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Category: Environment

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hundreds of livestock breeds have gone extinct – but some Australian farmers are keeping endangered breeds alive

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catie Gressier, Adjunct Research Fellow in Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia

    Berkshire pigs JWhitwell/Shutterstock

    It took thousands of years to develop the world’s extraordinary range of domesticated farm animals – an estimated 8,800 livestock breeds across 38 farmed species.

    But this diversity is dwindling fast. Advances in selective breeding and artificial insemination have fuelled the global spread of a small number of profitable livestock types. Their popularity has left ever more heritage breeds at risk of extinction.

    Why does this matter? Each breed represents vital genetic diversity for the livestock species on which we rely, known as agrobiodiversity. As the number of breeds shrink, we lose their genetics forever.

    There are bright spots amid the decline. Hundreds of passionate farmers are working hard to keep heritage breeds alive around Australia. As my new book shows, they do it primarily for love.

    Which livestock breeds are disappearing – and why?

    Cattle have experienced the highest number of extinctions, with at least 184 breeds lost globally.

    Of all chicken breeds, one in ten is now extinct, and a further 30% are endangered.

    Sheep are also rapidly losing diversity, with 160 breeds now extinct. The rise of synthetic materials has endangered the remaining breeds producing carpet wool in New Zealand and Australia, including the unique Tasmanian Elliottdale.

    The fleece of Elliotdale sheep has been used to make woollen carpets.
    Sue Curliss, CC BY-NC-ND

    Pigs fare little better. Australia’s 2.5 million pigs are predominantly Large White, Landrace and Duroc crossbreeds, while none of the eight remaining purebred pig breeds in Australia currently has more than 100 sows registered with the Rare Breeds Trust. While not all sows are registered, we know breeds such as Tamworths are at dangerously low numbers.

    How did this happen? Over the past century, the goal of animal husbandry has shifted from breeding hardy, multipurpose animals to increasing performance for economic gain. For livestock, performance means more of what humans value, such as pigs with extra ribs, prolific egg-laying hens and sheep with finer wool.

    Huge sums have been spent on selective breeding and artificial insemination technologies. This, in turn, has made it possible for a small number of profitable livestock types to be farmed globally.

    For instance, when you buy a roast chicken, it will likely be one of just two types of fast-growing broilers (meat chickens), the Ross or the Cobb. Their genetics are developed and trademarked by two multinational agribusinesses who dominate the global broiler market.

    Chicken breed numbers have shrunk too, risking rare breeds such as Transylvanian naked neck cockerel bantams.
    Scott Carter, CC BY-NC-ND

    It’s hard to overstate how big the increases in production have been from reproductive technologies. In the dairy industry, for instance, milk yield per cow has doubled in the past 40 years. These volumes are around six times greater now than a century ago.

    Holsteins, the top dairy breed, have become globally dominant. Almost 1.4 million of Australia’s 1.65 million dairy cows are Holsteins. But as Holstein numbers soar, other breeds dwindle. Many farmers have simply stopped rearing other breeds, leading to many becoming endangered or extinct.

    For Holsteins themselves, this has come with a cost. Selective breeding for high milk volume has meant Holsteins suffer more medical issues such as metabolic diseases and frequent mastitis. They also have reduced fertility and longevity.

    Researchers have found 99% of Holstein bulls produced by artificial insemination in the United States are descended from just two sires. This wide dissemination of limited bloodlines has led to the spread of genetic defects.

    Holstein cows produce much more milk – but there’s a cost.
    VanderWolf Images/Shutterstock

    What is at stake?

    Our food systems face growing threats. Genetic diversity provides a safeguard for livestock species against lethal animal diseases such as H5N1 bird flu and African swine fever.

    If we rely on just a few breeds, we risk a wipe out. The Irish potato famine is a catastrophic example. In the 1800s, Irish farmers took up the “lumper” variety of potatoes to feed a growing population. But when fungal rot struck in the 1840s, it turned most of the crop to mush – and led to mass starvation.

    Some breeds have very useful traits, such as resistance to particular pests and diseases.

    Chickens and other birds die in swathes if infected by Newcastle disease, one of the most serious bird viruses. But breeds such as the hardy Egyptian Fayoumi survive better, while the European Leghorn – whose genetics are used in commercial egg-laying breeds – is highly susceptible.

    Local breeds can also have better resistance to endemic pests. The Indian zebu humped cattle breed, for example, is less prone to tick infestation than crossbreeds.

    Climate change is also making life harder for livestock, and some breeds are better adapted to heat than others.

    For different cultural groups, local heritage breeds also have unique symbolic and culinary value.

    While it’s well-known eating less meat would benefit ecosystems, animal welfare and human health, eating meat remains entrenched in our diets and the economy. Pursuing more sustainable and higher-welfare approaches to livestock production is crucial.

    Some Aussie farmers love heritage breeds

    A cohort of Australian farmers is working hard to conserve dozens of endangered livestock breeds such as Large Black pigs, Shropshire sheep and Belted Galloway cattle.

    A rare Belted Galloway cow with a one week old calf.
    Scott Carter, CC BY-NC-ND

    But these farmers are hampered by our reluctance as consumers to pay more to cover the cost of raising slower-growing breeds in free-range environments. Not only that, but meat processors are increasingly closing their doors to small-scale producers.

    Why persevere? For four years, I’ve conducted ethnographic research with Australia’s heritage breed farmers. I found they were motivated by one of the most powerful conservation tools we have: love.

    Of his endangered English Leicester sheep, one farmer told me:

    I consider them to be family; they have been our family for over 150 years. I talk to them, and the rams in particular talk to me. Sorry if I sound like a silly old man, but you must talk to them. I gave myself a 60th birthday present by commissioning a large portrait of an English Leicester head, which hangs in our kitchen (I do not have a painting of my wife).

    Love doesn’t often feature in agricultural research. But it is an important force. We know from wildlife conservation that humans will act to save what they love. This holds for livestock, too.

    What can you do? If you eat meat or work with wool, seek out rare breeds and join organisations such as the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia and the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance who back farmers supporting breed diversity.

    Catie Gressier receives funding from the Australian Research Council’s Discovery Project scheme as well as the European Research Council. She is affiliated with the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia and the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance.

    – ref. Hundreds of livestock breeds have gone extinct – but some Australian farmers are keeping endangered breeds alive – https://theconversation.com/hundreds-of-livestock-breeds-have-gone-extinct-but-some-australian-farmers-are-keeping-endangered-breeds-alive-250393

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: MIL-OSI News

    Greenpeace Statement: The deep sea mining industry is crumbling and desperate

    Source: Greenpeace
    The 30th Session of the International Seabed Authority, which starts today in Kingston, Jamaica, is the first under the new Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho, a scientist whose appointment brings an opportunity to reset the ISA’s focus away from prioritising deep sea mining industry interests and towards its mandate of protecting the seabed for all.[1][2]
    In stark contrast with Carvalho’s science-driven approach, delegates are being forced to address The Metals Company’s (TMC) threat to submit the world’s first ever deep sea mining application for the international seabed in June without any rules and regulations in place.[3] TMC are seeking regulatory certainty from governments at this meeting, calling on governments to deliver a pathway to greenlight the start of deep sea mining despite growing headwinds.
    Greenpeace International campaigner Louisa Casson, who is attending the meeting, said: “The deep sea mining industry is crumbling and resorting to increasingly desperate tactics as they lose support from governments and investors. The last weeks have repeatedly shown that companies are failing to live up to their hype and downsizing plans before they’ve even started. There’s never been a better time for governments to take decisive action to protect the ocean from this faltering, risky industry.”
    Earlier this year, in a further sign of a faltering industry, TMC gave up one third of their exploration areas in the north-eastern Pacific Ocean. [5]
    Alongside the threat of the first-ever commercial mining application, deep sea mining contractors have sent a joint letter to the ISA Council complaining they have spent US$2 billion, yet governments have not finalised the Mining Code. Indigenous representatives attending the ISA challenged the letter.
    Louisa Casson added: “Deep sea mining companies seem to be confused about the role of the ISA. Governments are not gathered here to protect corporate interests but to co-operate on how to preserve the ocean for future generations. The only way to responsibly respond to these dangerous threats is by putting a moratorium in place.”
    Greenpeace Aotearoa seabed mining campaigner Juressa Lee says: “Wannabe miners like Trans-Tasman Resources also want to plunder the ocean here in Aotearoa, encouraged by the Luxon government’s reckless fast-track process. The threat of seabed mining in Aotearoa is imminent and seabed miners around the world are watching closely what happens here. If TTR is given the go-ahead, it will encourage wannabe miners like TMC to push their application to start deep sea mining in the Pacific.”
    Thirty-two governments have voiced opposition to the start of deep sea mining, calling for a moratorium at the International Seabed Authority in 2025.
    [1] Leticia Carvalho’s inaugural statement: “We will embark on a new era defined by collaboration, equity, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, effectiveness and sustainability-values that will guide our collective efforts to ensure ISA remains a trusted steward of the ocean […] Together, we must ensure that the ISA embodies the spirit of multilateral cooperation, serving as a model for transparent, inclusive and science-driven governance.”
    [5] The company’s financial filings show that the company’s subsidiary DeepGreen Engineering Pte Ltd has ended its services agreement with Kiribati-sponsored Marawa, which gave TMC exclusive exploration rights to an area covering 74,990 square kilometres in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, the area of international seabed targeted for deep sea mining. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1798562/000110465924119467/tmc-20240930x10q.htm

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Fiordland’s marine habitats surveyed to develop first complete picture of biodiversity – Vic

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

     

    Scientists have long known Fiordland’s marine habitats are home to a diverse range of species, from bright orange cup corals to huge black corals. A project to survey and catalogue these habitats is now underway to help support evidence-based management of this unique environment. 

     

    Researchers from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington have been working with Environment Southland to develop the first comprehensive classification of the different habitats in the Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Area. This area includes 14 fiords and 10 marine reserves.

     

    “The aim of this project is to describe the distribution of different marine communities throughout Fiordland so, in the future, we can precisely map where they occur,” said Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at Te Herenga Waka.

     

    The research team has already spent several weeks diving on rocky reefs and soft sediments on the seafloor in Fiordland’s Te Puaitaha—Breaksea and Tamatea—Dusky Sounds to collect data on the marine communities that live in these areas.

     

    “Many locations we surveyed had a high diversity of species, while others had very different and very low diversity. At one site near Entry Island in Te Puaitaha—Breaksea, we found diverse communities of ascidians, bryozoans, and sponges living on rocky reefs. In contrast, neighbouring soft sediment areas of the seafloor had comparatively few species. It’s important to capture these extremes,” said Professor Bell.

     

    The researchers dived to depths of about 30 metres, taking high resolution videos in Breaksea and Dusky Sounds. Analysis of this footage was used to classify the different communities found.

     

    “Understanding which species are present is important, but we also need to know where they’re located. This project will eventually enable comprehensive maps of the different habitats across Fiordland and the wider Southland coast. This information can then be used to support management decisions.”

     

    Professor Bell said further research was being undertaken to collect data from more locations in Breaksea and Dusky Sounds, and from deeper areas in the fiords.

     

    “Eventually, we hope to have a complete picture of the different habitats in the entire Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Area.”

     

    The research was funded by Environment Southland.  

     

    Ash Rabel, Environment Southland’s team leader—aquatic ecosystems, said cataloguing the communities and their composition in this way provides a strong foundation for future scientific endeavour and supports evidence-based management of these ecosystems.

     

    “By undertaking this work with Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, we’re able to tap into world-class expertise and knowledge the team holds of the underwater realm,” he said.

     

    Reports resulting from the research are available on Environment Southland’s website. The research is part of wider work to understand Fiordland’s ocean floor ecosystems as well as the rest of Murihiku Southland’s coastal marine area.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: There’s plenty of pork on Chinese forks, but the environment is paying a heavy price

    Source: University of South Australia

    17 March 2025

    Pork accounts for at least 60% of all meat eaten in China, but its popularity exacts a heavy toll on the environment that has proven tricky to resolve until now.

    A new study by Chinese and Australian researchers has identified a sustainable solution to mitigating excessive amounts of copper found in the 3.8 billion tons of pig manure turned into organic fertiliser to increase crop yields.

    Although an essential nutrient in small doses, high concentrations of copper – added to pig feed to promote growth – is toxic to plants, soil, water and humans.

    Researchers from China’s Fujian Normal University and the University of South Australia have demonstrated that adding green-synthesised iron nanoparticles (G-nFe) to pig manure neutralises the amount of bioavailable copper in piggery effluent, reducing the environmental risks.

    China has regulations limiting the amount of copper allowed in pig feed, but the scale of livestock farming keeps increasing to feed a population of 1.4 billion people, making it difficult to control the huge amount of manure and sewage released into the environment.

    Experiments undertaken by researchers showed that adding G-nFe to pig manure compost reduced exchangeable cooper by 66.8%, carbonate-bound copper by 47.5%, and iron-manganese oxide-bound copper by 15.4%.

    “This process was able to convert free copper into a less bioavailable form, reducing the potential for uptake by plants,” according to UniSA environmental chemist, Associate Professor Gary Owens, who was part of the study.

    Residual copper levels initially increased by a third in the first five days before declining by over 60.9% over the full composting period.

    The study findings have recently been published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

    China processes approximately 628 million pigs annually, making it the world’s largest pork producer.

    Nearly half of the 3.8 billion tons of the resulting pig manure is inadequately treated, researchers say, and the heavy metal and organic pollutants are causing widespread environmental contamination.

