NewzIntel.com

Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Energy costs of energy-intensive industries – E-002485/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002485/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Yannis Maniatis (S&D)

    A recent article in the Greek press[1] presents the national measures of several Member States (Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, France) to limit energy costs in energy-intensive industries, as well as opinions from representatives of Greek industries, who are under the impression that they are not benefitting from equivalent measures from the Greek Government.

    In view of this, can the Commission say:

    • 1.In the last three years of the crisis (2022-2024), has it seen an increase either in the number of suspected cases of breaches of EU law by national measures in support of energy-intensive industries or in the number of notifications of national measures for adoption?
    • 2.Taking into account also the Italian measure ‘Energy Release 2.0’, as well as possible Greek measures, are there recent examples of Member States implementing legal measures to support energy-intensive industries, which may not require a notification procedure to DG Competition, such as measures implementing the revised electricity market design (PPAS, CfD)?
    • 3.How does it intend to address the unfair competition that the Greek energy-intensive industries say the internal market creates for them, with there being different energy prices in the various European markets as well as the inability – or even unwillingness – of national governments to design and implement effective measures to correct the phenomenon?

    Submitted: 20.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.kathimerini.gr/economy/563642806/i-akrivi-energeia-vythizei-tin-egchoria-viomichania/
    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Putin, Macron discuss Iran, Ukraine in first phone call in nearly three years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russian President Vladimir Putin had a “substantial” phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on the Middle East crisis including Iran and the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, their first such exchange since September 2022.

    In Paris, Macron’s office said the call lasted two hours and that the French leader had called for a ceasefire in Ukraine and the start of negotiations on ending the conflict.

    According to the Kremlin press service, Putin said it was necessary to respect Iran’s right to the peaceful development of nuclear energy as well as its continued compliance with its obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

    Putin also reiterated to Macron his view that the war in Ukraine was “a direct consequence of the West’s policy”, which he said had “ignored Russia’s security interests” over the past few years.

    Any possible peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine should have a “comprehensive and long-term character” and be based on “new territorial realities”, the Kremlin quoted Putin as saying.

    Putin has previously said Ukraine must accept Russia’s annexation of swathes of its territory as part of any peace deal.

    Macron’s office said the French president had also stressed the need for Iran to comply with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

    Macron and Putin agreed to coordinate their efforts and to speak again soon, the Elysee statement said.

    (Reuters)

  • Putin, Macron discuss Iran, Ukraine in first phone call in nearly three years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russian President Vladimir Putin had a “substantial” phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on the Middle East crisis including Iran and the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, their first such exchange since September 2022.

    In Paris, Macron’s office said the call lasted two hours and that the French leader had called for a ceasefire in Ukraine and the start of negotiations on ending the conflict.

    According to the Kremlin press service, Putin said it was necessary to respect Iran’s right to the peaceful development of nuclear energy as well as its continued compliance with its obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

    Putin also reiterated to Macron his view that the war in Ukraine was “a direct consequence of the West’s policy”, which he said had “ignored Russia’s security interests” over the past few years.

    Any possible peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine should have a “comprehensive and long-term character” and be based on “new territorial realities”, the Kremlin quoted Putin as saying.

    Putin has previously said Ukraine must accept Russia’s annexation of swathes of its territory as part of any peace deal.

    Macron’s office said the French president had also stressed the need for Iran to comply with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

    Macron and Putin agreed to coordinate their efforts and to speak again soon, the Elysee statement said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Amendment of the Gas Storage Regulation – 01-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Gas storage provides a valuable reserve in case of strong demand or supply disruption, reducing the need to import additional gas and helping stabilise energy prices. In March 2025, the European Commission proposed an amendment to the Gas Storage Regulation, adopted during the 2022 energy crisis, to extend its validity until the end of 2027. During its July plenary session, the European Parliament will vote on the text agreed in trilogue negotiations with the Council.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Houston American Energy Acquires Abundia Global Impact Group, Creating a Publicly Traded Innovator in Low-Carbon Fuels

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) (“HUSA” or the “Company”) has completed its acquisition of Abundia Global Impact Group, LLC (“AGIG”), creating a leading company focused on converting waste plastics into high-value, drop-in low-carbon fuels and chemical products.

    The combined company will be led by Abundia’s founder, Ed Gillespie, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer and will join the Board of Directors. This strategic acquisition leverages HUSA’s public market platform to accelerate Abundia’s growth, scale its technology and execute on its plan to develop large-scale recycling projects, beginning with a new facility planned for the U.S. Gulf Coast.

    “The completion of this acquisition represents a pivotal transformation for HUSA,” said Peter Longo, Chairman of the combined company. “Abundia has a commercially ready solution for converting waste into valuable fuels and chemicals, with a backlog of development opportunities utilizing proprietary technologies and key industry partnerships. This transaction gives HUSA shareholders a ready-made platform and project pipeline for future value generation as the fuel and chemical industries accelerate their adoption of low-carbon solutions and sustainable aviation fuel.”

    CEO of the combined company Ed Gillespie commented, “This is a landmark moment for Abundia and a major step forward for the renewable industry. Joining forces with HUSA and entering the public capital markets positions us to accelerate growth, scale our technology and expand our influence within the renewable and recycling industries. I am proud of the hard work and determination of both the AGIG and HUSA teams to finalize this transaction. We look forward to delivering shareholder value and critical technologies to reduce carbon emissions.”

    Key Highlights of the Combined Company

    • Targeting a Multi-Billion Dollar Market: Directly serves the growing global demand for renewable fuels, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and recycled chemical feedstocks
    • Proprietary, Commercially Ready Technology: Utilizes a proven pyrolysis process to convert waste plastics into valuable, drop-in fuels and chemicals
    • Project Development: Near-term plans to develop a large-scale project in the U.S. Gulf Coast, which is a strategic location with access to waste feedstock and downstream customers, a large workforce and multiple transportation options

    Key Highlights of the Transaction

    • Proven Executive Leadership: The combined company will be led by:
      • Ed Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member
      • Peter Longo, Chairman of the Board
      • Lucie Harwood, Chief Financial Officer
      • Joseph Gasik, Chief Operating Officer
    • Structure: Abundia Global Impact Group, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HUSA through an exchange of outstanding membership interests of AGIG for newly authorized shares of HUSA common stock.

    About Houston American Energy Corp.

    Houston American Energy Corp. is a renewable energy company focused on converting waste materials into valuable low-carbon fuels and chemicals. Through its proprietary pyrolysis technology, the company addresses the global plastic waste crisis while supplying high-demand products like sustainable aviation fuel and recycled feedstocks to the energy and chemical industries.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: 

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking information generally is accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements about the future growth of the Company in the renewable energy industry and plans for new project development and facilities, the Company’s expectations with respect to the completed acquisition of AGIG (the “Acquisition”), including statements regarding the benefits of the Acquisition, the implied valuation of the Company, the products offered by the Company and the markets in which it operates, and the Company’s projected future results and market opportunities, as well as information with respect to the Company’s future operating results and business strategy. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: (i) risks and uncertainties impacting the Company’s business including, risks related to its current liquidity position and the need to obtain additional financing to support ongoing operations, the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, the Company’s ability to maintain the listing of its common stock on NYSE American, the Company’s ability to predict its rate of growth, the Company’s ability to hire, retain and motivate employees, the effects of competition on the Company’s business, including price competition, technological, regulatory and legal developments, developments in the economy and financial markets, risks related to the Company’s ability to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits from the Acquisition, and (iii) other risks as set forth from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of the Company.

    With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made numerous assumptions. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. A complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company’s business is disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC on www.sec.gov.

    All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    For additional information, view the company’s website at www.houstonamerican.com or contact Houston American Energy Corp. at (713) 222-6966.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Houston American Energy Acquires Abundia Global Impact Group, Creating a Publicly Traded Innovator in Low-Carbon Fuels

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) (“HUSA” or the “Company”) has completed its acquisition of Abundia Global Impact Group, LLC (“AGIG”), creating a leading company focused on converting waste plastics into high-value, drop-in low-carbon fuels and chemical products.

    The combined company will be led by Abundia’s founder, Ed Gillespie, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer and will join the Board of Directors. This strategic acquisition leverages HUSA’s public market platform to accelerate Abundia’s growth, scale its technology and execute on its plan to develop large-scale recycling projects, beginning with a new facility planned for the U.S. Gulf Coast.

    “The completion of this acquisition represents a pivotal transformation for HUSA,” said Peter Longo, Chairman of the combined company. “Abundia has a commercially ready solution for converting waste into valuable fuels and chemicals, with a backlog of development opportunities utilizing proprietary technologies and key industry partnerships. This transaction gives HUSA shareholders a ready-made platform and project pipeline for future value generation as the fuel and chemical industries accelerate their adoption of low-carbon solutions and sustainable aviation fuel.”

    CEO of the combined company Ed Gillespie commented, “This is a landmark moment for Abundia and a major step forward for the renewable industry. Joining forces with HUSA and entering the public capital markets positions us to accelerate growth, scale our technology and expand our influence within the renewable and recycling industries. I am proud of the hard work and determination of both the AGIG and HUSA teams to finalize this transaction. We look forward to delivering shareholder value and critical technologies to reduce carbon emissions.”

