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Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Jamaica’s 17th-Century Port Royal Gains World Heritage Status

    Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    On 12 July 2025, the World Heritage Committee inscribed The Archaeological Landscape of 17th Century Port Royal, Jamaica on the World Heritage List. This decision marks a key milestone for Jamaica and the wider English-speaking Caribbean, coming a decade after the inscription of the Blue and John Crow Mountains as the country’s first World Heritage site.

    The Committee is one of the two governing bodies of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage. Comprising representatives from 21 States Parties, the Committee is tasked with implementing the Convention and, among other responsibilities, reviewing nominations for inscription on the World Heritage List.

    With regard to cultural heritage, the Convention defines it as monuments, buildings, or sites of outstanding universal value—whether from a historical, artistic, or scientific perspective, or from an aesthetic, ethnological, or anthropological point of view. The World Heritage List includes properties recognized as part of either the cultural or natural heritage.

    Port Royal, at the mouth of Kingston Harbor in Jamaica, was the most important English settlement in the Western Hemisphere. In four decades, it grew into a hub for regional and transatlantic trade, including the trade in goods and enslaved Africans. An earthquake submerged much of the town, but its remains still reflect a major colonial outpost.

    The property is already protected under two national laws: the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act of 1985 and the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act of 1991. Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honorable Olivia Grange, expressed pride in the successful nomination of this unique terrestrial and submerged site.

    Remarkably, 330 years on, it is a well-preserved site that captures life as it was lived at the time. The nomination allowed us to reveal the site’s attributes and showcase its global value, and this inscription supports our national efforts to preserve this heritage for all humanity.

    In countries like Jamaica, where tourism accounts for nearly a quarter of the national GDP, World Heritage sites significantly enrich the tourism offering, attracting visitors and generating meaningful benefits. According to Yuri Peshkov, Head of the Culture Program at the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, this potential has already been recognized.

    The successful inscription of Port Royal on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List brings significant attention to the rich history and heritage of this remarkable part of Jamaica. We anticipate that this global recognition will also serve as a catalyst for sustainable development, education, and economic opportunities that directly benefit the local community.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Singapore And Malaysia Strengthen Joint Emergency Response To Chemical Spills

    Source: Government of Singapore

    14th chemical emergency response exercise conducted as part of the bilateral co-operation under the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE)

    JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA AND DOE

    Singapore, 23 July 2025 – The National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore and the Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysia, successfully conducted the 14th chemical emergency response exercise at the Tuas Second Link this morning, sharpening the inter-operability between the two countries to respond to and mitigate chemical spillage incidents. A total of 15 agencies and companies from both countries were involved in the exercise [1].

    2               The Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE) conducts a biennial exercise to test the effectiveness of the Joint Emergency Response Plan developed by NEA, DOE, and other relevant agencies for dealing with accidental hazardous chemical releases on the Tuas Second Link [2]. These exercises strengthen the emergency response capabilities of the respective agencies, ensuring that they are prepared to take swift and effective action to protect the public’s safety should such an accident occur.

    3               Today’s exercise simulated an emergency response to hazardous chemicals being released as a result of a multi-vehicle accident along the Tuas Second Link [3]. In the simulated scenario, a truck transporting drums of concentrated sodium hydroxide swerved sideways into an International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) tanker transporting anhydrous ammonia from Singapore to the Pasir Gudang Industrial Area, Malaysia. Unable to avoid the sudden collision, a car then crashed into the truck. The impact caused two drums of concentrated sodium hydroxide to be dislodged and the chemical to be spilled. The ISO tank was punctured, releasing about 400kg of ammonia gas into the surroundings. The drivers of both the ISO tanker and truck suffered injuries and showed signs of ammonia exposure – coughing and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. The driver of the car and the passenger were trapped in their vehicle with minor injuries.

    4               NEA Chief Executive Officer Mr Wong Kang Jet attributed the success of the exercise to the longstanding and strong bilateral relations between Singapore and Malaysia. “This joint chemical spill exercise has enabled Singapore and Malaysia agencies to further strengthen our cooperation on environmental matters. This exercise is part of a broader set of collaboration that also includes joint regular water quality monitoring along the Straits of Johor as well as workshops to exchange ideas and share expertise. All in, around 500 participants from across 15 agencies from both countries helped with this morning’s exercise. We also had the opportunity to test out newer technologies such as SCDF’s robotic dog, as well as BOMBA’s Long Range Gas Detector. These innovations allow us to monitor the air quality in the incident area in a safer way. The completion of this exercise has also given us greater confidence that we can manage an accident along the Second Link, as well as any other environmental incident with cross border impact. We look forward to strengthening this partnership as well as to explore new opportunities to further increase our collective readiness.”

    5               Director General of the Department of Environment, Dato’ Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, stated: “I believe in the strong commitment and collaboration between agencies of both countries in ensuring the success of this exercise, and I am confident that it will continue in the future. This cooperation reflects our level of preparedness in responding to any unforeseen incidents”. The Department of Environment is also committed to strengthening inter-agency collaboration within Malaysia through the delegation of power, which was gazetted on 7 July 2025. This delegation reinforces the roles and functions of 15 agencies, supporting more efficient and comprehensive task execution. This move not only allows for more effective use of resources but also serves as a strategic approach to addressing current challenges, while maintaining integrity and public confidence in the country’s environmental regulatory system.

    6               To facilitate the exercise, all three lanes on the Singapore to Malaysia-bound carriageway on the Tuas Second Link were closed to vehicular traffic on 23 July 2025, from 5am and will reopen at 2pm. We thank motorists and any affected travellers for their patience and understanding.

     

    ——————

    [1] Please refer to Annex A for more information on the MSJCE and the exercise participants.

    [2] To date, there has been no accident involving the transportation of hazardous chemicals on the Tuas Second Link.

    [3] Please refer to Annex B for more information on anhydrous ammonia, concentrated sodium hydroxide, and ammonia gas.

    ~~ End ~~

    For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

    ANNEX A

    The Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE)

    Background

                The Tuas Second Link was opened on 2 January 1998. As part of the bilateral co-operation programme, the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE) agreed that road transportation of hazardous chemicals between the two countries should be restricted to the Tuas Second Link. This has ensured that road tankers and vehicles carrying hazardous chemicals do not pass through congested and populated areas in Johor Bahru and Woodlands/Bukit Timah areas.

    2            Hazardous chemicals are often moved between the two countries. Common chemicals transported between the two countries include sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Considering the large amounts of chemicals transported via the Tuas Second Link, it is important to have in place response plans for any accidents or emergencies involving vehicles transporting hazardous chemicals.

    3            Under the auspices of the MSJCE, the Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysia, and the National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore, together with other relevant agencies, jointly developed an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to deal with accidents involving transportation of hazardous chemicals on the Tuas Second Link. The ERP comprises the following:

    a) a notification procedure to alert the two countries early on any incident involving release of hazardous chemicals occurring on the Tuas Second Link; and

    b) a response procedure to facilitate and co-ordinate emergency response actions by the agencies of both countries to control and mitigate a release of hazardous chemicals from incidents occurring on the Tuas Second Link.

    4          The ERP will enable emergency response agencies of both Malaysia and Singapore to take quick and effective response actions to minimise the consequences of an accident involving hazardous chemicals at the Tuas Second Link. To familiarise agencies from both countries with the ERP, DOE and NEA regularly conduct joint field exercises. Previous exercises are as follows:

    No. Date of Exercise Organised by
    1 22 Mar 2000 Malaysia: DOE
    2 10 May 2001 Singapore: NEA
    3 19 Dec 2002 Malaysia: DOE
    4 19 Feb 2004 Singapore: NEA
    5 10 Apr 2006 Malaysia: DOE
    6 2 Apr 2008 Singapore: NEA
    7 2 Dec 2009 Malaysia: DOE
    8 28 July 2011 Singapore: NEA
    9 29 Oct 2013 Malaysia: DOE
    10 14 May 2015 Singapore: NEA
    11 15 Nov 2017 Malaysia: DOE
    12 25 Sep 2019 Singapore: NEA
    13 26 Jul 2023 Malaysia: DOE

     

    Participating Agencies / Companies in the 14th Malaysia-Singapore Joint Emergency Exercise for Chemical Spill

    S/N Singapore
    1.
    2.
    3.
    4.    		 Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
    Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
    National Environment Agency (NEA)
    Pride-Chem Industries Pte Ltd
    S/N Malaysia
    1.
    2.
    3.
    4.
    5.
    6.
    7.
    8.
    9.
    10.
    11.    		 Ministry of Home Affairs (KLN)
    Malaysian Border Control & Protection Agency (AKPS)
    Ministry of Health (KKM)
    Department of Environment (DOE)
    Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA)
    Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM)
    Malaysia Road Transport Department (JPJ)
    Malaysia Immigration Department (JIM)
    PLUS Berhad
    Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM)
    Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)
     
    S/N Malaysia
    1.
    2.
    3.
    4.
    5.
    6.
    7.
    8.
    9.
    10.
    11.    		 Ministry of Home Affairs (KLN)
    Malaysian Border Control & Protection Agency (AKPS)
    Ministry of Health (KKM)
    Department of Environment (DOE)
    Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA)
    Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM)
    Malaysia Road Transport Department (JPJ)
    Malaysia Immigration Department (JIM)
    PLUS Berhad
    Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM)
    Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)
     

     

    ANNEX B

    Information on the Chemicals

    Information on Anhydrous Ammonia
    Physical Description
    ·       Colourless liquefied gas.
    ·       Has a stinging odour and is not flammable.
     
    Health Hazard
    ·       Inhalation may cause severe irritation or burn of the nose, throat and respiratory tract.
    ·       Corrosive to the skin and can cause burns.
    ·       May cause serious eye damage when in contact with the eye.
    ·       Ingestion may be fatal, cause burns and corrosion, severe pain in the throat, esophagus, and stomach.
     
    Industrial Uses
    ·       Commonly used to make fertilisers, household cleaning products and refrigerant recirculating fluid.
    ·       It is also used in many soldering machines for the manufacturing of jewellery.
    Information on Concentrated Sodium Hydroxide
    Physical Description
    ·       Colourless liquid.
    ·       Odourless and not flammable.
     
    Health Hazard
    ·       Inhalation may cause burns of mucous membranes, cough, and shortness of breath.
    ·       May cause severe skin burns and eye damage when in contact with the eye.
    ·       Ingestion can cause severe burns of the mouth and throat, as well as the potential danger of perforation of the esophagus and stomach.
     
    Industrial Uses
    ·       Commonly used in paper manufacturing, chemical cellulose bleaching, chemical industry, petrochemical, textile industry and the making of soap and detergents.
    Information on Ammonia Gas
    Physical Description
    ·       Colourless gas.
    ·       Stinging odour.

    Health Hazard
    ·       May cause serious eye damage when in contact with the eyes.
     
    Industrial Uses
    ·       Commonly used in fertiliser production, chemical manufacturing, water treatment and fuel production.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ20: Nurturing environmental, social and governance talents

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ20: Nurturing environmental, social and governance talents 
    Question:
     
         In recent years, environmental, social and governance (ESG) has become a core strategy for global development, and Hong Kong has also been actively promoting Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 (Plan) and the development of green and sustainable finance. It has been reported that according to a study, only 27 per cent of the secondary schools in Hong Kong have included references to matters relating to sustainable development, climate and biodiversity in their school development plans, reflecting that there are still inadequacies in the nurturing of ESG talents and civic awareness in Hong Kong. According to the Report on 2023 Manpower Projection, the Labour and Welfare Bureau has also envisaged that ESG will be deemed essential knowledge in the future employment market. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as it is stated in the Plan that the authorities will broaden school teachers’ knowledge about climate change, and that schools may strengthen the relevant learning materials in different subjects, but the findings of the aforesaid study have revealed that such efforts seem to have failed to achieve the intended results, whether the authorities have assessed the effectiveness of schools’ education on climate change and biodiversity, etc;
     
    (2) whether the authorities have considered further strengthening education on ESG (e.g. climate actions and social responsibilities) in secondary schools, and formulating interdisciplinary teaching guidelines; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) as the Plan has mentioned the need to incorporate learning materials relating to climate change, low-carbon technologies and green finance, etc, into the curricula in tertiary institutions, whether the authorities have assessed if the relevant curricula in the institutions can satisfy the need to train ESG talents; how to ensure that students are equipped with ESG literacy to meet the needs of the future job market, thereby facilitating the development of Hong Kong into a regional green finance centre; and
     
    (4) regarding the workforce in the local employment market at present, whether the authorities have plans to promote the popularisation of ESG education, thereby assisting members of the public in enhancing their ESG knowledge to address the needs of the future employment market; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Regarding the question raised by the Hon Chan Siu-hung, the consolidated reply, after consulting the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Labour and Welfare Bureau, and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, is as follows:
     
    (1) and (2) The Education Bureau (EDB) attaches great importance to promoting education for sustainable development (ESD). It has been encouraging schools to adopt a “multi-pronged and co-ordinated” approach to enhance students’ understanding of sustainable development (SD) and encourage them to practise green living through different subjects, cross-curricular learning and life-wide learning activities. The relevant learning elements, which include climate action, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, energy saving and waste reduction, making good use of resources and corporate social responsibilities, have been incorporated in the curriculum guides of various subjects, such as Primary Humanities and Primary Science at the primary level, and Geography, Science, Biology, Business, Accounting and Financial Studies, Citizenship and Social Development as well as some Applied Learning courses at the secondary level.
     
         ESD is an important component of values education across different subjects in primary and secondary school education. The Values Education Curriculum Framework (Pilot Version) lists “actively practising green living as well as encouraging and supporting joint efforts from people around” and “possessing a global perspective as well as being concerned about global environmental issues and the challenges in attaining sustainable development” as the expected learning outcomes, encouraging students to take responsibility for environmental conservation and nurturing in them proper values and attitudes, such as respecting, be thankful to and caring about nature.
     
         To support teachers in implementing ESD, the EDB has organised various teacher professional development programmes. Field studies and seminars have been conducted to deepen teachers’ understanding of ESD and related topics as well as enhance their teaching capacity. Since the 2020/21 school year, the EDB has conducted nearly 200 relevant training activities with the number of teacher participation exceeding 12 300. The EDB has also collaborated with Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 3 to produce the “Savvy Earth Savers” segment featured in the English learning programme “In the Common Room”. The segment explores environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and provides teachers with English learning and teaching resources for promoting ESD.
     
         The EDB has also organised diversified student activities, such as slogan and poster design competitions, drawing and photo-taking competitions and picture book creation competitions, to help students understand the rationale and importance of sustainable development as well as enrich their learning experiences. To further promote ESD, the EDB launched the “Achieving Carbon Neutrality Student Ambassador Training Scheme 2024/25” for the first time in this school year. Through the collaborative efforts with different government departments, green groups and the business sector in organising diversified experiential learning activities, such as bank visit, coral conservation field trips and green building tours, the EDB aims to deepen students’ understanding of green finance and intelligent green buildings and the importance of marine biodiversity. Building on the first year’s experience with the ambassador scheme, the EDB will continue to collaborate with different stakeholders to provide students with more learning opportunities to further increase their understanding of the efforts of the Government and various sectors of society in achieving the target of carbon neutrality in Hong Kong.
     
         Under school-based management, when formulating the School Development Plan (SDP), schools have to set out a clear direction for development and focused priority tasks, which should be in line with the school’s vision and mission, the latest education development, as well as the school context. Schools have been promoting ESD for years with good progress, and have generally taken forward relevant work as the routine ones. If there are new development focuses, strategies or measures, they will be included in the SDP as appropriate.
     
         Besides, the relevant bureaux and departments have also been actively implementing various education and publicity programmes to enhance students’ understanding of SD, including:

    (i) The Environment and Ecology Bureau has organised a range of seminars, workshops, field trips and interactive dramas, etc, on various topics through the Sustainable Development School Outreach Programme (Outreach Programme) and the Sustainable Development School Award Programme, so as to promote the concept and practice of SD among secondary students, and at the same time recognise the efforts of schools and students in promoting SD in the community. In the 2024/25 school year, under the theme of Food Waste Reduction and Recycling, the Outreach Programme attracted the participation of 231 schools, encompassing about 82 000 teachers and students. 
         In 2024, the EPD also launched the “We-recycle@School” Activity (the Scheme). Through providing a variety of teaching materials, support and teacher training to primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong, the Scheme assists schools and teachers in integrating waste reduction and recycling knowledge into daily teaching, encourage students to make good use of recycling facilities in schools and the community, and motivate their family members to practise resource separation and recycling together. Since its launch, the Scheme has received an overwhelming response, with the participation of about 350 000 students from around 550 primary and secondary schools. In addition, from January to May 2025, the EPD organised in collaboration with GREEN@COMMUNITY operators over 460 publicity activities on waste reduction and recycling involving or co-hosted by schools, thereby raising environmental awareness among students.
     
    (iii) The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has been supporting schools in promoting environmental protection education through organising guided tours at sewage treatment facilities. For instance, students can learn about the sewage treatment process, energy efficiency design and the measures in combating climate change through visits to the DSD’s facilities such as the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works and the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works.
     
    (3) The EDB has all along supported post-secondary institutions offering post-secondary programmes that meet the social and economic needs of Hong Kong, having regard to different policy bureaux’ and departments’ recommendations on manpower needs. In response to the ever-changing social needs for sustainable development, the University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities have offered various funded programmes relevant to “Environment, Society and Governance” in recent years, to nurture students to become talents in sustainable development and green finance. In the 2024/25 academic year, there are about 40 programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The EDB and the UGC will continue to encourage universities to nurture talents for growth, transformation and future challenges, and meet Hong Kong’s future development’s talent needs. Self-financing institutions also have the flexibility to develop programmes that meet market needs, and adjust the curricula and intake places of relevant programmes, in response to the ever-changing manpower needs of different sectors of society, and provide diversified articulation pathways.
     
    (4) Bureaux and departments take forward sector-specific talent training programmes in response to the latest industry development and manpower situation to enrich the local human resources. 
     
         The Government launched in 2022 the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme (Pilot Scheme) for application by local eligible market practitioners and related professionals as well as students and graduates of relevant disciplines. There are currently 94 eligible programmes and qualifications, including green and sustainable finance programmes and qualifications related to banking services, asset management, insurance industry, etc. These are provided by the professional and continuing education schools of local universities, professional institutions, international training providers, etc, and the list will continue to be updated. As of May 2025, over 7 200 reimbursement applications were approved, involving a total reimbursement amount of over $40 million. To continuously support local green finance talent training, we will extend the Pilot Scheme to 2028.
     
         Besides, the Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group (Steering Group) formed by relevant Government Bureaux, financial regulators and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited launched in October 2022 the Sustainable Finance Internship Initiative to create more relevant local internship opportunities for students. Members of the Steering Group also regularly offer training seminars and forums, at which representatives from financial regulators as well as experts from the academia and industry are invited to share insights to deepen university students and industry’s understanding of sustainable finance. 
     
         The EPD has all along been supporting the continuous development of environmental professions in Hong Kong, so that the standards and credibility of environment-related services and industries can be enhanced through professionalisation. The EPD is exploring collaboration with the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals to provide ESG-related training, with a view to addressing the rapid development and growing demand for talents in the ESG field. Besides, relevant courses are offered by course providers under the Continuing Education Fund in response to market development and needs, which are currently mainly provided by higher education institutions, and the Employees Retraining Board also provides relevant courses.
    Issued at HKT 14:25

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ4: Non-skilled workers employed under government service contracts

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ4: Non-skilled workers employed under government service contracts 
    Question:
     
    Some members of the property management sector have relayed that quite a number of non-skilled workers employed under government service contracts, particularly those at junior levels such as cleaners and security guards, are paid the statutory minimum wage (SMW) or slightly more than that level. As government service contracts usually last for three years and are on an all-inclusive basis, the change in the SMW rate arrangement to annual reviews may result in government service contractors incurring losses due to repeated upward adjustments to the SMW rate during the contract period. Furthermore, while the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme now allows the importation of labour for the property management sector, it is learnt that the relevant government service contracts do not allow contractors to employ imported labour. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the number of non-skilled workers employed under government service contracts who are currently paid SMW or at a rate that is less than 10 per cent above SMW;
     
    (2) whether it will consider enhancing the pay arrangements for non-skilled workers employed under government service contracts, so that the Government will bear the additional pay costs arising from the upward adjustments to SMW, instead of requiring contractors to “underwrite” relevant policy risks; and
     
    (3) whether it will consider relaxing the restriction that prohibits the employment of labour under government service contracts?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    Having consulted the Labour and Welfare Bureau and the four major government departments which employ non-skilled workers under service contracts (i.e. the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Government Property Agency and the Housing Department), our reply to the question raised by the Hon Tony Tse is as follows:
     
    (1) The Government has implemented a series of enhancement measures in recent years to protect the remuneration of outsourced non-skilled workers. The service contracts awarded by the four major departments through tendering involve more than 43 000 outsourced non-skilled workers. The median “committed hourly wage” offered by the service contractors to the relevant workers is about $55, which is about 30 per cent higher than the prevailing Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate (i.e. $42.1) and about 8 per cent higher than the median market rate (i.e. $51) of the “Estate management, security and cleaning services” industry covering the group of elementary occupations and service workers in 2024 published by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD).
     
    Among the some 43 000 workers, about 99 per cent are entitled to a “committed hourly wage” that is at least 10 per cent higher than the SMW rate (i.e. at least $46.3), and the remaining 1 per cent (about 400 workers) are entitled to a “committed hourly wage” that is about 7 per cent higher than the SMW rate on average. As the “committed hourly wage” is the minimum hourly wage that the contractors commit to pay to their non-skilled workers during the tendering process, the actual hourly wage of the workers may be higher than this rate, and the service contractors may increase their wage level during the contract period in light of market conditions.
     
    (2) As mentioned just now, the hourly wage of about 99 per cent of outsourced non-skilled workers under the four major departments is at least 10 per cent higher than the SMW rate. Hence, unless there is a very significant increase in the SMW rate within a short period of time, it is unlikely that government service contractors would have to pay more to their workers solely because of an increase in the SMW. For example, the SMW increased by about 5 per cent from $40 per hour (which took effect two years ago) to $42.1 per hour (effective from May this year).
     
    Under the new “annual review” mechanism, the SMW will be subject to more frequent adjustments than before. However, as the new mechanism adopts a “formula” for adjustment under an open and objective basis, enterprises can make early planning. Therefore, service contractors should be able to make more informed estimates when proposing the “committed hourly wage” in their tender submissions.
     
    The Government has all along required service contractors to provide their employees with remuneration in compliance with the legislation in Hong Kong and employment contracts (including the provision of hourly wage not lower than the SMW rate), which is no different from other employers in Hong Kong. When submitting tenders, service contractors would take into account cost-related factors including material costs, rent, wages, etc., and reflect them in the tender prices as appropriate. As these bidding strategies are commercial decisions, the Government does not plan to subsidise the increased operating costs incurred by the service contractors due to adjustment of SMW rate.
     
    (3) On the premise of ensuring employment priority for local workers, the Government suitably allows employers to apply for importation of workers to replenish the labour force of Hong Kong. The Labour Department (LD) has implemented the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) since September 2023, which allows labour importation for 26 job categories as well as unskilled or low-skilled posts under the Supplementary Labour Scheme for two years. As at end of June this year, the number of cleaners and security guards applied for importation under the ESLS was about 23 000, and about 7 000 workers were approved for importation in total. According to C&SD’s 2024 Annual Earnings and Hours Survey, there were about 190 000 workers in the “Estate management, security and cleaning services” industry covering the group of elementary occupations and service workers. The number of cleaners and security guards approved for importation under the ESLS accounted for less than 4 per cent of the above number.
     
    The remuneration for non-skilled workers under government outsourced service contracts is different from that under the ESLS on various fronts. Specifically, government service contractors must pay non-skilled workers at a rate not lower than the “committed wage” as stipulated in the contracts, while the ESLS requires that imported workers be paid no less than the median monthly wages of local workers in comparable positions. Moreover, requirements on other employment terms are in place under government outsourced service contracts (such as the provision of gratuity and wage arrangement for working when the typhoon signal no. 8 or above is hoisted).
     
    We will maintain communication with LD to keep abreast of the demand and supply of the relevant non-skilled workers in the local labour market (including the situation on labour importation), and explore implementation arrangements to allow importation of labour in government outsourced service contracts upon ascertaining the occurrence of labour shortages under the principle of ensuring employment priority for local workers. The arrangements include addressing the discrepancy between the “committed wage” to be provided by contractors under contract requirements and the wages for imported workers, as well as co-ordinating the monitoring mechanisms across different systems, so as to ensure effective use of public money and proper monitoring of service contractors. We have to reiterate that any arrangement by the Government on importation of labour must be implemented on the premise of ensuring employment priority for local workers. LD will also play a robust gate-keeping role and stringently process each application.
     
    Thank you, President.
    Issued at HKT 13:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Red Book orchids continue to bloom in Moscow

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Losiny Ostrov National Park is a unique natural area in Moscow where rare plant species have been preserved. Orchids are blooming there now. Among them, the green-flowered orchis attracts special attention – a species listed in the Red Book of Moscow under the first category of rarity.

    Green-flowered orchis

    The green-flowered orchis is protected not only in Moscow, but also at the global level according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

    The orchid is distinguished by two large basal leaves and a thin stem with delicate whitish-green flowers that have almost no scent. Every year, the plant forms a new tuber to replace the old one. The seeds of this orchid germinate only with the help of a special fungus that lives in the soil, so it can only be found in almost untouched forests with moist soil rich in mineral nutrients – most often in oak and linden groves.

    Biologists from the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences have discovered four new habitats of this species, which confirms the uniqueness of the ecosystem of the urban part of Losiny Ostrov.

    Rare Orchids of Losiny Ostrov

    Orchids are considered to be among the most vulnerable plants. Their seeds germinate only in symbiosis with fungi, and adult plants are extremely sensitive to environmental changes. However, in the national park you can find not only the green-flowered orchis, but also other rare species.

    Among them is the bifoliate orchis, which belongs to the first category of rarity. This is an orchid with white flowers and two large leaves at the base of the shoot. It can be found on the edges of forests, in light birch forests and in meadows.

    The same, first category of rarity includes the marsh helleborine. This is a perennial plant up to 70 centimeters high, which grows on the outskirts of swamps, forest glades and groundwater outlets. The marsh helleborine blooms in June-July and bears fruit in September.

    Visitors to the park may encounter the Fuchsian Dactylorhiza, which is in the second category of rarity. This orchid species has pinkish-purple flowers and variegated leaves. It prefers to grow in the rich soils of broad-leaved forests and depends on symbiotic fungi.

    Those who are lucky will be able to spot the oval cache orchid, a rather inconspicuous orchid with two oval-shaped leaves and small yellowish-green flowers, as well as the three-cut orchid, the most secretive of Moscow’s orchids. To notice the thin, delicate leafless stem of the orchid, you need to have not only knowledge, but also luck. Both of these species also belong to the second category of rarity.

    In addition, the common nesting owl (third category of rarity) grows in the capital. This species has no green leaves and receives nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi growing on tree roots. It is found in old forests, especially in linden and oak forests.

    Dactylorhiza carnata, also belonging to the third category of rarity, is quite noticeable among the herbs during flowering. It has bright pink flowers, collected in a dense inflorescence.

    The broadleaf helleborine is a rare orchid that can withstand quite active recreation and can be found even in the most disturbed areas. It belongs to the fifth category of rarity.

    The preservation of these species is an indicator of a healthy forest. Specialists from the capital Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection urge visitors to be careful when walking around Losiny Ostrov. If visitors are lucky enough to come across one of these wonderful plants, they can admire their appearance and take a photo, but it is important to remember that they must not be picked or damaged.

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

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case Opposes Public Lands And Natural Resources Funding Measure That Cripples Efforts To Combat Climate Change And Slashes Funds For National Parks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted in full Committee today against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior Appropriations bill that cut $2.9 billion from programs and agencies that support public lands and our nation’s natural resources.   

    The Interior, Environment and Related Appropriations bill funds the U.S. Department of the Interior, including the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service and various independent agencies including the National Endowments on Arts and the Humanities. The bill’s FY 2026 discretionary funding level is $38 billion. This is a decrease of $2.9 billion from the FY 2025 enacted level.  

    “While these measures fund many critical Hawai‘i and priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against this version because it cripples efforts to deal with climate change by defunding all of the climate work by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said Case. 

    “It further decimates public lands by slashing funding for the National Park Service and gutting key conservation agencies that protect our parks, forests and wildlife. It also undermines museums and cultural institutions, cutting support for the Smithsonian and slashing the arts and humanities by $72 million each.”

    In full Committee debate on the measure, Case voiced his strong opposition to the bill’s proposed $1.7 billion in cuts to federal support for Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (see remarks here: https://youtu.be/0w197WN4wys).

    These vital programs offer low-cost financing to local communities for a broad spectrum of water quality infrastructure projects. They have played a critical role in efforts to remediate Red Hill, including supporting technical assistance for source water protection, and are critical to continued maintenance of Hawaii’s drinking water quality. 

    “Red Hill reinforced all over again that in an island community our water systems are fragile and priceless,” Case said.  

    “We need sustained investment not just to meet the urgent demands of remediation, but to ensure the long-term safety, resilience, and sustainability of our water infrastructure. We cannot cut back now on the very programs that have made that possible over the last half century,” Case said. 

    Continued support for the State Revolving Funds is also essential to Hawaii’s ability to confront emerging contaminants like PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which pose serious risks to public health and the environment. Furthermore, these funds are critical for moving forward on 38 high-priority water infrastructure projects across the state. These projects strengthen drinking water safety, improve wastewater treatment, and build long-term resilience in Hawaii’s water systems. Without adequate federal investment, many of these initiatives risk delay or cancellation, leaving our communities vulnerable. 

    However, the measure added several of Case’s priority requests, including: 

    ·         $5 million for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State of the Birds Activities to respond to the urgent needs of critically endangered birds that now face possible extinction. These funds will help save numerous endemic birds in Hawai‘i that have been devastated by climate change and avian malaria.  

    ·         $45 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program.  

    ·         $66 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers, which includes the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center based out of the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa. These centers provide regionally relevant scientific information, tools and techniques to resource managers and communities in Hawai‘i in response to our changing climate.  

    ·         $63 million for State Historic Preservation Offices, which will help preserve Hawaii’s treasured historic properties.

    ·         $80 million for State Fire Assistance, which provides financial and technical support directly to states to enhance firefighting capacity, support community-based hazard mitigation and expand outreach and education to homeowners and communities concerning fire prevention. 

    ·         $20 million for the Joint Fire Science Program, which supports a national collaboration of fire science exchanges providing science information to federal, state, local, tribal and private stakeholders.  

    ·         $5 million for Japanese Confinement Site Grants and funding for the Amache National Historic Site, which was one of ten incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to detain Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their communities on the West Coast.  

    Through his assignment on the Committee, Case was also able to secure a Member-designated Community Project Funding (CPF) project of $1,092,000 for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) to upgrade the sewer infrastructure at Papakōlea.  

    “Papakōlea is the only Hawaiian Home Lands community located in central Honolulu with more than 300 homes and some 1,300 residents,” said Case. “As the infrastructure in Papakōlea ages, the sewer system has become susceptible to cracks, root intrusions and other defects that diminish the effectiveness of the service lines. My CPF will assist DHHL to work on a sewer line rehabilitation/replacement program for the community.” 

    The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.  

    A summary of the bill is available here.  

    This is the eighth bill of twelve separate bills developed and approved by the Appropriations Committee that would fund the federal government at some $1.6 trillion for FY 2026 commencing October 1st of this year. The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo Calls Out Trump’s Cuts to Vital Weather Services After Tragic Texas Floods

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Trump’s Cuts to the NOAA and the NWS Undercut American Disaster Readiness in the Midst of Atlantic Hurricane Season

    Washington, D.C. – TODAY, Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI) of the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on the Environment highlighted the devastating impact of  President Trump ’s cuts to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service.

    “Dedicated public servants work around the clock, ensuring our communities are warned and protected in real time. These experts are the backbone of America’s weather enterprise. But this Administration is taking a sledgehammer to that backbone,” said Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI). “We need a fully staffed and well-resourced National Weather Service and continued funding for the critical research capacities at NOAA. Not just to help predict storms, but to help communities prepare, coordinate emergency response, and warn Americans when minutes matter.”

     

    Watch Congressman Amo’s Opening Remarks Here

     

    Background

    Congressman Amo, serves as the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Environment on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. This subcommittee has jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which administers the National Weather Service.

    Ranking Member Amo, Science, Space, and Technology Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee Ranking Member Greg Stanton (D-AZ) sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and NOAA seeking answers on federal activity in preparation for and in response to the tragic floods in Texas.

    Amo and Ranking Member Lofgren alsosent a letter calling on Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to testify before the Committee about the staffing shortages at the National Weather Service and their potential impact on the Texas flash floods.

    Amo and CongresswomanEmilia Sykes (D-OH) led 64 Democratic colleagues in calling on the Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm to reinstate the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters Report to ensure America has a record of the increasing number of storms that cause catastrophic financial damage to communities.

    On Earth Day, April 22nd 2025, Amo led colleagues on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee to express alarm over Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and NOAA Acting Administrator Laura Grimm’s proposal to slash NOAA’s budget and cripple the agency.

     

    Ranking Member Amo’s Remarks as Delivered

    Thank you, Chair Franklin, for convening today’s hearing on how innovative technologies can strengthen weather forecasting and protect communities across the country. I also want to thank our witnesses for joining us, especially given the rescheduling of this hearing.

    As we all know, this hearing comes at a devastating time. Just last week, catastrophic flooding struck Texas, New Mexico, and North Carolina. Texas lost at least 134 lives, 37 of whom were children, and at least 101 people remain missing. In New Mexico, a man and two children, ages 7 and 4, were killed. Tropical Storm Chantal, and at least 2 tornadoes, hit North Carolina with one woman confirmed dead.