    While pig manure has traditionally been valued s an inexpensive organic fertiliser for Chinese farmers, it is increasingly posing a serious problem due to the heavy metal contamination, posing a challenge for both government and researchers seeking economically viable solutions.

    Green synthesised iron nanoparticles have been widely used to remediate water and soil contamination due to its cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, and strong absorption rates.

    However, this is the first study to explore its use in organic compost to remediate heavy metal pollution.

    “This research presents a significant step forward in addressing heavy metal contamination in agricultural waste,” according to Assoc Prof Owens.

    “By using green-synthesised iron nanoparticles, we can not only improve the safety of composted pig manure, but also contribute to more sustainable farming practices.”

    The researchers plan to test G-nFe’s efficiency in larger composting systems using fresh pig manure, hoping to encourage stakeholders in the livestock and composting sectors to adopt the process.

    A video explaining the research is available at https://youtu.be/CoEz82qlSq8

    Notes for editors

    “Enhanced Copper Passivation in Pig Manure Composting through Iron Nanoparticle Amendment” is authored by researchers from Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, and the University of South Australia. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177950

    The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are joining forces to become Australia’s new major university – Adelaide University. Building on the strengths, legacies and resources of two leading universities, Adelaide University will deliver globally relevant research at scale, innovative, industry-informed teaching and an outstanding student experience. Adelaide University will open its doors in January 2026. Find out more on the Adelaide University website.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
    Researcher contact: Associate Professor Gary Owens E: gary.owens@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How long will you live? New evidence says its much more about your choices than your genes

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University

    Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

    One of the most enduring questions humans have is how long we’re going to live. With this comes the question of how much of our lifespan is shaped by our environment and choices, and how much is predetermined by our genes.

    A study recently published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine has attempted for the first time to quantify the relative contributions of our environment and lifestyle versus our genetics in how we age and how long we live.

    The findings were striking, suggesting our environment and lifestyle play a much greater role than our genes in determining our longevity.

    What the researchers did

    This study used data from the UK Biobank, a large database in the United Kingdom that contains in-depth health and lifestyle data from roughly 500,000 people. The data available include genetic information, medical records, imaging and information about lifestyle.

    A separate part of the study used data from a subset of more than 45,000 participants whose blood samples underwent something called “proteomic profiling”.

    Proteomic profiling is a relatively new technique that looks at how proteins in the body change over time to identify a person’s age at a molecular level. By using this method researchers were able to estimate how quickly an individual’s body was actually ageing. This is called their biological age, as opposed to their chronological age (or years lived).

    The researchers assessed 164 environmental exposures as well as participants’ genetic markers for disease. Environmental exposures included lifestyle choices (for example, smoking, physical activity), social factors (for example, living conditions, household income, employment status) and early life factors, such as body weight in childhood.

    They then looked for associations between genetics and environment and 22 major age-related diseases (such as coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes), mortality and biological ageing (as determined by the proteomic profiling).

    These analyses allowed the researchers to estimate the relative contributions of environmental factors and genetics to ageing and dying prematurely.

    What did they find?

    When it came to disease-related mortality, as we would expect, age and sex explained a significant amount (about half) of the variation in how long people lived. The key finding, however, was environmental factors collectively accounted for around 17% of the variation in lifespan, while genetic factors contributed less than 2%.

    This finding comes down very clearly on the nurture side in the “nature versus nurture” debate. It suggests environmental factors influence health and longevity to a far greater extent than genetics.

    Not unexpectedly, the study showed a different mix of environmental and genetic influences for different diseases. Environmental factors had the greatest impact on lung, heart and liver disease, while genetics played the biggest role in determining a person’s risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers, and dementia.

    The environmental factors that had the most influence on earlier death and biological ageing included smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity levels and living conditions.

    Genetic factors affected the risk of some diseases more than others.
    Kleber Cordeiro/Shutterstock

    Interestingly, being taller at age ten was found to be associated with a shorter lifespan. Although this may seem surprising, and the reasons are not entirely clear, this aligns with previous research finding taller people are more likely to die earlier.

    Carrying more weight at age ten and maternal smoking (if your mother smoked in late pregnancy or when you were a newborn) were also found to shorten lifespan.

    Probably the most surprising finding in this study was a lack of association between diet and markers of biological ageing, as determined by the proteomic profiling. This flies in the face of the extensive body of evidence showing the crucial role of dietary patterns in chronic disease risk and longevity.

    But there are a number of plausible explanations for this. The first could be a lack of statistical power in the part of the study looking at biological ageing. That is, the number of people studied may have been too small to allow the researchers to see the true impact of diet on ageing.

    Second, the dietary data in this study, which was self-reported and only measured at one time point, is likely to have been of relatively poor quality, limiting the researchers’ ability to see associations. And third, as the relationship between diet and longevity is likely to be complex, disentangling dietary effects from other lifestyle factors may be difficult.

    So despite this finding, it’s still safe to say the food we eat is one of the most important pillars of health and longevity.

    What other limitations do we need to consider?

    Key exposures (such as diet) in this study were only measured at a single point in time, and not tracked over time, introducing potential errors into the results.

    Also, as this was an observational study, we can’t assume associations found represent causal relationships. For example, just because living with a partner correlated with a longer lifespan, it doesn’t mean this caused a person to live longer. There may be other factors which explain this association.

    Finally, it’s possible this study may have underestimated the role of genetics in longevity. It’s important to recognise genetics and environment don’t operate in isolation. Rather, health outcomes are shaped by their interplay, and this study may not have fully captured the complexity of these interactions.

    This study found environmental factors influence health and longevity to a far greater extent than genetics.
    Ground Picture/Shutterstock

    The future is (largely) in your hands

    It’s worth noting there were a number of factors such as household income, home ownership and employment status associated with diseases of ageing in this study that are not necessarily within a person’s control. This highlights the crucial role of addressing the social determinants of health to ensure everyone has the best possible chance of living a long and healthy life.

    At the same time, the results offer an empowering message that longevity is largely shaped by the choices we make. This is great news, unless you have good genes and were hoping they would do the heavy lifting.

    Ultimately, the results of this study reinforce the notion that while we may inherit certain genetic risks, how we eat, move and engage with the world seems to be more important in determining how healthy we are and how long we live.

    Hassan Vally does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How long will you live? New evidence says its much more about your choices than your genes – https://theconversation.com/how-long-will-you-live-new-evidence-says-its-much-more-about-your-choices-than-your-genes-251054

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: No limitations on arena event hours

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Environmental Protection Department said today that no restrictions have been imposed with regard to operating hours for events held at the Kai Tak Arena, and emphasised that there are no limitations on activities extending beyond midnight.

     

    In response to media enquiries about noise control, the department said all events held at the arena – including sports events and music performances – are conducted indoors and involve central air conditioning. It explained that the relevant Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report had therefore concluded that noise levels would not exceed limits.

     

    The department added that it had also taken noise measurements near the venue during rehearsal concerts. It said the results showed that noise reduction apparatus installed at the venue is effective and meets the expectations required by the EIA report, with noise levels being in compliance with legal standards.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Community tackles kina barrens with great effect

    Source: New Zealand Government

    More than 8000 kina have already been removed from Matheson Bay/Te Kohuroa north of Auckland under a special permit issued to deal with the problem of kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
    “Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative’s work removing the kina is a powerful example of a community protecting its local marine habitat.
    “It was the first group to be approved for the new permit introduced in October last year to deal with the problem of kina barrens, and they have used it to great effect.”
    Four community-led events so far have resulted in more than 8000 kina harvested and culled. More events are planned.
    “The mahi is already paying off. Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative has observed that kina are not coming back in large numbers to areas that have been cleared, and kelp is beginning to grow in previously barren spots,” Mr Jones says.
    “The restoration of kelp forests is crucial in restoring coastal environments that support biodiversity.”
    The group is working with Ngāti Manuhiri, the University of Auckland Reef team, and the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust to design and facilitate its programme to restore the marine ecosystem at Matheson Bay/Te Kohuroa. 
    “This is exactly what I wanted to see when I introduced the special permit. These activities demonstrate the power local communities can have when given the right tools. It’s also a great opportunity for new generations to take part in community projects, become interested in their local environment, and develop new skills,” Mr Jones says.
    “I congratulate Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative and all the volunteers who have come together to have such a positive impact on the marine environment they care about.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: KATARAPKO ISLAND (Grass Fire)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    KATARAPKO ISLAND

    Katarapko Island fires

    Issued for KATARAPKO ISLAND approximately 10 km from Berri in the Riverland, South Australia.

    The CFS, SA Metropolitan Fire Service, Department for Environment and Water, SA Police and SA State Emergency Services are responding to multiple ignitions near Katarapko Island.

    Firefighters on approximately 26 trucks, supported by aircraft and boats, are on scene working to quickly extinguish the blazes.

    The cause of the fires is yet to be determined and Fire Investigators have been notified.

    Smoke may be impacting communities and roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

    Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions.

    Message ID 0008374

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse

    Source: NASA

    The phases of the lunar eclipse are visible in this time-lapse image of the Moon above the Space Environments Complex at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, OH on March 14, 2025.
    Toward the middle of the Moon’s track through the sky, it appears red – this is the Blood Moon. One meaning of a “Blood Moon” is based on its red glow. This blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse. During a total lunar eclipse, Earth lines up between the Moon and the Sun, hiding the Moon from sunlight. When this happens, the only light that reaches the Moon’s surface is from the edges of the Earth’s atmosphere. The air molecules from Earth’s atmosphere scatter out most of the blue light. The remaining light reflects onto the Moon’s surface with a red glow, making the Moon appear red in the night sky.
    Image credit: NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – Heʻeia State Park Banquet Hall Reopens, March 14, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – Heʻeia State Park Banquet Hall Reopens, March 14, 2025

    Posted on Mar 14, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    HE‘EIA STATE PARK BANQUET HALL IS REOPENED

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    March 14, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – A valued location for community gatherings and celebrations in Windward Oʻahu is operating again. Since the reopening of the banquet hall at Heʻeia State Park on Saturday, March 1, there have been over 200 reservations and inquires for baby luaus, birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries and other types of celebrations.

     

    The hall and associated facilities were closed for the last month after the previous lease to the nonprofit Kama‘aina Care, Inc. was canceled. The banquet facility has been managed by cooperating partners with the DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP) for the past 48 years, since He‘eia was acquired as a state park in 1977. Prior to that, Kealohi Point was known as and operated as “Ulumau Village.”  

     

    In January, another nonprofit, Halau Nohona Hawai‘i (HNH), was awarded a revocable permit by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) on a month-to-month basis. DSP is evaluating future management options and partnerships for enhancing the community’s experience, adding educational opportunities, estuary stewardship and to ensure that Heʻeia State Park is also known as Kealohi Point, a venerated cultural feature of Kāne’ohe Bay.

     

    “DSP has learned that HNH, through the culinary and event management skills of its co-founder Kaimana Chee, a kumu hula and a homegrown resident from Hauʻula, will be able to provide an affordable and quality standard for events in the banquet hall,” said Curt Cottrell, DSP Administrator.

     

    “With extensive experience in managing diverse culinary and events and operations across six continents, Kaimana and the HNH is bringing this depth of knowledge back home,” Cottrell added.

     

    To prepare for the reopening of the banquet hall, DSP received 300 new chairs and 40 tables. DSP staff hustled to unwrap and mark them as parks property. A DSP caretaker has been assigned to open the entrance gate each morning and to support service of the comfort station.

     

    For now, the grounds will be maintained through a contracted service, since DSP has not had staff assigned to this park for over 14 years due to Kamaʻaina Care doing all the maintenance. 

     

    The Puakea Foundation, led by Uncle Bobby Puakea, has a longstanding curatorship agreement in its halau waʻa onsite, and will continue its waʻa restoration and education programs that will now include paddling training and workshops.

     

    A new and critically needed additional partner in the park is DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) which is establishing a field station at the park and has installed an office trailer to support law enforcement operations on the windward coast. DOCARE will have the capacity to support park closure and ensure improved public safety. 

     

    Cottrell called DOCARE’s move “timely.” In December, someone broke into the banquet hall, damaged glass and stole expensive tools and materials owned by Kama‘aina Care, and DSP picnic tables and benches have been stolen. A few weeks ago, two arson fires were extinguished in the park.

     

    “Having DOCARE’s presence is enormously beneficial not only for He‘eia, but for the adjacent He‘eia Kea Small Boat Harbor and other facilities and lands in windward O‘ahu under DLNR jurisdiction,” Cottrell said.

