NewzIntel.com

Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Secures Key Victories for Energy Infrastructure

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Unleashing American Energy was one of President Donald J. Trump’s first actions, and it includes infrastructure like pipelines and oil and gas export facilities. Recently, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) secured four wins in court that underpin the intentions of the president’s executive order.

    The Dakota Access Pipeline crosses Lake Oahe in North Dakota. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently preparing a supplemental environmental impact statement which the District Court for the District of Columbia ordered for the pipeline’s easement. Last year, the Corps was sued again to shut down the pipeline while they work on that statement, but ENRD last month was granted its motion to dismiss that lawsuit.

    In the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, a Tennessee pipeline company was essentially allowed to go ahead and build a pipeline to deliver natural gas to the Tennessee Valley Authority for a new gas power plant. The court denied a petition for review of the Corp’s permit to the company and upheld its reliance on Tennessee’s certification of the project under the Clean Water Act’s Section 401.

    The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a published decision affirming the Corps decision to issue a permit for a proposed expansion of an oil-export facility in Texas. The court held that the Corps thoroughly analyzed the effects of issuing the permit and properly assessed the project’s scope.

    The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals denied plaintiffs’ petition for review of a Department of Energy (DOE) action to authorize exporting liquefied natural gas from a proposed terminal on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. The gas is to come from Alaska’s north slope and would be transported to the terminal via a proposed pipeline across the state. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had previously authorized where the project’s facilities would be, and DOE authorized and reaffirmed exporting the gas. This development will help unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential, in keeping with the administration’s directive.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Secures Key Victories for Energy Infrastructure

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    Unleashing American Energy was one of President Donald J. Trump’s first actions, and it includes infrastructure like pipelines and oil and gas export facilities. Recently, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) secured four wins in court that underpin the intentions of the president’s executive order.

    The Dakota Access Pipeline crosses Lake Oahe in North Dakota. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently preparing a supplemental environmental impact statement which the District Court for the District of Columbia ordered for the pipeline’s easement. Last year, the Corps was sued again to shut down the pipeline while they work on that statement, but ENRD last month was granted its motion to dismiss that lawsuit.

    In the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, a Tennessee pipeline company was essentially allowed to go ahead and build a pipeline to deliver natural gas to the Tennessee Valley Authority for a new gas power plant. The court denied a petition for review of the Corp’s permit to the company and upheld its reliance on Tennessee’s certification of the project under the Clean Water Act’s Section 401.

    The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a published decision affirming the Corps decision to issue a permit for a proposed expansion of an oil-export facility in Texas. The court held that the Corps thoroughly analyzed the effects of issuing the permit and properly assessed the project’s scope.

    The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals denied plaintiffs’ petition for review of a Department of Energy (DOE) action to authorize exporting liquefied natural gas from a proposed terminal on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. The gas is to come from Alaska’s north slope and would be transported to the terminal via a proposed pipeline across the state. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had previously authorized where the project’s facilities would be, and DOE authorized and reaffirmed exporting the gas. This development will help unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential, in keeping with the administration’s directive.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces $7.5 Million Now Available To Support Municipalities With Sustainable Waste Reduction

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that $7.5 million in state funding is now available to support Connecticut’s municipalities in their efforts to increase recycling and diversion and augment their self-sufficiency in managing municipal solid waste disposal.

    “The state is continuing to help our towns and cities identify sustainable ways to dispose of waste and realize savings,” Governor Lamont said. “With local options for solid waste disposal shrinking and the cost to dispose of waste out of state rising, this grant opportunity gives municipalities more control of their disposal costs and more creative options that are also good for the environment.”

    The Sustainable Materials Management Grant Program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), has opened a request for applications (RFA) for a second round of grants, which are aimed at supporting the development of food scrap collection and unit-based pricing programs, as well as other reduction, recycling, and diversion programs. Many of the strategies that will be funded by these grants were recommended by the Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management, a coalition of more than a hundred municipalities across Connecticut that are working to develop strategies to reduce waste and increase reuse and recycling.

    “Municipal leaders throughout the state know first-hand that the easiest way to reduce the cost of managing municipal solid waste is to reduce the amount of waste being created in the first place,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “The funding we’re announcing today will do just that – reduce the amount of organic waste simply being thrown in the trash and instead redirect it to more beneficial uses like composting. We know from the first round of this grant program that these strategies really work, bringing down costs for towns while at the same time contributing to Connecticut’s self-sufficiency. We are grateful for the leadership of Governor Lamont and the General Assembly for authorizing these dollars to combat the waste crisis and look forward to continuing our work with municipalities in bringing down their waste disposal costs.”

    “It’s great to see the Sustainable Materials Management program be granted $7.5 million more to help our state’s environment,” State Representative John-Michael Parker (D-Madison), co-chair of the legislature’s Environment Committee, said. “Programs funded through this grant will help develop innovative new ways of using our resources, especially food scraps, and I can’t wait to see how our state uses this grant money. Thank you to all my colleagues for their work securing these funds.”

    The $7.5 million announced today under this second round builds on the program’s first round, which funded pilot programs in fifteen municipalities and three regional entities, supporting a variety of piloted food scraps diversion programs that included unit-based pricing elements. These pilot programs provided a wealth of data across a diverse subset of Connecticut’s municipalities and demonstrated that a variety of approaches can be effective in reducing costs and environmental impacts associated with municipal solid waste disposal.

    Grants are available for individual and groups of municipalities, as well as regional entities (councils of governments, regional planning agencies, resource recovery authorities, recycling operating committees, and regional waste authorities). Eligible applicants must submit a completed application in conformance with the RFA, which can be found on DEEP’s Municipal and Regional Grants and Technical Assistance webpage. Grant applications must be submitted to DEEP by Friday, June 27, 2025.

    An informational session to address questions regarding the grant program will be held via Zoom on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register for the informational session, click here. Questions about the RFA may be submitted to Michael.Looney@ct.gov.

    DEEP launches RFP for waste characterization study

    DEEP today also announced that it is launching a request for proposals (RFP) for a waste characterization study, which was requested by the waste industry and municipalities to better understand the composition of materials entering the waste and recycling streams in Connecticut. Last updated in 2015, this study will identify the types and amounts of waste generated within Connecticut, where that waste is disposed, and the volume of material diverted for recycling.

    This RFP seeks a technical expert to perform the research, surveys, and field work required to complete the study, and to draft the study itself, with a scheduled completion date of October 31, 2026. Once completed, this study will help inform future waste policies at the state, regional and municipal levels.

    Funding for both rounds of the Sustainable Materials Management Grant Program and the waste characterization study were proposed by Governor Lamont and approved by the state legislature and State Bond Commission.

    Today’s announcement closely follows the recently announced Materials Management Infrastructure Grant Program awards, which provided nearly $15 million to support waste management infrastructure improvements in six municipalities and three regional organizations. Taken together, these programs represent an unprecedented investment in cost-effective, sustainable alternatives to traditional waste disposal operations and recommitment to data gathering and analysis. These announcements will provide municipalities and regional entities with the resources to implement programs that will achieve greater system reliability, environmental sustainability, and fiscal predictability.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Empowering student growth in downtown Edmonton

    [. Through Budget 2025, Alberta’s government is investing $4 million in the planning and design of the new Career Skills Centre at NorQuest College. When finished, this centre will help NorQuest College accommodate the significant growth in their student enrolment.

    NorQuest College envisions a 35,000 square metre facility designed to accommodate up to 4,000 additional full-time learners. When completed, the new building will expand space for NorQuest College’s four core faculties – Faculty of Skills and Foundational Learning; Faculty of Health Studies; Faculty of Business, Environment and Technology; and Faculty of Arts and Science – and would include research hubs, community spaces and enhanced student amenities. Construction is anticipated to begin as early as 2027 and be completed as early as 2029.

    “Alberta’s government is committed to supporting projects like this that expand enrolment capacity and help create modern learning environments for students. We applaud NorQuest College’s vision for the Career Skills Centre and look forward to seeing its continued development. This investment will help ensure that Alberta is meeting the labour market needs of today and into the future.”

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

    The Career Skills Centre would also serve as the new home of the Indigenous House of Learning and Indigenous Career Centre, which helps Indigenous job seekers gain access to meaningful employment training, supports and mutually beneficial employer partnerships across sectors. 

    “The Career Skills Centre will be a beacon of opportunity, empowering and connecting Indigenous job seekers with skills and support to thrive in today’s workforce. The Indigenous House of Learning and the Indigenous Career Centre will help position Indigenous talent into meaningful employment across a number of Alberta’s core industries, transforming lives and fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”

    Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations

    Additionally, the new Career Skills Centre will act as a modern research hub to help students develop responsive solutions to the most pressing problems facing Alberta’s industries and communities.

    “In recent years, NorQuest has more than doubled the number of learners our campus was designed to serve. The Government of Alberta’s $4-million investment will help ensure the college continues to meet the growing demand for workforce-ready skills through the development of the new Career Skills Centre in the heart of Edmonton’s Education District.”

    Carolyn Campbell, president and CEO, NorQuest College

    “NorQuest College plays a foundational role in the continued revitalization of Edmonton’s downtown. The college attracts thousands of staff and students to our downtown while ensuring local employers have access to workforce-ready graduates. The Downtown Revitalization Coalition is delighted to see the Government of Alberta’s commitment to the vibrancy and success of Edmonton’s downtown by investing in NorQuest’s Career Skills Centre.”

    Cheryll Watson, chair, Downtown Recovery Coalition, and president & CEO, Junior Achievement Northern Alberta. 

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Quick Facts

    • NorQuest’s enrolment has tripled since 2010, with the equivalent of more than 10,000 full-time learners on a campus built for 5,000.
    • Projections suggest that by 2030, enrolment will exceed 15,000 full-time learners.
    • The total project cost is between $240 to $250 million.

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Solar Project Planned For North Albany Landfill

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the City of Albany will co-develop a new 1.5-megawatt solar energy project at the capped North Albany/Shaker Park landfill. The ground-mounted solar farm is estimated to come online in 2027 and will power the equivalent of more than 200 homes. This is also NYPA’s first renewable energy project in the newly established Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program, which will lower energy costs for low- or moderate-income Albany area residents and eligible New Yorkers in the surrounding area. At the landfill solar project kickoff event today, the City of Albany also was recognized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for achieving silver status, the highest level of certification as a Climate Smart Community.

    “Transforming the North Albany landfill into a source of clean energy is evidence of our steadfast commitment to create a more affordable and reliable electric system for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this collaboration and project, NYPA is advancing its efforts to develop new renewables while simultaneously benefiting low- and moderate-income area residents with bill credits through its new REACH program. This project also reflects our focus on repurposing underutilized sites to meet our ambitious climate goals in smart, sustainable ways.”

    New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The Power Authority’s second clean energy project as part of its Renewables Strategic Plan is in partnership with the City of Albany and will transform a capped landfill into a 1.5 MW solar facility that will power the equivalent of over 200 homes by 2027. The project is also the first to be part of NYPA’s new REACH program, which was designed to support energy affordability for low- and moderate-income residents, furthering our commitment to a cleaner, more equitable energy future for all New Yorkers.”

    Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “The North Albany landfill solar project is the next step towards bringing more clean energy benefits to City of Albany residents and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Albany is committed to becoming a city with net zero emissions by 2050 and innovative projects like this are exactly how we are going to meet that goal. We cannot thank Governor Hochul and President Driscoll enough for the commitment and investment in clean energy.”