    Entire families were lost. Livelihoods destroyed. Communities shattered. To the families grieving unimaginable loss, and to the first responders still working through the wreckage, our hearts are with you.

    Unfortunately, this won’t be the last disaster we face. Climate change is accelerating extreme weather, and we must do more to prepare our communities.

    We need to confront a hard truth: the United States cannot lead in weather prediction, cannot harness innovation, and cannot protect lives and property — without people.

    Meteorologists who issue forecasts and warnings.

    Hydrologists who model flood risks.

    Climate scientists who analyze long-term trends.

    Data analysts and modelers who improve forecast accuracy.

    Emergency managers who translate forecasts into action.

    Dedicated public servants, many represented here today, who work around the clock, ensuring our communities are warned and protected in real time. These experts are the backbone of America’s weather enterprise. But this Administration is taking a sledgehammer to that backbone.

    On May 2nd, five former directors of the National Weather Service wrote to President Trump with a warning: “Our worst nightmare is that forecast offices will be so understaffed that there will be needless loss of life.”

    This Administration has already haphazardly gutted 15% of the National Weather Service’s workforce. These were career public servants. Scientists and forecasters. People who devoted their lives to keeping Americans safe.

    Now the remaining staff are being asked to do the impossible: operate at full capacity, with reduced numbers, during an above-average Atlantic hurricane season. It’s unacceptable. We are flying blind into the eye of the storm, quite literally.

    We’re already seeing the consequences. While it’s too early to draw final conclusions about the tragic flooding in Texas, early reporting suggests that staff shortages in local weather forecasting offices may have impaired coordination with local officials.

    In the San Angelo forecasting office, critical positions were vacant, including the meteorologist-in-charge, senior hydrologist, and staff forecaster. Nearby, San Antonio’s forecasting office lacked a warning coordination meteorologist and science officer. These aren’t optional roles. These are lifesaving roles.

    We need a fully staffed and well-resourced National Weather Service, full stop. Not just to help predict storms, but to help communities prepare, coordinate emergency response, and warn Americans when minutes matter.

    And yet, even in the face of growing disasters, Trump’s proposed 2026 budget would:

    Eliminate funding for NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, including climate, weather, and ocean labs and cooperative institutes, such as those serving on our witness panel today, lash NOAA’s workforce by an additional 17%, and extract over $1.8 billion from its current budget, weakening the core services Americans rely on.

    Thankfully, it seems like Congressional appropriators care more about protecting Americans from extreme weather than we’ve seen from the Trump administration.

    This is playing out in real time back in Rhode Island. Last year, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Marine Operations Center, a nearly $150 million investment in NOAA’s research fleet and Rhode Island’s blue economy. But with the hiring freeze still in place, there’s no guarantee it will be staffed when it opens. That’s not efficiency – its waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.

    That’s why last week, Ranking Member Lofgren and I demanded Secretary Lutnick testify before this Committee. Come and give answers. The staffing crisis at the National Weather Service is a public safety threat. We need answers, and more importantly, we need a plan, not concepts of a plan.

    Today, let’s not talk about innovation in the abstract. Let’s talk about what it takes to make that innovation real: investment in data, commitment to people, and trust in science.

    Let’s protect lives and property, not just in name. Let’s protect in practice.

    Thank you. I yield back.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo, Huffman Lead 62 Members in New Bill Blocking Trump’s Assault on NOAA Facilities

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    The Stop NOAA Closures Act prevents Trump from arbitrarily closing National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facilities, keeping communities safe from natural disasters.

    WASHINGTON, DC–  Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI) and House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) led 62 representatives in introducing the Stop NOAA Closures Act, which would block President Trump’s dangerous plans to close NOAA facilities across the country. NOAA facilities predict extreme weather, protect New England fisheries, and help communities understand and adapt to climate change. 

    “From fishermen to farmers, Rhode Islanders rely on NOAA to respond to severe weather and predict and prepare for climate change,” said Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI). “I introduced the Stop NOAA Closures Act, alongside Ranking Member Huffman,  to prevent Trump from shuttering the NOAA facilities that track developing disasters, protect our natural resources, and help communities get ready for the next storm. As Ranking Member of the Science, Space, and Technology Environment Subcommittee, I will keep fighting to make sure NOAA and the National Weather Service can continue their vital work protecting the lives, livelihoods, and property of the American people.”

    “Let’s call this what it is: a full-blown assault on science and public safety. President Trump’s reckless plans to shutter NOAA facilities are dangerously irresponsible — especially as climate-fueled disasters grow more extreme, more frequent, and more costly,” said Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA). “NOAA is on the frontlines of forecasting hurricanes, tracking wildfires and floods, and issuing life-saving warnings before the next storm hits. Slashing NOAA’s capacity would mean slower warnings, less reliable forecasts, and more American families put in danger. I’m proud to co-lead the Stop NOAA Closures Act to stop this madness in its tracks and protect the science and services millions of Americans rely on every single day.”

    This bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Adam Smith (D-WA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Bill Keating (D-MA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), John Garamendi (D-CA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Lou Correa (D-CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), George Latimer (D-NY), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Dina Titus (D-NV), Mark Takano (D-CA), Ed Case (D-HI), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Maxine Dexter, MD (D-OR), Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Sarah McBride (D-DE), Greg Landsman (D-OH), and Steve Cohen (D-TN). 

    This legislation is endorsed by the Sierra Club, Oceana, the Environmental Defense Fund, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the League of Conservation Voters, Azul, Save the Bay, Climate Action Rhode Island, the Conservation Law Foundation Rhode Island, Clean Water Action Rhode Island, the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, the Turtle Island Restoration Network, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund, ISciences, L.L.C., and the Woodwell Climate Research Center. 

    For additional quotes, click HERE.

    Background

    Congressman Amo, serves as the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Environment on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology with jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ICJ climate crisis ruling: Will world’s top court back Pacific-led call to hold governments accountable?

    By Jamie Tahana in The Hague for RNZ Pacific

    In 2019, a group of law students at the University of the South Pacific, frustrated at the slow pace with which the world’s governments were moving to address the climate crisis, had an idea — they would take the world’s governments to court.

    They arranged a meeting with government ministers in Vanuatu and convinced them to take a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ top court, where they would seek an opinion to clarify countries’ legal obligations under international law.

    Six years after that idea was hatched in a classroom in Port Vila, the court will today (early Thursday morning NZT) deliver its verdict in the Dutch city of The Hague.

    More than 100 countries – including New Zealand, Australia and all the countries of the Pacific – have testified before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alongside civil society and intergovernmental organisations. Image: UN Web TV/screengrab

    If successful — and those involved are quietly confident they will be — it could have major ramifications for international law, how climate change disputes are litigated, and it could give small Pacific countries greater leverage in arguments around loss and damage.

    Most significantly, the claimants argue, it could establish legal consequences for countries that have driven climate change and what they owe to people harmed.

    “Six long years of campaigning have led us to this moment,” said Vishal Prasad, the president of Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, the organisation formed out of those original students.

    “For too long, international responses have fallen short. We expect a clear and authoritative declaration,” he said.

    “[That] climate inaction is not just a failure of policy, but a breach of international law.”

    More than 100 countries — including New Zealand, Australia and all the countries of the Pacific — have testified before the court, alongside civil society and intergovernmental organisations.

    And now today they will gather in the brick palace that sits in ornate gardens in this canal-ringed city to hear if the judges of the world’s top court agree.

    What is the case?
     The ICJ adjudicates disputes between nations and issues advisory opinions on big international legal issues.

    In this case, Vanuatu asked the UN General Assembly to request the judges to weigh what exactly international law requires states to do about climate change, and what the consequences should be for states that harm the climate through actions or omissions.

    Over its deliberations, the court has heard from more than 100 countries and international organisations hoping to influence its opinion, the highest level of participation in the court’s history.

    That has included the governments of low-lying islands and atolls in the Pacific, which say they are paying the steepest price for a crisis they had little role in creating.

    These nations have long been frustrated with the current mechanisms for addressing climate change, like the UN COP conferences, and are hoping that, ultimately, the court will provide a yardstick by which to measure other countries’ actions.

    Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu . . . “This may well be the most consequential case in the history of humanity.” Image: IISD-ENB

    “I choose my words carefully when I say that this may well be the most consequential case in the history of humanity,” Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu said in his statement to the court last year.

    “Let us not allow future generations to look back and wonder why the cause of their doom was condoned.”

    But major powers and emitters, like the United States and China, have argued in their testimonies that existing UN agreements, such as the Paris climate accord, are sufficient to address climate change.

    “We expect this landmark climate ruling, grounded in binding international law, to reflect the critical legal flashpoints raised during the proceedings,” said Joie Chowdhury, a senior attorney at the US-based Centre for International Environmental Law (which has been involved with the case).

    “Among them: whether States’ climate obligations are anchored in multiple legal sources, extending far beyond the Paris Agreement; whether there is a right to remedy for climate harm; and how human rights and the precautionary principle define States’ climate obligations.”

    Pacific youth climate activist at a demonstration at COP27 in November 2022 . . . “We are not drowning. We are fighting.” Image: Facebook/Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change

    What could this mean?
     Rulings from the ICJ are non-binding, and there are myriad cases of international law being flouted by countries the world over.

    Still, the court’s opinion — if it falls in Vanuatu’s favour — could still have major ramifications, bolstering the case for linking human rights and climate change in legal proceedings — both international and domestic — and potentially opening the floodgates for climate litigation, where individuals, groups, Indigenous Peoples, and even countries, sue governments or private companies for climate harm.

    An advisory opinion would also be a powerful precedent for legislators and judges to call on as they tackle questions related to the climate crisis, and give small countries a powerful cudgel in negotiations over future COP agreements and other climate mechanisms.

    “This would empower vulnerable nations and communities to demand accountability, strengthen legal arguments and negotiations and litigation and push for policies that prioritise prevention and redress over delay and denial,” Prasad said.

    In essence, those who have taken the case have asked the court to issue an opinion on whether governments have “legal obligations” to protect people from climate hazards, but also whether a failure to meet those obligations could bring “legal consequences”.

    At the Peace Palace today, they will find out from the court’s 15 judges.

    “[The advisory opinion] is not just a legal milestone, it is a defining moment in the global climate justice movement and a beacon of hope for present and future generations,” said Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat in a statement ahead of the decision.

    “I am hopeful for a powerful opinion from the ICJ. It could set the world on a meaningful path to accountability and action.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Announces Another Trump Cabinet Member as Featured Speaker at Entrepreneur Expo

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin will be a featured speaker at her upcoming Entrepreneur Expo.
    The third annual event, taking place at Iowa State University on Tuesday, August 12, will provide Iowa small businesses an unparalleled chance to learn about opportunities across the federal marketplace with networking and hands-on instruction.
    “Administrator Zeldin has been a champion for small businesses in Washington, and I have proudly worked with him to reform the harmful WOTUS rule and slash costly red tape,” said Ernst. “His work has empowered entrepreneurs to be able to spend less time sorting through a mountain of paperwork and more time on the shop floor, out in the fields, or serving their customers. His expertise will be invaluable to expo attendees, and I am excited to welcome him back to the great state of Iowa!”
    “Senator Ernst is a fierce advocate for Iowa small business owners and farmers. I am very excited to join her Entrepreneur Expo next month,” said Zeldin. “In the first six-months of the Trump Administration, we have been full steam ahead working hard to provide relief for Americans by protecting our precious environment while rolling back onerous regulations that have held back our economy. EPA’s goal is to get out of the way and make it easier, not harder, for American businesses to prosper. I look forward to meeting many hard working Iowans and am eager to solicit their feedback and input as we Power the Great American Comeback.”
    Click here to learn more and RSVP for the event.
    Background:
    Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler will also be a featured speaker at the expo.
    Last year, 40 federal and state entities came to Ernst’s Expo to connect with small businesses on opportunities in federal contracting and innovation programs.
    Hundreds of Iowans attended Ernst’s 2023 Expo, which featured 31 federal and state entities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – EPA approves new fruit fungicide

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a fungicide with a new active ingredient that controls blackspot and powdery mildew on apples and pears, and Botrytis on grapes.
    UPL New Zealand Limited applied to import or manufacture Rhapsody, a fungicide containing 218 g/L ipflufenoquin, a chemical new to New Zealand.
    UPL says Rhapsody gives growers an alternative to other products that may be becoming less effective due to increasing resistance, gives another option for late season use, and is lower risk to human health.
    “This approval means growers will have access to an innovative tool with a new mode of action, helping protect crops vital to New Zealand’s primary sector,” says Dr Lauren Fleury, EPA Hazardous Substances Applications Manager.
    The apple industry contributed almost $2 billion to the New Zealand economy last year, and the wine export value reached approximately $2.4 billion.
    The decision to approve Rhapsody was made following a rigorous assessment and consultation process, says Dr Fleury.
    “As this product contains an active ingredient that is new to New Zealand, we assessed the scientific data and evidence, as well as economic and local information, to enable access to new chemistry while continuing to protect people’s health and our unique environment.”
    Ipflufenoquin has been approved in other countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA.
    This decision is the latest for the EPA, which has reduced the queue of hazardous substance release applications by almost 21 percent since 1 July 2024. The EPA has set ambitious assessment targets for the coming year, including increasing the number of assessments for substances containing new active ingredients.
    “We understand the importance of timely access to new products. Continuing to reduce the queue and assess new active ingredients is a top priority for us.”
    The substance can only be used by professionals in commercial settings, and users must comply with specific controls.
    As an agricultural compound, Rhapsody must also receive approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before it can be used in New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Volunteers celebrated at Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards – Porirua

    Source: Porirua City Council 

    Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) was crowned supreme Porirua winners at the 2025 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards last night.
    The event, held at Pātaka Art + Museum, highlighted outstanding volunteers and organisations making a difference in Porirua with their dedication and passion.
    Category winners were:
    Education and Child/Youth Development – 41 (City of Porirua) Squadron Air Training Corp (runner-up Holy Family Parish Youth Ministry)
    Health and Wellbeing – Foundation for Equity and Research NZ (runner-up Waitangirua Market)
    Arts and Culture – Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) (runner-up Malaga Sā)
    Sport and Leisure – Plimmerton Boating Club (runner-up Porirua City Aquatics Learn to Swim programme)
    Heritage and Environment – Whitireia Park Restoration Group (runner-up Tū Matau Ora)
    Rising Star – Heavy Hitterz (runner-up O Le Nu’u Trust)
    Supreme Award – Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub)
    Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) was established in 2017 by locals wanting to bring the community together to share skills and build resilience. Last winter, their innovative ‘Pop-Up Parlour’ transformed St Marks Church into a central hub with 48 diverse events held over a five-week period.
    Porirua City Council’s General Manager Community & Partnerships, Reuben Friend, said the awards are a chance to show off how diverse groups are making our a better place for us to live.
    “Everyone nominated demonstrates their love for Porirua and its people through their ongoing commitment – they show innovation, effectiveness, perseverance, impact and activity within our communities,” he said.
    Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said the airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Porirua over the previous 12 months.
    “These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community. Congratulations to all nominees and winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers Statement on Greenpeace

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers Statement: Greenpeace vandals must lose charitable status

    Federated Farmers is renewing its call for Greenpeace to be stripped of its charitable status immediately, following the extreme activist group’s latest illegal publicity stunt.

    “Greenpeace need to be held accountable for their repeated illegal activity and the spread of harmful misinformation,” Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick says.
    “How can they be recognised as a charity when they’re breaking all kinds of laws trespassing on private property, vandalising public property, and intimidating the community?
    “Last night’s vandalism of the world-famous trout statue in Gore reinforces why these activists need to lose their status as a charity. I think it’s a total abuse of charitable status.”
    Herrick says Greenpeace’s vandalism of the statue and welcome sign is a shameless attempt to divide the small rural community and spread anti-farming propaganda.
    “These activists are total cowards who are slinking around in the shadows vandalising property under the cover of darkness,” Herrick says.
    “There’s a reason they’ve done this at night. They knew it was dodgy behaviour – and that they’d never get away with it in Gore during daylight hours.
    “We’re a tight-knit community down here in Southland. Farming plays a huge role in not only our local economy, but in our social fabric too.
    “There’s no way we’re going to put up with this nonsense. Greenpeace should hang their heads in shame.”
    In April, Federated Farmers called for the Government to immediately strip Greenpeace of its charitable status after the group’s illegal occupation of Port Taranaki.
    Charitable status in New Zealand is intended to support organisations that advance public benefit through education, relief of poverty, and other recognised charitable purposes.
    Under the Charities Act, organisations must operate for the public good and not primarily serve political or advocacy purposes.
    Herrick says he sees Greenpeace’s ongoing illegal activity as clear evidence that it no longer meets these criteria for charitable status.
    “There are plenty of amazing, honest charities doing fantastic work out there – but Greenpeace is not one of them.
    “It’s become little more than an extreme activist group that’s disrupting legitimate businesses and spreading harmful misinformation – repeatedly and deliberately.”
    Federated Farmers lodged a formal complaint with Charities Services in April, requesting a formal inquiry into Greenpeace’s conduct and eligibility for charitable status.
    A copy was also sent to Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Hon Louise Upston and Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Brooke van Velden.
    The complaint focuses on Greenpeace’s repeated involvement in premeditated unlawful protest activity.
    That includes the 2024 protest at Fonterra’s Te Rapa dairy factory where seven individuals were arrested, and last year’s occupation of Straterra’s Wellington office, where five were arrested during a staged lockdown.
    “We urge Charities Services to act decisively on our existing complaint and strip Greenpeace of its charitable status quickly,” Herrick says.
    “I can’t see any way they meet the requirements for registration under the Charities Act 2005.
    “Hardworking Kiwi taxpayers should not be forced to subsidise their illegal attacks and extremist political agendas through tax breaks for their donors.
    “Law-breaking groups cannot hide behind charitable privileges while threatening livelihoods with misinformation about farming.”
    Herrick says it’s not just Greenpeace that needs to be held accountable for how it’s operating as a charity.
    “I think Charities Services and the Government need to be held accountable too and answer some tough, but fair, questions about how this rort of the rules is being allowed to continue.
    “There is absolutely no way Greenpeace should be allowed to constantly break the law and still be recognised as a charity.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: DOC summer bookings bring in $13 million

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  23 July 2025

    “It’s fabulous to see so many people getting out into nature and making the most of conservation areas and facilities like campsites, huts and tracks,” says DOC Heritage and Visitors Director Catherine Wilson.