     

    # # #

     

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video Courtesy: DLNR)

     

    HD video – He‘eia State Park and chair stenciling (Feb. 25-26, 2025): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/oomyt0i38xd4ixrqeex04/Heeia-State-Park-Banquet-Hall-Reopens-media-clips.mov?rlkey=3ew4jgezg43vamp7spe3cpknx&st=m52v4unm&dl=0

     

     

    Photographs – He‘eia State Park and chair stenciling (Feb. 25-26, 2025): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/aiwa6j3ynsags7srd1pjr/ACaOdhdwo2frMdb4KHD0XBU?rlkey=ssf4fo6txxg2zgmdekzmzzv6l&st=9lrzex3p&dl=0

     

     

     

    Media Contacts: 

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    Email: DLNR.comms@hawaii.gov

     

    Patti Jette

    Communications Specialist

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396 

    Email: [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: “Another Win this Week for Common Sense” – President Trump Signs CRA Resolution Nullifying Methane Tax Regulations on Energy Producers

    Source: Independent Petroleum Association of America

    Headline: “Another Win this Week for Common Sense” – President Trump Signs CRA Resolution Nullifying Methane Tax Regulations on Energy Producers

    Mar 15, 2025 “Another Win this Week for Common Sense” – President Trump Signs CRA Resolution Nullifying Methane Tax Regulations on Energy Producers

    IPAA Appreciates Quick Action by President on Hoeven and Pfluger Legislation 

    WASHINGTON – Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) President & CEO Jeff Eshelman issued the following statement today on President Donald Trump signing H.J.Res.35 which through the Congressional Review Act process disapproves of the Biden Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) methane tax regulations:

    “In another win this week for common sense, President Trump and his Administration have taken action to nullify the regulations the Biden Administration established to implement the misguided methane tax on oil and natural gas producers. On Wednesday, EPA announced that the agency is reconsidering its Subpart OOOOb and Subpart OOOOc regulations and its Subpart W greenhouse gas reporting program rules – reconsideration provides a pathway for making these regulations more cost-effective and well-structured. IPAA appreciates President Trump moving quickly to sign this Congressional Review Act resolution and the initiative of Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) and Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX) in guiding the resolution through Congress.

    “IPAA and our members remain committed to working with the EPA to find a regulatory pathway designed for the sources it regulates, while encouraging continued progress toward reducing emissions. Big new oil and natural gas wells and low producing older wells have differing emissions profiles. Our members are making constant improvements to the technology being used to reduce, measure and report on emissions.”

    ###

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Rainbow Warrior arrives in Marshall Islands to call for nuclear and climate justice on 40th anniversary of Rongelap evacuation

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    MAJURO, MARSHALL ISLANDS, Tuesday 11 March 2025 — Greenpeace flagship vessel the Rainbow Warrior was welcomed back to the Marshall Islands today, marking the start of a six-week mission around the Pacific nation to elevate calls for nuclear and climate justice; and support independent scientific research into the impacts of decades-long nuclear weapons testing by the US government.[1] 

    Escorted by traditional canoes, and welcomed by Marshallese singing and dancing, the arrival of the Rainbow Warrior marks a significant moment in the shared history of Greenpeace and the Marshall Islands — 40 years since Greenpeace crew evacuated over 300 people from the Rongelap atoll to Mejatto island, after toxic nuclear fallout from the Castle Bravo test rendered their ancestral lands uninhabitable.[2]

    The ship was given a blessing by the Council of Iroij, the traditional chiefs of the Islands; with speeches from Senator Hilton Kendall (Rongelap atoll); Honorable Boaz Lamdik on behalf of the Mayor of Majuro; Farrend Zackious, Vice Chairman Council of Iroij; and keynote address from Minister Bremity Lakjohn, Minister Assistant to the President.

    Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said:

    “We’re extremely grateful and humbled to be welcomed back by the Marshallese government and community with such kindness and generosity of spirit. Over the coming weeks, we’ll travel around this beautiful country, bearing witness to the impacts of nuclear weapons testing and the climate crisis, and listening to the lived experiences of Marshallese communities fighting for justice.

    “For decades, Marshallese communities have been sacrificing their lands, health, and cultures for the greed of those seeking profits and power. But at the same time, the Marshallese people have been some of the loudest voices calling for justice, accountability, and ambitious solutions to some of the greatest issues facing the world. Greenpeace is proud to stand alongside the Marshallese people in their demands for nuclear justice and reparations, and the fight against colonial exploitation which continues to this day. Justice – Jimwe im Maron.”

    Over the six-week mission, the Rainbow Warrior will travel to Mejatto, Enewetak, Bikini, Rongelap, and Wotje, undertaking much-needed independent radiation research, and reaffirming its solidarity with the Marshallese people — now facing further harm and displacement from the climate crisis, and the emerging threat of deep sea mining in the Pacific.

    Jobod Silk, a climate activist from Jo-Jikum, a youth organisation responding to climate change, said:

    “Marshallese culture has endured many hardships over the generations. Colonial powers have each left their mark on our livelihoods – introducing foreign diseases, influencing our language with unfamiliar syllables, and inducing mass displacement “for the good of mankind”. Yet, our people continue to show resilience. Liok tut bok: as the roots of the Pandanus bury deep into the soil, so must we be firm in our love for our culture.  

    “Today’s generation now battles a new threat. Once our provider, the ocean now knocks at our doors, and once again, displacement is imminent. Our crusade for nuclear justice intertwines with our fight against the tides. We were forced to be refugees, and we refuse to be labeled as such again.  As the sea rises, so do the youth. The return of the Rainbow Warrior instills hope for the youth in their quest to secure a safe future.”

    Dr Rianne Teule, Senior Radiation Protection Advisor at Greenpeace International, said:

    “It is an honour and a privilege to be able to support the Marshallese government and people in conducting independent scientific research to investigate, measure, and document the long term effects of US nuclear testing across the country.

    “As a result of the US government’s actions, the Marshallese people have suffered the direct and ongoing effects of nuclear fallout, including on their health, cultures, and lands. We hope that our research will support legal proceedings currently underway and the Marshall Islands government’s ongoing calls for reparations.” 

    The Rainbow Warrior’s arrival to the Marshall Islands on March 11 also marks the 14th anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Whilst some residents have returned, there are many areas that remain too contaminated for people to safely live.[3]

    ENDS

    Photo and video of the welcome ceremony will be uploaded in the Greenpeace Media Library as the events progress.

    Notes:

    [1] Between 1946 to 1958, the US government detonated 67 nuclear weapons on Bikini and Enewetak Atolls in the Marshall Islands. In 1954, the US launched its largest test, Castle Bravo, which impacted the people on Rongelap and rendered the island uninhabitable.

    [2] On Marshall Islands Remembrance Day, Greenpeace calls for nuclear justice and reparations from the United States 

    [3] 14 years since Fukushima nuclear disaster: Greenpeace statement

    For more information or to organise an interview, please contact Kate O’Callaghan on [email protected] or 0406 231 892

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Arkansas Delegation to European Commission: Fix Unworkable Deforestation Rules

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    March 14, 2025

    Arkansas Delegation to European Commission: Fix Unworkable Deforestation Rules

    Washington, D.C. — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), and Congressmen Rick Crawford (Arkansas-01), French Hill (Arkansas-02), Steve Womack (Arkansas-03), and Bruce Westerman (Arkansas-04) today sent a letter to the European Union raising major concerns with the proposed European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This impractical regulation will impose an unfair and unnecessary burden on American businesses while failing to effectively combat deforestation.

    In part, the lawmakers wrote: 

    “This regulation is unworkable for the forest products industry in the United States and would jeopardize more than $3.5 billion worth of paper and wood products shipping into the EU market for essential products like timber or pulp for baby diapers.”

    Full text of the letter may be found here and below. 

    March 14, 2025

    Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity

    Jessica Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment

    Marcos Sefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security 

    Dear Commissioners,

    We write to you today to share our significant concerns with the European Union deforestation-free supply chains regulation (Regulation (EU) No 2023/1115) and to share our perspective on the impact this will have on the more than 900,000 forest products workers throughout the United States and the over 23,000 men and women in Arkansas who are employed by this industry.  This regulation is unworkable for the forest products industry in the United States and would jeopardize more than $3.5 billion worth of paper and wood products shipping into the EU market for essential products like timber or pulp for baby diapers. 

    The U.S. Forest products industry is a strong proponent of international efforts to suppress deforestation and forest degradation. As such, the United States has excellent ratings in this regard and no evidence of deforestation. Unfortunately, as written, this regulation presents severe compliance challenges that constitute technical barriers to trade for the U.S. Forest products industry. The United States is not a source of the EU’s deforestation concerns and the burden this regulation puts on U.S. pulp, paper, and packaging manufacturers will not achieve the EU’s stated policy goal. Furthermore, the U.S. is widely recognized for its sustainable forestry practices, with negligible deforestation risk, as confirmed by the EU Observatory on deforestation and forest degradation.

    The unprecedented and over-prescriptive reporting requirements of the regulation are a one-size-fits-all approach that does not recognize commodity-specific challenges or country differences. The U.S. Forest products sector operates with deep visibility into their supply chains, with clear management rules and strict controls of forestry practices. These practices and performance measures not only deliver the intended goals of EUDR but go beyond the narrow objectives of regulation.

    We are asking you and the European Commission to work with the United States to ensure the United States is recognized as the lowest possible risk for deforestation and to ensure the geolocation traceability requirements in place are proportional to the level of risk for a particular country. These obligations should be simplified, more proportional and with greater distinction among the risk categories. The geospatial coordinate mapping requirement for every individual plot of land should be removed for supply chains that have already achieved deforestation risk status as low risk, negligible, or insignificant. Secondary materials should be exempt from geolocation because traceability is virtually impossible. Unless these key problems are addressed, I am extremely concerned that the EU may lose their trading relationship with the U.S. Forest products industry, which they rely upon every day. 

    We also believe the EUDR fits within President Trump’s “America First Trade Policy” executive order that was signed on January 20th, 2025, and requires key members of his cabinet to identify examples around the world where the United States is being disadvantaged by policies in place from governments that could be considered a technical barrier to trade and submit reports to President Trump by April 1st, 2025. Already, key members of the President’s cabinet, like Mr. Howard Lutnick, the Secretary of Commerce, have identified the EUDR as a potential technical barrier to trade and it will be more important than ever that you and your team address the concerns we have identified here. 

    We look forward to your response. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa successfully hosts key G20 Working Groups and Task Force Meetings

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    As part of its G20 Presidency, South Africa has successfully hosted a series of high-level G20 working groups and task force meetings during this month, focusing on global challenges such as corruption, food security, disaster risk reduction, agriculture, and tourism.

    The first Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting, held in Cape Town from 3 to 5 March 2025, focused on mechanisms to enhance the implementation of legal instruments to fight corruption. 

    Cabinet said in a statement that this meeting was an opportunity for participants to establish the agenda and lay the groundwork for future discussions, encouraging dialogue and collaboration to strengthen anti-corruption strategies. 

    “During this meeting, participants discussed and agreed on these several key priorities which are strengthening Public Sector Integrity; Increasing Asset Recovery Efficiency; Inclusive Participation; and Whistle-Blower Protection,” Cabinet said.

    Agriculture Working Group

    The First Agriculture Working Group Meeting, held virtually on 3 and 4 March, discussed critical issues that affect agricultural stakeholders worldwide and agreed on priorities for the year ahead. 

    The group established four key priorities:

    • Promoting inclusive market participation and food security;
    • Empowering youth and women in agrifood systems;
    • Fostering innovation and technology transfer and
    • Building climate resilience for sustainable agriculture

    Tourism Working Group

    On 5 March, the First Tourism Working Group Meeting, also held virtually, deliberated on how tourism can be used to change people’s lives, communities and the world. 

    The group also identified four focus areas for the year ahead namely:

    • Leveraging People-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to support travel and tourism start-ups and SMMEs,
    • Enhancing tourism financing and investment to promote equality and sustainability,
    • Improving air connectivity for seamless travel, and
    • Boosting resilience for inclusive, sustainable tourism development.

    Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group

    First Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Meeting also held virtually on 5 March, discussed the acceleration of early warnings for all initiatives which is a key global target set by the United Nations and reinforced the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. 

    “South Africa sees this meeting as a key international forum to drive the agenda of a shared responsibility to build resilience, strengthen our cooperation, and drive meaningful action that is needed to prevent an escalation or exacerbation of risk,” Cabinet said. 

    Key priorities included:

    • addressing Inequalities and Reducing Vulnerabilities
    • Global Coverage of Early Warning Systems
    • Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
    • Financing for Disaster Risk Reduction
    • Disaster Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction; and
    • Ecosystems-Based Approaches for DRR/Nature-Based Solutions. 

    Food Security Task Force

    The First Task Force Meeting on Food Security, held virtually on 5 March, discussed policies and programs to improve food security. 

    “Participants agreed to build a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable food system. They also committed to address key challenges like trade barriers, funding for food production, and the impact of climate change on food supply chains,” Cabinet said. 

    Some of the priorities outcomes discussed are the following: 

    • Stronger food security policies
    • Stable food prices
    • Clear regulations & standards
    • G20 Action Plan for Food Security; and
    • Ministerial approval & implementation

    G20 Outreach Programme

    On 7 March 2025, the G20 Outreach Programme was held at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, to encourage public engagement in South Africa’s G20 presidency.

    Citizens were urged to welcome international delegates, promote South Africa’s cultural heritage, and share positive narratives about the country.

    “The gathering was used to encourage the people of this country to get involved in welcoming our guests to the country as we continue to host meetings in various parts of the country and to promote their culture and heritage. South Africans were also encouraged to tell a good story about their country,” Cabinet said. 

    The following G20 Working Groups and Task Forces meetings are scheduled to take place until the end of March 2025: 

    • First Task Force Meeting: Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment, and Reduce Inequality: 17 March 2025 – virtual.
    • First Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting: 18-20 March 2025 – virtual.
    • Second Health Working Group: 26-28 March 2025 – Durban.
    • First Climate and Environment Sustainability Working Group Meeting: 25-28 March 2025 – virtual.

    For more information on these various G20 meetings and their outcomes can be accessed on www.g20.org OR www.g20.org.za– SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration Stocks Trout in Pennsylvania Waterways, Prepare Campgrounds Ahead of Opening Day of Trout Season

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 14, 2025 – Mifflinburg, PA

    Shapiro Administration Stocks Trout in Pennsylvania Waterways, Prepare Campgrounds Ahead of Opening Day of Trout Season

    Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Deputy Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Laurel Anders, visited R.B. Winter State Park in Union County to stock trout and highlight the amazing fishing opportunities available in the Commonwealth.

