Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan
WASHINGTON – After months of ongoing communication with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Governor’s office, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI03) called on the Governor and EGLE’s director to prevent costly delays in the dredging of Grand Haven’s Inner Harbor—a project critical to West Michigan’s economy.
“We’ve been working for months to protect Grand Haven’s necessary dredging schedule, but we’re now at a tipping point,” said Rep. Scholten. “This isn’t just a bureaucratic delay—it’s a potential economic crisis for West Michigan. I’m urging the state to act now so we don’t lose out on critical federal funding, drive up costs for Michigan families, and risk Grand Haven becoming unnavigable. We can protect our Great Lakes and our local economy at the same time, but only if we act quickly and collaboratively.”
Scholten has been actively working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Whitmer Administration, and EGLE since January to prevent delays to the project. While the USACE has funds and a dredging plan ready to go, they require final sediment disposal standards from EGLE before they can proceed. EGLE finalized draft sediment guidance on April 8—just weeks before the dredging cycle was set to begin.
Scholten pressed the Whitmer Administration and EGLE to pursue immediate solutions, including the possibility of a one-time permit or temporary extension that would allow dredging to proceed while broader PFAS disposal standards are finalized.
A delay threatens serious consequences: Grand Haven’s harbor supports over 450 jobs and generates $88.8 million annually in regional economic impact. A missed dredging cycle could increase shipping costs by 25 to 30%, disrupt road and agricultural supply chains across Michigan, and result in an estimated $3 to 5 million in additional costs that could ultimately fall on consumers.
The dredging of Grand Haven’s Inner Harbor is also vital for delivering aggregate materials used in construction and agriculture across the state. Without dredging, nearly 2 million tons of materials may go undelivered this year, creating ripple effects across industries and potentially overwhelming nearby harbors unequipped to handle the volume. Efficient transportation of road-building materials is critical to meeting the Whitmer Administration’s road repair goals. Ensuring reliable cargo shipping channels will help support ongoing construction efforts and keep projects on track—an area of shared concern and commitment.
In the letter, Scholten acknowledged the dangers of forever chemicals on the Great Lakes and supports the need for thoughtful standards to guide their management. She also stressed the importance of moving forward in a timely and pragmatic way that safeguards water quality without stalling critical infrastructure and economic projects.
Since the issue was first raised, Rep. Scholten has kept local officials informed and continues to advocate for a timely, environmentally responsible solution that keeps Grand Haven’s harbor open for business and ensures public health protections remain in place.
A defining feature of the ongoing federal election campaign has been the apparent marginalization of the environment and climate change as top-of-mind issues due to threats by the United States against Canadian sovereignty, security and trade.
But how Canada responds to U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions will also have profound implications for its future greenhouse gas emissions and its economy.
The current federal election is very different from those held in 2015, 2019 and 2021. In those elections, the environment and climate were central issues. Each time, more than 60 per cent of Canadian voters chose parties (Liberal, NDP, Bloc Québécois and Green) that advocated for strong climate action, including some form of carbon pricing.
The increasing evidence of the consequences of a changing climate had placed the environment and climate change among the leading issues in the minds of Canadians for nearly two decades. The political landscape has shifted dramatically since then.
The role of inflation
Although Trump’s second presidency is often cited as the trigger point for a decline of the environment as a top-of-mind concern for Canadians, the slide actually began a year earlier, in the fall of 2023.
Despite the record wildfire season that summer, the impact of inflation, triggered in large part by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, moved economic concerns to the forefront of the public’s mind. Government stimulus programs needed to counter the impacts of the pandemic contributed to inflationary pressures, prompting the Bank of Canada to hike interest rates in response, adding to Canadians’ economic distress.
Amid high inflation and high interest rates, the Liberal government’s climate strategies — especially consumer carbon pricing — became an easy political target, particularly for a Conservative opposition with little apparent concern for the climate challenge.
But even though climate change is no longer top of mind for Canadians, it remains a significant embedded concern, with as many as 70 per cent of Canadians believing climate change is real and caused by human activity. And perhaps surprisingly, despite the criticism levelled at the consumer carbon tax, between 60 and 70 per cent of non-Conservative leaning voters (those intending to cast their ballots for Liberal, NDP, Bloc and Green candidates) continue to support the concept of carbon pricing.
Focus on fossil fuels
Despite this, many political and business leaders have responded to Trump’s actions by focusing on natural resource exports, especially fossil fuels and critical minerals, to bolster the Canadian economy.
This has been accompanied by calls to further streamline environmental review and approval processes for resource extraction and export projects like pipelines, and to expand their subsidization by taxpayers.
Discussions about the climate implications of these initiatives have been noticeably absent. So have conversations about the long-term economic viability and desirability of expanding Canada’s dependency on resource commodity exports to increasingly uncertain global markets.
The peak will likely happen before any new major export infrastructure can be built in Canada, regardless of what review and approval requirements they might be subjected to.
In a world of declining fossil fuel consumption, Canada — increasingly reliant on high-cost and high-carbon production like oilsands crude and fracked and liquified natural gas — seems more likely to be among the earliest producers to fall than among the last standing. Public investments in new export infrastructure look like dubious propositions in this scenario.
All of this means there must be continued meaningful scrutiny of projects in terms of their implications for climate change, environmental sustainability and reconciliation, as well as their economic viability and potential legacy costs for taxpayers — not a further streamlining of review processes.
Falling back on fossil fuels in response to Trump is a fundamentally backwards approach. It ignores the implications of the climate challenge. As recently noted by at least one Canadian business leader, it also overlooks the need to not just diversify Canada’s markets, but to diversify Canadian products as well.
Canada must design and implement strategies that transform its industries from producers of low-value raw materials into producers of higher-value products and services for a world that must decarbonize and advance sustainability.
As they campaign to lead the country, the situation requires more substantive responses from Canada’s would-be prime ministers than Canadians are getting right now.
Mark Winfield receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
TORONTO, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abraxas Power Corp. (“Abraxas Power”), a leading energy transition developer, and its subsidiary Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation (“EVREC”), today announced that Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Environment and Climate Change has released the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) guidelines for the highly anticipated Green Energy Hub project in the Botwood, NL area (the “Project”). The Project, set to revolutionize energy production in the province, aims to harness renewable energy sources to produce hydrogen in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
The purpose of the EIS is to identify for all phases of the Project (construction, operation and maintenance, decommissioning and rehabilitation) the important beneficial and adverse environmental effects associated with the Project, measures to mitigate adverse effects, the significance of residual environmental effects, public concerns and the response to those concerns. The comprehensive guidelines are intended to ensure that the Project is developed with the highest environmental standards in mind, supporting Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to a clean energy future while minimizing environmental effects.
The release of the EIS guidelines marks the beginning of the formal environmental assessment process. Public consultations will be held throughout the process, allowing community members, stakeholders, and interested parties to find out more about the Project as it develops.
EVREC remains committed to the responsible development of the Project and is eager to continue collaboration with stakeholders, regulators, and the public throughout the next phase of environmental review. Through the EIS, EVREC will provide further detailed information about the Project in various areas, including Project scope, water resource management, air quality and emissions, flora and fauna, and Project component locations, to name a few. The Project is expected to not only contribute to the province’s green energy transition but also create significant economic benefits, including job creation, new investment opportunities, and the establishment of Newfoundland and Labrador as a key player in the growing global hydrogen market.
“The EIS is an essential part of our approach, and we are eager to maintain open, ongoing engagement with stakeholders and regulators while continuing to work on refining and advancing all aspects of the Project”, said Dean Comand, COO of Abraxas Power. “Newfoundland and Labrador is on the cutting edge of clean energy innovation, and this Project represents an exciting opportunity for the province to contribute to global sustainability efforts. The EIS is an important step in the process and underscores our commitment to responsible development and to working alongside communities and stakeholders to ensure that the environmental impact is carefully considered at every stage of this transformative project.”
EVREC is a Power-to-X (P2X) project that was awarded access to over 300 square kilometres of crown lands by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2023 for EVREC’s use in the development of its project in Central Newfoundland. EVREC will include up to 3+ gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind capacity with associated energy and molecular storage to power behind-the-meter green hydrogen (H2) and green ammonia (NH3) production. The Project anticipates generating ~180,000 tons of green H2 and ~1,000,000 tons of green NH3 annually. EVREC aims to have its own dedicated port infrastructure to export its products to global markets.
EVREC has significantly advanced the Project through pre-construction activities which include engineering, wind resource measurement, and environmental assessment processes, including environmental data collection, and public and stakeholder engagement. The final Project design is subject to these ongoing assessments and activities.
EVREC’S Environmental Assessment Registration can be found at:
Abraxas Power is a pioneering energy transition developer focused on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and creating value by solving the current and future challenges of the energy transition. Abraxas Power’s broad mandate allows it to see opportunities across technologies and geographies to transform the global energy industry. Our team has extensive experience in leading, financing, and solving the challenges associated with energy transition, and a proven track record of delivering complex, large-scale development projects across various disciplines, including renewable power and storage, hydrogen and ammonia production, industrial and precious metals, large-scale project construction, and operations at scale. The team possesses strong project finance and capital markets experience and has a history of creating value for shareholders, stakeholders, and the communities they live in. Abraxas Power has signed strategic partnerships with various global strategics and technology providers.
Abraxas Power has secured over US$9 billion in capital projects through competitive government awards over the past year in furtherance of the energy transition, including our marquis EVREC Project.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), along with experts from the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and Switzerland, collected samples today of ALPS treated water that had been diluted with seawater ahead of its discharge into the sea at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS).
The activity is the latest mission carried out under the additional measures which focus on expanding international participation and transparency, allowing hands-on independent measurements of the concentration level of the ALPS treated water which TEPCO – operator of the FDNPS – began discharging in August 2023. In September 2024, the IAEA agreed with Japan to implement additional measures. Through additional measures, third parties can independently verify that water discharge levels are, and will continue to be, in strict compliance and consistent with international safety standards.
Today’s sampling was the first mission of the additional measures under the IAEA framework to sample the diluted water from the discharge facilities at the plant. It follows a mission in February when IAEA Director General Grossi joined the activities with experts from China, the Republic of Korea and Switzerland to collect seawater samples from a boat in the vicinity of FDNPS. It also builds on the first practical steps of the additional measures carried out in October last year when international experts conducted seawater sampling.
The experts from the China Institute for Radiation Protection, the Korean Institute for Nuclear Safety, the Institute of Natural Monopolies Research in Russia, and the Spiez Laboratory in Switzerland collected samples from the discharge vertical shaft and seawater pipe header where ALPS treated water is diluted with seawater before being discharged through a one-kilometre-long tunnel into the sea. The samples were taken from the 12th batch of ALPS treated water to be discharged. Last week, the IAEA confirmed that the tritium level in the 12th batch was far below Japan’s operational limit.
The samples will be analysed by the IAEA laboratory, by laboratories in Japan and in the participating laboratories from China, Korea, Russia and Switzerland, all members of the IAEA’s Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) network, which were selected for their high level of expertise and analytical proficiency.
BEIJING, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (“we,” “Kingsoft Cloud” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KC and HKEX: 3896), a leading cloud service provider in China, today announced that it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 15, 2025. The annual report can be accessed on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.ksyun.com as well as the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
The Company will provide hard copies of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be submitted to ksc-ir@kingsoft.com.
In addition, the Company has published its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report (the “ESG Report”) to provide an in-depth review of the Company’s progress in the past year in its ESG practices, including business ethics, responsible operation, talent development, green development, sustainable supply chain, and corporate responsibility.
We have improved our ESG practices, including but not limited to:
The Company Legal team was honored as the 2024 China Top 15 New Technology In-House Teams from the Asian Legal Business (ALB) of Thomson Reuters.
We make comprehensive efforts to strengthen our talent development and talent pipeline, through a series of talents development projects, including our Chuanyun (Through-the-Cloud) Project, Lingyun (Over-the-Cloud) Project, Qingyun (Upholding-the-Cloud) Project, and Yunyi (Cloud-on-Wings) Project. The company won the “2024 Most Popular Employer for Campus Recruitment” in the 2024 Top “Smart” Employer Awards hosted by CIIC’s ACMcoder.
Kingsoft Cloud successfully passed the ITSS (Information Technology Service Standards) Operation and Maintenance Standard Compliance Assessment with a maturity of Level 1, the highest level in the assessment system. This accomplishment highlights the Company’s comprehensive capabilities, including robust product portfolios, industry-specific solutions, advanced core technology R&D, secure and efficient operational frameworks, and proven practical implementations across government and financial sectors.
Empowered by cloud and AI technologies, Kingsoft Cloud partners with Xiaomi to create a platform for green and sustainable development. This platform horizontally covers the Xiaomi’s “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem. Kingsoft Cloud will join hands with Xiaomi to implement Xiaomi’s zero-carbon philosophy and jointly create a better low-carbon future.
We donated to support more than 600 left-behind children/de facto orphans with learning and living supplies, and donated an additional 100,000 RMB to cover the annual living expenses of 51 impoverished students/de facto orphans. This initiative was awarded the “2024 Social Responsibility Contribution Award” by the Internet Society of China under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
To learn more about Kingsoft Cloud’s ESG efforts and to view the full ESG Report, please visit https://ir.ksyun.com/esg.
About Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited
Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: KC and HKEX: 3896) is a leading cloud service provider in China. With extensive cloud infrastructure, cutting-edge cloud-native products based on vigorous cloud technology research and development capabilities, well-architected industry-specific solutions and end-to-end fulfillment and deployment, Kingsoft Cloud offers comprehensive, reliable and trusted cloud service to customers in strategically selected verticals.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Albanian authorities make social media work for youth crime prevention at OSCE workshop
Participants in an OSCE workshop on leveraging social media for youth crime prevention in Tirana, 14 April 2025. (OSCE) Photo details
Representatives from Albanian authorities joined child-protection specialists and young people in Tirana on 14–15 April to explore how social media can be used to prevent youth involvement in crime. The workshop was organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, in co-operation with the OSCE Presence in Albania.
“Social media can be a powerful tool for prevention,” said Klaudia Hasanllari, Director of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Center under Albania’s Ministry of Justice. “It helps de-glamorize criminal lifestyles, highlight positive alternatives, and amplify the voices of people who’ve left that life behind, as well as youth thought leaders.”
The workshop brought together 40 participants, including professionals from the justice, law enforcement, health, social services, child protection, anti-corruption and education sectors, alongside young people themselves. They discussed current trends in youth crime, such as how criminal groups use social media for recruitment, and examined ways to turn these platforms into tools for awareness, prevention and resilience-building.
The event also aimed to lay the groundwork for a targeted social media awareness campaign on youth crime prevention in Albania. Participants explored how to shape compelling messages, identify the right audiences, and choose the most effective online platforms. A strong emphasis was placed on involving young people in promoting a culture of integrity online.
The workshop is part of the multi-year OSCE extrabudgetary project “Enhancing youth crime and drug use prevention through education on legality and awareness campaigns addressing threats of organized crime and corruption” funded by Italy. Other donors supporting this project are Andorra, Finland, Germany, Norway and Poland.
University of Connecticut junior Caitlin Noonan ’26 (ENG), a chemical engineering major, has been named a Goldwater Scholar. The Goldwater Scholarship is considered the nation’s premier scholarship for undergraduates studying math, natural sciences, and engineering.
The Goldwater Scholarship was established by Congress to honor the late U.S. Sen. Barry M. Goldwater, with the purpose of identifying students of outstanding ability and promise and encouraging them to pursue advanced study and research careers. Scholars receive one- or two-year awards that cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year. Noonan is among just 441 students selected nationally for the award this year from a pool of more than 5,000 applicants.
“I learned a lot about myself during the application process because it allowed me to reflect on my career goals and aspirations,” says Noonan, who grew up on Long Island but now resides in Storrs. “It was fun to learn how to tell my story in a way that was polished and coherent. It made me feel proud.”
Caitlin Noonan ’26 (ENG) works at her work station in UConn’s Center for Clean Energy Engineering in the Mansfield Depot campus on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Following graduation, Noonan hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in chemical engineering, specializing in environmental pollutant adsorption to reduce climate change. She would like to eventually be a tenured faculty member at an R1 research institution.
She began her research work as a high school student and has always been focused on environmental issues. Noonan has a passion for carbon dioxide removal and turning food waste into activated carbon absorbents to remove carbon dioxide from the air.
“Growing up on Long Island, we were surrounded by a lot of water and I always had to use a water filter because I was worried about chemicals,” says Noonan.
Noonan finished first at the 2023 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Student Conference for her research poster presentation in both the overall Environmental Division and Environmental Division One.
Noonan took part in a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program in the summer of 2023. She studied the desulfurization of liquid hydrocarbon fuels using food waste-derived activated carbon.
“What truly distinguishes Caitlin is her remarkable intellectual autonomy,” says Julia Valla, an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering who serves as Noonan’s advisor. “Unlike most undergraduate researchers who require significant guidance, Caitlin consistently challenges me with new ideas and approaches to our work on CO2 capture using renewable carbons. She has transformed from a promising REU (research experience undergraduate) student to a driving force in our research.
“Her Goldwater Award recognition is well-deserved, and I have no doubt that her passion for pushing boundaries will make her an exceptional professor and mentor in the future. In my experience, the students who challenge their advisors rather than simply following directions are the ones who ultimately reshape their fields. I look forward to witnessing her continued success in the years to come.”
Valla is also Noonan’s principal investigator for the NSF program at the UConn Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2), while associate research professor Stoyan Bliznakov is the co-principal investigator.
This summer, she will perform research as a Summer Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) awardee through UConn’s Office of Undergraduate Research. Her project will be “Converting the University of Connecticut’s Food Waste into Activated Carbon for Carbon Capture, Sequestration, and Usage.”
Noonan is currently an undergraduate teaching assistant in Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I this semester and will do the same for Thermodynamics II in the fall of 2025.
She is a chemical and biomolecular engineering ambassador at UConn as she represents the department during UConn Bound Days to encourage admitted chemical engineering prospective students to attend UConn.
The Office of National Scholarships & Fellowships (ONSF) is a resource for students interested in learning more about the Goldwater Scholarship and other prestigious scholarships and fellowships that support study in all fields. ONSF is part of Enrichment Programs and is open to all graduate and undergraduate students at the University, including students at the regional campuses. For more information about the Goldwater Scholarship and other prestigious, nationally-competitive awards, visit ONSF at www.onsf.uconn.edu.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
ACCRA, Ghana, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ —
Abdul Raman, Managing Director, Newmont Africa will participate at the upcoming Mining in Motion Conference, taking place on 2 – 4 June, 2025 in Accra, Ghana.
Raman will join key players driving the growth of Ghana’s mining sector in a panel session titled Environmental Impact of Mining and Rehabilitation Impacts, highlighting Newmont Africa’s commitment to sustainable mining practices in Ghana, Africa’s largest gold producer.
Representing Ghana’s leading gold producer, Raman’s participation at the inaugural Mining in Motion Conference will be instrumental in showcasing Newmont Africa’s investment strategy as Ghana leverages gold mining to drive GDP growth. Under Raman’s leadership, Newmont Africa’s Ahafo South Gold Mine has maintained its position as Ghana’s Best Company in the Extractive Sector, ranking top in the Ghana Investment Promotion Center’s Ghana Club 100 Awards in 2024.
In addition to Ahafo South, Newmont Africa operates Ghana’s third-largest gold mine, Akyem, which produces 422,000 ounces of gold per year. Newmont Africa is also spearheading industry growth through expansion projects, including the Akyem Underground and Layback Expansion, which will extend the Akyem mine’s lifespan beyond 2030. The company is also advancing the Ahafo North Project, expected to commence commercial production in the second half of 2025, with an annual output of up to 325,000 ounces of gold.
Amidst these development, Mining in Motion represents an ideal platform for Raman to connect with Ghana’s regulatory authorities, key industry players and global partners to explore new opportunities within Ghana’s gold value chain.
Mining in Motion is organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative, in collaboration with the World Bank, the World Gold Council, and other international partners. Held under the theme Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact, the event will bring together key decision-makers, including H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, as well as representatives from the African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations, to shape the future of mining in Ghana.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jingyi Li, Research Associate, Geothermal Energy and Climate Change, University of Manchester
Historic coal mining in north-east England. Jingyi Li, CC BY-NC-ND
The Ukraine war sent shockwaves through global energy markets, driving up prices and leaving households across the UK struggling with soaring energy bills. But beneath the ground, in disused coal mines, lies a hidden resource – warm water. This underused geothermal source could be transformed into affordable, low-carbon heating for homes and businesses, especially in regions hardest hit economically by the decline of coal.
Across the UK, around 25% of the population lives above disused coal mines. This underground warmth could be harnessed by pumping naturally warm water to the surface and using heat pumps to raise its temperature for heating. This could lower energy bills and cut emissions by about the same as removing 44,000 cars from the roads annually, according to our calculations. Despite this promise, mine-water heating remains largely underutilised across the UK, as deployment has lagged far behind, leaving most of the resource untapped.
Although flagship projects like the one in Gateshead, operational since 2023, demonstrate the feasibility of mine-water heating in the UK, they remain the exception. Deployment has been especially slow even in high-potential areas like south Wales. Meanwhile, the mine-water heating scheme at Seaham Garden Village, near Sunderland, has only recently kicked off construction after a prolonged delay since its initial planning in 2019.
Our new research shows that despite growing interest, projects across the UK continue to be stalled by funding gaps, regulatory hurdles and a shortage of skilled workers. Without immediate action, these former coal-mining communities are at risk of falling further behind as the country moves towards cleaner energy for net zero, widening the gap between wealthier and disadvantaged regions.
The solution is simple but not easy: sufficient and accessible funding schemes especially for those undeserved communities, streamlined regulations and support from fossil fuel companies, whose engineering expertise can be applied to mine water heating. Technology could transform a forgotten coal legacy into a sustainable future for communities in need.
Coal production history v today’s mining village. Jingyi Li, CC BY-NC-ND
The UK has a vast network of abandoned coal mines, especially in north-east England, which once produced 14% of the nation’s coal. However, around a quarter of the population in this region lives below the poverty line today.
Many households in the north east experience fuel poverty at rates higher than the national average, with energy bills that are often higher than in most other parts of England. Mine-water heating could help address this burden, but to make a meaningful difference, both the number and scale of schemes must be increased nationwide.
Gateshead mine water heat scheme. Jingyi Li, CC BY-NC-ND
However, current government funding schemes, like the heat networks delivery unit, only cover about 33% of capital costs according to our interviewee, leaving local authorities and developers to find the rest. This competitive model disadvantages poorer areas that need the most support. Without solid financial backing, many projects will never get off the ground.
