that it is synthetic oil consisting of the purest hydrocarbon molecules, with zero sulfur content. “To anyone who is interested, we are ready to provide samples,” he added, addressing the participants and audience of the Energy Panel.

    Speaking about the importance of such fuel, Igor Sechin cited the example of China, where an important part of the strategy to reduce dependence on energy imports is the processing of coal into synthetic fuels and chemical products. “Chinese companies are investing billions of dollars in the development of this industry. According to experts, today in China 40 million tons of coal is used to produce synthetic fuels and more than 260 mln tons for ammonia and methanol production,” Igor Sechin emphasized.

    * GTL or Gas-to-Liquid is a technology for converting natural gas into high quality liquid hydrocarbons such as diesel fuel, gasoline, and others.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    June 21, 2025

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Oil Company Holds Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, where it has been decided to approve the payment of dividends for 2023 in the amount of 29.01 roubles per share. 

    July 9, 2024 was set as the dividend record date. The dividends will be paid to nominee shareholders and trustees not later than July 23, 2024, and to other shareholders registered in the shareholder register not later than August 13, 2024.

    The shareholders have elected a new Board of Directors consisting of 11 members:

    • Andrey I. Akimov – Chairman of the Management Board, Gazprombank (Joint-Stock Company);
    • Pedro A. Aquino, Jr. – CEO of OIL & PETROLEUM HOLDINGS INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES LIMITED, Independent Director (the Republic of the Philippines);
    • Faisal Alsuwaidi – Representative of Qatar Investments Authority (the State of Qatar);
    • Hamad Rashid Al-Mohannadi – Representative of Qatar Investments Authority (the State of Qatar);
    • Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada – Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Doha University  for Science and Technology, member of the Board of Directors of Nesma Infrastructure & Technology, member of the Advisory Committee of the GCC Supreme Council, Independent Director (the State of Qatar);
    • Viktor G. Martynov – Rector of Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University), Independent Director;
    • Alexander D. Nekipelov –  Director of the Moscow School of Economics at the Lomonosov Moscow State University, Independent Director;
    • Alexander V. Novak – Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation;
    • Maxim S. Oreshkin – Deputy Head of the RF President Administration;
    • Govind Kottieth Satish – Managing Director of VALUE PROLIFIC CONSULTING SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED, Independent Director (India);
    • Igor I. Sechin – Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Management Board of Rosneft Oil Company;

    The Meeting of Shareholders has also approved the Annual Report and Financial Statements, and decided to elect an Audit Commission consisting of five members.

    Information and Advertising Department
    Rosneft
    June 28, 2024

    These materials contain statements regarding future events and expectations that constitute forward-looking statements. Any statement in these materials that is not a statement of historical fact is a forward-looking statement that involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements to differ. We assume no obligations to update the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in factors affecting these statements.

    Keywords: Corporate Governance 2024

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: ROSNEFT OIL COMPANY H1 2024 IFRS RESULTS

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    • H1 2024 HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION AMOUNTED TO 131.3 MLN TOE
    • H1 2024 LIQUID HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION EQUALED 92.8 MLN TONS
    • H1 2024 GAS PRODUCTION TOTALLED 46.8 BCM
    • H1 2024 EBITDA AMOUNTED TO RUB 1,650 BLN
    • H1 2024 NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ROSNEFT SHAREHOLDERS AMOUNTED TO RUB 773 BLN
    • H1 2024 FREE CASH FLOW AMOUNTED TO RUB 700 BLN
    • NET DEBT/EBITDA AT THE END OF H1 2024 WAS LESS THAN 1X
    • H1 2024 UNIT LIFTING COSTS AMOUNTED TO $2.7/BOE

    Rosneft Oil Company (hereinafter – Rosneft, the Company) announces its results for H1 2024, prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

      H1
    2024    		 H1
    2023    		 % change
      RUB bln (except for %)
    Revenues from sales and equity share in profits of affiliates and joint ventures 5,174 3,880* 33.4%
    EBITDA 1,650 1,401 17.8%
    Net income, attributable to Rosneft shareholders 773 609** 26.9%
    CAPEX 696 599 16.2%
    Adjusted free cash flow 700 434 61.3%

    * Adjusted for royalty effect in the Sakhalin-1 project.
    ** Revised due to completion of the 2022–2023 acquisition price allocation in 2023.

    Operating performance

    Exploration and production

    H1 2024 liquid hydrocarbons production amounted to 92.8 mln tons (3,796 th. bpd). The indicator performance is primarily driven by the production cap in compliance with the decisions of the Russian Government.

    H1 2024 gas production amounted to 46.8 bcm (1,566 th. boepd). Greenfield projects in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District commissioned in 2022 account for over a third of the Company’s gas production.

    As a result, the Company’s H1 2024 hydrocarbon production amounted to 131.3 mln toe (5,362 th. boepd).

    H1 2024 production drilling footage exceeded 5.9 mln meters. Rosneft commissioned over 1.4 th. new wells, 71% of which were horizontal.

    In H1 2024, Rosneft conducted 1.2 th. sq. km of 2D seismics and 4.7 th. sq. km of 3D seismics onshore Russia. The Company completed testing of 15 exploratory wells with a success rate of 87%.

    Vostok Oil Project

    As part of the flagship Vostok Oil project, in H1 2024 the Company completed 0.7 th. linear km of 2D seismics and 0.6 th. sq. km of 3D seismics. Rosneft carried out successful testing of one well, completed drilling of two wells with two more wells being tested.

    Pilot development of the Payakha, the Ichemminskoye and the Baikalovskoye fields is in progress: production drilling footage amounted to 42 th. meters, six production wells were completed in H1 2024.

    Work is underway at the ‘Vankor – Payakha – Sever Bay’ trunk oil pipeline. As of the end of H1 2024, over 65 th. piles had been mounted; over 280 km of pipeline had been welded, including 78 km long two-piped section. The Company completed the main pipeline crossing across the Yenisei River is finalizing the trench backfilling, and has started bottom dredging for laying a backup pipeline.

    The Company has completed most of activities on two cargo berths and one berth for the port fleet at the Sever Bay Port terminal, continues construction of an oil loading berth, and is working on construction of a crude oil delivery and acceptance point. Construction of logistics infrastructure, building of hydraulic structures, shore reinforcement, expansion of coastal and berthing infrastructure is underway.

    The Company completed winter-spring cargo delivery, and over 830 th. tons of property and equipment were delivered to the project’s production facilities via the Northern sea route and winter roads. Compared to the previous period, the volume of transported cargo increased by 32%.

    Refining

    H1 2024 refining volume in Russia amounted to 40.9 mln tons.

    The Company has been consistently developing domestic technologies and import substitution. In particular, Rosneft provides Company refineries with proprietary catalysts, which are essential for production of high-quality motor fuel. In H1 2024, Rosneft produced 1,130 tons of catalysts for hydrotreatment of diesel fuel and gasoline fractions, as well as protective layer catalysts. Rosneft subsidiaries also produced over 100 tons of gasoline reforming catalysts and 185 tons of catalysts for hydrogen production, petrochemicals and adsorbents. 630 tons of coked catalysts for hydrotreatment of diesel fuel were regenerated.

    Sustainable supply of high-quality motor fuel to Russian consumers is one of Rosneft’s key priorities. In H1 2024, the Company sold 21.6 mln tons of petroleum products on the domestic market, including 6.4 mln tons of gasoline and 8.8 mln tons of diesel fuel.

    The Company is an active participant of trading activities at the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX). In H1 2024, Rosneft sold 5.0 mln tons of gasoline and diesel fuel on the exchange, which is twice the required volume. The Company’s share in the total volume of exchange sales of gasoline and diesel fuel amounted to 38%.

    Financial performance

    Operating performance and the current macroeconomic environment combined with management decisions determined the trend of the Company’s key financial indicators.

    In H1 2024, the Company’s revenue1 amounted to RUB 5,174 bln, representing an increase of 33.4% year-on-year. EBITDA reached RUB 1,650 bln, which is 17.8% higher year-on-year. EBITDA margin amounted to 32%. At the end of H1 2024, the Net Debt/EBITDA ratio was 0.96x.

    H1 2024 unit lifting costs amounted to USD 2.7/boe.

    H1 2024 net income attributable to Rosneft shareholders increased to RUB 773 bln, a growth of 26.9%, which was mainly driven by the EBITDA growth.

    H1 2024 capital expenditure amounted to RUB 696 bln, which was 16.2% higher year-on-year and was due to the scheduled implementation of activities in the Upstream segment. At the same time, Rosneft’s free cash flow2 in the reporting period reached RUB 700 bln, which is 61.3% higher than in H1 2023.

    The Company is taking measures to reduce its ruble-denominated debt burden against the backdrop of high interest rates.

    In addition to the increase in interest rates, the outstripping growth of tariffs of natural monopolies negatively affects the Company’s performance. In particular, since 2020 increase in tariffs for cargo transportation by rail has exceeded the inflation rate by 17%.

    ESG

    In the reporting period, the Company continued to implement measures to achieve sustainable development goals under the ‘Rosneft-2030: Reliable Energy and Global Energy Transition’ strategy.

    Rosneft applies advanced technologies and state-of-the-art production methods to create a safe working environment and minimize the risk of occupational injuries and occupational illness. In H1 2024, while the overall LTIF (Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate) remained unchanged, the Lost Work Injury Frequency Rate (LWIS) dropped by 34%.

    In H1 2024, there were no gas, oil and water shows (release of oil, gas or water to the surface) during drilling operations at Company facilities. As part of efforts to minimize oil and petroleum product spills, measures were taken to replace field pipelines.

    In H1 2024, the Company processed more than 30 th. tons of legacy oily waste under the program on liquidation of environmental legacy.

    Active implementation of circular economy principles is one of the Company’s strategic development areas. In April 2024, Rosneft headed the waste management rating of RAEX, Russia’s largest non-credit rating agency, of 160 Russian companies. The Company’s leadership was acknowledged on the basis of the quality of corporate waste management policies and programs, gross and unit indicators of waste generation, as well as the share of waste reuse.

    Igor Sechin, Chairman of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft, said:

    “Despite external pressure and challenges including production restrictions under the OPEC+ agreement, outstripping growth of tariffs of natural monopolies, increasing tax burden and interest rates, the Company continues to achieve strong financial results thanks to its high level of operational efficiency.