    “Huts and campsite fees ensure people make a fair contribution when they stay in these places and help keep facilities available into the future.”

    DOC today released its summer visitor insights report looking at the busiest months to identify visitor needs and any issues. DOC’s visitor insights reports inform staff about who’s getting out in nature, where they are going and how they rate their experiences. This helps DOC’s management approaches, particularly at busy sites says Catherine.

    “Landscapes and scenery remain top attractions for international visitors and short walks are still the most popular outdoor activity across the board.  

    “Over summer, international visitor numbers were back to 93 percent of pre-COVID figures with more than 50 percent heading to a national park during their visit.”

    “Fiordland and Aoraki Mount Cook are the two most popular national parks and are on the itineraries of more than 20 percent of international tourists.

    “Almost 75 percent of international visitors enjoy walks or tramps during their time in New Zealand and 99 percent rated New Zealand’s natural scenery as good or very good.”

    DOC’s bookings data shows between December 2024 and February 2025, nearly 60,000 people did a Great Walk, 60 percent of whom were New Zealanders. For bookable DOC facilities other than the Great Walks, more than 450,000 bednights* were booked at campsites and 70,000 in huts over this period.

    Coastal areas and marine reserves were popular with New Zealanders, with Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve in Auckland top of DOC’s most-visited destinations.

    “Sadly, there was also persistent illegal fishing or collecting shellfish in marine reserves with 101 confirmed offences and 79 infringements between October 2024 to March 2025,” says Catherine.

    Te Whanganui-o-Hei (Cathedral Cove), Horoirangi (near Cable Bay), and Long Bay-Okura (Auckland) were the marine reserves which saw the highest number of offences.

    “Marine reserves are vital for protecting our precious marine wildlife as well as ensuring fish stocks into the future,” says Catherine.

    “This behaviour is truly disappointing, and we’ve seen wider issues across the country this summer. This includes dogs attacking wildlife, people driving through endangered river-bird colonies and irresponsible camping harming vulnerable natural areas like alpine wetlands.”

    “Nature is at the core of our wealth and wellbeing in New Zealand and we harm it at our peril.

    “It’s heartening to see recent DOC research shows 92 percent of New Zealanders agree nature is an important part of our national identity.”

    Tourism on public conservation land is worth $3.4 billion each year and supports around 2000 tourism businesses.  

    The summer report looks at information from a range of sources including from the International Visitor Survey, DOC’s visitor surveys and bookings data.

    View the full report: Understanding 2024/25 visitor activity (PDF, 3,971K)

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fast-track on track to help deliver infrastructure

    Source: New Zealand Government

    It’s been nearly six months since the Fast-track Approvals system opened for business, and updated statistics show the one-stop shop is on track to make it quicker and easier to build the projects New Zealand needs for economic growth, RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say. 

    “The Fast-track Approvals Act, part of the coalition agreement between National and NZ First, was signed into law just before Christmas and opened for project applications on 7 February this year,” Mr Bishop says.

    “The Act helps cut through the tangle of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now, held New Zealand back from much-needed economic growth.

    “In Fast-track’s first six months, more than 50 projects have made applications. We expect the first eight projects to have completed the full end-to-end Fast-track process including final consent decisions by the end of this year.”

    Projects before Expert Panels

    “The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects which, from 7 February, have been able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel. The expert panels consider each application, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals,” Mr Bishop says.

    “Since 7 February when the Fast-track one-stop shop approvals regime officially opened for project applications, we’ve seen good progress for a range of applications for projects that, if approved, will help address our infrastructure deficit, housing crisis, and energy shortage, instead of tying essential projects up in knots for years at a time as so often happens under the RMA.

    “Eight projects are now before expert panels for consideration, with the first expert panels’ final decisions expected by mid-September this year. These projects, if approved, will contribute billions of dollars to New Zealand’s economy and create thousands of jobs.”

    Projects before the Panel Convenor

    “The Panel Convenor will shortly establish expert panels for a further six projects that have lodged substantive applications,” Mr Jones says. 

    “Projects currently before the Panel Convenor include expansions to Kings Quarry and Drury Quarry. These quarries provide much-needed aggregate which supports the construction of major infrastructure projects. 

    “It is heartening to see applications for mining and quarrying projects working their way through the system.”

    Project referrals

    “Projects not listed in the Act can also apply for referral into the Fast-track process,” Mr Bishop says.

    “These applications go first to me as Infrastructure Minister for consideration, which includes inviting written comments from the Minister for the Environment and any other Ministers with relevant portfolios, before deciding whether to refer the project for Fast-track.

    “To date I have referred seven projects to the Fast-track process, meaning they can now submit substantive applications to the EPA. 

    “The latest three referrals are Stage 2 of the Auckland Surf Park community which would include a large artificial intelligence data centre, a residential development of about 400 homes, and a village centre; the Waitākere District Court’s new courthouse project; and The Point Mission Bay which would see 252 new retirement homes and amenities for residents and visitors.

    “Other projects have also applied to me for referral into Fast-track, including from the renewable energy, housing and infrastructure sectors. 16 of these applications are under consideration or being circulated to other Ministers for feedback. Decisions will be made in due course.”

    Note to editor:

    Fast-track project statuses to date:

    Expert Panels are currently considering:

    • Bledisloe North wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension
    • Delmore (residential)
    • Maitahi Village (residential)     
    • Milldale (residential development)
    • Tekapo Power Scheme (power scheme consent renewal)
    • Waihi North (mining extension)
    • Drury Metropolitan centre
    • Sunfield (residential development) 

    Panel Convener will shortly appoint panels for: 

    • Drury Quarry
    • King’s Quarry extension
    • Rangitoopuni (residential and retirement units)
    • Ryans Road (industrial subdivision).
    • Stella Passage (wharf extension and related work)
    • Taranaki VTM (seabed mining) 

    Six projects have been ‘referred’ into the Fast-track process by the Minister for Infrastructure:

    • Auckland Surf Park
    • Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project
    • The Point Mission Bay (retirement village)
    • Ashbourne (residential and retirement units)
    • Ayrburn Screen Hub
    • Gordonton Country Estate Development
    • Grampians Solar Project

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Pulse Seismic Inc. Reports Strong Q2 2025 Financial Results and Declares Special and Regular Quarterly Dividends

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pulse Seismic Inc. (TSX:PSD) (OTCQX:PLSDF) (“Pulse” or the “Company”) is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements, accompanying notes and MD&A are being filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and will be available on Pulse’s website at www.pulseseismic.com.

    Today, Pulse’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.0175 per common share and also declared a special dividend of $0.20 per common share. The total dividend declared will be approximately $11.0 million based on Pulse’s 50,755,057 common shares outstanding as of July 22, 2025, to be paid on August 20, 2025, to shareholders of record on August 13, 2025. This dividend is designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes. For non-resident shareholders, Pulse’s dividends are subject to Canadian withholding tax.

    “In the first half of 2025 the Company has benefited from increases in traditional data sales as well as energy sector M&A, generating revenue of $41.1 million, an EBITDA margin of 86% and $27.2 million of shareholder free cashflow,” stated Neal Coleman, Pulse’s President and CEO. “Pulse’s industry leading seismic data library contains vital subsurface information used by E&P companies for risk mitigation and maximization of drilling results,” he continued. “The Company continues to rely on shareholder free cashflow as the basis for its capital allocation strategy and remains focused on returns to shareholders, as evidenced by distributing 84% of 2025 free cash flow in the form of dividends. Pulse’s Board of Directors today declared the second special dividend of 2025,” Coleman continued. “In the last 24 months, special dividends of $0.80 have been declared, in addition to the regular dividend which has increased annually and is currently set at $0.07 per year,” he concluded.

    HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2025

    • The regular quarterly dividend of $0.0175 per common share declared and paid in the second quarter of 2025 was a 17% increase over the regular quarterly dividend of $0.015 per common share declared and paid in the first quarter of 2025. A special dividend of $0.20 per common share totaling $10.2 million was also declared and paid in the first quarter of 2025;
    • The Company renewed its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) on February 24, 2025. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company purchased and cancelled 80,600 shares under the NCIB at an average price of $2.43 per share, for total cost of approximately $197,000;
    • Total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2025, was $18.3 million, compared to $6.3 million for the same period in 2024. Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $41.1 million, compared to $15.1 million for the same period in 2024. Revenue generated in the first half of 2025 reflects an increase of 71% compared to the last three years average of annual revenue;
    • Shareholder free cash flow(a) was $11.7 million ($0.23 per share basic and diluted) for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $3.9 million ($0.07 per share basic and diluted) for the same period in 2024. Shareholder free cash flow was $27.2 million ($0.53 per share basic and diluted) for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $8.9 million ($0.17 per share basic and diluted) for the same period in 2024;
    • EBITDA(a) was $15.2 million ($0.30 per share basic and diluted) for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $4.4 million ($0.0.09 per share basic and diluted) for the same period in 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, EBITDA was $35.3 million ($0.69 per share basic and diluted) compared to $10.6 million ($0.21 per share basic and diluted) for the same period in 2024;
    • Net earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2025, was $9.6 million ($0.19 per share basic and diluted) compared to net earnings of $1.3 million ($0.03 per share basic and diluted) for the same period in 2024. Net earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $22.9 million ($0.45 per share basic and diluted) compared to net earnings of $4.0 million ($0.08 per share basic and diluted) for the same period in 2024; and
    • At June 30, 2025, the Company had a cash balance of $25.9 million as well as $5.0 million of available liquidity on its revolving demand credit facility.
    SELECTED FINANCIAL AND
    OPERATING INFORMATION    		          
               
               
    (Thousands of dollars except per share data, Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, Year ended,
    numbers of shares and kilometres of seismic data) 2025 2024   2025 2024 December 31,
      (Unaudited) (Unaudited) 2024
    Revenue 18,316 6,300   41,075 15,077 23,379
               
    Amortization of seismic data library 2,224 2,279   4,449 4,549 9,090
    Net earnings 9,565 1,341   22,940 4,022 3,391
    Per share basic and diluted 0.19 0.03   0.45 0.08 0.07
    Cash provided by (used in) operating activities 12,543 (1,269 ) 29,158 9,195 14,195
    Per share basic and diluted 0.25 (0.02 ) 0.57 0.18 0.28
    EBITDA (a) 15,238 4,418   35,286 10,647 15,496
    Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.30 0.09   0.69 0.21 0.30
    Shareholder free cash flow (a) 11,733 3,869   27,152 8,907 12,408
    Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.23 0.07   0.53 0.17 0.24
               
    Capital expenditures          
    Seismic data – –   – 225 225
    Property and equipment – –   – – 45
    Total capital expenditures – –   – 225 270
               
    Dividends          
    Regular dividends declared 885 775   1,648 1,490 3,018
    Special dividends declared – –   10,167 – 2,548
    Total dividends declared 885 775   11,815 1,490 5,566
               
    Normal course issuer bid          
    Number of shares purchased and cancelled 37,300 539,500   80,600 1,166,800 1,784,000
    Cost of shares purchased and cancelled 91 1,222   197 2,407 3,880
               
    Weighted average shares outstanding          
    Basic and diluted 50,761,321 51,734,590   50,795,174 51,928,298 51,448,985
    Shares outstanding at period-end     50,755,057 51,455,063 50,837,863
               
    Seismic library          
    2D in kilometres     829,207 829,207 829,207
    3D in square kilometres     65,310 65,310 65,310
    FINANCIAL POSITION
    AND RATIO    		          
          June 30, June 30, December 31,
    (Thousands of dollars except ratio)     2025 2024 2024
    Working capital     24,202 10,996 9,222
    Working capital ratio     4.8:1 4.0:1 5.1:1
    Cash and cash equivalents     25,876 9,392 8,722
    Total assets     36,479 29,184 21,516
    Trailing 12 -month (TTM) EBITDA(b)     40,135 27,528 15,496
    Shareholders’ equity     29,177 25,177 18,295
               

    (a)The Company’s continuous disclosure documents provide discussion and analysis of “EBITDA”, “EBITDA per share”, “shareholder free cash flow” and “shareholder free cash flow per share”. These financial measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The Company has included these non-GAAP financial measures because management, investors, analysts and others use them as measures of the Company’s financial performance. The Company’s definition of EBITDA is cash available for interest payments, cash taxes, repayment of debt, purchase of its shares, discretionary capital expenditures and the payment of dividends, and is calculated as earnings (loss) from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company believes EBITDA assists investors in comparing Pulse’s results on a consistent basis without regard to non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary significantly depending on accounting methods or non-operating factors such as historical cost. EBITDA per share is defined as EBITDA divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Shareholder free cash flow further refines the calculation of capital available to invest in growing the Company’s 2D and 3D seismic data library, to repay debt, to purchase its common shares and to pay dividends by deducting non-discretionary expenditures from EBITDA. Non-discretionary expenditures are defined as non-cash expenses, debt financing costs (net of deferred financing expenses amortized in the current period), net restructuring costs and current tax provisions. Shareholder free cash flow per share is defined as shareholder free cash flow divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period.
    These non-GAAP financial measures are defined, calculated and reconciled to the nearest GAAP financial measures in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
    (b) TTM EBITDA is defined as the sum of EBITDA generated over the previous 12 months and is used to provide a comparable annualized measure.
    These non-GAAP financial measures are defined, calculated and reconciled to the nearest GAAP financial measures in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

    OUTLOOK
    Pulse had a very strong first half year, generating revenue of $41.1 million and ending the quarter with $24.2 million of working capital including $25.9 million in cash. These financial results have provided capital returns to shareholders, strengthened the balance sheet, and positioned the Company for solid financial performance in 2025.

    Pulse’s ability to forecast future revenue continues to be challenging, as significant annual fluctuations are the norm in the seismic data library business. Industry trends that we consider relevant as we look forward include land sales in Western Canada, drilling forecasts for the year, commodity price levels, M&A forecasts and the status of industry infrastructure improvements. It is difficult to predict in the midst of the current market dynamics how this will unfold through the remainder of 2025. M&A activity for the year so far, has surpassed many analysts’ earlier expectations and is expected to remain strong for the remainder of 2025. Lower oil prices have contributed to decreased corporate valuations which often lead to acquisition opportunities. Alberta land sales through 2024 were strong, but at midpoint in 2025 have generated just over half the amount for the same period in 2024. In British Columbia land sales were resumed in Q3 2024 after a pause of over three years. New infrastructure, such as the TMX pipeline expansion, a driver of increased drilling activity, which was completed in 2024 has provided increased export capacity. The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, in November 2024 forecast an increase to 6,604 wells to be drilled in 2025, an approximate 7% increase over 2024. There has been no update published to this forecast, and drilling activity is reported to be relatively stable. LNG Canada’s liquified natural gas export facility is now operational and is expected to contribute to increased drilling and may lead to an improvement in Canadian natural gas prices.

    Of course, there continues to be a high level of uncertainty on political and economic fronts. Uncertainty around energy tariffs and trade policy between Canada and the United States, are contributing to the lack of clarity for the future. It is clear that Canada needs to continue to build pipelines and increase natural gas egress, to support the country’s energy security, as well as to secure new buyers of Canadian energy.

    Pulse, as previously stated, has low visibility regarding future seismic data library sales levels, regardless of industry conditions. The Company remains focused on business practices that have served throughout the full range of conditions. The Company maintains a strong balance sheet and carries no debt. Led by an experienced and capable management team, Pulse operates with a low-cost structure and focuses on maintaining excellent client relations and providing exceptional customer service. Pulse’s strong financial position, high leverage to increased revenue in its EBITDA margin and careful management of its cash resources continue to translate to the return of capital to shareholders through regular and special dividends.