The Coal Authority has played a key role in piloting early mine water schemes, but industry feedback points to a need for faster, more transparent deployment pathways. Developers face regulatory uncertainty in accessing mine-water heat from the Coal Authority, citing delays and procedural complexity as barriers to investment.
Ambiguities in the regulatory framework for accessing this form of geothermal heat create delays and add to the financial burden for developers. The expertise required, such as drilling and pipework, is common in the UK’s longstanding oil and gas industry, but our research found that the current small-to-medium scale and uncertain future of mine water heating sector make it difficult to attract these skilled workers.
Learning from the past
Often the simplest and most reliable designs are the most effective. William Reid Clanny, a 19th-century inventor, made mine-safety lamps more sophisticated but ultimately delicate and impractical – his design required manual air pumping, used fragile glass that broke easily underground, and was too heavy for regular use. The same principle applies to mine-water heating. Straightforward, direct policies can cut through red tape to get projects up and running without unnecessary bureaucratic complications.
For mine-water heating to work on a larger scale, funding must be easier to access, especially for regions hardest hit by the decline of coal. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero could allocate funds specifically for these areas, giving them a fair chance to develop projects without having to compete with wealthier regions.
New rules should clearly set a timeline for gaining the permission to access and exploit the underground heat. This would give developers confidence and attract investment. The US and New Zealand show how clear rules can boost interest in renewables.
To overcome the skills shortage, the Indian government introduced a corporate social responsibility law whereby companies are required to invest a portion of their profits into local projects. Applying this approach in the UK could encourage fossil fuel companies to fund training and support local green initiatives. It could also provide opportunities for laid-off workers unable to find similar high-paying jobs abroad and training for local workers in former mining communities.
Mine water isn’t just a low-carbon heating source, it’s a chance to deliver justice to communities long left behind. But achieving this will require decisive action from policymakers. Unlocking this hidden resource can help power the UK’s green transition.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Cathy Hollis receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council. She is affiliated with and President of the International Association of Sedimentology, a not-for-profit, non-political scientific society.
Alejandro Gallego Schmid and Jingyi Li do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
DLNR News Release – ʻALALĀ LEARN ON THE FLY IN A MAUI FOREST, April 14, 2025
Posted on Apr 14, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA OHAWAIʻI
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURALRESOURCES
KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI‘ĀINA
JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR
DAWNCHANG CHAIRPERSON
ʻALALĀ LEARN ON THE FLY IN A MAUI FOREST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2025
KĪPAHULU FOREST RESERVE, Maui – Five months after release into the Kīpahulu Forest Reserve in East Maui, a cohort of five ʻalalā (Hawaiian crows) is healthy and continues to discover and practice the instinctual behaviors unique to the species.
The process wasn’t always straightforward and despite some challenges, the ʻalalā have shown resolve. In anticipation of the November 2024 release and the birds’ transition into the wild, several factors initially raised concerns for the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP) staff and project partners, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Hawai‘i, and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW).
Unwalled expanses of forest and the freedoms that come with that are new concepts for this group of birds bred in captivity. In addition, the habitat at the Kīpahulu field site on Maui is different from that of previous releases on Hawaiʻi Island and presented distinct pressures.
An initial challenge to this effort included a cohort release that was several weeks later than planned, during the middle of the rainier and colder season. The inclusion of two innovative technologies – GPS (Global Positioning System) transmitters and automated supplemental feeders – never used before in ʻalalā releases, introduced additional obstacles for the birds to overcome. For these reasons, expectations were conservative from the start.
“Reintroductions are never simple. They require constant adaptation, attention to detail, and a willingness to pivot when needed,” said Dr. Hanna Mounce, MFBRP program manager. “But despite these challenges we can’t lose sight of what’s been accomplished here. We now have birds exploring and establishing themselves in the wild. That alone is monumental.”
Benchmarks established for the ʻalalā include the capacity to forage for native fruits and plants while utilizing the supplemental feeder stations. Their ability to use tree cover as shelter against wind and rain and their capacity to maintain social bonds that support cooperative behavior are additional measures of the cohort’s success.
Another target emphasized by field staff was less tangible but just as important. The team understands that providing the ʻalalā time in the forest and developing familiarity and comfort with their new reality won’t come overnight. The birds needed time and room for self-discovery and to engage with their surroundings to fully adapt and find their footing.
“Some of the behaviors that are instinctual in these birds are coming out over time,” said Martin Frye, MFBRP ʻAlalā research field supervisor. “It’s not just an automatic switch to start engaging in wild behaviors. For some birds this progression can happen quicker, for others at a slower pace. For them to fully express themselves, we need to give them as much time as possible.”
As days turned to weeks and then months, the ʻalalā have shown resilience, adjusting to the elements of their new environment. Over the five-month span since release, the group has grown in several areas which has eased initial concerns.
The ʻalalā have strengthened their flight muscles to take longer journeys and improved their takeoff and landing competency in the dense forest. The birds have also been observed foraging on native plants like pūkiawe, maile, kāwaʻu and ʻōlapa, sheltering in the trees during storm events, and performing bark flaking, where they probe crevices and pick at loose tree bark with their bills. Individuals have expanded their vocal range to produce different vocalizations than heard before in captivity. The ʻalalā are visiting the feeder stations nearby and supplementing their diet to stay healthy. The cohort continues to work together as a cohesive social group and learn from each other, which has been crucial to their development.
The field team and project partners are excited at the prospect of introducing two additional ʻalalā – a male and a female, to the release site later this year. Those birds are currently being evaluated at the Maui Bird Conservation Center to measure their health and readiness to join the group in the wild. “These individuals are undergoing the same pre-release conditioning as the five birds released last fall, including anti-predator training, habituation to the automated feeding systems, and the use of mock transmitters to simulate the units they’ll be fitted with post-release,” said Tess Hebebrand, MFBRP aviculture specialist. Staff are also gauging the birds’ fitness and preparedness as they relate to cooperative social dynamics and how the birds interact.
“We expect the ʻalalā already in the forest to show interest in the new individuals upon their arrival,” Hebebrand added. “To support the growing group, our team has been establishing additional feeder stations throughout the forest to promote spatial dispersion and provide increased foraging opportunities as the birds approach maturity.”
Open communication among partners has been key to this release process and will best inform future release efforts as well. “The success that we’ve had in this pilot project is largely built from previous efforts on Hawaiʻi Island and sharing lessons learned. In that way, our own development mirrors that of the ʻalalā, learning from each other over time,” shared Frye.
Mounce added: “This cohort has been remarkable. They’re staying together, relying on the support systems we’ve put in place, and showing us that, with care and patience, recovery is possible.”
# # #
RESOURCES
(All images/video Courtesy: DLNR)
HD Video – East MauiʻAlalā update – web feature (March 2025):
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Dunball Sluice £9.7 million upgrade completed
Dunball Sluice – a vital flood defence asset near Bridgwater – has been successfully refurbished by the Environment Agency.
Dunball sluice performs a vital flood and water management function on the Somerset Levels and Moors.
A £9.7million project has given the sluice another 25 years of operational life, helping to better protect properties, businesses and internationally important habitats across the Somerset Levels and Moors.
Delivered by the Environment Agency’s Combined Delivery Framework (CDF) partners, the refurbishment began in 2022 and was funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), with a £650,000 contribution from the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA).
Dunball Sluice became operational in 1971. It sits where the tidal River Parrett meets the 13.5-mile-long King’s Sedgemoor Drain – River Sowy system. The Sowy was created in tandem with the Sluice in 1969-1972: it is also known as the Parrett Flood Relief Channel. Water flows into the Sowy from the Parrett downstream of Langport, and then into the KSD, before rejoining the Parrett through Dunball Sluice.
Refurbishment began in 2022 and has been completed in partnership with the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) and Defra.
The Environment Agency uses the sluice’s lifting gates and tidal flaps to control flows between the different watercourses. Doing this helps to manage water levels and reduce flood risks for communities across a large area. Blocking the flow of tidal saltwater from the Parrett into the KSD also helps to safeguard precious freshwater habitats on the Somerset Levels and Moors.
The refurbishment replaced and upgraded key mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation components, many of which were nearing the end of their working life. Also included were measures to help otters and eels move more easily and safely between watercourses, health and safety improvements for site staff and minor concrete repairs.
‘New life breathed into the structure’
Rachel Burden, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk manager for Wessex, said:
Dunball Sluice is one of Somerset’s most important tidal defence assets, but many of its key components were reaching the end of their working life.
This multi-million-pound refurbishment has breathed new life into the structure, ensuring it can continue to reduce flood risk for communities for years to come.
Councillor Mike Stanton, Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), said:
Maintenance and improvement works are not glamorous, but they are very important. Local people expect flood defences to work properly, and all of us should try to make sure they do. So, I’m pleased that Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) funding helped to refurbish Dunball Sluice.
I’m happy too because this project ties in with a major SRA improvements scheme for other parts of the River Sowy-KSD system. This year the SRA is funding upgrades for two outfall structures and up to 1.8 kilometres of bank raising works along the KSD.
Bit by bit, as partners work together, we’re reducing flood risks around Bridgwater and across a large part of the Somerset Levels and Moors.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
The Dunball Sluice is critical infrastructure better protecting properties and farmland in Somerset, and its full refurbishment will give local people and businesses confidence that their flood defences are operating well for the next 25 years.
This Government inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record. Through our Plan for Change, we‘re investing over £144 million into the south west of England, an essential investment to build new defences and to bring existing ones up to their required condition, ensuring 1,700 properties in the region are better protected from flooding.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
With the arrival of warm weather, you can hear birds singing in the natural areas of the capital. In parks, squares and even in courtyards, you can hear the ringing trills of finches, thrushes, robins, warblers and other feathered inhabitants.
Capital specialists Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection reminder: from April 1, a silence regime has been established in natural areas, which will last until July 31. It is necessary to create favorable conditions during the breeding season of animals and birds.
“When near a nest, do not make loud sounds, turn on music, make noise or approach the birds, and also do not walk dogs without a short leash and muzzle. Compliance with these simple rules allows us to maintain the stability of populations and support biodiversity in the city,” the capital’s Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection said.
Natural cacophony
The most sonorous and varied songs at this time are those of finches and thrushes. Male finches perform melodic trills to attract females and inform rivals that the territory is already occupied. The concerts of thrushes, especially the song and black thrush, can be recognized by a series of whistling and flute-like phrases with pauses. The robin produces characteristic gentle trills, often heard at dawn and dusk and reminiscent of a quiet stream. Warblers sing simply and rhythmically – with short, repeating sounds that are easily recognizable in the silence, and warblers perform a fast and energetic song with a variety of chirping and whistling elements.
It is in the spring that birds are most vulnerable: at this time they build nests, lay eggs, hatch offspring and feed chicks. Any loud noise, the approach of a person or a pet can provoke anxiety and force the bird to leave the nest. In such cases, the chicks risk being left without parental warmth and food. Species that build nests on the ground or in low vegetation are especially sensitive to external factors, so it is important to remain quiet and not disturb the birds.
One of the important tasks of the Moscow Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection is to help wild animals that find themselves in difficult situations. Biologists remind: if you encounter injured animals or birds that need specialized medical care, you should immediately contact the Moscow Government’s unified information service by phone: 7 495 777-77-77.