    The North Albany/Shaker Road project is one of the first to be developed under NYPA’s Renewables Strategic Plan. The plan is a roadmap for NYPA’s renewable energy development under its expanded authority to build additional renewable energy resources to help advance New York State’s climate goals. The project will be built adjacent to the city’s Department of General Services headquarters and further enshrines Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s commitment to the environment and the city’s sustainability goals. The North Albany landfill site was chosen after an extensive evaluation of multiple sites by Albany’s Office of Sustainability in cooperation with NYPA. In addition to their signed contract, the City of Albany and Power Authority have completed pre-feasibility studies for the site and will now move forward to the next phases of development, including preparing and submitting an interconnection application to the local utility.

    The project is the first to be developed through NYPA’s new REACH program, which will provide bill credits for eligible low- or moderate-income households after the project comes online in 2027. Those who enroll in the state’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP) and the Statewide Solar for All program may be eligible for automatic monthly bill credits through the REACH program once the project is completed, online and generating revenue, with a target of 2027.

    NYPA recently announced Somers Solar, a 20 MW solar energy generation project in the town of Fort Edward in Washington County, will be its first renewables project under the expanded authority.

    NYPA’s Expanded Authority to Develop Renewable Energy

    The 2023-24 Enacted State Budget authorized NYPA to advance renewable energy and support state priorities, building on NYPA’s existing efforts to provide clean, affordable power and expand New York’s transmission system. Specifically, this expanded authority called for NYPA to accelerate renewable energy development, support workforce training, establish the REACH program, support decarbonization efforts across the state, and deactivate its small natural gas power plants in New York City and on Long Island.

    Since Governor Kathy Hochul signed the 2023-2024 Enacted State Budget into law, NYPA has made significant progress, including establishing business structures, filling key roles, and advancing initial projects. NYPA has also created a subsidiary to facilitate external capital and protect against project risks.

    The Power Authority, through its wholly owned subsidiary the New York Renewable Energy Development Holdings Corporation (NYRED), will construct the 1.5 MW solar generation project.

    In January 2025, the Power Authority published its inaugural Renewables Strategic Plan for developing new renewable energy generation projects to supply New Yorkers with affordable, reliable, and emissions-free electricity. The plan outlines 37 projects across New York State, representing a potential of more than 3 GW of renewable energy. The plan also reflects feedback from thousands of stakeholders statewide, sets priorities for projects to be advanced over the next two years and includes the pursuit of additional projects in future updates to the plan.

    State Senator Kevin Parker said, “This project is a powerful example of how bold leadership and innovative partnerships can transform underutilized spaces into sources of clean, renewable energy. By prioritizing equity through the REACH program, we are not only advancing sustainability but also delivering tangible benefits to the families who need it most. Albany is setting a standard for what climate-smart progress looks like in New York State.”

    State Senator Pat Fahy said, “New Yorkers are struggling every month with the rising cost of energy and utility bills. That’s why we’re investing in cheaper, cleaner energy sources like solar that will help us lower the demand for increasingly expensive natural gas and new infrastructure. Co-locating a solar farm with an existing landfill is a good example of how the state can responsibly site solar, creatively meet our ambitious climate goals, and ultimately lower the utility burden weighing on so many families here in the 46th District and Capital Region.”

    Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “This new solar project on Albany’s capped landfill, the first under NYPA’s expanded authority, is just the kind of siting that we should be prioritizing in New York State. When stakeholders work together, we can identify sites for energy projects that utilize the many brownfields across the State, instead of siting them on prime farmland.”

    Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, “This project will be a huge milestone for the REACH program and for renewable energy efforts in New York State. Lowering energy costs for Albany residents and advancing our climate goals is a win for everyone. I applaud NYPA and Mayor Sheehan for their continued commitment to sustainability and affordable, renewable energy.”

    Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, “This project is a win-win for Albany and New York State. By transforming this capped landfill into a source of renewable energy, we’re not only advancing our climate goals, we’re also delivering direct benefits to the families who need them most. The REACH program exemplifies how public investment can lower energy costs for working households while building a more sustainable future. I commend NYPA and Mayor Sheehan for their leadership and collaboration on this transformative project.”

    Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “I applaud the New York Power Authority and City of Albany for this plan to transform an underutilized landfill into a powerful source of clean, renewable energy. When completed, this project will generate enough electricity to power hundreds of homes each year, significantly reducing the city’s carbon footprint and saving taxpayers money over the long term. I’ve been proud to prioritize renewable energy during my time as County Executive, and this project will complement the solar array we opened last year along Watervliet Shaker Road in the Town of Colonie. Together, we are proving that sustainability and smart governance go hand in hand. This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together when we prioritize smart infrastructure and environmental responsibility.”

    Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “This new solar energy project at the capped North Albany/Shaker Park landfill is an excellent example of how municipalities are utilizing solar to reduce emissions and lower energy costs for residents. With support from NYPA’s Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program, Albany is safely and successfully leveraging underutilized land to help harness renewable energy. DEC also congratulates the City of Albany for reaching silver certification through the Climate Smart Communities program, the highest designation available and illustrative of the locally driven climate action to decrease pollution and enhance resilience in Capital Region communities and across the state.”

    Albany Commissioner of Administrative Services Ann Marie Salmon said, “Participating in this project is a win for the environment and a win for residents who live in or near Albany who will benefit from lower electricity bills.”

    Albany Director of Sustainability Jason West said, “Over the life of this project, more than 2,268 MWh/year of clean energy will be added to the grid, preventing an estimated 21,995 tons of greenhouse gasses from being emitted. That’s equivalent to the emissions absorbed by 329,928 trees being planted and grown for ten years.”

    New York State’s Commitment to Land Use and Renewable Energy

    This project complements New York State’s efforts to encourage consideration of closed landfills, cleaned-up brownfields, and other underutilized sites for renewable energy. The State Department of Environmental Conservation issued guidance for photovoltaic solar projects at closed landfills to help municipalities address the site-specific characteristics of a project and ensure protections remain in place during solar installation. Solarization and re-development of old or unused landfills are prime examples of state and local partnerships at their best, especially during this critical time when policies and programs are being rolled back on the federal level.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Katy Perry’s celebrity spaceflight blazed a trail for climate breakdown

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steve Westlake, Lecturer, Environmental Psychology, University of Bath

    What’s not to like about an all-female celebrity crew riding a rocket into space? Quite a lot, as it turns out.

    Katy Perry and her companions were initially portrayed in the media as breaking down gender barriers. On their return to Earth, the team enthused about protecting the planet and blazing a trail for others. Perry even sang What a Wonderful World during the flight, and kissed the ground on exiting the spacecraft.

    But the backlash was swift. Fellow celebrities piled in to highlight the “hypocrisy” of such an energy-intensive endeavour from a former Unicef climate champion. Evidence was quickly presented to dispute the pollution-free claims of the Blue Origin rocket, which is fuelled by oxygen and hydrogen. (In fact, the water vapour and nitrogen oxide emissions it creates add to global heating, on top of the emissions from the programme as a whole.)

    But it’s the negative social effects of this kind of display from celebrities (of any gender) that our research sheds light on. I’m part of a team of social scientists researching the powerful effects of politicians, business leaders and celebrities who lead by example on climate change – or don’t.

    Social kickback

    Space tourism, and other energy-intensive activities by people in the public eye, such as using helicopters and private jets, have a much wider knock-on effect than the direct damage to the climate caused by the activity itself.

    We carried out focus groups with members of the public to understand their reactions to the high-carbon behaviour of leaders in politics, culture and business. We also conducted experiments and surveys to test the effects of leaders “walking the talk” on climate change. We found that observing unnecessary high-carbon behaviour demotivates people and reduces the sense of collective effort that is essential for a successful societal response to climate change.

    Solving climate change and other environmental crises requires fundamental changes to economies, societies and lifestyles according to climate science. Using much less energy, not just different kinds of energy, can play a big part in halting the damage. And it is the wealthiest people in the richest countries who use the most energy and set the standards and aspirations for the rest of society. That’s why the Blue Origin dream (of space exploration for the unfathomably wealthy) is a nightmare for the climate because it perpetuates an unsustainable culture.

    Our findings reveal that when people see public figures behaving like this, they are less willing to make changes to their own lives. “Why should I do my bit for the climate when these celebrities are doing the opposite?” is the question people repeatedly asked in our research.

    Many of the changes to behaviour necessary to tackle climate change will require people to accept trade-offs and embrace alternative ways of living. This includes using heat pumps instead of gas boilers, trading in large, fossil-fuelled vehicles (or even avoiding cars altogether) and forgoing flights – because there is no way to decarbonise long-distance flights in time.

    When celebrities (or politicians and business leaders, for that matter) ignore the environmental damage of their choices, it sends a powerful signal that they are not really serious about addressing climate change.

    Not only does this undermine people’s motivation to make changes, it reduces the credibility of leaders. That in turn makes coordinated climate action less likely, because shifting to a low-carbon society will require public trust in leadership and a sense of collective effort.

    Individual choices matter

    The widespread aversion to Perry’s space flight contradicts the popular argument that tackling the climate crisis “is not about individual behaviour”.

    On the contrary, the response shows that these actions from celebrities and other leaders have much greater symbolic meaning than is captured by the idea of an “individual choice”. People are highly attuned to the behaviour of others because it signals and reinforces the values, morals and norms of our society. As such, few if any choices are truly “individual”.



    Read more:
    Think your efforts to help the climate don’t matter? African philosophers disagree

    This message of collective responsibility is one our current economic and political system works hard to suppress by championing unlimited freedom to consume, while ignoring the loss of freedom that such behaviour causes: freedom to live in a stable climate, freedom from pollution, freedom from extreme weather, freedom for future generations.

    In fact, research reveals that most people understand the interconnectedness of society and the need for a coordinated response to the climate crisis. Climate assemblies, which convene ordinary citizens to discuss and deliberate a course of climate action, have revealed a willingness to curtail some activities in a fair way.

    When it comes to preserving a liveable planet and a stable climate, most people know that space tourism and ultra-high-carbon living are off the agenda. Celebrities have a positive role to play in leading by example. It’s not rocket science.

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

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

    Steve Westlake has received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

    – ref. Why Katy Perry’s celebrity spaceflight blazed a trail for climate breakdown – https://theconversation.com/why-katy-perrys-celebrity-spaceflight-blazed-a-trail-for-climate-breakdown-254824

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Suppliers invited to shape Ousewem legacy

    Source: City of York

    Suppliers are being invited to take part in shaping the legacy of the Ousewem programme through a new project.

    City of York Council is inviting suppliers to take part in a unique opportunity to help deliver a flagship legacy project for the Ousewem programme – a York River Walk that will connect people with the rivers that shape the city, and the nature-based solutions that are helping to protect it.

    This request for quotations (RFQ) seeks experienced partners to lead on a public-facing engagement project that captures and communicates Ousewem’s impact in York and its upstream catchments. The result will be a lasting feature that brings to life the role of natural flood management (NFM), land use, and community collaboration in building a more climate-resilient future.

    The focus of the RFQ is community engagement, with the option for suppliers to also propose creative elements. This could include interpretation, signage, trails or installations to help residents, schoolchildren, visitors and policy audiences explore the links between rivers, land and resilience. The work may be delivered by a single supplier or by a partnership team.

    The York River Walk builds on Ousewem’s innovative flood resilience project, identifying and delivering NbS, including NFM, to reduce flood risk in vulnerable North Yorkshire communities, spanning Yorkshire’s Swale, Ure, Nidd and Ouse (SUNO) catchments. It is designed to leave a legacy for the city – raising awareness, inspiring future action and anchoring Ousewem’s long-term impact.

    This project is part of a wider effort to engage the York community in river learning and flood resilience. For example, we were inspired when Miss Clinton from Park Grove Primary Academy reached out to share her class’s journey into river learning, where Year 3/4 students created posters showcasing their understanding of rivers, the water cycle and flood protection. We were delighted by their enthusiasm, and know they are one of many schools engaging with river walks and flood resilience learning.

    Rachel Flood, Ousewem’s project manager, said:

    This is a chance to create something meaningful for York – a legacy that not only reflects the city’s leadership in climate resilience but invites people to connect with the rivers and landscapes that sustain us.

    “We’re looking for creative and community-focused partners who can help tell that story in a way that lasts.”

    Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, added:

    This project reflects our commitment to working with communities to tackle the climate and nature crises in ways that are visible, inclusive and lasting, and showcase and help explain the fantastic work that is being done planting trees, hedgerows and natural flood defences upstream from York, to help reduce flooding here in the City.

    “We were really inspired by Miss Clinton’s class work – just one example of the many schools and communities already looking at and celebrating our waterways. By creating a walk that tells the story of our rivers and the actions being taken to protect them, and protect York, we’re helping people see the value of nature-based solutions. It will bring that energy to a wider audience, involving residents, students and visitors in shaping a more resilient future for our city.”

    As a potential platform for future sponsorship and green finance, the York River Walk also offers opportunities to explore longer-term investment in climate resilience, community engagement and nature-based solutions.

    The RFQ was launched on 17 April 2025, with responses expected by 15 May 2025.

    To express interest or find out more, visit the YORtender Portal, using reference: 98650 York River Walk Engagement. If you are not already registered on YORtender you must register for an account to view all the details.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Enlight to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on Tuesday, May 6, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL AVIV, Israel, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enlight Renewable Energy (“Enlight”, “the Company”, NASDAQ: ENLT, TASE: ENLT.TA), a leading renewable energy platform, today announced it will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, before market open on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

    Conference Call Information

    Enlight will host a conference call to review its financial results and business outlook at 8:00 AM ET on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Management will deliver prepared remarks followed by a question-and-answer session. Participants may join by conference call or webcast:

    Conference Call

    Please pre-register to join the live conference call:
    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI2f3b7998abd744a590906d1adabe0ad1
    Upon registering, you will be emailed a dial-in number, direct passcode and unique PIN.

    Webcast

    Please register and join the live webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/z2k323sj

    The press release with the financial results as well as the investor presentation materials will be accessible on the Company’s website prior to the conference call. Approximately one hour after completion of the live call, an archived version of the webcast will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://enlightenergy.co.il/events/

    About Enlight

    Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable segments today: solar, wind and energy storage. A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 10 European countries. Enlight has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010 (TASE: ENLT) and completed its U.S. IPO (Nasdaq: ENLT) in 2023. Learn more at www.enlightenergy.co.il.

    Investor Contact

    Yonah Weisz
    Director IR
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Erica Mannion or Mike Funari
    Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
    +1 617 542 6180
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations relating to the Project, the PPA and the related interconnection agreement and lease option, and the completion timeline for the Project, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; the potential impact of the current conflicts in Israel on our operations and financial condition and Company actions designed to mitigate such impact; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, tariffs, sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.

    These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Lee Returns from Congressional Delegation to Denmark, Estonia, and Finland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

    Senator Lee and Senator R. Scott following their meeting with Jonatan Vseviov,
    Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Estonia 
    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee recently returned from a congressional delegation to Denmark, Estonia, and Finland with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). They met with senior government officials to discuss shared military and national security priorities. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Multilateral International Development, Multilateral Institutions, and International Economic, Energy, and Environmental Policy, Senator Lee shares the Trump Administration’s goal of peace through strength.
    Of the trip, Senator Mike Lee said:
    “I enjoyed the opportunity to visit Denmark, Estonia, and Finland with my friend, Senator Rick Scott. Our meetings with government, military, and shipbuilding industry leaders, including Ministers of Defense, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and legislators were productive. I walk away from this trip with a deeper understanding of the issues facing the region, as well as the regulatory burdens shipbuilders face. While abroad, I also had the distinct privilege to meet with U.S. service members, including one Utahn, at Tapa Army Base in Estonia, to discuss the Baltic region.
    The nations I visited are United States allies who have made good on their commitments and have a shared focus on enhancing regional partnerships for shipbuilding and national security. It was an honor to represent Utah overseas, and upon returning home, it is clear to me that the United States is once again respected on the world stage.”

    Senator Lee meets with U.S. service members
    at Tapa Army Base in Estonia 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Site checks after suspension notice served

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Site checks after suspension notice served

    Environment Agency officers, together with West Yorkshire Police, have been undertaking site checks at the Mineral Processing Ltd site.

    Environment Agency and West Yorkshire Police Officers

    The Environment Agency joined forces with the police this week to carry out checks outside a waste site that is subject to a suspension notice in West Yorkshire.

    The suspension notice served on Mineral Processing Ltd in South Elmsall means the environmental permit does not currently authorise waste being brought on to the site.

    The notice also requires the staged removal of waste that had been brought onto the site by the operator in breach of its environmental permit conditions.

    The breaches of the environmental permit result in an increased risk of pollution, including the potential for odour, which has been impacting on the local community over recent months.

    This week Environment Agency officers, together with West Yorkshire Police, followed up on concerns raised by the community about vehicles still arriving at the site while the suspension notice is in force.

    The operation was to monitor vehicle movements to and from the site. While none arrived while partners were present, the Environment Agency will continue to act upon the information it receives.

    The notice does not prevent non-waste products being imported.

    An Environment Agency spokesperson said:

    We understand the impact the odour from this site is having on the community and our increased regulatory response continues.

    This includes ongoing odour monitoring and regular site inspections, as well as action to proactively monitor vehicle movements at the site while the suspension notice is in force.

    During our inspections of the site breaches of the environmental permit conditions and suspension notice have been identified, and we are assessing all our enforcement options.

    Mineral Processing Ltd has appealed the suspension notice via the Planning Inspectorate. The appeal decision has not been issued to date. The suspension notice remains in force while the Environment Agency waits for this decision.

    If an operator does not comply with a suspension notice then it is committing an offence. This is the case even if it has submitted an appeal against the notice.

    To build a detailed picture of air quality around the site the Environment Agency is using a handheld gas analyser, which monitors for hydrogen sulphide, and installed a Mobile Monitoring facility (MMF) nearby, which will be in situ for four months.

    It’s also working with Wakefield Council – which is responsible for making sure planning conditions are complied with – to ensure that joint regulatory powers are used to bring about improvements.

    Odour issues should be reported to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour Incident hotline on 0800 807060. To protect the safety and wellbeing of the public and ensure timely capture of information, any other information relating to the site should be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via or via or via crimestoppers-org.uk using the “Environmental Crime” tag.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: VelocityEHS Joins National Safety Council TechHub Marketplace

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VelocityEHS, the global leader in EHS & ESG software solutions, is proud to announce its inclusion in the NSC TechHub Marketplace, a new online directory from the National Safety Council (NSC) designed to help companies easily find and connect with trusted safety technology providers.

    The TechHub Marketplace streamlines the process for businesses seeking technology solutions tailored to their unique safety risks.

    Organizations can browse provider listings, filter results by technology type, hazard focus, use applications, and access insights from partners and sponsors, including white papers, case studies, webinars, and more, all on the latest advancements in workplace safety.

    “Our mission at VelocityEHS is to simplify complex EHS challenges through innovative technology,” said Matt Airhart, CEO of VelocityEHS. “By joining the NSC TechHub Marketplace, we’re making it easier for organizations to discover and implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance workplace safety and sustainability.”

    “At NSC, we work closely with companies to identify technologies that reduce risk in their workplaces,” said Emily Whitcomb, Director of Innovation at the National Safety Council. “With the TechHub Marketplace, we can now take employers through the next logical step—connecting them with top-tier technology providers. This is a game-changer in our mission to save lives.”

    How VelocityEHS Helps Organizations Solve Safety Challenges

    VelocityEHS provides businesses with intuitive, data-driven solutions to proactively manage risk, protect employees, and improve overall workplace health and safety. The Ergonomics Solution, highlighted in the NSC TechHub Marketplace, support EHS professionals in building safer, more sustainable workplaces:

    • AI-Powered Ergonomics: Many workplace injuries stem from poor ergonomics. Velocity’s motion-capture AI technology helps businesses identify risks before they become injuries, enabling early intervention and continuous improvement. This innovation has earned VelocityEHS a perfect 3.0/3.0 score for Ergonomics in the Verdantix 2025 EHS Green Quadrant analysis.
    • Patented Innovation: VelocityEHS holds multiple U.S. patents for its pioneering use of AI and machine learning in Ergonomics software. These include breakthrough methods for root-cause analysis, natural language processing, and computer vision techniques, allowing organizations to quickly analyze worker exertion levels from simple video footage.

    Additional VelocityEHS Capabilities

    In addition to the TechHub-listed offerings, VelocityEHS delivers a broader range of capabilities, some include:

    • The VelocityEHS Accelerate® Platform: A unified suite of solutions that simplifies how companies manage Safety, Ergonomics, Chemical Management, and Operational Risk—helping them stay compliant and reduce incidents with greater efficiency.
    • Market-leading Chemicals Management Software: Recognized by independent research firm Verdantix for its advanced technology, enabling medium- to high-risk companies to streamline chemical management workflows and exceed compliance requirements.
    • AI-Powered Contractor Safety Feature: A groundbreaking feature that automates contractor verification processes, flags risks, and provides intelligent recommendations. This solution helps ensure compliance with safety standards while reducing administrative burden—delivering up to 70%-time savings over traditional contractor management methods.

    To learn more about VelocityEHS, visit www.EHS.com.

    Learn more about the NSC TechHub Marketplace at www.nsc.org/techhub.

    About VelocityEHS 

    Relied on by more than 10 million users worldwide to drive operational excellence and achieve outstanding outcomes, VelocityEHS is the global leader in true SaaS enterprise EHS & ESG technology. The VelocityEHS Accelerate® Platform is the definitive gold standard, delivering best-in-class software solutions for managing Safety, Ergonomics, Chemical Management, and Operational Risk. In addition, Velocity offers world-class applications for Contractor Safety & Permit to Work, Environmental Compliance, and ESG.

    The VelocityEHS team includes unparalleled industry expertise, with more certified experts in health, safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, sustainability, the environment, AI, and machine learning than any other EHS software provider. Recognized by the EHS industry’s top independent analysts as a Leader in the Verdantix 2025 Green Quadrant Analysis, VelocityEHS is committed to industry thought leadership and to accelerating the pace of innovation through its software solutions and vision. Its privacy and security protocols, which include SOC2 Type II attestation, are among the most stringent in the industry. 

    VelocityEHS is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with locations in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Tampa, Florida; Oakville, Ontario; London, England; Perth, Western Australia; and Cork, Ireland. For more information, visit www.EHS.com.  

    About the National Safety Council

    NSC is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace, roadway, and impairment. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.

    Media Contact 
    Jennifer Sinkwitts 
    jsinkwitts@ehs.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KPA Facilitates Over 12 Million Workplace Safety Online Trainings Nationwide

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTMINSTER, Colo., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KPA, a leading provider of Environment, Health, Safety (EHS), and compliance software and services, today announced it facilitated over 12 million online trainings last year–a 40% increase from 2023–helping businesses reduce risk, prevent accidents, and ensure regulatory compliance.

    To mark the milestone, KPA commissioned The Harris Poll to survey employee attitudes toward workplace safety. The findings show that most Americans feel confident about their safety at work but also underscore the need for continued investment in building a stronger safety culture.

    “Safety training is a crucial component of building a workplace safety culture. Twelve million trainings are much more than a number – it’s evidence that companies continue to prioritize employee safety at record levels,” said Chris Fanning, CEO at KPA. “The survey data shows us that most employees feel safe at their workplace, and yet the rapid growth in demand for safety training KPA has seen tells us there is still ample opportunity and ROI to provide more comprehensive safety training to employees. KPA is very proud to help employers build stronger safety cultures that protect their people.”

    KPA/Harris Poll Survey Reveals Employees Feel Safe, But Work Remains

    Over 1,000 full- and part-time employed Americans were surveyed about safety attitudes at work. Key findings include:

    • 88% agree they know how to keep themselves and others safe at work.
    • 80% agree their managers/supervisors are actively working to make their workplaces safe.
    • 77% agree they know exactly what to do in the event of emergencies involving machinery, equipment, or hazardous materials at their workplace.

    “Building a safety program is straightforward– creating a shared safety culture is much harder,” said Shawn Smith, Senior Director of Training and Content at KPA. “From injuries and damaged equipment to regulatory penalties and lawsuits, the costs of poor safety training are too great to ignore. As we’ve delivered over 12 million trainings, we’ve helped employers recognize the difference between simply having a safety program and building a true safety culture that empowers employees with knowledge and action.”

    For nearly 40 years, KPA has partnered with over 15,000 companies to improve workplace safety through award-winning EHS software, training, and consulting services. KPA’s online compliance training library, featuring over 1,000 courses, seamlessly integrates with its industry-leading safety and compliance platforms, Flex and Vera Suite. From interactive courses and simulations to toolbox talks, KPA equips employees with the essential knowledge and skills to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.

    For more information, visit: https://kpa.io/ehs-software/.

    About KPA
    KPA provides Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) software, consulting, and award-winning online training to help organizations stay compliant with state and federal regulations and maintain a safe and productive workplace. The KPA Flex software platform is easy to use, highly configurable, and designed for a mobile workforce, which encourages broad adoption and an improved culture of safety across the organization.

    Harris Poll Survey Method
    This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of KPA from January 23 – 27, 2025 among 1,096 full/part time employed adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 3.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.

    For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact the media contact below:

    Media Contact
    Jack McHugh
    jack@propllr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sustainability Roundtable, Inc. Achieves B Corp™ Certification, Demonstrating Leadership in Purpose-Driven Business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Sustainability Roundtable, Inc. (SR Inc) proudly announces that it is now a Certified B CorporationTM (B Corp™), joining a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact, performance, accountability, and transparency. This prestigious certification, granted by B Lab™, affirms SR Inc’s commitment to using business as a force for goodTM.

    B Corp™ certification is awarded to businesses that meet rigorous criteria in areas such as environmental impact, employee well-being, community engagement, and positive contributions to customers’ lives. SR Inc particularly excelled in governance standards, reflecting its strong dedication to stakeholders, recently affirmed by its Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) status. With this certification, SR Inc showcases its commitment to driving economic change and its unwavering focus on meeting rising social and environmental standards.

    “Building on the support we received from our shareholders that enabled SR Inc to become a Public Benefit Corporation earlier this year, becoming a certified B Corp™ further demonstrates SR Inc’s deep commitment to leading with purpose. Doing both in 2025 brings home how we are growing our roots deeply into the purpose we share with our world-leading clients,” said Jim Boyle, CEO and founder of SR Inc. “At SR Inc, we’re energized by our mission to accelerate the growth and implementation of best practices in more sustainable business to help align business with life. By exceeding stringent B Lab™ standards, we demonstrate to all our stakeholders that we’re not just advocates for change – we are change.”

    SR Inc’s Sustainable Business & Enterprise Roundtable (SBER) played a key role in its B Corp™ achievement as it was recognized as an Environmental Education Impact Business Model (IBM). SR Inc’s strategic advisory and support services arm, SBER helps executives set goals, drive progress, and report results in more sustainable leadership. SBER’s IBM status underscores SR Inc’s high operational performance standards, its capacity to drive business-critical corporate sustainability education, and its ability to drive positive Member-Client outcomes.

    SR Inc recently achieved its goal of helping clients cause one gigawatt (GW) of new renewable energy by 2025 – made possible through its Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB), an invitation-only, confidential renewable energy buyers’ community that opens utility-scale aggregated procurements to enterprises that cannot access them alone. SR Inc’s clients have made the NZCB the leading platform servicing businesses in North America and Europe. Now, backed by the globally recognized B Corp™ certification, SR Inc is further poised to achieve its goal of helping clients cause 10 GW of new clean energy at home and abroad through 2030.

    The B Impact Assessment™ is designed to evaluate a company’s impact on all stakeholders – workers, customers, communities, and the environment – not just shareholders. Companies must score at least 80 points to attain certification, and those scores are made publicly available to ensure transparency. To maintain certification, companies must complete the assessment and verification process every three years, proving continued alignment with B Lab™ standards, which are continually refined with input from industry experts.

    For more information about SR Inc and its commitment to positive social and environmental change, visit www.sustainround.com.

    About SR Inc

    SR Inc is a for-profit Public Benefit Corporation and certified B Corp™ missioned to accelerate the growth and adoption of best practices in more sustainable business to help align business with life. SR Inc’s Sustainable Business & Enterprise Roundtable (SBER) provides strategic advisory and support in enterprise decarbonization. SR Inc’s Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB) is a confidential buyers’ community committed to creating corporate buyer-favorable renewable energy transactions, which SR Inc clients have made the leading platform for aggregated procurements of utility-scale clean energy. In doing so, SR Inc clients are helping the NZCB democratize the financial, environmental, and human health benefits of utility-scale clean energy.

    About the B Corp™ Movement

    The B Corp™ movement is a global ok movement of People Using Business as a Force for Good®. Together, they are shifting the economic system from profiting only the few to benefitting all, from concentrating wealth and power to ensuring equity, from extraction to regeneration, and from prioritizing individualism to embracing independence.

    Media Contact
    FischTank PR
    srinc@fischtankpr.com

    Other Inquiries
    Sarah Lehan
    sarahlehan@sustainround.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Firsts: The First Earth Day

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The first Earth Day ever held at UConn was also the first Earth Day, period; Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson had called for a nationwide “teach-in” on April 22, 1970 to draw attention to the grave problems facing the environment, primarily focused on pollution in those days before the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. At UConn, students responded to Nelson’s call by organizing a three-day event that included numerous activities, culminating in a 24-hour “be-in” at the old ROTC hangar that used to sit across the street from the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. There, bands played, films were shown, an “eco-stew” was made from donated food, and the UConn community heard from, among others, a botanist, an oceanographer, a molecular biologist, and a poet.

    Around the country, as many as 20 million people participated in Earth Day events, and in December of that year, the Environmental Protection Agency was created as part of an effort by President Richard Nixon to consolidate federal anti-pollution efforts into a single agency. Today, the “be-ins” may be a thing of the past, but Earth Day Spring Fling, sponsored by the UConn Office of Sustainability and Dining Services, is an annual highlight of the semester, offering a variety of activities, vendors of sustainable products, and opportunities to get involved in making the world greener for everyone.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Japanese expert in hoarding visits Norwich to share global insights

    Source: City of Norwich

    Professor Aso, a former nurse in Japan and now an academic specialising in the study of hoarding, was aware of the good work taking place in Norwich to support residents affected by hoarding.

    Because of this she approached us, keen to learn more about our service and to share her own learnings with us.

    Hoarding is a complex and sensitive issue which can cause profound wellbeing problems for those suffering with the condition. It can also be a very difficult issue for family members and loved ones to understand.

    On top of this, there are often real barriers to tackle when it comes to getting the relevant professional services on board to provide the right kind of support to help tackle the issue.

    Council officers have witnessed first-hand how hoarding can negatively impact the lives of some residents. To help us understand more about this we were very happy to invite Professor Yasuko Aso, a public health expert from Japan, to come to City Hall and share her insights with us – drawn from across her research into hoarding.

    Rachel Omori, independent living and collaboration manager at Norwich City Council said: “Bringing in international expertise helps us see what works elsewhere and where we can do better. Learning from others allows us to keep improving support for people in Norwich.”

    During her visit, Professor Aso from Wayo Women’s University and Japan’s National Institute of Public Health, met with housing colleagues from the city council and other local organisations including St Martins Housing Trust, adult social care, and the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board and INTERACT.

    Among the topics discussed was an explanation of how group workshops can help people reduce clutter and improve their quality of life.

    Professor Aso said: “In Japan, we face challenges like an ageing population, limited space, and natural disasters, which make hoarding a growing concern.
    “Norwich’s approach has given me fresh ideas to take back to my colleagues. I hope this conversation continues.”

    Those involved shared their own experiences and methods for supporting residents affected by hoarding with the aim to learn from each other and improve support services.

    Dr Jan Sheldon, chief executive of St Martins Housing Trust, said:
    “Whilst we and our partners have made great strides forward supporting people with hording behaviours over the last few years there is always more to learn. The international exchange of knowledge and experience is always important, we have much to learn from each other. It is critical that our work in this area continues to build upon our understanding and practical implementation of the Psychological Informed Environment (PIE) and Trauma Informed Care (TIC)”

    The visit, which took place earlier this month, highlights the city council’s commitment to learning from global best practice to improve lives locally, especially for residents facing complex housing and health needs. The timing of this visit helps to shine a spotlight on ‘UK Hoarding Awareness Week’ which runs from 12–16 May. Please follow our posts on social media for more updates.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Drone Market Projected to Reach $57.8 Billion By 2030 as Usage and Demands Soars

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Industry experts are predicting a bright spot of good news about the drone industry value in 2025. New estimates project that the global drone market will be worth $57.8 billion by 2030. That’s a huge increase from previous forecasts, which had the drone industry worth $40.6 billion in 2025. That’s according to a fresh report, dubbed the Drone Market Report 2025-2030. It’s put out by Drone Industry Insights, which is a German consulting group. DII has been putting out similar reports for years now — and this latest report starts by looking at the drone industry value in 2025. From there, it looks at where the commercial drone space is headed over the next five years. As it turns out, the numbers are bigger than experts previously expected. The report said: “So why is the forecast different (and better) than usual? After all, the consumer drone market has not been doing well. But as is the case with many industries, the money is in the business side — not the consumer side. And for the former, drones have become essential tools in industries like construction, agriculture, and energy. Plus, they are increasingly finding their way into fields like logistics (as evidenced by growing drone deliveries, and public safety. As it turns out, most people are making money in drones not by building them, but by actually operating them. The commercial services segment is by far the largest within the drone industry. That’s people who fly for everything from wedding photography to making advanced maps. There’s also increasing military use of small, portable drones. That’s evidenced by groups like Dignitas fighting the war in Ukraine with drones. “Drones as a service” is a broad, widely-encompassing segment, but nonetheless it’s expected to reach $29.4 billion by 2025.  Behind that is the drone hardware industry. In 2025, drone hardware is worth $6.7 billion — but it’s also the fastest-growing segment. That’s likely fueled by recent innovations in BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) technology. It also has to do with growing trends like the proliferation of automated drone docking stations.” Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH).

    The report continued: “Around the world, the number of global drone flights jumped 25% in 2024. Yes, takeoffs rose from an estimated 15.5 million to 19.5 million. Asia saw the most flights at 6.3 million, followed by North America (3.9 million) and Europe (3.8 million). We’ve seen this trend of Asian dominance in all sorts of facets of the industry… it’s impossible to ignore to China’s dominance in drone manufacturing. Of course, recent U.S. economic news around tariffs and free trade could upend this at any time. Just this month, China sanctioned a handful of companies, including some American drone companies. The retaliatory move is China’s way of hurting the U.S. drone industry — but it could also upend who really is the leader. Drone pilots around the world even wonder what the news — which on the surface only impacts the U.S. — could mean for prices and availability of drones for sale in their own countries (even if there isn’t a formal ban on DJI drones imposed on those countries). And with that, pay attention to the emerging role of Latin America and Africa. As drone accessibility improves and local ecosystems flourish, these regions could be the next big thing.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) to Showcase Drone as a Service (DaaS) and AI Drone Innovation for Commercial and Defense Markets at Two Premier Investor Conferences — D. Boral Capital Conference and Ladenburg Technology Innovation Expo25 – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that the company was invited and will participate at two prominent investor conferences next month: the D. Boral Capital Conference and the Ladenburg Thalmann Technology Innovation Expo.

    These high-profile investor events bring together a variety of institutional investors to explore cutting-edge technologies and investment opportunities. ZenaTech’s leadership team will present an overview of the company and engage in one-on-one meetings on the latest developments regarding its AI drone solutions for commercial and defense markets and the expansion of its Drones as a Service (DaaS) business model.

    Conference Details:

    D. Boral Capital Inaugural Global Conference: One of the most prestigious events for emerging growth issuers and institutional investors in the world, it showcases dynamic public and private companies across multiple sectors in an intimate setting. Approximately 75 presenting companies and hundreds of institutional investors are expected to attend. Date and Venue: May 14, 2025, The Plaza Hotel — 5th Avenue at Central Park South, New York, NY 10019

    Ladenburg Thalmann Technology Innovation Expo25: The Expo is a full-day event showcasing approximately 50 AI-driven technology companies through presentations, live demos, and one-on-one meetings. Designed to foster meaningful investor engagement, the conference brings together public company executives, institutional investors, and industry professionals. Date and Venue: May 21, 2025, Convene — 101 Park Avenue, New York, NY

    To book a one-on-one meeting with ZenaTech at one of these events, please refer to the conference website links. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, has recently said that it has successfully closed the previously announced registered direct offering with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 4,724,412 shares of common stock resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $30 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The offering closed on April 11, 2025.

    “We believe this financing positions Red Cat for significant growth in the drone industry focused on aerospace and defense technologies, establishing Red Cat as one of the fastest growing drone companies based in the United States,” said Jeff Thompson, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Red Cat.

    EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), the world’s leading urban air mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, recently announced that it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 15, 2025. The annual report can be accessed on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.ehang.com/ and on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/.

    The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to the Company’s Investor Relations Department at ir@ehang.com.

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, recently announced that it has been selected by SafeLane Global Ltd. (“SafeLane”) as its preferred unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aerial survey provider.

    SafeLane, a world-renowned specialist in explosive threat mitigation, is one of only two private organizations licensed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to conduct landmine and explosive ordnance clearance operations in Ukraine. With over 30 years of experience across more than 60 countries, SafeLane supports governments, humanitarian organizations, and commercial clients in the clearance and disposal of landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and explosive remnants of war (ERW), both on land and underwater.

    Under the agreement, Draganfly will provide advanced drone solutions, including UAVs, specialized sensors, and data analysis services, to support SafeLane’s global mine action initiatives. The collaboration aims to enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of explosive threat detection and removal operations in high-risk environments.

    Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven security solutions, recently announced that its white paper, “Drone-Based AI for Landmine and UXO Detection and Mapping” has been accepted for presentation at the Annual Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems (SAGEEP) 2025 event hosted by The Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society (EEGS). The paper showcases the Company’s patented, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered, drone-based imagery analysis technology’s application in the rapidly growing defense and humanitarian sectors.

    SAGEEP is a premier international conference focusing on the near surface, where practitioners, academics, researchers, consultants, students, and government representatives gather to hear presentations or view posters representing the latest in new approaches and methods in environmental and engineering geophysics. The technical program will also incorporate special sessions planned in Future of Geophysics- Innovative Geophysics and Engineering (FOG), Unmanned Vehicles and Drones, Geophysics for Archaeology and Forensics, GPR Platforms and case studies, HVSR, and Underwater Munitions Response Operations.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How petrostates succeeded in watering down the world’s plan to cut shipping emissions

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christiaan De Beukelaer, Senior Lecturer in Culture & Climate, The University of Melbourne

    The UN’s International Maritime Organization has just agreed to start charging ships for the greenhouse gases they emit. After decades of ineffective incremental tweaks to shipping emissions, the breakthrough came on April 11 at a summit in London. It makes shipping the first industry subject to a worldwide – and legally binding – emissions price.

    The positive spin is that getting any sort of deal is a major win for multilateral climate action, especially considering two strong headwinds.

    From within the meeting, there was sustained opposition to ambitious action from Saudi Arabia and other petrostates, as well as from China and Brazil. Second, the US had already disengaged from negotiations. Even so, from outside the meeting, the US administration’s tariff war and explicit threat to retaliate against states supporting a shipping pricing regime could have affected talks far more than they did.

    But we’re not sure that this agreement can be considered a success. While there is little traditional climate change denial at the IMO, “mitigation denial” is alive and kicking. Mitigation denial means making lofty promises, often in line with scientific evidence, but not adopting concrete measures able to deliver on these targets. This is exactly what petrostates pushed the IMO to do last week.

    Ultimately, the IMO has well and truly failed the most climate vulnerable, by favouring a more gradual and less certain transition to low-carbon shipping. It’s even effectively making these countries pay the price.

    What are the measures?

    The IMO agreement introduces a global fuel standard for shipping, with financial penalties for ships that don’t meet emissions targets. This is effectively a carbon-trading scheme.

    It sets two targets, both of which get tougher every year: a “base” level and a stricter “direct compliance” level. Ships that miss the direct target have to buy “remedial units”, and more expensive ones if they also fail the base level. Ships that go beyond their targets earn “surplus units”, which they can trade or save for up to two years.

    In practice, this means that the companies and countries that can invest in new technologies will earn a double dividend: they won’t pay for emissions and they will receive rewards for using low-emission fuels.

    At the same time, countries and shipping companies lacking the means to invest will effectively subsidise those early movers by paying penalties that reward them. Hardly any revenues will be available for the promised “just and equitable” transition that would ensure no country is left behind. No wonder nearly all delegates from vulnerable Pacific nations abstained from the vote at the IMO.

    For a typical ship burning heavy fuel oil in 2028, it works out at around US$25 (£19) per tonne of greenhouse gas. That’s far lower than needed to drive a rapid transition to cleaner fuels. We also still don’t know exactly how the money raised will be used.

    Delegates also agreed to update the IMO’s “carbon intensity” policy, which now requires ships to be 21.5% more fuel efficient by 2030 compared to 2019. This is a modest 2.5% improvement per year.

    Pacific island states and the UK were among those arguing for bigger cuts (up to 47%). China pushed for 15% and the EU proposed the surprisingly low 23%. The final result of 21.5% is a bad compromise that does not reflect scientific recommendations on meeting the IMO’s goals or what is possible with available technology.

    Climate action at the IMO

    This geopolitical struggle goes back decades. Following the adoption of the Kyoto protocol (a precursor of the Paris agreement) in 1997, the UN tasked the IMO with reducing shipping emissions. After two decades of little progress, in 2018 the IMO eventually set a weak target to cut emissions by 50% from 2008 levels. In 2023, that goal was strengthened to net-zero emissions “by or around 2050”, with interim targets of 20-30% cuts by 2030 and 70-80% by 2040.



    Read more:
    Why the shipping industry’s increased climate ambition spells the end for its fossil fuel use

    Most importantly, the 2023 strategy also committed to adopting legally binding measures in April 2025 to deliver on these targets. This has now happened.

    In light of that history, the new measures do constitute progress. However, their success has to be judged on whether they can actually meet the IMO’s targets.

    The 2030 goal is especially important as climate damage is proportional to cumulative emissions over time, so it’s important to cut emissions as soon as possible. If the shipping sector misses its 2030 target, it may have emitted too much carbon to still make a fair contribution to the Paris agreement.

    Academics at UCL have analysed the new IMO agreement. Unfortunately, they calculated the new policies will only deliver a 10% reduction by 2030 – that’s not even close to the 20% goal the IMO set, let alone the “strive” target of 30%.

    Mitigation denial?

    At the IMO’s closing meeting, Harry Conway, chair of its Marine Environment Protection Committee, held up a glass of water and remarked that at the start of the week, the glass was empty, now the glass is half full.

    As political spin, that image might work. But when it comes to setting a clear and ambitious path forward, the measures fall well short.

    The 2023 strategy committed nations to “strive” to deliver 30% emissions cuts by 2030. Last week’s meeting might yield 10%. Another reason why Pacific delegates abstained from voting. There is a lot more striving – and delivering – to be done.

    A credible pathway to reach net-zero by 2050 is now at risk. Strong pushback by the US, Saudi Arabia, China and Brazil, and weak leadership from the EU all played a role. Even adopting these modest measures – which requires a vote in October – and specifying operational “guidelines” afterwards will be an uphill battle.

    Christiaan De Beukelaer receives funding from the ClimateWorks Foundation.

    Simon Bullock is a member of the Institute for Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

    – ref. How petrostates succeeded in watering down the world’s plan to cut shipping emissions – https://theconversation.com/how-petrostates-succeeded-in-watering-down-the-worlds-plan-to-cut-shipping-emissions-254638

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Proposed Waste and Recycling Investment

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Proposed investment in the future of Dundee City Council’s waste and recycling operations is set to go before councillors.

    Three reports are to be considered by the next meeting of the Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee.

    A sourcing strategy is being put forward for the procurement process to purchase wheeled bins, euro containers, skips and specialist containers for neighbourhood recycling points for the next year.

    Costs of £150,000 are outlined, with approval sought to proceed through the Scotland Excel procurement service.

    Councillors will hear that the annual purchase is required for new build properties and new commercial customers amongst others, as well as replacing damaged items.

    Another report focusing on recycling presents a sourcing strategy for the procurement process for the treatment of mixed scrap metal, mixed recycling: metals, plastics and cartons, as well as paper and cardboard.

    Current contracts for the three areas of recycling total around £470,000.

    New contracts would start later in 2025 and would involve the reprocessing of over 7,500 tonnes of material a year.

    Meanwhile, the committee is being asked to approve the purchase of specialist equipment for Baldovie Household Waste Recycling Centre.

    The £99,722 cost will be covered by money received from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund, which is being used to maximise reuse, recycling and carry out site upgrades at the city’s two recycling centres.

    The roll packer will be used for compacting waste and recycling contained in open skips. High compaction will be possible, and this will result in fewer vehicle and skip movements, leading to better operational efficiency.

    Committee convener Cllr Steven Rome said: “These reports show our commitment to improve our recycling and reuse rates and make it easier for more people to play a part in our recycling effort.”

    Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Convener Cllr Heather Anderson said: “As a council, we have declared a climate emergency with waste being one of the key themes within that declaration and the subsequent Dundee Climate Action Plan.

    “To make a real impact, it is important that we continue to improve the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste and resources in the city. So, it is vitally important that we keep investing for the future.”

    The committee meets on Monday April 21.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Microchip Completes Radiation-Hardened Power MOSFET Family to MIL-PRF-19500/746 and Achieves JANSF 300 Krad Capability

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHANDLER, Ariz., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The JANS qualification represents the highest level of screening and acceptance requirements, ensuring the superior performance, quality and reliability of discrete semiconductors for aerospace, defense and spaceflight applications. Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announces its completion of its family of radiation-hardened (rad-hard) power MOSFETs to the MIL-PRF-19500/746 slash-sheet specification and the achievement of JANSF qualification for its JANSF2N8587U3, 100V N-channel MOSFET to 300 Krad (Si) Total Ionizing Dose (TID).

    Microchip’s JANS series of rad-hard power devices is available in voltage ranges from 100–250V to 100 Krad (Si) TID, with the family expanding to higher Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA) levels, starting with the JANSF2N7587U3 at 300 Krad (Si) TID. The JANS RH MOSFET die is available in multiple package options including a plastic package using the MIL-qualified JANSR die, providing a cost-effective power device for New Space and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) applications. The ceramic package is hermetically sealed and developed for total dose and Single-Event-Environments (SEE).

    The devices are designed to meet the MIL-PRF19500/746 standard with enhanced performance, making them excellent options for applications that demand high-reliability components capable of withstanding the harsh environments of space and extending the reliability of power circuitry.

    “Meeting the stringent specifications required for rad-hard MOSFETs is extremely challenging, and Microchip is pleased to achieve this development milestone by leveraging its proprietary rad-hard by design process and technology,” said Leon Gross, corporate vice president of Microchip’s discrete products group. “Our advanced technology provides our aerospace and defense customers with highly reliable and cost-effective solutions that meet the growing demand of the market and their applications.”

    The JANSF and JANSR RH power MOSFETs serve as the primary switching elements in power conversion circuits, including point-of-load converters, DC-DC converters, motor drives and controls, and general-purpose switching. With low RDS(ON) and a low total gate charge, these power MOSFETs offer improved energy efficiency, reduced heat generation and enhanced switching performance when compared to similar devices on the market.

    Microchip offers a broad portfolio of high-reliability solutions designed for aerospace and defense including Radiation-Tolerant (RT) and Radiation-Hardened (RH) MCUs, FPGAs and Ethernet PHYs, power devices, RF products, timing solutions, as well as discrete components from bare die to system modules. Additionally, Microchip offers a wide range of components on the QPL to better serve its customers. To learn more about Microchip’s aerospace and defense solutions, visit the web page.

    Development Tools

    There are Spice Models available for our JANS MOSFETs, offering additional resources for software simulation and design optimization.

    Pricing and Availability

    The JANSF and JANSR devices are available in limited sampling upon request. For additional information contact a Microchip sales representative.

    Resources

    High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):

    About Microchip Technology:
    Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control and processing solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve over 100,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

    Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean: Simon Mustard

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Change of British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean: Simon Mustard

    Mr Simon Mustard has been appointed British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. He will take up his appointment during May 2025.

    Simon Mustard

    Mr Simon Mustard has been appointed British High Commissioner to Barbados, and non-resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

    Simon will succeed Mr Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

    Mr Mustard will take up his appointment during May 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Simon Mustard

    Year Role
    2021 to 2025 FCDO, Director East/Southern Africa
    2019 to 2021 Freetown, British High Commissioner
    2017 to 2019 FCO, Head, Southern and Central Africa Department and Special Envoy to African Great Lakes Region
    2016 Lilongwe, British High Commissioner
    2013 to 2016 Amman, Deputy Head of Mission
    2011 to 2013 FCO, Head, Country-Casework Team and Deputy Head of Consular Assistance, Consular Directorate
    2009 to 2011 FCO, Head, Regional Issues Team, Counter-Proliferation Department
    2008 to 2009 FCO, Private Secretary to Minister of State, and also to the Secretary of State
    2005 to 2008 Washington, Policy Lead on Counter-Terrorism and Strategic Threats
    2002 to 2004 Belmopan, Third Secretary (Political)
    2000 to 2002 FCO, Desk Officer, Environment Policy Department
    1994 to 2000 Police Officer, Lothian and Borders Police

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recreational fishery for bluefin tuna 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Recreational fishery for bluefin tuna 2025

    Marine Management Organisation (MMO) today opened applications for an east Atlantic bluefin tuna catch and release recreational fishery (CRRF) in 2025 in English waters.

    Approximately 140 vessels could be issued permits to operate in the CRRF, Plans for the 2025 Bluefin tuna (BFT) catch and release recreational fisheries (CRRF) within UK waters, which is scheduled to open from mid-July and will run until the end of November 2025. 

    To be eligible for a permit, interested stakeholders must follow the guidance and apply here before the closing date of 18 May.

    Successful applicants must comply and report their fishing activity in line with the legislation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s SpaceX 32nd Commercial Resupply Mission Overview

    Source: NASA

    NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 4:15 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 21, for the next launch to deliver scientific investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station. Filled with about 6,700 pounds of supplies, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket, will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

    NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 4:15 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 21, for the next launch to deliver scientific investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station. Filled with about 6,700 pounds of supplies, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket, will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    This launch is the 32nd SpaceX commercial resupply services mission to the orbital laboratory for the agency, and the 12th SpaceX launch under the Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS) contract. The first 20 launches were under the original resupply services contract.
    NASA’s live launch coverage will begin at 3:55 a.m. on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms.

    The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will arrive at the space station and dock autonomously to the zenith port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, April 22. Live coverage NASA’s coverage of the rendezvous and docking will begin at 6:45 a.m on NASA+. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, Expedition 73 commander and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi will monitor the arrival of the spacecraft, which will stay docked to the orbiting laboratory for about one month before splashing down and returning critical science and hardware to teams on Earth.

    Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor-2 (SVGS-2) uses the space station’s Astrobee robots to demonstrate using a NASA developed, vision-based sensor to control a formation flight of small satellites. Based on a previous in-space demonstration of the technology, this investigation is designed to refine the maneuvers of multiple robots and integrate the information with spacecraft systems.
    Potential benefits of this technology include improved accuracy and reliability of systems for guidance, navigation, and control that could be applied to docking crewed spacecraft in orbit and remotely operating multiple robots on the lunar or Martian surface.

    During spaceflight, especially long-duration missions, concentrations of airborne particles must be kept within ranges safe for crew health and hardware performance. The Aerosol Monitors investigation tests three different air quality monitors to determine which is best suited to protect crew health and ensure mission success.
    The investigation also tests a device for distinguishing between smoke and dust. Aboard the orbital outpost, the presence of dust can cause false smoke alarms that require crew member response. Reducing false alarms could save valuable crew time while continuing to protect astronaut safety.

    The newest Industrial Crystallization Cassette (ADSEP-ICC) investigation adds capabilities to an existing protein crystallization facility. The cassette can process more sample types, including tiny gold particles used in devices that detect cancer and other diseases or in targeted drug delivery systems. Microgravity makes it possible to produce larger and more uniform gold particles, which improves their use in research and real-life applications of technologies related to human health.

    The DNA Nano Therapeutics-Mission 2 produces a special type of molecule formed by DNA-inspired, customizable building blocks known as Janus base nanomaterials. It also evaluates how well the materials reduce joint inflammation and whether they can help regenerate cartilage lost due to arthritis. These materials are less toxic, more stable, and more compatible with living tissues than current drug delivery technologies.
    Environmental influences such as gravity can affect the quality of these materials and delivery systems. In microgravity, they are larger and have greater uniformity and structural integrity. This investigation could help identify the best formulations and methods for cost-effective in-space production. These nanomaterials also could be used to create novel systems targeting therapy delivery that improves patient outcomes with fewer side effects.

    The Rhodium USAFA NIGHT payload examines how tomato plants respond to microgravity and whether a carbon dioxide replacement can reduce how much space-grown plants depend on photosynthesis. Because photosynthesis needs light, which requires spacecraft power to generate, alternatives would reduce energy use.
    The investigation also examines whether using supplements increases plant growth on the space station, which has been observed in preflight testing on Earth. In future plant production facilities aboard spacecraft or on celestial bodies, supplements could come from available organic materials such as waste.
    Understanding how plants adapt to microgravity could help grow food during long-duration space missions or harsh environments on Earth.

    An ESA (European Space Agency) investigation, Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES), examines fundamental physics concepts such as Einstein’s theory of relativity using two next-generation atomic clocks operated in microgravity. Results have applications to scientific measurement studies, the search for dark matter, and fundamental physics research that relies on highly accurate atomic clocks in space. The experiment also tests a technology for synchronizing clocks worldwide using global navigation satellite networks.

    Launch:

    Catalytic Reactor – The catalytic reactor replacement unit oxidizes volatile organics from the wastewater so they can be removed by the gas separator and ion exchange bed replacement units as part of the station’s water recycling system. This unit failed in orbit and is being returned for analysis and refurbishment. This unit is being launched as an in-orbit spare. 
    Food Reach Tool Assembly – An L-shaped, hand-held tool that allows crew members to reach packages in the back of the food warmer without having to insert their hands. This tool is launching to replace a unit in orbit.

    Reducer Cylinder Assembly – A cylinder tank that provides 15 minutes of oxygen to a crew member in case of an emergency. Launching two units as in-orbit spares.

    Thermal Expansion Device – A device used to allow for thermal expansion of water within the Hydrogen Dome while it is being removed and replaced. Launching to maintain minimum in-orbit spares.

    Return:

    Urine Processor Assembly Pressure Control and Pump Assembly – This multi-tube purge pump enables the removal of non-condensable gas and water vapor from the distillation assembly within the greater urine processing assembly subsystem. This unit is returning to the ground for repair and refurbishment in support of the legacy environmental control and life support system fleet.

    Assembly Contingency Transmitter Receiver Assembly – A part of the S-Band Radio Frequency Group, this assembly is a pressurized enclosure that contains electronics for this upper-level assembly. The Radio Frequency Group is used for command, control, and transmission communication for the space station. It was retrieved by NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during US EVA 92 and will return for repair.

    High Gain Antenna Feed Assembly – Part of the S-Band Radio Frequency Group, this system features a two-axis, gimballed assembly with a pedestal and a large horn antenna. It was retrieved by NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during U.S. spacewalk 92 and will return for repair.

    Low Gain Antenna Sub-Assembly – Part of the S-Band Radio Frequency Group, this sub-assembly consists of a helix antenna that provides a wide field of signal transmission capability. It was retrieved by NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during U.S. spacewalk 92 and will return for repair. 

    Planar Reflector Assembly – With an aluminum base and reflective element, visiting spacecraft reflect a laser to compute relative range, velocity, and attitude to the space station. This broken unit was retrieved and replaced by NASA astronaut Suni Williams during U.S. spacewalk 91 and will return for repair.

    Multifiltration Bed – Supporting the water processor assembly, this spare unit will continue the International Space Station program’s effort to replace a degraded fleet of units in-orbit that improve water quality through a single bed. This unit will return for refurbishment and re-flight.

    Live coverage of the launch from NASA Kennedy will air at 3:55 a.m. on NASA+..
    For additional information on the mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/nasas-spacex-crs-32/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil reviews key Projects of Wildlife Institute of India under the aegis of National Mission for Clean Ganga

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil reviews key Projects of Wildlife Institute of India under the aegis of National Mission for Clean Ganga

    Shri C. R. Patil launches a Digital Platform to Boost Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation

    Union Minister lauds the commendable work being carried out by the National Mission for Clean Ganga and Wildlife Institute of India

    MoJS releases a series of knowledge products developed under the initiatives

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 2:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, chaired a review meeting of various projects implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and supported by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry and WII.

    The union Minister expressed his appreciation for the commendable work being carried out by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and WII in restoring aquatic biodiversity, improving river health, building local capacities, and engaging communities in conservation. He acknowledged the impact of extensive outreach and capacity-building programs conducted across the basin and highlighted the role of WII in mass awareness initiatives, particularly those involving Ganga Praharis. Additionally, he suggested organizing a Ganga Prahari Conclave to strengthen continued engagement with volunteers and advised exploring new conservation initiatives focused on the Mugger crocodile in the rivers.

    During the event, Shri C. R. Patil also released a series of knowledge products developed under these initiatives. These included Hydrophytes: Green Lungs of Ganga Volumes I & II and Protocols for Collection, Storage and Transportation of Biological Samples of Freshwater Macrofauna. These publications represent the strong scientific foundation and practical relevance of the Ministry’s biodiversity conservation efforts.

    It emerged in the review that a structured and multidisciplinary conservation plan was initiated by WII under the aegis of NMCG. The core aim of the project was to establish a science-based aquatic species conservation strategy for the Ganga River through a six-pronged approach: creating a dedicated conservation monitoring center, planning aquatic species restoration, building institutional capacity, establishing rescue and rehabilitation centers, initiating community-based conservation programs, and spreading education on biodiversity conservation.

    A key highlight of the meeting was the launch of an important digital platform –information dashboard www.rivres.in, developed under the Ministry of Jal Shakti and WII. The dashboard – part of the Ganga Aqualife Conservation Monitoring Centre/National Centre for River Research – serves as a comprehensive digital hub offering ecological insights, conservation case studies, and information on physiography, biodiversity, and community engagement activities across major Indian rivers, including the Ganga, Barak, Mahanadi, Narmada, Godavari, Cauvery, and Pamba.

    Community engagement has been a cornerstone of this conservation model. Thousands of stakeholders—including forest officers, veterinarians, schoolteachers, NSS volunteers, and local communities—have been trained through over 130 capacity-building programs. More than 5,000 Ganga Praharis, many of them women, have been mobilized to act as frontline conservation volunteers. Their involvement has enhanced biodiversity monitoring, supported rescue operations, and strengthened local stewardship.

    A massive river survey, covering over 12,000 kilometers across 22 rivers, was conducted using advanced technologies like GPS-enabled data collection, SONAR-based depth profiling, and ecological monitoring apps. Project Dolphin was launched, aiming to conserve dolphins and their habitat while supporting local livelihoods through eco-tourism and other initiatives.

    The review concluded with a vote of thanks and a renewed commitment to advance data-driven, inclusive, and sustainable freshwater ecosystem conservation efforts through the continued partnership between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Wildlife Institute of India.

    ***

    Dhanya Sanal K

    (Release ID: 2122386) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Pandemic Agreement, Sudan & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Stephanie Tremblay, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    – Deputy Secretary-General
    – Security Council
    – Pandemic Agreement
    – Sudan
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Iraq
    – Global Economy
    – Briefings tomorrow
    – Financial Contribution

    **Deputy Secretary-General
    The Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed is in Hanoi, Viet Nam today, to participate in the Partnership for Growth Summit and to chair the annual retreat of UN Resident Coordinators from Asia and the Pacific.
    In her remarks at the opening session of the Summit, Ms. Mohammed underlined the need to strengthen partnerships and to scale up investments in climate solutions as a key entry point to advance countries’ Sustainable Development Goals transitions.
    Ms. Mohammed also met with the Minister of Agriculture and Environment Mr. Đỗ Đức Duy. They discussed Viet Nam’s transition to a low-carbon energy system and progress on its food system pathways.
    On the margins of the Summit, she also met with Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
    And at the Green One UN House in Hanoi, Ms. Mohammed met the UN Country Team to discuss how to further strengthen the UN’s impact in Viet Nam and to sustain momentum on the SDGs. She also met with youth.

    ** Security Council
    This morning, the Security Council members met for a briefing on South Sudan. The Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, told the Council members that the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the only viable framework to break the cycle of violence in South Sudan.
    He added that UNMISS is engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to broker a peaceful solution to the current crisis alongside many stakeholders, including the African Union and the Security Council itself.
    For her part, the Director of Operations and Advocacy at OCHA, Edem Wosornu, focused on the rapidly escalating violence and its impact on men, women and children. She added that this year, 9.3 million South Sudanese – that’s three-quarters of the population – require some form of humanitarian assistance, adding that children make up half of this total.
    For South Sudan, this year’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan requires $1.7 billion to support close to 5.4 million people. Their full remarks were shared with you.
    The Security Council will reconvene at 3:00 pm this afternoon for a session on the Great Lakes region. The Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, Huang Xia, as well as UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, are scheduled to brief. We will share their remarks as soon as we get them.

    **Pandemic Agreement
    And we wanted to welcome the consensus on a draft pandemic agreement reached in Geneva after more than three years of intensive negotiations. Member States of the World Health Organization took a major step forward in efforts to make the world safer from pandemics, by forging the draft agreement for consideration at the upcoming World Health Assembly in May. The proposal aims to strengthen global collaboration on prevention, preparedness and response to future pandemic threats.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=16%20April%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27HxZBjcrDY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Change of British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

    Mr Simon Mustard has been appointed British High Commissioner to Barbados, and non-resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in succession to Mr Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

    Simon Mustard

    Mr Simon Mustard has been appointed British High Commissioner to Barbados, and non-resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in succession to Mr Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

    Mr Mustard will take up his appointment during May 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Simon Mustard

    Year Role
    2021 to 2025 FCDO, Director East/Southern Africa
    2019 to 2021 Freetown, British High Commissioner
    2017 to 2019 FCO, Head, Southern and Central Africa Department and Special Envoy to African Great Lakes Region
    2016 Lilongwe, British High Commissioner
    2013 to 2016 Amman, Deputy Head of Mission
    2011 to 2013 FCO, Head, Country-Casework Team and Deputy Head of Consular Assistance, Consular Directorate
    2009 to 2011 FCO, Head, Regional Issues Team, Counter-Proliferation Department
    2008 to 2009 FCO, Private Secretary to Minister of State, and also to the Secretary of State
    2005 to 2008 Washington, Policy Lead on Counter-Terrorism and Strategic Threats
    2002 to 2004 Belmopan, Third Secretary (Political)
    2000 to 2002 FCO, Desk Officer, Environment Policy Department
    1994 to 2000 Police Officer, Lothian and Borders Police

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Where will the high-speed trains to St. Petersburg stop in Moscow?

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Four stops for high-speed rail (HSR) trains to St. Petersburg will be prepared in the capital. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    “On the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, we continue working on the high-speed railway project to St. Petersburg. There will be four stops for high-speed trains in Moscow: Leningradsky Station, Rizhskaya, Petrovsko-Razumovskaya and Zelenograd-Kryukovo. In total, at the four high-speed railway stops, it will be possible to transfer to 14 metro stations and Moscow Central Diameters, as well as to ground city transport. Each station will become a real city railway station and will be equipped with everything necessary for passengers. It will become more convenient for residents of not only Moscow, but also the nearest Moscow region,” said Maxim Liksutov.

    Thanks to the location of the intermediate stations, residents of the north of Moscow and nearby cities in the Moscow region will be able to significantly save travel time without unnecessary trips to the center.

    For residents of the Timiryazevsky and Marfino districts, as well as those traveling from the north of the Moscow region – from Lobnya, Dolgoprudny, Khimki and other cities – Petrovsko-Razumovskaya is suitable. Here you can transfer from the first and third Moscow Central Diameters, as well as two metro lines – Serpukhovsko-Timiryazevskaya and Lyublinsko-Dmitrovskaya. For residents of Dolgoprudny, the trip to St. Petersburg will be cut in half – to about 2.5 hours without unnecessary transfers.

    Residents of the Ostankino, Maryina Roshcha, and Alekseevsky districts will be able to use the convenient Rizhskaya city station. Here you can transfer to three diameters at once, as well as to two metro lines, including the Big Circle. Travel time to St. Petersburg from Rizhskaya will be just over two hours.

    It will also become more convenient for residents of Zelenograd, as well as the Molzhaninovsky District and Khimki: new high-speed trains will stop at the Zelenograd-Kryukovo station. For residents of Khimki, with the appearance of a new station in Zelenograd, the travel time to the Northern capital will be reduced from five to two and a half hours.

    The Moscow-St. Petersburg HSR-1 will connect the country’s largest urban agglomerations, where more than 40 million people live in total — about 30 percent of Russia’s population. Travel time between Moscow and St. Petersburg will be reduced almost twofold, to two hours and 15 minutes.

    The launch of the highway will also help develop tourism and business, and create new jobs. Environmentally friendly rail transport will reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere and reduce the number of road accidents.

    To launch the VSM-1, a completely new high-speed rolling stock will be developed, which will reach speeds of up to 400 kilometers per hour. The contract with the manufacturer for the supply of 41 such trains was signed in 2024. In total, 43 trains will be produced and supplied for the VSM-1 by the end of 2030, taking into account the previously concluded contract.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152698073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Company and director fined for burning waste on rural land

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Company and director fined for burning waste on rural land

    A company and its director have been fined for ignoring Environment Agency warnings to stop burning waste on rural land in West Yorkshire.

    Image shows smouldering waste on the land near Weatherby.

    Bardsey Tree Services Ltd, of Main Road in Wighill, Tadcaster, and company director Andrew Richard Ward, 56, of the same address, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 10 April.

    They both pleaded guilty to two offences of burning waste on land near Wetherby on separate occasions between August 2023 and August 2024.

    The company was fined £2,500, ordered to pay costs of £3,000 and a victim surcharge of £1,000, while Ward was fined £960, ordered to pay £1,274.50 in costs and a £384 victim surcharge.

    Ian Foster, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said:

    Burning waste on land can have a significant impact on the environment and local communities.

    Our officers made it clear to the defendants multiple times that the activity on site was illegal, but this was ignored.

    I hope this sends out a message to others about just how important it is to follow regulations to protect the environment and ensure business aren’t in breach of the law.

    Image shows smouldering waste on the land near Wetherby.

    Officers saw fires burning

    The company, which offers tree services including operating as a tree surgeon, leases land off Compton Lane, a few miles away from Wetherby.

    On 10 August 2023 Environment Agency officers attended the site and saw a fire burning, consisting of mixed waste.

    Separate and away from the fire was a pile of tree trunks, a large pile of wood chippings and an even larger pile of mixed soil, rubble, wood and metal. No one was present.

    The defendants had no registered environmental permit or waste exemption – which allows for low level waste activity.

    The Environment Agency wrote to the defendants with instructions to stop bringing in waste and burning, and to clear the site of waste within three months. It was made clear that the activity on site was illegal.

    Two months later the company registered a waste exemption for the site, which authorised the burning of certain categories of ‘green’ waste such as tree and plant cuttings, provided that both the waste was produced on the land and any fire does not cause a nuisance. 

    Activity was in breach of exemption

    In July 2024 Environment Agency officers attended and saw a fire burning, producing thick grey smoke. The fire was predominantly green waste but also included plastics, treated wood, metal and aerosol cannisters. No one was present.

    Officers wrote a further letter to the defendants making it clear this activity was in breach of the exemption and that offences were being committed.

    Later that month officers passing the area saw thick grey smoke coming from the site. This time, in addition was roof felt, which is likely to have been hazardous. The fire service attended and put the blaze out and advised it should not have been left unattended.

    Even after flagging this issue with Andrew Ward, another fire was also seen on site on 5 August, 2024.

    In interviews, Ward admitted taking waste away from customers to the site, and that wood chippings were provided to biomass power stations. He said the fires were used as a means of dealing with residual waste, but added that the site had becomes known as a dumping ground for other operators’ waste.

    Illegal waste activity can be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.

    Background

    Full charges:

    Andrew Ward

    1. On 10 August 2023 on land off Compton Lane, Rigton, Bardsey Tree Services Ltd submitted controlled waste to a listed operation, namely incineration on land, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, and as a director of that company the offence was attributable to your consent, connivance or neglect. 

    Contrary to s.33(1)(b), (6) & 157(1) Environmental Protection Act 1990 

    1. Between 16 July 2024 and 6 August 2024 on land off Compton Lane, Rigton, Bardsey Tree Services Ltd submitted controlled waste, or knowingly caused or knowingly permitted controlled waste to be submitted, to a listed operation namely incineration on land, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, and as a director of that company the offence was attributable to your consent, connivance or neglect. 

    Bardsey Tree Services Ltd

    1. On 10 August 2023 on land off Compton Lane, Rigton, Bardsey Tree Services Ltd submitted controlled waste to a listed operation, namely incineration on land, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit.

    Contrary to s.33(1)(b) & (6) Environmental Protection Act 1990

    1. Between 16 July 2024 and 6 August 2024 on land off Compton Lane, Rigton, Bardsey Tree Services Ltd submitted controlled waste, or knowingly caused or knowingly permitted controlled waste to be submitted, to a listed operation namely incineration on land, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit.

    Contrary to s.33(1)(b) & (6) Environmental Protection Act 1990

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students of SPbGASU presented their projects of a concert complex for Brest in the Republic of Belarus

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Meeting at the regional executive committee

    On April 14, a meeting of fourth-year students and teachers of the Faculty of Architecture of SPbGASU Daria Boytsova and Oleg Fedorov with the chief architect of the region Nikolai Vlasyuk took place in the Executive Committee of the Brest Region (Republic of Belarus). The meeting was also attended by teachers and students of the Department of Architecture of the Brest State Technical University (BrSTU). The event became the next stage of cooperation between the two universities, including in project activities. During the meeting, projects for a multifunctional concert complex in Brest, developed by students of the Departments of Architectural Design and Design of the Architectural Environment of SPbGASU, were presented.

    Arina Aleksanova presented a project where the Belarusian national pattern “fire” is used in the volumetric-spatial solution of the complex and the architecture of the facades, giving expressiveness and cultural identity. In addition, the use of light accents is envisaged, imitating the flickering of flame, which enhances the emotional perception of the object in the evening.

    Elza Sharipova’s concept refers to the image of medieval Brest in the engraving by E. Dahlberg. The author of the project noted the vertical tripartite structure of the city fabric, which was reflected in the appearance of the concert hall.

    Maria Kondakova proposes to include a number of multi-level public spaces in the structure of the complex, from where a view of one of Brest’s waterways will open up.

    Valeria Ganeeva used a technique typical for fortification structures: the formation of embankments and inclined walls. This approach is intended to preserve the memory of the place and remind us of the heroic history of the city.

    Margarita Kotikova reflected the synergy of nature, art and history in her concept: her building should consist of three integral volumes, united by a common structure, which personifies the flow of water, music and time.

    The project of the multifunctional complex, developed by Sofia Krivdina, reflects the key features of the Belarusian cultural and natural heritage: Belovezhskaya Pushcha, national ornament and the tradition of lighting lanterns before sunset. The central volume of the hall is associated with a powerful source of light and is covered with a translucent membrane. The design of the ramp and the restaurant supports were inspired by the Belovezhskaya Pushcha motifs. The visual identity of the project is given by the perforated pattern in the decoration of the facades, based on the traditional Belarusian ornament.

    The historical fact about the development of Brest at the intersection of two rivers and trade routes became the basis of Irina Zaplatkina’s concept. The permeability of the ground floor space and the central atrium with a system of viewing arches reflect the “path” and “hope”. The movement along the street is accompanied by an exposition dedicated to the traditions and culture of Brest residents. An active system of dominants emphasizes the dynamism of society. All this should have a strong emotional impact on visitors.

    The Chief Architect of the Brest Region and BrSTU teachers highly appreciated the projects of SPbGASU students. Our students will continue working on the concert hall project and the concept for the development of the embankment in Brest.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 17 April 2025 Kamchatka Falconry Centre expands cooperation with the region’s tourism industry The Kamchatka Falconry Centre, a resident of the Kamchatka Advanced Development Territory (ADT), and the Kamchatka Tourism Industry Association (KTIA), which unites 59 companies in the region’s tourism industry, signed a cooperation agreement that provides for the inclusion of the Centre’s excursion programmes in the region’s eco-routes. The agreement was the result of an earlier general meeting of KTIA members, which discussed the development of the tourism industry in Kamchatka Territory.

    Source: Eastern Economic Forum

    17 April 2025

    Kamchatka Falconry Centre expands cooperation with the region’s tourism industry

    The Kamchatka Falconry Centre, a resident of the Kamchatka Advanced Development Territory (ADT), and the Kamchatka Tourism Industry Association (KTIA), which unites 59 companies in the region’s tourism industry, signed a cooperation agreement that provides for the inclusion of the Centre’s excursion programmes in the region’s eco-routes. The agreement was the result of an earlier general meeting of KTIA members, which discussed the development of the tourism industry in Kamchatka Territory.

    “The cooperation agreement signed today with KTIA will be a powerful stimulus for the development not only of the Falconry Centre, but also of eco-tourism in the region and Russia as a whole. This cooperation will provide an opportunity to introduce guests to the amazing world of birds of prey and will become an important tool for popularizing environmental culture and drawing attention to nature conservation issues. Tourism, based on the principles of respect for the environment, contributes to the formation of a careful attitude towards nature,” said Kristina Alekseeva, Director of the Kamchatka Falconry Centre.

    Thus, the document defines the general principles of partnership, which opens wide opportunities for travel companies to promote and organize visits to this unique site. In order to simplify the interaction, a draft model agreement between travel agencies and the Centre has been developed, taking into account all legal aspects. An important stage was the approval of the tariffs for visits for individual travellers and organized groups, ensuring a balance between the interests of both tourists and the Centre itself. Special attention was paid to seasonality and its impact on the content of excursions, which will allow to offer guests the most interesting and relevant programmes depending on the time of year. Tourists will have access to a detailed description of all the proposed excursions, allowing them to get acquainted with the programme in advance and choose the most suitable option. It is noted that group and individual visits, as well as special programmes for school groups are available for tourists and residents of the peninsula. In addition, regulations for visiting the Kamchatka Falconry Centre have been developed and approved, ensuring bird safety and comfort for all visitors.

    “Active cooperation with the Kamchatka Falconry Centre in 2025 will be an important step in the development of eco-tourism in the region and will attract more tourists interested in wildlife observation, as well as increase the visibility of Kamchatka as an attractive eco-tourism destination internationally. KTIA member tour companies will be key partners in creating new tourism products and providing quality and safe service to our guests,” noted Elena Lassal, Chairperson of KTIA.

    The Kamchatka Falconry Centre was established in 2017 in close cooperation with experts from Arab countries and Russia, with the support of the Roscongress Foundation. The project is implemented in accordance with order of the President of the Russian Federation No. Pr-1991 dated 25 September 2019 and is aimed at rehabilitation, conservation and introduction of rare species of hunting birds.

    The investment platform of the Roscongress Foundation – RC Investments – acts as a co-investor of the project, creating conditions for scientific initiatives. Earlier in 2024, the Roscongress Foundation and the Kamchatka Falconry Centre signed a cooperation agreement with the Supreme Council for Ecology of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Under this partnership, joint conservation initiatives, exchange of experience and development of technologies for the conservation of rare birds of prey are being implemented. Joint projects will be presented at international venues, including the Eastern Economic Forum and the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Tourism programmes of the Kamchatka Falconry Centre will be presented at the Let’s Travel! Tourism Forum to be held in Moscow at VDNKh on 10–15 June 2025.

    According to the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation (FEDC), residents of Kamchatka Territory are implementing 148 projects, of which 53 have already been successfully put into operation. Businesses have invested over RUB 91 billion in the region’s economy and created jobs for over 9,600 residents of the region.

    Residents of ADT have access to reduced insurance premiums of up to 7.6% for 10 years, zero property and profit taxes for the first 5 years, the possibility of obtaining land and infrastructure support, application of the free customs zone procedure, promotion of products and services, legal protection and other effective tools for accelerated start-up and comfortable business operations.

     

    Read more

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Records show emissions fell in 2023

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Environment & Ecology Bureau today released the 2023 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventory for Hong Kong and updated the methodology for compiling its GHG emission inventory.

     

    The bureau pointed out that the Government has used the Global Warming Potential (GWP) values set out in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) to compile the 2023 GHG emission inventory.

     

    It has also updated previous GHG emission figures, using the new GWP values, in order to reflect annual variations and long-term trends.

     

    In updating the methodology, the Government has complied with the requirement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

     

    Based on the calculation using AR5’s GWP values, Hong Kong’s total GHG emissions in 2023 amounted to about 34.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e), representing a decrease of about 20% compared with 2005 levels and a decrease of around 25% from the peak emissions in 2014.

     

    Per capita GHG emissions amounted to approximately 4.58 tonnes in 2023, a new low since 1990, and 30% lower compared with 2005 and 2014. It is also about a quarter of the US level and 60% of the European Union level.

     

    Carbon intensity in 2023 was 0.012 kg CO2-e per Hong Kong dollar GDP, about 46% lower than that in 2005.

     

    Electricity generation continued to be the major source of emissions, generating 61% of total emissions in 2023. Other major emission sources were transport, accounting for 18% of the total, and waste management, which accounted for 8%.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –