Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI USA: In the Starlight: Jason Phillips’ Unexpected Path to Johnson Procurement

    Source: NASA

    Sometimes an unexpected turn in a carefully planned career path leads to surprising opportunities for growth and exciting new experiences. For Jason Phillips, that turn steered toward NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

    Phillips joined the U.S. Air Force in 1994 and planned to serve for at least 20 years, but in 2010—while preparing for a third deployment after 14 years of service—he found himself facing a medical separation from the military. “In a very short amount of time I had to figure out next steps for a career and lifestyle that no longer involved being an active duty servicemember,” he said.
    Thanks to a special hiring authority obtained by Peterson Air Force Base’s Office of Procurement, Phillips was able to transition to the civil service and apply his experience as an Air Force contracting officer to a new role. Phillips returned home to Houston and shifted from a Defense Department job to NASA as a contract specialist, spending his first 10 years at Johnson supporting all aspects of the Center Operations Directorate. He was then tasked with the challenge of serving as a lead contracting officer within Johnson’s procurement office for the International Space Station Program.  
    Phillips currently leads a team of highly skilled acquisition professionals who support a variety of contracts that sustain the International Space Station’s operations, maximize science conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory, and pave the way for a seamless transition to commercial low Earth orbit destinations. He oversees the team’s daily work, which includes strategic planning and acquisition of contracts valued at more than $21 billion. Specifically, the team handles NASA’s Cargo Resupply Services contracts, a cooperative agreement with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, and the Research, Engineering & Mission Integration Services-2 contract.

     “I am responsible for providing high-quality procurement products, services, and support to ensure that executive and technical customer needs are met and exceeded while maintaining compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, and guidelines,” he said. That work has included modifying the program’s original acquisition strategy to minimize delays, target cost savings, and emphasize critical infrastructure and services such as the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems aboard the space station.
    Phillips enjoys seeing the direct impact of his work. “This career field almost always allows me to see the fruits of my labor, whether I am procuring office supplies and equipment or managing construction projects,” he said, noting that the remodeling of Johnson’s building 20 was his first project at the center. He is also proud to have supported the career progression of fellow procurement professionals and technical staff. “It’s a nod to those who came before me and provided me with their leadership and technical knowledge of procurement.”

    Phillips said that staying humble and accountable is key to finding mission-focused solutions that benefit everyone. He also cautioned against making assumptions. “The people around you are very willing to offer thoughts and insights into a solution to your problem,” he said. “There is so much knowledge to be gained by listening.”
    He encourages the Artemis Generation to seek opportunities to expand their technical knowledge and grow professionally. “Help yourself so that you may help others.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims Apprenticeship Day 2025

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 30, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 30, 2025, as “Apprenticeship Day.”

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below.

    PROCLAMATION

    National Apprenticeship Day is a nationwide celebration recognizing apprenticeships as a vital career pathway that is key to the prosperity and vitality of our state. We are proud to be a national leader in growing the number and type of apprenticeships, enabling more Californians to pursue rewarding careers while strengthening our economy.

    Apprenticeships are integral to California’s Master Plan for Career Education, a pragmatic strategy for career readiness that prioritizes hands-on learning and real-life skills in career education. Working in coordination with the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, the Master Plan takes a bottom-up approach to workforce and economic development that is responsive to the emerging needs of the economy and specific to sectors, regions, and individuals’ skills and experience.

    The state has made historic efforts to increase access to apprenticeships across industries, proudly supporting 91,493 active registered apprentices. We are invested in initiatives to sustain and scale registered apprentice programs, through initiatives like Apprenticeship Innovation Funding, which has made $52 million available in its third round of funding to reimburse the program and training costs for growing apprenticeship programs.

    All Californians deserve the opportunity to gain the skills that build a lasting career. Through the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant program, the state is committing an additional $16 million to expand access to pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities for young people. This investment, together with the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship Grant, is expanding pathways into the construction industry and helping ensure that California’s skilled workforce reflects California’s communities.

    Apprentices offer an impactful alternative to traditional education paths that benefit employers as well as workers by filling skill gaps in critical areas and helping businesses grow. Supporting the next generation of skilled workers is how we have built the fourth-largest economy in the world – and a workforce that is the envy of the world.

    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 30, 2025 as “Apprenticeship Day.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 30th day of April 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State   

    Recent news

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces launch of new AI tool to supercharge the approval of building permits and speed recovery from Los Angeles Fires

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 30, 2025

    What you need to know: The state of California is providing LA City and County a new AI-powered e-check software free of charge to speed the pace at which local governments are approving building permits.

    LOS ANGELES – Leveraging the power of private sector innovation, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence-driven software to aid Los Angeles City and County in accelerating the approval process for rebuilding permits to help communities recover more quickly from the Eaton and Palisades fires. 

    “The current pace of issuing permits locally is not meeting the magnitude of the challenge we face. To help boost local progress, California is partnering with the tech sector and community leaders to give local governments more tools to rebuild faster and more effectively.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The software, created by Archistar, will be provided free of charge to the local governments and to users through a partnership between the state and philanthropic partners including LA Rises and Steadfast LA with contributions from Autodesk and Amazon.

    “Bringing AI into permitting will allow us to rebuild faster and safer, reducing costs and turning a process that can take weeks and months into one that can happen in hours or days,” said Steadfast LA Chairman Rick Caruso. “Working with our coalition partner Mike Hopkins and Amazon, I’m proud Steadfast LA identified Archistar as the right company to develop and apply this game-changing technology. Now we can work with great philanthropic organizations, including LA Rises, to provide this critical tool at no cost to taxpayers. We will continue bringing forward new technology and ideas to cut through red tape and expedite this recovery.”

    While the state has no direct role in the local permit approval process, Governor Newsom has worked aggressively to cut red tape, remove obstacles, and provide every available resource to local governments so they can fast-track permits and rebuild quickly. 

    The software uses computer vision, machine learning, and automated rulesets to instantly check designs against local zoning and building codes in the assessment process for building permits. This technology will allow property owners to pre-check their building plans before submission to ensure they submit valid plans, thus avoiding frustrating delays and expediting the review process once received by city or county staff.

    Once fully implemented by local leaders, this e-check tool will improve efficiency, accuracy, transparency, and speed of the rebuilding process from the Eaton and Palisades fire while also improving the experience for disaster survivors.

    “Getting residents home quickly and safely is my top priority,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Last week, I signed an Executive Directive to spearhead an AI pilot program to streamline the permitting process for Palisades residents. With the announcement of this AI solution, we’re infusing new technologies into City Hall processes to ensure nothing stands in the way of families getting home – and to keep our recovery effort on track to be the fastest in modern California history. I thank Governor Newsom and our County partners for their collaboration on this exciting effort.”

    The County of Los Angeles has also committed to using the software and passed a Board Resolution to establish a unified permitting authority for the Altadena one-stop recovery center.

    “I’m excited to see Los Angeles County embrace innovative technology like Archistar to accelerate the rebuilding process in Altadena and neighboring communities recovering from the Eaton Fire,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “This AI tool has the potential to save homeowners valuable time by helping them submit code-compliant plans from the start. I appreciate Governor Newsom’s stewardship of this opportunity and SoCal Grantmakers for their fiduciary support. Their help—along with collaboration from our County’s permitting departments—helped make this opportunity possible. Our collective work will help ensure we’re delivering real, efficient solutions to those working hard to rebuild their lives. Our wildfire survivors deserve nothing less.”

    “Together, government and philanthropy are standing with our community to ensure a safe, swift, and lasting recovery from the Palisades and Eaton Fires,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “With new AI-powered tools and LA County’s One-Stop Permitting Centers, we’re cutting red tape to help residents rebuild and return home sooner. I’m grateful to Governor Newsom, Steadfast LA, and LA Rises for their investment in our recovery.”

    The technology is already being used by more than 25 forward-looking municipalities across the United States, Canada, and Australia, including cities like Vancouver, Austin, Houston and Seattle as well as states like Colorado, British Columbia (Canada) and New South Wales (Australia). In addition to providing the software free of charge in Los Angeles, the tool is now available on a statewide contract that any local government can now access quickly to streamline their own plan review process. 

    Today’s announcement is part of a broader effort to cut red tape and harness innovation in the LA fire recovery process. 

    Cutting red tape

    Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders. Additionally, he signed an executive order to cut more red tape and continue streamlining rebuilding, recovery, and relief for survivors. The Governor also issued an executive order removing bureaucratic barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.

    Efficient, engaged, effective

    Since the start of his administration in 2019, Governor Newsom has made efficiency and engagement a top priority, implementing new technologies and practices that make government more efficient and responsive to the people it serves. In 2019, the Governor established the Office of Data Innovation to help advance this important work. 

    As the birthplace of tech, California is at the forefront in the study and implementation of AI in government. In 2023, Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing state agencies to utilize Generative AI technologies to improve state services and help solve important issues. Since that time, the state has integrated AI and other efficiency solutions to make state government work faster and even more effective.

    To help provide the Los Angeles community with a stronger voice in the rebuilding and recovery efforts, Governor Newsom launched Engaged California, a new platform that gives Californians a unique opportunity to share their thoughts and connect with other people on topics that are important to them. It creates new opportunities for Californians to connect with their government to inform and shape policy through honest, respectful discussions.

    The program was launched in February with the first use case focusing on the impacts of the Los Angeles wildfires.
     

    Partnerships Key 

    Today’s announcement was made possible through partnerships with philanthropic and community organizations who are aiding wildfire recovery in Los Angeles.

    Autodesk is a global leader in design and make technology, empowering innovators across architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, and media.

    Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the rebuilding of Los Angeles after the devastating wildfires by bringing together top leaders, bold ideas, and effective solutions to get things done right and fast.

    LA Rises is a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts led by the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and the State of California. In January, the Governor enlisted Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, business leader and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairperson and President to lead and recruit others to this private sector and philanthropic effort.

    Track LA’s recovery, including the latest air quality results, at CA.gov/LAfires.

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    News What you need to know: California continues to improve efficiency and engagement in state government by advancing its first-in-the-nation project to integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology into state operations. Los Angeles, California –…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom expands affordable housing and supportive services for rural Californians with $118.9 million in new federal funding

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 30, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom and the Department of Housing and Community Development today announced the awards of $118.9 million in federal funding for 29 California rural and tribal communities to create more affordable housing and supportive services.

    SACRAMENTO—The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) today announced nearly $118.9 million in awards from three federally funded programs to address homelessness by funding development of 487 affordable rental homes, supporting emergency shelters and homeless outreach, and providing rapid rehousing and supportive services needed to help low-income Californians attain and maintain housing stability.

    “Our nation’s housing crisis doesn’t end at city limits, and we must ensure housing and services are available to all members of our communities. We are grateful for this additional federal funding to ensure that our rural and tribal communities receive the housing support they need and deserve.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    In 2021, the U.S. Congress appropriated $5 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act to reduce homelessness nationwide. Of that amount, $512 million was awarded directly to California communities by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Another $155 million went to HCD to implement HOME Investments Partnerships American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) programs in California for those non-entitlement jurisdictions—specifically rural communities and unincorporated areas—that did not receive funding directly from HUD.

    HCD’s HOME-ARP Rental Housing (RH) program announced ten awards totaling $89 million, including two awards to Tribal Entities. The Yurok Indian Housing Authority and Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians received a combined $18.7 million to fund 31 HOME-ARP assisted units.

    “Housing affordability and homelessness affect all areas, not just our large, metro areas,” said Tomiquia Moss, Business, Consumer Services and Housing Secretary. “The State works diligently to provide and channel funding to all counties, to provide local providers the support needed to ensure programs in their communities deliver real results. This funding does just that and I pledge our continued support for local governments in their work to lessen and eliminate homelessness and create more affordable housing.”

    “By providing much-needed resources to rural and tribal communities, these awards help address our homelessness crisis and meet the critical needs of these residents,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “Federal support ensures the state continues its stride toward providing housing stability and affordability for all.”

    The HOME-ARP RH awards announced today will fund much-needed affordable rental housing in the counties of Del Norte, El Dorado, Kings, Lake, Madera, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, and Placer. The ten projects awarded will include a total of 487 affordable rental homes, including 184 HOME-ARP funded units for low-income households and other qualifying populations. This includes people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, those fleeing violence or human trafficking, and others at greatest risk of housing instability.

    HCD also announced six awards totaling $26.4 million from its HOME-ARP Housing Plus Support Program (HPSP) to support households who are currently experiencing homelessness, as well as those who will benefit from services designed to prevent homelessness.

    For more information about the awards, visit California Housing and Community Development’s website here.

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 4.29.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 29, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Kristina “Kris” Thayer, of Raleigh, North Carolina, has been appointed Director of The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer has been Director of the Director of the Integrated Risk Information System Division at the United States Environmental Protection Agency since 2019, where she has held multiple positions since 2017, including Director of the Integrated Risk Information System and Director of the Chemical and Pollution Assessment Division. She held multiple positions at the National Toxicology Program at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences from 2003 to 2017, including Deputy Director of the Division of Analysis, Director of the Office of Health Assessment and Translation, Director of the Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, Staff Scientist at the Center for the Evaluation of Risk to Human Reproduction, Deputy Director of the Office of Risk Assessment Research, and Staff Scientist in the Office of Liaison and Scientific Review. Thayer is a member of the Society of Toxicology. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri, Columbia and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University, University Park. This position requires Senate confirmation, and compensation is $217,000. Thayer is a Democrat.