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
An asbestos removal and demolition company and its director have been sentenced for the illegal operations of their waste facility in Eagleby, after previously pleading guilty to similar offences late last year in one of Queensland’s worst-ever illegal asbestos waste matters.
The sentences were handed down on 14 April 2025, by the Beenleigh Magistrates Court. Asbestos Demolition Specialists was sentenced for the following offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1994:
two offences for carrying out an environmentally relevant activity without an environmental authority; and
one offence for wilfully contravening an environmental protection order.
The company was ordered to pay a fine of $150,000.
The company’s director, Mr Anthony Palmer, pleaded guilty to the following offences under the same act:
three executive officer offences for failing to ensure the company complied with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1994;
two offences for carrying out environmentally relevant activities without an environmental authority; and
two offences for knowingly making false statements to the Department.
Mr Palmer was sentenced to six months imprisonment wholly suspended for three years and ordered to pay a further fine of $30,000.
The offences occurred between 6 October 2022 and 12 April 2024 and are largely a continuation of the previous offending related to receiving, storing, and disposing of waste illegally after an extensive investigation by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. While these offences are serious, they did not involve asbestos waste.
In October 2024, Asbestos Demolition Specialists was fined $400,000, and the company’s director copped a $100,000 fine after pleading guilty to multiple offences relating to the illegal operation of a waste facility in Eagleby.
These previous offences occurred between 29 May 2019 and 7 October 2022.
“Our role as Queensland’s environmental regulator means taking strong enforcement action against operators found to be noncompliant with their environmental obligations.
“Unlicensed operations have the potential to undermine and undercut licenced operators who have obtained the correct authorities to operate.
“An Environmental Authority, issued by the department, provides businesses with conditions they must comply with to manage environmental risks associated with their operations.
“The repeated nature of these offences, and the lack of action from the company and Mr Palmer is extremely disappointing.
“Thanks to the hard work of our compliance officers and investigators, who were critical in holding this company and its director accountable for their actions.”
Brad Wirth, Executive Director, Industry Development and South East Compliance, DETSI
Fire and Emergency New Zealand will revoke the restricted fire season in most of Mid-South Canterbury from 1am on Wednesday 16 April, until further notice.
An open fire season means permits are no longer needed for open air fires.
The areas this change applies to are: Aoraki/Mt Cook, Glentanner, Pukaki Aero, Tekapo Balmoral, Mt Potts, Mesopotamia Station, Hakatere, and Glenaan Station.
Mid-South Canterbury District Manager Rob Hands says due to recent rain, the fire risk in the District has reduced.
“As we head further into autumn, we expect the fire risk to remain low,” he says.
Port Blakely Forests in Geraldine and Waimate and all Public Conservation Land remain in a restricted fire season. These areas are indicated on the attached map.
“If you are planning a burn, you should continue to check the conditions for your area oncheckitsalright.nz,”
“You can also find advice on how to conduct your controlled burns safely on this website,” Rob Hands says.
Inaugural Oceania Seabird Symposium is underway at Waipapa Taumata Rau,University of Auckland bringing experts from across Pacific region to learn more about protecting Oceania seabirds.
The inaugural Oceania Seabird Symposium 2025 got underway at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, bringing experts from across the Pacific region and the world to learn more about protecting Oceania seabirds.
The three-day symposium organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) runs from 14-17 April. Karen Baird, SPREP Threatened and Migratory Species Adviser, says the event is an invaluable opportunity to bring Western science, traditional culture, and knowledge together.
Keynote speakers will cover topics that include traditional knowledge and valuing relationships with Oceania seabirds, improving conservation, threats to seabirds, se abird bycatch in fisheries and the health of the ocean environment.
“This is so important because there’s so much to do. You heard already from a session this afternoon with discussions around traditional knowledge and culture about seabirds, says Baird.
“We’re really just starting out in some ways across the Pacific. This is a great opportunity to ensure we work together, bringing Western science and traditional culture and knowledge together, to protect seabirds much more effectively than if we were to try and do that separately.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau and SPREP Deputy Director General Easter Catherine Chu Shing opened the symposium.
“Our goal is to conserve seabirds and their habitats, recognising the traditions and aspirations of the peoples of the Pacific Ocean and islands,” says Ms Chu Shing.
Professor Tiatia-Siau spoke of the significance of hosting an event dedicated to one of the guardians of our oceans—our seabirds.
“It is an honour to give an opening address at this important gathering, dedicated to one of the guardians of our oceans.
“Across the vast Pacific, seabirds have long been more than just creatures of the sea and sky. They are carriers of ancestral knowledge, navigators of weather and ocean currents, and messengers that connect our islands to one another and to the wider world… We have employed the frigatebird, or manumanu ne caqi in na vosa vaka Viti (the Fijian language), as the metaphor to ground our university’s inaugural Pacific strategy entitled – Ala o le Moana (or pathways through the ocean)…
“Seabirds are part of our identity as peoples of the Pacific,” says Professor Tiatia-Siau.
Associate Professor Brendon Dunphy from the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences says the symposium is timely, given the need for greater investment and research across the Pacific region. Ninety percent of Aotearoa New Zealand’s seabird species are under threat, warmer oceans and reduced food sources, and fishing nets and lines are all having an impact.
“This is a very important symposium because it’s bringing together scientists. We’re in the seabird capital of the world. Seabirds are just messengers of what’s going on over the horizon and out at sea. They tell us about tuna stocks, fisheries, and all these impacts.
“They live on land and feed out at sea. They bridge the important gap between land and sea; they integrate so many different stresses.”
Associate Professor Dunphy says just by observing seabirds, there was so much information that could be gained.
“Simply by looking at seabirds, from looking at their feathers, how they live, their chicks, there is so much we can gain from it. We see the Pacific as an area needing a lot of work. We need to put in a lot of research and investment, as there is so much change happening.”
Esteemed Tohunga Tohorā (whale expert) Dr Ramari Stewart (Ngāti Awa) received an Honorary Doctor of Science from Waipapa Taumata Rau three years ago and was a keynote speaker on day one; she talked about the importance of relationships, seabirds and people.
Renowned internationally for her commitment to mātauranga Māori (Indigenous knowledge) and science practices surrounding whales, she has extensive knowledge of the ngahere (forest) and the moana (ocean) as well as being a leading practitioner of rongoa (Māori medicine) and a trained nurse.
Stewart told the audience about passing on stories and walking backwards into the future, of the need for stories to be perfect when passed on from one generation to the next, to avoid crucial information being lost.
“Because stories are passed from one generation to another, it’s so important when they’re retold by the next generation, they need to be perfect… there is a whole lot of the tale that gets dropped out. Those details are so important.”
As well as an esteemed programme of keynote experts still to present, the three-day symposium will also include a number of workshops around seabird identification, colony surveying and monitoring, restoration, and a necropsy (autopsy of seabirds) workshop.
Symposium guests also have the opportunity to attend a number of field trips: a boat trip for seabird watching to the Poor Knights Islands and beyond, Tawharanui Open Sanctuary – a model for seabird restoration, Motuora Island, restoration island, and also a visit to Auckland’s west coast, working to save remnant colonies in Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and Muriwai.
Establishing a suitable legislative framework9 min read
With the country’s coal-fired power fleet rapidly ageing, nuclear power has been suggested as a possible provider of low-emissions, reliable power to support the energy transition. This raises the question: what changes are required to Australia’s legal and regulatory framework to support the introduction of a nuclear industry?
Developing any new industry takes time and involves significant, often complex, changes. The development of Australia’s offshore wind sector, for example, has encountered these kinds of challenges, along with its own unique hurdles. In the same way, lifting the federal and state/territory bans on nuclear power is essential to opening the door for nuclear energy projects in Australia.
In this Insight, we explore the legal and regulatory reforms necessary for nuclear power projects to become a viable option in Australia.
Key takeaways
Establishing a nuclear industry in Australia requires significant legal and regulatory changes.
Lifting the federal and state/territory bans on nuclear power is essential to opening the door for nuclear energy projects in Australia.
A dedicated regulatory body would need to be established to oversee the nuclear industry, ensuring safety and compliance.
A comprehensive third-party liability regime would need to be implemented to manage risks and provide clarity around accountability.
Australian government financial support will be necessary, either via a government-owned nuclear power developer or combining government funding with private sector involvement to support nuclear power projects.
Coordination with states and territories would be crucial to align legislative frameworks and enable the successful development of nuclear power infrastructure.
Key steps to establish a nuclear energy industry in Australia
Establishing a nuclear industry in Australia would require significant changes, including lifting existing bans, aligning federal and state legislation, creating a dedicated regulatory body, developing a third-party liability regime and implementing a financing structure capable of attracting long-term investment.
The initial steps would require the Government to:
lift legislative bans;
coordinate with states and territories to ensure consistent frameworks that support the nuclear sector;
establish a dedicated regulatory body to oversee the industry’s standards and operations;
implement a comprehensive third-party liability regime to address safety and accountability; and
develop financing structures that attract investors and international developers.
1. Lift the federal ban on nuclear power plants
The development and operation of nuclear power plants in Australia is currently banned under federal legislation, specifically the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (Cth) (ARPANS Act) and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act), and various state legislation.
The federal ban may be lifted by:
amending the EPBC Act to provide a pathway for federal environmental approval of nuclear installations—this would include amendments to the following sections of the EPBC Act: 37J (No declarations relating to nuclear action), 140A (No approval for certain nuclear installations), 146M (No approvals relating to nuclear actions) and 305(2)(d) (Minster may enter into conservation agreements); and
amending the ARPANS Act, which regulates the construction, operation, and licencing of small-scale nuclear and radioactive facilities primarily used for medical and medical research purposes (like the Lucas Heights Facility) to provide for the licencing and regulation of civil nuclear power stations. This would also involve expanding the existing scope and application of the licencing regime under that Act to address specific nuclear power plants development and operation issues.
As an alternative to amending the ARPANS Act, adopting a similar approach to the one taken for the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, which involved the enactment of the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 (Cth) (ANNPS Act). Broadly, the ANNPS Act:
provided a licencing and safety regime for regulated activities (such as constructing and operating an AUKUS submarine) within designated zones in Western Australia and South Australia; and
excluded the operation of state and territory laws that would otherwise apply to such activities.
Other federal legislation that may need to be amended to support nuclear power plants include: the National Radioactive Waste Management Act 2012 (Cth), the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987 (Cth), and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 (Cth).
2. Establish a nuclear energy regulator
At the same time, Australia would require a new legal authority to regulate industry operations in areas such as nuclear safety, site licencing, construction, operation, decommissioning, fuel and waste.
Such an authority would be similar to, for example, the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation, which oversees the 36 licensed nuclear sites in Great Britain (including the recently licensed Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C).
The regulatory body could be established by:
expanding the mandate of the regulatory body established under the ARPANS Act (being the Australian Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority) to include licencing and regulation of nuclear power facilities (noting the Coalition’s Nuclear Energy Plan highlights the possibility of also consolidating the functions of this regulatory body with the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office—being the regulatory body responsible for nuclear and chemical weapons treaties); or
expanding the functions of the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator, which is responsible for the regulation of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.
3. Coordinate state and territory legislation
The Government would also need to work with the states and territories to coordinate new federal, state and territory legislation to support the delivery of nuclear power projects.
This would require NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory to lift their respective bans on nuclear activities.