    Key Highlights of the Combined Company

    • Targeting a Multi-Billion Dollar Market: Directly serves the growing global demand for renewable fuels, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and recycled chemical feedstocks
    • Proprietary, Commercially Ready Technology: Utilizes a proven pyrolysis process to convert waste plastics into valuable, drop-in fuels and chemicals
    • Project Development: Near-term plans to develop a large-scale project in the U.S. Gulf Coast, which is a strategic location with access to waste feedstock and downstream customers, a large workforce and multiple transportation options

    Key Highlights of the Transaction

    • Proven Executive Leadership: The combined company will be led by:
      • Ed Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member
      • Peter Longo, Chairman of the Board
      • Lucie Harwood, Chief Financial Officer
      • Joseph Gasik, Chief Operating Officer
    • Structure: Abundia Global Impact Group, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HUSA through an exchange of outstanding membership interests of AGIG for newly authorized shares of HUSA common stock.

    About Houston American Energy Corp.

    Houston American Energy Corp. is a renewable energy company focused on converting waste materials into valuable low-carbon fuels and chemicals. Through its proprietary pyrolysis technology, the company addresses the global plastic waste crisis while supplying high-demand products like sustainable aviation fuel and recycled feedstocks to the energy and chemical industries.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: 

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking information generally is accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements about the future growth of the Company in the renewable energy industry and plans for new project development and facilities, the Company’s expectations with respect to the completed acquisition of AGIG (the “Acquisition”), including statements regarding the benefits of the Acquisition, the implied valuation of the Company, the products offered by the Company and the markets in which it operates, and the Company’s projected future results and market opportunities, as well as information with respect to the Company’s future operating results and business strategy. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: (i) risks and uncertainties impacting the Company’s business including, risks related to its current liquidity position and the need to obtain additional financing to support ongoing operations, the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, the Company’s ability to maintain the listing of its common stock on NYSE American, the Company’s ability to predict its rate of growth, the Company’s ability to hire, retain and motivate employees, the effects of competition on the Company’s business, including price competition, technological, regulatory and legal developments, developments in the economy and financial markets, risks related to the Company’s ability to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits from the Acquisition, and (iii) other risks as set forth from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of the Company.

    With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made numerous assumptions. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. A complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company’s business is disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC on www.sec.gov.

    All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    For additional information, view the company’s website at www.houstonamerican.com or contact Houston American Energy Corp. at (713) 222-6966.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Houston American Energy Corp. Appoints Matthew T. Henninger to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a move to strengthen its leadership following a strategic share exchange with Abundia Global Impact Group (AGIG), Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) (“HUSA” or the “Company”) today announced the appointment of Matthew T. Henninger to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Henninger will serve on the Audit Committee and Compensation Committees.

    “We are pleased to welcome Matthew to the Company’s Board of Directors,” said Chairman Peter Longo. “Matthew’s global business expertise and extensive background in finance and strategic planning make him well-suited to help guide the Company’s growth and value creation strategies. We look forward to his contributions to the Board.”

    Mr. Henninger is a New York-based executive with over 35 years of investment banking, operational management and business advisory experience. He is currently a Managing Partner at BRM Holdings, a private family office and serves as the CEO of Exotropin, a BRM Holdings portfolio company. Previously, Mr. Henninger was the CEO of Cedi Global and was the President of Red Lion Partners. He has operated, advised and served on boards of directors in a range of industries including consumer products, medical chemicals, industrial manufacturing, and short-line rail transportation and others.

    “I am honored to join the Board at such a pivotal moment,” said Mr. Henninger. “The company’s new direction, powered by Abundia’s vision for converting waste into valuable resources, presents a compelling opportunity to create significant economic value while addressing a critical global challenge. I look forward to working with the team to drive this transformative strategy going forward.”

    Concurrent with the appointment and the closing of the share exchange on [July 1], 2025, Stephen P. Hartzell has resigned from the Board of Directors. The Company extends its gratitude to him for his service. Following these changes, the Board remains composed of five directors, including three independent members.

    About Houston American Energy Corp.

    Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) is a renewable energy company focused on converting waste materials into valuable low-carbon fuels and chemicals. Through its proprietary pyrolysis technology, the company addresses the global plastic waste crisis while supplying high-demand products like sustainable aviation fuel and recycled feedstocks to the energy and chemical industries.

    For additional information, view the company’s website at www.houstonamerican.com or contact Houston American Energy Corp. at (713) 222-6966.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper Votes Against Republicans’ Budget Bill That Strips Health Care from Americans, Closes Rural Hospitals, Explodes National Deficit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    Republicans’ legislation will increase prices for Coloradans, strip health care from 17 million Americans, increase the deficit, and give tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy
    Republicans blocked Hickenlooper-backed amendments to protect funding for Medicaid and clean energy
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after he voted against Republicans’ Senate budget bill:
    “This is pure lunacy, and downright cruel.
    “Republicans have voted to kick 17 million Americans off their health care, push hundreds of rural hospitals toward closure, wipe out millions of American clean energy careers, and add trillions to our national debt. And for what? For lavish tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.”
    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. While Hickenlooper was successful in working with his colleagues to eliminate devastating public lands provisions and alter a few of the worst clean energy proposals, he joined a bipartisan group of senators in opposition to the final bill. The reconciliation bill now heads to the House for final passage. Hickenlooper will continue fighting against it and urge every member of the House to stop it from becoming law.
    HICKENLOOPER AMENDMENT:
    Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor in support of his amendment to protect the Inflation Reduction Act’s residential clean energy credit – which covers 30% of the cost of purchasing and installing residential solar, battery backup, or geothermal heat pumps. Hickenlooper’s amendment would protect the program from Republican cuts for one year, giving clean energy small businesses in Colorado and across the nation a runway (at bare minimum) to weather the storm the Republicans are causing and prepare for the loss of federal funding, in addition to  preserving more than 85,000 American jobs. Watch his full remarks about his amendment HERE.
    “They’re also taxing clean energy and cutting larger energy credits, which will create more expensive energy and more blackouts,” Hickenlooper said. “We should create jobs, cut costs, and boost energy production, not sacrifice working families so that the richest Americans pay less taxes.”
    Click to download full video
    WHAT’S IN THE BILL:
    The Republican-led Senate reconciliation bill includes a $3 trillion tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. It pays for those tax cuts by:
    Taking Health Care Away from 17 Million Americans
    The Republican budget proposal calls for extreme Medicaid cuts of more than $900 billion, 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.
    The budget also fails to extend the Affordable Care Act expanded premium tax credits, which expire at the end of 2025.
    The latest CBO estimates that the combined cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act would result in 17 million Americans losing health insurance by 2034, and increase our national debt by $3.3 trillion.   
    The cuts would hit rural hospitals the hardest:
    According to initial estimates, more than 338 rural hospitals across the country are at an acute risk of closure as a result of these Medicaid cuts. Including 6 hospitals in Colorado:
    Delta County Memorial Hospital – Delta (CO-03)
    Conejos County Hospital – La Jara (CO-03)
    Grand River Hospital District – Rifle (CO-03)
    Prowers Medical Center – Lamar (CO-04)
    Southwest Memorial Hospital – Cortez (CO-03)
    Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center – La Junta (CO-03)