    Through a partnership with PFBC, the American Sportfishing Association, and DCNR, the public can borrow fishing rods, reels, and an equipped tackle box to try fishing while at the certain parks.

    “Being outdoors is good for your health, and a day spent fishing also creates memories with family and friends. We want those benefits to be available to all,” Secretary Dunn said. “Pennsylvania has endless opportunities to experience the great outdoors and offer a chance to reconnect with nature. That’s exactly what this new partnership is about: discovering a new skill, revisiting a childhood hobby and enjoying our beautiful state parks.”

    Speakers Include:
    RB Winter State Park Manager Mike Crowley
    DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn
    PFBC Deputy Executive Director Laurel Anders
    Derek Eberly, director of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation
    Waterways Conservation Officer Jake Bennett
    Director of the Bureau of Hatcheries Brian Niewinski

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chinese National Sentenced for Smuggling Turtles from the United States to Hong Kong

    Source: US State of California

    Defendant Smuggled Thousands of Turtles Worth Millions of Dollars in Illegal Pet Trade

    Sai Keung Tin, also known as Ricky Tin, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in smuggling protected turtles from the United States to Hong Kong. Tin pleaded guilty in December to four counts of exporting merchandise contrary to law. 

    According to the government’s filed sentencing memorandum and evidence presented during today’s hearing, Tin, a Chinese citizen, aided and abetted turtle smugglers in the United States from February 2018 to June 2023. During that time, Tin trafficked approximately 2,100 turtles to three addresses in Hong Kong for the illegal Asian pet trade. Based on a conservative, contemporary market valuation of $2,000 per turtle, the smuggled reptiles were valued at $4.2 million.  

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) agents arrested Tin on Feb. 25, 2024, on his arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. On March 8, 2024, a grand jury indicted Tin on the present charges, which focused on four packages shipped in June 2023 containing 40 eastern box turtles. USFWS wildlife inspectors at an international mail facility in Torrance, California, intercepted the packages which were falsely labeled as containing almonds and chocolate cookies. Three of the packages contained between eight and 12 live eastern box turtles each, all bound in socks to restrict movement to avoid alerting authorities. The fourth package contained seven live eastern box turtles and one dead one. 

    USFWS agents obtained a search warrant to seize Tin’s cell phones, which indicated that Tin came to the United States to smuggle turtles. He planned to travel to New Jersey, Texas, and Washington — familiarizing himself with tourist locations to present a false story if apprehended. His ultimate plan was to pay for turtles in cash, ship turtles around the country, and eventually, illegally export them to Hong Kong. He had detailed information on how to soak turtles to reduce odors and bind them in socks with tape, all to avoid detection.

    Tin was associated with international turtle smuggler Kang Juntao, of Hangzhou City, China, who was extradited from Malaysia in 2019 and later sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to money laundering. Kang caused at least 1,500 turtles — with a market value exceeding $2.25 million — to be shipped from the United States to Hong Kong, including to Tin.

    Tin trafficked primarily eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), a subspecies of the common box turtle and native to the United States. Turtles with colorful markings are highly prized pets, particularly in China and Hong Kong, and are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). China and the Unites States are parties to CITES.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally for the Central District of California, and Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the USFWS’ Office of Law Enforcement made the announcement.

    The USFWS investigated this case with assistance from Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.

    Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors and Trial Attorney Lauren Steele of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis Mitchell for the Central District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chinese National Sentenced for Smuggling Turtles from the United States to Hong Kong

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Defendant Smuggled Thousands of Turtles Worth Millions of Dollars in Illegal Pet Trade

    Sai Keung Tin, also known as Ricky Tin, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in smuggling protected turtles from the United States to Hong Kong. Tin pleaded guilty in December to four counts of exporting merchandise contrary to law. 

    According to the government’s filed sentencing memorandum and evidence presented during today’s hearing, Tin, a Chinese citizen, aided and abetted turtle smugglers in the United States from February 2018 to June 2023. During that time, Tin trafficked approximately 2,100 turtles to three addresses in Hong Kong for the illegal Asian pet trade. Based on a conservative, contemporary market valuation of $2,000 per turtle, the smuggled reptiles were valued at $4.2 million.  

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) agents arrested Tin on Feb. 25, 2024, on his arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. On March 8, 2024, a grand jury indicted Tin on the present charges, which focused on four packages shipped in June 2023 containing 40 eastern box turtles. USFWS wildlife inspectors at an international mail facility in Torrance, California, intercepted the packages which were falsely labeled as containing almonds and chocolate cookies. Three of the packages contained between eight and 12 live eastern box turtles each, all bound in socks to restrict movement to avoid alerting authorities. The fourth package contained seven live eastern box turtles and one dead one. 

    USFWS agents obtained a search warrant to seize Tin’s cell phones, which indicated that Tin came to the United States to smuggle turtles. He planned to travel to New Jersey, Texas, and Washington — familiarizing himself with tourist locations to present a false story if apprehended. His ultimate plan was to pay for turtles in cash, ship turtles around the country, and eventually, illegally export them to Hong Kong. He had detailed information on how to soak turtles to reduce odors and bind them in socks with tape, all to avoid detection.

    Tin was associated with international turtle smuggler Kang Juntao, of Hangzhou City, China, who was extradited from Malaysia in 2019 and later sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to money laundering. Kang caused at least 1,500 turtles — with a market value exceeding $2.25 million — to be shipped from the United States to Hong Kong, including to Tin.

    Tin trafficked primarily eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), a subspecies of the common box turtle and native to the United States. Turtles with colorful markings are highly prized pets, particularly in China and Hong Kong, and are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). China and the Unites States are parties to CITES.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally for the Central District of California, and Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the USFWS’ Office of Law Enforcement made the announcement.

    The USFWS investigated this case with assistance from Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.

    Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors and Trial Attorney Lauren Steele of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis Mitchell for the Central District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impacts of quartz mining in north-east Segovia and its alignment with EU strategic policies – E-002938/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    According to the available information[1], the project is currently undergoing the assessment procedure pursuant to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive[2] and has not yet received development consent.

    During this procedure, the competent authorities would need to assess any potential impact on the environment, independently of the origin of the company leading the project, and to ensure that the project complies with applicable EU legislation such as the Mining Waste[3], Nature[4] and Water Framework[5] Directives.

    The Commission is not aware of CO2 storage permits in preparation in Spain that would need the application of Directive 2009/31/EC[6].

    Mining activities normally falls under the scope of Regulation (EC) 2018/842[7], setting limits to Member States on emissions of greenhouse gases and leaving them the freedom to choose the measures to achieve such targets .

    Member States are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with EU law. In line with its strategic approach on enforcement action[8], which focuses on cases of systemic non-compliance, the Commission considers that the means of redress available under national legislation are the most appropriate mechanism to address individual cases of possible non-compliance, such as the issue raised by the Honourable Members.

    Moreover, the competent national Courts could order the suspension of the project, where appropriate. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will continue monitoring the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.

    • [1] https://energia.jcyl.es/web/jcyl/Energia/es/Plantilla100Detalle/1284766759323/Texto%20Generico/1285446129394/Texto
    • [2] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of 16 April 2014 — OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.
    • [3] Directive 2006/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the management of waste from extractive industries and amending Directive 2004/35/EC. OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, p. 15-34.
    • [4] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50); Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (Codified version), OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7-25
    • [5] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy — OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1-73
    • [6] Directive 2009/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the geological storage of carbon dioxide and amending Council Directive 85/337/EEC, European Parliament and Council Directives 2000/60/EC, 2001/80/EC, 2004/35/EC, 2006/12/EC, 2008/1/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006. OJ L 140, 5.6.2009, p. 114-135.
    • [7] Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (Text with EEA relevance). PE/3/2018/REV/2. OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26-42.
    • [8] As set out in the communication of 19 January 2017 (EU law: Better results through better application — C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10-20) and in the communication of 13 October 2022 COM(2022) 518 final — Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers.
    Last updated: 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ending of the work programme of the Major Accident Hazards Bureau – E-000953/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000953/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Wouter Beke (PPE)

    The Major Accident Hazards Bureau (MAHB) is part of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and provides scientific and technical support for policy associated with chemical safety and security. It was created in the 1980s to support the Seveso Directive on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances and has become a leading centre for industrial safety expertise in the EU and globally. The MAHB’s work programme (a shared responsibility of the Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV) and the JRC) will end in 2025. It has been brought to my attention that several stakeholders have expressed concerns to DG ENV and the JRC on multiple occasions about the impact of stopping the key activities of the MAHB, especially given the emerging safety challenges related to large-scale hydrogen and ammonia use arising from the energy transition.

    • 1.Can the JRC clarify why the key activities of the MAHB (e.g. accident analysis and lessons learnt studies, identifying emerging trends, risk modeling software, facilitating knowledge exchange and providing technical and scientific support at EU-level) are being terminated?
    • 2.How will the Commission ensure the continuity of competent and sustainable technical and scientific support in this policy domain?
    • 3.If the support is not going to be continued, can the Commission provide the key points of its impact assessment?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: WEEK EIGHT WINS: A Testament to American Greatness Under President Trump

    Source: The White House

    The past week was marked by another series of triumphs that underscore the commitment of President Donald J. Trump and his administration to making America stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before.

    Here is a non-comprehensive list of wins in week eight:

    • President Trump’s economic agenda came into focus as Americans saw needed economic relief following years of Bidenflation.
      • Consumer inflation “eased more than expected” in February, with core inflation at its lowest level in nearly four years — driven by a decline in airfare prices as Americans prepare for Spring Break.
      • Wholesale inflation came in much lower than expected in February.
      • Mortgage rates dropped to their lowest levels since December, while home purchase applications are at their highest level since January.
      • The price of a dozen eggs is down 36.6% since President Trump’s inauguration.
      • The average price for regular gas has fallen below $3/gallon in 31 states — the third straight week of decline — with the price of oil down nearly 15% since President Trump took office.
    • President Trump and his administration continued their remarkable progress in securing the border following the news that illegal crossings have plummeted to the lowest levels ever recorded.
      • In President Trump’s first 50 days, ICE arrested 32,809 illegal immigrants — nearly 75% of whom were accused or convicted criminals — virtually the same number of arrests over the entirety of Biden’s final year in office.
      • Just 77 “gotaways” were recorded in the past three weeks — a 95% decrease from the average daily number of “gotaways” under Biden in 2023.
      • Migration to the U.S. through Panama’s Darien Gap has dropped by 99% as would-be illegal border crossers turn around.
    • President Trump’s Section 232 tariffs on imported steel and aluminum took effect as the Trump Administration levels the playing field for American workers.
      • Steel Manufacturers Association: “As the revised steel tariff goes into effect today, President Trump is boldly declaring that America will no longer be a dumping ground for cheap, subsidized foreign steel … By closing loopholes in the tariff that have been exploited for years, President Trump will again supercharge a steel industry that stands ready to rebuild America.”
      • Five major organizations representing the steel industry issued a statement lauding the tariffs.
    • President Trump’s tariffs continued driving manufacturing back to the U.S.
      • Cra-Z-Art — the biggest toymaker in the country — is expanding its domestic manufacturing by 50%.
        • “We are moving a large percentage of what we have in China to here, duplicating some machinery and investing in high speed automation equipment,” said Chairman Lawrence Rosen. “When Trump announced the higher tariffs on China, it’s been full steam ahead.”
      • GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment in its U.S.-based manufacturing operation, which will create 5,000 new jobs.
      • Asahi Group Holdings, one of the largest Japanese beverage makers, announced a $35 million investment to boost production at its Wisconsin plant.
      • Angel Aligner, a global orthodontic manufacturer, announced it will build its first U.S.-based production facility in Wisconsin.
      • Pegatron Corp., a Taiwan-based artificial intelligence server maker, announced it will build its first U.S.-based facility and increase its U.S. investment.
      • Merck opened its $1 billion North Carolina manufacturing facility as it plans to invest $8 billion in the U.S. over the next several years.
      • Saica Group, a Spain-based corrugated packaging maker, announced plans to build a $110 million new manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana.
      • Saint Gobain Ceramics announced a new $40 million NorPro manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, New York.
      • LGM Pharma announced a $6 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Rosenberg, Texas.
    • President Trump forced Ontario, Canada, Premier Doug Ford to back down from his threat to implement 25% electricity tariffs on American consumers.
    • The Department of Homeland Security unveiled the CBP Home App, which repurposes the Biden-era CBP One App to give illegal immigrants the option of self-deporting.
    • The Trump Administration stripped the first visa of a foreign student linked to Hamas-supporting “disruptions” on a college campus.
    • The Environmental Protection Agency launched the “biggest day of deregulation in American history,” which included ending the Biden-Harris electric vehicle mandate, stopping the Biden Administration’s assault on power plants, and eliminating costly emissions standards.
    • The EPA canceled more than 400 “diversity, equity, and inclusion” and “environmental justice” grants, totaling $1.7 billion.
    • The Department of Education opened investigations into 45 universities under Title VI for alleged impermissible use of race-exclusionary preferences, race-based scholarships, and/or race-based segregation.
    • The Trump Administration announced Ukraine accepted an offer to enter into immediate negotiations for a ceasefire and ultimate end to the brutal war.
    • The Trump Administration secured an agreement by Israel and Lebanon to engage in land border negotiations.
    • Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum officially fulfilled President Trump’s promise to rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge — honoring the memory of Jocelyn Nungaray, a young woman whose life was tragically cut short by an illegal immigrant.
    • The Department of the Interior announced the approval of a federal mining plan modification to extend the operational life of Montana’s Spring Creek Mine by 16 years — enabling the production of nearly 40 million tons of coal and supporting hundreds of full-time jobs.
    • The Department of Energy signed the third major liquefied natural gas export permit approval since President Trump reversed the Biden-era ban, allowing the Delfin LNG project — which was delayed by the Biden Administration — to move forward.
    • The Department of Justice’s new interagency task force arrested 214 criminals in its first two weeks, including violent MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members.
    • The Department of Veterans Affairs opened another new clinic — in addition to the three new clinics opened over the past several weeks — to serve thousands of additional veterans.
    • Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a department-wide review of the U.S. military’s physical and grooming guidelines to ensure the force is meeting the highest possible standard.
    • The Department of Defense terminated woke climate change programs and initiatives that were not in line with the department’s core warfighting mission.
    • Army Chief of Staff General George ordered a review of all general officer memorandums of reprimand that were issued to soldiers who refused to comply with the Biden Administration’s COVID vaccine mandate.
    • The Department of Transportation rescinded memos issued by the Biden administration that injected social justice, radical environmental agendas into infrastructure funding decisions.
    • The Department of the Treasury sanctioned Iran’s oil minister and shadow fleet operators and targeted Houthi terrorists involved in smuggling and procuring weapons.
    • The Department of Agriculture continued its push to root out fraud, waste, and abuse — including terminating a grant that supports “queer and trans farmers and urban consumers.”
    • The Department of Health and Human Services ended a loophole that allowed ingredient manufacturers to utilize chemicals with unknown safety data in food.
    • The Federal Communications Commission launched its sweeping “In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete” deregulation initiative to alleviate the unnecessary, burdensome regulatory assault on Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – European Semester for economic policy coordination 2025 – P10_TA(2025)0031 – Wednesday, 12 March 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in particular Articles 121, 126 and 136 thereof,