4. Implement a third-party liability regime
Domestic liability regime
Given community and participant concerns about potential nuclear incidents, most nuclear energy jurisdictions have implemented a comprehensive domestic legal regime governing liability for nuclear events. We expect Australia would need to adopt a similar regime.
These regimes typically cover topics such as:
Liability channelling: to reduce the number of defendants in any claim (and simplify the associated proceedings), jurisdictions adopt one or more mechanisms to ensure that nuclear liability is channelled to the nuclear installation operator only. For example, in the UK, the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (NIA) allocates liability for a nuclear incident to the operator and provides a full defence in the UK courts to others for the types of liability covered by the NIA. In the Australian context, this would require navigating Australia’s federal system, involving overlapping state and federal laws.
Strict liability: to simplify arguments around negligence and causation, many jurisdictions adopt a strict liability regime. That is, the nuclear operator is deemed to be liable for loss flowing from an incident at its installation, regardless of who is actually at fault.
Liability caps: while the regimes seek to make it easier to bring a nuclear claim, they typically provide a statutory liability cap in favour of the operator, often with the government operating as an insurer of last resort for claims above the statutory cap. For example, in the UK, the NIA sets annual financial caps on operator liability, after which the UK Government covers claims up to the required minimum thresholds.
International liability regime
In addition to implementing a comprehensive domestic liability regime, it is likely Australia would seek to sign and ratify one or more international nuclear liability treaties.
There are three different (and somewhat competing) international regimes. While Australia might seek to participate in multiple treaties, in practice most jurisdictions choose to participate in one only.
The most recent treaty is the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), which was established under the auspices of the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1997 and covers the greatest number of nuclear power reactors globally. Importantly, the United States, Japan, India and Canada have signed and ratified the CSC only. Australia is a signatory to the CSC, but has not ratified the CSC.
The 1960 Paris Convention on Third Party Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy (Paris Convention), supplemented by the Brussels Convention Supplementary to the Paris Convention and most recently updated in 2004, was developed under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA). It mainly covers Western European states, including the United Kingdom and France.
The 1963 Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage, most recently updated in 2004, was also developed under the auspices of the IAEA, but mainly covers states in Eastern Europe and Latin America.
While it would be possible for Australia to proceed without ratifying one of these conventions (as the PRC and South Korea have chosen to do), Australia’s dependence on a global nuclear supply chain means it is likely to ratify at least one.
Ratifying a nuclear treaty would bolster Australia’s domestic nuclear liability regime, eg by precluding claims being brought in other signatory jurisdictions for incidents occurring in Australia. The choice of treaty would also shape Australia’s nuclear liability policy, eg because they mandate different levels of state indemnity for nuclear incidents.
5. Adopt a financing structure
Funding model
It is unlikely that a foreign investor funding model, used in the UK and other nuclear energy jurisdictions, would be available for Australian projects. Instead, Australian nuclear power projects would likely be developed by:
a new government-owned nuclear power developer— perhaps similar to NBN Co, Australia’s national wholesale open-access data network; or
a private developer, partly financed by the Government through a combination of debt and equity—perhaps similar to funding models adopted for Badgerys Creek Airport and the WestConnex road project—both of which involved a mixture of federal grant funding and concessional loans.
In either case, Australia would need to rely heavily on a ‘national champion’ to drive the development of these projects, in partnership with experienced private sector nuclear companies.
Expansion of ARENA and CEFC
Australia may also consider expanding the mandate of existing agencies such as the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and Clean Energy Finance Corporation to extend to nuclear energy projects, to provide such grant funding and concessional loans (respectively).
Government support
In addition, we expect that federal support would be required for the construction phase of each project, as well as a government offtake contract or revenue underwrite for these projects, in order to secure debt financing.
To the extent that bank debt is proposed to be included in the financing mix, it is likely that financiers would require extensive due diligence to fully understand the proposed technology, due to the novelty of such technology in the Australian market, and proposed risk mitigants for delay and cost overruns given the challenges experienced for similar projects overseas.
In determining an appropriate structure, Australia may look to existing nuclear energy jurisdictions for examples and lessons that can be learned.
For example, in the UK, there has been a shift in the approach to government support contracts—from the ‘contract for difference’ model to a utility model involving a regulated asset base.
Contract for difference (Hinkley Point C): investors agree to pay the entire cost of constructing the nuclear plant, in return for an agreed fixed price for electricity output following completion—this is funded by consumers, who will pay the difference between the wholesale electricity price and the final fixed price once the plant is operational.
Regulated asset base model (Sizewell C): investors are able to share some of the project’s construction and operating risks with consumers from the start, lowering the cost of capital.
The complex regulatory road ahead
While the potential for nuclear energy to contribute to Australia’s low-emissions future is clear, the path to achieving this vision will involve overcoming significant challenges.
Despite the hurdles, a carefully structured and long-term approach could pave the way for nuclear power to play a role in diversifying Australia’s energy mix and supporting its transition to a sustainable and low-emissions future.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 15/04/2025 – Joint media release
The Belconnen Oval Wetland is now open for visitors to enjoy after major works to help filter stormwater flows to reduce pollution in Lake Ginninderra.
The ponds in the wetland will filter approximately 30% of nutrients and solids from water in the Emu Bank catchment that can cause toxic blue-green algae before it reaches the lake.
This is the first stormwater wetland in the ACT to include subsurface elements, in addition to a traditional wetland and ponds, meaning water flows underground through the roots of the wetland plants. The roots absorb the nutrients from the water to nourish the plants above so they can grow, while cleaning the flowing stormwater below.
Visitors should take care while exploring the area and walk only on the footpaths. The plants, reeds and grasses are part of a delicate ecosystem that are still maturing.
The Belconnen Wetland Oval project is delivered through the ACT Healthy Waterways program to help keep our waterways clean.
Quotes attributable to Suzanne Orr, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water:
“The wetland is a great example of how nature-positive outcomes can also create great places for our community.
“The Belconnen Oval Wetland is the latest in a series of Healthy Waterways infrastructure projects that include the construction of wetlands, ponds, rain gardens all to improve the quality of our waterways and stormwater systems. “
Quotes attributable to Tara Cheyne, Minister for City and Government Services:
“This new wetland offers a peaceful place for visitors to enjoy. As the reeds, grasses, and trees mature over the years, they will create a thriving, natural ecosystem.
“Centrally located on the eastern side of Belconnen Oval, I encourage the Belconnen community to explore the area via the new footpaths and take advantage of the surrounding benches.
“We built this wetland in consultation with the community, and it’s a great place for residents to explore, spend time with friends and family, or simply relax on their own.”
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has today announced two new appointments and two reappointments to the Waste Advisory Board.
The Waste Advisory Board provides independent advice to the Minister for the Environment on matters relating to the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and waste minimisation.
“I am very pleased to welcome Dr Terri-Ann Berry and Michelle Kazor to the Waste Advisory Board,” Ms Simmonds says.
“Dr Berry is an Associate Professor at the School of Future Environments at Auckland University of Technology and the founder and Co-Director of the Environmental Innovation Centre, a private research institute focused on improving sustainability outcomes, especially in the construction industry.
“Ms Kazor has more than 20 years’ experience in waste, resource efficiency, and climate policy, and has worked across government, corporate, and non-profit sectors in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.”
In addition to the new appointments, Ms Simmonds also reappointed Board Chair Darren Patterson, and Board member Don Chittock.
“Mr Patterson has more than 25 years’ experience in industry, local and central government, and community projects, as well as significant board experience. He has provided sound leadership to the Board during the last six years as Chair and his reappointment will ensure continuity of knowledge and experience.
“Likewise, Mr Chittock brings a wide range of industry experience and has led some of the more technical pieces of the Board’s work. His reappointment means he will continue to provide the group with experience in the more technical aspects of the industry.”
Ms Simmonds thanked outgoing Board members Denise Roche, Jacqui Forbes and Sue Coutts.
“These members provided expertise and advice during their time on the Board. I thank them for their contribution and look forward to working with the new members as they begin their terms,” Ms Simmonds says.
Progress continues in nuclear waste management, with the outdoor dry storage project at Kuosheng Nuclear Power Plant set to commence construction. A Taipower representative pointed out that, in 2015, the soil and water conservation plan for the outdoor dry storage facility at Kuosheng was approved by the Council of Agriculture (now the Ministry of Agriculture). Subsequently, after nine years of effort, the Construction Site Plan for Reduction of Pollutants from Runoff Wastewater required for building the dry storage facility was approved by the New Taipei City Government this past August (2024). Approval for construction commencement was granted in November. Today (December 31), Taipower held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction, symbolizing a solid first step in the steady progress toward nuclear power decommissioning.
A Taipower representative explained that the outdoor dry storage facility at Kuosheng will use dry storage casks designed by NAC International, a nuclear equipment company based in the US. A total of 27 casks are planned for the outdoor facility, with each cask capable of storing 87 spent fuel assemblies. Construction is expected to be completed by 2026. After obtaining a completion certificate from the New Taipei City Government, the facility will undergo commissioning tests, including cold tests and hot tests; then, Taipower will apply to the Nuclear Safety Commission for an operating license. Taipower projects obtaining the license in 2027.
A Taipower representative stated that the dry storage facility is a critical preliminary component of the decommissioning project. Only after construction is completed and an operating license is obtained can the spent nuclear fuel be gradually removed from the reactor, and only then can the decommissioning process be implemented at full scale. During construction, all work will be carried out in strict accordance with the approved Environmental Impact Statement and Soil and Water Conservation Plan. Taipower will closely monitor construction quality and ensure that all work complies with nuclear safety regulations and occupational safety and quality control standards, as Taipower completes this key project in the decommissioning of Kuosheng Nuclear Power Plant.
Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng Phone: (02) 2366-6271/0958-749-333 Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Nuclear Back-end Management Director Liao Ying-Chen Phone: (02)2365-7210 ext. 2200/0953-685-053 Email: u880803@taipower.com.tw
The Hsiehho Power Plant Redevelopment Project (“HPPRP”) has passed Environmental Impact Assessment Review Committee (“EIA Review Committee”) review. In response to this, today (February 26), Taipower expressed gratitude for the support and guidance from EIA Review Committee members and all stakeholders. Since its initial proposal, the HPPRP has undergone seven years of EIA review. Through discussion of rationality and specialized analysis under the EIA framework, the HPPRP has been continuously refined to produce an optimal plan that ensures the public’s right to electricity while minimizing environmental impacts. A Taipower representative emphasized that maintaining a stable power supply and meeting the electricity needs of both the public and industries is the Company’s mission. The Company looks forward to working together with all sectors to promote Hsiehho’s redevelopment as soon as possible, in order to provide reliable power to the Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung areas while also satisfying local demand for improved air quality.
A Taipower representative pointed out that all information required by the EIA review has been investigated and truthfully provided, in accordance with the law. Based on the conclusions of today’s meeting, Taipower will also supplement additional materials requested and will faithfully implement the HPPRP in line with its environmental commitments. Regarding the issue of soil contamination within the Hsiehho Power Plant site, Taipower has also pledged to complete remediation of the contaminated land before construction of the new units officially begins, in compliance with the regulations of the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act.