    Jason D. Johnson, of Redlands, has been appointed Undersecretary of Operations at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Johnson has been Acting Undersecretary of Operations since 2024 at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, where he has held several positions since 2006, including Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations, Chief Deputy Regional Administrator, Parole Administrator I, Parole Agent III Supervisor, Parole Agent II Supervisor, and Parole Agent I. Johnson was a Probation Officer II at San Bernardino County Probation Department from 2001 to 2006. He is a member of the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association, the Orange County Chiefs’ and Sherriffs’ Association, and the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. Johnson earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Redlands and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $239,796. Johnson is a Democrat.

    Joshua Prudhel, of Ceres, has been appointed Warden of Sierra Conservation Center, where he has been serving as Acting Warden since 2024. Prudhel was Chief Deputy Administrator at California State Prison, Sacramento from 2022 to 2024. He was a Correctional Administrator at California State Prison, Corcoran in 2022. Prudhel was Acting Chief Deputy Administrator at Correctional Training Facility from 2021 to 2022. He was a Correctional Administration at California State Prison, Corcoran from 2020 to 2021. Prudhel was Captain at California Health Care Facility from 2016 to 2020, where he was previously a Correctional Lieutenant from 2014 to 2016. He was a Correctional Lieutenant at California State Prison, Corcoran from 2011 to 2014, where he was previously a Correctional Sergeant from 2008 to 2011. Prudhel was a Correctional Sergeant at Deuel Vocational Institution from 2007 to 2008, and at Correctional Training Facility from 2005 to 2007. He was a Correctional Officer at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center from 2003 to 2005, and at Richard A. Mcgee Correctional Training Center from 2002 to 2003. Prudhel is a member of the California Correctional Supervisors Organization. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $193,524. Prudhel is a Republican.

    Megan Mekelburg, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Legislation at the California Natural Resources Agency. Mekelburg has been Deputy Appointments Secretary in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom since 2024. She was Senior Associate at Environmental & Energy Consulting from 2023 to 2024. Mekelburg was Legislative Director in the Office of Senator Aisha Wahab in the California State Senate in 2023. She held multiple roles in the Office of Senator Josh Newman in the California State Senate from 2021 to 2023, including Legislative Director and Acting Chief of Staff. Mekelburg held multiple roles in the Office of Senator Henry Stern in the California State Senate from 2019 to 2021, including Legislative Aide and Executive Assistant. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $160,008. Mekelburg is a Democrat.

    Matthew Sage, of Fair Oaks, has been appointed Commander of the State Threat Assessment Center at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Sage has been the Deputy Commander of Intel/Analysis at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services since 2023. He was an Account Executive at Echo Analytics Group from 2021 to 2022. He was a Supervisory Intelligence Specialist at the Department of the Army from 2015 to 2021. Sage was an Operations and Integrations Officer at Dyncorp International from 2012 to 2015. He was a Staff Officer at Sytera LLC. from 2011 to 2012. Sage was an Atmospherics Manager at AECOM/McNeill Technologies in 2011. He served as rank E-5 in the United States Army from 2006 to 2010. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $161,062. Sage is registered without party preference.

    Davina Hurt, of Belmont, has been appointed to the California Water Commission. Hurt has been the California Climate Policy Director at Pacific Environment since 2025. She was an Attorney/Civic Advocate at Davina Hurt Esq. from 2005 to 2024. Hurt held multiple positions with the City of Belmont from 2015 to 2024, including Mayor, Vice Mayor, and City Councilmember. She was a Campaign Manager at the Democratic Volunteer Center from 2014 to 2015. Hurt was a Securities Case Assistant at Heller Ehrman White and McAuliffe LLP from 2004 to 2005. She was a Senior Counsel and Civic Advocate at Tyson and Mendes LLP in 2004. Hurt was a Law Clerk at Bay Area Legal Aid from 2002 to 2004. She was a Law Clerk at the United States District Court for Northern District of California from 2002 to 2003. Hurt was a Summer Associate at Milberg, Weiss, Bershad, Hynes & Lerach LLP in 2002. She earned a Juris Doctor Degree from Santa Clara University School of Law and a Bachelor of the Arts degree in History and Political Science from Baylor University. This position requires Senate confirmation, and compensation is $100 per diem. Hurt is a Democrat.

    Peter Stern, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Horse Racing Board. Stern has been Chief Revenue Officer at Skedulo and an Advisor at Berkeley SkyDeck since 2025. He held several roles at Authorium from 2024 to 2025, including Advisor and Executive Vice President. He was the Co-Founder of VoiceBrain from 2021 to 2023. He was a Commissioner at California State Lottery Commission from 2019 to 2022. He held several positions at Inxeption from 2017 to 2021, including Executive Vice President of Business Operations and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. Stern was the Airport Commissioner at the San Francisco International Airport from 2010 to 2019. He was Chief Revenue Officer at Skedulo from 2015 to 2017. Stern was the Chief Revenue Officer at Autopilot from 2013 to 2015. Stern was the Vice President of Sales at Kenandy, Inc. from 2011 to 2013. He held numerous positions at Salesforce from 2007 to 2011, including Vice President of Enterprise Corporate Sales and Corporate Sales Manager. Stern was Regional Manager at Oracle from 2005 to 2007. He was an Account Executive at Macromedia from 2002 to 2004. Stern was an Account Executive at Oracle from 2000 to 2000. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Stern is registered without party preference.

    Dyan Whyte, of Berkeley, has been appointed to the California State Mining and Geology Board. Whyte has been the Chief Financial Officer at Dataway US since 2019. She held multiple positions at the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region from 1988 to 1999, including Assistant Executive Officer and Senior Engineering Geologist. Whyte earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Geology from University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies and Geology from California State University, Sonoma. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Whyte is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

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    News SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement congratulating newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney:“Jennifer and I warmly congratulate Prime Minister Mark Carney on his party’s election victory in Canada. California looks…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Flood protection measures versus nature conservation – E-000813/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Habitats Directive[1] in its Article 6(3) and 6(4) provides a clear and flexible procedure to address potential conflicts, applicable also in cases between flood protection and nature conservation needs[2]. Article 6(4) allows plans and projects with significant negative effects on a site to proceed for imperative reasons of overriding public interest , in the absence of alternative solutions and if compensatory measures are taken. This can typically apply to flood protection measures that relate to human health or public safety which are explicitly mentioned in Article 6(4), second paragraph.

    2. The Commission does not plan to amend the Habitats Directive beyond the current proposal to align the annexes to the amendment of the Bern Convention[3]. Regarding compensatory measures for impacts on Natura 2000 sites in the context of application of Article 6(4) of the directive, it is the national competent authority which decides on the need and character of such measures. The German authorities have a long-standing experience with successfully applying exemptions for flood protection measures[4]. The implementation of these flood protection measures shows the feasibility of such measures and the flexibility of the Habitats Directive.

    • [1] Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    • [2] The provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/11e4ee91-2a8a-11e9-8d04-01aa75ed71a1
    • [3] COM(2025)106 final: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/document/8ec6689c-a7d8-422e-829d-c4231fc32872_en
    • [4] The Commission has been notified pursuant to Art 6(4) about the following protective dykes, among others: Strengthening of the Rhine flood dyke/right side of the Murg dam (responsible authority: Raststatt/Baden-Württemberg State Council Office), Strengthening and reinforcement of the right-hand Elbe dyke near Fischbeck (responsible authority: district of Stendal/Saxony-Anhalt), Raising and strengthening of the Emden harbour dyke (responsible authority: Lower Saxony State Agency for Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation/Lower Saxony).
    Last updated: 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Breach of EU habitats legislation in Greece – E-000372/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has been in close contact with the Greek authorities over the last years to assist them to implement the ruling of the Court in Case C-849 /19[1].

    Greece has now adopted conservation objectives for all Special Areas of Conservation. The Commission will take action as appropriate to ensure that Greece also adopts conservation measures to fully comply with the ruling.

    Concerning the separate file EU Pilot file EUP(2021)9806 and based on the information available, it was not possible to confirm the alleged in correct transposition of the Habitats Directive[2] and the file was closed.

    As regards infringement case INFR(2014)4073[3], the Commission is assessing the replies received by the Greek authorities, following the reasoned opinion. T he objective of this type of infringement procedure is to assist the Member State in bringing the situation of non-conformity to an end.

    This case concerns the absence of a national legal framework that complies with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. However, this absence of compliant national framework does not mean that wind farm projects based on this framework are also automatically in breach of the above provision.

    National administrative and/or judicial bodies are primarily responsible to verify compliance of individual projects with the EU environmental legislation and provide the appropriate means to address the matter.

    Citizens are thus invited to use existing national means of redress if they want to contest a specific project for possibly breaching relevant EU law.

    In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will continue monitoring the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.

    • [1] https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=235718&pageIndex=0&doclang=FR&mode=lst&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=76753
    • [2] Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_23_525
    Last updated: 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham awarded prestigious Tree City of the World status for the 6th year in a row

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Thursday, 1st May 2025

    Birmingham City Council, in partnership with Birmingham TreePeople, has announced that the city has been recognised as a Tree City of the World.

    It is an international accreditation awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

    This prestigious status highlights Birmingham’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its urban forest, ensuring trees remain at the heart of the city’s green infrastructure. The accreditation is independently assessed and awarded to cities that meet five core standards of responsible tree management:

    • Establishing a dedicated tree management body
    • Implementing a tree care policy or strategy
    • Allocating sufficient resources to urban forestry
    • Holding an annual tree-related celebration
    • Ensuring tree planting and care are part of long-term planning

    Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport , said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a Tree City of the World. Trees play a vital role in improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing the wellbeing of our communities. This status reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting and expanding Birmingham’s green spaces for future generations.”

    Birmingham TreePeople, a local volunteer-led organisation dedicated to tree planting and care, has played a crucial role in helping the city achieve this recognition. Their work alongside the council has strengthened community involvement in urban forestry, ensuring that residents actively participate in tree-planting initiatives and long-term conservation efforts.

    Deanne Brettle, Chair of Birmingham TreePeople added: We are thrilled that Birmingham has achieved Tree Cities of the World status. It is a testament to the dedication of volunteers, local communities, and the council in ensuring our city’s trees are valued and protected.

    “We look forward to continuing our work to make Birmingham even greener and more sustainable and resilient to future extremes of weather.”

    The Tree Cities of the World programme connects cities across the globe that are dedicated to urban tree care, fostering knowledge-sharing and best practice in sustainable urban forestry. Birmingham now joins a network of cities working to create greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments.

    Check out their website for more information on how to get involved with Birmingham TreePeople.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pest eradication to remove wallabies and possums from Kawau Island gets under way

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland Council has been working with landowners and residents on an operation to restore native forest on Kawau Island by removing wallabies and possums. After years of planning and preparation, the first stage of the project, Working towards a pest-free Kawau Island, is now under way.

    The project is a ground-based operation, primarily carried out by hunters, trained indicator dogs and thermal drones. Subject to permit approval and necessity, targeted toxins are proposed to be used in a second phase of the project to support hunting in areas where monitoring has revealed a high number of wallabies and possums.  

    The first stage will begin at the southern end of the island, targeting pest populations in that area before moving to the northern side. The entire programme is expected to take 18 months, with monitoring continuing for a further six months.

    From 1 May 2025, hunting will start in the public conservation land of Kawau Island Historic Reserve and nearby private properties (block 1 in the map below), targeting wallabies and possums.

    A map of Kawau Island showing the treatment areas.

    Towards a pest-free Kawau Island

    The complete removal of pest animal species, starting with wallabies and possums, will make Kawau Island one of the largest inhabited pest-free islands in New Zealand –and a legacy for generations to come.

    This collaborative environmental programme is part of the Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030, and works with, and builds on, the Pohutukawa Trust’s conservation efforts by seeking to eradicate mammalian pest species from Kawau Island to benefit nature, residents and visitors.

    Auckland Council is working in partnership with Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust, Department of Conservation, a ground-based delivery consortium led by Island Conservation, as well as actively engaging the island’s community to achieve a pest animal-free Kawau Island.

    The project is collaboratively funded, thanks to Predator Free 2050 Ltd, Auckland Council (through the Natural Environment Targeted Rate), the Ministry for Primary Industries (through the Tipu Mātoro National Wallaby Eradication Programme), Department of Conservation and the Kawau community.

    “This project wouldn’t be possible without our project funders, including landowners and residents of the island. We’ve seen generous donations and pledges through the New Zealand Nature Fund by the Kawau Island community. We know landowners, residents and those who frequent Kawau Island are invested in this project, the decisions we make and the outcomes,” says Samantha Hill, Auckland Council General Manager, Environmental Services.

    “We will continue to engage with user groups, landowners, occupiers and stakeholders about the operation. We are also working closely with our iwi partner, Ngāti Manuhiri and agencies like the Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Health.”

    The impact of introduced pest animals

    A large island, Kawau has an extensive canopy of native forest. It is home to threatened and at-risk indigenous species including the North Island weka, kororā/little blue penguin and pāteke/brown teal, as well as many other species of shore and forest birds, including the North Island brown kiwi and kākā.

    “Browsing species like possums and wallabies put pressure on our forests which, if left unmanaged, can lead to long-term damage and changes to the natural environment. This is especially evident on Kawau Island, where the selective browsing of wallabies and possums has changed the forest composition, increased fire risk and destroyed potential habitats and food sources for indigenous species,” explains Samantha Hill.“

    “Additionally, Kawau Island continues to be the only place where wallabies are found in Tāmaki Makaurau and their continued presence is a biosecurity risk to primary industry and the natural environment in mainland Auckland and Northland,” she says.

    “A successful programme will enable the forest to recover, potentially attracting new species from nearby pest-free islands and sanctuaries. It will also allow us to preserve habitats for threatened and at-risk species that make Kawau unique.”

    Important information

    • Stage one of the programme begins on 1 May and involves hunting.
    • Residents and visitors to the island should follow all warning signage.

    Signage will be in place during the operation and will remain for the duration of the caution period. For more information on the Working towards a pest-free Kawau Island project, including FAQs and further factsheets, please visit the project website or phone us on 09 301 0101. To support this project and ongoing conservation efforts, visit New Zealand Nature Fund.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Saudi Ministerial visit sends strong signal for NZ Trade and Investment growth

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Trade, Investment and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has wrapped up a successful programme hosting Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng Abdulrahman A. AlFadley, in Auckland this week for the 9th New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission.
    “This visit builds on growing momentum in our trade relationship with Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region following the conclusion of the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement,” Mr McClay said.
    “With Saudi Arabia being our largest export market in the Gulf and the GCC trade deal soon to be signed, we’re opening new doors for Kiwi exporters —particularly in agriculture, agri-tech, food innovation and fintech.”
    The delegation of 37 Saudi officials and business leaders engaged in a packed programme, highlighting New Zealand’s strengths across food security, innovation, and primary production.
    Businesses and organisations visited included:

    Auckland Business Chamber
    Vessev (Electric hydrofoil vessel)
    Westbury Stud Farm
    University of Auckland (Space Institute and satellite testing)
    Moana Seafood
    Fonterra  
    The FoodBowl-NZ Food Innovation Auckland

    “From dairy and seafood to clean tech and research partnerships, the opportunities for collaboration are real and growing. The GCC trade agreement will deliver duty-free access for 99% of our exports over time and ensure New Zealand businesses are well-positioned in one of the world’s most dynamic regions,” Mr McClay says.
    “The Government is focused on unlocking export growth and backing New Zealand’s exporters to succeed globally.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Climate effects of volcanoes beneath the waves – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    Volcanoes erupting underwater have a distinctive effect on the climate, according to research led by University of Auckland and Tongan scientists.

    Research on Tonga’s devastating 2022 Hunga eruption has just been published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

    “Submarine volcanism has previously been overlooked in global climate studies, because there is typically not much atmospheric sulphur dioxide released,” says Professor Shane Cronin, a co-lead author of the study with postdoctoral fellow Dr Jie Wu.

    However, while sulphur dioxide can lead to significant climate effects, so too can water vapour.

    At its peak Hunga’s eruption injected up to 3 billion tonnes of steam into the atmosphere in a single hour, with the water vapour reaching the stratosphere and even the mesosphere more than 57 km up, Cronin says.

    “The eruption has been shown by several recently published studies to have cooled the Southern Hemisphere and cause a range of other atmospheric and climate impacts that we are still discovering,” he adds.

    Hunga had the potential for a global impact from sulphur dioxide. The team estimates 20 million tonnes of it was released during the eruption, however, most of the sulphur went directly into seawater at depths between 300m and 1100m.

    Cronin is at the School of Environment at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, while Wu is now based at the University of Otago.

    University of Auckland and staff and students have been working with Tongan partners to understand the wider implications of submarine volcanism in the Southwestern Pacific in the aftermath of Hunga, the largest eruption witnessed in the modern era.

    “We are striving to understand the broader hazards of submarine volcanism including tsunami and damage to shorelines and internet data cables as well as how these eruptions affect our environment and climate,” says Cronin.

    The work is supported by an MBIE Endeavor Research Programme grant from 2024.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Politics – Greenpeace calls on Chris Hipkins to take a courageous stand against seabed mining

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace is calling on the leader of the opposition, Chris Hipkins, to take a public stand and pledge that seabed mining will never happen under a Labour-led government. A petition to the Labour Party leader launched this week has already gained more than 2200 signatures.
    Greenpeace spokesperson Juressa Lee says: “The Luxon government seems intent on waging war on nature – but Governments come and go, and they won’t be in control forever. That’s why we’re calling on Chris Hipkins to promise that any seabed mining consents granted under the Luxon government will be revoked by Labour if it gets elected.
    “Despite failing again and again to win approval for its seabed mining project, wannabe miners Trans-Tasman Resources have applied to the Environmental Protection Authority for permission to mine the South Taranaki Bight under the Luxon government’s Fast Track process.
    “That’s why we’re launching a new call on the leader of the opposition, Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins, to take a stand and ensure this destructive industry never gets off the ground in Aotearoa.”
    For more than ten years, Trans-Tasman Resources has suffered defeat after defeat in the courts and faced opposition from Greenpeace and the Taranaki community, including iwi, commercial and recreational fishers and surfers.
    Juressa Lee says: “Yet now, like a zombie, TTR is rising from the dead by taking advantage of the Fast Track Approvals Act to bypass environmental protections.
    “That’s why it’s urgent the opposition leader Chris Hipkins takes a stand against seabed mining the Taranaki Bight.
    “Chris Hipkins will also be in tune with the weight of public opinion in Aotearoa. Nearly 54,000 people signed the last Greenpeace petition to ban seabed mining.”
    Trans-Tasman Resources is planning to extract 50 million tonnes of iron sand from the South Taranaki Bight every year for 35 years and dump 45 million tonnes a year back into the ocean.
    Seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight would damage rich ecosystems and threaten precious marine life such as the pygmy blue whale, Māui and Hector’s dolphins and kororā.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 1, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 1, 2025.

    What’s the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shawna Mastro Campbell, Assistant Professor Clinical Psychology, Bond University Volurol/Shutterstock If you live with young children, there’s a good chance you’ve been on the receiving end of a child yelling, screaming, crying, throwing or hitting things. But how do parents know what is typical and age-related boundary

    Is WA Health having final say over edits of Paramedics ‘censorship’? Yes. But it’s necessary
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jan Cattoni, Lecturer, Screen Production, CQUniversity Australia Australian reality TV debuted in 2006 with Bondi Rescue. The show featured a winning formula of sun, surf, heroes and danger. It sparked many similar programs featuring police, helicopter crews and paramedics. Paramedics (2018–), as the title suggests, follows Australian

    Savvy athletes and new technology are flipping traditional sports marketing on its head
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Cairney, Professor and Head of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences; Director, The Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies, The University of Queensland Not so long ago, life was pretty simple for sports leagues and teams when it came to connecting with fans: the contests and

    3 years on from the ‘integrity’ election, how is Australia tracking on corruption reforms?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Griffiths, Democracy Deputy Program Director, Grattan Institute Taras Vyshnya/Shutterstock At the last federal election, the then opposition leader Anthony Albanese pledged to “change the way politics operates in this country”. Integrity was a key issue in 2022, and Australians voted for a change of government and

    Are side hustles really a way to escape the rat race, or just passion projects for a privileged few?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Farrugia, ARC Future Fellow, School of Education, Deakin University PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Is a “side hustle” really the only thing separating you from the life you desire? Listening to some influencers on social media could certainly have you thinking so. Side hustles encompass a range

    Feuding mob families, mind control and a murder at the White House: what to watch in May
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexa Scarlata, Lecturer, Digital Communication, RMIT University Disney+/Prime/Netflix/Paramount+/The Conversation It’s May! Where did the year go? It must be all the amazing TV we’re watching that’s making the time whiz by. This month’s lineup of expert picks is packed with standout shows across all genres. Whether you’re

    How does consciousness work? Duelling scientists tested two big theories but found no winner
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Bayne, Professor of Philosophy, Monash University cdd20 / Unsplash “Theories are like toothbrushes,” it’s sometimes said. “Everybody has their own and nobody wants to use anybody else’s.” It’s a joke, but when it comes to the study of consciousness – the question of how we have

    Australians are warming to minority governments – but they still prefer majority rule
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Biddle, Professor of Economics and Public Policy, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University Minority governments have been part of Australia’s political history since Federation. In the country’s early decades, Prime Ministers Edmund Barton, Alfred Deakin, Chris Watson, George Reid and Andrew Fisher

    Donald Trump has cast a long shadow over the Australian election. Will it prove decisive?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University Donald Trump is everywhere, inescapable. His return to power in the United States was always going to have some impact on the Australian federal election. The question was how disruptive he would be.

    Playing politics with AI: why NZ needs rules on the use of ‘fake’ images in election campaigns
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Isaacs, Lecturer, Anthropology, University of Waikato Laurence Dutton/Getty Images Seeing is no longer believing in the age of images and videos generated by artificial intelligence (AI), and this is having an impact on elections in New Zealand and elsewhere. Ahead of the 2025 local body elections,

    When it comes to health information, who should you trust? 4 ways to spot a dodgy ‘expert’
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University Surface/Unsplash When it comes to our health, we’re constantly being warned about being taken in by misinformation. Yet for most of us what we believe ultimately comes down to who we trust, including which “experts” we trust. The problem is

    What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amal Elawady, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida International University A downburst blasts Bangkok, Thailand, in 2017. Natapat Ariyamongkol/iStock/Getty Images Plus From a distance, a downburst can look like a torrent of heavy rain. But at ground level, its behavior can be far more destructive.

    Confirmed: Australian weapons sold to Israel, reveals Declassified Australia
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – SPECIAL REPORT: By Michelle Fahy The Australian counter-drone weapons system seen at a weapons demonstration in Israel recently is actually just one of a few that were sold by the Canberra-based company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and sent through its wholly-owned US subsidiary to Israel, Declassified

    Amid Dutton’s ‘hate media’ and Trump’s despotism, press freedom is more vital than ever
    COMMENTARY: By Alexandra Wake Despite all the political machinations and hate towards the media coming from the president of the United States, I always thought the majority of Australian politicians supported the role of the press in safeguarding democracy. And I certainly did not expect Peter Dutton — amid an election campaign, one with citizens

    Election Diary: post-election rate cut and phone call from Trump in the pipeline
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra It used to be de rigueur for the prime minister and opposition leader to turn up to the National Press Club in the final week of the election campaign. But now Liberal leaders are not so keen. Scott Morrison gave

    Inaccurate 1News reporting on football violence breached broadcasting standards, rules BSA
    Broadcasting Standards Authority New Zealand’s Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) has upheld complaints about two 1News reports relating to violence around a football match in Amsterdam between local team Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv. The authority found an item on “antisemitic violence” surrounding the match, and another on heightened security in Paris the following week,

    People’s mental health goes downhill after repeated climate disasters – it’s an issue of social equity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ang Li, ARC DECRA and Senior Research Fellow, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Healthy Housing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne Across Australia, communities are grappling with climate disasters that are striking more frequently and with greater intensity. Bushfires, floods and

    Older Australians are also hurting from the housing crisis. Where are the election policies to help them?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Cornell, Research Fellow, Flinders University shutterstock beeboys/Shutterstock It would be impossible at this stage in the election campaign to be unaware that housing is a critical, potentially vote-changing, issue. But the suite of policies being proposed by the major parties largely focus on young, first home

    Inflation is easing, boosting the case for another interest rate cut in May
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Daria Nipot/Shutterstock Australia’s headline inflation rate held steady at a four-year low of 2.4% in the March quarter, according to official data, adding to the case for a cut in interest rates at

    Is your child anxious about going on school camp? Here are 4 ways to prepare
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Micah Boerma, Researcher, School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland Nitinai Thabthong/Shutterstock One of the highlights of the school year is an overnight excursion or school camp. These can happen as early as Year 3. While many students are very excited about the chance to

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Training for trapping in Taumarunui

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  01 May 2025

    Invasive predators like rats, stoats, and possums are putting pressure on nature, and are part of the reason New Zealand has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world.

    With the support of the Department of Conservation (DOC), Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) is presenting the Level 3 unit Predator Trapping Methods at the DOC Simmonds Rd workshop.

    DOC Community Ranger Garry Davis says there are 12 spots still available, and DOC Whanganui will fund a limited number of people to attend free of charge.

    “We’re looking to sponsor people who will be willing to share their skills further, whether it be to their neighbours or with other parts of the community.”

    The in-person workshop allows participants to develop understanding and practical skills in a supportive environment.

    “The course is aimed at anyone interested in predator control and will benefit those who would like to trap predators on their property or in the community,” says Garry.

    DOC Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships Moira Rihia is a Taumarunui local, and thinks the time is right for the trapping workshop.

    “We are passionate team for the taiao here in Taumarunui, and unsurprisingly we’re seeing growing community interest in trapping and other ways to protect nature.

    “We know DOC can’t do it alone. There’s nature everywhere in our communities, it’s not just wrapped up in conservation land. All of us can contribute to make a real difference to the places we love – and predator trapping is one way to help.”

    For more information or to register your interest, email gdavis@doc.govt.nz.

    Background information

    Course information is on the NMIT website, but sponsored positions are only available by contacting DOC.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: A booming good summer for male kākāpō on the North Island mainland

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  01 May 2025 Source:  Released by Ngāi Tahu 01/05/2025

    11-year-old Taeatanga, one of the three male kākāpō currently living within the sanctuary as part of a fenced habitat trial, started booming in December and 6-year-old Tautahi followed suit. It’s unknown if Bunker, the third and youngest male at the site, boomed this year.

    Booming is one aspect of the elaborate breeding behaviour of male kākāpō, designed to attract the attention of potential mates.

    Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu representative on the Kākāpō Recovery Group Tāne Davis says that this occurrence is a significant milestone for the iwi involved in caring for and protecting these precious taonga.

    “The iwi ki te iwi (iwi to iwi) transfer of these kākāpō from Ngāi Tāhu to Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Raukawa, Ngāti Hauā, and Waikato was a commitment to share kaitiakitanga of these manu,” Tāne Davis says.

    “While males booming does not necessarily mean that the maunga will be a successful breeding site in future, it is a clear sign that the manu are feeling at home and comfortable to exhibit their natural behaviours,” he says.

    Ngāti Korokī Kahukura representative and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari Cultural Advocate and Educator, Bodie Taylor says having these manu at Maungatuatari is an honour and mana whenua continues to take the role of whāngai (fostering) of these taonga very seriously.

    “Hearing the booming of kākāpō back on Maungatautari is a privilege and a testament to the importance and success of our relationship with Ngāi Tahu. We are looking forward to the next steps in this journey to hopefully welcoming female kākāpō to Maungatautari one day, and the opportunity of being able to contribute to the population growth of these precious manu,” he says.

    Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari Chief Executive Helen Hughes wholeheartedly supports this, saying that this incredible step in the journey of kākāpō at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is to be truly celebrated.

    “It has been a wonderful, and at times challenging, 18 months of learning, both for the birds and for everyone involved in this ground-breaking recovery effort. Our team of dedicated sanctuary rangers, who care for these birds daily, are gaining and sharing vital knowledge about their behaviour on Maungatautari and the booming is an extremely positive sign for the future of kākāpō at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari,” she says.

    DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme Operations Manager Deidre Vercoe said the news was an encouraging early indication that the habitat may be suitable for the males, however it was still too early to know whether the site could one day support a breeding population.

    “There are a lot of factors at play. These males have been supplementary fed over the last six months to help with the challenges of keeping them settled inside the fenceline. It is likely this has helped them reach booming condition, so we don’t know if they would boom on the maunga without this feeding. Males have also been known to boom without the presence of females before, at island sites that didn’t support a breeding population. It will be many years before we know enough about this site and its future for kākāpō.”

    Deidre said the sound of kākāpō booming would have been prolific throughout the country before the arrival of humans and mammalian predators. She dreams that will be true again one day.

    “Knowing we have helped return that sound to mainland Aotearoa after decades of kākāpō existing only on offshore islands is very special. There is a long way to go, but milestones like this offer an exciting glimpse into the future we are striving for, when kākāpō can live safely amongst us once again.”

    Background information

    About the fenced habitat trial

    The site trial at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari began in July 2023. Ten male kākāpō were introduced to the trial in total, but seven have since been returned to the southern islands to help reduce the significant monitoring workload following multiple breaches of the fence.

    Three males continue to live at the site, helping provide crucial lessons for the future of this critically endangered species. The trial is run by DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme, with support from its National Partner Meridian Energy, together with Treaty Partner Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Hauā, Raukawa and Waikato.

    Kākāpō breeding behaviour

    For more information on the elaborate breeding behaviour of male kākāpō see Kākāpō behaviour.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Jobs for Nature supercharges river restoration |

    Source: Department of Conservation

    By Sarah Wilcox

    It’s more than 4 years since the $1.2 billion Jobs for Nature programme was set up as part of the COVID-19 recovery package. DOC has managed about 40 percent of the funding, allocated to 225 projects, many of which had a focus on enhancing the biodiversity of freshwater habitat and ecosystems.

    Our established Ngā Awa river restoration programme works in Treaty partnership in 12 river catchments across the country, taking a mountains-to-sea approach. The rivers are diverse, ranging from Waipoua in Northland to Taiari (Taieri) in Otago, and reflect the variations of climate, soil type, vegetation and land uses in Aotearoa New Zealand.

    The existing partnerships enabled us to support mana whenua (people with authority over the land) and local groups to apply for Jobs for Nature grants with a focus on river restoration in their catchments. A total of $42,918,000 went to freshwater restoration projects in Ngā Awa rivers. This significant investment has supported ‘boots on the ground’ work known to improve the biodiversity of waterways.

    Restoration planting and fencing beside a tributary of the Rakitata River | Sarah Wilcox, DOC

    As many of the projects are now wrapping up, it’s a good opportunity to celebrate the successes and reflect on what’s been achieved for freshwater and the local river communities. This article focuses on work to date in three Ngā Awa rivers, with selected data used to illustrate progress. All figures were current in January 2025.

    Whanganui River, Central North Island

    • Number of plants added to riparian or wetland areas: 373,958 and other areas 56,530.
    • New fencing: 129,513m, fencing maintained: 10,218m.
    • Area treated for weeds: 159.01ha, area treated for pests: 512ha.
    • Total employment starts: 158.
    • Project completion date: September 2025.

    The Mouri Tūroa project, valued at $7.86 million, is a partnership between DOC and Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui with the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of Te Awa Tupua.

    Gordon Cribb (Whanganui iwi), project manager, says the project is based around a relationship with the Whanganui River and guided by Tupua te Kawa, the value system that recognises the interdependence of the land and river.

    “We’ve kept the project team small to efficiently bring together local suppliers and businesses with landowners to get the work done – 68 contractors and 5 nurseries have been connected to a wide range of landowners via 136 expressions of interest.”

    Fencing stock out of wetlands and tributaries was a priority. “It mitigates pollution by reducing the amount of sediment going into waterways, as well as supporting landowners to comply with the stock exclusion regulations. Many of the fenced areas have been planted with natives, with pest control in place to keep the survival rate high.

    “The only way we’re going to see an improvement in water quality, biodiversity and ecosystem health is through collective efforts across all landowner types. It’s encouraging to see farmers, hapū, marae and community groups taking ownership of the restoration work.”

    A completed farm fencing project in the Whanganui River catchment | Gordon Cribb

    Ko Waikanae Te Awa, Kāpiti Coast

    • Number of plants added to riparian, lake or wetland areas: 22,300, and other areas: 114,300.
    • New fencing: 6,700m.
    • Area treated for possums or goats: 2,578ha.
    • Total employment starts: 94, people completed formal training: 67.
    • Project completion date: December 2024.

    Groundtruth Ltd received the $8.5 million Mahi mō te Taiao – Waikanae Jobs for Nature contract, partnering with Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai. Kristie Parata of Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai was the iwi (tribal) coordinator.

    “The model here was to run a practical three-month conservation and land management training programme with groups of six to eight tauira (students). Tauira then moved into teams working as kaitiaki (carers) and kaimahi (trainees) on their awa and whenua, caring for the environment. Ten groups were trained.

    Kaimahi arawai learning about stream health with DOC staff as part of their training, Maungakōtukutuku Stream | Ashley Alberto, DOC

    “Our kaimahi learned a wide range of skills, including plant propagation, environmental monitoring, fencing, track cutting, and pest control. Many reconnected with their past and heritage, and discovered new life paths and future goals. One said, ‘I thought I was here to save the taiao (nature) but found the taiao was saving me.’”

    Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai Charitable Trust has transitioned elements of the project including some kaimahi and the new plant nursery, into an iwi-led environmental business to continue the restoration work in the Waikanae catchment and iwi rohe (area).

    Four years have passed, and the river speaks differently now.
    The Waikanae flows steady, its waters no longer weighed by the silence of neglect.
    We’ve begun to mend its edges, to tend its wounds, but the work is far from finished.
    Each effort, a first step on a path that stretches beyond us.
    Excerpt from poem by Dan Dupont, Training and Operations Manager, Groundtruth Ltd

    Kaitiaki and tauira of Waikanae Jobs for Nature at the closing celebration, December 2024, Otaraua Park, Waikanae | Sarah Wilcox, DOC

    Rakitata (Rangitata) River, Canterbury

    Three Jobs for Nature projects have supported restoration work in this river. Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua received $2.75 million for the Arowhenua Native Nursery and $8.7 million for restoration work in the lower river. The Upper Rangitata Gorge Landcare Group was awarded $7.3 million to lead restoration work in the upper river.

    Funding for the nursery ended in December 2024 and the business is now transitioning to a commercial wholesale model. Funding for the restoration projects ends in March 2026.

    Totals across the projects are as follows:
    • Number of plants produced: 616,236.
    • Number of plants added to riparian, lake or wetland areas: 257,869.
    • New fencing: 124,631m.
    • Area treated for weeds: 81,250ha.
    • Area treated for rats, mustelids and other animal pests: 122,364ha.
    • Area treated for wallabies: 107,935ha.

    Arowhenua Native Nursery | Brad Edwards, DOC

    Brad Edwards, DOC’s Ngā Awa river ranger for the Rakitata River, is proud of how work across the different projects has come together.

    “Every project is important, from seed collection and propagation at the nursey, to the crews out preparing the ground and planting, maintenance work while the plants get going, extensive fencing to keep stock out of the riverbed and the landscape-scale pest control.”

    As well as trapping sediment and nutrients, the planting is creating a native corridor along the whole river. Established trees will be seed sources for birds to spread into new areas.

    A predator control network of more than 3,500 traps has been set up and maintained to protect the threatened birds that nest on the riverbed, including ngutu pare/wrybill and tarapirohe/black-fronted tern. Predator catches for 2024 totalled 2,828 hedgehogs, 368 feral cats and 479 stoats.

    “The variety and scale of what’s been achieved through Jobs for Nature is absolutely staggering.”

    Jobs for Nature team planting beside Deep Stream, a spring-fed tributary of the Rakitata River, in October 2024 | Greg Wilkinson

    Measuring changes and benefits

    Anyone who works in freshwater knows that making change is a long-term game. It can take years for positive changes, like more fish, improved water quality or a reduction in sediment, to show up. Monitoring has therefore been part of these projects, so future changes can be tracked.

    An October 2024 impact report by MartinJenkins1 estimated that the DOC-managed Jobs for Nature projects will deliver a return of $4 for every $1 spent. This figure is based on economic, environmental and wellbeing benefits, such as avoided irrigation loss, improved farm productivity, and reduced youth unemployment, water treatment costs and human health risks.

    In its approach to Jobs for Nature, DOC chose to put people first and trust the work would follow. The benefits for people, however, are also significant for freshwater. Many people employed said they had formed a much deeper relationship with the place and the river, which could bring further lasting benefits for nature in the long term.

    1. Publications: Jobs 4 Nature (or download PDF: Final-report-2024-Q4-J4N-impact-results-2024.pdf)
    This article was first published in the New Zealand Water Review (nzwaterreview.co.nz).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenhouse Gas Emissions for the 2023/24 Financial Year Report and Inventory

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

    Summary

    This document provides the report and inventory for the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) for the financial year 2023/24 (1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024).

    The inventory has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of:

    The Ministry for the Environment – Manatū mō te Taiao and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment – Hīkana Whakatutuki provided guidance in its development.

    Inventory reports and any GHG assertions are expected to be verified by a third-party verifier. This assurance statement is attached.
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Community volunteers celebrated with cheers

    Source: South Australia Police

    The City recently hosted a celebratory event to recognise the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers.

    Mayor Linda Aitken said the 2025 Community Services and Conservation Volunteers Dinner at the Wanneroo Civic Centre was an opportunity to honour our incredible volunteers and thank them for their contributions to the City.

    “With the City of Wanneroo home to almost 240,000 residents and growing rapidly, we rely more than ever on dedicated and committed volunteers to help ensure it continues to be a great place to live, work and visit,” she said.

    “Our 92 conservation and community services volunteers help the City in a variety of ways, supporting staff to deliver a range of programs and services for some of the most vulnerable members of our community and caring for our natural environment.”

    Six volunteers were presented with peer-nominated excellence awards for outstanding dedication to their role and service to the City.

    Bukamu Dube

    Since 2021, Bukamu has been a member of the City’s Multicultural Advisory Group and currently serves as its Deputy Chairperson, helping shape conversations around diversion and inclusion in our City.

    Outside the group, Bakumu runs a small business focused on training and community support, helping others from multicultural backgrounds navigate new opportunities.

    Kadambii Barnao

    Kadambii started her volunteering journey with the City in 2011, as part of the City’s first Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, which has since evolved into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community reference group, Ni Kadadjiny Koort.

    She remains an active and dedicated member of the group and a strong advocate for cultural values, human rights and reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.

    Andrew Fairbairn

    Andrew has served as a dedicated member of the City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Reference Group since 2019, consistently offering thoughtful input and championing meaningful change.

    He has helped to raise awareness about mobility mapping in our town centre, highlighting how features like gradients, surfaces, ramps and elevators can make a real difference for people with mobility challenges, helping them navigate public spaces with greater confidence and safety.

    Jennie Villiers

    Jennie’s journey as a volunteer with the City started in 2016 when she attended a community planning event as part of the City’s GOLD program.

    After asking about walking and photography in Koondoola Bushland, she helped organise a guided wildflower walk and has been involved with the City ever since.

    She first registered as a conservation volunteer, becoming one of our most active contributors – regularly weeding, collecting litter and supporting conservation events.

    Now, she leads annual wildflower walks for the community and local schools, and has even obtained a flora license for educational use and detailed surveys of Koondoola Bushland.

    In 2023, Jennie took the lead in running her own conservation activities, building a team and strengthening the Friends of Koondoola Bushland group along the way.

    Volunteering is a great way to get involved with your local community, contribute to a cause you care about and meet like-minded people.

    To find out more about volunteering with the City, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au/volunteers.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Residents encouraged to contribute to development of new Domestic Animal Management Plan and review of Local Law 2

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The City of Greater Bendigo is developing a new Domestic Animal Management Plan and undertaking a review of its Keeping of Animals Local Law 2 and is calling on residents both with pets and without pets to have input, to ensure the views of the wider community are reflected.  

    Local Law 2 has several clauses relating to the keeping of domestic animals and under the Local Government Act must be reviewed every 10 years to ensure it meets community expectations and relevancy.  

    City of Greater Bendigo Safe Environments Manager Jock Schofield said the City has a legislative requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) and this will be the fifth plan that the City has prepared.  

    “The new plan will build on the achievements and work from the first four plans and establish a framework to guide future service programs and actions through to 2029,” Mr Schofield said.

    “Companion animals have been part of our lives since recorded history with dogs and cats playing an important role in the daily lives of many Greater Bendigo residents.

    “Therefore, it’s vital for the City to undertake the necessary planning to ensure that pets, pet owners and non-pet owners can coexist in a harmonious way.

    “That is why we want to hear from both pet owners and non-pet owners so we can undertake initiatives to complement pet ownership and also actions that help minimise the nuisance and potential danger created by some dogs and cats.

    “Some of the initiatives that have come from previous plans include the creation of new dog parks and off leash areas and new cat containment rules.

    “The first step in developing the new plan is to gather feedback through a survey.  This information will be used in the development of a draft plan which will also be available for further community comment.”

    The survey includes questions in relation to demographics, responsible pet ownership and education, registration and identification of cats and dogs, desexing of cats and dogs and dog faeces management, keeping of animals local law, off/on lead areas (access to public spaces), cat control, dog attacks and nuisance animals and enforcement.

    Residents can make comments on the local law review and have input into the development of the by completing a survey by Friday May 30, 2025.

    To complete the survey, visit:

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: 100 days in, let’s continue to resist and protect.

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Usually marking 100 days of a new administration means taking stock and evaluating how it’ll set the tone for the next couple years of the president’s tenure. 

    But this time is different. 

    Donald Trump’s first 100 days of his second round in office has launched the beginning of a “new” MAGA regime with terrifying assaults on our families, our freedoms, and our future. I say “new” in quotation marks as it draws upon historical movements to roll back progress. 

    From attempts to claw back Congress-mandated funds for clean energy projects to the EPA boasting the “biggest deregulation action in U.S. history” with plans to roll back 31 environmental safeguards. 

    Translation: it’s their meager attempt to prop up the diminishing coal industry and give kickbacks to their cronies in oil and gas, removing rules meant for cleaner air, safer water and healthier families. 

    Of course this is just in the environmental space, not to mention the abducting of immigrants and attacks on international students, revoking of free speech rights, rolling back hard-won progress on racial equity, or playing billionaire’s games with the global economy.  

    I want to thank the media for covering the array of assaults on our communities. I want to honor the people power pushing back.

    We will not comply in advance to growing authoritarianism in the highest offices. Civil society has correctly demanded that our judicial system check their egregious and hostile government takeover. I take inspiration from our coalition of environmental groups blocking their illegal attempts to expand destructive offshore drilling, to ACLU’s standing up for the rights of trans Americans and immigrants, to my alma mater and former employer Harvard banding together with other universities to protect academic freedom and our freedom to learn. 

    This is a chaotic, precarious and uncertain time. But this is our mission:

    Resist and Protect.

    We continue to protect the oceans against potential deep sea mining, plastic pollution, and extractive practices. We continue to protect our climate in honor of our planet and for future generations. We continue to speak up for rights and freedoms that are essential to a vibrant and healthy democracy. 

    In solidarity with others believing in a better tomorrow, we must keep it up – for the love of our neighbors, our families and a greener and just future. 

    We’ve made it through 100 days. Let’s keep it up. 

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Leads Hearing Examining Water Infrastructure Successes from IIJA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing examining successes from water infrastructure policies and provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This hearing serves as the foundation for the EPW Committee’s work to craft bipartisan legislation to reauthorize water infrastructure programs ahead of their expiration next year.
    In her opening remarks, Chairman Capito outlined her principles for this reauthorization effort, centered on policies that enhance rural and underserved communities’ ability to deliver water projects, strengthen cooperative federalism, and deliver outcomes that prioritize safe water and reliable infrastructure.
    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.
    “Welcome to today’s hearing to examine the policies to strengthen our nation’s water infrastructure.
    “Again, I want to thank the witnesses for joining us and for the important work you do every single day to deliver safe, reliable water and sanitation services in your various communities.
    “This is our first hearing to discuss how we can build on the successes of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the IIJA, the water infrastructure provisions as we prepare bipartisan legislation to reauthorize those programs. 
    “In November of 2021 Congress passed the IIJA, which included the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act, a bipartisan bill that was developed and championed by this Committee.
    “That legislation represented the largest federal investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, delivering more than $50 billion for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater programs.
    “Since then, thousands of projects have started, including projects to upgrade treatment plants, replace aging systems, and support the needs of our small communities.
    “In short, this law is moving our nation’s water infrastructure systems forward. Despite this progress, the historic investment of the IIJA expires next year and we must get to work now to build on that progress while addressing any concerns with its implementation.
    “As we work together to reauthorize the IIJA’s water programs, I will prioritize policies that strengthen underserved communities’ abilities to deliver water projects, reinforce the cooperative federalism principle embedded in our laws, and focus on outcomes that prioritize safe water and sound infrastructure.
    “I can say anecdotally, in my small state of West Virginia, there are still pockets of our communities that don’t have the access to clean water, drinking water that they should and deserve to have. 
    “Achieving those goals requires us to take a clear-eyed look at the challenges communities face and ensure the tools we have provided are as effective and accessible as possible. 
    “First, we should seek to simplify the delivery mechanisms for water infrastructure funding. This is a repeating theme in about everything we’ve been looking at.  Many small and underserved communities continue to face barriers to access to federal money.
    “Communities may struggle with capacity, technical complexity, and long federal timelines of disbursing the funding. This can lead to communities giving up before they can even get a shovel in the ground.
    “We can fix these issues by providing targeted technical resources and assistance to help utilities and local governments navigate complex funding applications and simplifying the Environmental Protection Agency’s processes.
    “Second, our reauthorization should reinforce what works, including honoring the foundational principle of cooperative federalism. For decades the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act have recognized that states, not Washington, are best positioned to understand the infrastructure needs of our communities.
    “Federal funding and oversight are important, but implementation must be led by the states. The Biden EPA shifted away from that balance Congress intended between federal support and state leadership, by pushing one-size-fits-all mandates and layering on new criteria that go far beyond what Congress authorized.
    “We’ve also seen the increased emphasis on ‘environmental justice’ initiatives, and while the goal of supporting all underserved communities, regardless of background, is broadly supported, implementation of these ‘environmental justice’ initiatives has at times departed from the statute’s original direction and strayed from that broader goal.
    “Directing resources to underserved communities was a shared goal when we wrote the IIJA and the commitment remains. But we did not write a law that allows agencies to introduce new eligibility standards or funding formulas that may unintentionally overlook real infrastructure needs or second-guess shared and state priorities.
    “That approach is not only counterproductive, it risks leaving behind the very communities these programs were designed to help. Across the country, many low-income and underserved communities continue to grapple with major water infrastructure needs, yet rigid eligibility requirements in recent funding programs left some of them behind.
    “That runs counter to the bipartisan goals that we set when this law was written, to ensure all communities have a fair opportunity to benefit from these important programs.
    “That’s why we dedicated funds for systems of different sizes and why we provided State Revolving Funds the flexibility for each state to meet their individual needs.
    “This Committee worked in a bipartisan way to craft these programs, and going forward, implementation must remain true to the intent, not drift into interpretations that complicate access or confuse applicants. 
    “My third guiding principle is that a successful bill and implementation of EPA’s water programs must be focused on outcomes. Enacting policies that are consistently driven by successful outcomes will help ensure that every American, no matter where they live, can count on the basic services they deserve.
    “That’s what this Committee has always focused on and it’s what I will continue to prioritize as Chairman. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses and to kick off our work to reauthorize and improve our nation’s water infrastructure programs.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Scuderia Ferrari and HP Fuse Technology and Design with Special Livery for Miami Grand Prix

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    News Highlights:

    • Scuderia Ferrari and HP collaborate to co-engineer livery wrapping technologies pushing the boundaries of design possibilities in the near future
    • Debut of special edition livery for Miami GP to mark the first year of title partnership
    • With the latest-generation HP technology, Ferrari is building the working environment of the future in Maranello and at the track

    MIAMI, Fla., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Scuderia Ferrari and HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) today revealed a special co-designed livery, ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, marking the first year of their title partnership. Unveiled this afternoon in downtown Miami by the Scuderia Ferrari HP drivers and Team Principal, Fred Vasseur, the cutting-edge livery is a result of deep collaboration between the two companies, pushing the boundaries of visual design and performance.

    The livery combines the Ferrari red with HP’s signature white and electric blue, applied using new, co-engineered technologies that will pave the way for even more striking designs in the future.

    Co-Engineering for Performance

    As part of a series of ongoing joint projects between HP and Scuderia Ferrari engineers, the Miami livery development stands out as a clear example of innovation in action. Engineering teams from both Ferrari in Maranello and HP in Barcelona worked hand in hand and experimented with technologies and materials to achieve the final result.

    Innovative techniques were used to produce the film that covers part of the SF-25. These represent a significant step forward over the technology used last year, creating a car wrap that is up to 14% lighter and up to 17% thinner, with increased thermal resistance1. The film is PVC-free, fully recyclable, and applied using HP’s latest generation of latex technology.

    Formula 1 is constantly evolving, and both companies will continue to refine wrap technologies together — making them even more efficient, enabling bolder aesthetics and design innovation while reducing the time required to apply the film.

    Miami GP Special Livery

    The special livery design for this weekend reflects the evolution of this partnership and the shared effort behind it. For the first time in the Scuderia’s history, the livery on Charles Leclerc’s and Lewis Hamilton’s SF-25s features asymmetric graphic elements. Touches of HP’s signature electric blue appear on the front and rear wings, although Ferrari red is still the dominant color. The wheels are painted white, creating a clean, modern look that embodies the team’s innovative vision.

    This livery is not just a styling exercise, it is a tangible celebration of shared ambition – two companies, two visions, united by technology and creativity, working together to push the boundaries of what is possible.

    Building the Working Environment of the Future

    The collaboration is also transforming how Ferrari works at the track and in Maranello, with the installation of hundreds of HP laptops, monitors, powerful workstations, and printers in the factory and in the team’s mobile offices at the Formula 1 World Championship events. Thanks to this latest generation of high-performance and user-friendly technology, business efficiency, productivity, and collaboration have also been enhanced.

    This ongoing partnership between HP and Ferrari exemplifies how technology can enhance work experiences, promoting greater fulfillment and productivity, while HP’s continued technology integration at Ferrari creates a positive working environment for employees to thrive.

    In the Fan Zone and on Track

    In addition to the special livery reveal, a variety of activities will take place in the HP Experience area at the Wynwood Marketplace, showcasing how HP technology is supporting Scuderia Ferrari, and how it can empower workers and companies around the world to achieve greater work fulfillment. Starting tomorrow, fans heading to the racetrack will also notice that the drivers’ race suits and helmets have been designed to match the special livery created for the Miami race.

    “Our collaboration with Ferrari is a testament to how HP is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Enrique Lores, President and CEO, HP Inc. “Together, we are harnessing technology, performance, and innovation to create and co-engineer exceptional experiences on and off the track. As HP continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions to define the Future of Work, we are setting new standards for collaboration and innovation.”

    Benedetto Vigna, CEO Ferrari commented: It all started one year ago at the Miami Grand Prix and since then, we’ve seen how deeply aligned our two companies are when it comes to the importance of people to boosting innovation, striving for excellence, and pushing boundaries.

    “This Grand Prix will mark the return to the place where the collaboration between our two companies began, with a celebration of this journey featuring a bold new asymmetric livery. It is an expression of our shared belief in the power of design, technology, and performance to drive meaningful change.

    “Beyond the racetrack, this partnership has also allowed us to elevate how we work every day. Thanks to HP’s cutting-edge devices and technologies, we’ve been able to enhance the efficiency, connectivity, and flexibility of our workspaces, providing every member of our team with the best possible environment in which to perform at their highest level. It’s a symbol of how far we’ve come together, and a glimpse of the road ahead. We’re proud to continue this collaboration with HP as we look to a very promising future.”