    –  having regard to Protocol No 1 to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the TFEU on the role of national parliaments in the European Union,

    –  having regard to Protocol No 2 to the TEU and the TFEU on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality,

    –  having regard to Protocol No 12 to the TEU and the TFEU on the excessive debt procedure,

    –  having regard to the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union,

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1263 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2024 on the effective coordination of economic policies and on multilateral budgetary surveillance and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97(1),

    –  having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1264 of 29 April 2024 amending Regulation (EC) No 1467/97 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure(2),

    –  having regard to Council Directive (EU) 2024/1265 of 29 April 2024 amending Directive 2011/85/EU on requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States(3),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1173/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the effective enforcement of budgetary surveillance in the euro area(4),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1174/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on enforcement measures to correct excessive macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area(5),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances(6),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the strengthening of economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States in the euro area experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability(7),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on common provisions for monitoring and assessing draft budgetary plans and ensuring the correction of excessive deficit of the Member States in the euro area(8),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the Union budget(9) (the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility(10) (the RRF Regulation),

    –  having regard to the Commission’s Spring 2024 Economic Forecast of 15 May 2024,

    –  having regard to the Commission’s Autumn 2024 Economic Forecast of 15 November 2024,

    –  having regard to the Commission’s Debt Sustainability Monitor 2023 of 22 March 2024,

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 17 December 2024 entitled ‘Alert Mechanism Report 2025’ (COM(2024)0702) and to the Commission recommendation of 17 December 2024 for a Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area (COM(2024)0704),

    –  having regard to the Commission proposal of 17 December 2024 for a joint employment report from the Commission and the Council (COM(2024)0701),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 8 March 2023 entitled ‘Fiscal policy guidance for 2024’ (COM(2023)0141),

    –  having regard to the Commission report of 19 June 2024 prepared in accordance with Article 126(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (COM(2024)0598),

    –  having regard to the Council Recommendation of 12 April 2024 on the economic policy of the euro area(11),

    –  having regard to the European Fiscal Board assessment of 3 July 2024 on the fiscal stance appropriate for the euro area in 2025,

    –  having regard to the Eurogroup statement of 15 July 2024 on the fiscal stance for the euro area in 2025,

    –  having regard to the European Fiscal Board’s 2024 annual report, published on 2 October 2024,

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 19 June 2024 entitled ‘2024 European Semester – Spring Package’ (COM(2024)0600),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 17 December 2024 entitled ‘2025 European Semester – Autumn package’ (COM(2024)0700),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 entitled ‘The European Green Deal’ (COM(2019)0640), to the Paris Agreement adopted on 12 December 2025 in the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,

    –  having regard to the Eighth Environment Action Programme to 2030,

    –  having regard to the Interinstitutional Proclamation of 17 November 2017 on the European Pillar of Social Rights(12) and to the Commission communication of 4 March 2021 entitled ‘The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan’ (COM(2021)0102),

    –  having regard to its resolution of 21 January 2021 on access to decent and affordable housing for all(13),

    –  having regard to the document by Ursula von der Leyen, candidate for President of the European Commission, of 18 July 2024 entitled ‘Europe’s choice – Political guidelines for the next European Commission 2024-2029’, and to the statement made by Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, at his confirmation hearing on 7 November 2024,

    –  having regard to International Monetary Fund working paper 24/181 of August 2024 entitled ‘Taming Public Debt in Europe: Outlook, Challenges, and Policy Response’,

    –  having regard to the International Monetary Fund’s Fiscal Monitor entitled ‘Putting a Lid on Public Debt’ of October 2024,

    –  having regard to Special Report 13/2024 of the European Court of Auditors entitled ‘Absorption of funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility – Progressing with delays and risks remain regarding the completion of measures and therefore the achievement of RRF objectives’,

    –  having regard to the in-depth analysis entitled ‘The new economic governance framework: implications for monetary policy’, published by its Directorate-General for Internal Policies on 20 November 2024(14),

    –  having regard to the in-depth analysis entitled ‘Economic Dialogue with the European Commission on EU Fiscal Surveillance’, published by its Directorate-General for Internal Policies on 1 December 2024(15),

    –  having regard to Mario Draghi’s report of 9 September 2024 entitled ‘The future of European Competitiveness’ (the Draghi report),

    –  having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A10-0022/2025),

    A.  whereas the European Semester plays an essential role in coordinating economic and budgetary policies in the Member States, and thus preserves the macroeconomic stability of the economic and monetary union;

    B.  whereas the European Semester aims to promote sustainable, inclusive and competitive growth, employment, macroeconomic stability and sound public finances throughout the entire EU, with a view to ensuring the sustained upward convergence of the economic, social and environmental performance of the Member States;

    C.  whereas the 2024 European Semester marked the first implementation cycle of the new economic governance framework, which came into force on 30 April 2024, guiding the EU and its Member States through a transitional phase;

    D.  whereas the 2024 Council Recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area calls on the Member States to take action, both individually and collectively, to strengthen competitiveness, boost economic and social resilience, preserve macro-financial stability and sustain a high level of public investment to support the green and digital transitions; whereas fiscal stability is a basis for both sustainable high social standards in the EU and the competitiveness of the EU;

    E.  whereas the main objectives of the new economic governance framework are to strengthen debt sustainability and sustainable and inclusive growth in all Member States, as well as enabling all Member States to undertake the necessary reforms and investments in the EU’s common priorities, which include (i) a fair green and digital transition, (ii) social and economic resilience including the European pillar of social rights, (iii) energy security, and (iv) the build-up of defence capabilities; whereas disparities in fiscal capacity among Member States hinder equitable investment in strategic priorities and weaken cohesion within the single market;

    F.  whereas reference values of up to 3 % of government deficit to GDP and 60 % of public debt to GDP are defined by the TFEU; whereas the EU’s headline deficit and government debt-to-GDP ratio remain above the reference values; whereas both the headline deficit and government debt-to-GDP ratio vary across the EU, with significantly divergent situations in different Member States;

    G.  whereas excessive deficit procedures were opened, or kept open, for eight Member States in 2024; whereas some Member States were not subject to an excessive deficit procedure, despite having a deficit above 3 % of GDP in 2023, as decided by the Council and the Commission after a balanced assessment of all the relevant factors;

    H.  whereas no procedure concerning macroeconomic imbalances has been opened by the Council since the establishment of this procedure in 2011; whereas, in accordance with its Alert Mechanism Report, the Commission will conduct an in-depth review of 10 countries identified as experiencing macroeconomic imbalances or excessive imbalances in 2025;

    I.  whereas the success of a framework relies heavily on its proper, transparent and effective implementation from the outset, while taking into account the Member States’ starting points and the individual challenges they face;

    J.  whereas the timely submission of the national medium-term fiscal-structural and draft budgetary plans is a precondition for the effective implementation and credibility of the new rules; whereas the first national fiscal and budgetary plans have already been assessed by the Council; whereas the equal treatment of the Member States and compliance with the requirements outlined in Regulation (EU) 2024/1263 as regards the fiscal plans are necessary for the effective implementation of the framework;

    K.  whereas the economic outlook for the EU remains highly uncertain and there is a growing risk of future events or situations that will negatively affect the economy; whereas Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East are aggravating geopolitical risks and highlighting Europe’s energy vulnerability; whereas a rise in protectionist measures by trading partners may affect world trade, with negative repercussions for the EU economy; whereas current geopolitical tensions have demonstrated the need for the EU to further strengthen its open strategic autonomy and remain competitive in the global market, while ensuring that no one is left behind;

    L.  whereas the implementation of the revised economic governance framework is expected to lead to a restrictive fiscal stance for the euro area, as a whole, of 0,5 % of GDP in 2024 and 0,25 % of GDP in 2025; whereas political discussion is needed to ensure appropriate public investment levels following the expiry of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in 2026;

    M.  whereas the Draghi report points out that the gap between the EU and the United States in the level of GDP at 2015 prices has gradually widened, from slightly more than 15 % in 2002 to 30 % in 2023, and estimates the necessary additional annual investment by the EU at EUR 800 billion, including EUR 450 billion for the energy transition;

    N.  whereas the new Commission has set the goal of being an ‘investment Commission’; whereas discussions on addressing the significant investment gap and reducing borrowing costs are needed in the EU; whereas the framework, where appropriate, should be strengthened by EU-level investment instruments and tools designed to minimise the cost for EU taxpayers and maximise efficiency in the provision of European public goods;

    O.  whereas the Member States need to have the necessary control and audit mechanisms to ensure respect for the rule of law and to protect the EU’s financial interests, in particular to prevent fraud, corruption and conflicts of interest and to ensure transparency;

    P.  whereas it is important to increase the share of ‘fully implemented’ country-specific recommendations (CSRs) and to link them more closely to the respective country reports in order to contribute to more effective economic governance;

    1.  Notes that in the last few years, the EU has demonstrated a high degree of resilience and unity in the face of major shocks, thanks, among other things, to a coordinated policy response involving all the EU institutions, including a flexible approach to the use of new and existing instruments; further recalls that promoting long-term sustainable growth means promoting a balance between responsible fiscal policies, structural reforms and investments that together increase efficiency, productivity, employment and prosperity, and also entails boosting competitiveness, fostering the single market, developing economic growth policies and revising the regulatory framework to attract investments; stresses the fundamental need for sustainable, inclusive and competitive economic growth;

    2.  Notes that economic policy coordination is fundamentally necessary for a successful economic and monetary union; recalls that the European Semester is the well-established framework for coordinating fiscal, economic, employment and social policies across the EU, in line with the Treaties, while respecting the defined national competences;

    3.  Notes the Commission’s commitment to ensure that the European Semester drives policy coordination for competitiveness, sustainability and social fairness, as well as the integration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the European pillar of social rights; notes that the European Green Deal remains a core deliverable for the Commission;

    4.  Highlights the fact that an integrated, coordinated, targeted and horizontal industrial policy is vital to increase investments in the EU’s innovation capacity, while bolstering competitiveness and the integrity of the single market;

    5.  Highlights that public and private investments are crucial for the EU’s ability to cope with existing challenges, including developing the EU’s innovation capacity and implementing the just green and digital transitions, and that they will increase the EU’s resilience, long-term competitiveness and open strategic autonomy; calls attention to the need for strategic investments in energy interconnections, low-carbon energies (such as renewables) and energy efficiency to, among other things, (i) make the EU independent from imported fossil fuels and prevent the possible inflationary effects of dependence on these, (ii) modernise production systems and (iii) promote social cohesion; recalls that the materialisation of climate-change-related physical risks can greatly affect public finances, as demonstrated by the floods in Valencia in October 2024 and the cyclone in Mayotte in December 2024; calls on the Member States to make the necessary investments to improve climate change mitigation and adaptation and enhance the resilience of the EU economy;

    6.  Calls on the Commission to come up with initiatives, on the basis of the Budapest Declaration; to make the EU more competitive, productive, innovative and sustainable, by building on economic, social and territorial cohesion and ensuring convergence and a level playing field both within the EU and globally; notes the development of a new competitiveness coordination tool; expects the Commission to clarify how this tool will interact with the European Semester; stresses the importance of supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as key drivers of economic growth and employment within the EU;

    7.  Stresses the need to foster a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports innovators, recognising their critical role in driving global competitiveness, economic resilience, job creation and open strategic autonomy;

    8.  Welcomes the Commission’s recommendations regarding the economic policy of the euro area, urging the Member States to enhance competitiveness and foster productivity through improved access to funding for businesses, reduced administrative burdens, and public and private investment in areas of EU common priorities, which include (i) a fair green and digital transition, (ii) social and economic resilience including the European pillar of social rights, (iii) energy security, and (iv) the build-up of defence capabilities;

    9.  Welcomes the Commission’s recommendation that, when defining fiscal strategies, euro area Member States should aim to improve the quality and efficiency of public expenditure and public revenue, which are essential for ensuring the sustainability of public finances, while minimising detrimental and distortive impacts on economic growth; stresses that this could be achieved by, among other things, increasing European coordination and reducing tax avoidance and tax evasion; welcomes the Draghi report’s conclusion that a coordinated reduction of labour income taxation for low- to middle-income workers is needed to promote EU competitiveness; recalls the Member States’ competence in tax policy; invites the Member States to redirect the tax burden from income to less distortive tax bases;

    10.  Highlights the need to create fiscal buffers to address fiscal sustainability challenges, ensuring sufficient resources for investment and for dealing with potential future shocks and crises; stresses the importance of promoting competitive, sustainable and inclusive growth in supporting long-term fiscal stability and resilience;

    Economic prospects for the EU

    11.  Expresses concern that, according to the Commission’s autumn 2024 economic forecast, EU GDP is expected to grow by 0,9 % (0,8 % in the euro area) in 2024, by 1,5 % (1,3 % in the euro area) in 2025 and by 1,8% (1,6% in the euro area) in 2026; recalls that these figures reflect a gradual recovery, but also limited economic expansion compared to previous economic cycles; notes that the economic outlook for the EU remains highly uncertain, with risks more likely to negatively affect economic growth;

    12.  Notes that the public debt ratio is projected to increase to 83,0 % in the EU and 89,6 % in the euro area in 2025 and to 83,4 % in the EU and 90 % in the euro area in 2026, when the output gap will be virtually closed both in the EU and in the euro area, and that this is higher than the levels in 2024 (82,4 % for the EU and 89,1 % for the euro area);

    13.  Recalls that developments in public debt ratios vary from country to country; points out that policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks can contribute significantly to increasing the cost of borrowing on the financial markets for the Member States; notes that unsustainable debt levels could undermine economic stability and decrease the Member States’ economic resilience and capacity to respond to crises; highlights that in 2024 and 2025, 11 euro area Member States are expected to have debt ratios above the Treaty reference value of 60 %, with 5 remaining above 100 %;

    14.  Notes that according to the Commission’s 2024 autumn economic forecast, the general government deficit in the EU and the euro area is expected to decline to 3,1 % and 3 % of GDP, respectively, in 2024, and to decrease further to 3 % and 2,9 % of GDP in 2025 and 2,9 % and 2,8 % of GDP in 2026; stresses that 10 EU Member States are expected to post a deficit above the Treaty reference value of 3 % of GDP in 2024; points out that this number will remain stable in 2025, and that in 2026, most Member States are forecast to have weaker budgetary positions than before the pandemic (2019), with 9 of them still posting deficits of above 3 %;

    15.  Notes that eight Member States have excessive deficits; recalls that the Council has taken remedial action and calls on the Member States concerned to take steps to reduce excessive deficits while minimising the socio-economic impact; recalls the importance of consistency in applying the excessive deficit procedure to the Member States;

    16.  Notes that according to the Commission’s autumn 2024 economic forecast, inflation is projected to fall from 2,6 % in 2024 to 2,4 % in 2025 and 2 % in 2026 in the EU, and from 2,4 % in 2024 to 2,1 % in 2025 and 1,9 % in 2026 in the euro area; recalls that although this reduction is a positive development, core inflation remains relatively high, which points to persistent inflationary pressures; notes that fiscal policy, while safeguarding fiscal sustainability, can support monetary policy in reducing inflation, and should provide sufficient space for additional investments and support long-term growth;

    17.  Notes that the Commission has not been able to present the Annual Sustainable Growth Survey, the Alert Mechanism Report, the draft euro area recommendation and the draft joint employment report at the same time;

    18.  Observes that according to the Commission’s 2025 Alert Mechanism Report, in-depth reviews will be prepared in 2025 for the nine countries that were identified as experiencing imbalances or excessive imbalances in 2024, while another in-depth review should be undertaken for another Member State, as it presents particular risks of newly emerging imbalances;

    19.  Underlines that housing is directly interconnected with the macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area, with damaging implications for economic resilience, dynamism and social progress and for regional and intra-EU mobility; is concerned that in some Member States, house prices are likely to increase and may become hard to curb in the absence of a holistic strategy;

    Revised EU economic governance framework and its effective implementation

    20.  Recalls that the reform aims to make the framework simpler, more transparent and more effective, with greater national ownership and better enforcement, while differentiating between Member States on the basis of their individual starting points, representing a step forward in ending the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach in view of the country-specific fiscal sustainability considerations embodied in the net expenditure path; recalls, furthermore, that the reform aims to strengthen fiscal sustainability through gradual and tailor-made adjustments complemented by reforms and investments and to promote countercyclical fiscal policies;

    21.  Acknowledges that the new fiscal rules provide greater flexibility and incentives linked to the investments and national reforms required to address the economic, social and geopolitical challenges facing the EU; acknowledges that financial resources and contributions from national budgets differ from one Member State to another; welcomes the fact that the net expenditure indicator excludes all national co-financing in EU-funded programmes, providing increased fiscal space for Member States to invest in the EU’s common priorities, as laid down in Regulation (EU) 2024/1263, thus helping to strengthen synergies between the EU and national budgets, thereby reducing fragmentation and increasing the overall efficiency of public spending in some areas, such as defence;

    22.  Highlights that the debt sustainability analysis (DSA) plays a key role in the reformed EU fiscal rules; is of the opinion that the discretionary role of the Commission in the DSA requires the relevant assessments to be fully transparent, predictable, replicable and stable; calls on the Commission to address possible methodological improvements, such as assessing spillover effects between Member States, and to duly inform Parliament in this regard;

    23.  Notes the Commission’s inconsistent application of the fiscal rules framework in the past, and the Member States’ uneven compliance with the rules; stresses that it is essential for the new framework to ensure the equal treatment of the Member States; affirms that a successful framework relies heavily on proper, transparent and effective implementation from the outset, while taking into account the Member States’ starting points and the individual challenges they face; takes note of the changes introduced in the new framework to improve the credibility of the financial sanctions regime;

    24.  Encourages the Member States to align the technical definition of their national operational indicator to the European primary net expenditure indicator;

    25.  Emphasises the role of Parliament and of independent fiscal authorities in the EU’s economic governance framework; underlines the discretionary power of the Commission in developing the medium-term fiscal-structural plans; emphasises the need for increased scrutiny of the Commission by Parliament and by the European Fiscal Board, as envisioned in Regulation (EU) 2024/1263, and for an increase in the flow of information towards Parliament to enable its effective oversight;

    National medium-term fiscal-structural and budgetary plans

    26.  Notes that not all Member States were able to submit their national medium-term fiscal-structural and draft budgetary plans on time; notes that, as a result of general elections and the formation of new governments, five Member States have not yet submitted their national medium-term fiscal-structural plans and two Member States have not yet submitted their draft budgetary plans, while one Member State has not submitted its draft budgetary plan for other unspecified reasons; calls on these Member States to submit the relevant plans as soon as possible; underlines that the timely submission of these plans is a precondition for the effective implementation and credibility of the new rules; reaffirms the importance of the timely submission of draft budgetary plans to translate commitments outlined in fiscal plans into concrete policies following approval of the national medium-term fiscal-structural plans;

    27.  Recalls that the reforms and investments outlined in the national medium-term fiscal-structural plans should align with the EU’s common priorities as laid down in Regulation (EU) 2024/1263; emphasises that, under the new framework, the Commission should pay particular attention to these priorities when assessing the national medium-term fiscal-structural plans;

    28.  Acknowledges that 21 of the 22 national medium-term fiscal-structural plans that have been reviewed so far received a positive evaluation; notes that the new framework allows Member States to use assumptions that differ from the Commission’s DSA if these differences are explained and duly justified in a transparent manner and are based on sound economic arguments in the technical dialogue with the Member States; observes, however, that in the plans submitted by five Member States, the Commission found insufficiently justified inconsistencies and deviations from the DSA framework in macroeconomic assumptions related to potential GDP and/or the GDP deflator; stresses that such deviations and risks of backloading could potentially threaten future fiscal sustainability; notes that in the plans submitted by three Member States, the Commission acknowledges a concentration of the fiscal adjustment towards the end of the period; calls on the Commission to ensure that any such concentration of the adjustment meets the requirements set out in the regulation and calls on it to prevent procyclical policies;

    29.  Takes note of the fact that only seven Member States have sought an opinion from their relevant independent fiscal institution, which provides an important additional scrutiny dimension; notes with caution that some independent fiscal institutions gave a negative opinion on their Member State’s national fiscal plan; stresses that nine Member States did not meet their obligation to conduct political consultations with civil society, social partners, regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders prior to submitting their national plans; further regrets the fact that several Member States have not involved their national parliaments in the approval process for the plans and have not reported whether the required consultations with national parliaments took place as laid down in the new framework;

    30.  Observes that five Member States have requested an extension of the adjustment period; emphasises that any such extension should be based on a set of investment and reform commitments that, taken all together, improve the potential growth and resilience of the economy, support fiscal sustainability, address the EU’s common priorities and the relevant CSRs and have been assessed as meeting the conditions outlined in the regulation for such an extension; notes that the reforms and investments used to justify this extension rely considerably on reforms already approved under the RRF; highlights the importance of and need for reforms and investments that contribute positively to the potential GDP growth of the Member States; calls on the Commission to effectively evaluate ex post the impact of agreed investments and reforms in terms of supporting fiscal sustainability, enhancing the growth potential of the economy, addressing the EU’s common priorities and the CSRs and ensuring the required level of nationally financed public investment;

    31.  Notes the Commission’s assessment that only 8 of the 17 draft budgetary plans presented are in line with fiscal recommendations stemming from the national medium-term fiscal-structural plan; regrets the fact that 7 plans were assessed as not being fully in line with the recommendations, 1 as non-compliant and 1 as at risk of not being in line with the recommendations; is concerned that six Member States have presented draft budgetary plans with annual or cumulative expenditure growth above their prescribed ceilings;

    Fiscal stance and the role of fiscal policy in the provision of European public goods

    32.  Notes the Commission’s projection that the implementation of the revised governance framework is expected to lead to a reduction of the primary structural balance for the euro area as a whole of 0,5 % of GDP in 2024 and 0,25 % of GDP in 2025; notes the Commission’s assessment that this is in line with the process of enhancing fiscal sustainability and support the ongoing disinflationary process as economic uncertainty remains high; notes that GDP growth will continue to support fiscal consolidation throughout the EU; calls for fiscal policies that restore stability while promoting innovation, industrial competitiveness and long-term economic growth; stresses the need to create additional fiscal space to tackle future challenges and potential crises while preserving a sufficient level of investment to support and foster sustainable and inclusive growth, industrialisation and prosperity for all;

    33.  Considers that the effective implementation of the fiscal rules, although necessary, is not in itself sufficient to achieve the optimal fiscal stance at all times and ensure a high standard of living for all Europeans; notes that the fiscal stance is still projected to differ greatly from one Member State to another in 2025; calls on the Commission to explore ideas for a mechanism that helps ensure that the cyclical position of the EU as a whole is appropriate for the macroeconomic outlook at all times;

    34.  Recalls that, according to the Commission, the fiscal drag in 2025 will be partly offset by a slight expansion in investment, financed both by national budgets and by RRF grants and other EU funds; emphasises the RRF’s role in addressing EU investment needs, noting that it will expire by the end of 2026, which might lead to a decrease in public investment in common European priorities;

    35.  Calls on the Commission to initiate discussions on addressing the significant investment gap in the EU and to reduce borrowing costs, strengthen financial stability and enable strategic investments in line with the EU’s objectives and for the provision of European public goods, such as defence capabilities to match needs in a context of growing threats and security challenges; calls for full use to be made of the efficiency gains that may stem from the provision of European public goods at EU scale through the effective coordination of investment priorities among Member States; believes that this framework, where appropriate, should be strengthened by EU-level investment instruments and tools designed to minimise the cost for EU taxpayers and maximise efficiency in the provision of European public goods;

    36.  Recalls that any EU funding must be accompanied by robust controls ensuring transparency, accountability and the efficient use of funds, so as to avoid unjustified increases in public spending;

    37.  Encourages the Member States to promote investment spending that produces a positive rate of return; acknowledges the Draghi report’s assessment that around four fifths of productive investments will be undertaken by the private sector in the EU, while public investment will also play a catalysing role; welcomes the Commission initiative to propose a competitiveness fund under the new multiannual financial framework and calls on it to make full use of financial guarantees to leverage private investment; stresses that the Member States must step up their efforts, in particular budgetary efforts, to accelerate innovation, digitalisation, education, training and decarbonisation, to strengthen European competitiveness and to reduce dependencies;

    Country-specific recommendations

    38.  Notes that the share of ‘fully implemented’ CSRs has dropped from 18,1 % (in the period 2011-2018) to 13,9 % (in the period 2019-2023); recalls that implementing CSRs, including with regard to the efficiency of public spending, is a key part of ensuring fiscal sustainability and addressing macroeconomic imbalances; advocates a more efficient implementation of the CSRs and the relevant reforms; calls for ways of increasing the share of ‘fully implemented’ CSRs to be explored; calls on the Commission to link the CSRs more closely to the respective country reports; calls for the impact of reforms and the progress towards reducing identified investment gaps to be evaluated; calls for greater transparency in the preparation of CSRs;

    39.  Reiterates, in this regard, that CSRs should be enhanced by focusing on a limited set of challenges, in particular specific Member States’ structural challenges and the EU’s common priorities, with a view to promoting sound and inclusive economic growth, enhancing competitiveness and macroeconomic stability, promoting the green and digital transitions and ensuring social and intergenerational fairness;

    40.  Recalls the Member States’ commitment to address, in their national fiscal plans, the relevant CSRs in both their economic and social dimensions, as expressed under the European Semester; notes that the Commission has found unaddressed CSRs in the national fiscal plans;

    41.  Highlights the importance of the CSRs in tackling the longer-term drivers of fiscal sustainability, including the sustainability and proper provision of public pension systems, the healthcare and long-term care systems in the face of demographic challenges such as ageing populations, and preparedness for adverse developments, including climate-change-related physical risks; stresses the relevance of CSRs in addressing the stability of the housing market in order to contribute to the economic resilience of the EU;

    o
    o   o

    42.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.

    (1) OJ L, 2024/1263, 30.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1263/oj.
    (2) OJ L, 2024/1264, 30.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1264/oj.
    (3) OJ L, 2024/1265, 30.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1265/oj.
    (4) OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/1173/oj.
    (5) OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 8, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/1174/oj.
    (6) OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 25, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/1176/oj.
    (7) OJ L 140, 27.5.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/472/oj.
    (8) OJ L 140, 27.5.2013, p. 11, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/473/oj.
    (9) OJ L 433I, 22.12.2020, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/2092/oj.
    (10) OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/241/oj.
    (11) OJ C, C/2024/2807, 23.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/2807/oj.
    (12) OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10.
    (13) OJ C 456, 10.11.2021, p. 145.
    (14) Monetary Dialogue paper – ‘The new economic governance framework: implications for monetary policy’, Darvas, Z. et al. for the European Parliament, Directorate-General for Internal Policies, Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit, 20 November 2024.
    (15) In-depth analysis – ‘Economic Dialogue with the European Commission on EU Fiscal Surveillance’, European Parliament, Directorate-General for Internal Policies, Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit, 1 December 2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The government has revealed its plans to get Britain building again. Some of them might just work

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Graham Haughton, Professor, Urban and Environmental Planning, University of Manchester

    SARAWUT KAEWKET/Shutterstock

    The UK government has published its planning and infrastructure bill, a cornerstone of its strategy for growth. The bill aims to “get Britain building again and deliver economic growth” and includes the hugely ambitious target of building 1.5 million homes in England over this parliament.

    The bill is ambitious in scope – 160 pages long and very technical. But what does it promise exactly?

    On infrastructure, it outlines reforms to limit vexatious repeat use of judicial review to block development. There are also some measures for a stronger electricity grid to ease the move towards renewable energy. While the plan to reward people living near new pylons with £250 off their bills grabbed headlines, just as important are measures for energy storage to level out peaks in demand and supply.

    On the planning side, planning departments will be allowed to charge more to those making applications. This should speed up decisions by funding more planning officer roles. But there are no measures to increase funding for drawing up local plans. This is important because councils often fall behind schedule in producing these. And where there is no up-to-date plan, there is a danger that developers will push through controversial proposals.

    The bill also provides for more decisions to be delegated to planning officials rather than planning committees – this means council staff rather than elected representatives. This already happens for smaller planning applications, so is not entirely new. But it does raise concerns about democratic scrutiny.

    The government argues that local democracy will not be undermined, as planning officers will be making their decisions in the context of democratically approved local plans as well as national legislation. But this could be misleading, unless planning authorities have the funds to update local plans regularly.

    There are also changes to existing development corporation legislation, to support the building of new towns. Particularly welcome is the responsibility on development corporations – government organisations dealing with urban development – to consider climate change and design quality. This is in order to hit net-zero targets and avoid cookie-cutter housing estates.

    Other measures are aimed at ensuring appropriate infrastructure is built to serve these new towns.



    Read more:
    Why building new towns isn’t the answer to the UK’s housing crisis

    There are changes planned too on when compulsory purchase orders can be used to buy sites that are broadly to be used for the public good. This could be for affordable homes, health or education facilities, for instance. It would work by reducing payments to the actual value of the land rather than its “hope value” (when landholders hold out for price rises once planning permission is granted).

    There is also a commitment to creating a nature restoration fund, which the government hopes will overcome some of the delays to approving new housing caused by potential threats to wildlife.

    The fund will aim to unblock development in general rather than specific sites, as happens at the moment, and will pool contributions from developers to fund nature recovery. Where there are concerns for wildlife, experts will develop a long-term mitigation plan that will be paid for by the fund while allowing the development to go ahead in the meantime.

    Will it work?

    As a professor of urban and environmental planning, the question for me is will the bill encourage development to progress more speedily? Almost certainly – probably mostly in terms of bringing forward improvements to critical national infrastructure schemes such as the electric grid. For residential development, some incremental speeding up is likely as developers crave certainty in planning decisions.

    But on their own, these measures are unlikely to be enough to provide the 1.5 million new homes set out in the government’s target. They offer nothing to tackle critical bottlenecks in terms of both labour and materials. It is also difficult to see the target being met without much more government involvement – by building social housing in particular.

    Will the bill result in better quality development? There is surprisingly little in the plans about improving design quality, other than in development corporation areas. This is disappointing, and a missed opportunity to ensure that developers raise their game in residential building and neighbourhood quality.

    And might it override local democracy? Arguably yes, but in practice not as much as some critics might argue. Most of the reforms are finessing existing practices, such as delegated powers to planning officers. Much depends on what the national government guidance turns out to be.

    The biggest concern is that it might increase invisible political pressures on planning officers by councillors and senior officials. It would have been good to have seen more measures to protect their independence and professional judgement.

    Hopefully the bill will speed up delivery of nationally important schemes for critical infrastructure. This means things like modernising the electricity grid and removing repeated use of judicial review to block a development. These elements should create jobs sooner and support economic growth.

    Where the bill will make absolutely no difference is in improving living standards for people with older homes. This bill is focused on new builds and has little to offer those hoping for support in retrofitting ageing housing stock with more energy-efficient features or creating green spaces in areas where new development is increasingly in demand.

    Development should be compatible with nature restoration.
    Nick Beer/Shutterstock

    Despite some of the ministerial bluster about removing red tape, much of the content of this bill is not about removing planning regulations. It is much more about improving them. Some measures will work better than others, but overall, given the government’s electoral mandate to deliver growth and protect the environment, this is a reasonable balancing act.

    It’s unlikely to deliver much growth in its own right, but as an enabler of growth, it is promising. More worrying is whether it will lead to poor-quality housing built at pace and massive scale to inadequate energy-efficiency and design standards. This would fail to deliver on net-zero and biodiversity ambitions. It is very much a minor win for facilitating growth, but for nature it is nothing more than maintaining the status quo.

    Graham Haughton does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The government has revealed its plans to get Britain building again. Some of them might just work – https://theconversation.com/the-government-has-revealed-its-plans-to-get-britain-building-again-some-of-them-might-just-work-252231

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and China restart meaningful climate change dialogue

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK and China restart meaningful climate change dialogue

    Energy Secretary calls for action and cooperation from China to tackle the climate emergency.

    • Energy Secretary visits Beijing to urge continued action from China – the world’s biggest emitter – to tackle the climate emergency   
    • Miliband expected to say there is no route to keeping future generations safe from climate threat without engaging China in responsible climate leadership
    • UK and China agree to secure and pragmatic cooperation and lesson sharing on climate and clean energy – delivering on government’s Plan for Change to re-engage with China on issues that matter to the British people

    Pragmatic cooperation with China will help keep British people safe from the climate crisis, as UK and Chinese ministers are set to meet in Beijing for the first formal talks to accelerate climate action in nearly 8 years.  

    As the government pursues its mission to become a clean energy superpower under the Plan for Change, The Energy Secretary will meet with China’s National Energy Administrator Minister Wang Hongzhi and China’s Ecology and Environment Minister Huang Runqiu in Beijing to commit to pragmatic engagement on the climate crisis, cooperating with China to reduce global emissions. 

    The UK is expected to launch a formal Climate Dialogue with Chinese counterparts, inviting Chinese ministers to London later this year, and for the first time institutionalising climate change talks between both countries moving forward. 

    China is the world’s largest investor and supplier of renewable energy but it remains the world’s largest emitter responsible for more emissions than the US, EU, India, and UK combined. China’s contribution to climate action is therefore crucial to tackling one of the biggest global challenges the world faces.   

    The Energy Secretary will also use the visit to engage frankly with China on UK concerns on issues like forced labour in supply chains, human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, and China’s ongoing support for Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.  

    The climate crisis is an existential threat to our way of life in Britain. Extreme weather is changing the lives of people and communities across country; from thousands of acres of farmland being submerged due to storms like Bert and Daragh, to record numbers of heat-related deaths in recent summers. In turn, China are feeling the effects with temperatures in Beijing remaining above 35°C for a record breaking 28 days last year.  

    The government’s Plan for Change is restoring the UK’s role as a responsible climate leader, and re-engaging with the world’s second largest economy will remain critical in delivering both climate and energy security for Britain and across the world.   

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:  

    We can only keep future generations safe from climate change if all major emitters act. It is simply an act of negligence to today’s and future generations not to engage China on how it can play its part in taking action on climate. 

    That is why I will be meeting Chinese ministers for frank conversations about how both countries can fulfil the aims of the Paris Climate Agreement, to which both countries are signed up.  

    Our Plan for Change and clean energy superpower mission is about energy security, lower bills, good jobs and growth for the British people. It is with this mission that we can also influence climate action on a global stage, fight for our way of life and keep our planet safe for our children and grandchildren.

    The Energy Secretary will refresh an outdated 10-year-old UK Clean Energy Partnership with China – which will now provide clarity on areas where the UK government can securely collaborate with China on areas of mutual benefit – such as new emerging technologies, including hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. The UK will also share expertise on phasing out coal, having closed its last coal-fired power station last year.

    This will establish a formal agreed platform with China to engage with them on potential UK and global energy security concerns, and creating a channel to challenge them on areas where we disagree, such as forced labour in supply chains.

    This further boosts already robust national security controls in our critical infrastructure such as the National Security and Investment Act – providing a strengthened mechanism to protect the UK’s national security, which is the first duty of government.

    This is part of the government’s commitment to a long-term, strategic and pragmatic relationship with China, rooted in UK and global interests – cooperating where we can, competing where we need to, and challenging where we must. 

    As an open economy, the UK welcomes investment from a wide range of countries and investors on the basis is supports the UK’s mission for growth securely and pragmatically. The government will not hesitate to use established powers to protect national security in energy infrastructure whenever concerns are identified. These discussions complement the government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, delivering energy security and bringing down bills for good. The expected rise in the price cap shows once again the cost of remaining reliant on the unstable global fossil fuel markets that are driving price increases. 

    Three years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, wholesale gas prices have now risen by 15% compared to the previous price cap period, which is directly affecting the cost of generating power and heating of homes. Moving to a power system based on homegrown, clean energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on volatile markets and protect billpayers.  

    To achieve this, government has set out the most ambitious reforms of the UK’s energy system in a generation. Within its first eight months in office, the government has lifted the onshore wind ban, established Great British Energy, approved nearly 3GW of solar, delivered a record-breaking renewables auction and kickstarted the carbon capture and hydrogen industries in the UK – helping to deliver energy security, grow the economy and deliver clean, cheap energy.    

    Notes to editors

    The last time an Energy Secretary visited Beijing for a formal climate and energy dialogue was in 2017. COP26 President Alok Sharma visited Tianjin in 2021 ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow.

    However, both our formal partnerships with China on climate and clean energy both date back to 2015. And this visit signals a shift in the dial in re-engaging with China and updating relationships in line with the current global landscape.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment. Delivered at the 58th HRC in Geneva.

    Thank you Madam Vice-President.

    The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for these reports.

    The ocean is essential for all life on Earth. As the legal framework for all activities in the ocean, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [UNCLOS] is fundamental to its protection, and an essential enabler for a healthy planet, global prosperity and security. The UK is committed to ratifying the UNCLOS BBNJ [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction] Implementing Agreement, and to seeing it enter into force as quickly as possible.

    The UK chairs the Global Ocean Alliance of 77 countries that champions ambitious ocean action. The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, adopted last year, recognised the need for collective action, and emphasised the need to ensure participation and empowerment of all people in ocean-related decision making and benefit-sharing.

    The report on the Special Rapporteur’s visit to the Maldives brings into focus the need for global cooperation in tackling the climate and nature crisis. The UK’s Foreign Secretary has made clear his commitment to forging a more equal partnership with the Global South. Without this, there can be no climate stability.

    Special Rapporteur, what more can States do to support those on the frontline of the impacts of the climate and nature emergency?

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First uncrewed mine countermeasures vessel delivered to UK Royal Navy, supporting British jobs and boosting British security

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    First uncrewed mine countermeasures vessel delivered to UK Royal Navy, supporting British jobs and boosting British security

    British defence jobs have been boosted and British sailors will be better protected following delivery of the first end-to-end autonomous UK mine hunting vessel, known as ‘Ariadne’, which will boost as Royal Navy capabilities.

    • UK’s first vessel for detecting and destroying sea mines has been delivered to the Royal Navy.  

    • More than 200 UK jobs have been supported through the investment with Thales UK and its supply chain.   

    • The new technology enables mines to be detected rapidly and eliminates the need for sailors to enter dangerous mined areas.  

    British defence jobs have been boosted and British sailors will be better protected following delivery of the first end-to-end autonomous UK mine hunting vessel, known as ‘Ariadne’, which will boost as Royal Navy capabilities.  

    The vessel was designed and manufactured in the UK under a £184 million deal with Thales UK, which supports more than 200 jobs across Somerset, Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Scotland. This represents another example of the government delivering on its Plan for Change, by supporting jobs, boosting economic growth, whilst improving the UK’s defence capabilities.  

    The autonomous system, which includes the Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) RNMB ARIADNE, enables the Royal Navy to locate and destroy sea mines faster and more efficiently, without putting personnel at risk.  

    RNMB ARIADNE is 12 metres long, the same size as an average bus, and can be deployed from a harbour or mother ship to hunt the seabed for mines using the Thales TSAM system, one of the world’s most sophisticated towed sonars. It is likely to be used both at home and overseas.  

    This announcement comes following the Prime Minister’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, with a clear ambition to hit 3% of GDP in the next Parliament.   

    Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, said: 

    This delivery marks a significant milestone in our mine-hunting capabilities and the autonomous technology will keep Britain and our Royal Navy sailors safer by identifying & removing mines.   

    It has also supported hundreds of skilled jobs across UK industry – a clear demonstration that defence is an engine for economic growth.

    The programme forms part of a joint UK-France initiative with a total contract value of £361 million, managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR).  

    The delivery is part of the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)-led Mine Hunting Capability Programme, which aims to transition from conventional Mine Counter Measures Vessels to Maritime Autonomous Systems.  

    Rear Admiral Steve McCarthy, Director of Maritime Environment at DE&S, said:  

    This is a significant first delivery for the Royal Navy and is a proud moment for all those involved in bringing this transformative capability into service. This project contributes to the growth and prosperity of our nation and will strengthen UK security through enhanced maritime operations.  

    Following successful trials of the prototype vessel RNMB APOLLO in the Firth of Clyde in September 2024, Royal Navy personnel will now undertake training with Thales’ support before conducting a thorough Operational Evaluation and beginning to deploy MMCM systems on active duty.  

    Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales in the UK, said: 

    We are incredibly proud to deliver this world-first autonomous mine hunting system to the UK Royal Navy. With the introduction of AI and advanced sensor technology, this innovation represents a new era in maritime defence technology and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance the capabilities of our defence forces. The Royal Navy will now have a powerful tool to safeguard national interests and maintain security at sea.  

    The Royal Navy plans to gradually phase out conventional crewed mine hunting vessels as additional autonomous systems are delivered over the next five years or so. This transition represents a fundamental shift in naval operations, creating additional skilled employment opportunities in the maritime technology sector while establishing the UK as a leader in autonomous maritime systems.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: South West Water legal challenge to reduce charges fails

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    South West Water legal challenge to reduce charges fails

    The water company tried to have 12 charges against it for sewage spills from two sewage pumping stations in Cornwall dropped.

    The charges relate to alleged offences between 2016 and 2021 at two sewage pumping stations.

    The Environment Agency has won a case against South West Water which tried to prevent 12 charges relating to sewage discharges in Cornwall being taken forward in an impending prosecution. 

    South West Water had launched an abuse of process case against the agency, but District Judge Matson gave a written judgment on Friday 7 March against the company following a hearing held at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court in January. 

    Clarissa Newell of the Environment Agency said:  

    We are a firm but fair regulator which takes pride in knowing our work protects the environment. South West Water’s attempt to cut down the number of charges we intend to prosecute it with only benefits the water company and we would rather see its effort spent on compliance.  

    Our duty is to hold those suspected of harming the environment to account and now this hurdle has been overcome we will proceed with our legal action.

    The charges relate to alleged offences between 2016 and 2021 at both the Harlyn and Holywell sewage pumping stations for sewage discharges outside of the company’s environmental permits.  

    The company argued the charges should be dropped claiming that the agency had acted contrary to its own policy of consistency, saying data had been treated differently from other water companies’ data. They also said that the installation and collection of environmental data monitoring (EDM) equipment that the company was required by the agency to use was inconsistent with agency policies. 

    But the agency successfully argued that it had called for the EDM equipment to be installed at the two sites as they were close to bathing waters which could be affected by sewage spills. 

    The agency also maintained that South West Water did not fully understand its sewage pumping station assets or the permitting process and relevant policies relating to them. 

    There was no evidence, said the agency, that EDM coverage did not meet Environment Agency polices and so was not inconsistent.   

    South West Water will appear in court at a date yet to be fixed to give its plea to the charges and for a full hearing on the case. 

    Background

    The charges: 

    1. That you from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 at Harlyn Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into the Harlyn Stream. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010.  

    2. That you from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 at Harlyn Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into the Harlyn Stream. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.  

    3. That you from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 at Harlyn Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into the Harlyn Stream. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.  

    4. That you from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 at Harlyn Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into the Harlyn Stream. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.  

    5. That you from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 at Harlyn Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into the Harlyn Stream. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.  

    6. That you from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 at Harlyn Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into the Harlyn Stream. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. 

    7. That you from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 at Holywell Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into an unnamed stream that flows onto Holywell Bay Beach. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010.  

    8. That you from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 at Holywell Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into an unnamed stream that flows onto Holywell Bay Beach. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.  

    9. That you from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 at Holywell Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into an unnamed stream that flows onto Holywell Bay Beach. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.  

    10. That you from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 at Holywell Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into an unnamed stream that flows onto Holywell Bay Beach. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.  

    11. That you from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 at Holywell Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into an unnamed stream that flows onto Holywell Bay Beach. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.  

    12. That you from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 at Holywell Sewage Pumping Station, Cornwall, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, caused a number of water discharge activities, namely discharges into an unnamed stream that flows onto Holywell Bay Beach. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Southern Cemetery named city’s latest Local Nature Reserve

    Source: City of Manchester

    Part of Southern Cemetery has today (Friday 14 March) been designated as Manchester’s 11th Local Nature Reserve.

    The Council’s Executive has backed the status for a 28 hectare section of the old part of the cemetery in Chorlton Park ward, which opened in 1879, and is the largest municipal cemetery in the UK and the second largest in Europe. It features tree-lined avenues of mature beach and plane trees and has many magnificent specimen trees of significant age and ecologicial value.  

    The site, in Chorlton Park ward, is the latest across the city to be awarded the status, following the designation of Broadhurst Clough in Moston in 2023. 

    Local nature reserves are sites that contain wildlife and/or geological features that are of specific, local interest. They are effectively great places for nature. 

    Manchester is committed to delivering its biodiversity strategy, which was adopted in 2022. One of the key actions in the strategy is to increase the number of Local Nature Reserves in Manchester and it is proposed that further sites will be declared over the coming years. 

    Declaring sites as Local Nature Reserves offers increased benefits not only to wildlife but also to residents and visitors to the city. Designation can offer recognition for a site’s wildlife value and natural features, increase community awareness of natural environments and provide opportunities to learn about nature. 

    The section of the old part of the cemetery designated a nature reserve excludes areas which are in current use for burials or storage.  

    Local Nature Reserve Status is subject to formal approval by Natural England.

    Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment, said: “Green spaces across our city have a vital role to play in our wellbeing and we are determined to support and celebrate biodiversity in these special places.  

    “Local Nature Reserves are selected because of their rich flora and fauna but also their strong Friends group which show how much they mean to the community.” 

    Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “Southern Cemetery is a flourishing and well-loved green space that rightly deserves its Local Nature Reserve status to go alongside the Green Flag it already has in recognition of how well-managed it is.”  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 17 March

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLICATIONS

    Unlocking Development in London

    Planning and Regeneration Committee

    The Planning and Regeneration Committee will publish a report on how to unlock more housing development in the capital.

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]

    Environmental Impact of Heathrow

    Environment Committee

    The Environment Committee will be writing to Heathrow Airport following up on a previous commitment from the airport to provide information on the potential environmental impacts of any runway expansion project.

    MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]

    PUBLIC MEETINGS                                                                     

    Monday 17 March

    Internal Audit Reports

    Audit Panel – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm

    The Audit Panel will examine a number of recent reports published by the GLA’s audit function.

    The guests are:

    • Fay Hammond – Chief Finance Officer, GLA
    • David Esling – Head of Audit Assurance – Risk Management, MOPAC
    • Mark Woodley – Group Audit Lead, MOPAC;
    • Simon Powell – Assistant Director, Land and Development, GLA
    • Kabir Choudhury – Senior Property Manager, TfL
    • Rory McKenna – Monitoring Officer, GLA

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    Tuesday 18 March

    HMICFRS Inspection and Q&A with the Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service

    Fire Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Fire Committee will ask the Deputy Mayor responsible for the Fire Service, HM Inspector Lee Freeman KPM, and senior representatives from the London Fire Brigade about issues arising from the recent His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection report on LFB.

    A question-and-answer session with the LFB and Deputy Mayor will follow covering diversifying the workforce, training, evacuation of high-rise buildings and the Professional Standards Unit.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 – HMICFRS Inspection:

    • Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service
    • His Majesty’s Inspector Lee Freeman KPM, HMICFRS.
    • Jonathan Smith, Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Preparedness and Response, LFB
    • Charlie Pugsley, Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Prevention, Protection and Policy, LFB

    Panel 2 – Q&A:

    • Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service
    • Jonathan Smith, Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Preparedness and Response, LFB
    • Charlie Pugsley, Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Prevention, Protection and Policy, LFB
    • Sally Hopper, Director for People, LFB

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]

    Wednesday 19 March

    Climate Budgeting and Green Financing

    Budget and Performance Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Budget and Performance Committee will meet to examine the impact of the Mayor’s Climate Budget and Green Finance Fund, and the impact this has had on achieving London’s net zero 2030 target.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1:

    • Heidi Sørensen, Head of the Agency for Climate, City of Oslo
    • Professor Carly McLachlan, the Director of The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at Manchester University
    • Mark Johnson, Public Sector Lead, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

    Panel 2:

    • Fay Hammond, Chief Finance Officer, GLA
    • Pete Daw, Head of Climate Change, GLA
    • Megan Life, Assistant Director of Environment and Energy, GLA
    • Sam Longman, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Environment, Transport for London
    • Kenroy Quellennec-Reid, Head of Impact Investment and Analysis, London Treasury, GLA

    MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]

    Thursday 20 March

    Mayor’s Question Time

    The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan will face questions from London Assembly Members. 

    Topics will include:

    • Europe
    • Supporting an animal-friendly London
    • London’s Theft Epidemic
    • The London Growth Plan

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Consultation launched on programme to expand high-speed internet throughout Switzerland

    Source: Switzerland – Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications

    The Federal Council’s gigabit strategy aims to provide access to high-speed internet throughout Switzerland. A temporary funding programme will drive forward the expansion of broadband via fibre optic and wireless infrastructure. At its meeting on 14 March 2025, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the new Broadband Promotion Act.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Booker Statement as Trump Administration Moves to Shut Down All EPA Environmental Justice Offices and Slash Dozens of Critical Regulations That Help Protect Public Health and Environment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    March 13, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ)—founding co-chairs of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus—issued the following statement after the Trump Administration moved to close all the environmental justice offices within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and slash over 30 EPA regulations that have helped protect our nation’s public health and the environment for decades:
    “The Trump Administration seems determined to undermine protections aimed at helping every American—no matter their zip code—breathe safe air, drink clean water and live, work and play on uncontaminated land. By planning to shut down EPA’s environmental justice offices and throw out decades of proven regulations, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are needlessly endangering the health of millions of Americans—all so they can carve out tax cuts for billionaires and let the biggest polluters poison our environment. It’s a whole new level of cruel.
    “Underserved communities in rural, urban and tribal areas already shoulder the brunt of the climate crisis and environmental injustice. These cuts and reversals will make it even harder for these communities to address some of our nation’s toughest challenges, including removing lead pipes, cleaning up dangerous toxins, addressing legacy pollution that has led to higher cancer, asthma and death rates and tackling the climate crisis that threatens our health and collective planetary future. After years of leading the charge to advance environmental justice in the Senate, we’re outraged that Trump and Musk would slash EPA’s workforce and redirect the agency’s mission away from protecting Americans in need.
    “With so much at stake, we urge them to immediately reverse course and prioritize public health before billionaires’ wealth. Making it harder for Americans to breathe safe air and drink clean water is not making America great or healthy again.”
    As co-chairs and co-founders of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, Duckworth and Booker have long pushed to strengthen and defend environmental justice efforts across the country. Last month, Duckworth and Booker—along with U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)—urged EPA Administrator Zeldin to reopen the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR), which Duckworth and Booker led the charge to create.
    The Senators also recently helped introduce legislation that would permanently codify the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) in response to Attorney General Bondi’s order eliminating all environmental justice efforts at the DOJ.
    For years, Duckworth and Booker have led the charge pushing for their A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act—the most comprehensive environmental justice legislation in history—which would help achieve health equity and climate justice for all, particularly in underserved communities and communities of color that have long been disproportionately harmed by environmental injustices and toxic pollutants.
    Duckworth and Booker both worked to help pass the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included Duckworth’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (DWWIA)—the most significant federal investment in water infrastructure in history that includes $15 billion for national lead pipe replacement. DWWIA, which focuses on disadvantaged communities, is helping rebuild our nation’s crumbling and dangerous water infrastructure and enable communities to repair and modernize their failing wastewater systems, with many of the provisions to help low-income communities designed specifically for communities like Chicago, Cahokia Heights and East St. Louis.
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    MIL OSI USA News –