    Slashing Investments in Clean Energy and Driving up Energy Bills
    The Republican budget bill guts 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.
    Increasing Our National Debt by Trillions
    Even after gutting over $1 trillion from Medicaid and other services, the Senate reconciliation bill will still increase our national debt by more than $3.3 TRILLION.
    The Senate version of the bill adds $900 billion moreto the national debt than the previous House version of the bill.
    Hickenlooper recently took to the Senate floor to slam the bill as “fiscal madness.”
    ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS:
    In total, Hickenlooper introduced and joined 16+ amendments to the 2025 Senate reconciliation bill to oppose Republican provisions that would harm Coloradans. Specifically, he introduced and joined amendments to:
    Prevent Americans from Losing Health Care
    Protect Nursing Homes and Medicaid Patients: Hickenlooper-led amendment to strike any provision that cuts funding for Medicaid, which covers care for 60% of all nursing home residents.
    Safeguard Small Businesses and Medicaid: Hickenlooper-led amendment to strike any provision that cuts funding for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which protects access for the 7,000,000 small businesses workers who depend on Medicaid coverage; and protects access for the 4,000,000 small businesses who depend on the ACA exchanges.
    Protect Medicaid: Led by Senator Wyden, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike any provision that cuts funding for Medicaid; and would ensure big corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay a fair share in taxes.
    Extend ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits: Led by Senator Jon Ossoff, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to permanently extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced Premium Tax Credits.
    Protect Safety Net Programs
    Safeguard SNAP-Education: Led by Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike the section that eliminates the SNAP Education Program, which provides free nutrition education to SNAP recipients.
    Expand Pell Grant Eligibility: Led by Senator Tim Kaine, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike the workforce Pell section in the budget bill and replace it with the bipartisan JOBS Act to expand Pell Grant eligibility to include short-term workforce training programs.
    Protect Public Lands
    Block Sale of Public Lands: Hickenlooper-led amendment to block the sale of our public lands. The amendment ensures that public lands cannot be sold if they hold any of the multiple values our public lands offer, including benefits for watershed health, hunting, fishing, recreation, and critical wildlife habitat. It also excludes sale of lands with cultural or historic significance, areas sensitive for national security, areas within an Indian reservation, or lands to which Tribes hold reserved rights.
    Non-Competitive Leasing: Hickenlooper-led amendment to strike provision that would reauthorize non-competitive leasing on federal public lands.
    Maintaining National Park Service Staffing: Led by Senator Angus King, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike the repeal of ~$267M in Inflation Reduction Act funding for the National Park Service staffing.
    Address our Climate Crisis + Invest in Renewable Energy
    Protect the solar industry:Hickenlooper-led amendment to change the termination date of the 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2026 to save jobs and small businesses and help American households power their homes and reduce energy costs with solar, battery storage, and geothermal heat pumps. It is paid for by increasing the top tax bracket to 39.6%.
    RECA Expansion: Hickenlooper-led amendment that adds Colorado to the list of states that benefit from an expanded downwinder provision under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
    Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit: Led by Senator Michael Bennet, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike all changes to the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit, but retain foreign entities of concern rules, and strike changes to 48C advanced energy tax credit.
    Maintaining Parity for Wind and Solar Facilities: Led by Senator Jacky Rosen, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to restore parity for solar and wind with other technologies under the Production Tax Credit (45Y) and Investment Tax Credit (48E), paid for with an increase to the top rate at $1 million for individual filers and $1.3M for married filing jointly.
    Eliminating the tax on wind and solar: Led by Senator Adam Schiff, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike the new excise tax on wind and solar, paid for with an increase to 39.6 percent for individuals making $10 million.
    Repeal of Termination of Certain Clean Energy Credits: Led by Senators Jean Shaheen and Peter Welch, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike provisions that would terminate the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C), the Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D), the New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit (45L), and the Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction (179D).
    Maintaining Modernized Royalty Rates: Led by Senator Jacky Rosen, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike the repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act royalty rate modernization for oil and gas.
    Budget resolutions guide federal spending and revenue policies for the year. This is the third budget resolution the Senate has voted on during the reconciliation process. Hickenlooper voted against the first package in February, and the second package in April. The Senate and the House must pass identical versions of the budget for the reconciliation bill to become law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Hardeep Singh Puri highlights India’s economic milestones and reforms at ICAI Foundation Day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, on Tuesday outlined India’s remarkable economic transformation over the past eleven years, crediting bold policy reforms, robust governance, and far-reaching social welfare measures for propelling the country from the world’s eleventh largest economy in 2014 to the fourth largest today.

    Addressing the 77th Foundation Day of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Puri noted that India’s GDP has more than doubled, from USD 2.1 trillion in 2014 to USD 4.3 trillion in 2025. He said India has recently surpassed Japan and is on track to overtake Germany by 2030 to become the world’s third-largest economy.

    Reflecting on a decade of extensive welfare programmes, the Minister highlighted that over 27 crore citizens have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty, nearly four crore homes have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and more than 15 crore rural households now have access to piped drinking water through the Jal Jeevan Mission. Health coverage under Ayushman Bharat now benefits over 70 crore people, providing ₹5 lakh insurance per family each year.

    Puri also underscored India’s ability to attract foreign investment, citing USD 748 billion in foreign direct investment inflows between 2014 and 2025—an increase of 143% over the previous decade—and the rise in source countries from 89 to 112. Landmark economic measures such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Production-Linked Incentive schemes, Goods and Services Tax, and Direct Benefit Transfers, along with the removal of over 25,000 compliances and 1,400 outdated laws, have further strengthened India’s business environment.

    The Minister pointed to significant improvements in tax administration, with the number of annual income tax returns filed more than doubling from 3.6 crore in FY 2013–14 to 8.5 crore in FY 2024–25. He noted that 95% of these returns are now processed within 30 days, helping ensure that every tax rupee translates into social benefits such as LPG connections for households, medicines for the underprivileged, rural electrification, pensions for senior citizens, and jobs for the youth.

    Highlighting the resilience of India’s banking sector, Puri said gross non-performing assets of scheduled commercial banks have fallen from 14.58% in FY 2017–18 to below 3% in FY 2024–25. He also noted that India’s digital economy continues to expand rapidly, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) handling nearly 50% of the world’s real-time digital transactions and serving over 500 million active users. India’s fintech adoption now stands at 87%, compared to a global average of 67%, driven by widespread access to digital identity and mobile connectivity.

    Among flagship initiatives, the Minister lauded the success of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which has delivered more than 16.5 crore LPG connections since 2014. This has empowered women, improved health by reducing indoor air pollution, and enhanced public welfare. The Oil & Gas sector’s robust growth was reflected in the doubling of the market capitalization of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to ₹8.79 lakh crore since 2014.

    Looking ahead, Puri urged chartered accountants to embrace new technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to automate routine tasks and focus on delivering strategic insights. “Embracing AI is no longer optional—it is essential for staying competitive and innovative in today’s evolving financial world,” he said.

    Puri called on the ICAI community to uphold the values of transparency, efficiency, and accountability as India advances towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. “On this special day, remember that your profession has the power to protect and sustain our economy. Your dedication is vital for building Viksit Bharat,” he said.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev: Sakhalin Region will be presented as an energy and logistics center of the Asia-Pacific region on the “Far East Street” within the framework of the EEF

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Sakhalin Region will traditionally be one of the participants in the Far East Street exhibition, which will be held from September 3 to 9 as part of the tenth, anniversary Eastern Economic Forum – 2025 in Vladivostok. The exhibition is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Far Eastern Federal District. The only island region in the country will present information about its main investment and social projects, history and culture, and will also talk about the development of unmanned aviation.

    “Sakhalin Oblast is one of the leading regions in the Far East in terms of attracting investment. In the national investment climate rating, Sakhalin Oblast ranks first in the Far Eastern Federal District and fourth in the country. There is growth in the manufacturing industry, coal industry, and construction. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of the benefits of the priority development area, free port, and preferential regime on the Kuril Islands. The region is actively developing scientific and technologically. An international-level campus is being created on the instructions of the President. An engineering school and an electrical engineering laboratory are operating, the first stage of the Oil and Gas Industrial Park has been launched, and a research and production center for the development of unmanned systems has been created. This and much more allows us to create new production facilities, attract new personnel, and train young specialists. Thanks to the master plan, the urban environment of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is changing. I am sure that the region has something to show and be proud of,” emphasized Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev.

    The main pavilion of the Sakhalin Region on the “Far East Street” will be made in the form of waves. This year it will be decorated with installations on the theme of logistics: a hydrogen train, a UAV, an airplane and the port of Korsakov. Next to it there will be an investor’s pavilion in the form of a scallop shell.

    “The Eastern Economic Forum has long been an important platform for the Sakhalin Region to develop the region’s economy. Over the past five years, we have signed more than 60 agreements here, which will create 5.7 thousand jobs, and launch key projects in energy, transport, and education. Among them are the modernization of the electric grid complex, the development of hydrogen energy, the continuation of gasification of the region, the modernization of port infrastructure, the construction of clinics, and the development of science as part of the construction of the SakhalinTech campus. It is important for us that Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands become increasingly attractive for living, and that comfort for residents and visitors to the region grows. And we will consistently continue this work in the future,” said Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko.

    An installation dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War will be placed inside the pavilion. The exhibition “Roads of Victory” will tell about the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk operation and the landing on Shumshu. It is planned to show a film about the expedition to the island, videos about reconstructions of battles in the Kholmsky and Smirnykhovsky districts.

    “On the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, we are creating a memorial complex on Shumshu Island dedicated to the Kuril landing operation. Shumshu is one of the islands of the Kuril chain. In fact, World War II ended there. The Kwantung Army was defeated. Our soldiers defeated the superior forces of the enemy, demonstrated mass heroism, landed in the water with full equipment and attacked tanks and firing points that were on the heights. This is one of the most significant pages in our history,” concluded Yuri Trutnev.

    In the Tourism zone, new programs will be presented: military-historical tours “Battle for Shumshu” and “Liberation of the South of Sakhalin”, seasonal offers for winter and summer recreation, as well as gastronomic tours and the “Far East – Land of Adventure” project.

    The Sakhalin – Showcase of Russia zone will showcase key projects of the master plan for the first belt of the agglomeration, as well as the main areas of development of the region: medicine, science and education, logistics, culture, and the urban environment.

    The results of the decade of work of the Sakhalin Region Development Corporation will be presented in a separate zone. With the help of multimedia technologies, the exposition will present the results of the organization’s work over 10 years, including the initiatives of the Merci Agro Sakhalin livestock complex, the Gorizont residential complex, the Uyun territory development project, the agropark and the oil service park.

    The UAV and BEK zone will tell about how the island region strives to become a leader in Russia in the implementation of unmanned aircraft systems. This topic will be dedicated to a separate exposition aimed at promoting Sakhalin’s achievements in this area.