A Taipower representative explained that the EIA process for the HPPRP began at the end of 2017. Over the years, Taipower staff have dedicated significant time and effort, incorporating suggestions from EIA Review Committee members and different sectors of society to continuously optimize the plan. Version 1.0 of the plan included 29.25 hectares of land reclamation, but in order to reduce impacts on Waimushan Fishing Port, Taipower proactively revised the plan and proposed Version 2.0 with a reduced scale. Later, in response to local concerns about coral reefs near the submerged breakwater area, Taipower developed Version 3.0, known as the “Eastward Shift Plan”, which relocated and further reduced the reclamation area to maximize marine ecological protection, applying the ecological conservation strategy of “avoidance, minimization, mitigation, and compensation”. In addition, to address local concerns regarding the impact of the receiving terminal on shipping operations at Keelung Port, Taipower collaborated with experts, scholars, and local stakeholders to conduct thorough research. This ensured that port safety and operations will not be compromised, and that the HPPRP and Keelung Port can coexist and thrive together.
A Taipower representative stated that even as power generation units within the northern and eastern power grids are gradually decommissioned, electricity demand in the Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung areas continues to grow due to ongoing economic development. The HPPRP therefore serves a significant public interest by ensuring a stable power supply and improving air quality. Taipower thanks all sectors for the support, and will continued working hard and communicating more deeply to jointly promote power stability and local development for the Taipei-New Taipei-Keelung region.
Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng Phone: (02) 2366-6271/0958-749-333 Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Environmental Protection Director Wu Cheng-Hung Wu Phone: (02) 2366-7200/0927-291-156 Email: u015279@taipower.com.tw
For over a decade, Taipower has been dedicated to conserving Kaohsiung’s Yong’an Wetland and creating a haven for black-faced spoonbills there. Through scientific management and water level control technology, the wetland has been transformed into a welcoming ‘Waterbird Hotel’ – an ideal migratory bird habitat and feeding ground. Since autumn last year (2024), the site has hosted hundreds of migratory birds, including globally endangered species such as the black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor), northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata), and Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope).
Integrating the wetland’s unique features into its operations, Hsinta Power Plant developed an environmental education program that has been certified by the Ministry of Environment. This makes it the first thermal power plant in Taiwan to be officially designated as an environmental education site. The unveiling ceremony was held today (January 3). A Taipower representative stated that while Taipower remains committed to its mission of ensuring stable power supply, it will also continue promoting environmental education and preserving the biodiversity of the Yong’an Wetland, so that these feathered guests can enjoy a cozy winter and make every visit a happy ‘Bird-Day’.
Taipower held the Yong’an Wetland Migratory Bird Season and Environmental Education Site Unveiling Ceremony today at the Yong’an Wetland Ecological Education Center in Kaohsiung. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng; Kaohsiung City Government Public Works Bureau Director Yang Chin-Fu; Kaohsiung City Government Environmental Protection Bureau Deputy Director Huang Shih-Hung; and former Kaohsiung City Government Advisor Tsan-Cheng Lin. Together, they jointly unveiled the plaque. Students and teachers from Yong’an Elementary School and Xingang Elementary School were also invited to participate in birdwatching activities, enthusiastically welcoming the start of the migratory bird season at Yong’an Wetland.
Ecological restoration success – black-faced spoonbill population quadruples in 10 years
A Taipower representative stated that in 2010, the Company established an ecological survey team and launched ecological conservation research. Since then, they have collected over 500,000 waterbird and water depth observations. Through scientific management and water level control technology, the number of waterbirds at Yong’an Wetland has increased significantly, with the black-faced spoonbill population growing fourfold over the past decade. Today, Yong’an Wetland has become a winter sanctuary for migratory birds. As early as last October, black-faced spoonbills had already been spotted, and recently, charming visitors such as black-winged stilts (Himantopus himantopus), northern shovelers, and Eurasian wigeons have also been seen.
A Taipower representative explained that Yong’an Wetland was originally developed as the Wushulin Salt Fields during the Japanese colonial period. In 1984, with the transformation of the salt industry, the land ownership was transferred to Taipower for power development purposes. However, Taipower not only preserved the Wushulin Salt Manufacturing Company Office – a County-designated historic site – but also made efforts to minimize the scope of development. Taipower retained two-thirds of the site as environmental conservation land, deliberately avoiding key bird habitats. The overall plan designates 41.25 hectares as wetland conservation area and 15 hectares as an ecological buffer zone with greenbelts and protected areas. Statistics show that over 160 species of birds have been recorded visiting the site. The notable phenomenon of “migratory birds becoming resident birds” has also been observed, with species such as the Kentish plover (Anarhynchus alexandrines) and black-winged stilt now settling and breeding in the area.
Taipower also collaborated with internationally-acclaimed, award-winning director Hsu Hung-Lung to produce the documentary film “Flying Bird Power Plant”. The film records Taipower’s efforts and achievements in ecological conservation. The film has earned multiple honors, including a Platinum Remi Award at the 2024 WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, a Document Special Award at the Accolade Global Film Competition, and an Award of Excellence for Nature/Environment/Wildlife at the All-American Short Film Competition.
Integrating wetland wonders with energy exploration – three different courses to have fun in!
Hsinta Power Plant is the only power plant in Taiwan with a wetland onsite. Taipower has integrated ecological conservation with energy education to develop three courses: Wonders of Hsinta; Eco Task Force; and Chasing the Spark. Led by a team of expert instructors, participants can explore the saltwater wetland ecosystem, observing mangrove plants and aquatic fish, shrimp, and shellfish, while also learning about power generation principles. The courses include hands-on creative activities using byproducts from the power generation process, offering a fun and educational experience.
A Taipower representative stated that Hsinta Power Plant received official certification from the Ministry of Environment as an Environmental Education Facility in September last year. The unveiling ceremony was held today, and the site will be open for reservations starting January 10. (For details, please visit the Hsinta Power Plant Environmental Education website: https://www.hsinta-ee.com.tw/ .) Schools and organizations are welcome to get in touch and schedule visits.
Balancing a stable power supply with ecological conservation: Hsinta’s new Unit 1 undergoing trial operation
To meet growing electricity demand and achieve the net-zero emission goals, Taipower is currently constructing new gas-fired combined cycle units at Hsinta Power Plant. The three new units will have a total installed capacity of 3.9 GW. Construction began in December 2020, and by the end of last year, the project was more than 80% complete. A Taipower representative pointed out that the new Unit 1 first began generating power last September, and is currently undergoing trial operation. The goal is for the unit to be ready for grid dispatch by the end of February, followed by commercial operation. Once officially online, it is expected to generate over 7 TWh of low-carbon electricity per year. Meanwhile, new Units 2 and 3 are currently undergoing mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical installation. They are projected to be gradually connected to the grid starting this year.
Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng Phone: (02) 2366-6271/0958-749-333 Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw Contact Person: Department of Environmental Protection Director Wu Cheng-Hung Phone: (02) 2366-7200/0927-291-156 Email: u015279@taipower.com.tw
One of Bluff’s signature tracks, Foveaux Walkway is an easy, well paved track following the Motupōhue/Bluff coastline to a lookout point.
The track is part of the Te Araroa Trail and is a huge drawcard for both locals and tourists. Hundreds of people visit daily to take in views over Foveaux Strait, Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island.
DOC acting Operations Manager Murihiku Jono Airey says it’s a special track.
“It’s visually stunning with native flora and fauna and is rich with Māori and European history. We’re talking about nature and heritage unique to New Zealand, these are things you can’t find anywhere else.
“Dogs are allowed on the track as long as they are on lead. Dogs are doing what dogs do, but unfortunately their owners are leaving their dogs’ faeces behind in this precious place. It’s a long-term issue, and it’s getting worse.
“It’s not good enough, track maintenance is now a dangerous, disgusting job for our rangers. They return covered from head to toe in dog excrement thrown about by scrub-cutters. They even wear face shields to protect themselves. You wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
Dog faeces contain germs which can harm humans and wildlife and should always be picked up and disposed of responsibly.
Along with marine mammals kekeno/fur seals and pakake/sea lions, the area is frequented by marine sea birds including tītī, shag, tawaki/Fiordland crested penguin, mottled petrel, kororā/little penguin and numerous forest bird species. In winter tohorā/southern right whales can be spotted in the strait.
“Unless things improve, we will have to exclude dogs from our track network in Bluff to ensure the health and safety of our rangers, visitors, and wildlife,” says Jono.
“Dog poo bins aren’t an option for us, they encourage fly tipping and illegal dumping and require a level of maintenance we can’t resource.
“People tramping in our backcountry carry out human rubbish and waste to protect our natural environments, so we’re sure visitors to the urban Foveaux Walkway can manage the much easier job of cleaning up after their dogs.”
New signs will soon remind dog walkers of their obligation to remove dog poo from the Foveaux Walkway, and DOC will monitor the situation to inform decisions on future dog access to the track.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 15, 2025.
Social media is the new election battleground. Is embracing influencers smart, risky or both? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Grantham, Lecturer in Communication, Griffith University From Abbie Chatfield and Hannah Ferguson to Ozzy Man, influencers have never been more central to an Australian election campaign. Much has been made of the increasingly common site of politicians on TikTok or Instagram reels. Some political groups don’t
Trump’s tariffs rollercoaster is really about Republican unity Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney After announcing Liberation Day – stiff “retaliatory” tariffs on every country and penguin-inhabited island in the world – US President Donald Trump rescinded the vast majority of tariffs eight days later when stock and bond markets
Peters emphasises growing importance of NZ’s Pacific ties with the United States By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist in Hawai’i New Zealand’s Pacific connection with the United States is “more important than ever”, says Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters after rounding up the Hawai’i leg of his Pacific trip. Peters said common strategic interests of the US and New Zealand were underlined while in the state. “Our
Israeli military reservists court Australian universities amid ‘hypocrisy’ over anti-war protests Hundreds of university staff and students in Melbourne and Sydney called on their vice-chancellors to cancel pro-Israel events earlier this month, write Michael West Media’s Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon. SPECIAL REPORT: By Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon While Australia’s universities continue to repress pro-Palestine peace protests, they gave the green light to pro-Israel events
Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with 2 secretive new temples planned for Australia Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales. This follows a similar announcement
Winter electricity prices are rising – how do we know we’re getting value for money? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Meade, Adjunct Associate Professor, Griffith University, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University Shutterstock Winter is coming to New Zealand and Australia, and with it come those inevitably higher power bills from heating our homes. But even without that seasonal spike, household power
Amid the election promises, what would actually help ‘fix’ the housing crisis? Here’s 5 ideas Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University Shutterstock As the election campaign rolls on, housing has been, unsurprisingly, a major campaign focus. We’ve seen a series of housing policy announcements from across the political spectrum, including duelling announcements from the major
New study finds no evidence technology causes ‘digital dementia’ in older people Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nikki-Anne Wilson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), UNSW Sydney RDNE Stock project/Pexels In the 21st century, digital technology has changed many aspects of our lives. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest newcomer, with chatbots and other AI tools changing how we learn and creating
Amid the election promises, what would actually help ‘fix’ the housing crisis? Here are 5 ideas Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University Shutterstock As the election campaign rolls on, housing has been, unsurprisingly, a major campaign focus. We’ve seen a series of housing policy announcements from across the political spectrum, including duelling announcements from the major
Cutting migrant numbers won’t help housing – the real immigration problems not being tackled this election Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter McDonald, Honorary Professor of Demography, Centre for Health Policy, The University of Melbourne Immigration is shaping as one of the most potent policy issues of the election campaign. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a Coalition government would cut the two major migration programs – permanent
Focusing on a child’s strengths can transform assessments – and help them thrive after an ADHD or autism diagnosis Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Guastella, Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Michael Crouch Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health, University of Sydney Jota Buyinch Photo/Shutterstock When parents are concerned about their child’s development, they often seek an assessment to address concerns and identify any conditions, such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Australian honeybees are under attack by mites and beetles. Here’s how to keep your backyard hive safe Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cornelia Sattler, Research Fellow in Ecology & Videographer, Macquarie University Varroa mites on a male bee larva. Theotime Colin Australia’s honeybees are facing an exceptional crisis. The tiny but devastating foreign pest Varroa destructor is steadily spreading across the country. The mite feeds on baby bees (larvae),
Would looser lending rules help more people buy a house – or just put them at risk? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Grant, Associate Professor in Finance, University of Sydney doublelee/Shutterstock Big promises on housing were at the centre of both major parties’ announcements at the official federal election campaign launches on the weekend. Among the highlights, Labor pledged to build 100,000 new homes and extend a government-guaranteed
Why is it so hard for everyone to have a house in Australia? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ehsan Noroozinejad, Senior Researcher, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Bilalnol/Shutterstock Home ownership in Australia was once regarded as proof of success in life. However, it remains elusive for many people today. Prices have soared beyond wage growth, rents keep rising, and even some well-intentioned government
Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with two secretive new temples planned for Australia Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales. This follows a similar announcement
Owners are officially no longer responsible for tourism accidents on their land – but they never really were Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Peace, Lecturer in Occupational Health and Safety, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington EyesWideOpen/Getty Images Newly announced reforms to the Health and Safety at Work Act mean landowners will no longer be responsible for tourism-related injuries on their properties. But it’s not clear this
New Zealand’s humanity – does it include all of us, or only for some? COMMENTARY: By Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab “Wherever Palestinians have control is barbaric.” These were the words from New Zealand’s Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow. During a meeting with Philippa Yasbek from Jewish Voices for Peace, Dr Rainbow allegedly told her that information from the NZ Security Intelligence Services (NZSIS) threat assessment asserted that Muslims were the
Leaked ‘working paper’ on New Caledonia’s political future sparks new concerns By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk A leaked “working paper” on New Caledonia’s future political status is causing concern on the local stage and has prompted a “clarification” from the French government’s Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls. Details of the document, which was supposed to remain confidential, have been widely circulated online
Election Diary: Will Peter Dutton help son Harry buy a house? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Political leaders’ kids are routinely put on display to share the glory or the pain of election night. Earlier, they’re often at campaign launches to “humanise” the candidates. Peter Dutton pulled out all stops with the family for his Sunday
Big Girls Don’t Cry is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and comical celebration of Indigenous resilience and survival Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Case, Lecturer in Musicology, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir With Big Girls Don’t Cry, Gumbaynggirr/Wiradjuri playwright Dalara Williams proves herself to be a formidable talent. Cheryl (Williams), Queenie (Megan Wilding) and Lulu (Stephanie Somerville) are three best friends who share a
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Climate scientists comment on the ‘State of the Climate 2024’ report, published by Copernicus Climate Change Service and World Meteorological Organization.
Madeleine Thomson, Head of Climate Impacts & Adaptation at Wellcome, said:
“Europe is heating up, and we’re not prepared for the toll this will take on our health.”
“Deaths from heat stress are the most visible impact. But extreme heat doesn’t just kill—it also increases the risk of heart disease, pregnancy complications, and poor mental health. It also fuels indirect health threats like crop failures and wildfires.”
“We urgently need to cut emissions and adapt our cities. Simple changes, like adding green spaces and waterways, can help cool urban areas and protect public health.”
Dr Ben Clarke, Research Associate in Extreme Weather and Climate Change at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, said:
“This report found that damage from storms and flooding across Europe in 2024 cost at least €18 billion.
“Every year, European countries are having to reach deeper into their pockets to respond to weather disasters.
“Storm Boris is a perfect example. Catastrophic impacts were avoided with days of preparation that saw reservoirs emptied and flood defenses erected. Even still, the floods caused upwards of €2 billion in damages.
“It is painfully clear that the cost of acting on climate change is far lower than the cost of inaction. Cutting emissions and investing in climate adaptation will save lives and protect economies.”
Dr Friederike Otto, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Environmental Policy and co-lead of World Weather Attribution, Imperial College London, said
“Think 1.3°C of warming is safe? This report lays bare the pain Europe’s population is already suffering from extreme weather.
“But we’re on track to experience 3°C by 2100. You only need to cast your mind back to the floods in Spain, the fires in Portugal, or the summer heatwaves last year to know how devastating this level of warming would be.
“In a volatile global economy, it is frankly insane to keep relying on imported fossil fuels – the main cause of climate change – when renewable energy offers a cheaper and cleaner alternative.
“The EU can’t afford to put its climate commitments on the backburner. It needs to lead the charge and accelerate the shift to evidence based politics, actually helping low-income people and not oligarchs”
Declared interests
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
ICYMI: Padilla, Western Senators Introduce Bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act to Combat Wildfires
A list of Senate Fix Our Forests Act provisions particularly impactful for California is available here
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, last week, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Wildfire Caucus, and Senators John Curtis (R-Utah), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Senate version of the Fix Our Forests Act, bipartisan legislation to combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and responsive.
The comprehensive Senate bill reflects months of bipartisan Senate negotiations to find consensus on how to best improve forest management practices, accelerate processes to protect communities, advance watershed restoration, and strengthen partnerships between federal agencies, states, tribes, and private stakeholders. The Senate version of the bill would also bolster coordination efforts across agencies through a new Wildfire Intelligence Center, which would streamline the federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combating wildfires.
A one-pager on the bill is available here.
See coverage on the Senate version of the Fix Our Forests Act below:
LA Times: California Sen. Padilla hopes Fix Our Forests Act will prevent more L.A. fires
By Faith E. Pinho
Months after wildfires ravaged Los Angeles County, California Sen. Alex Padilla is hoping his bill to overhaul forest management and prevent wildfires might be the first bipartisan measure for President Trump to sign.
“I don’t think anything could completely prevent wildfires, but through this work, if we can prevent just one more community from experiencing the heartbreak felt by the families in Santa Rosa or in Paradise or the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, then this effort would’ve been worth it,” Padilla said Thursday.
Padilla, who chairs the Senate Wildfire Caucus, joined with a bipartisan group of senators from the West — Sens. John Curtis (R-Utah), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) — to introduce the Fix Our Forests Act, which mirrors a bipartisan measure of the same name that the House passed in January.
The Fix Our Forests Act would usher in sweeping changes to how the federal government manages its land — which constitutes 45% of the uninhabited, wildfire-prone land in California, according to the Congressional Research Service. It would create a wildfire intelligence center to centralize federal management, require assessments of fireshed areas and streamline how communities reduce their wildfire risk. It also would ramp up research into wildfire mitigation technologies and change some forestation treatments. […]
Padilla argued that his bill improved upon issues brought by those groups, including adding a provision for prescribed burns, “building on the expertise and experience of Native American tribes that have been implementing prescribed fires for generations.”
The Senate version also redefined projects eligible for grants, “to make sure that the L.A. would be eligible right now,” said Matt Weiner, chief executive and founder of the advocacy organization Megafire Action, which pushed for the legislation.
“I think it’s pretty crazy, frankly, that we’re on the cusp of getting to the president’s desk here a bill that he could sign into law that would be bipartisan and one of the most comprehensive rewrites of federal wildfire policy in decades,” Weiner said. “Amid all the chaos, there’s an opportunity to do something really meaningful here in a bipartisan way.” […]
California’s leaders — including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler — applauded the Senate version of the bill. Newsom pointed to his own efforts temporarily lifting state regulations to speed up rebuilding in the wake of the L.A. fires.
“The Fix Our Forest Act is a step forward that will build on this progress — enabling good projects to happen faster on federal lands,” Newsom said in a statement.
Axios San Diego: New bill aims to bolster fight against wildfires in California
By Kate Murphy
A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the West is introducing a bill to combat “catastrophic” wildfires and overhaul forest management.
Why it matters: Climate change and drought are causing wildfires to become more intense, widespread and harder to put out.
The legislation comes after the Los Angeles County blazes in January were called one of the costliest wildfire events in U.S. history, with estimated damages reaching up to $131 billion.
State of play: Some highlights of the Fix Our Forests Act — sponsored by Sens. John Curtis (R-Utah), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) —are :
Reducing wildfire risks in certain areas with more cross-boundary collaboration.
Creating an interagency program to help communities build wildfire-resistant measures.
Increasing research to test and utilize wildfire prevention technologies. […]
What they’re saying: As the state faces more frequent and catastrophic wildfires, this bill “prioritizes building fire-resilient communities, accelerating the removal of hazardous fuels, and strengthening coordination across federal, state, and tribal agencies, including through the creation of the first-ever National Wildfire Intelligence Center,” Sen. Padilla said in a statement.
PoliticoPro: Western senators lead bipartisan push for wildfire mitigation bill
By Jordan Wolman
A bipartisan group Western-state senators is planning to introduce wildfire mitigation legislation that would expedite forest-thinning projects, establish an interagency risk-and-response center and set stricter limits on legal challenges.
Republicans John Curtis of Utah and Tim Sheehy of Montana are joining Democrats Alex Padilla of California and John Hickenlooper of Colorado in sponsoring the Fix Our Forests Act, according to a draft of the bill shared first with POLITICO.
The legislation, which passed the House in a bipartisan vote earlier this year after wildfires devastated Los Angeles, presents a rare opportunity for compromise in Congress and a chance for progress on forestry and wildfire issues that have plagued the West in recent years. […]
The Senate bill also has support from groups including The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Defense Fund, International Association of Fire Chiefs and Megafire Action.
The Senate version of the bill has received significant support from environmental groups, first responders, and wildfire organizations, including:
The Nature Conservancy; National Wildlife Federation; Environmental Defense Fund; National Audubon Society; Citizens’ Climate Lobby; Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership; Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition; The Stewardship Project; the Federation of American Scientists; CAL FIRE; the International Association of Fire Chiefs; Alliance for Wildfire Resilience; Megafire Action; the Association for Firetech Innovation; Climate & Wildfire Institute; Tall Timbers; Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action); Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO); the American Property Casualty Insurance Association; and the Property and Environment Research Center.
Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) applauded Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin for announcing an expedited plan to clean up St. Louis’ West Lake Landfill two years earlier than originally planned. The EPA’s newly released report comes after Senator Hawley hosted Administrator Zeldin at West Lake Landfill and Coldwater Creek last month so he could witness the radioactive waste and its aftermath firsthand.
In the report, Administrator Zeldin notes the challenges that have plagued Missourians for years as a result of the federal government illegally dumping the radioactive waste decades ago.
“Meeting and speaking with the St. Louis community members who have long endured radioactive waste in their community was beyond moving. This moment requires an unprecedented effort to clean up the West Lake Landfill and impacted sites in the area. I look forward to partnering with Senator Josh Hawley to achieve remarkable and urgent progress,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin.
Each year Wellington Airport and local councils come together to recognise the work carried out by community groups in the wider Wellington region. Nominations are now open for the 2025 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards. The focus of the awards is to celebrate volunteer groups for their valuable contribution to society.Groups can be nominated under these categories:
Arts & Culture – enhance and increase participation in arts and creative leisure activities.
Education & Child/Youth Development – improvement or enhancement of the educational and social development of children / youth.
Health & Wellbeing – enhancing the health and wellbeing of our community.
Heritage & Environment – improvement or revitalising of the environment, culture or heritage.
Sport & Leisure – increase participation and enjoyment in physical sport, leisure activities and recreational pursuits.
Rising Star award – designed to recognise and encourage emerging grassroots groups in the community.
Winners from each region then go forward to the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards for the overall award in their category, and the opportunity to be named Supreme Winner, with winners announced at a celebration dinner.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says the awards are a great way to recognise community groups and organisation volunteers who make a valuable contribution to our city.
“We have an amazing network of groups and volunteers in Porirua and the awards are a great way to recognise the contribution they make to our community. Te Kiwa Nui was the winner of the Education and Child/Youth Development category last year and Porirua has been well represented over the years.”
The number of marine mammal species in New Zealand classified as Threatened or At Risk has increased from 10 in 2019 to 14 today, with the sperm whale, pygmy blue whale, southern right whale dolphin, goose-beaked whale, and pygmy sperm whale added to the list. Leopard seals were moved from at-risk to migrant.
A ‘Threatened’ species status is given to animals in serious trouble. New Zealand has the highest proportion of threatened indigenous species in the world – more than 4000 native species are currently threatened or at risk of extinction.
Panel lead and DOC Senior Science Advisor, Dr Dave Lundquist, says several species have been shifted to a more threatened conservation status. This includes sperm whales, which were moved from Data Deficient to At Risk – Declining.
“Research published by the University of Otago in 2022 shows a long-term decline in the number of sperm whales seen off Kaikōura during summer,” says Dave Lundquist.
“We don’t yet know if this reflects a broader drop in sperm whale numbers across New Zealand, but the panel has taken a precautionary approach and assumed it could be.”
Thanks to improved population data, eight other marine mammal species previously considered Data Deficient now have updated conservation statuses. This includes pygmy blue whales, now listed as Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable.
The New Zealand sea lion has also been moved to a higher risk category – from Nationally Vulnerable to Threatened – Nationally Endangered. This is due to a smaller estimated number of breeding adults and a faster rate of population decline than previously thought.
“Estimates suggest sea lion numbers could decline by 30–70% over the next 30 years, which is about three generations. Multiple human-caused threats are likely to be contributing to this decline,” says Dave Lundquist.
Bottlenose dolphins are the only species whose status has improved – from Threatened – Nationally Endangered to Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable. However, Dave Lundquist says this change is due to better information, not an actual increase in numbers.
“We previously estimated fewer than 1000 coastal bottlenose dolphins in New Zealand, plus an unknown number of oceanic ones. We now know there are over 1000 oceanic dolphins, which improved the overall status. But coastal populations are still at risk and depend on local conservation efforts to survive.”
Dave Lundquist says the positive takeaway is that when people act to reduce threats and protect nature, it makes a real difference.
“This information is valuable for everyone involved in marine mammal conservation – including iwi, community groups, businesses, fishers, councils and government.
“When we understand the conservation status of marine mammals, we’re all better equipped to make informed decisions to help protect them and their habitats.”
The conservation status of 57 marine mammal types found in New Zealand waters was reviewed by an independent panel of national and international experts. They used the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS) – a tool that assesses the extinction risk of native species.
NZTCS assessments are reviewed roughly every five years and are based on factors such as population size, trends, and distribution. DOC uses these results to prioritise conservation work, guide resource allocation, and shape policy decisions. The assessments also support collaboration with iwi, researchers, community groups, and others working to protect native species.
The NZTCS is a rule-based system for experts to assess the risk of extinction faced by organisms in Aotearoa New Zealand. The NZTCS is administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and complements the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Independent panels of experts assess groups of taxa (for examples, birds, reptiles or marine mammals. Species, subspecies, varieties and forms are collectively known as taxa, singular = taxon), approximately every five years, using criteria of population state, size and trend.
Knowing a species’ risk of extinction provides a basis for setting priorities and making decisions, planning recovery programmes and research, monitoring the effectiveness of management and gaining support for habitat protection. Taxa assessed as ‘Threatened’ face greater risk of extinction because they have small population with greatest rate of decline. Taxa assessed as ‘At Risk’ are not considered Threatened, but they could quickly become so if conservation management reduces, if a new threat arises, or if the declines continue.
The expert panel assessed the conservation status of 57 taxa of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, fur seals and sea lions.
Thirteen species have changed status since last assessed in 2019. One has a more threatened status, one has a less threatened status, and the remainder are neutral status changes (into and out of the category Data Deficient).
Australia’s honeybees are facing an exceptional crisis. The tiny but devastating foreign pest Varroa destructor is steadily spreading across the country.
The mite feeds on baby bees (larvae), weakening them. It can also spread viruses that eventually destroy entire bee colonies.
What’s worse, Varroa destructor isn’t acting alone. In many parts of New South Wales, the mite’s arrival appears to have triggered a surge in another destructive pest: the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida).
A wet summer in the east has created ideal conditions for beetle outbreaks. This combination is putting enormous pressure on bees and beekeepers alike. Here’s how to help support the bee industry and, if you’re a backyard beekeeper, defend your hives against attack.
The parasitic mite Varroa destructor can hitch a ride on the back of a honeybee. Cornelia Sattler
Know your enemy
Varroa was first detected in Australia at the NSW Port of Newcastle in June 2022.
The mite is now widely established in NSW and in Queensland between Toowoomba and Brisbane.
It was detected in Victoria, North-West of Melbourne in February and the ACT earlier this month.
The varroa invasion appears to be making hives more susceptible to the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida). This species arrived in 2002.
The beetle thrives in warm, humid conditions and lays its eggs inside hives. The larvae feed on honey and wax, turning once-thriving hives into a foul, fermented mess. Beekeepers call this a “slime-out” — and it’s just as bad as it sounds.
The deadly one-two punch
A healthy bee colony can usually defend itself against beetles. But when bees are weakened by varroa mites, they’re far less capable of resisting a beetle invasion.
This deadly one-two punch has already devastated many beekeepers in NSW. One commercial beekeeper reported:
I had large infestations of mites. And then following the mite, I got the boom of the hive beetles. I probably lost 30 hives to beetles.
As varroa mites weaken a bee colony, other parasites — like the small hive beetle seen here — can invade and cause further damage. Cornelia Sattler
What to do if you suspect an infestation?
The number of registered recreational beekeepers in Australia is growing. In 2019, there were around 27,800 registered hobbyists. By 2023, that number had jumped to over 47,000. Backyard beekeepers also contribute A$260 million to the economy.
Varroa represents a major threat to every Australian honey producer, so here’s a few tips.
Inspect your hives at least once a month. If larvae appear to be tunnelling through honeycomb, or the honey appears fermented, these are signs beetles may be present.
It’s difficult to detect mites visually, especially when there are few mites present. That’s where monitoring techniques come in. Typically, 300 bees are placed in ethanol or icing sugar and shaken until mites fall off. This allows beekeepers to not only detect the mites but also to count them.
Report mites to the relevant state authorities. Failure to do so can result in fines.
Immediately treat the infested hive and move it at least ten metres away from any others.
Chemicals called miticides can kill varroa mites and knock the population down. But some beekeepers report side effects, including queen loss, so be prepared to replace queens.
We’ve experienced a lot of queenless hives. I don’t know whether that’s from treatments […] it might be just coincidence, but I’m hearing a lot of other beekeepers having the same problem.
Varroa mites feed on bee larvae, so caging the queen and taking a short break from brood production can reduce the mite population. Mites prefer male bee larvae, so removing these can help.
These control methods are effective, though labour-intensive, and potentially suitable for backyard beekeepers. They can lessen the need for chemical treatments — slowing the evolution of resistance to miticides.
Protection against mites and beetles
To prevent your backyard hives being infested by mites or beetles:
keep colonies well fed, so they don’t rob other colonies and catch their parasites
help bees recognise hives, so they don’t enter the wrong colony with varroa mites on their back (paint hives, space them apart by a few meters, ideally 10m)
reduce the size of hive entrances to help bees block access to intruders
regularly check that your beetle traps are still working, as bees often block the holes that let the beetles into the traps with tree resin
fill the cracks where beetles hide.
How consumers can help
Australians can support the nation’s beekeepers in a few simple ways. Buy 100% Australian honey and hive products from trusted, local sources.
Sugar can easily be swapped for honey in most recipes and honey is a great way to sweeten tea.
When substituting sugar for honey, it’s worth noting honey tastes sweeter so you might want to use less. Honey also contains 18% water, so you may need to reduce the amounts of other liquids in cake recipes accordingly.
Avoid imported honey and bee products to reduce the chance of bringing bee viruses into the country. Not all imported bee products are treated to kill bee viruses.
Finally, planting pollinator-friendly gardens helps to feed local bees.
Many fear mites will push beekeepers out of business. Protecting the industry requires a shift in mindset, from emergency response to long-term pest management.
With good science, community support and adaptive management, beekeepers — both commercial and backyard — can weather the storm.
Cornelia Sattler receives funding from the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation to develop non-chemical varroa control methods.
Théotime Colin receives funding from the Australian Research Council, through an Early Career Industry Fellowship to develop non-chemical varroa control methods. He also receives funding from the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation.
Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
April 14, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation—Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—in urging the U.S. Department of Commerce to declare a federal fishery resource disaster for the 2024 Oregon troll salmon fishery.
“This declaration is critical to provide economic relief to Oregon’s fisheries and coastal communities in addition to protecting the sustainability of wild salmon populations,” said the lawmakers.
In 2024, Oregon’s troll salmon fishery struggled amid worsening effects of climate change, increased drought, shifting ocean conditions, and other impacts leading to poor salmon returns. Facing these significant challenges, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) estimates that 2024 Chinook salmon population levels were below forecasts, with 2025 Chinook salmon populations likely “not high enough to allow for target summer Chinook fisheries.”
The impact salmon loss has on Oregon’s economy cannot be understated, as the state’s?commercial?fishing industry generates more than $640 million in economic activity each year, equivalent to 9,200 jobs.
“Despite best efforts from our local fishermen and state and local partners, the economic consequences of this crisis threaten both salmon fishermen and the broader economy of Oregon’s coastal communities which rely on the fishery,” continued the lawmakers.
As the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) undergoes the process to finalize its 2025 salmon season management recommendations, the Oregon delegation is pushing for U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to quickly grant Governor Tina Kotek’s request for a federal fishery disaster under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The action is critical to access federal funding needed to ease the economic uncertainty for Oregon’s commercial troll salmon fishery, while recognizing the immense role salmon hold in the cultural heritage of Pacific Northwest Tribes, recreation, and as a treasured natural resource across the state.
The Oregon delegation has been essential in securing past federal fishery disaster declarations in the state through a series of actions, which led to the Commerce Department sending Oregon?a total of $7,050,722 for the fishery disaster declared for 2018, 2019, and 2020?Oregon?Chinook salmon?ocean commercial?fisheries. The lawmakers will keep pushing for federal support for this critical industry while local, state, and federal partners continue work on long-term solutions.
“We urge you to direct your attention to Governor Kotek’s request for a fishery resource disaster declaration. We look forward to your timely response, and our offices stand ready to work with you to recover and sustain Oregon’s commercial fisheries,” the Oregon delegation closed.
Full text of the letter can be found HERE.