    In the first half of 2024, Rosneft’s key financial indicators – revenue, EBITDA, net income, cash flow – demonstrated stability. Unit lifting costs remained at a low level of USD 2.7/boe. As the country’s largest taxpayer, Rosneft paid RUB 2.8 trln in taxes in the first half of 2024.

    The ongoing growth of the tax burden has a negative impact on the oil industry. Its high level is confirmed by the calculations based on the data of Russia’s Federal Tax Service and Ministry of Finance – for 2019-2023, the tax burden in the oil industry amounted to 75%. By comparison, the burden in other industries for the same period is much lower: in the banking sector – 27%, in mining and metallurgy – 35%, in mining of diamonds and precious metals – 31%, in the gas industry – 62%.

    Such a level of tax burden undermines the very economic model of the industry and violates the rights of investors, including individual shareholders, of which Rosneft has over 1.3 mln people.

    In August 2024, for the benefit of shareholders and in full compliance with the dividend policy, the Company completed payment of final dividends approved by the Annual general shareholder meeting totaling over RUB 307 bln (29.01 per share).The total amount of dividends for 2023 is RUB 59.78 rubles per share or RUB 634 bln, which is a record high in the Company’s history”.

    1 Includes revenues from sales and equity share in profits of affiliates and joint ventures.
    2 Adjustment for prepayments under long-term oil supply contracts, including accrued interest payments thereon, net change in operations of subsidiary banks, and operations with trading securities.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    August 29, 2024

    These materials contain statements regarding future events and expectations that are forward-looking estimates. Any statement in these materials that is not historical information is a forward-looking statement that involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the expected results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to adjust the data contained herein to reflect actual results, changes in underlying assumptions or factors affecting the forward-looking statements.

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft and RusHydro will continue to develop charging infrastructure for electric vehicles at gas stations

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    As part of the 9th Eastern Economic Forum, Rosneft and RusHydro signed a Letter of Intent on cooperation for the development of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

    The agreement proposes installation of charging stations for electric vehicles at Rosneft’s gas stations in Russian regions, as well as cooperation for construction of gas stations and charging complexes as part of multifunctional road service zones on toll roads. All electric modules will comply with the current standards and will support the fast charging function.

    Rosneft’s retail network currently operates 80 electric charging stations at its gas stations in 12 regions of Russia stretching from St. Petersburg to the Zabaikalsky Territory. Most of the stations support the fast charging function – they can charge the battery of an electric vehicle up to 80% in just 20 minutes.

    The agreement with RusHydro was signed as a follow-up to the commitments that the parties made in 2021.

    The brand of Rosneft filling stations is one of the leaders in terms of recognition and quality of the fuel nationwide. The geography of Rosneft’s retail business covers 61 regions of Russia. The network of the Company’s filling stations includes almost 3,000 sites.

    Expanding the range of customer services is one of the key areas of Rosneft’s retail business. Infrastructure development will allow drivers to charge electric vehicles at the widespread network of Rosneft gas stations across Russia. The Company will continue to expand the geography of charging stations in line with demand forecasts and the development of the electric vehicles market.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    September 4, 2024

    These materials contain statements regarding future events and expectations that are forward-looking estimates. Any statement in these materials that is not historical information is a forward-looking statement that involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the expected results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to adjust the data contained herein to reflect actual results, changes in underlying assumptions or factors affecting the forward-looking statements.

    Keywords: Social News 2024

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft and the Khabarovsk Territory develop cooperation

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft and the Government of the Khabarovsk Territory signed a long-term Cooperation Agreement within the 9th Eastern Economic Forum.

    The document was signed by Igor Sechin, Rosneft CEO, and Dmitry Demeshin, Acting Governor of the Khabarovsk Territory.

    The agreement provides for cooperation between the parties in the implementation of industrial, financial and social programs to improve living standards in the Khabarovsk Territory.

    Under the Agreement, Rosneft will support the development of the region’s industrial and scientific potential. In particular, the Company plans to expand cooperation with local enterprises. The Agreement implementation will contribute to the improvement of investment attractiveness as well as innovation and educational activities efficiency in the Khabarovsk Territory.

    Under the document, Rosneft and the Territory Government plan to develop and implement environmental protection and educational projects together.

    In particular, the parties agreed to develop training and advanced training system for the Khabarovsk Territory workers and engineers.

    For reference:

    Rosneft plays a key role in petroleum product supply in the Khabarovsk Territory and the entire Far East. Komsomolsk Refinery is the largest refinery in the Khabarovsk Territory with more than 20 items in the product range: grade 5 high-octane gasoline and diesel, low-sulfur marine fuel RMLS 40, etc. The refinery supplies petroleum products to the Khabarovsk Territory as well as to the Primorsky Territory, the Amur, the Sakhalin, the Magadan, the Kamchatka regions and the Jewish Autonomous Region.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    September 4, 2024

    These materials contain statements regarding future events and expectations that are forward-looking estimates. Any statement in these materials that is not historical information is a forward-looking statement that involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the expected results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to adjust the data contained herein to reflect actual results, changes in underlying assumptions or factors affecting the forward-looking statements.

    Keywords: Social News 2024

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) develop cooperation in the social sphere

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) signed an Agreement on financing the construction of a cultural center in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

    The documents were inked by Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft, and Aysen Nikolaev, Head of the Republic of Sakha.

    In accordance with the arrangements reached, a Multifunctional Cultural Center will be built in the village of Tas-Yuryakh, Mirny District, using the Company’s funds. The complex will include a village culture center, a library, a post office, an assembly hall and a gym.

    In 2023, Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha (part of Rosneft), supported the establishment of a Growth Point center for industry-specific and digital education at the school of Tas-Yuryakh village – the rooms for robotics, 3D modeling, and the school press center were renovated. The school was provided with a TV studio, a language laboratory, and a local history museum that features an exhibition and educational exposition.

    Rosneft pays great attention to supporting educational, social, cultural and enlightenment projects in the Republic. According to the Cooperation Agreement signed between the Company and the Government of the region in 2015, major joint projects are being implemented.

    In 2022, in the year of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Sakha, Rosneft opened the Small Academy of Sciences in the village of Chapaevo, Khangalassky District, which has become a kind of hub of research and project activities for schoolchildren throughout the Far Eastern region. Children from both big cities and remote areas of the Republic study in the new 7,000 m2 building. The facility functions according to the model of the Sirius Educational Center.

    In addition, the Company allocated funds in 2023 to establish a Full Cycle Oil and Gas Process Factory training center on the basis of the Regional Technical College in the town of Mirny. The Center is scheduled to be opened this year.

    Reference:

    Rosneft is represented in Yakutia by Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha, which is developing the Srednebotuobinskoye oil and gas condensate field. The entity is one of the three largest Rosneft assets in the East Siberian oil cluster. Production exceeds 5 million tons of oil per year. The entity carries out large-scale geological exploration in the Republic of Sakha.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    September 4, 2024

    These materials contain statements regarding future events and expectations that are forward-looking estimates. Any statement in these materials that is not historical information is a forward-looking statement that involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the expected results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to adjust the data contained herein to reflect actual results, changes in underlying assumptions or factors affecting the forward-looking statements.

    Keywords: Social News 2024

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Digital Revolution Opens New Era in Oil And Gas Industry Development – Sechin

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The digital revolution is opening a new era in the development of the oil and gas industry, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin said at the Energy Panel at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    “The digital revolution is opening a new era in the development of the oil and gas industry, including the impact on oil exploration, production, refining, data storage and cybersecurity of the industry,” Sechin said during his keynote speech.

    Sechin cited expert estimates that the market for artificial intelligence technologies in the oil and gas industry will grow by 83% by 2030. At the moment, 49% of this market is in the refining segment. It is expected that the introduction of artificial intelligence in the upstream segment will grow by 14% per year over the next five years, said the CEO of Rosneft.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    June 21, 2025

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Global Energy Consumption to Grow By Quarter By 2050 at Expense of Developing Countries – CEO of Rosneft

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Global energy consumption will grow by a quarter in the next 25 years, and the key driver of demand growth will be developing countries, said Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft, at the Energy Panel at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    “By 2050, with energy consumption in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia at the level of China’s population today, the combined additional consumption will amount to about 50 million barrels of oil equivalent per day. This represents a quarter of the current global energy demand,” the CEO said during his keynote address.

    He noted that developing countries are becoming one of the key drivers of energy consumption growth. One of the main reasons for this is demography. In the next 25 years, the population of African and Asia-Pacific countries will grow by a total of 1.4 billion people, which will provide almost the entire world population growth.

    In addition to positive demographic dynamics, the CEO of Rosneft named urbanization in Asia and Africa as one of the reasons for the growth in energy demand. According to the IEA’s estimate, which was cited by Rosneft’s CEO, in the next 25 years the number of city dwellers in these countries will increase by more than 1.6 billion people.

    Igor Sechin called the growth of electricity consumption a key challenge. Thus, in his opinion, already in 2025, investments in this sector will exceed investments in fossil fuels by 50%. “Indeed, over the past 15 years, electricity consumption has grown at a faster pace, and according to IEA projections, electricity generation is set to nearly double over the next 25 years,” he added.

    Asia-Pacific countries will also make the largest contribution to this growth, accounting for 60% of the increase in consumption.

    “This trend is particularly evident in India, where peak demand on the power system has risen by nearly 70% over the past decade,” Sechin concluded.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    June 21, 2025

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sechin Calls Synthesis of Conventional and Alternative Sources New Landscape of Energy Sector

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Synthesis of conventional and alternative energy sources is currently the optimal solution for the development of the global energy sector, said Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft, at the Energy Panel at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    According to the CEO, the search for new energy sources never stops, and today a number of promising technologies are being actively developed. However, their full-fledged implementation is still far away, as modern technological solutions in this area are too expensive and inferior to traditional energy sources in a number of parameters.

    “For many years, great hopes have been placed on the use of hydrogen. However, low-carbon hydrogen still accounts for less than 1% of all production volumes. According to the Deloitte consulting company, the introduction of “green” hydrogen fuel will cost almost 10 trillion dollars by 2050,” Igor Sechin noted, adding that the cost of green hydrogen varies from 200 to 400 dollars per barrel of oil equivalent, which, under current conditions, makes it uncompetitive with oil and gas.