    In 2025, Sakhalin Oblast plans to hold three international forums – Wings of Sakhalin, Energy of Sakhalin and Islands of Sustainable Development: Climate Aspect – at a new venue – the Pushisty drone port. The Sakhalin Expo exposition will be dedicated to the development of congress and exhibition activities in the region.

    Next to the main pavilion there will be a stand “Made in Sakhalin”. The exposition will present regional brands – clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, gastronomic products, health products, and achievements of the film industry and computer graphics will also be demonstrated. The pavilion’s design will include works by Sakhalin photographers and musicians, as well as various murals, including an image of the Aniva lighthouse – the unofficial symbol of the region.

    The art object “Happy Motherhood” will also be exhibited, symbolizing family values. 2025 has been declared the Year of Happy Motherhood on the islands. The regional government’s social block is paying special attention to solving the demographic issue and creating conditions under which women can successfully combine motherhood with professional activity, without sacrificing either their career or family.

    This year, the cultural program of the Sakhalin Region is aimed at popularizing the work of local authors and musicians. Songs by Sakhalin composer and poet Georgy Zobov will be presented, performed by artists of the Variety Academy, accompanied by the dance studio “Aritmiya” and the group Dreambox. The duet “Vishnya” will present a combination of electronic music, songs and ethnic music. The ensemble of the Variety Academy of Larisa Dolina will perform cover versions of famous hits of the Russian variety art. Stilt walkers of the theater studio 2233 will also perform for the guests.

    In addition, the regional delegation will present a series of unique performances called “Sea Meditation”. For three days, Sakhalin artist Konstantin Kolupaev will create paintings dedicated to the beauty and power of nature on a huge canvas using unique techniques. Spectators will be able to watch the master at work.

    As part of the sports program, Sakhalin Oblast plans to organize an interactive platform using VR glasses, where you can try alpine skiing, ski jumping or parachuting. There will be a chess platform called “Beat the Champion.”

    The 10th Eastern Economic Forum will be held on September 3–6 at the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok. During these days, the exhibition will be available to forum participants, and on September 7, 8, and 9, it will be open to everyone. The EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: IPAA: “‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ Remains a Win for American Energy”

    Source: Independent Petroleum Association of America

    Headline: IPAA: “‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ Remains a Win for American Energy”

    Jul 1, 2025 IPAA: “‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ Remains a Win for American Energy”

    Posted at 12:22h in Press Releases by

    WASHINGTON – Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) President & CEO Jeff Eshelman issued the following passage of the budget reconciliation bill in the U.S. Senate:

    “President Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ remains a win for American energy. The bill passed today improves the ability of independent oil and natural gas producers to supply reliable, affordable energy to the American people.

    “IPAA is pleased that the legislation reinstates oil and natural gas lease sales for onshore and offshore federal lands and makes common sense reforms to the permitting and leasing process on federal lands. IPAA members, the small businesses of the oil patch, are grateful that industry tax treatments including intangible drilling costs and percentage depletion were protected, along with carried interest deductions being preserved.

    “While we are disappointed that the legislation does not include a full repeal of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) including the methane tax, as we have consistently argued for and will continue to, the 10-year delay of the MERP provides time to for legislators to work with regulators and industry to craft an alternate solution that makes sense for smaller producers.

    “Independent producers congratulate Majority Leader Thune and Senate leadership for uniting their members on the legislation. IPAA urges quick, unified action to send the OBBB to President Trump for his signature as soon as possible.”

    IPAA worked closely with national groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers to advocate in support of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including for the permanent extension of tax reforms in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). IPAA CEO Eshelman is a member of the US Chamber of Commerce’s “Committee of 100” and the National Association of Manufacturers’ “Council of Manufacturing Associations.”

    ###

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Report on Iranian Petroleum and Petroleum Products Exports

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    Petroleum & Other Liquids

    Crude oil, gasoline, heating oil, diesel, propane, and other liquids including biofuels and natural gas liquids.

    Natural Gas

    Exploration and reserves, storage, imports and exports, production, prices, sales.

    Electricity

    Sales, revenue and prices, power plants, fuel use, stocks, generation, trade, demand & emissions.

    Coal

    Reserves, production, prices, employment and productivity, distribution, stocks, imports and exports.

    Total Energy

    Comprehensive data summaries, comparisons, analysis, and projections integrated across all energy sources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján: Republican Bill Betrays New Mexico Families by Taking an Axe to Health Care, Nutrition Programs, and Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    WATCH: Luján Holds Senate Floor During Midnight Session 

    WATCH: Luján Introduces Amendment to Save SNAP 

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to pass their partisan budget reconciliation bill: 

    “Senate Republicans just pushed through a budget bill that hurts New Mexican families. In their rush to meet President Trump’s demands, they voted blindly, with no regard for the harm this bill will inflict on all of our constituents.

    “This Republican bill guts health care for children and families, strips food assistance from our neighbors, and puts rural hospitals and grocery stores on the brink of closure – all to hand out massive tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. It also adds more than $3 trillion to the national debt – driving up interest rates across the board, making car loans and mortgages more expensive for families, and raising borrowing costs for small businesses and farmers.

    “This bill is not just bad policy – it’s a failure of leadership and a betrayal of New Mexico families, rural communities, and American values.”

    Senator Luján backed a series of amendments and motions to the Republican reconciliation bill aimed at protecting access to health care and nutrition programs and lowering costs for New Mexicans. Senate Republicans blocked these common-sense proposals from Senator Luján and Senate Democrats. Among those measures:

    Keeping Food on the Table for New Mexicans: 

    Millions of families rely on nutrition assistance programs. Senator Luján led a motion to protect funding for SNAP that ensures New Mexico families and children have access to nutritious food. These programs also support New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers, and local communities that rely on these dollars to keep food on shelves and economies strong. 

    Defending Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act:

    Republicans are trying to pay for tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations by ripping away Medicaid coverage from millions of Americans. New Mexico has the highest per-capita Medicaid enrollment in the country, and children, pregnant women, and working families depend on it. Senator Luján supported a motion to strengthen Medicaid and protect health care for New Mexicans.

    Keeping New Mexico Communities Safe:

    Amid a nationwide shortage of police officers, Senator Luján proposed a motion to provide increased resources for local law enforcement by funding the COPS Hiring Program. Senator Luján previously led dozens of his colleagues in calling for additional funding for public safety.

    Protecting New Mexicans from Wildfires:

    As wildfires continue to devastate New Mexico and the West, Senator Luján supported a motion to invest in wildfire prevention and protect our communities from future disasters.

    Protecting Clean Energy Investments:

    As the climate crisis grows more urgent – and Republicans push to gut clean energy programs – Senator Luján supported amendments to safeguard investments in our energy future and reduce costs.

    Lowering Taxes for Small Businesses and the Middle Class: 

    To bring down costs for New Mexico families and small businesses, Senator Luján supported amendments that would provide tax relief to the middle class and small businesses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: WinnerMining: Are cryptocurrency fluctuations making people panic? No, it’s the business opportunities of cloud mining.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Against the backdrop of drastic fluctuations in the global economy, cryptocurrencies have become the “number one” investment asset pursued by global investors. In particular, BTC, ETH, and XRP continue to influence the global cryptocurrency market. However, AQUARONE, Steffan Luke, CEO of WinnerMining Co., Ltd., believes that amid the market fluctuations that everyone is worried about, there are business opportunities that cannot be missed.

    “Volatility” turns into business opportunities
    WinnerMining not only prevents market volatility, but also stimulates more active trading. WinnerMining offers a variety of different investment contracts for investors of all levels, allowing them to make investment decisions with confidence.
    Despite the uncertainty of US policies under President Trump, which may affect global cryptocurrencies, WinnerMining can cope with the challenges that may arise in the second half of the year and maintain its leading position in the international cryptocurrency market.
    “WinnerMining has experienced crises, whether it is COVID-19 that disrupts the world, US taxation, or regional political conflicts, and each time it has been able to manage in a professional manner and has good resources and connections in the global crypto market, so our customers will still be taken care of in the best way without being affected by irregular market behavior.”

    What are the advantages of Winnermining?
    1. Fund security: The biggest concern of any investor is fund security. There is no need to worry about it at Winnermining, because Winnermining adopts military-grade double protection and stores funds in cold wallets and the world’s top 10 authoritative banks. And it can protect users from asset loss or inflation problems between conflicts.

    2. Registration bonus: In order to welcome novices or experienced miners who join Winnermining for the first time, as long as they join Winnermining, they will immediately receive a platform reward of $15.

    3. Multiple choices: Provide more than 10 different levels of contracts, suitable for users of any class, and also support free cloud mining!

    4. Flexible participation: Support global users to invest in popular currencies such as BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, DOGE, USDT, USDC, LTC, BCH, etc.

    5. Maintain sustainability: Winnermining has more than 100 large and small new energy power generation sites around the world to maintain the development of cloud mining and continue the mining process.

    6. Customer Support: We provide 24-hour online customer service. Users can visit and consult at any time in any region. Adhering to the concept that customers are God, we serve users from all over the world wholeheartedly and let users have the experience of first love.

    How to participate in Winnermining?
    Step 1: Visit the official website, fill in your email address and set your username/password to complete the registration.
    Step 2: Select the appropriate contract to purchase and lease (all lease contracts can refund the principal).
    Step 3: After the purchase is completed, no operation is required, just wait for 24 hours to get daily income.

    How to earn income on Winnermining?
    Users can complete registration on the official website or application and purchase contracts on the platform.
    Some equity contracts of WinnerMining in 2025 can be viewed here:
    I- Antminer S17e: Investment amount of $100, total profit of $100 + $8.
    II – Shenma Miner M30S: Investment amount of $1000, total profit of $1000 + $130.
    III – Antminer S19J Pro: Investment amount of $3000, total profit of $3000 + $675.
    IV- AvalonMiner A1346: Investment amount of $5000, total profit of $5000 + $1600.
    V – Desiwe Miner K10Ultra: Investment amount of $30,000, total profit of $30,000 + $24300.
    VI – Rack-mounted Filecoin Miner 4300TiB S: Investment amount of $100,000, total profit of $100,000 + $92,500.
    (Visit WinnerMining.VIP to view more contracts)

    Overview:
    Winnermining knows that in the ever-changing crypto market, no one can stand still. The fluctuating crypto market has bubbles and opportunities, and participating in WinnerMining cloud mining is a good choice for digital growth. Join now and get a $15 reward without applying.
    —— Click to download the APP to participate in WinnerMining to take you to experience the daily growth progress of digital assets.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Iran Egypt Foreign Ministers hold telephone conversation


    Download logo

    Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Badr Abdelatty, the Foreign Minister of Egypt, held a telephone conversation on Monday, to discuss the latest regional developments following the cessation of the Zionist regime’s military aggression against Iran.

    In the conversation, Araghchi pointed to the widespread condemnation of the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran by the international community—especially Islamic countries and key regional organizations.

    He criticized the failure of two responsible international bodies, namely the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency, to condemn the attacks, and emphasized the Islamic Republic of Iran’s firm pursuit of identifying the aggressor and obtaining reparations.

    The Egyptian Foreign Minister welcomed the end of the Zionist regime’s aggression and stressed his country’s continued efforts to help de-escalate tensions in the region, including efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Islamic Republic of Iran.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Where does the UK most need more public EV chargers?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Labib Azzouz, Research Associate in Transport and Energy Innovation, University of Oxford

    Electric vehicle chargers at a motorway service station in Grantham, England. Angus Reid/Shutterstock

    The automotive and EV industry has repeatedly insisted that the UK needs more electric vehicle (EV) chargers to help motorists make the switch from conventional fossil-fuel burning cars.

    The Labour government has announced £400 million to install EV chargers, mainly on streets in poorer residential neighbourhoods, in place of the Conservative’s £950 million rapid charging fund that was directed at installing chargers in motorway service stations.

    Does it matter where these chargers are – and who pays to build them?

    The short answer is yes, it does matter. Our research conducted at motorway and local EV charging stations across England – including those located in residential areas, high streets and community centres – indicates that these two types of infrastructure serve distinct groups of users and fulfil different purposes.

    Suggesting that one can substitute for the other risks sending mixed signals to both the industry and the driving public.

    We found that motorway charging stations tend to cater to wealthier men, who are more likely to own premium EVs with long-range batteries and better performance. Many of these drivers have access to home chargers, so their use of public chargers is only for occasional, long-distance travel for business, leisure, or holidays – trips that require chargers along motorways.

    Convenience and charging speed are often more important than the price of public charging, particularly when the travel costs of these drivers are covered by their employers.

    Local public charging stations, on the other hand, serve more diverse groups. These include drivers from lower-income households who are more likely to own older and smaller EVs with shorter ranges. Access to home charging is often limited, especially for people living in flats or urban areas without driveways, garages or off-street parking.

    Not everyone can plug in at home.
    Andersen EV/Shutterstock

    Local chargers are also vital for taxi and delivery drivers who depend on their vehicles for work and make frequent short trips throughout the day. There are many professional drivers without access to workplace charging stations who need alternative local provision – something the Conservative government recognised in its 2022 EV charging strategy.

    Ultimately, the transition to EVs should take a balanced approach that carefully considers social equity, economic viability and environmental impact.

    Different locations serve different drivers

    Motorway charging stations are commercially attractive to private investors, such as energy companies, specialist charging providers and car manufacturers, despite their higher upfront costs and complex requirements.

    This is because service stations offer greater short-term revenue due to their ability to set premium prices. This is a result of there being limited alternatives and high demand for rapid charging, especially among long-distance travellers, and the willingness of EV drivers to pay for speed and convenience – unlike in more price-sensitive neighbourhood settings.

    Unsurprisingly, the government found that the rapid deployment of motorway chargers in recent years has been largely driven by the private sector. Our research highlighted that these revenues could be enhanced by a broader range of retail, dining and relaxation amenities, turning the time waiting for a car to charge into a more productive and pleasurable experience.

    Residential charging stations may not offer high profits per charge, but they typically require lower capital investment and benefit from consistent and predictable use. They are also suited to measures for reducing strain on the grid and balancing energy supply and demand.

    These measures include tariffs that make it cheaper to charge EVs during off-peak hours, or technology that allows cars to feed electricity stored in batteries back into the grid. These features make them appropriate for public funding, where return on investment is measured not just in profit but in value for the public.

    Considering that local EV charging serves those who do not have access to home charging and who drive for a living, the case for public funding is even stronger. These sorts of chargers make switching to an EV easier for different groups.

    For example, safe and carefully placed public chargers could help more women switch to EVs – although our research suggests that, while “careful placement” might refer to residential areas, it doesn’t necessarily mean on streets. Well-lit car parks and community destinations are sometimes considered safer options.

    Charging points outside a community centre in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
    AlanMorris/Shutterstock

    By helping EV drivers make frequent short trips, local chargers can also significantly reduce urban air pollution, emissions and noise, contributing to more liveable, healthier cities.

    That said, motorway charging stations and those near key transport corridors still play a crucial role in a comprehensive national network, and public funding may be required in more peripheral and rural areas of the UK where installations lag and commercial interest is limited.

    While long-distance trips are less frequent than short ones, they account for a disproportionately large share of energy use and emissions. Switching such trips to electric will be essential to reaching net zero goals.

    It seems reasonable to prioritise public investment in local EV charging infrastructure to support a fairer EV transition, but this should not be limited to on-street chargers. Investment is needed in residential and non-residential areas, public car parks, community centres and workplaces.

    Different types of EV charging are not interchangeable – all are needed to support the switch.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Labib Azzouz has received funding from the UK Research and Innovation via the UK Energy Research Centre and Innovate UK as part of the Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO) project.

    Hannah Budnitz receives government funding from UK Research and Innovation grants via the Economic and Social Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. She has also previously received funding from Innovate UK and the Department for Transport.

    – ref. Where does the UK most need more public EV chargers? – https://theconversation.com/where-does-the-uk-most-need-more-public-ev-chargers-259623

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways to avoid illness like the Lionesses

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Samantha Abbott, Doctoral Researcher, Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University

    England’s Beth Mead cheering on podium after win v Germany in the Women European Championship Final 2022 photographyjp/Shutterstock

    Think back to the last time you had a cold or the flu. Now imagine stepping onto the pitch for a European Cup final, while battling through those symptoms. For elite athletes, illness can strike at the worst possible time – and it could hit women harder.

    Research suggests that female athletes are more susceptible to cold and flu-like illnesses than their male counterparts. For England women’s national football team, the Lionesses, this risk only increases before a major tournament like the Euros.

    Close contact, shared kit, disrupted sleep and travel all add up to a perfect storm for infection. But targeted nutritional strategies, alongside good sleep and hand hygiene, can offer a crucial line of defence.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    1. Fuel first: energy matters for immunity

    Before anything else, players need to eat enough. Energy supports both performance and immune function. In fact, female athletes who didn’t meet their energy needs in the run-up to the 2016 Olympics were four times more likely to report cold or flu symptoms.

    This is especially relevant in women’s football, where low energy and carbohydrate intake has been documented among professional players and recreational players too. Regular meals and snacks that include carbohydrate-rich foods like oats, bread and pasta, especially around training, are essential to meet energy demands and support immune health.

    2. Eat the rainbow

    Athletes are often encouraged to go beyond the public’s five-a-day fruit and veg target, aiming instead for eight to ten portions daily. Why? Because colourful plant foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds: all vital for immunity.



    Read more:
    We’re told to ‘eat a rainbow’ of fruit and vegetables. Here’s what each colour does in our body

    Each colour offers unique benefits. For instance, red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Orange produce like carrots get their colour from beta-carotene, which is converted by the body into vitamin A – a key vitamin for immune health.

    Eating a rainbow of colours means getting a wide range of nutrients.

    3. Vitamin C: powerful but timing matters

    Vitamin C has long been linked with reducing the risk and severity of cold and flu symptoms. One Cochrane review found that regular vitamin C intake halved the risk of illness in physically active people.

    However, more isn’t always better. Long-term use of high-dose vitamin C supplements could blunt training adaptations – the structural and functional changes the body undergoes in response to repeated exercise – because of its anti-inflammatory effects. That’s why vitamin C is most effective when used strategically, such as during high-risk periods like travel or intense competition. Good food sources include oranges, kiwis, blackcurrants, red and yellow peppers, broccoli and even potatoes.

    4. Gut health supports immune health

    Around 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, making gut health a key player in illness prevention. This is where probiotics (live bacteria) and prebiotics (which feed those bacteria) come in.

    Probiotics, found in fermented foods like kefir and kimchi or in supplement form, have been shown to reduce the duration and severity of respiratory illnesses in athletes. Prebiotics have similarly shown promise. In one study, a 24-week prebiotic intervention in elite rugby players reduced the duration of cold and flu symptoms by over two days.



    Read more:
    Gut microbiome: meet Lactobacillus acidophilus – the gut health superhero

    In the build-up to the Euros, including probiotic-rich foods in their diet or taking a daily prebiotic and probiotic supplement may help players stay healthy and return to training faster if they do get ill.

    5. Zinc lozenges: first aid for a sore throat

    If cold-like symptoms do appear, zinc lozenges can offer fast-acting relief. Zinc has antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When zinc is delivered as a lozenge, it acts directly in the throat, where many infections begin. Taken within 24 hours of symptoms starting, zinc lozenges could shorten illness duration by a third.

    But caution is key. Long-term use of high-dose zinc supplements can actually suppress immune function. Zinc lozenges should only be used short-term at symptom onset, not as a daily supplement.

    Staying match-ready during major tournaments means more than just tactical drills and fitness. Nutrition is a powerful ally in illness prevention, especially for women’s teams like the Lionesses. From fuelling adequately to supporting gut health and knowing when to supplement, these nutritional strategies can make the difference between sitting on the bench and bringing a trophy home.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Five ways to avoid illness like the Lionesses – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-avoid-illness-like-the-lionesses-259302

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Votes No on Republicans’ Disastrous Tax Bill 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance and Judiciary Committees, and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, released the following statement after voting in strong opposition against Senate Republicans’ disastrous tax bill:   
    “We have an obligation to put the constituents and hardworking families we represent first. Instead of helping everyday people, Republicans’ tax bill capitulates to President Trump and harms communities large and small. This cruel bill will take us back decades by exacerbating income inequality, ripping away health care, and rolling back progress on climate change. It will also raise costs and weaken the economy. All of this pain has been caused to help pay for tax cuts for the very wealthy—a top priority of President Trump. I am grateful to the few Republicans—Senators Tillis, Paul, and Collins—who voted against this terrible bill,” said Senator Welch. “The irony is all these hardships will be faced by citizens in red and blue states—the pain is bipartisan. It’s outrageous that families will now face untold hardships because of the Trump Administration’s cuts. I voted no on this bill and will fight to reverse these policies in any way I can.”  
    Republicans’ reckless tax and spending bill will block access to health care for 17 million people, rip away vital food assistance for millions, cut clean energy incentives and add a tax to wind and solar energy, raise utility bills and grocery prices, and tank the economy—all to pay for tax cuts for the very wealthy.    
    Senator Welch filed amendments and changes to Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act to strengthen the economy, protect access to health care and nutrition programs, and provide more stability for families and rural communities, including provisions to: 
    Protect Access to Health Care and Support Rural Hospitals:  

    Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to rewrite the bill to prevent harm to rural health care and the fiscal wellbeing of rural hospitals;  

    Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to exempt managed care programs operated by state governments like Vermont from any changes proposed to state directed payments.  

    Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to strike any changes to provider taxes, including changes that would impact states like Vermont with Medicaid expansion;  

    Welch proposed requiring the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to make it easier to verify eligibility for the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits and expand special enrollment periods under certain circumstances. 

    Defend Food Assistance Programs:  

    Welch proposed requiring the Agriculture Committee to strike any cost-shifts of administering SNAP to states, which would kick American families off the food assistance they need and strain state budgets;  

    Welch proposed an amendment to strike administrative cost-shifts for SNAP;  

    Welch proposed an amendment to adjust the Thrifty Food Plan for cities, counties, and regions where the price of food is 10% higher than the national average;  

    Welch proposed an amendment that places a floor on SNAP allotments to households instead of a ceiling;  

    Welch proposed an amendment preserving the standard utility deduction, which cuts administrative red tape and boosts benefits by providing a more accurate portrayal of a household’s available resources for food when determining SNAP eligibility; 

    Welch proposed requiring the Agriculture Committee to rewrite the bill to allow volunteer work to qualify under SNAP’s work requirements.   

    Protect Programs and Government Services:  

    Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to rewrite the bill to maintain the energy efficient home improvement tax credit at current levels through 2028;  

    Welch proposed an amendment to strike the repeal of several home energy efficiency tax credits, including credits for home energy, rooftop solar, energy efficient homes for homebuilders, and more;  

    Welch proposed striking language in the bill that would rescind funding for state-based contractor training grants, as required in Welch’s HOPE for HOMES Act, passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act;  

    Welch proposed striking language in the bill that would institute taxes on international remittances.  

    Welch proposed an amendment to dedicate funding for residential reentry centers, which are needed in Vermont;  

    Welch proposed an amendment to dedicate funding for the federal public defenders program, which is currently underfunded. 

    Senator Welch has been an outspoken opponent of the President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Republicans are advancing through reconciliation process without Democratic support. Late Sunday evening, Senator Welch took to the Senate floor to reveal how Republicans’ disastrous tax and spending bill will force millions of working Americans in Vermont, West Virginia, and across the country to lose their health coverage, rip away vital food assistance for more than 42 million Americans, cut clean energy incentives and add a tax to wind and solar energy, raise utility bills and grocery prices, and tank the economy—all to pay for tax cuts for the very wealthy.   
    Welch has slammed the bill for threatening access to health care and cutting food assistance, and has sounded the alarm about how this bill will add more than $4 trillion to the national debt and tank the economy.    

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FREE Energy upgrades offered to Plymouth homes

    Source: City of Plymouth

    It may be summer, but some Plymouth residents will be able to apply for free energy installations that will make their homes cosier without costing a penny or the earth.

    People on a low income, those on certain benefits or live in a certain postcode could be eligible for the grant under the Warm Homes Local Grant.

    The grant is designed to give more people who rent or own homes the chance to have more energy efficient measures installed. This could include:

    • wall, loft and underfloor insulation
    • air source heat pumps
    • smart controls
    • solar panels.

    Plymouth City Council has been allocated £2.5 million and is working with Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) to deliver the improvements. Since starting in 2013, PEC has helped over 37,000 households with energy advice or energy efficiency measures.

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Thousands of private homes need to have more energy efficient measures but the upfront cost of installing them is simply beyond the reach of many people.

    “This is an incredible opportunity for people to get free measures installed, save them thousands of pounds for years to come – and help the environment at the same time.”

    A decision has been signed to allocate £2.5m from the Warm Homes Local Grant into the capital programme. This enables the Council to fully fund retrofit measures for eligible residents. This funding is expected to pay for over 200 homes to have new measures installed.

    Justin Bear, Retrofit Lead at Plymouth Energy Community, added: “Helping people improve the comfort and energy efficiency of their homes is core to what PEC do so we’re delighted to partner with the Council on this scheme.”

    “Retrofitting our homes improves people’s health, and also ensures people are more secure in being able to pay their winter bills.”

    To be eligible, your home must:

    • be privately owned (either by you or your landlord)
    • have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D, E, F or G – if you do not know your home’s EPC, you can find it out when you apply
    • Your household income must usually be £36,000 a year or less. If you earn more, you might still be eligible if you live in a certain postcode area or
    • someone in your household is getting certain benefits.

    People can Apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant to improve a home – GOV.UK to see if they are eligible. Their home will be surveyed to assess the installation of the most appropriate measures. If you have a landlord, they may need to pay for some of the improvements.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protecting Consumers from Proposed Rate Hikes

    Source: US State of New York

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    July 1, 2025

    Albany, NY

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that she is demanding the Department of Public Service scrutinize the proposed rate hikes the New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) and the Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) are seeking, protecting consumers from sky-high utility costs that are making New York State less affordable.

    “At a time when New Yorkers are struggling to meet everyday costs, New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) and the Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) must find a way to avoid these unacceptably high rate hikes,” Governor Hochul said. “I am calling on the Department of Public Service to scrutinize these proposals to ensure these companies have the resources to keep our energy grid going but are not making additional profit off the backs of ratepayers.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Perry Homes I in Buffalo Welcomes First Residents

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that Phase I of Perry Homes in Buffalo’s First Ward has welcomed its first residents. When complete, Phase I will consist of 405 affordable apartments in 27 newly constructed buildings, replacing the dilapidated Commodore Perry Homes public housing development and transforming it into quality, modern, all-electric affordable homes for families. In the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved more than 12,000 affordable homes in Erie County. Perry Homes continues this effort and is part of Governor Hochul’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

    “It is an honor to welcome the first residents of the new Perry Homes to a place where they can live comfortably and affordably with access to all of the things that make Buffalo and this First Ward neighborhood so special,” Governor Hochul said. “This is a huge milestone as this development begins to take shape and open its doors. This long-anticipated development that replaces an unfortunate symbol of decline is now a symbol of pride and will not only increase the supply of quality housing in Buffalo, but provide countless opportunities for families, businesses, and the entire city to grow and thrive.”

    Perry Homes I is the first phase of a multi-phase transformation plan and involves the redevelopment of an 18-acre portion of the existing public housing development site. Once complete, the new Perry Homes will include 405 high-quality apartments, all of which will be affordable to households with incomes at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Of the total units, 284 will be covered under a Section 8 Project-Based Housing Assistance Payment contract administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Multifamily Housing.

    The redevelopment will also feature comprehensive on-site amenities, including a centrally-located property management office, maintenance suite, mail and package rooms, two community rooms with a kitchenette, three fitness centers, shared laundry on each floor, and bicycle storage.

    Residents will be provided free broadband Internet service and Wi-Fi, and they will also enjoy access to green space and outdoor amenities, such as four playgrounds, each designed to maximize play for children ages 2-12; multiple tree groves; rain gardens to support stormwater management practices; and two outdoor plazas with picnic tables, card tables, benches, and room for gathering and programming.

    On-site surface parking, including 30 electric vehicle charging stations, will be accessible across the site for residential tenant use, commercial visitors, and management staff.

    Perry Homes I is designed to be a highly efficient, all-electric project meeting Enterprise Green Communities 2020 Plus certification requirements and the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home Version 1 program. As part of New York State’s Homes and Community Renewal Clean Energy Initiative, the new buildings will have high performance windows, enhanced insulation, a combination of high efficiency building mounted LED lighting to promote safety, and solar panels on each of the three mid-rise buildings. Every apartment will be equipped with inverter-driven air source heat pumps for air conditioning and heating and electric hot water heaters, ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers, refrigerators, washers and dryers, and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

    Residents will have easy access to the New York Thruway via I-190 at Louisiana Street and Perry Street. Bus access, which is available along South Park Avenue and Perry Street, provides quick access to downtown and places of employment. There are numerous shopping destinations and healthcare facilities nearby, as well as adult and childcare, a public library, and a community center.

    The development team is Pennrose and Bridges Development, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation affiliate of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority. The Perry Homes redevelopment will use the Federal Housing and Urban Development RAD program to convert the vacant public housing units to Project-Based Rental Assistance.

    Financing for the $254 million development includes $21.9 million in tax-exempt bonds, $115.7 million in State and Federal Low Income Tax Credits, and $81 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Empire State Development provided $5 million in Restore New York funding. Additional funds include: $6 million in BMHA Capital Fund Program; $1.1 million in Buffalo Community Development Block Grants; $5 million in RAD Rehab Assistance Payments; and $1.6 million in Federal 45L tax credits. The all-electric development received $1.4 million through HCR’s Clean Energy Initiative program, created in partnership with NYSERDA.

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda

    Governor Hochul is dedicated to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY26 Enacted Budget includes more than $1.5 billion in new State funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. These measures complement the Governor’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, included in the FY23 Enacted Budget, to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

    The FY25 and FY26 Enacted Budgets also strengthened the Governor’s Pro-Housing Community Program — which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Currently, more than 300 communities have received Pro Housing certification, including the city of Buffalo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Neptune Maritime Leasing Completes Refinancing of Golden Energy Offshore Services ASA Fleet

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The GEOS vessel ENERGY SWAN

    ST HELIER, Jersey, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Neptune Maritime Leasing Limited (“Neptune Leasing” or the “Company”) is delighted to announce that it has entered into a new USD 95,000,000 sale and leaseback facility for the seven-vessel fleet of Golden Energy Offshore Services ASA (“GEOS”) (OSLO: GEOS) in June 2025. Neptune Leasing is pleased to announce that yesterday GEOS drew six of the seven tranches available under the facility for each of the vessels Energy Duchess, Energy Empress, Energy Pace, Energy Passion, Energy Partner and Energy Paradise. Financing of the 7th vessel is expected to be completed in July 2025.

    Harris Antoniou, Founder and CEO of Neptune Leasing stated: “We are very pleased that this facility is a major step forward in strengthening Golden Energy Offshore Services’ position within the offshore industry and will allow GEOS to actively pursue its stated objective of growth and shareholder value creation. This year 2025 is yet another year of growth for Neptune Leasing. As communicated in the past, we continue to expand our fleet, as well as to grow our sector coverage to include offshore vessels and our geographic coverage to include Norway, the Middle East and Asia.”

    About Golden Energy Offshore Services ASA

    www.geoff.no/investors-geos

    GEOS ASA is an offshore service company based in Ålesund, Norway. The Company operates supply and service vessels to the offshore industry. The Company fleet is used within the Oil & Gas and Renewable Offshore industry. The Company is listed on Euronext Growth in Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker “GEOS”.

    About Neptune Maritime Leasing

    www.neptuneleasing.com

    Neptune Maritime Leasing was established in 2021. It is a growth-oriented maritime leasing platform with the mission to providing shipowners with access to a flexible financing tool and investors with secure access to an under-invested asset class with attractive real yield. Our strategy is to buy high quality assets and build a portfolio of long-term contracts through sale and leaseback transactions in diverse maritime sectors. We are committed to delivering attractive, long-term, risk-adjusted, and responsible returns to our investors, by advancing global trade and economic growth through supporting the maritime industry, and by making a positive contribution to the environment and to society as a whole.

    For more information please contact:

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dc90c6b9-e56e-487c-a7e1-ecf9bce7e1af

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Permanent Secretary at Department for Transport 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New Permanent Secretary at Department for Transport 

    Jo Shanmugalingam has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary of the Department for Transport, taking over from Bernadette Kelly

    The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has announced the appointment of Jo Shanmugalingam as the new Permanent Secretary of the Department for Transport (DfT).

    Jo is currently the department’s Second Permanent Secretary, and has been serving as the Interim Permanent Secretary since Bernadette Kelly stepped down last month. 

    Jo started her career at the Department for Trade and Industry and spent six years at the Shareholder Executive (now UKGI). Her previous roles include Director General for Science, Innovation and Growth at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

    She will lead the department as the government rebuilds Britain through growth and investment under the Plan for Change, transforming transport infrastructure across the country and making it easier to build new roads and railways.

    Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said:

    I’m delighted to have Jo appointed as Permanent Secretary for the Department for Transport. Having worked closely with her since taking up my role, I know she will provide exemplary leadership as we deliver for this government and the public. 

    I’d like to once again thank Bernadette Kelly for her many years of public service – I can think of no one better to take over the reins from Bernadette than Jo, and I look forward to working with her to deliver this government’s ambitious Plan for Change.

    Cabinet Secretary, Sir Chris Wormald, said:

    I congratulate Jo Shanmugalingam on her appointment as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport. Jo’s valuable experience and impressive track record in delivery make her well suited to lead the department at such an important moment of infrastructure renewal under the Plan for Change – building transport services across the country that boost opportunity and growth for working people.

    I would also like to thank Bernadette Kelly for her dedicated service over 39 years in the Civil Service, in particular for her eight years leading the Department for Transport.

    Jo Shanmugalingam said:

    I am honoured to be appointed Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport. Transport is fundamental to everything we do, connecting people to friends and family, jobs and training. 

    As a department we have a huge part to play at this critical time in driving economic growth. I’m incredibly fortunate to continue working with the talented team in DfT and across the transport system, who I know are all just as dedicated to delivering changes that make a real difference to people’s lives.

    The appointment follows an external recruitment competition overseen by the independent Civil Service Commission.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur and DeLauro Introduce Bill to Rein in Executive Branch Spending Abuses and Uphold Congressional Appropriations Authority

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

    Washington, DC — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, have introduced H.R. 4230 the Appropriations Compliance and Training Act, legislation to restore accountability to the Executive Branch and ensure that Appropriated taxpayer dollars, enacted by Congress and signed into law, are spent in strict accordance with Congressional direction.
     

    “The Power of the Purse rests with Congress. That is established quite clearly in the Constitution, and it has been repeatedly affirmed by the Supreme Court. This Administration has demonstrated time and again a lack of understanding — or worse, deliberate disregard for the direction Congress provides through the Appropriations process,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “This is about enforcing the Constitution and safeguarding democracy. We set policy, we provide direction, and we allocate funds. Then, based on those allocations, the Executive Branch must execute — not reinterpret or ignore — what Congress has directed on behalf of the American people. This is not about politics. It is about protecting the constitutional role of Congress, respecting the will of the American people, and ensuring every public dollar is spent lawfully and transparently.”

    “Instead of being laser-focused on the cost-of-living crisis, President Trump is making it worse by illegally stealing resources promised to the American people,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03). “The Trump administration has been lawless from the jump, illegally freezing or taking funding, appropriated in law by Congress, for programs and services across the federal government that help the middle class, the working class, and small businesses and make sure billionaires and big corporations pay taxes. Whether they are a Democrat or a Republican, nobody should be managing American Taxpayers’ hard-earned money if they do not understand the law. This is a common-sense requirement to defend Congress’s power of the purse and reaffirm its constitutional authority over government funding.”

    The bill has already received strong support, with a growing list of cosponsors including Appropriations Committee Members: Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Rep. James Clyburn (SC-06), Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-04), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-02), Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Rep. Marc Pocan (WI-02), Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22), Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35), Rep. Ed Case (HI-01), Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25), Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Rep. Frank Mrvan (IN-01), and Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-04).

    The Appropriations Compliance and Training Act will require high-ranking federal employees in the Executive Branch to take annual, mandatory training that will ensure their understanding and compliance with Appropriations laws, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act. These laws clarify Congress’ power of the purse and prohibits the Executive Branch from spending or withholding funds beyond the explicit direction of Congress. The legislation is meant to make sure that all Executive Branch officials clearly understand their legal responsibilities and the potential consequences of violations. It also includes a review of what Congress has directed, through the Appropriations process, for each agency in that year’s funding law.

    A full copy of the H.R. 4230 the Appropriations Compliance and Training Act can be found by clicking here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: IAEA Holds Rays of Hope Forum To Increase Access to Cancer Care

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death on the continent, claiming around 2,000 lives every day.

    Three years ago, to close the global cancer care gap, we launched the IAEA’s #RaysOfHope initiative at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.

    Today, we returned to take stock:

    • More than 90 countries have joined
    • Over €90 million mobilized
    • Hospitals upgraded
    • PET/CTs, SPECTs, mammography units and LINACs delivered
    • Radiotherapy centres coming online across several countries
    • Staff trained and networks developed

    Building on this momentum, we signed a $4.5 million partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – the largest contribution from a non-traditional partner to our cancer care work to date. We also launched a new nuclear medicine service at Black Lion Hospital – one of four radiotherapy centres supported by the IAEA in Ethiopia. The hospital now has SPECT/CT scanners, a linear accelerator, trained staff, and a mammography unit on the way.

    Learn more: Rays of Hope IAEA Flagship Initiative →

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Technology and Energy Secretaries chair second AI Energy Council meeting

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Technology and Energy Secretaries chair second AI Energy Council meeting

    The Technology and Energy Secretaries have chaired the second round of discussions, with a focus on compute and the energy demands of AI.

    The Technology and Energy Secretaries chairing the second meeting of the AI Energy Council.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband led the second meeting of the AI Energy Council in London this week (Monday 30 June).

    Joined by regulators and representatives of the energy and tech sectors, the latest round of talks centred on the energy demands which will be needed to power the UK’s compute ambitions, and the future energy needs of the sector as a whole.

    The government has set the ambition of ramping up the UK’s public compute capacity – the building block of AI development – 20 fold in the next 5 years, with talks focused on how the country’s energy grid can meet that goal.

    Presentations from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) on energy demands for AI kicked off the session, with the Energy Secretary reflecting on the work being undertaken by the council’s dedicated working group on forecasting energy demand.

    With the energy demands of data centres – key drivers of AI development and growth – expected to double in the coming years, attendees also reiterated the importance of ensuring they can be connected to the power grid as swiftly as possible.

    This was further highlighted by the Technology Secretary’s reflections on the importance of growth and increasing the UK’s sovereign AI capabilities as central pillars of the AI Energy Council’s work, noting its role as a vital forum for answering key questions and unlocking opportunity. 

    At the conclusion of the meeting, those in attendance reflected on the shared mission across the energy and tech sectors and the urgency of the council’s work in the coming years as the government powers both its AI and clean energy superpower ambitions. This also included an agreement to work together to forecast future trends support the government’s broader work on grid connections.

    The council will next meet in Autumn.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IAEA Holds Rays of Hope Forum To Increase Access to Cancer Care

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death on the continent, claiming around 2,000 lives every day.

    Three years ago, to close the global cancer care gap, we launched the IAEA’s #RaysOfHope initiative at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.

    Today, we returned to take stock:

    • More than 90 countries have joined
    • Over €90 million mobilized
    • Hospitals upgraded
    • PET/CTs, SPECTs, mammography units and LINACs delivered
    • Radiotherapy centres coming online across several countries
    • Staff trained and networks developed

    Building on this momentum, we signed a $4.5 million partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – the largest contribution from a non-traditional partner to our cancer care work to date. We also launched a new nuclear medicine service at Black Lion Hospital – one of four radiotherapy centres supported by the IAEA in Ethiopia. The hospital now has SPECT/CT scanners, a linear accelerator, trained staff, and a mammography unit on the way.

    Learn more: Rays of Hope IAEA Flagship Initiative →

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Holds Rays of Hope Forum To Increase Access to Cancer Care

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death on the continent, claiming around 2,000 lives every day.

    Three years ago, to close the global cancer care gap, we launched the IAEA’s #RaysOfHope initiative at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.

    Today, we returned to take stock:

    • More than 90 countries have joined
    • Over €90 million mobilized
    • Hospitals upgraded
    • PET/CTs, SPECTs, mammography units and LINACs delivered
    • Radiotherapy centres coming online across several countries
    • Staff trained and networks developed

    Building on this momentum, we signed a $4.5 million partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – the largest contribution from a non-traditional partner to our cancer care work to date. We also launched a new nuclear medicine service at Black Lion Hospital – one of four radiotherapy centres supported by the IAEA in Ethiopia. The hospital now has SPECT/CT scanners, a linear accelerator, trained staff, and a mammography unit on the way.

    Learn more: Rays of Hope IAEA Flagship Initiative →

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Holds Rays of Hope Forum To Increase Access to Cancer Care

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death on the continent, claiming around 2,000 lives every day.

    Three years ago, to close the global cancer care gap, we launched the IAEA’s #RaysOfHope initiative at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.

    Today, we returned to take stock:

    • More than 90 countries have joined
    • Over €90 million mobilized
    • Hospitals upgraded
    • PET/CTs, SPECTs, mammography units and LINACs delivered
    • Radiotherapy centres coming online across several countries
    • Staff trained and networks developed

    Building on this momentum, we signed a $4.5 million partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – the largest contribution from a non-traditional partner to our cancer care work to date. We also launched a new nuclear medicine service at Black Lion Hospital – one of four radiotherapy centres supported by the IAEA in Ethiopia. The hospital now has SPECT/CT scanners, a linear accelerator, trained staff, and a mammography unit on the way.

    Learn more: Rays of Hope IAEA Flagship Initiative →

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Evolution Petroleum Announces Positive Results from Joint Interest Audit of Barnett Operator and Provides Update on Chaveroo Wells

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSE American: EPM) (“Evolution” or the “Company”) today announced the initial results of its joint interest audit of its Barnett Shale properties and is providing an update on its latest Chaveroo drilling results.

    Joint Interest Audit Results

    In fiscal year 2024, Evolution exercised its right to perform a joint interest audit of expenses charged from Diversified Energy Company (“Diversified”), the largest operator of its Barnett Shale properties, for the calendar years 2022–2023. This is being completed with the assistance of its joint venture auditors, BRI Consulting Group, Inc., a Houston based consulting company servicing the energy industry.

    Calendar year 2022 represented the first full year that Diversified operated the Barnett Shale properties for Evolution. The initial findings produced several areas where it appeared Evolution had been over-charged and, so far, Evolution and Diversified have discovered approximately $1.8 million owed to Evolution relating to the September 2021 through December 2023 time period. This amount will be recognized as a reduction to lease operating expenses and accounts payable in the Company’s fiscal fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results. Evolution plans to continue with its rights under the joint operating agreement to audit future periods.

    Kelly Loyd, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Approximately one year ago, Evolution exercised its right to conduct a thorough audit of joint interest costs passed along to us over the last several years on our Barnett Shale properties. This initial audit was conducted for the 2022-2023 time period and we have preliminarily agreed on a subset of discrepancies, totaling an approximate $1.8 million in expenses that are owed back to Evolution. These reduced expenses will directly increase our fiscal year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA and will positively impact our earnings. There may be additional benefits to us from the period under audit as we continue to review the initial findings. Further, we do expect to see additional benefits to the Company as it relates to January 1, 2024 and beyond from subsequent audits and updates to billing practices as a result of the current audit findings. We want to thank Diversified for their cooperation and partnership throughout this audit process.”

    Chaveroo New Drill Wells Update
    Mark Bunch, Chief Operating Officer, commented, “As stated in our Fiscal third quarter earnings release, we are pleased to provide additional data on our most recent four wells at Chaveroo. We previously reported that these wells were completed on schedule and under budget. At that time, with only 10 days of production, the wells were significantly exceeding our expectations. I am pleased to report that with more than 50 days of production data, the wells continue to significantly outperform our type curves.”

    About Evolution Petroleum
    Evolution Petroleum Corporation is an independent energy company focused on maximizing total shareholder returns through the ownership of and investment in onshore oil and natural gas properties in the U.S. The Company aims to build and maintain a diversified portfolio of long-life oil and natural gas properties through acquisitions, selective development opportunities, production enhancements, and other exploitation efforts. Visit www.evolutionpetroleum.com for more information.

    Cautionary Statement
    All forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding the Company’s current and future expectations, potential results, and plans and objectives involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties. Statements herein using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “plans,” “outlook,” “should,” “will,” and words of similar meaning are forward-looking statements. Although the Company’s expectations are based on business, engineering, geological, financial, and operating assumptions that it believes to be reasonable, many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from its expectations. The Company gives no assurance that its goals will be achieved. These factors and others are detailed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

    Contact
    Investor Relations
    (713) 935-0122
    ir@evolutionpetroleum.com

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