    CORPORATE PROFILE

    Pulse is a market leader in the acquisition, marketing and licensing of 2D and 3D seismic data to the western Canadian energy sector. Pulse owns the largest licensable seismic data library in Canada, currently consisting of approximately 65,310 square kilometres of 3D seismic and 829,207 kilometres of 2D seismic. The library extensively covers the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, where most of Canada’s oil and natural gas exploration and development occur.

    For further information, please contact:
    Neal Coleman, President and CEO
    Or
    Pamela Wicks, Vice President Finance and CFO
    Tel.: 403-237-5559
    Toll-free: 1-877-460-5559
    E-mail: info@pulseseismic.com.
    Please visit our website at www.pulseseismic.com

    This document contains information that constitutes “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “forecast”, “target”, “project”, “guidance”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “estimate”, “predict” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or language suggesting an outlook.

    The Outlook section herein contain forward-looking information which includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding:

    > The outlook of the Company for the year ahead, including future operating costs and expected revenues;

    > Recent events on the political, economic, regulatory, and legal fronts affecting the industry’s medium- to longer-term prospects, including progression and completion of contemplated infrastructure projects;

    > The Company’s capital resources and sufficiency thereof to finance future operations, meet its obligations associated with financial liabilities and carry out the necessary capital expenditures through 2025;

    > Pulse’s capital allocation strategy;

    > Pulse’s dividend policy;

    > Oil and natural gas prices and forecast trends;

    > Oil and natural gas drilling activity and land sales activity;

    > Oil and natural gas company capital budgets;

    > Future demand for seismic data;

    > Future seismic data sales;

    > Pulse’s business and growth strategy; and

    > Other expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions, information and statements about possible future events, conditions, results and performance, as they relate to the Company or to the oil and natural gas industry as a whole.

    By its very nature, forward-looking information involves inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Pulse does not publish specific financial goals or otherwise provide guidance, due to the inherently poor visibility of seismic revenue. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations and anticipations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking information.

    These factors include, but are not limited to:

    > Uncertainty of the timing and volume of data sales;

    > Volatility of oil and natural gas prices;

    > Risks associated with the oil and natural gas industry in general;

    > The Company’s ability to access external sources of debt and equity capital;

    > Credit, liquidity and commodity price risks;

    > The demand for seismic data;

    > The pricing of data library licence sales;

    > Cybersecurity;

    > Relicensing (change-of-control) fees and partner copy sales;

    > Environmental, health and safety risks;

    > Federal and provincial government laws and regulations, including those pertaining to taxation, royalty rates, environmental protection, public health and safety;

    > Competition;

    > Dependence on key management, operations and marketing personnel;

    > The loss of seismic data;

    > Protection of intellectual property rights;

    > The introduction of new products; and

    > Climate change.

    Pulse cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. Additional information on these risks and other factors which could affect the Company’s operations and financial results is included under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form, and in the Company’s most recent audited annual financial statements, most recent MD&A, management information circular, quarterly reports, material change reports and news releases. Copies of the Company’s public filings are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    When relying on forward-looking information to make decisions with respect to Pulse, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Furthermore, the forward-looking information contained in this document is provided as of the date of this document and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information, except as required by law. The forward-looking information in this document is provided for the limited purpose of enabling current and potential investors to evaluate an investment in Pulse. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information may not be appropriate, and should not be used, for other purposes.

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/8df92694-2a01-45f3-b5b4-ecc0f5bd6edb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 50 years lost: kiwi pukupuku found in the wild

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Ranger Project Lead Iain Graham describes the moments leading to the monumental rediscovery of kiwi pukupuku in the West Coast wilderness.

    Iain Graham, kiwi conservation dog Brew, and the first wild kiwi pukupuku found on the mainland in nearly 50 years | Lucy Holyoake, DOC

    Kiwi pukupuku found only in predator free sanctuaries?

    Up until now, we believed kiwi pukupuku/little spotted kiwi had gone extinct from mainland New Zealand. Our smallest kiwi is particularly vulnerable to introduced predators, and the last known sighting of a kiwi pukupuku on the mainland was in 1978. In the years since, despite targeted searching, we haven’t found any others.

    We also thought all remaining kiwi pukupuku descended from five transferred to Kapiti Island from South Westland in 1912. The descendants of these birds now spread across several predator-free islands and sanctuaries.

    Then, back in April, I received an email from a hunter we contracted for tahr control in the Adams Wilderness Area on the West Coast. The email included a short, blurry video of a kiwi looking for its next meal in a bed of fallen Dracophyllum leaves.

    That video changed everything.

    Finding a kiwi

    A weather window opened for us in early May, and kiwi conservation dog Brew and I packed our bags for a week in the scrub to see if we could track down this mystery bird. Brew isn’t great at packing though, so I helped her out.

    Air New Zealand conservation dog Brew ready to find a kiwi | Iain Graham, DOC

    Brew is kiwi certified under DOC’s Air New Zealand-supported Conservation Dogs Programme, so she has a highly qualified nose for sniffing out our national bird. It’s rough country, and my job was trying to keep up with Brew through all the thick alpine scrub we were contending with. While Brew located kiwi scat (poo!), I was listening out. In the early hours, I heard a pair of kiwi duetting.

    Oh, I thought, there’s two of them!

    A rugged landscape for searching | Iain Graham, DOC

    What followed was two days of increasing frustration as Brew and I followed the calls, only to find our progress constantly blocked by geographic features. On day three, Brew dragged me up a spur near where we had marked the calls, and locked on a small hole in the side of a bank. This was the sign I had been waiting for.

    Brew looked on expectantly as I attempted to retrieve the kiwi, only to discover it must have snuck out another entrance. After Brew stared judgingly into my soul, radiating ‘I did my part’ energy, she huffed, put her nose down, and took off down the hill again.

    Brew locked hopefully onto a kiwi burrow | Iain Graham, DOC

    Plan B, stakeout.

    It was time for a kiwi stakeout. This sounds more fun than it is; we patiently sit outside a burrow entrance and wait for the bird to exit (in this case after blocking the other exit). There’s no noise and no movement, so it becomes a true battle of patience. These stakeouts can end in minutes or hours, and with either success or failure.

    I found a comfortable position in front of the burrow, wearing every layer of clothes I had with me, and sat there for 6 hours. Then, hearing a male calling not far down the hill, I realised he had somehow beat me at the patience game. Alright, I thought. No luck tonight, but tomorrow is another day.

    Tomorrow was also the last chance to find these birds before we flew out. Unfortunately, with the day came the rain. Brew and I were cooped up in our tent while the rain passed – as heavy rain prevents handling kiwi.

    The final chance

    The rain stopped at about 4pm. This would be our last chance to get hands on a bird not seen in the area in half a century, so luckily there was no pressure. That night we headed to the same area, this time deciding not to rely on a kiwi being in the burrow.

    Suddenly, a call came from above me, less than 10 metres away. This time it was the female and, instinct kicking in, my light came on and I darted up the hill towards her. She was still calling as I pushed through some flax and caught her in my torch beam. She clearly wasn’t expecting my kind of company; she stopped calling and hesitated, just long enough for me to dive towards her and get a hand around her ankles. Facedown on the damp forest floor, I finally exhaled.

    Gotcha!

    Success! Kiwi captured | Iain Graham, DOC

    After all that, she sat quietly in my lap as I put a transmitter onto her, collected some pin feathers for DNA analysis, took some morphometric measurements, and snapped a couple of photos. She looked to be an old battler; right eye missing, left eye clouded by a cataract, and missing the nail from her middle toe. Otherwise, she seemed to be in good condition and, as I released her, she sauntered away into the darkness, seemingly unfazed by her close encounter with me.

    It’s a kiwi pukupuku!

    We know kiwi pukupuku can interbreed with other species, but mixed genetics wouldn’t preserve the unique species history and adaptation. So we were really hoping this girl was a real, purebred kiwi pukupuku. It took a little while for the genetic analysis to come through, and felt like much longer. But when the results came in, the team was euphoric. Clean match. For the first time in nearly 50 years, we’d located a wild, pure kiwi pukupuku on the New Zealand mainland.

    Questions and the future

    The find is just the beginning, and now the real work begins. We’re still gathering information, and the questions keep mounting. How many are there? How have they survived? What does this mean for the future of kiwi pukupuku?

    Regardless, we’re thrilled to be working with Kāti Māhaki on future protection and management of these precious birds.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Frost and Cherfilus-McCormick Reintroduce Bill to Prevent Radioactive Materials from Being Used to Build Roads – the “No Radioactive Roads Act”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    July 22, 2025

    Frost’s Bill Would Prevent Cancer-Causing Fertilizer Byproduct from Being Used in Road Construction

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) reintroduced the No Radioactive Roads Act, legislation to ensure the current Trump Administration or any future administration cannot allow for deadly, cancer-causing radioactive material, phosphogypsum (PG), to be used in road construction. Florida is the world’s largest PG producing area with 1 billion tons of PG stored in stacks, mainly in the Central Florida region. 

    The Biden-Harris Administration quickly reversed the first Trump Administration’s unscientific decision to allow PG in road construction in 2021. However, with Trump’s return to office, PG’s threat to people’s health is once again imminent. 

    In 2021, a tear at a PG stack facility allowed for millions of gallons of untreated wastewater to be released into Tampa Bay, devastating the clean waters of the bay and causing a red tide outbreak, killing millions of fish. Despite the environmental fallout, in 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law to allow the cancer-causing material to be used in road construction. Most recently, ahead of the Trump Administration taking office, the Environmental Protection Agency authorized Mosaic’s pilot road project to use 1,200 tons of the hazardous material in Polk County, Florida. 

    Frost and Cherfilus-McCormick first introduced the bill in 2024. 

    “As Florida allows for PG to be used in our roads, endangering our workers, drivers, and entire communities, we need immediate federal action that puts public health over corporate profits,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “The science is abundantly clear—PG is a deadly, cancer-causing substance that harms our environment and puts lives at risk, and no administration should be able to permit its use without the highest safety standards. It’s unacceptable that the fertilizer industry is looking to offload toxic waste into our roads in order to boost their profits while leaders like DeSantis and Donald Trump enable it. The No Radioactive Roads Act puts our people, our planet, and our future over the profits of corporate polluters.”

    “Protecting the health and safety of our communities must be our top priority. Using radioactive materials like phosphogypsum in road construction endangers our families, harms our environment, and puts our future at risk,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. “The No Radioactive Roads Act is a crucial step in preventing communities from facing the long-term dangers of toxic exposure. I am proud to partner with Congressman Maxwell Frost on this legislation to protect the well-being of every Floridian.”

    “The EPA’s decision to weaken standards for phosphogypsum is both reckless and unfounded. We cannot allow the health and safety of our communities to be sacrificed for the financial interests of the fertilizer industry, which seeks to profit from incorporating this radioactive byproduct into our roads. The science is clear: exposure to phosphogypsum is directly linked to significantly increased cancer risk. We will not tolerate policies that endanger our residents and workers,” said Orange County Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad. “In Orange County, I am also introducing an accompanying resolution to prohibit the use of phosphogypsum in local roadway projects. Our stance is firm, and our message is clear: I fully support Congressman Frost’s bill on behalf of the people of our district, the state of Florida, and communities across the country.”

    The No Radioactive Roads Act has been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, Center for Biological Diversity, Food & Water Watch, Surfrider Foundation, and the Save Split Oak Campaign.

    “Representative Frost’s No Radioactive Roads Act will help protect the health and safety of communities as the Trump administration continues to roll back protections from toxic pollutants. Constructing roads with radioactive, cancer-causing phosphogypsum can harm workers, drivers, and nearby families who are already most impacted by environmental injustice and the climate crisis. We will continue to fight alongside our climate champions in Congress like Representative Frost to pass legislation to protect the health of our communities, our air and water, and our future generations,” said Madeleine Foote, Healthy Communities Program Director for League of Conservation Voters.

    “The EPA made it clear decades ago that radioactive phosphogypsum has no place in our roads,” said J.W. Glass, EPA policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “While Rep. Frost shouldn’t have to introduce legislation just to get the EPA to follow its own rules, this bill provides clear direction the agency needs to keep our water, workers and wildlife safe from radiation and other pollutants tied to this toxic waste.”

    “We sincerely thank Representative Frost for championing the No Radioactive Roads Act, which takes decisive action to safeguard our communities from the significant risks posed by phosphogypsum. Florida has experienced firsthand the devastating consequences of mismanaging this hazardous material, including the Piney Point disaster, where over 200 million gallons of contaminated wastewater spilled into Tampa Bay. Using phosphogypsum in road construction would endanger workers, drivers, drinking water supplies, and fragile ecosystems, not just in Florida but across the country. This legislation is a crucial step toward protecting public health and preserving the safety of our water resources. We are committed to working with Congress and communities to ensure this vital bill becomes law and helps prevent future disasters,” said Jim Walsh, Policy Director, Food & Water Watch.

    “Clean water and resilient watersheds are the foundation of healthy coastal communities and strong economies. The use of radioactive waste in roads presents a serious risk that puts public health and the environment in jeopardy for generations to come. The ‘No Radioactive Roads Act’ introduces common-sense safeguards for protecting human health, requiring water quality monitoring, and ensuring transparency,” said Katie Bauman, Florida Policy Manager for Surfrider Foundation.

    “On behalf of the Save Split Oak Forest campaign, we strongly support Congressman Frost’s No Radioactive Roads Act. This legislation is crucial for safeguarding Florida’s ecosystems from the dangers of radioactive road runoff, which can harm our waterways, soil, and wildlife. Protecting conservation lands like Split Oak Forest is essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring smart, sustainable growth. We urge all members of Congress to back this act to prevent harmful pollution and promote a future where Florida’s natural environment and communities can thrive together,” said Lee Perry, Lead Volunteer of the Save Split Oak Campaign.

    Additional Background:

    For over 30 years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has prohibited the use of phosphogypsum (PG) for road construction because this fertilizer waste product emits deadly, cancer-causing radon gas and contains toxic heavy metals like arsenic, lead, mercury, and sulfur. 

    These toxins can become airborne or seep into the soil and groundwater. One of these elements, radium-226, has a 1,600-year half-life and will poison generations of people working on, living near, or traveling over any future radioactive roads.

    Scientific research makes clear that phosphogypsum (PG) is not safe to use as a road building material, but just months before leaving office, the first Trump Administration green-lit PG to be used in road construction.

    The Biden-Harris Administration quickly reversed the Trump Administration’s decision to allow PG in road construction but this means that PG’s threat to people’s health and safety can reemerge under the new Trump Administration. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Moore and Zinke Introduce Legislation to Codify Executive Order on National Parks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore (WV-02) and Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01) introduced the PATRIOT Parks Act — which codifies President Trump’s Executive Order “Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks.”

    Currently, the National Parks System faces more than $23 billion in deferred maintenance, including more than $200 million on parklands in West Virginia. This legislation implements increased entrance fees for foreign visitors at National Parks, with the additional funds being reinvested back into parks for maintenance and other basic operating costs. Senator Jim Banks of Indiana and Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

    The bill is supported by the American Conservation Coalition Action (ACC Action) and the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC). Both organizations were instrumental in helping craft the President’s executive order. The Bull Moose Project and American Prairie are also supportive of the legislation.

    Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

    “From the New River Gorge in my home state to Shenandoah, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Everglades, and the Grand Canyon – God blessed our nation with a tremendous natural heritage. We owe it to future generations to ensure these natural marvels are protected.

    “Unfortunately, the National Park System currently faces a backlog of more than $23 billion in deferred maintenance, including more than $200 million on properties across the Mountain State. Our commonsense legislation keeps entry fees static for Americans while charging more for foreigners visiting our National Parks. This will allow us to finally start tackling this extensive maintenance backlog.”

    Here’s what others are saying:

    “National Parks are America’s best idea and maintaining that legacy for future generations means making smart investments in the management of the parks,” said Congressman Zinke. “Americans already pay for parks in our tax dollars as well as at the gates. It’s unfair to American taxpayers to foot the bill for millions of foreign visitors. Almost every other country charges foreign visitors more, it’s common sense. President Trump and Secretary Burgum did the right thing directing the National Park Service implement a foreign visitor fee. This legislation will codify the policy and ensure Americans are put First in our own parks.”

    “Americans already pay for our parks through federal taxes on top of standard admission fees, so it’s fair to ask foreign visitors to chip in more,” said Senator Banks. “This bill codifies President Trump’s executive order and helps protect our national treasures for future generations.”

    “Our national parks drive Montana’s tourism economy by bringing in visitors from all over the world and define our way life by offering an experience you can only find in America,” said Senator Sheehy. “Implementing a foreign visitor fee is an America First, commonsense way to secure affordable access for American families, improve our national parks for all visitors, and better manage our treasured public lands. It’s not too much for Americans to ask that their government puts them first, and that’s why I’m proud to support the PATRIOT Parks Act so more American families can enjoy our national parks for generations to come.”

    “Our national parks are America’s best idea and a crucial part of our natural heritage, but in recent decades, they have fallen into disrepair with a multibillion-dollar maintenance backlog,” said ACC Action President Chris Barnard.  “An increased entry fee for international visitors would raise needed revenue to steward our national treasures and ensure that everyone who enjoys them contributes to protecting them. The American Conservation Coalition Action and our thousands of members are proud to support this effort to bolster the National Park Service.”