    He also emphasized that the use of cheaper methods of hydrogen production does not allow to reduce the carbon footprint, as the production of so-called “gray” hydrogen exceeds the emissions arising from the full cycle of production and use of gasoline.

    The introduction of space solar energy is also costly, Igor Sechin emphasized. The CEO noted that the cost of a satellite capable of converting solar energy into electricity in space exceeds 30 billion euros, and there is still no technology that would allow to transmit huge amounts of energy to Earth from space.

    Rosneft’s CEO also drew attention to the search for alternatives in energy storage. “Alternative types of batteries are emerging that already offer certain advantages but are not yet ready for widespread adoption. For example, sodium-ion batteries reduce charging time by 75% and perform better in low-temperature conditions, but they lag significantly behind existing lithium-ion counterparts in terms of energy density and lifespan,” Igor Sechin said.

    “As we can see, full-scale implementation of all these technologies is still a long way off. Therefore, today the optimal solution is a synthesis of conventional and alternative energy sources,” summarized the CEO of Rosneft.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    June 21, 2025

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Igor Sechin Talks About Renaissance of Nuclear Power Sector

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The importance of nuclear power, which is a natural complement to fossil fuels, is growing, said Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft, at the Energy Panel at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    “However, against the backdrop of growing consumption, all types of generation, including nuclear, are experiencing a rebirth. This is clearly illustrated by the price of uranium fuel, which has more than tripled over the past seven years,” Igor Sechin noted.

    He recalled that back in the 1930s the idea of thermonuclear fusion was formulated, and many famous scientists, including Nobel laureates Hans Bethe, Peter Kapitsa, Igor Tamm and later Andrei Sakharov, sought to reproduce and control this process. In theory, fusion can generate almost four million times more energy than burning oil or coal, Igor Sechin said. However, in order to sustain a fusion reaction and sustainably generate energy, it is still necessary to improve methods of plasma confinement, ensure its stability, and increase efficiency.

    The CEO of Rosneft noted that a few years ago the nuclear power industry was in a deep crisis due to the decline in activity in the industry and such large companies as Westinghouse and Areva had to go through restructuring and ownership changes. However, the situation then began to change. “Over the past five years, global annual investments in nuclear energy have increased by 50%, reaching 70 billion dollars last year. China has become one of the leaders in nuclear power today. Over the past ten years, the installed capacity of nuclear generation in this country has increased fivefold and approached 60 GW. China plans to complete the construction of 32 more reactors in the coming years,” he said.

    At the same time, Sechin said it is important that China relies on the latest technological achievements of the leading nuclear powers – Russia, the United States and France – to develop its nuclear industry.

    He noted that Russia has many years of experience in building nuclear power plants. The cost of the most modern Russian VVER-1200 reactor is much lower than the American AP-1000. Today such reactors are already operating in Russia and are planned to be commissioned in friendly countries.

    At the same time, Sechin noted, the resource base is of particular importance. Today, just seven countries, including the Russian Federation, control more than 90% of the world’s uranium fuel production and about 70% of the world’s uranium reserves.

    “Today, Russia is the only country in the world that has expertise in the entire technological chain of the nuclear fuel cycle, from uranium mining to nuclear fuel disposal. In total, 80 nuclear reactors have been built in the world using Russian technologies,” he said

    Russia has also commissioned the world’s only floating nuclear power plant of small capacity. Currently, four more nuclear power plants are under construction.

    Also, a sodium-cooled nuclear reactor belonging to the category of fast neutron reactors, the BN-800, has been successfully operating in our country for ten years, another latest-generation fast neutron reactor, the BN-1200, is under construction.

    “Reactors of this type take into account the most advanced technical solutions, including the enlargement of fuel elements, the use of uranium-plutonium mixed fuel, as well as well as new structural steels with increased radiation resistance, which provide deeper fuel burnup and higher efficiency.  In particular, the efficiency of electricity generation increases by 20-25%, even without taking into account the significantly higher efficiency of fuel use,” said the CEO of Rosneft

    Investments in the nuclear sector are expected to continue growing According to the IEA forecast, by 2050 the global installed nuclear generation capacity will grow by nearly 60% to reach 650 GW. “I believe this estimate is understated. Just a few weeks ago, the US President set a goal to quadruple the country’s nuclear generation capacity to 400 GW,” Sechin noted.

    The CEO of Rosneft expects further growth of investments in the nuclear sector: new technologies, such as small modular reactors, are now attracting increased attention of investors. While such reactors are more mobile, their implementation also requires investments in the development of power grids. In addition, special attention should be paid to their safety and security against terrorist threats.

    “Rolls-Royce recently won a tender for the construction of such reactors in the UK. Experts note that these reactors have a number of features. One of them is described in Ecclesiastes: “What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted.” None of these reactors have been put into operation yet,” Sechin explained.

    The proposed smaller reactors will require no less effort and cost, including those related to fuel utilization and safety, than existing larger reactors.

    “Finally, nuclear energy is, in any case, a dual-use technology. The issue of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons must be given the utmost attention, as it is precisely because of this that the Middle East conflict is currently intensifying. It is crucial to consider whether we want further expansion of the nuclear club,” Igor Sechin concluded.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    June 21, 2025

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft and Krasnoyarsk Territory to Develop Cooperation in the sphere of Domestic Tourism

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    At the XXVII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Rosneft and the Tourism Agency of the Krasnoyarsk Territory signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to promote domestic tourism.

    The document provides for cooperation to boost the demand for domestic automobile tourism, promote the tourist potential of the region, including improvement of motorway service and Rosneft retail network infrastructure.

    The parties plan to undertake a number of actions aimed at improving the comfort of automobile travelers, including motorway service at the Rosneft filling stations.

    Development of the motorway service facilities and improvement of the customer services provided at Rosneft filling stations is one of the Company’s priorities. The Company retail network is not only the largest in Russia in terms of geographical coverage and number of filling stations (around 3,000 stations), but also one of the leaders in terms of fuel brand recognition and quality.

    Rosneft undertakes a number of measures aimed at creating comfortable conditions for automobile travelers. Earlier, the Company, together with a number of regional authorities, has presented joint tourist routes running through the Rosneft filling stations in the Republic of Karelia, as well as the Tula, Arkhangelsk, and Ulyanovsk Regions, and the key routes between Moscow and Krasnaya Polyana, and between the two capitals.

    In addition, the Company has previously signed memoranda of cooperation to promote domestic tourism with the Moscow City Tourism Committee, the government of the Samara Region, the Ministry of culture of the Arkhangelsk Oblast, the Altai Territory Department for Tourism and Resort Development, Tourism Agencies of the Ulyanovsk Region and the Republic of Udmurtia, and the Republic of Bashkortostan.

    In 2023, Rosneft launched a special information and service platform “Russian Horizons: Come With Us!”. The special project allows car tourists to choose and plan routes to places of interest using the infrastructure of Rosneft’s network of motorway services and filling stations. The project “Horizons of Russia” has a number of key distinctions thanks to the unique navigation functionality, all interesting locations become stops on the route that a driver may can independently combine and modify at any time during the journey.

    The Krasnoyarsk Territory is a strategic region of Rosneft operations. The region is home to the major Group Subsidiaries, including RN-Vankor, Vostsibneftegaz, Slavneft-Krasnoyarskneftegaz, Achinsk Refinery, service, marketing and logistics companies, and filling stations.

    Vostok Oil, the flagship oil production project, is being delivered in the north of the region. Low unit production costs and low carbon footprint (only a quarter of the global average for new projects) make Vostok Oil one of the most promising and environmentally friendly oil production projects in the world. Industry experts estimate that the project will increase the annual Russian GDP by 2%.

    Rosneft is also implementing a large-scale program in the Krasnoyarsk Territory to support educational institutions that provide comprehensive training courses to skilled workers and engineers for the Vostok Oil Project. Over 400,000 specialists will be engaged at the construction stage alone, and over 130,000 workers will be employed on a long-term basis at the Vostok Oil operational stage. A total of 10,000 people are already working at the project facilities.

    Reference:

    Rosneft’s retail network is the largest in the Russian Federation in terms of geographical coverage and number of stations, and the Rosneft brand of petrol stations is one of the leading brands in Russia in terms of recognition and fuel quality. The Company operates approximately 3,000 filling stations in Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Abkhazia.

    In addition to high-quality fuel, the Company offers its customers a wide range of goods and services, from stores and cafes to roadside service. For example, customers can stay for the night and get some rest from the long road in roadside hotels and multifunctional complexes of the Company in a number of regions.

    The Company is also developing a new customer service at filling stations – food trucks (mobile retail outlets). The Café on Wheels service is available at filling stations in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other regions where the retail network operates.

    Information & Advertising Department
    Rosneft
    June 10, 2024

    These materials contain forward-looking statements regarding future events and expectations. All statements contained in these materials that do not relate to matters of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update the data contained herein to reflect actual performance or results, changes in underlying assumptions or factors affecting the forward-looking statements.

    Keywords: Social News 2024

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Microalgae: an innovative tool for bioeconomy

    Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Products derived from microalgae represent a cutting-edge development in the field of bioeconomy. The potential of this biological resource was discussed at the international research seminar “Foundations for a Green Sustainable Energy”, part of the BRICS Network University’s thematic group on “Energy”. The event was organized by the Institute of Ecology at RUDN University.

    The series of scientific seminars is designed to inform graduate students and young researchers from the universities participating in the BRICS Network University about the scientific challenges being solved by partner institutions and to encourage them to participate in international academic mobility

    Sergey Shirinsky,

    Associate Professor of the Department of Electromechanics, Electrical and Electronic Apparatus at NRU “MPEI”.

    The main speaker of the seminar was Irina Adarchenko, a graduate student from the Institute of Ecology at RUDN University with the presentation “Innovative Tools for Bioeconomy: the case of microalgae production.”

    Production

    Microalgae production is a key source of valuable bioproducts, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and various other beneficial compounds. However, their extraction involves a complex, multi-stage process.

    First, microalgae are cultivated under controlled conditions, whether in open ponds, closed photobioreactors, or fermenters. The biomass produced this way is then harvested and dehydrated. To release the contents of the cells, it is necessary to remove the cell walls. This can be done through mechanical, chemical, or enzymatic methods. Next step is the extraction process, where organic solvents, alkalis, acids, and enzymes are utilized to isolate specific compounds. The resulting extracts are then separated and purified to obtain the product.

    For example, high-purity proteins are extracted using alkaline extraction or enzymatic hydrolysis, while Omega-3 fatty acids are obtained through lipid extraction with organic solvents followed by separation. Vitamins and natural pigments are extracted using specialized solvents. Antioxidants and other specific compounds are extracted using solvent extraction and chromatography

    Areas of use

    Proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates derived from microalgae have potential applications in the food industry, for example, as additives, ingredients for functional foods, and aquaculture feed. Vitamins, pigments, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds can be used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. In the energy sector, lipids are used for the production of biodiesel, while carbohydrates are used for bioethanol. In agriculture, microalgal biomass is becoming a biofertilizer. Furthermore, microalgae are used for wastewater treatment and in the production of biodegradable plastics.

    Bioeconomy uses microalgae for several reasons:

    1. Microalgae exhibit rapid growth rates, allowing for the production of biomass in significant quantities in a short time frame.
    2. It does not require arable land, as they can be cultivated in controlled environments.
    3. Microalgae are capable of absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the greenhouse effect.
    4. It also plays a crucial role in bioremediation, cleaning up wastewater and contaminated sites.
    5. The diverse range of microalgal species, each with its unique composition, opens up avenues for a wide variety of products.

    Microalgae hold significant potential for addressing both food and environmental security issues. Their application in bioremediation and biofuel production is becoming increasingly prevalent. A key aspect of developing effective solutions is the selection of microorganisms. Therefore, research aimed at discovering new strains of microalgae with unique traits, such as mixotrophy, is particularly relevant today.

    Anna Popkova

    Deputy Director for International Activities at the Institute of Ecology of RUDN

    Microalgae provide proteins and micronutrients to the population, addressing the global challenge of food security. They also play a crucial role in ensuring energy security by offering renewable sources of biofuels, which helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The exciting prospects for using microalgae are tied to advancements in cultivation, processing, and scaling up production technologies. In the future, we can expect the emergence of new bioproducts derived from microalgae, as well as an expansion of their applications across various industries.

    Technologies for cultivating microalgae

    There are several technologies for cultivating microalgae.

    • Open ponds represent the most cost-effective option, although they do not allow for complete control over growth conditions.
    • Closed photobioreactors provide more regulated environments, ensuring higher productivity and biomass purity, but they come with a significantly higher price tag.
    • Hybrid systems blend elements of open ponds and closed photobioreactors to optimize the production process.
    • Additionally, fermenters are used for cultivating certain types of microalgae in the dark, utilizing organic substrates for growth.

    The implementation of these technologies in production comes with a range of challenges and obstacles. The high costs of production require substantial investments in equipment and infrastructure. Additionally, the low productivity of certain strains and processing methods needs further optimization and scaling efforts. Cultivation and processing processes are highly energy-intensive, highlighting the need to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. Another critical concern is the risk of water body eutrophication when microalgae are used in bioremediation, which necessitates strict monitoring and regulation. On top of this, scaling up laboratory innovations to industrial production remains challenging, compounded by logistical issues and difficulties in storing biomass and derived products.

    Please note; this information is raw content received directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eco labels in South Africa don’t do the job: how to help customers make informed choices

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Miemie Struwig, Professor, Department of Business Management, Nelson Mandela University

    South Africans want to shop more sustainably, according to research published in the journal Sustainable Development. But most can’t tell which products are environmentally friendly.

    Some food manufacturers have introduced eco labels – a certification symbol placed on product packaging. This indicates the product meets specific environmental standards set by a third party organisation.

    These labels are meant to signal to consumers that a product has been produced in a way that limits harm to the environment. But our recent study with 108 South African consumers showed low recognition of eco labels, widespread confusion, and a need for clearer guidance.

    The results show that most South African shoppers are unfamiliar with these labels or unable to differentiate between real and fictional ones.

    In the European Union eco labels like the EU Energy Label are easily understood and highly visible. They are also usually supported by government awareness campaigns. Other examples of labelling systems that work well include those of Germany and Japan.

    These countries show that long term institutional support, mandatory labelling in key sectors, and consistent public messaging can greatly improve eco label recognition.

    We concluded from our research that South Africa lacks that national visibility and public education, leaving even motivated consumers unsure of what labels to trust. Based on our findings we recommend steps businesses, government and nonprofits can take to ensure that eco labels are clear, visible and understood.

    Eco labelling at its best

    The EU Energy Label is used on appliances such as fridges, washing machines and light bulbs to indicate their energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

    In countries like Germany and Japan, eco labels are government backed as well as being integrated into school curricula, public service announcements and shopping platforms.

    Germany’s Blue Angel label, which states “protects the environment”, has been in use since the 1970s. It appears on over 12,000 products and services, including paper goods, cleaning products, paints and electronics, that meet strict environmental criteria. It is supported by ongoing public education campaigns.

    In Japan the the Eco Mark appears on products with minimal environmental impact. It appears on items like stationery, detergents, packaging and appliances. Many retailers display explanations next to these products to help consumers understand the label.

    South Africans struggle to identify eco labels

    We conducted a structured online survey of 108 South African consumers. Participants were asked about their environmental awareness and their ability to recognise both real and fictional eco labels across ten images. According to the global directory of eco labels and environmental certification schemes, there are around 50 eco labels in South Africa.

    The EU Energy Label was the most recognised (87%).

    The Afrisco Certified Organic label, which is a legitimate South African label, was the least recognised, identified by just 22% of respondents.

    Fictional labels were mistakenly identified as real by many participants, revealing widespread confusion.

    Only 3 out of 10 labels were recognised by at least half the participants, suggesting a general lack of eco label awareness. These include the Energy Star Eco label; the EU Energy label and the Forest Stewardship council label.

    Age and employment status were significantly related to environmental awareness. Older and employed individuals showed higher levels of awareness.

    These findings suggest that consumers are not opposed to eco labels, they simply lack the knowledge and confidence to use them effectively.

    Eco labels have the potential to build brand trust, drive green purchasing behaviour, and support national sustainability goals. But they only work if consumers recognise and trust them.

    In South Africa, inconsistent use, small label size, and a lack of consumer education are holding eco labels back from achieving their purpose.

    What businesses can do

    Based on our findings, we recommend the following:

    • Use recognised and credible labels: Third-party certified labels are more trustworthy and reliable.

    • Improve label visibility: The most recognised label in our study was the EU Energy Label and was also the most prominent. Small, cluttered logos go unnoticed.

    • Educate your market: Explain what eco labels mean through packaging, marketing, and digital platforms.

    • Partner with government and NGOs: Awareness campaigns at national and community levels can help standardise eco label understanding.

    • Tailor communication efforts: Awareness efforts should consider age and employment demographics, as these affect levels of environmental engagement.

    The way forward

    South Africans are willing to support environmentally responsible products, but they need help identifying them.

    Businesses, government and nonprofits all have a role to play in making eco labels clearer, more visible, and more trustworthy.

    Eco labels must become more than symbols. They should be tools for transparency and trust, and a gateway to more sustainable shopping.

    – Eco labels in South Africa don’t do the job: how to help customers make informed choices
    – https://theconversation.com/eco-labels-in-south-africa-dont-do-the-job-how-to-help-customers-make-informed-choices-258081

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Eastern Oil and Gas Forum is taking place in Vladivostok

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    VLADIVOSTOK, July 3 (Xinhua) — The 9th Eastern Oil and Gas Forum kicked off Wednesday in Vladivostok, the capital of Russia’s Primorsky Krai, to discuss major investment projects in the oil and gas industry in Eastern Siberia and the Far East, including the construction of processing facilities.

    The forum, organized with the support of the Primorsky Krai government, is taking place on July 2 and 3. The event brought together more than 150 participants, including top managers of the country’s oil and gas companies, investors, and government officials.

    Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Vladivostok Wang Jun said in his speech at the opening of the forum that profound changes are currently taking place in the global energy sector. Green transformation and technological innovations create new opportunities and challenges for this sector. The Far East, as a key node in the global energy supply chain, plays an important role in ensuring energy security and promoting low-carbon development. According to him, cooperation between China and Russia in the energy sector has broad development prospects.

    The two-day forum will discuss key investment projects, industry development strategies, logistics issues, efforts to find and build new export routes in the context of the transformation of global energy. Attention will also be paid to the development of the oil and gas sector in the Russian Far East and Eastern Siberia. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • EAM Jaishankar meets heads of US FBI and National Intelligence

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar met with two top US intelligence officials – Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard – on Wednesday.

    In a post on X, Jaishankar noted that he had a “good exchange on the global situation and bilateral cooperation” with Gabbard.

    He also shared details of his meeting with Patel, stating, “Great to meet FBI Director Kash Patel. Appreciate our strong cooperation in countering organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.”

    Counterterrorism remains a key area of collaboration between India and the United States. Following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, both countries signed the India-US Counterterrorism Initiative in 2010. This cooperation has expanded over the years through frameworks such as the India-US Working Group on Counterterrorism and the US-India Counterterrorism Designations Dialogue, which work to identify terrorists and affiliated organisations globally.

    For the US, combating drug smuggling continues to be a major focus – particularly under the leadership of President Donald Trump.

    Coinciding with Jaishankar’s meetings in Washington, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in India announced a major crackdown on a transnational drug-smuggling network operating between India and the US.

    According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), intelligence shared by India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) led to the arrest of a key figure in the network by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA).

    “Joel Hall, a major re-shipper based in Alabama, was arrested following a coordinated operation, which led to the seizure of more than 17,000 tablets of controlled medication,” the MHA said. It added that an Indian-American—identified as the network’s primary money launderer—is currently awaiting indictment.

    On Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar also participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

    In addition to his meetings with Gabbard and Patel, Jaishankar held bilateral discussions with several senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, focusing on key areas of India-US cooperation.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • EAM Jaishankar meets heads of US FBI and National Intelligence

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar met with two top US intelligence officials – Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard – on Wednesday.

    In a post on X, Jaishankar noted that he had a “good exchange on the global situation and bilateral cooperation” with Gabbard.

    He also shared details of his meeting with Patel, stating, “Great to meet FBI Director Kash Patel. Appreciate our strong cooperation in countering organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.”

    Counterterrorism remains a key area of collaboration between India and the United States. Following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, both countries signed the India-US Counterterrorism Initiative in 2010. This cooperation has expanded over the years through frameworks such as the India-US Working Group on Counterterrorism and the US-India Counterterrorism Designations Dialogue, which work to identify terrorists and affiliated organisations globally.

    For the US, combating drug smuggling continues to be a major focus – particularly under the leadership of President Donald Trump.

    Coinciding with Jaishankar’s meetings in Washington, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in India announced a major crackdown on a transnational drug-smuggling network operating between India and the US.

    According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), intelligence shared by India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) led to the arrest of a key figure in the network by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA).

    “Joel Hall, a major re-shipper based in Alabama, was arrested following a coordinated operation, which led to the seizure of more than 17,000 tablets of controlled medication,” the MHA said. It added that an Indian-American—identified as the network’s primary money launderer—is currently awaiting indictment.

    On Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar also participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

    In addition to his meetings with Gabbard and Patel, Jaishankar held bilateral discussions with several senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, focusing on key areas of India-US cooperation.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The city has approved the installation of more than 20 electric charging stations in three districts of the capital.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Tenants of city land plots have received permission to place charging stations for electric vehicles in the east, southeast and south of Moscow. This was reported by Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property.

    “Tenants of city land plots can place various non-capital objects on them, including charging stations for electric vehicles. A special interdepartmental commission reviews the corresponding applications. Since the beginning of the year, it has approved the installation of 22 such objects on the territory of a gas station in the Perovo district, as well as near administrative buildings in Maryino and Biryulyovo Zapadny. This decision is aimed at developing infrastructure and supporting environmentally friendly transport,” said Ekaterina Solovyova.

    Ten charging stations for electric vehicles will be installed near the gas station on 1st Entuziastov Street, and the installation of two more has been approved near the Maryino small business center on Lyublinskaya Street. The city has also approved the installation of ten stations on Vostryakovsky Proezd, not far from the 32nd kilometer of the Moscow Ring Road on the territory of the resource supply organization complex. They became the first charging hub for electric vehicles “Yuzhny”.

    Electric charging stations (ECS) comply with all city standards. In addition, in June 2025, simplified requirements for the appearance of charging stations when installed on leased city sites were published. You can read them atofficial website departments.

    “Our goal is to create all the necessary conditions for more city residents to choose environmentally friendly and silent electric vehicles. New simplified requirements for the installation of charging stations contribute to this. Today, there are about 17.2 thousand electric vehicles in the capital. Their owners are exempt from paying transport tax. We continue to develop infrastructure for electric transport on behalf of Sergei Sobyanin. The program has been in effect in the capital for five years now

    “Energy of Moscow”, within the framework of which urban electric charging stations are being installed,” said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    Tenants were given the opportunity to install electric vehicle charging stations on city land plots in 2023. To do this, they need to contact a special interdepartmental commissionAfter the application is approved, an additional agreement to the lease agreement is concluded with the city.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/156199073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Commonsense changes to insulation rules

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Overly rigid insulation rules are being removed to ease costs for designers, builders and homeowners, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced. 
     
    “I’ve heard clearly from the industry that the current one-size-fits-all approach to insulation requirements is needlessly driving-up costs. 
     
    “The most prescriptive compliance pathway currently available for insulation – known as the Schedule Method – doesn’t allow for design trade-offs that can affect a home’s energy efficiency, like adjusting window size. 
     
    “This has led to designers and homeowners having to over-insulate in certain areas to achieve Building Code compliance, offering little extra energy efficiency benefit at a significant cost. 
     
    “To address this, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will remove the current Schedule Method in favour of more flexible alternatives.  

    “Smarter online tools now let us take a balanced, whole-of-home approach to energy efficiency – enabling builders and designers to measure a home’s total heat loss instead of being locked into prescriptive requirements. 
     
    “Using adaptable Calculation and Modelling Methods is shown to cut the cost of an average new build by up to $15,000. 
     
    “The government will now work closely with the sector to ensure a smooth transition before the change takes effect. 
     
    “The Schedule Method will be removed from the Building Code’s Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods for Energy Efficiency by the end of the year, followed by a 12-month transition period to give the sector time to adjust. 
     
    “I’ve also directed officials to explore designating the Far North as a separate climate zone under the Building Code, responding to calls from local leaders to ease insulation rules in the region. 
     
    “The Far North District Council made a strong case in its energy-efficiency review submission, highlighting that the region’s warmer climate and need for affordable housing allow for a more tailored approach. 
     
    “I’ve heard from the district council that building costs in the Far North are approaching $5,000 per square metre. They’re pushing for change to deliver more homes for locals at a reasonable price – an ambition I fully support. 
     
    “In my view, recognising Northland’s unique climate with a separate zone is a sensible step that could lower costs and unlock much-needed housing supply. 
     
    “MBIE will consult on any proposed changes to the region’s climate zone designation before final decisions are made, and I look forward to hearing feedback from the public. 

    “This Government is committed to making commonsense changes and cutting construction red tape to make building easier and more affordable – putting more roofs over Kiwi heads, while ensuring those homes stay safe and dry for our families.” 

    Note to editors:    

    • In the context of thermal performance in buildings, insulation refers to materials that reduce heat transfer by acting as a barrier between two areas. This includes products like fibreglass, wool, and glazing.
    • Updated documents with the Schedule Method removed are expected to be published in November 2025. A 12-month transition period will run thereafter, so designers can continue using the old documents with the Schedule Method.
    • MBIE will support the sector with guidance on how to use the more flexible Calculation Method to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran’s president issues order to suspend cooperation with IAEA

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

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an order to enact a law to suspend the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday.

    The law calls for a suspension of cooperation with the IAEA until Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its nuclear facilities and scientists are fully guaranteed, said Constitutional Council Spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif.

    Pezeshkian issued the order on Tuesday in a letter to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Supreme National Security Council, said the report.

    The law, passed by the Iranian parliament last Wednesday and approved by the Constitutional Council the following day, was enacted due to “the violation of Iran’s national sovereignty by the United States and Israel, and their attacks on the country’s territorial integrity as well as peaceful nuclear facilities,” said Tahan Nazif.

    On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel.

    On June 22, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States had carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

    After 12 days of fighting, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was reached on June 24. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese investment empowers Indonesia’s EV supply chain

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

    .

    The groundbreaking of a new electric vehicle (EV) battery megaproject in Indonesia set another milestone in the country’s rapidly growing EV supply chain, driven by Chinese investment.

    JOINT VENTURE

    The project, whose groundbreaking on Sunday was witnessed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Karawang, West Java, is a joint venture with China, worth nearly 6 billion U.S. dollars, and covers the full supply chain, from nickel mining and processing to battery materials production, manufacturing and recycling.

    Indonesia is currently the world’s largest producer of nickel and holds the biggest-known reserves of the metal, an essential component in EV batteries.

    The project is jointly conducted by Indonesia’s state-owned miner PT Aneka Tambang Tbk, state-owned investment holding company PT Indonesia Battery Corporation and China’s Ningbo Contemporary Brunp Lygend Co., Ltd.

    “This groundbreaking is proof of our leaders’ seriousness in collaborating with our partners and our friends in China. We can work together on a program that I think can be called colossal, an extraordinary breakthrough,” Prabowo said at the groundbreaking ceremony.

    According to Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, the project is expected to create 35,000 jobs and contribute up to 42 billion dollars annually to the national GDP. He also highlighted that the plant’s capacity would support the production of batteries for 300,000 vehicles, potentially reducing Indonesia’s fuel imports by approximately 300,000 kiloliters per year.

    Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (C) attends a groundbreaking ceremony for a major electric vehicle (EV) battery megaproject in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia, June 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

    GREEN TRANSITION

    The Indonesian government has been actively promoting the nickel industry to increase national competitiveness and build an ecosystem for the EV battery industry. The ambition is also aligned with Indonesia’s long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

    Fahmy Radhi, an energy economics expert from Gadjah Mada University, said, “This transformation is more than an energy transition. It opens the door to clean technology, encourages green infrastructure development, and provides a strategic path for Indonesia to become a clean-energy industrial nation.”

    He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that investment does not stop at the smelter level. “The process must extend to the production of final goods, such as EV batteries or even electric vehicles themselves.”

    Currently, Indonesia is home to nine electric car manufacturers, seven electric bus production facilities, and 63 two- and three-wheeled electric vehicle factories.

    CRUCIAL PARTNER

    Kukuh Kumara, secretary general of the Association of Indonesia Automotive Industries, emphasized the critical role of partnerships with countries experienced in EV development, particularly China. “From the mining process to ready-to-use batteries, there is a huge process involved,” he said.

    Kumara said that expanding industries related to the EV supply chain will not only strengthen Indonesia’s downstream capabilities but also create jobs and promote know-how transfer. “China is known for its strong EV component industry. We encourage our local companies to learn from Chinese partners,” he said.

    “Our ultimate goal is to develop Indonesia’s own auto brands, local factories and indigenous technical capabilities,” Kumara said. “But at this stage, international partners are still crucial.”

    Chinese firms have played a pivotal role in bringing technology, capital and global market access to Indonesia, particularly in EV batteries and supply chain integration, said the business leader.

    As the first Chinese automaker to invest and establish a factory in Indonesia, SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) has helped 17 Chinese enterprises in the auto supply chain to venture into ASEAN’s biggest economy, developing over 100 local suppliers over the past seven years.

    People take photos of Wuling Air EV cars at Wuling’s production factory in Bekasi, West Java province, Indonesia, Aug. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

    The Chinese automaker has also contributed to fostering Indonesia’s own EV sector. Last November, the China-Indonesia Institute of Modern Craftsmanship of New Energy Vehicle, a training base established by China’s Liuzhou City Vocational College, Indonesia’s Anand Industrial Training Institute and the SGMW’s Indonesian subsidiary, was officially inaugurated in Indonesia.

    “What is prominent in Chinese investment is the genuine willingness to implement technological transfer and human development programs through joint research, expert and trainee exchanges, vocational training, etc,” said Christine Susanna Tjhin, co-founder and director of strategic communication and research at the Gentala Institute, an independent consulting firm.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Media release: Major Project Status for Bonaparte project recognises important role of CCS – Australian Energy Producers

    Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association

    Headline: Media release: Major Project Status for Bonaparte project recognises important role of CCS – Australian Energy Producers

    The Federal Government’s awarding of Major Project Status to the INPEX-led Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project acknowledges the potential of CCS to advance Australia’s low-carbon future.

    Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres’ announcement was welcome recognition of the essential role of CCS in driving large-scale emissions reductions in Australia and the region.

    “The granting of Major Project Status to the Bonaparte CCS project recognises CCS is a key technology in driving progress to net zero, and of Australia’s role as a global leader in this proven technology,” Ms McCulloch said.

    “Australia has a comparative advantage in CCS, with world class geology, industry experience, and strong links with regional trading partners looking to collaborate on CCS.”

    Australia already hosts two of the world’s largest operational CCS projects, Chevron’s Gorgon and Santos–Beach Energy’s Moomba projects, which together store the equivalent of taking one million cars off the road every year.

    According to a Net Zero Australia study, Australia will need between two and 20 Moomba-scale CCS projects to be built each year between now and 2050 to reach net zero.

    “CCS is essential for achieving climate goals, with the International Energy Agency, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and CSIRO all clear that there is no pathway to net zero without CCS,” Ms McCulloch said.

    “CCS is particularly important for manufacturing, because without it industries like fertiliser and chemical production, steel, bricks and cement will find it harder and more expensive to reach net zero.”

    “CCS is delivering significant emissions reductions in Australia today, and the oil and gas sector stands ready to work with other industries to deliver real emissions reductions.”

    Australian Energy Producers NT Director David Slama said the announcement is a major win for the Territory.

    “This proposed project has the potential to be a game-changer for the Northern Territory, bringing new jobs, investment, and emissions reduction opportunities,” Mr Slama said.

    “It underscores the importance of the oil and gas industry to the Territory’s long-term economic growth and energy security.”

    Media contact: 0434 631 511

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: How China’s Hefei incubates future industries from frontier science

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

    This photo shows the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, Jan. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

    Residents of Hefei say the city has two suns — one suspends in the sky and the other lies in an industrial park in the city’s suburb.

    Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, is home to the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). It has been dubbed China’s “artificial sun” due to its unique fusion process, which simulates that of the sun. This facility lies at the heart of the country’s quest for commercial fusion power, an almost inexhaustible source of clean energy.

    Earlier this year, the EAST set a new world record by maintaining a steady-state high-confinement plasma operation for 1,066 seconds. Motivated by its success, engineers are now busy building a new facility nearby — the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) — which is expected to showcase fusion electricity generation for the first time.

    Technological breakthroughs are impressive, but equally noteworthy is the emergence of a booming industry surrounding these experimental facilities. While it may take another decade or two for commercial fusion to become a reality, the growth of the sector so far has been remarkable.

    Engineers have designed a security check equipment utilizing a spin-off technology of fusion, which has been deployed at the city’s metro system. Another byproduct is a proton therapy system for treating multiple cancers, which will soon begin clinical operations.

    “We aim to ‘lay eggs along the way,’ fostering new high-tech companies along our journey toward eventually realizing fusion power,” said Yang Qingxi, deputy director of the BEST department of Fusion Energy Tech., the company that is building the BEST.

    Students view a model of the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) at an exhibition hall in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, July 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

    The company exemplifies the new strategy adopted by Chinese cities like Hefei to foster new industries from cutting-edge technologies. This approach leverages spin-off technologies from frontier research and focuses on quickly building a supply chain around these technologies.

    Nationwide, the Chinese government has called for establishing a growth mechanism for investment in future industries, including quantum technology, bio-manufacturing, embodied intelligence and 6G. This has spurred a swift market response to transform lab-based research into operational technologies with market impact.

    In Hefei, which hosts the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and several national labs, future industries including fusion energy, quantum information and commercial space industry are picking up steam.

    In the fusion sector, an industrial chain was built from scratch in just a few years. The city now hosts nearly 60 fusion-related companies, many of them being suppliers of materials and equipment needed in the construction of experimental facilities.

    “Our superconductors used to rely on imports, which means longer delivery time and insufficient supply. Now domestic companies have managed to greatly raise the output,” said Yan Jianwen, chairman of Fusion Energy Tech. “For them, it will become a gigantic industry if fusion energy is realized.”

    This photo taken on July 1, 2025 shows a model of the quantum satellite “Micius” at China Telecom Quantum Group, in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

    The city’s quantum ascendance, derived from groundbreaking researches by USTC, has also fostered a thriving application ecosystem. Its “Quantum Avenue” has attracted dozens of tech firms to commercialize quantum technologies, including quantum computing, measurement and communication.

    China Telecom Quantum Group, located near the avenue, displays a wide range of scenarios for its quantum products, from earthquake detection using quantum measurement to eavesdropping-proof phone calls powered by quantum communication.

    “You can simply apply for a SIM card with quantum services to protect your phone from eavesdropping,” said Lyu Pin, chairman of the group, adding that such encrypted message and call services have nearly 6 million users, including many entrepreneurs fearing commercial espionage.

    Quantum communication offers nearly unhackable data transmission, as any attempt to intercept or wiretap the quantum information will cause them to collapse and be detected.

    “As public awareness of privacy protection rises, the user base of quantum communication is projected to reach tens of millions in the near future,” he said.

    Lyu attributes the successful application of quantum technology to close collaboration between the company and researchers, as well as a supportive city government, which moves fast to green-light the application of new technologies.

    “It usually takes decades and a lot of luck for basic science like quantum technology to enter the market, so it is very important to generate rewards through timely marketization, and for the government to facilitate this process,” said Zhang Jianxiao, who heads the group’s sci-tech innovation and strategic development department.

    The city government of Hefei has set up an office dedicated to research-to-industry transformation and is soliciting companies that can form a supply chain for budding industries, said Li Chen, an official with Hefei’s development and reform commission.

    “For companies and research institutes, pursuing commercialization opportunities as they develop helps generate profits and resources to better advance technologies,” he said. “For the government, this means finding new future industries and new growth points.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Kaptur Blast Energy Department’s Decision to Steer Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Away from Wind, Solar to Favored Industries—In Defiance of Bipartisan Spending Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, issued the following joint statement on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to illegally cut investments that Congress provided to support the research and development of wind and solar energy, instead steering funds to other favored energy sources, in defiance of the fiscal year 2025 full-year continuing resolution (CR) President Trump himself signed into law in March.

    “This outrageous, unlawful decision by the Trump administration is a direct attack on our energy independence and American families’ ability to afford their monthly energy bill. By slashing congressionally mandated investments in cutting-edge technologies, President Trump is driving up energy costs and ceding ground to our global competitors, who certainly aren’t throwing in the towel on the energy solutions of the future. This isn’t a bureaucratic misstep—it’s a deliberate, partisan effort to sabotage bipartisan law and redirect funding to the energy sources favored by Secretary Wright and his allies. We demand the Department immediately reverse this reckless decision and honor the funding levels Congress enacted and the President himself signed into law.”

    In fiscal year 2024, Congress provided $137 million for the Department of Energy to support wind energy initiatives and provided $318 million to support solar energy. The fiscal year 2025 full-year CR that House Republicans wrote and President Trump signed into law continued these fiscal year 2024 funding levels. But in a spend plan made public by DOE today, the Trump administration revealed it is steering hundreds of millions of dollars designated by Congress to support wind and solar energy to other, favored industries—jeopardizing critical progress and ceding ground on key energy solutions of the future—among other harmful cuts. Instead of funding wind energy initiatives at $137 million, the administration is funding them at $29.8 million (a 78% cut), and instead of funding solar initiatives at $318 million, it is funding them at $41.9 million (an 87% cut).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Kaptur Blast Energy Department’s Decision to Steer Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Away from Wind, Solar to Favored Industries—In Defiance of Bipartisan Spending Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, issued the following joint statement on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to illegally cut investments that Congress provided to support the research and development of wind and solar energy, instead steering funds to other favored energy sources, in defiance of the fiscal year 2025 full-year continuing resolution (CR) President Trump himself signed into law in March.

    “This outrageous, unlawful decision by the Trump administration is a direct attack on our energy independence and American families’ ability to afford their monthly energy bill. By slashing congressionally mandated investments in cutting-edge technologies, President Trump is driving up energy costs and ceding ground to our global competitors, who certainly aren’t throwing in the towel on the energy solutions of the future. This isn’t a bureaucratic misstep—it’s a deliberate, partisan effort to sabotage bipartisan law and redirect funding to the energy sources favored by Secretary Wright and his allies. We demand the Department immediately reverse this reckless decision and honor the funding levels Congress enacted and the President himself signed into law.”

    In fiscal year 2024, Congress provided $137 million for the Department of Energy to support wind energy initiatives and provided $318 million to support solar energy. The fiscal year 2025 full-year CR that House Republicans wrote and President Trump signed into law continued these fiscal year 2024 funding levels. But in a spend plan made public by DOE today, the Trump administration revealed it is steering hundreds of millions of dollars designated by Congress to support wind and solar energy to other, favored industries—jeopardizing critical progress and ceding ground on key energy solutions of the future—among other harmful cuts. Instead of funding wind energy initiatives at $137 million, the administration is funding them at $29.8 million (a 78% cut), and instead of funding solar initiatives at $318 million, it is funding them at $41.9 million (an 87% cut).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: By The Numbers: What the GOP Tax Bill Means for Georgia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Yesterday, Senator Reverend Warnock voted “NO” on the GOP Tax Bill, which passed by a vote of 50-50, with the Vice President breaking the tie

    The legislation will kick 750,000 Georgians off their health care, raise health care premiums for over 1.2 million Georgians, risk up to 42,000 Georgia jobs, threaten 66 rural hospitals, and add nearly $4 trillion to the national debt

    The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following data outlining the harms of the GOP Tax Bill for Georgians. The Senator voted “NO” on theOne Big Beautiful Bill Act, citing the tremendous consequences of the bill to hard-working families. 