    About Scuderia Ferrari HP

    Scuderia Ferrari is the most successful team in Formula 1 history, having competed in every season since the championship’s inception in 1950. With over 1,100 Grand Prix entries, the team has scored nearly 250 victories, 16 Constructors’ Championships, and 15 Drivers’ Championships. Legendary names such as Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Alberto Ascari have all contributed to Scuderia Ferrari’s rich and storied legacy. Headquartered in Maranello, Italy, Scuderia Ferrari HP is synonymous with engineering excellence, relentless innovation, and an unwavering passion for motorsport. Its red cars have become a global symbol of performance and prestige — a reflection of the team’s enduring influence both on and off the track.

    About HP

    HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.hp.com.

    Media Contacts

    MediaRelations@hp.com 
    hp.com/go/newsroom  

    1 Based on proprietary data and testing from Ferrari and HP and when compared with 2024. Results current as of April 30, 2025.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Clyde’s CRA to Overturn Costly Biden-Era Energy Standards Passes Senate

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) released the following statement after his Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval, H.J.Res. 42, passed the Senate by a vote of 52-46. The resolution, which passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support last month, rescinds the Biden-Harris Administration’s final rule that put additional costs and red tape on appliance manufacturers, with consumers bearing the ultimate cost.

    “I applaud the Senate for passing my commonsense resolution to reverse Biden’s DOE energy efficiency standards that place needless red tape on manufacturers, limit consumer choice, and increase prices for hardworking Americans,” said Clyde. “Both consumers and manufacturers are sick and tired of Washington bureaucrats raising costs and stifling innovation through unnecessary mandates. Thankfully, Congress is taking critical steps to repeal harmful regulations that the Biden-Harris Administration forced on our country. I look forward to H.J.Res. 42 arriving on President Trump’s desk for his signature so we can overturn yet another burdensome Biden-era rule for the American people.”

    Background

    On October 9th, 2024, the Biden-Harris Department of Energy finalized certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions for various consumer products and commercial equipment. The rule, entitled “Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment,” amended or created new requirements for 20 different products, including dishwashers, central AC and heat pumps, clothes washers, and more.

    On March 3rd, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget issued a Statement of Administration Policy in support of H.J.Res. 42.

    Related

    Rep. Clyde’s CRA to Overturn Costly Biden-Era Energy Standards Passes House

    Rep. Clyde Leads Fight to Overturn More Than a Dozen Biden-Era Rules, Saving +$100 Billion

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray’s Bill to Reauthorize Northwest Straits Commission Passes Through Senate Science Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Senator Murray has worked tirelessly to fund the Northwest Straits Commission every single year since 1998

    ICYMI: Senator Murray, Cantwell, and Rep. Larsen Reintroduce Legislation to Permanently Reauthorize Northwest Straits Commission

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced that the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 passed out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The legislation would reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission in the Puget Sound, and fund it at $3 million each fiscal year for the next five years, through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Murray and Cantwell’s bill will now have to pass through the full Senate and the House before it can be signed into law.

    The Northwest Straits Commission is a community-led effort to restore marine habitats in the Northwest Straits region and address local threats to marine environments with projects such as restoring shellfish populations, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and promoting growth for native water and shore-based plants. The Northwest Straits Commission provides funding, training, and support to seven county-based Marine Resources Committees (MRCs). The Commission advises local officials on how to best carry out environmental projects and provides expertise to community organizations to help them be partners in their work by, for example, training volunteers to identify forage fish spawning sites. Senator Murray led the authorization of the Northwest Straits Commission in 1998 and has secured federal funding for the Commission every single year in the decades since.

    “I first established the Northwest Straits Commission with bipartisan support in 1998, to ensure our rich marine resources in the Northwest Straits stay healthy—which in Washington state is critical for our local communities, Tribes, and economy,” said Senator Murray. “This legislation would help provide a strong and consistent funding stream for the Commission and ensure partners on the ground can expand their efforts to protect our marine species and habitats and support our outdoor recreation economy. I am proud to continue leading the charge to authorize the Northwest Straits Commission, and I will keep fighting to secure federal funding for this effort as I have done since I first helped establish the commission.”

    “The Puget Sound and the Straits are [among the busiest] waterways in the nation, and just happen to intersect with also some of the most beautiful habitat and species in the nation as well,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Having the Straits Commission continue to do their work is very important.”

    The Northwest Straits Commission is supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, elected leaders, and Tribal partners throughout the Puget Sound Region.

    The Northwest Straits Commission was established following the bipartisan partnership of Senator Murray and former Congressman Jack Metcalf. Murray and Metcalf released a report in 1998 that laid the groundwork for the Northwest Straits Commission and its work protecting marine habitats, and later that year, Senator Murray successfully authorized the Northwest Straits Commission for a six-year period. Over the years, Senator Murray has helped secure tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for the Northwest Straits Commission’s restoration work and research—part of Senator Murray’s longtime, steadfast commitment to salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest.

    Last year, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray secured $1 million for the Northwest Straits Initiative through programmatic funding in the appropriations bills she wrote and passed into law in March 2024—this was the first time Northwest Straits received programmatic funding since the original authorization expired in 2004, and is significant in helping to ensure the Commission is funded. In the appropriations bills for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, Senator Murray secured a total of $6 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding for the Northwest Straits Commission; that funding was essential to the removal of the “Windjammer” sailboat that had been partially submerged near the Kukutali Preserve since 2009 on Swinomish Tribal tideland. Prior to the return of Congressionally Directed Spending in Fiscal Year 2022, Murray ensured the Northwest Straits Commission received annual funding through the EPA’s Puget Sound Geographic Program. Prior to that, Murray secured CDS funding for the Northwest Straits Commission after the original authorization for the Commission expired in 2004.

    The text of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft Cloud and AI strength drives third quarter results

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft Cloud and AI strength drives third quarter results

    Microsoft Cloud and AI Strength Drives Third Quarter Results

    REDMOND, Wash. — April 30, 2025 Microsoft Corp. today announced the following results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, as compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year:

    ·        Revenue was $70.1 billion and increased 13% (up 15% in constant currency)

    ·        Operating income was $32.0 billion and increased 16% (up 19% in constant currency)

    ·        Net income was $25.8 billion and increased 18% (up 19% in constant currency)

    ·        Diluted earnings per share was $3.46 and increased 18% (up 19% in constant currency)

    “Cloud and AI are the essential inputs for every business to expand output, reduce costs, and accelerate growth,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft. “From AI infra and platforms to apps, we are innovating across the stack to deliver for our customers.”

    “We delivered a strong quarter with Microsoft Cloud revenue of $42.4 billion, up 20% (up 22% in constant currency) year-over-year driven by continued demand for our differentiated offerings,” said Amy Hood, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Microsoft.

    Business Highlights

    Revenue in Productivity and Business Processes was $29.9 billion and increased 10% (up 13% in constant currency), with the following business highlights:

    ·        Microsoft 365 Commercial products and cloud services revenue increased 11% (up 14% in constant currency) driven by Microsoft 365 Commercial cloud revenue growth of 12% (up 15% in constant currency)

    ·        Microsoft 365 Consumer products and cloud services revenue increased 10% (up 12% in constant currency) driven by Microsoft 365 Consumer cloud revenue growth of 10% (up 12% in constant currency)

    ·        LinkedIn revenue increased 7% (up 8% in constant currency)

    ·        Dynamics products and cloud services revenue increased 11% (up 13% in constant currency) driven by Dynamics 365 revenue growth of 16% (up 18% in constant currency)

    Revenue in Intelligent Cloud was $26.8 billion and increased 21% (up 22% in constant currency), with the following business highlights:

    ·        Server products and cloud services revenue increased 22% (up 24% in constant currency) driven by Azure and other cloud services revenue growth of 33% (up 35% in constant currency)

    Revenue in More Personal Computing was $13.4 billion and increased 6% (up 7% in constant currency), with the following business highlights:

    ·        Windows OEM and Devices revenue increased 3%

    ·        Xbox content and services revenue increased 8% (up 9% in constant currency)

    ·        Search and news advertising revenue excluding traffic acquisition costs increased 21% (up 23% in constant currency)

    Microsoft returned $9.7 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

    Business Outlook

    Microsoft will provide forward-looking guidance in connection with this quarterly earnings announcement on its earnings conference call and webcast.

    Quarterly Highlights, Product Releases, and Enhancements 

    Every quarter Microsoft delivers hundreds of products, either as new releases, services, or enhancements to current products and services. These releases are a result of significant research and development investments, made over multiple years, designed to help customers be more productive and secure and to deliver differentiated value across the cloud and the edge.

    Here are the major product releases and other highlights for the quarter, organized by product categories, to help illustrate how we are accelerating innovation across our businesses while expanding our market opportunities.

    Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

    To learn more about Microsoft’s corporate governance and our environmental and social practices, please visit our investor relations Board and ESG website and reporting at Microsoft.com/transparency. 

    Webcast Details

    Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer, Amy Hood, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Alice Jolla, chief accounting officer, Keith Dolliver, corporate secretary and deputy general counsel, and Jonathan Neilson, vice president of investor relations, will host a conference call and webcast at 2:30 p.m. Pacific time (5:30 p.m. Eastern time) today to discuss details of the company’s performance for the quarter and certain forward-looking information. The session may be accessed at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/investor. The webcast will be available for replay through the close of business on April 30, 2026.

    Constant Currency

    Microsoft presents constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars using the average exchange rates from the comparative period rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. All growth comparisons relate to the corresponding period in the last fiscal year. Microsoft has provided this non-GAAP financial information to aid investors in better understanding our performance. The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this release should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Financial Performance Constant Currency Reconciliation

     

    Three Months Ended March 31,

     ($ in millions, except per share amounts)

    Revenue

    Operating Income

    Net Income

    Diluted Earnings per Share

    2024 As Reported (GAAP)

    $61,858

    $27,581

    $21,939

    $2.94

    2025 As Reported (GAAP)

    $70,066

    $32,000

    $25,824

    $3.46

    Percentage Change Y/Y (GAAP)

    13%

    16%

    18%

    18%

    Constant Currency Impact

    $(1,059)

    $(703)

    $(392)

    $(0.05)

    Percentage Change Y/Y Constant Currency

    15%

    19%

    19%

    19%

     

    Segment Revenue Constant Currency Reconciliation

     

    Three Months Ended March 31,

     ($ in millions)

    Productivity and Business Processes

    Intelligent Cloud

    More Personal Computing

    2024 As Reported (GAAP)

    $27,113

    $22,141

    $12,604

    2025 As Reported (GAAP)

    $29,944

    $26,751

    $13,371

    Percentage Change Y/Y (GAAP)

    10%

    21%

    6%

    Constant Currency Impact

    $(626)

    $(308)

    $(125)

    Percentage Change Y/Y Constant Currency

    13%

    22%

    7%

    We have recast certain prior period amounts to conform to the way we internally manage and monitor our business.

    Selected Product and Service Revenue Constant Currency Reconciliation           

     

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

    Percentage Change Y/Y (GAAP)

    Constant Currency Impact

    Percentage Change Y/Y Constant Currency

    Microsoft Cloud

    20%

    2%

    22%

    Microsoft 365 Commercial products and cloud services

    11%

    3%

    14%

    Microsoft 365 Commercial cloud

    12%

    3%

    15%

    Microsoft 365 Consumer products and cloud services

    10%

    2%

    12%

    Microsoft 365 Consumer cloud

    10%

    2%

    12%

    LinkedIn

    7%

    1%

    8%

    Dynamics products and cloud services

    11%

    2%

    13%

    Dynamics 365

    16%

    2%

    18%

    Server products and cloud services

    22%

    2%

    24%

    Azure and other cloud services

    33%

    2%

    35%

    Windows OEM and Devices

    3%

    0%

    3%

    Xbox content and services

    8%

    1%

    9%

    Search and news advertising excluding traffic acquisition costs

    21%

    2%

    23%

     

    About Microsoft

    Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this release that are “forward-looking statements” are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors such as:

    ·        intense competition in all of our markets that may adversely affect our results of operations;

    ·        focus on cloud-based and AI services presenting execution and competitive risks;

    ·        significant investments in products and services that may not achieve expected returns;

    ·        acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances that may have an adverse effect on our business;

    ·        impairment of goodwill or amortizable intangible assets causing a significant charge to earnings;

    ·        cyberattacks and security vulnerabilities that could lead to reduced revenue, increased costs, liability claims, or harm to our reputation or competitive position;

    ·        disclosure and misuse of personal data that could cause liability and harm to our reputation;

    ·        the possibility that we may not be able to protect information stored in our products and services from use by others;

    ·        abuse of our advertising, professional, marketplace, or gaming platforms that may harm our reputation or user engagement;

    ·        products and services, how they are used by customers, and how third-party products and services interact with them, presenting security, privacy, and execution risks;

    ·        issues about the use of AI in our offerings that may result in reputational or competitive harm, or legal liability;

    ·        excessive outages, data losses, and disruptions of our online services if we fail to maintain an adequate operations infrastructure;

    ·        supply or quality problems;

    ·        government enforcement under competition laws and new market regulation may limit how we design and market our products;

    ·        potential consequences of trade and anti-corruption laws;

    ·        potential consequences of existing and increasing legal and regulatory requirements;

    ·        laws and regulations relating to the handling of personal data that may impede the adoption of our services or result in increased costs, legal claims, fines, or reputational damage;

    ·        claims against us that may result in adverse outcomes in legal disputes;

    ·        uncertainties relating to our business with government customers;

    ·        additional tax liabilities;

    ·        sustainability regulations and expectations that may expose us to increased costs and legal and reputational risk;

    ·        an inability to protect and utilize our intellectual property may harm our business and operating results;

    ·        claims that Microsoft has infringed the intellectual property rights of others;

    ·        damage to our reputation or our brands that may harm our business and results of operations;

    ·        adverse economic or market conditions that may harm our business;

    ·        catastrophic events or geo-political conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, that may disrupt our business;

    ·        exposure to increased economic and operational uncertainties from operating a global business, including the effects of foreign currency exchange; and

    ·        the dependence of our business on our ability to attract and retain talented employees.

    For more information about risks and uncertainties associated with Microsoft’s business, please refer to the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections of Microsoft’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained by contacting Microsoft’s Investor Relations department at (800) 285-7772 or at Microsoft’s Investor Relations website at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/investor.

    All information in this release is as of March 31, 2025. The company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company’s expectations.

    For more information, press only:

    Microsoft Media Relations, WE Communications for Microsoft, (425) 638-7777, rrt@we-worldwide.com

    For more information, financial analysts and investors only:

    Jonathan Neilson, Vice President, Investor Relations, (425) 706-4400

    Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers, and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. Shareholder and financial information, as well as today’s 2:30 p.m. Pacific time conference call with investors and analysts, is available at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/investor.


     

    MICROSOFT CORPORATION

    INCOME STATEMENTS

    (In millions, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

    Three Months Ended

     March 31,

    Nine Months Ended

     March 31,

     

    2025

     

    2024

     

    2025

     

    2024

    Revenue:

    Product

     $15,319

     $17,080

     $46,810

     $51,556

    Service and other

    54,747

     

    44,778

     

    158,473

     

    128,839

    Total revenue

    70,066

     

    61,858

     

    205,283

     

    180,395

    Cost of revenue:

    Product

    3,037

    4,339

    10,187

    13,834

    Service and other

    18,882

     

    14,166

     

    53,630

     

    40,596

    Total cost of revenue

    21,919

     

    18,505

     

    63,817

     

    54,430

    Gross margin

    48,147

    43,353

    141,466

    125,965

    Research and development

    8,198

    7,653

    23,659

    21,454

    Sales and marketing

    6,212

    6,207

    18,369

    17,640

    General and administrative

    1,737

    1,912

    5,233

    5,363

    Operating income

    32,000

     

    27,581

     

    94,205

     

    81,508

    Other expense, net

    (623)

     

    (854)

     

    (3,194)

     

    (971)

    Income before income taxes

    31,377

    26,727

    91,011

    80,537

    Provision for income taxes

    5,553

     

    4,788

     

    16,412

     

    14,437

    Net income

     $25,824

     

     $21,939

     

     $74,599

     

     $66,100

    Earnings per share:

    Basic

     $3.47

     $2.95

     $10.03

     $8.90

    Diluted

     $3.46

     $2.94

     $9.99

     $8.85

    Weighted average shares outstanding:

    Basic

    7,434

    7,431

    7,434

    7,431

    Diluted

    7,461

     

    7,472

     

    7,466

     

    7,467

     


     

    COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENTS

    (In millions) (Unaudited)

    Three Months Ended

     March 31,

    Nine Months Ended

     March 31,

     

    2025

     

    2024

     

    2025

     

    2024

    Net income

     $25,824

     

     $21,939

     

     $74,599

     

     $66,100

    Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

    Net change related to derivatives

    (20)

    10

    4

    28

    Net change related to investments

    450

    (202)

    1,130

    869

    Translation adjustments and other

    353

     

    (294)

     

    (377)

     

    11

    Other comprehensive income (loss)

    783

     

    (486)

     

    757

     

    908

    Comprehensive income

     $26,607

     

     $21,453

     

     $75,356

     

     $67,008

     


     

    BALANCE SHEETS

    (In millions) (Unaudited)

     

    March 31,

    2025

    June 30,

     2024

    Assets

    Current assets:

    Cash and cash equivalents

     $28,828

     $18,315

    Short-term investments

    50,790

    57,228

    Total cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments

    79,618

    75,543

    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $695 and $830

    51,700

    56,924

    Inventories

    848

    1,246

    Other current assets

    24,478

    26,021

    Total current assets

    156,644

    159,734

    Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $87,074 and $76,421

    183,939

    135,591

    Operating lease right-of-use assets

    24,475

    18,961

    Equity and other investments

    16,035

    14,600

    Goodwill

    119,329

    119,220

    Intangible assets, net

    23,968

    27,597

    Other long-term assets

    38,234

    36,460

    Total assets

     $562,624

     $512,163

    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

    Current liabilities:

    Accounts payable

     $26,250

     $21,996

    Short-term debt

    0

    6,693

    Current portion of long-term debt

    2,999

    2,249

    Accrued compensation

    10,579

    12,564

    Short-term income taxes

    6,805

    5,017

    Short-term unearned revenue

    44,636

    57,582

    Other current liabilities

    22,937

    19,185

    Total current liabilities

    114,206

    125,286

    Long-term debt

    39,882

    42,688

    Long-term income taxes

    25,061

    27,931

    Long-term unearned revenue

    2,840

    2,602

    Deferred income taxes

    2,522

    2,618

    Operating lease liabilities

    17,686

    15,497

    Other long-term liabilities

    38,536

    27,064

    Total liabilities

    240,733

    243,686

    Commitments and contingencies

    Stockholders’ equity:

    Common stock and paid-in capital – shares authorized 24,000; outstanding 7,434 and 7,434

    106,965

    100,923

    Retained earnings

    219,759

    173,144

    Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (4,833)

    (5,590)

    Total stockholders’ equity

    321,891

    268,477

    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

     $562,624

     $512,163

     


     

    CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS

    (In millions) (Unaudited)

    Three Months Ended

     March 31,

    Nine Months Ended

     March 31,

     

    2025

     

    2024

     

    2025

     

    2024

    Operations

    Net income

     $25,824

     $21,939

     $74,599

     $66,100

    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operations:

    Depreciation, amortization, and other

    8,740

    6,027

    22,950

    15,907

    Stock-based compensation expense

    2,980

    2,703

    8,901

    8,038

    Net recognized losses (gains) on investments and derivatives

    (298)

    49

    553

    261

    Deferred income taxes

    (2,244)

    (1,323)

    (4,835)

    (3,593)

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    Accounts receivable

    (2,461)

    (2,028)

    5,598

    6,055

    Inventories

    52

    260

    390

    1,229

    Other current assets

    1,076

    951

    642

    880

    Other long-term assets

    (518)

    (2,137)

    (3,368)

    (5,577)

    Accounts payable

    1,179

    648

    1,221

    (659)

    Unearned revenue

    (1,032)

    (645)

    (12,923)

    (10,309)

    Income taxes

    1,298

    2,622

    (1,081)

    2,493

    Other current liabilities

    2,839

    2,803

    576

    215

    Other long-term liabilities

    (391)

     

    48

     

    292

     

    313

    Net cash from operations

    37,044

     

    31,917

     

    93,515

     

    81,353

    Financing

    Proceeds from issuance (repayments) of debt, maturities of 90 days or less, net

    0

    (3,810)

    (5,746)

    6,392

    Proceeds from issuance of debt

    0

    6,352

    0

    24,198

    Repayments of debt

    (2,250)

    (11,589)

    (3,216)

    (16,005)

    Common stock issued

    546

    522

    1,508

    1,468

    Common stock repurchased

    (4,781)

    (4,213)

    (13,874)

    (13,044)

    Common stock cash dividends paid

    (6,169)

    (5,572)

    (17,913)

    (16,197)

    Other, net

    (382)

     

    (498)

     

    (1,614)

     

    (1,006)

    Net cash used in financing

    (13,036)

     

    (18,808)

     

    (40,855)

     

    (14,194)

    Investing

    Additions to property and equipment

    (16,745)

    (10,952)

    (47,472)

    (30,604)

    Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired and divestitures, and purchases of intangible and other assets

    (981)

    (1,575)

    (4,235)

    (67,790)

    Purchases of investments

    (4,474)

    (2,183)

    (8,144)

    (14,901)

    Maturities of investments

    6,721

    3,350

    11,461

    23,218

    Sales of investments

    2,161

    1,941

    6,688

    8,871

    Other, net

    604

    (1,281)

    (325)

    (916)

    Net cash used in investing

    (12,714)

     

    (10,700)

     

    (42,027)

     

    (82,122)

    Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

    52

     

    (80)

     

    (120)

     

    (107)

    Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    11,346

    2,329

    10,513

    (15,070)

    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    17,482

     

    17,305

     

    18,315

     

    34,704

    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     $28,828

     

     $19,634

     

     $28,828

     

     $19,634

     


     

    SEGMENT REVENUE AND OPERATING INCOME

    (In millions) (Unaudited)

     

    Three Months Ended

     March 31,

     

    Nine Months Ended

     March 31,

     

     

     

    2025

     

    2024

     

    2025

     

    2024

    Revenue

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Productivity and Business Processes

     $29,944

     

     $27,113

     

     $87,698

     

     $78,193

    Intelligent Cloud

    26,751

     

    22,141

     

    76,387

     

    63,679

    More Personal Computing

    13,371

     

    12,604

     

    41,198

     

    38,523

    Total

     $70,066

     

     $61,858

     

     $205,283

     

     $180,395

    Operating Income

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Productivity and Business Processes

     $17,379

     

     $15,143

     

     $50,780

     

     $43,955

    Intelligent Cloud

    11,095

     

    9,515

     

    32,449

     

    27,978

    More Personal Computing

    3,526

     

    2,923

     

    10,976

     

    9,575

    Total

     $32,000

     

     $27,581

     

     $94,205

     

     $81,508

    We have recast certain prior period amounts to conform to the way we internally manage and monitor our business.

     

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace USA marks Trump’s first 100 days with launch of global #TimetoResist campaign

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    © Tim Aubry / Greenpeace

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 30, 2025) – This morning, Greenpeace USA campaigners marked the first 100 days of this administration’s second term by unfurling a powerful banner reading “We the People: Preserve, Protect, Defend” in front of the U.S. Constitution display at the National Archives, launching the organization’s new #TimeToResist global campaign.

    Photos from the DC bannering can be found here

    This comes after 100 days of chaos and lawlessness, escalating threats to democracy, climate action, and civil rights – led by billionaire oligarchs and corporate bullies who are using money and insider relationships in Washington to try to silence dissent. Greenpeace USA’s campaign is a bold defense, not just of the planet, but the foundational freedoms that protect it.

    Dr. Folabi Olagbaju, Democracy Campaign Director, Greenpeace USA, said:  “Greenpeace’s mission has always been to preserve, protect, and defend our just green world and today, that means defending the very document that makes this critical advocacy work possible. We the People is a phrase that belongs to all of us… it is not owned by corporations, or billionaires, or politicians. As the constitutional rights to free speech and due process come under attack on university campuses, in major law firms, and even inside legacy journalism institutions, Greenpeace USA is making clear that our fight is not just about defending the environment and safeguarding climate: it’s about defending democracy itself.

    “We are here to remind this administration, and the nation, that constitutional rights belong to the people. Free speech, protest, and dissent are not negotiable. They are the foundation of any livable future, and we will resist any effort to erase them.”

    Greenpeace USA marked the first 100 days of this administration’s second term by unfurling a powerful banner reading “We the People: Preserve, Protect, Defend” © Tim Aubry / Greenpeace

    With today’s action, Greenpeace USA declares: the next 100 days are ours — a time for the people to restore hope, to organize, to rise up, and to defy the suppression of dissent and justice.

    The Time to Resist campaign will mobilize people across the United States and around the world to stand together, protect the right to dissent, and safeguard the future before it’s too late.Read more and see the global petition here.


    Contact: Madison Carter, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, [email protected]

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Kicks Off 2025 Cooperation with G20 under South African Presidency

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    IAEA and South African G20 Presidency side event on the role of nuclear power and the clean energy transitions, in Cape Town. (Photo: B. Carpinelli/IAEA)

    For the second year in a row, the IAEA has been invited to collaborate with the G20 on work related to nuclear power. The cooperation with the G20 (Group of Twenty) resumed under the presidency of South Africa at meetings this week in Cape Town, kicking off with a side event hosted by the IAEA and South Africa on the role of nuclear energy in clean energy transitions, as one of the technology dialogues that the presidency is featuring throughout the yearlong process.

    Building on its first-ever collaboration on nuclear power with the G20 in 2024 under the presidency of Brazil, the IAEA engagement this year will include publications tailored to inform the group on topics such as the prospects for nuclear power in Africa and repurposing coal-fired plants with nuclear power such as small modular reactors (SMRs),  as well as participation in the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Energy, set for 23-26 September.

    “At a time when energy access and security of supply are issues of global concern, the role of nuclear energy in low carbon, resilient and affordable energy systems remains indispensable,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said. “Continuing the work that the IAEA began under the presidency of Brazil, we are now looking forward to working with South Africa.”

    The first African country to assume the G20 presidency, South Africa is pursuing an Africa-wide approach emphasizing energy security, a just and inclusive clean energy transition and regional energy cooperation. While South Africa remains the only country on the continent to have nuclear power and aims to expand its programme, several African countries have expressed interest in or are embarking its introduction. Egypt is building four large reactors, and other countries such as Ghana and Kenya are working with the IAEA to establish the necessary infrastructure for a nuclear power programme, with a particular interest in SMRs.

    The side event opened with special remarks from Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy of South Africa. Delegates from the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) attended the event, which discussed the state of nuclear power in South Africa as well as the IAEA’s outlook on nuclear power and a description of the upcoming publications that the IAEA will publish as part of its G20 collaboration this year. A session on nuclear power project financing issues followed, with panellists from the IAEA, the International Energy Agency, France and South Africa discussing ways to unlock financing for nuclear power projects and pave the way for faster deployment.

    “In the wake of the world aiming to reach net zero by 2050, there has been a return to realism where it is globally accepted that nuclear technology has a huge role to play in the energy mix as a key source to ensure countries achieve their energy security, energy sovereignty, and energy justice in the transition,” said Minster Ramokgopa. “The expansion of the nuclear programme gives South Africa energy security and sovereignty that enables the country to move its economy into a digital era, engage in new research frontiers and take its rightful place amongst leading nations.” 

    Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa delivering his opening remarks at the nuclear energy side event hosted by the IAEA and South Africa during the G20 ETWG meetings. (Photo: B. Carpinelli/IAEA)

    During the event, delegates from G20 members and invited countries delivered remarks from the floor and offered their national perspectives.

    “Italy is working to relaunch the use of sustainable nuclear energy, in its net zero emissions path by 2050. We have created the National Platform for Sustainable Nuclear involving R&D centres and industrial capabilities and nowadays our Government is strongly committed to work on enabling a favourable legislative and regulatory framework aimed at promoting the use of safe and innovative nuclear at the national level, including small modular reactors and Generation IV advanced modular reactors,” said Alberto Pela, Head of Delegation and Senior Advisor on International activities at the Department of Energy of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security of Italy.

    The United Arab Emirates, an invited country, recently began operating four large nuclear power reactors.

    “In the UAE, nuclear energy is more than a power source — it’s a cornerstone of our clean, safe, and sustainable energy future,” said Nawal Yousif Alhanaee, Director of the Future Energy Department at the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. “With the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant meeting up to 25 per cent of our electricity needs, we affirm our commitment to a carbon-free tomorrow powered by peaceful and reliable nuclear technology.”

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Week 6 of “Dirty Dems” campaign highlights failures of Bakersfield legislators

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    BAKERSFIELD, CA (April 29, 2025)—As part of the ongoing “Dirty Dems” campaign, Greenpeace USA, in collaboration with the California Working Families Party and Courage California, continues to hold California State legislators accountable for their damaging connections to the oil and gas industry and their failure to support critical climate, economic justice, and progressive priorities.

    This week, the spotlight falls on Bakersfield – and two legislators who have continuously received failing grades from every major environmental and progressive scorecard across the state. Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, who has accepted $54,000 from the oil and gas industry in just the last session alone, and Senator Melissa Hurtado, who has accepted $79,500 herself since 2018, have made a name for themselves through supporting corporate polluters instead of fighting for their communities. 

    Amy Moas, Ph.D., Greenpeace USA Senior Climate Campaigner, said: “Assemblymember Bains’s and Senator Hurtado’s behavior accepting dirty money, and then voting against policies that would have made their communities healthier and more resilient, is inexcusable. Bakersfield and its surrounding communities deserve elected leaders who are fighting for everyday, working families – not delaying protections that would keep people safe.”

    Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains – “Big Oil Bains” 

    Though Assemblymember Bains has only been in office for two full legislative sessions – and though she represents communities bearing the brunt of the toxic oil industry – she has repeatedly chosen not to protect the very people she was elected to represent. Assembly Member Bains was the only Democrat to choose corporate profits over protecting her constituents when she voted against a bill aimed at ensuring oil companies are not ripping off Californians in order to rake in historic profits (SBX1-2). During the same session, she also did the oil industry’s bidding by introducing a bill requiring an increase in toxic oil production in the state. 

    Some additional low points of Assembly Member Bains’ time in office include voting no on programs to lower air pollution and smog (AB 126) and skipping voting on a bill to monitor noxious pollutants in neighborhoods that have been linked to asthma and cancer (SB 674).  She also skipped a vote to mandate California speed up the plugging of the thousands of leaking idle wells throughout the state (AB 1866), as well as on a bill to incentivize the clean up of the low producing oil wells polluting the largest urban oil field in the country (AB 2716). Assembly Member Bains does not just vote down and skip votes on public health and environmental issues, however; she also skipped voting on a bill to improve the working conditions for janitorial labor in California (AB 2364). 

    Senator Melissa Hurtado

    Senator Hurtado’s contributions from Chevron, the California Independent Petroleum Association (CIPA), and one of California’s largest oil refiners, PBF Energy, show in her voting record. While it is common in the California Legislature for legislators to skip votes in order to avoid taking a stand on difficult bills, Senator Hurtado has one of the most up front and brazen records with her actual voting down numerous environmental justice and public health bills for the purpose of protecting the profits of her corporate donors. 

    Senator Hurtado’s time in office includes a series of low points. First, she voted no on one of the largest environmental justice priorities for more than a decade aimed at reducing pollution from oil drilling in neighborhoods (SB 1137), and voted no on multiple bills aimed at cleaning up toxic idle oil wells and ensuring taxpayers are not stuck with the bill (AB 1866 and AB 1167) – despite her district having more than 11,000 idle wells. Additionally, she voted against a bill to incentivize the cleanup of low producing wells in the largest urban oil field (AB 2716), and another to strengthen the enforcement measures for oil and gas regulations (AB 631). 

    Senator Hurtado has also pushed back against workers’ rights. She skipped voting on a number of other progressive priorities including a major labor priority bill in 2022 aimed at establishing a council to shape minimum wage and working conditions for fast food workers (AB 257), as well as a bill to end employment discrimination by outlawing forced arbitration agreements (AB 51). 

    Holding the Bakersfield Legislators Accountable

    Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains and Senator Melissa Hurtado are the eighth and ninth Dirty Dems to be named. They join a growing list of California’s elected officials who have repeatedly chosen to prioritize corporate donations over the well-being of their constituents. 


    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI USA: The White House Council on Environmental Quality Establishes Permitting Innovation Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued a memorandum to heads of Federal agencies establishing an interagency Permitting Innovation Center. The creation of the Permitting Innovation Center delivers on President Trump’s Memorandum, Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century, which directs the Federal government to leverage modern technology to effectively and efficiently conduct environmental reviews and evaluate permits for infrastructure projects of all kinds.
    Under President Trump’s leadership, the CEQ-led Permitting Innovation Center will consult with the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) and relevant permitting agencies to issue a Permitting Technology Action Plan that will provide technology guidance to agencies, while developing an initial National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) data and technology standard.
    In addition, the Permitting Innovation Center will collaborate with the General Services Administration (GSA) to design and test prototype software systems for potential implementation by agencies pursuant to the Permitting Technology Action Plan.
    “The Trump Administration is making unprecedented progress toward modernizing permitting,” said Katherine Scarlett, Chief of Staff at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “The establishment of the Permitting Innovation Center is a major milestone on the road to permitting reform and demonstrates this Administration’s commitment to expediting the environmental review and permitting process through emerging technologies, providing much needed efficiency and transparency for project sponsors.”
    “GSA’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS) is committed to advancing the President’s agenda by supporting the accelerated development and building of the Permitting Innovation Center,” said Thomas Shedd, Technology Transformation Services Director at General Services Administration. “We look forward to working across the agencies involved in this process, and leveraging our Presidential Innovation Fellowship program to ensure that each agency’s technology requirements are understood and met. TTS remains a preferred shared service provider of software and services to advance critical White House initiatives such as this one.”
    To read the Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies, “Establishment of Permitting Innovation Center,” click here.
    ICYMI:

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER CALLS ON EPA TO CUT RED TAPE AND STOP DELAYING CONTRACT FOR CANANDAIGUA TO PROTECT DRINKING WATER FOR 40,000 IN ONTARIO & WAYNE COUNTIES

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Schumer Secured $1.75M In Fed Funding For Canandaigua to Upgrade Drinking Water System To Remove Toxic Chemicals Linked To Liver And Kidney Damage And Cancer

    Despite Canandaigua Having All Its Paperwork In Order For Months, EPA Has Delayed Signing Final Agreement And If They Do Not Sign Off In Next 30 Days Construction Will Not Be Able To Begin As Planned

    Schumer: EPA Must Cut Red Tape To Protect Thousands Of Families And Seniors Across Rochester-Finger Lakes

    U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cut through the red tape and stop delays to help the City of Canandaigua install crucial equipment to remove disinfection by-product (DBP) chemicals – which have been linked to health issues including liver and kidney damage and cancer – from the water supply. Schumer explained that last year he secured $1.75 million in federal funding for Canandaigua, but the EPA has been dragging its feet on signing off on the final agreement, which the city needs in the next 30 days so construction can start this fall as planned.

    “Every family and resident from Canandaigua to Walworth deserves access to clean and safe drinking water. I was proud to secure $1.75 million so Canandaigua can upgrade its drinking water system and eliminate harmful chemicals that have been linked to liver and kidney damage and cancer, but if the EPA doesn’t stop its delays the project can’t move forward. We need the EPA needs to cut the red tape and sign off on the final agreement so construction can start this fall as planned, not to do so risks both public health and good jobs,” said Senator Schumer. “Every day the EPA drags its feet it is jeopardizing the health and safety of over 40,000 New Yorkers across Ontario and Wayne Counties. I will always fight to keep New York’s drinking water clean and our communities safe and healthy.”

    Disinfection by-products (DBP) have recently been found in excess of the maximum contaminant level established by the EPA in the water of systems that have purchased the city’s water. Schumer secured $1.75 million in federal funding in the fiscal year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to enable the City of Canandaigua to install a new aeration system into its three water storage tanks that will eliminate the DPA chemicals. This system will specifically integrate aerators and mixers into the city’s water storage tanks to eliminate the harmful DBPs from the drinking water supply. These DBPs are formed when disinfectants, like chlorine, react with naturally occurring substances in the water which have known toxicity and carcinogenic impacts that have been linked to liver and kidney damage and cancer.

    Canandaigua City Manager John Goodwin said, “We appreciate Senator Schumer’s support to secure and obligate this federal funding that will ensure that the City will continue to be able to provide high quality and safe drinking water to not just city residents, but to residents in towns across Ontario and Wayne County.”

    The city needs the EPA to sign off on the final agreement so it has the funding it needs to go out to bid in the next 30 days and construction can start this fall as planned. Schumer in a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin explained this funding is key to improving water quality for approximately 40,000 New Yorkers in Canandaigua and surrounding communities across Ontario and Wayne Counties.

    Schumer’s letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin can be found HERE or below:

    Dear Administrator Zeldin:

    I write to express my deep concern regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) unacceptable delay in finalizing the grant agreement necessary to release critical funding for the City of Canandaigua’s drinking water treatment system upgrade. This funding is essential to safeguard the health and safety of over 40,000 residents across Ontario and Wayne Counties, from Canandaigua itself to neighboring towns like Bristol, Hopewell, Farmington and Manchester and communities served by the Wayne County Water Authority like Macedon, Walworth, and Palmyra.

    I was proud to secure a bi-partisan $1.75 million Congressionally Directed Spending investment in fiscal year 2024 to enable Canandaigua’s installation of crucial equipment to remove hazardous disinfection byproducts from the public water supply – chemicals which are known to cause serious health issues, including liver and kidney damage, as well as cancer. This project, developed through collaboration between city officials and state regulators, directly responds to urgent mandates to improve water quality and protect public health.

    Now, despite the clear congressional intent and urgent public health need, the City of Canandaigua is facing severe uncertainty. The City must go out to bid within the next 30 days in order to begin design and construction this fall and stay on track to deliver safe, clean drinking water to its residents. Yet, EPA’s persistent delays in approving the final agreements threaten to derail this delicate timeline, jeopardizing both the health of thousands of New Yorkers and the public’s trust in federal responsiveness.

    The EPA’s delay in obligating this funding is unacceptable and is placing entire communities at risk. Every day that passes without final approval raises the risks to public health, increases potential project costs, and undermines the ability of responsible municipalities to deliver safe and essential drinking water services to local residents, farms, businesses, and organizations.

    Therefore, I urge EPA to immediately approve the final grant agreement and release the $1.75 million funding to allow the City of Canandaigua to move forward without delay. The lives, health, and well-being of tens of thousands of Upstate New Yorkers depend on swift and decisive action.

    I stand ready to work with you to resolve any outstanding issues, but make no mistake: delay is not an option. The residents of Ontario and Wayne Counties deserve safe drinking water, and they deserve it without obstruction.

    MIL OSI USA News