    “Visitors from across the globe come to see the wonder of America’s national parks, and this proposal offers them a way to give back,” said PERC CEO Brian Yablonski. “Charging a modest fee to international tourists—something many countries already do—provides a steady source of funding to improve park infrastructure, enhance visitor experiences, and invest in long-overdue restoration. Drawing on years of PERC research, we’re grateful to Sen. Banks and Rep. Moore for championing efforts to conserve these iconic places for future generations.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘Why are we here?’ | Ranking Member Pingree Slams Sham Appropriations Process as Republicans Allow Trump to Usurp Power of the Purse

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Ranking Member of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, spoke out against Republicans’ funding bill for the 2026 fiscal year during the Appropriations Committee’s markup today. In her opening remarks, Pingree called the entire appropriations process into question as the Trump Administration continues to undermine previous funding bills with cuts and rescissions. 

    “Now, as we Democrats are in the minority, we don’t expect to have a lot of power. But for all of us on this Appropriations Committee, why are we here and what is our role now as appropriators? Last week, the majority passed the Rescissions …and that bill eliminated spending that we had negotiated over the prior years,” Pingree said. “The hard work that we do every day in this committee, the hard work you’re doing right now—that is all gone when we pass the Rescissions bill. And how will it be any different once we pass this bill, or the other bills we intend to pass this week?”

    [embedded content]
    Watch Pingree’s full remarks here; Watch the Appropriations Committee markup here.

    Pingree also called out the reckless cuts this bill makes to the EPA, National Parks, and the arts and humanities, as well as 72 riders that undermine climate policies and add to the deficit.

    A transcript of Pingree’s opening remarks is copied below.

    +++

    Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you for yielding me the time. 

    First, I want to thank the Chair, Mr. Simpson, for the great working relationship we have on this committee. And thank you to Chairman Cole as well. Also, Rosa DeLauro, the Ranking Member of the full committee, for her amazing hard work on this committee, and to the staff on both sides of the aisle who work so hard to put together this legislation, and in particular the minority staff of this committee, Rita Culp, Jocelyn Hunn, and Michael Schmeltz. Thank you so much for all the work to get us here today.

    But I guess the first question I’d have to ask of the appropriators on this committee is, why are we actually here today? What is our role now as appropriators? In the last six months, we’ve seen President Trump propose a dramatic diminishment in the power of this committee and of the Congress. 

    Now, as we Democrats are in the minority, we don’t expect to have a lot of power. But for all of us on this Appropriations Committee, why are we here and what is our role now as appropriators? You know, everyone is so fond of saying they’re Republicans and Democrats and appropriators, but really, are there appropriators anymore? Do we actually have a role in this Congress? Do we have any more power? Last week, the majority passed the Rescissions package to the House, the Senate, back to the House again.

    And that bill eliminated spending that we had negotiated over the prior years. The hard work that we do every day in this committee, the hard work you’re doing right now—the snacks that you eat, the candy that’s going into your mouth, the amount of time that we take—that is all gone when we pass the Rescissions bill. And how will it be any different once we pass this bill, or the other bills we intend to pass this week?

    I truly appreciate Chairman Cole’s efforts to have this committee work through these bills and pass these bills. But the question is, what are we doing? And do we have any power left anymore? Now, this bill, like so many others, will continue the damage and the cuts that this President has done over the first six months of his presidency.

    I believe what he has done is illegal. These funding freezes and rescissions—and the compound damage he has done to our agencies and our states and communities—is something we will be dealing with for years. This bill—in particular at the EPA—cuts the funding to the states for water infrastructure by 62%. Cuts grant programs that fund our state environmental programs, and slashes the EPA by 23%.

    Nobody benefits when we make those levels of cuts. Our states still have to do the work—on water infrastructure, on permitting. But the cuts in this bill, coupled with the rescissions in the Big Ugly bill, will debilitate America’s ability to address the climate crisis or to address our infrastructure needs, or to make sure our vital needs in our states of permitting will be enacted.

    This presidency, this administration, is no longer just in denial. It is actively dismissing the government’s climate work and our vital environmental work. And this is work that needs to be done if we want to make sure we have a planet to hand over to our children and grandchildren. 

    Now, at the National Park Service, this bill cuts $213 million. And this is in addition to what happened in the Big Ugly bill, where nearly half a billion was rescinded from our national parks and our public lands. This is money that’s meant to go to conservation projects and habitat restoration, habitat restoration and critical staffing at our national parks. This is our vital season for national parks. And Americans want to be there.

     And it is all compounded because we have not reauthorized the Great American Outdoors Act, which is another $1.3 billion that should be going for the maintenance backlog. This bill also funds the arts, but what a mess this administration has made of that. It was appalling to watch this administration illegally terminate thousands of grants at the NEA and the NEH.

    They fired nearly 80% of the NEH staff, and they revoked funding for our State Humanities Council. This is money that’s meant to go to our communities, to our artists and workers, to kids in rural schools, to local economies that rely on cultural institutions and a don’t have a lot of other sources for funding. They’ve cut the Smithsonian by 12%, the National Gallery by 11%.

    [They’re] gutting these funds, by cutting these funds and sidelining anything that they deem artistically and culturally offensive. They are gutting our arts and cultural institutions. I am relieved—and I’m grateful to the chair of the subcommittee and the full committee—that funding for tribal programs didn’t suffer the same cuts. And I appreciate that bipartisan cooperation and understanding of our treaty and trust obligation.

    This bill also has 72 poison pill riders going after environmental protection, undermining our climate policies, and adding to our deficit. And overall, these cuts will only contribute to our struggling agencies. At the same time, this administration is redirecting funds to tax cuts and increasing our deficit by $3.4 trillion. 

    So I just want to go back to ending as I started this opening, OMB Director Vought has promised to send us more rescission packages. Each time we pass a rescission package, we undo—we wipe out—all the hard work we do negotiating in this committee. He said he’s looking to change the paradigm in appropriations, and that appropriations has to be less bipartisan. 

    When’s the last time one of your constituents came up to you and said, you people should be less bipartisan. You people should fight more, bicker more, and do less of what we ask you to do. How often do you hear that? 

    Now we’re appropriators, and we’re all proud to get to this moment when we actually get to serve on this committee. So let’s do our job. Let’s be appropriators, and let’s fight back for the power that goes to this committee and to our Congress. I encourage you to oppose this bill, unfortunately, and I yield back my time.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Democrats Fight Against Republican Funding Bill that Raises Utility Bills and Energy Prices, Slashes Resources for the Arts and National Parks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    During today’s House Appropriations Committee markup of the 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill, Democrats shined a light on how Republicans drafted yet another funding bill that makes the cost-of-living crisis worse. Their bill raises energy utility bills while slashing funds for National Parks and the arts.

    House Republicans’ Interior funding bill takes an aggressive anti-environment, pro-pollution stance with crippling cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and policy provisions that endanger public health. 

    The bill:

    • Raises utility bills by shifting costs onto state and local governments and making utilities more expensive through funding cuts and extreme policies that would cripple renewable energy development.
    • Exposes more Americans to contaminated and polluted water by cutting funds for state and local governments to help communities across the country access clean, safe drinking water.
    • Worsens the climate crisis by defunding all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) climate work.
    • Slashes funding for national parks, threatening Americans’ ability to enjoy public lands.
    • Guts resources for museums, arts, and culture, suppressing American’s engagement with the arts and art education.
    • Favors polluters over public health through dozens of harmful policies that undermine EPA’s ability to regulate pollution. 
    • Promotes environmental discrimination against rural and poor communities by defunding environmental justice initiatives, making it more difficult for hardworking people to deal with the rising costs associated with climate change. 
    • Exploits public lands and accelerates ecosystem decline by allowing harmful and dirty mining activities and by removing Endangered Species Act protections for numerous species.

    “Since President Trump took office, his Administration has undertaken a concerted and alarming assault on Congress’s power of the purse, with Republicans willingly ceding their authority to the Executive Branch,” Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) said.“Coupled with the Administration’s illegal funding freezes, reckless cuts and rescissions, and the Republican Majority’s inability to pass full-year funding bills, it’s clear that the FY2026 Interior and Environment funding bill Republicans on the Committee passed today is nothing more than a hollow attempt at governance. This funding bill perpetuates a dangerous pattern of cuts and policy decisions that harm public health, weaken environmental protections, and threaten our treasured national parks. It undermines bipartisan agreements, deepens existing crises, and puts critical programs at risk, including drastic cuts to water infrastructure, EPA programs, and the arts and humanities. Congress must reclaim its constitutional authority and stop enabling this destructive agenda.”

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s full remarks are here.

    “We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. President Trump promised to lower costs on day one, but instead, he and House Republicans are making the cost-of-living crisis even worse,” Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “House Republicans 2026 Interior, Environment funding bill would raise utility bills and energy prices, worsen the climate crisis, put polluters over public health, and abandon stewardship of our National Parks, all to benefit billionaires and big corporations. It doubles-down on President Trump’s pro-pollution, anti-environment, anti-Arts agenda. Instead of working with Democrats to make investments that can help lower their costs, protect our environment, and preserve our public lands and institutions, Republicans have put forward a bill that favors billionaires’ and corporations’ right to pollute and destroy the environment over the health and safety of the American people.”

    Congresswoman DeLauro’s full remarks are here.

    During today’s markup, Democrats fought to:

    • Increase funding for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to overcome House Republicans more than 60 percent cut to these critical funds that help ensure people in every state have access to clean water.
    • Restore funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
    • Prevent Republicans’ elimination of environmental justice resources. 

    House Republicans rejected these efforts. 

    A summary of the bill is here. A fact sheet is here. 

    The text of the bill, before the adoption of amendments in full committee, is here. The bill report, before the adoption of amendments in full Committee, is here. Information on Community Project Funding in the bill is here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Major Montana Wins Included in the FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill

    Source:

    Zinke’s requests for clean water infrastructure, ESA reform, and forest management pass full committee markup

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Western Montana Congressman and former Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced the inclusion of several key Montana priorities in the FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. As a member of the subcommittee, Zinke has been fighting to ensure that Montanans’ voices are heard, and that critical funding and policies reflect the state’s unique needs. The FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill now heads to the House floor for a vote.

    “As a former Secretary of Interior, I’ve seen firsthand how mismanagement of our public lands from Washington can hurt our communities and how good policy can make a real difference on the ground,” said Zinke. “This bill gets us back to common sense management. It reverses years of top down bureaucratic regulation that choked our industries, hampered forest management and fire prevention, and shut off access to our lands. The infrastructure investments in this bill will go directly to our communities, funding clean water and allowing for growth. Montanans love our public lands and the outdoor experience; this bill supports multiple use and improves the quality of life for the people who live near and around those lands. It’s a science backed, community led piece of legislation, and I am proud to support it as it heads to the house floor.”

    The bill includes multiple Community Project Funding (CPF) requests from Congressman Zinke that will directly improve water infrastructure in rural communities. Community Project Funding is allocated from previously authorized grant accounts, allowing elected Members of Congress to direct grant funding would otherwise be decided by unelected officials in the federal government, without increasing spending. See all of Congressman Zinke’s FY26 CPF’s here.

    •  Granite County Clean Water Infrastructure Project – $1.75 million

    •  Alberton Clear Water Infrastructure Project – $1 million

    •  Lolo Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Phase 1 – $1.75 million

    “I would like to thank Congressman Zinke and his team,” said Daniel Reddish, Mayor of Phillipsburg. “This reflects their total commitment to rural Montana. Promises made, promises kept! Bravo!”

    In addition to direct funding, Zinke successfully included several important policy provisions in the bill:

    •  Delisting 3 Grizzly Bear Populations – Requires the Department of the Interior to delist the recovered grizzly bear populations in the Greater Yellowstone, Northern Continental, and Bitterroot Ecosystems from the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

    •  The Cottonwood Fix – Reinstates a permanent fix to prevent litigious groups from abusing the ESA to delay or block forest management projects, a key victory for wildfire prevention and responsible land stewardship.

    •  Wolverine ESA Restriction – Prohibits funding to list the wolverine under the ESA, consistent with longstanding scientific and state management concerns.

    •  Canadian Lynx ESA Rolled Back – Blocks enforcement of ESA provisions for the Canadian lynx, allowing more flexibility in forest management and land use.

    •  Native American Ironworker Training Program – $5 million to reinstate the successful program under the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), helping tribal members access skilled trades and employment opportunities.

    •  Forest Roads Access – Submits bill language to lift restrictions on construction and reconstruction of Forest Service roads to support timber harvest and firefighting operations.

    •  Good Neighbor Authority Expansion – Encourages the Forest Service to expand use of Good Neighbor Authority agreements with states and tribes to accelerate forest management and wildfire mitigation projects on federal lands.

    • Bison on Charles M. Russell (CMR) Refuge – Prohibits the introduction of bison on the CMR National Wildlife Refuge, protecting the land’s traditional multiple-use management and safeguarding ranching interests.

    “As someone who went through the Native American Ironworker Training Program , I’ve seen firsthand the impact it can have on individuals and on tribal communities,” said Tom Tanner, a graduate of the program with 32 years of experience in the ironworking trade. “This program is a smart investment in Americas future; backing the skilled workforce our country needs to rebuild roads, bridges, and energy infrastructure. It trains tribal members for careers that offer good pay, union benefits, and a path to long-term stability. This program’s inclusion in the Interior bill shows a real commitment to skilled trades and job creation and I appreciate Congressman Zinke’s work on this issue.”

    “As a retired wildlife biologist who lives within Montana’s wolverine biological range, I oppose any funding of efforts to list the wolverine under the Endangered Species Act and am glad this language is included in this year’s Interior Appropriations Bill,” said Montana State Representative Paul Fielder. “If the decision is based on wolverine biology alone, the wolverine should not qualify as either an Endangered or a Threatened species administered under the ESA.  Too often agencies use the ESA to try to carve out sub-sets of a plant or animal species home range into “distinct population segments”, “recovery zones” or some other sub-group.  The ESA refers to the Endangered Species Act, not the Endangered Distinct Population Segment Act and this language reflects that.”

    Read the full text of the bill HERE.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Votes for Responsible Land Management, Unleashing Natural Resources

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Votes for Responsible Land Management, Unleashing Natural Resources

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. 

    “In my four years as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I worked hard to counter the Biden administration’s top-down regulations that threatened our public lands and natural resources across the West. This legislation is a course correction from the previous administration to unleash the resources we have under our feet, protect public lands for all who enjoy their benefits, and prioritize conservation over preservation across the United States. I also secured critical funding for three water infrastructure projects in Othello, Winthrop, and Oroville to address the water supply and distribution challenges these communities face,” said Rep. Newhouse. 

    Newhouse added, “I thank Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson and Full Committee Chairman Tom Cole for their leadership and commitment to funding priorities that support our rural way of life.” 

    The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $37.971 billion, which is $2.54 billion (6%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. 

    The bill fully funds the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, estimated at $550 million, and prioritizes funding for Tribes and Wildland Fire Management.  

    Champions American energy dominance and reduces regulatory burdens by: 

    • Providing the OMB requested increase of $13.6 million for offshore oil and gas development at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the OMB requested increase of $15 million for onshore oil and gas development at the Bureau of Land Management.
    • Requiring the Secretary of the Interior to conduct onshore and offshore oil and gas lease sales.
    • Prohibiting the use of the social cost of carbon, which has stymied new development.
    • Prohibiting the EPA from imposing the methane fee on oil and gas producers created by the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act.
    • Prohibiting multiple U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rulings used to weaponize the Endangered Species Act against land users and energy producers.

    Protects access to public lands by: 

    • Blocking restrictions on hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal lands.
    • Preventing additional regulations on ammunition, ammunition components, or fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act or any other law.
    • Prohibiting restrictions on where standard lead ammunition and fishing tackle can be used on certain federal lands or waters unless conditions are met.
    • Stopping the Bureau of Land Management’s Conservation and Landscape Health rule to ensure continued access to public lands for grazing, recreation, and energy development.

    Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:  

    • Reducing our reliance on foreign countries for critical minerals by promoting access to resources here at home through blocking certain lease withdrawals in Minnesota and reinstating mineral leases in the Superior National Forest.
    • Promoting domestic mining by ensuring ancillary mining activities can be approved, which is a fix to the Rosemont decision that created additional red tape and regulatory uncertainty for mining operations.
    • Ensuring chemical and pesticide manufacturers are not overburdened with requirements that would drive businesses overseas and threaten American competitiveness.
    • Prohibiting funds for the National Park Service to provide housing to an alien without lawful status.
    • Providing $771.84 million for Tribal Public Safety and Justice programs, which is a 39% increase over the FY25 enacted level.

    Newhouse secured funding for the following projects in Washington’s Fourth District in this legislation:

    City of Othello 

    Amount Secured: $1,000,000  

    The City of Othello is 100 percent reliant on a rapidly depleting groundwater supply and after several years of data collection, study completions, and pilot test studies, the City of Othello has developed an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) strategy to mitigate declining water levels in the Wanapum Basalt aquifer. The ASR method has proven to be effective, and the City has progressed to the stage of predesign. The City is requesting funding assistance with the next phase of “design” to build a permanent solution that will result in a sustainable, reliable, environmentally responsible water supply plan for the Othello region.