    “The Senate just voted for legislation that will kick millions off their health care, close rural hospitals, and increase health care costs for everyone, all to give billionaires a tax break,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.“This vote is a disappointing reminder that Washington politicians aren’t working for ordinary people.” Read the full statement HERE.

    Below is a “By The Numbers” breakdown of what the GOP Tax Bill will mean for Georgia:

    Health Care:

    The GOP Tax bill takes away health care for nearly 17 million Americans and over 750,000 Georgians. The legislation will:

    • Kick nearly 12 million Americans off Medicaid, including 93,000 Georgians.
    • Raise premiums for nearly 20 million Americans, including over 1.2 million Georgians.
    • Threaten 66 rural hospitals and 37 nursing homes in Georgia. 
    • Raise health care costs for EVERYONE by kicking millions off health care, making them unable to cover their medical bills. Those costs are then passed on to hospitals and insurers, who pass those costs on to customers.

    Debt/Deficit:

    • The GOP Tax Bill will add roughly $4 trillion to the deficit.

    Job Loss:

    The GOP Tax Bill threatens 42,000 good-paying Georgia jobs, $28 billion in private sector investments to 51 Georgia projects.

    • The vast majority of projects announced following the passage of the clean energy tax credits have been investments in Congressional districts currently held by Republicans. 
    • This is particularly true in Georgia, where 83% of the projects, 94% of the total investment, and 75% of the jobs are in Republican districts. 
    • More than 95% of the new jobs and investments are in counties where the percentage of people with a bachelor’s degree is below the national average. 

    Energy Costs:

    The GOP Tax Bill will make it more expensive for Georgians to cover their utility bills. The legislation will:  

    • Increase electricity spending by up to $110 per year by 2026.

    Georgia Projects:

    The GOP Tax Bill will rescind funding that was intended to boost Georgia businesses. The legislation will:

    • Retract funding $158 million in federal investments for Atlanta’s The Stitch and $50 million to connect Atlanta’s southside communities, schools, hospitals, and MARTA stations to the Beltline.
    • Kill Georgia business expansion, including retracting $3.1 million in federal funding for Lanzajet’s SAF facility in Soperton, GA.

    Food Assistance

    This legislation will force Georgia seniors and children to go hungry. When this legislation is fully in effect, it is estimated to:

    • Cut some or all of food assistance for 729,000 Georgia families, including 121,000 Georgia families with children.
    • Cut some or all of food assistance for 22.3 million families nationwide.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.2.25

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 2, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
     
    Tamie McGowen, of Folsom, has been appointed Senior Advisor for Strategy and Operations for the California State Transportation Agency. McGowen has been Deputy Secretary of Communications at the California State Transportation Agency since 2023. McGowan held multiple positions at the California Department of Transportation from 1992 to 2023, including Acting Deputy Secretary for California State Transportation Agency Communications, Assistant Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Division Chief of Public Affairs, Deputy Advisor and Administrative Services Manager, Deputy Advisor/Resource Manager, and Resource Manager of Civil Rights. McGowen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $195,708. McGowen is registered without party preference.

    Christina Mun, of Alameda, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Housing Finance at the California Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. Mun was Chief Strategy Officer for LeSar Holdings from 2023 to 2025. She held multiple positions at the City of Oakland Housing and Community Development Department from 2020 to 2023 including Interim Director, Deputy Director, and Chief of Staff. Mun was Multifamily Lending Senior Project Manager for City and County of San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development from 2019 to 2020. She was Associate Director of Policy and Portfolio Analytics for New York City Housing Development Corporation from 2017 to 2019. Mun was Senior Project Manager for the Division of Strategic Planning for New York City Housing Preservation and Development from 2015 to 2017. She was an Acquisitions Project Manager for Resources for Community Development from 2013 to 2015. Mun was a Development Project Manager for John Stewart Company from 2009 to 2013. She was an Associate Consultant for Bay Area Economics from 2000 to 2004. Mun is a board member of East Bay Housing Organizations and serves on the ULI San Francisco Housing the Bay Steering Committee. She earned a Master of Arts in Urban Planning from the University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of California, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $191,112. Mun is a Democrat.

    Joelle Ball-Straight, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the California Workforce Development Board. Ball-Straight has been Deputy Director of Program Implementation and Regional Support at the California Workforce Development Board since 2018, where she was Acting Deputy Director of Program Implementation and Regional Support from 2016 to 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $159,660. Ball-Straight is registered with no party preference. 

    Alison Saltonstall, of Citrus Heights, has been appointed to the California Court Reporters Board. Alison has been a Court Reporter at Sacramento Superior Court since 2017. She currently is the President of the Sacramento Official Court Reporters Association and the on board of United Public Employees, representing the Court Reporters’ unit. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Alison is registered without a party preference.       
     
    Heatherlynn Gonzalez, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Court Reporters Board. Gonzalez has been a Certified Shorthand Reporter since 2011. She is a member of the California Deposition Reporters Association. Gonzalez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts and Communication/Music Composition and Theory from Whittier College. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Gonzalez is a Democrat.        

    Roy Mathur, of Hercules, has been appointed to Board of Pilot Commissioners for the Bays of San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun. Mathur has been Captain and Wharf Master for PBF Energy – Martinez Refining Company since 2015. He was Oil Spill Specialist for the Office of Spill Prevention and Response for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from 2004 to 2015. Mathur was Marine Terminal Specialist for the State Lands Commission from 1995 to 2004. He was Superintendent and Terminal Operations Manager for SSA Terminals from 1994 to 1995. Mathur was Master Mariner for Great Eastern Shipping Company from 1979 to 1994. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Maritime Studies from the LBS College of Advanced Maritime Studies and Research. This position requires Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Mathur is a Democrat.

    Steven Panelli, of San Mateo, has been reappointed to the Contractors State Licensing Board, where he has served since 2021. Panelli has had multiple positions at the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection since 2005, including Chief Plumbing Inspector and Senior Plumbing Inspector. He is President of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and member of UA Local 38. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Panelli is registered without party preference.        

    Henry Nutt III, of American Canyon, has been reappointed to the Contractors State Licensing Board where he has served since 2024. Nutt has been a Preconstruction Executive for Southland Industries since 2019 and a Sheet Metal General Superintendent for Southland Industries since 2007. He is a member of Lean Construction Institute, Associated General Contractors of American, and Associated General Contractors of California. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Nutt is a Democrat.       

    Alan Guy, of Lafayette, has been reappointed to the Contractors State Licensing Board, where he has served since 2022. Guy has been Chief Executive Officer and President of Anvil Builders Inc. since 2010. He was Project Manager at Webcor Builders Inc from 2005 to 2009. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Guy is a Republican.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 2, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Cano:“Officer Miguel Cano dedicated his life to serving our communities, and his passing is a heartbreaking loss for the state and…

    Jul 2, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom is more than doubling the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, and adding 16 new television projects that will generate $1.1 billion in new economic activity. BURBANK – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom joined labor…

    Jul 2, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO — Republicans spent the last 6 months fearmongering that gasoline prices would “increase by 65 cents on July 1.” Did that happen?The answer: NoIn fact, in California, gasoline prices at the pump (on average) are cheaper than yesterday, cheaper than it…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Rips Senate Passage of Trump-Republicans’ ‘Big, Ugly Betrayal’ Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, following a vote of 51-50, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement assailing Senate passage of Republicans’ ‘big, ugly’ reconciliation budget bill:

    “Rhode Islanders care about rising costs but Trump and this Republican Congress don’t care about costs.  Instead, they’re passing a huge tax giveaway for the wealthiest, slashing healthcare for millions, and adding trillions to the debt.  Future generations will be paying for this destructive, fiscally irresponsible monstrosity long after Donald Trump is gone.  This bill takes from the needy and gives to greedy special interests.

    “Congress should help lower costs and improve health care, not rip it away from millions of families and explode the deficit in order to give special tax treatment to billionaires and millionaires.

    “The Trump-Republican bill will contribute to higher health care prices, bigger bureaucratic hurdles, and shift heavier financial burdens onto working families, seniors, hospitals, and state and local governments.

    “Budgets are about priorities, and it’s clear Republicans prioritized the wealthiest at the expense of the working-class.  The big tax advantages go to the rich while all the cruelest cuts hit people struggling to pay for rent, food, health care, and energy bills.

    “This shameful bill is fiscally irresponsible and short-sighted.  It will force future generations to pick up the tab and sacrifices their economic future for a short-term money grab for the wealthy.

    “Many seniors, veterans, and children from low-income families will lose their health coverage due to the Republican vote.  Of course, not everyone will lose their coverage right away or feel the impact evenly.  But make no mistake: the cuts in this bill will cause higher premiums, hospital closures, crowded emergency rooms, and longer wait times, and it will add more burdens to state budgets.

    “Trump’s MAGA grift machine took full advantage of his own supporters.  Many won’t realize how bad this bill truly is until it’s too late and the safety net is no longer there when they need it. 

    “Congressional Republicans carved out big breaks for Big Oil polluters, while making it harder for families trying to send their kids to college.  The super-rich were granted a higher, permanent exemption of the estate tax so affluent couples can bequeath $30 million tax free to their heirs. Meanwhile the bill will make it harder to find a quality, affordable nursing home for seniors.  It undermines public education, gives gun manufactures a $1.7 billion tax break, and spends $40 million on a vanity sculpture garden for Donald Trump.  

    “This isn’t the end of the fight.  We’ve got to work even harder to limit the damage and then reverse it in the years ahead.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legal Cases – Greenpeace International begins groundbreaking Anti-SLAPP case to protect freedom of speech

    Source: Greenpeace

    In a landmark test case of the European Union’s new legislation to protect freedom of expression and stop abusive lawsuits, Greenpeace International has overnight challenged the US oil pipeline company, Energy Transfer, in court in the Netherlands.[1]
    The multi-billion-dollar company brought two back-to-back SLAPP suits against Greenpeace International and Greenpeace in the US, after Greenpeace showed solidarity with the 2016 peaceful Indigenous-led protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The first case was dismissed, but the Greenpeace organisations continue to defend against the second case, which is ongoing, after a North Dakota jury recently awarded over 660 million USD in damages to the pipeline giant.Activists from Greenpeace International and allies were present outside the courthouse in Amsterdam for the first hearing in the case with a banner reading “ ENERGY TRANSFER, WELCOME TO THE EU – WHERE FREE SPEECH IS STILL A THING“. Mads Christensen, Executive Director, Greenpeace International, says: “Energy Transfer’s attack on our right to protest is an attack on everyone’s free speech. Greenpeace has been the target of threats, arrests and even bombs over the last 50 years and persevered. We will continue to resist all forms of intimidation and explore every option to hold Energy Transfer accountable for this attempt at abusing the justice system. This groundbreaking anti-SLAPP case against Energy Transfer in the Netherlands is just the beginning of defeating this bullying tactic being wielded by billionaires and fossil fuel giants trying to silence critics all over the world. Something absolutely vital is at stake here: people’s ability to hold corporate polluters to account for the devastation they’re causing.”
    Russel Norman, Executive Director, Greenpeace Aotearoa, says: “The timing of this case is particularly poignant given that we are about to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by agents of the French Government here in Auckland. The bombing was an act of desperation by the French Government in the face of our successful, people-powered campaign to end nuclear testing in the Pacific.
    “Forty years ago, we showed that we could not be intimidated. Greenpeace only grew stronger, and together with the nuclear-free Pacific movement, we put a stop to nuclear testing. Now, as Greenpeace International goes to court in Amsterdam, Energy Transfer would also like us – and all climate activists – to be afraid and to shut up – but once again, we will show that we will not be silenced.”The lawsuit is an important test of the European Union’s Anti-SLAPP Directive, adopted in April 2024.[2] The Directive is designed to protect journalists, activists, civil society organisations, or anyone else speaking out about matters of public concern, from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) – unfounded intimidation lawsuits brought by powerful corporations or wealthy individuals seeking to suppress public debate.[3] Since Greenpeace International is a Netherlands-based foundation and the damage caused by Energy Transfers’s US SLAPP suit is occurring in the Netherlands, both Dutch and EU law apply.
    Amy Jacobsen, Senior Legal Counsel, Greenpeace International, says, “This case paves the way for protections from bullying lawsuits being implemented throughout Europe and beyond. The lawsuits that Energy Transfer have brought against Greenpeace International are the perfect example of the kind of abusive legal proceedings that the anti-SLAPP Directive is designed to protect against. By calling upon the EU anti-SLAPP Directive’s protections, Greenpeace International refuses to allow the bullying tactics of wealthy fossil fuel corporations like Energy Transfer to compromise our fundamental free speech rights.”
    Following a dawn ceremony on the 10 July 2025 in Auckland,  the Rainbow Warrior will be open to the public for tours and talks with the crew on the week

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Polis, DeGette, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen Denounce Republicans’ Reckless Budget Bill, Pressure House Members to Vote Against It

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Yesterday, Senate Republicans passed their budget that’ll increase prices for Coloradans, strip health care from 17 million Americans, increase the deficit, and give tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy
    House Republicans are currently voting on the bill
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, and U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen held a virtual statewide press conference to detail the impact the Republican budget bill will have on Colorado. They urged the House of Representatives to reject the extreme legislation after it passed the Senate yesterday. The elected officials were joined by leaders from across Colorado who would be impacted by the harmful cuts in the legislation.
    “This was a vote that would strip 17 million Americans, including many, many children, of their health care, push more than 300 rural hospitals to close, gut investments in affordable and clean energy, and would expand our national debt at a level that we have never imagined before. All this just to accommodate these lavish tax cuts for wealthy Americans,” said Hickenlooper. “This fight isn’t over, and people calling and organizing, putting pressure, has had a huge effect.”
    “Budgets reflect values, and Republicans in Congress – including members of our delegation – are making it clear that they don’t value health care access for Coloradans, access to food for children and families, job creators in clean energy, or balancing the budget,” said Polis.
    “The bottom line is, this bill is the worst bill I’ve ever seen in my many years in Congress,” said DeGette. “Colorado hospitals would lose $10 billion in federal funding in this legislation. Many of the rural hospitals, particularly in Western and Northern Colorado, will have to go out of business. This will not only hurt people who get Medicaid. It will hurt the entire community.”
    “It would be devastating for Western Colorado, Northern Colorado, Southern Colorado, for rural Colorado in particular…” said Neguse. “This will clearly exacerbate and turbo charge a poverty crisis in our country by virtue of the cruel cuts that have been included in the bill…. So we’re going to use every procedural tool that we can to try to stop and block this bill from proceeding.”
    “We can’t understate the disastrous impact in the life and death consequence of this bill,” said Crow. “This is the single largest – if this bill passes – this will be the single largest transfer of wealth from the working class to the top one percent and large corporations in the history of America. And on top of that, it’s going to blow up the budget and add over $3 trillion to the debt.”
    “It is heartbreaking to think about the impacts that this disastrous bill is going to bring to communities in Colorado and across the country,” said Pettersen. “Today, I’m thinking about the 40% of kids in the United States who rely on Medicaid for care, the 40% of pregnant women who rely on Medicaid, and people like my mom who work a low wage job and would be unable to access care. We’re leaving people like her behind and decimating all the progress we’ve made to build up our capacity and our system across Colorado. And it’s going to hit all of us.”
    The Senate-passed reconciliation bill includes a $3 trillion tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. It pays for those tax cuts by taking healthcare away from 17 million Americans, forcing rural hospitals in Colorado to close their doors, gutting clean energy investments, and ballooning our national debt by trillions of dollars.
    After more than 24 hours of voting with a record-setting number of amendments, Hickenlooper voted NO on the budget resolution after Republicans voted down critical Democratic-led amendments to prevent cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and Inflation Reduction Act clean energy funding.
    The reconciliation bill now heads to the House for final passage. Only four House Republicans need to vote against the bill for it to fail.
    For video clips of the press conference, click HERE.
    Taking Health Care Away from 17 Million Americans
    The Republican budget proposal calls for extreme Medicaid cuts of more than $1 trillion, which would take away people’s health benefits; make it harder for them to see their health care providers; and prevent seniors from getting nursing home care. It also fails to extend the Affordable Care Act expanded premium tax credits, which expire at the end of 2025. As a result the Congressional Budget Office estimates that 17 million Americans will lose health insurance by 2034, and our national debt will increase by $3.3 trillion.
    “For every dollar invested in Medicaid in Colorado, we see more than double in economic activity and benefit returned. That means these cuts will have a huge ripple effect and severely harm our economy, and it will hit rural areas where Medicaid is most important the hardest,” said Adam Fox, Deputy Director at the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative. “At the end of the day, though, what this means, and what we hear from folks who rely on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, is this bill is going to force more Coloradans into impossible decisions between paying for the care that they need and keeping a roof over their head or food on their table.”
    “I can’t underscore how important Medicaid and the [ACA] health exchanges are for our patients for Sunrise and for our community…” said Mitzi Moran, CEO of Sunrise Community Health in Evans. “Medicaid expansion in 2008 and in 2013 changed things dramatically for our patients and for Sunrise… [our patients] still struggle with the tough choices, but at least medication is not in the mix, and they have coverage when they seek care at the hospital.”
    “Southwest Health Systems is a 20 bed, critical access hospital… Our physicians and advanced practice providers deliver primary care services for almost 9,000 members of our Southwest Colorado communities. Our emergency department provided services to more than 13,500 urgent and emergency conditions last year in 2024,” Joe Theine, CEO of Southwest Health System in Cortez. “Permanent cuts to the provider taxes and state directed payments, along with other changes to the Medicaid program, put at risk the services that we offer to people who live, work and travel throughout Southwest Colorado.”
    “I have two adult children with developmental disabilities, a 24 year old son and a 20 year old daughter. Our family members are recipients of Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, and these are not known by the general public very well, but they are state specific programs under Medicaid that provide much more than basic health care and dental care,” said Deana Cairo, Disability Rights Activist. “[Eligibility redeterminations every six months] is likely to result in more problems… There’s going to be service interruptions, loss of care. People are going to fall off the rolls. People who don’t have people to advocate and appeal for them are going to become unhoused. It’s going to be a disaster.”
    Slashing Investments in Clean Energy and Driving up Energy Bills
    The Republicans voted to gut hundreds of billions in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) clean energy investments, including tax credits for wind and solar. The results: over a million jobs lost, hundreds of billions in lost GDP and lost wages, electricity price inflation, and killing new renewable energy needed to prevent blackouts.
    “Republicans are always talking about independence and being dominant in our industries. This is how we become energy dominant. It’s not just wind. It’s not just solar. It’s not just natural gas plants. It’s not just nuclear power plants. It takes every single one of these technologies for us to create that.” said Josh Shipley, Owner of Alternative Power Enterprises in Ridgway. “And this is this bill is going to kill that – there’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Small businesses like mine will go out of business because of it. There will not be the workforce that is going to be required to create that energy dominance later, when they’ve realized what they’ve done.”
    “By cutting these energy tax credits, they are going to end so much of the thriving industry, the jobs and the new electrons that are being put on the grid, and ultimately, they’re going to hurt local communities and our low cost energy right now,” said KC Becker, CEO of Colorado Solar and Storage Association and former EPA regional administrator.
    Hickenlooper took to the Senate floor in the middle of the night in support of his amendment to protect the IRA’s residential clean energy credit. He also worked with his colleagues to alter a few of the worst clean energy proposals, including eliminating a devastating renewable energy excise tax.
    Crushing Safety Net Programs Coloradans Depend on
    The Republican bill also rips away financial safety nets and crucial programs from millions of Americans, including the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that supports 55,000 Coloradans.
    “The majority of the households that would be affected by this bill, as mentioned, are working families with children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. With these high levels of food insecurity, food banks like ours cannot meet the increased need without vital federal assistance programs,” said Sue Ellen Rodwick, Western Slope Director of Food Bank of the Rockies. “One story I have is from a woman that one of my staff members was able to help out in Meeker. An older adult and she didn’t know that she would qualify for SNAP. We got her signed up for SNAP and our food program for older adults. She said it’s amazing, because even just the drive to the grocery store from Meeker to Rifle, that’s a 40 minute drive to get to a larger grocery store with affordable prices. This program makes a difference for so many people, and we need the funding for that outreach to help people give them assistance to enroll in SNAP.”

    MIL OSI USA News –