    City of Winthrop 

    Amount Secured: $1,500,000 

    The proposed project will improve the reliability of the Town of Winthrop’s water source and distribution system. The town only has one functioning well (Well #1). If that well goes down, the town only has a day or two of water available in its three reservoirs. Well #2 has been approved as an emergency water source by Department of Health, but it needs to be rehabilitated to be in regular use. 

    Scope of work includes: 

    • Rehabilitation of Well #2, including new pump, motor, piping, electrical/controls, generator backup, and a new well house.
    • Repairs to the Town’s East Reservoir, including waterproofing, concrete repairs, and altitude valve replacement. 

    Community benefits include public health and safety, fire protection, and water conservation. Winthrop is ranked #6 on the Washington DNR’s burn probability list. Given the community’s vulnerability to wildfire, ensuring a resilient and redundant water supply system with reliable fire flow capacity is critical for public safety. 

    City of Oroville 

    Amount Secured: $1,400,000 

    The project will result in new, upgraded water pipes that ensure safe and reliable drinking water to Oroville’s north end area. The City of Oroville requests $1,750,000 for construction of the first phase of the project which consists of approximately 3,500 lineal feet of aging and undersized water transmission main piping serving the “North End” of the City’s water system. The existing water t-mains consist of 4-inch and 6-inch deteriorated PVC pipe, which cannot provide adequate fire flow or service pressure and are prone to leaking. The project will replace these existing, undersized transmission mains with 12-inch transmission mains along 20th from Main St to Juniper St, and along Juniper St and Main St from 20th St to 23rd St. The project will also replace existing, undersized water transmission mains with 8-inch transmission mains along Deerpath Dr from 21st St to 23rd St, and along 23rd St from Deerpath Dr to Westlake Ave. 

    Bill text before amendments can be found here. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ultra fast fashion could be taxed to oblivion in France. Could Australia follow suit?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rowena Maguire, Professor of Law and Director of the Centre of Justice, Queensland University of Technology

    Ryan McVay/Getty

    For centuries, clothes were hard to produce and expensive. People wore them as long as possible. But manufacturing advances have steadily driven down the cost of production. These days, clothing can be produced very cheaply. In the 1990s, companies began churning out fast fashion: low cost versions of high end trends. In the 2010s came ultra fast fashion, where clothes are produced extremely rapidly and intended to be almost disposable.

    Ultra fast fashion is deeply unsustainable. Producing it is energy intensive and many low quality items go rapidly to landfill.

    In response, France is planning to add a A$16 tax to each item of ultra-fast fashion, require mandatory environmental disclosures and ban advertising and influencer promotions.

    To date, Australia has done little about the problem – even though every Australian bought an average of 53 new pieces of clothing as of 2023 and we send 220,000 tonnes of clothes to the dump annually. Responses so far have focused on voluntary schemes, which have done little to help. Policymakers should look overseas.

    Ultra-fast fashion companies such as Shein and Temu would be targeted by new French laws, if they are passed.
    Arnaud Finistre/Getty

    Why is ultra fast fashion such a problem?

    About 117 billion pieces of clothing were purchased worldwide in 2023 – about 14 pieces per person. That’s well beyond the limit of five new garments per year experts recommend if we’re to live within our planetary boundaries.

    There are many problems with buying too many cheap clothes. Textile manufacturing is surprisingly energy intensive. At present, the industry is responsible for about 2% of global emissions and this is expected to rise steadily. Millions of barrels of oil are used each year to make synthetic fibres such as polyester.

    Ultra fast fashion items rely heavily on synthetic fibres. When washed, they produce large volumes of microplastics which go into rivers and oceans. The European Union estimates textiles account for about 20% of freshwater pollution annually. Many ultra cheap clothing items have question marks over how ethically they were produced. Nearly all of these cheap clothes only have one owner before going to the dump.

    Australia’s response is minimal

    Australia has no national policy on clothing. Circular economy policies and strategies at both federal and state levels don’t tend to focus on textiles.

    Australian consumer laws regulate greenwashing of products. In 2023, Australia’s peak competition regulator flagged the textile industry as one with a high rate of concerning claims.

    Similarly, Australia’s modern slavery laws require large corporations to identify and address risks of slave labour in their operations. Fashion brands often source materials and labour from regions with high exploitation risks Unfortunately, these laws don’t have penalties attached.

    These laws are positive, but still far from the EU’s large-scale efforts to regulate the textile industry.

    One promising effort is the voluntary Seamless textile scheme. Voluntary schemes like these are often used as a way to introduce reforms to a previously unregulated sector or industry.

    The goal of this scheme is to help brands take responsibility for the entire lifespan of the garments they make or sell. Participating brands and retailers pay a levy which is used to promote clothing repair and rental, expand recycling and run information campaigns. Seamless is meant to help the industry prepare for a potential mandatory scheme in the future. Former Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said she was “not afraid to regulate” last year, but nothing has happened since.

    To date, participation has been very limited. Around 60 brands and retailers have signed up. Ultra-fast fashion brands such as Temu and Shein aren’t covered by the scheme, as they’re based overseas.

    Ultra-fast fashion rapidly turns into rubbish.
    Ernest Rose/Shutterstock

    Time for laws with teeth?

    France’s planned ultra fashion laws are directly aimed at high-volume, low-cost clothing producers with binding measures such as taxes and advertising bans. If the laws come into effect, France would likely see a substantial drop in the flows of these clothes and the textile waste produced.

    By contrast, Australia’s efforts so far aren’t changing things. The Seamless scheme is voluntary, while greenwashing and modern slavery laws rely on disclosures and lack enforcement powers and penalties.

    It wouldn’t be easy. At present, Australia lacks laws focused on textiles, while responsibility for clothing imports is split between different government departments and levels of government. The issue of fast fashion often hits local governments hardest in the form of increased waste volumes, for instance, but local governments have no power over the problem. If policymakers did introduce a French-style tax, they would face resistance from the industry and from some consumers.

    The upside? France’s approach is far more likely to actually curb the damage done by ultra-fast fashion.

    Rowena Maguire receives funding from United Nations Environment Program – Legal Division.

    – ref. Ultra fast fashion could be taxed to oblivion in France. Could Australia follow suit? – https://theconversation.com/ultra-fast-fashion-could-be-taxed-to-oblivion-in-france-could-australia-follow-suit-259559

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supporting Water Infrastructure Security and Resilience

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced a key milestone to safeguard New York’s water infrastructure by developing nation-leading cybersecurity regulations for water and wastewater systems alongside a new cyber grant program and technical assistance to bolster the security and resilience of water and wastewater systems. Following a collaborative multi-agency development process directed by her 2025 State of the State, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released proposed cyber regulations for water and wastewater systems for public comment. In coordination, the Department of Public Service (DPS) also released proposed cyber regulations across water-works corporations, other public utilities, and cable television companies for public comment. The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) is also establishing a new cyber grant program and technical assistance for the water and wastewater systems sector. These threat-informed, risk-centric, and cost-balanced minimum standards and accompanying funding and technical assistance will strengthen the cybersecurity posture of water utilities and protect them from increasingly sophisticated and dangerous cyber attacks.

    “Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure can have devastating impacts on communities, and we must act now to defend our water and wastewater systems with the same urgency and rigor we bring to other critical sectors,” Governor Hochul said. “These new regulations and grant programs reflect our commitment to protecting public health and safety while helping under-resourced entities modernize for a digital age.”

    The agencies worked together to closely align definitions and provisions within each agency’s regulatory and operational requirements, worked to minimize duplicative or conflicting requirements, and streamlined processes. They also aligned regulations with guidance issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for securing information technology and operational technology environments.

    Regulated water and wastewater systems will be required to evaluate risks, deploy cybersecurity controls, and implement network monitoring and logging for the largest systems. Regulated entities will also be required to develop and maintain response and recovery plans to support continuity of operations in the event of cyber attacks and to report cybersecurity incidents.

    Governor Hochul secured another $500 million for clean water infrastructure in this year’s budget, bringing the state’s total investment to $6 billion since 2017. In addition to these investments, $2.5 million in the FY26 Budget funds a new cyber grant program, Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancements (SECURE), dedicated to the water and wastewater sector. This new grant program will provide competitive grants to support cybersecurity risk assessments and hardening efforts focused on and aligned with the new proposed regulatory requirements. The grant opportunities assist water systems by providing them with the needed resources to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, enhance resiliency, and ensure reliable delivery of clean water for New Yorkers.

    Governor Hochul is again expanding the Community Assistance Teams to provide free, expert guidance and tools to help water systems implement cybersecurity best practices in a way that is cost-effective and sustainable. Communities can continue to request a one-on-one consultation with the Teams about their water infrastructure needs, now including cybersecurity. A new Cybersecurity Hub is now available on the EFC’S website to help communities immediately start fortifying their systems. The hub provides training opportunities, recommended actions, and additional resources. This hub will be regularly updated. Communities can continue to request consultations about their water infrastructure needs on the EFC’s website.

    The public release by DOH, DEC, and PSC of the proposed regulations marks the latest step in strengthening the reliability and resilience of New York’s water and wastewater systems. DEC will accept public comments until September 3, 2025; DOH until September 14, 2025; and PSC until September 14, 2025. Once adopted, regulated entities will have until January 1, 2027 to comply with DEC and DOH regulations focused on operational technology and until January 1, 2026 to comply with PSC regulations focused on information technology.

    New York State Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern said, “As cyber threats to infrastructure continue to rise, these regulations will help water and wastewater system operators better defend against attacks that could disrupt service, threaten public health, or damage trust. We look forward to reviewing public feedback received by all three agencies before finalizing the regulations to support increased resilience and reliability for New York’s water and wastewater systems.”

    New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “In today’s digital world, we must defend our water and wastewater utilities from cyber attacks that cost money, time, and valuable resources – and can potentially halt water services and threaten public health and the environment. That’s why we’re helping local water systems strengthen their cybersecurity while keeping costs down for communities and ratepayers. Governor Hochul’s initiative reflects New York’s leadership in both cybersecurity and environmental protection, and I’m proud that we are taking swift action to protect our communities.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, DEC is proactively enhancing cybersecurity across our wastewater systems to safeguard our environment, public health, and our nation leading investments in this critical infrastructure. DEC is committed to partnering with state agencies and local governments to protect the communities that rely on these essential services every day from cybersecurity threats.”

    New York State Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, “Cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure are growing in number, intensity, and sophistication. One area of concern is Information Technology (IT). IT systems are utilized across all entities regulated by the Commission and a breach of IT cybersecurity can result in the dissemination of private customer data as well as substantial financial losses to companies. Protection of ratepayers and consumers from cybercriminals is a key reason to pursue stringent IT security for all regulated entities that interact with the public, including gas, electric, telecom, steam, and water providers.”

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “As we move further into the digital age, it’s essential we remain laser-focused on strengthening the cyber security of critical infrastructure. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, the release of these new regulations and grants not only help ensure the security and resilience of water systems in New York, but are charting a path for the rest of the nation to follow.”

    New York State Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office of Information Technology Services Dru Rai said, “If we are committed to having the strongest and most robust cybersecurity protections possible, it will take all of us working together in pursuit of that goal. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s exemplary leadership and establishment of the Joint Security Operations Center, New York is already doing more than ever before to defend state agencies and local governments from a wide array of dangerous cyber threats. However, it is critical that we also provide the resources necessary to fully safeguard New York’s water infrastructure and protect the health and safety of our residents in the communities in which they live. I applaud today’s announcement and thank our partners in government for their good work.”

    New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Cyber attacks and the need to continuously implement cyber security measures continues to increase across several entities. The new regulations and grant program are imperative for the evaluation of cyber security threats against our water infrastructure and provide the necessary resources to address them head-on. I thank Governor Hochul for her support and collaborative approach to identify, confront, and contain the cyber threats we face in New York State.”

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Protecting public health starts with ensuring the safety and reliability of the systems that deliver clean water to New Yorkers. These first-in-the-nation cybersecurity regulations, along with new funding to strengthen and modernize our infrastructure, reflect Governor Hochul’s commitment to preparing for evolving threats and ensuring our water systems can recover quickly and continue serving communities safely.”

    The new grant program and proposed regulations for the water and wastewater systems sector is the latest step taken by Governor Hochul to strengthen cyber defenses statewide and ensure the resiliency of New York’s critical infrastructure. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has led the nation in developing smart and effective cybersecurity policy — including establishing nation-leading financial sector regulations, signing landmark legislation to protect New York’s energy grid from cyber threats, strengthening cybersecurity across New York’s municipalities, implementing first-in-the-nation hospital cybersecurity minimum standards, and issuing the first-ever Statewide Cybersecurity Strategy.

    Senator Chuck Schumer said, “We must do all we can to protect our vital water infrastructure assets, like dams and drinking water, from cyber attack. That is why I’m pleased that new cybersecurity regulations for New York’s water and wastewater systems and a new grant program will help our communities meet federal standards and build a safer, more resilient New York. When it comes to fighting off cyberattacks, we must work arm-in-arm with state and local governments to prevent future hacks. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership in identifying where we are vulnerable and ramping up our joint security efforts.”

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Protecting our nation’s water systems against cyber attacks is a vital component of our national security, but the sector has long struggled to implement necessary cybersecurity protections. I am grateful that these new regulations and grants will drive necessary change in this sector and help defend our state from crippling attacks targeting essential services. I remain committed to ensuring New York is ready to defend itself against cyber threats and will continue to fight to deliver the resources our state needs to protect our critical infrastructure.”

    Assemblymember Steve Otis said, “Increasing cybersecurity protection for our critical infrastructure has been a major priority of Governor Hochul and the Legislature. Through the Governor’s release of the NYS Cybersecurity Strategy in 2023 and the passage of legislation and budgetary support, we are improving our defenses against the always evolving threats. The release of draft regulations for water and wastewater operators is the vital next step to protect the health, safety, and security of all New Yorkers. As a longtime supporter of New York’s nation-leading water infrastructure funding and as an advocate for robust cybersecurity protections, I am very appreciative of the Governor’s efforts here and the great work of New York’s environmental, health, and cybersecurity agencies.”

    These initiatives underline the Governor’s commitment to build a safer and more resilient New York, including online. Over the last three years, Governor Hochul has made foundational investments in New York’s cybersecurity by establishing the NYS Joint Security Operations Center (JSOC), standing up the statewide cybersecurity shared services program for counties and municipalities, and expanding the state’s law enforcement cyber capabilities by growing the Computer Crimes Unit, Cyber Analysis Unit, and Internet Crimes Against Children Center at the New York State Police.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Stoughton Water Department Employee Sentenced for Tampering with Drinking Water

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – A former Stoughton Water Department employee was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for tampering with the Stoughton drinking water supply.

    Robert J. Bullock, Sr., 60, of Brockton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper to a period of time-served (approximately one day) to be followed by three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of one year and one day in prison. In March 2025, Bullock pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a water system. Bullock was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024.

    Bullock is a former employee of the Water Department in Stoughton. On the evening of Nov. 29, 2022, Bullock went into one of the Water Department’s pumping stations and turned off the pump that introduces chlorine into drinking water. As a result, insufficiently disinfected water was introduced into the drinking water system.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division; and Kathryn Rivera, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Stoughton and Brockton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Tolkoff of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Simpson Moves to Name Kennedy Center Opera House After Melania Trump

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Rep. Simpson Moves to Name Kennedy Center Opera House After Melania Trump

    Washington, July 22, 2025

    WASHINGTON—Today, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson–Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee–authored language that was adopted as part of an amendment during markup that would name the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts theatres after First Lady Melania Trump.
    “First Lady Melania Trump serves as the Honorary Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Kennedy Center,” said Rep. Simpson. “Naming a theater after her is an excellent way to recognize her appreciation for the arts. As Chairman of the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee—which oversees federal funding for capital repairs and operations and maintenance at the Kennedy Center—I am proud to honor her support and commitment in promoting the arts and humanities.”
    Text of Rep. Simpson’s amendment: That the Opera House located in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts shall be known and designated as the “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House”.
    Read Rep. Simpson’s exclusive in the Washington Reporter here.
    Rep. Simpson’s language is a part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 33 to 28.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Simpson’s FY26 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill Advances in House Appropriations Committee

    Source: US State of Idaho

    WASHINGTON—Today, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson–Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee–released the following statement after the Committee approved the bill.
    “Advancing the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act is the next step toward establishing American energy dominance, reversing harmful Biden-era regulations, and ensuring access to, and protection of, our public lands for recreation and hunting. While reducing spending and rightsizing federal agencies, I am proud that this legislation directs critical funding where it is needed most. This includes fully funding the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and prioritizing funding for Indian Country and Wildland Fire Management. I am grateful to Chairman Cole for his leadership, and I am pleased we are one step closer to getting this bill across the finish line,” said Rep. Simpson.
    “With today’s full committee approval, we are taking decisive action to steward America’s natural resources and protect taxpayer dollars. This bill responsibly manages our public lands and recreation, supports wildfire response, reins in wasteful spending, and rolls back Biden-era regulations that hamper American strength and jobs. With a focus on U.S. energy dominance, we bolster our national security and expand access to critical minerals. We also uphold our commitments to Native American communities. Chairman Simpson has guided a measure that delivers results for America’s future, and I commend his work and leadership,” said House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Cole.
    Highlights of the bill include:

    Reduces EPA funding by 23%.
    Expands access to critical minerals.
    Fully funds the PILT program.
    Protects oil and gas production.
    Prohibits rulings used to weaponize the Endangered Species Act against land users and energy producers.
    Prioritizes funding for Tribes and Wildland Fire Management.

    Subcommittee Chairman Simpson’s opening remarks are available here.
    The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 33 to 28. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Windows 11 is the home for AI on the PC, with more experiences available today

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Windows 11 is the home for AI on the PC, with more experiences available today

    AI is changing the way we use our PCs. According to a new consumer AI report commissioned by Microsoft, nearly 60% of people report using generative AI for work and business purposes in the past year. Even more (64%) report using AI for hobbies and personal interests like art, music and DIY projects.

    As the world adapts to this new era of AI infused with daily life, Windows is here to meet you where you are, with intuitive experiences built in to make what you already do on your PC even easier.

    Windows 11 is the home for AI, offering the most expansive and capable AI experiences for consumers today on Copilot+ PCs—with exclusive AI superpowers like Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview) and improved Windows search, as well as groundbreaking new ways to interact with your PC, like Copilot Vision on Windows, all available now.

    Today, we continue to make new experiences generally available for Windows 11 and Copilot+ PC users that make Windows more intuitive, more accessible and ultimately more useful.

    Read on to discover what’s available and how to get started using these experiences today.

    Changing Windows Settings has never been easier, with Windows’ first agent

    It’s never been easier to adjust your settings in Windows. Now on Copilot+ PCs, you can use your own words in the settings search box to describe something you’d like to change, and instantly get recommendations, including actions to adjust the relevant setting with one click.

    This is made possible through the new agent in Settings, Windows’ first agent optimized for Copilot+ PCs.

    Hundreds of settings across displays, connectivity, accessibility and much more are now customizable through the agent in Settings, with the ability to enable or undo any setting you change.

    To use the agent in Settings:

    1. Open Settings from the Taskbar or Start Menu
    2. Type in the Settings search box what you want to change using your own words, such as “I want to enable quiet hours” or “connect Bluetooth device.” For some settings, you can even make specific requests, such “change my resolution to 1920×1080.”
    3. If the agent can make the change, it will offer an option to complete the action to change the setting, as well as an option to undo any setting you change.
    4. When settings are unable to be adjusted by the agent, improved Windows search will surface relevant settings to help you get closer to what you’re looking for, faster.

    The agent in Settings begins to become available starting today for Windows customers using English on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with availability on Intel and AMD devices coming at a later datei.

    Learn more about how you can use Settings agent and other Windows features like Copilot Vision on Windows to troubleshoot your PC.

    Do even more with Click to Do (preview)

    Click to Do keeps you in the flow to get things done faster, providing contextual actions to text and images on your screen.

    After invoking Click to Do, relevant text or visual actions will appear that include the ability to prompt Copilot, search the web, create bulleted lists, start a draft of a document or email, or even schedule a Teams meeting—all without leaving your current window.

    New actions available starting today includeii:

    • Practice in Reading Coachiii is a new Click to Do text action that helps you improve reading fluency and pronunciation. Select text on your screen, choose Practice in Reading Coach, and read the text aloud. Reading Coach gives you feedback and shows where to improve.
    • Read with Immersive Reader is a new text action in Click to Do that displays text in a focused, distraction-free environment. It helps improve reading and writing for all skill levels and abilities. You can adjust text size, spacing, font and background theme, have text read aloud, break words into syllables and highlight parts of speech. The picture dictionary shows images for unfamiliar words.
    • Draft with Copilot in Wordiv is a new text action enabling you to quickly turn any recognized text into a full draft. Whether it’s a sentence in an email or a snippet on your screen, press Win + Click on the recognized text, then select Draft with Copilot in Word. No more blank pages. No more writer’s block. Just momentum.
    • Click to Do now supports actions through Microsoft Teams. When you select an email address recognized by Click to Do on your screen, you can choose to send a Teams message or schedule a Teams meeting. These options make it easy to ask a question or set up time to talk without interrupting your workflow.

    To get started with Click to Do:

    1. Press the Windows key + mouse click, Windows key + Q, or access through the Start menu and Snipping Tool.
    2. Click to Do also supports hardware-specific options like double clicking your pen on your pen-capable device or swiping from the right with your pen or finger on your touch screen.
    3. Learn more about all the ways you can use Click to Do to get more done on your Copilot+ PC.

    Photos relight brings professional lighting controls to your pictures

    Relight in the Photos app brings professional lighting controls to your snapshots. Open any image in Photos, select Edit > Relight, and then click to place up to three virtual light sources around your subject.

    Adjust each light’s intensity, color and position with simple sliders, or choose from built-in presets like “Studio Portrait” and “Cinematic Glow.”

    To use relight in Photos:

    1. Open the Photos app and select the image you want to relight.
    2. Select Edit, then select Relight from the available options.
    3. Choose one of the lighting presets, and optionally customize each light’s location, brightness, softness or color, and the overall intensity of the effect.

    Learn more about tips to get the most out of your photos.

    This feature is available now on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X Series processors, with support for Copilot+ PCs powered by Intel and AMD coming soon.

    Paint adds even more creative capabilities with sticker generator and object select

    In May, we introduced multiple enhancements to elevate your creative experience, now available on Copilot+ PCs.

    Sticker generatorv is a new AI-powered feature in Paint that lets you create custom stickers by simply typing a prompt. To get started, click on the Sticker generator button in the Copilot menu. From there, you can type in a description of the sticker you want to create, like “a cat wearing sunglasses,” and hit the Generate button.

    Paint will then generate a set of unique stickers based on your prompt. Once the stickers are generated, you can click on any one of them to instantly apply it to your canvas, copy the sticker for use in other applications, or save it for later. To access your recently generated stickers, click on the new Stickers option in the Paint toolbar.

    We’re also releasing object select, a smart selection tool that uses AI to help you isolate and edit individual elements in your image. To get started, click on the Object select tool in the toolbar and simply pinpoint specific elements on the canvas to select and make edits instantly.

    To use the new updates in Paint:

    1. Open the Paint app.
    2. Explore the new welcome experience to learn more about features like Cocreator, generative erase, sticker generator, object select and Layers.
    3. Try out the new sticker generator and object select features.

    Be more productive with Snipping Tool perfect screenshot and color picker

    Snipping Tool’s screen capture and perfect screenshot capturing a specific area of the screen.

    We’ve also added two new features to Snipping Tool—perfect screenshot and color picker.

    Perfect screenshot is a new AI-powered feature exclusive to Copilot+ PCs that allows you to precisely capture content on your screen with the Snipping Tool app without the need to crop or resize it post-capture.

    To try Snipping Tool perfect screenshot:

    1. Invoke the Snipping Tool capture toolbar from within the app or by using the Print Screen keyboard shortcut.
    2. Select the Perfect screenshot button from the toolbar when in rectangle mode and start selecting a region of your screen.
    3. Once activated, perfect screenshot will intelligently resize based on the content in your selection. You can also quickly enable perfect screenshot by holding the Ctrl keyboard shortcut after invoking Snipping Tool while selecting a region of your screen.
    4. Move or edit the area before confirming your capture, ensuring you get the perfect screenshot every time!

    For all Windows 11 PCs, we have also added the ability to easily identify and capture colors seen on your screen through the introduction of color picker. Color picker is great for anyone who might need to quickly match a color you see on your screen as part of a project—whether that be designers, developers or everyday color aficionados.

    Snipping Tool’s color picker tool selecting a color on the screen to inspect.

    To try color picker in Snipping Tool:

    1. Invoke the Snipping Tool capture toolbar from within the app or by using the Print Screen keyboard shortcut.
    2. Select Color picker from the toolbar and then inspect or select a color code on your screen, choosing from HEX, RGB or HSL values. Need to be more precise? You can zoom by scrolling in on your pointer or using by using the Ctrl +/- keyboard shortcuts.

    Do more with Microsoft Copilot and Edge on Windows 11

    Copilot Vision on Windows, now available in the U.S., is a new way to engage with your Windows 11 PC. When you enable it, it can see what you see on your device and talk to you about it in real time.

    It acts as your second set of eyes, able to analyze content, help when you’re lost, provide insights and answer your questions as you go. Whether you’re browsing, working or deep in a project, Copilot Vision offers instant insights and answers.

    And with Highlights, you can go a step further and ask Copilot “show me how” for a specific task and it will show you within the app you’re in where to click and what to do. On Windows, Copilot can help you navigate multiple apps at once, including your full desktop, serving as a true companion to help you accomplish any task.

    To get started with Copilot Vision on Windows:

    1. Open the Copilot app and click the glasses icon in your composer.
    2. Select which browser window or app you want to share.
    3. Ask Copilot to help with whatever you’re working on. To stop sharing, press ‘Stop’ or ‘X’ in the composer. It’s a fully opt-in experience that always puts you at the controls.

    Microsoft Edge is also the only browser built for Windows, offering the most seamless PC browsing experience with AI-powered tools, productivity features, and built-in performance and security features that help you browse quickly and safely.

    With features like Edge Game Assist, now available on Windows 11vi, you can get tips and guides for many of the top PC games, easy access to essential sites like Discord, Spotify, and Twitch, and more — all right in your game.

    To use Edge Game Assist, simply press Win+G to open Game Bar and start using Microsoft Edge for a seamless and immersive gaming experience.

    Learn more about how you can get the most out of Edge on Windows.

    Making the unexpected easier with faster recovery 

    Unexpected restarts are frustrating, that’s why starting today, people will begin to experience several improvements that make this experience quicker and more user friendly so you can pick up right where you left off.

    With quick machine recovery, a new recovery mechanism for Windows 11 PCs, your PC will automatically detect and fix widespread issues during an unexpected restart using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

    We’ve also streamlined the unexpected restart experience, reducing the time users spend on the screen from 40 seconds to just 2 seconds for most consumer devices on Windows 11, version 24H2.vii

    As part of these changes, we also made an update to how our interface appears during an unexpected restart, introducing a simplified user interface (UI) that pairs with the shortened experience to display a more readable layout while keeping the technical details visible.

    Learn more about the changes to the unexpected restart experience here.

    Move forward with Windows 11

    From modern security to faster performance and the latest features and experiences, Windows 11 is built to help you work, play and create with ease. With support for Windows 10 ending on Oct. 14, 2025, we’re here to ensure your transition is smooth, secure and up to date.

    We understand that moving to a new PC can take time, and we’re here to support you throughout the process. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is designed to keep your current Windows 10 PC protected after support ends—helping you stay secure during the transition.

    Starting today, individuals will begin to see an enrollment wizard through notifications and in Settings, making it simple to select the best option for you and enroll in ESU directly from your personal Windows 10 PC.

    Learn more about Windows 10 end of support and explore the tools and resources available to help you transition with confidence.

    How to get these updates

    Over the next month, we will be gradually rolling out several of these features via controlled feature rollout (CFR) to consumers. Some of these experiences are available today via this month’s Windows non-security preview update, as well as updates available in the Microsoft Store.

    Consumers who would like to be among the first to experience new enhancements can simply go to Settings > Windows Update and turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.” Then select “Check for updates” to download and install the most recent non-security preview release.

    Ensure that Microsoft Paint, Photos and Copilot applications are updated to the latest versions available.

    For a full list of features available via today’s Windows Update, learn more here.

    End notes:

    i Available now in most global markets on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon® X Series. Limited initially to English-language inputs. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs processors.

    ii These Click to Do actions are not available in the European Economic Area.

    iii To use this feature, install the free Microsoft Reading Coach app from the Microsoft Store.

    iv For “Draft with Copilot in Word” – a Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription is required.

    v Optimized for English text prompts and requires a Microsoft account and internet connection to access cloud services that help ensure the responsible use of AI.

    vi Game Assist is available where Edge is available. Enhanced game content is available English-only at this time. Game Assist experience may also vary depending on game and geography.

    vii Source: Internal testing of Windows 11 memory dump write speed, October 2022.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 22nd, 2025 Heinrich, Bennet, Hickenlooper Introduce Legislation to Expand and Improve Access to Clean Water for Tribal Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Half of households on Native American reservations lack access to reliable water sources, clean drinking water, or adequate sanitation

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), introduced the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act to dramatically expand access to clean water for Tribal families by investing in water infrastructure. This bill would increase funding through the Indian Health Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Bureau of Reclamation to support water infrastructure projects in Tribal communities and help provide clean water to Native American households that currently lack access.

    “Nearly half of Native American households lack access to clean and reliable water supplies. That is completely unacceptable,” said Heinrich. “By addressing a significant backlog of infrastructure projects and removing barriers to federal programs that provide technical and financial assistance to Tribes, this legislation is an important step toward delivering clean drinking water to all families in Indian Country.”

    “Too many Tribal communities in Colorado and across the country cannot access clean, safe water,” said Bennet. “This legislation builds on our efforts to improve access for Tribes in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It fulfills the federal government’s promise to provide these communities with the clean water they deserve.”

    “Clean drinking water is a basic necessity. Yet, so many of our Tribal communities have been left without the infrastructure. It’s unacceptable,” said Hickenlooper. “Let’s cut red tape and invest in modern resources to finally deliver safe, accessible water to every Tribe.”

    Lack of access to clean drinking water is a significant barrier for many Native American communities. According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Native American households are 19 times more likely than white households to lack indoor plumbing.

    The Tribal Access to Clean Water Act will:

    • Authorize the USDA to make grants and loans for technical and financial assistance, as well as for construction;
    • Increase funding authorizations for USDA’s Rural Development Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program by $100 million per year for five years, provide $30 million per year specifically for technical assistance, and ensure that Native communities are treated equitably and appropriately when considered for grants and loans;
    • Increase funding authorizations for existing programs of the Indian Health Service for water and sanitation facilities construction over a five-year period, including for community facilities ($2.5 billion), technical assistance ($150 million), and operation and maintenance assistance ($500 million); and
    • Authorize $90 million over five years for the Bureau of Reclamation’s existing Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program.

    “Water is a sacred resource given to us to protect. It is of the utmost importance that Tribes have access to clean water not only for personal consumption and economic development but also for cultural purposes. Many tribes in the Southwest rely on access to clean water to carry on our culture and traditions. We thank U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Michael Bennet for reintroducing the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act,” said Myron Armijo, Santa Ana Pueblo Governor.

    “It is far past time to ensure that Native people have the same level of basic water service most Americans take for granted,” said Manuel Heart, Chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. “This bill’s recognition of the need for technical support and operation and maintenance assistance for Tribal water supply facilities is not only essential to realizing the benefit of investment in water infrastructure, but also a critical step toward increasing Tribal independence and governance capabilities.”

    “Some of the starkest examples of the public health impacts from not having clean, running water in the home are right in our backyards,” said Anne Castle, co-founder of the initiative on Universal Access to Clean Water for Tribal Communities. “Higher incidence of respiratory disease, gastrointestinal infections, diabetes, and cancer are all linked to ‘water poverty’ – the lack of access to secure and healthy household water – which is particularly acute for Native American households. With targeted resources and Federal agency coordination, we have the ability to solve this longstanding inequity in Indian country.”

    “For far too long, many indigenous Americans – American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians – have gone without access to a clean and safe drinking water supply,” said John Echohawk, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Native American Rights Fund and member of the Pawnee Nation. “These are not isolated or regional deficiencies, but rather a nationwide disparity in access to a basic ingredient of life. This bill will help to address gaps in current support for Tribal drinking water access and help to fulfill the Federal government’s treaty and trust responsibility to Native American Tribes.”

    “Every American is entitled to access to clean drinking water,” said Ken Norton, Chairman of the National Tribal Water Council. “But this undeniable truth simply does not hold for far too many Tribal households. It is well past time to bring the necessary resources to bear that will allow all Tribal families to enjoy the same basic services most Americans take for granted.”

    “Water is a basic human right and this bill fulfills the government’s trust obligation to Tribes and Indigenous communities to ensure all Native populations have access to clean drinking water,” said Garrit Voggesser, Senior Director of Tribal Partnerships and Policy, National Wildlife Federation. “For far too long more than half of the country’s Indigenous peoples haven’t had access to clean drinking water. Water must be accessible to not only support public health, but also meet historical, cultural, ecological, and rights-based needs.”

    Heinrich initially introduced this legislation with Bennet in 2021. He also successfully fought to include funding to improve Tribal access to clean water in the Infrastructure Law. The law included $3.5 billion for the Indian Health Service Sanitation Facilities Construction program to address needs for tribal sanitation facilities and services, $1 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation to support legacy rural water supply projects, which will benefit Tribes, and increased funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act State Revolving Funds.

    In addition to Heinrich, Bennet, and Hickenlooper, this bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).

    The text of the bill is available here.

    A summary of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –