Category: Environment

MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $12.1 Million Across Mid-Atlantic to Upgrade Older Diesel Engines to Cleaner and Zero-Emission Solutions that are Better for Our Communities
Source: US Environment Protection Agency

Five selectees in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia will reduce diesel emissions across a range of projects, including upgrades to fire trucks, municipal fleets, and construction equipment

October 18, 2024

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced selections across the Mid-Atlantic totaling approximately $12.1 million under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program which will incentivize and accelerate the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. These upgrades will result in significant emission reductions and air quality and public health benefits.

“Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the latest round of funding, EPA’s successful DERA program will upgrade these sources of harmful pollution, and accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans.”

“The Biden-Harris Administration is once again delivering on its commitments to ensure clear air for all, regardless of zip code or background,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “These investments will have positive impacts on the neighbors of today and tomorrow, and on communities well into the future.”

Mid-Atlantic Regional Selectees:
- Government of the District of Columbia – $3,467,780
  - Replace one fire truck with one Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV)
  - Replace one refuse truck with one ZEV
  - Replace five Transportation Refrigeration Units with Zero Emission Equipment
  - Replace four transit vehicles with ZEVs
- Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition – $689,772
  - Replace 16 municipal on-road and nonroad utility vehicles with 10 new vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction
- Maryland Environmental Service – $3,474,392
  - Replace 13 terminal tractors with eight zero-emission units and five tier 4 final engines
  - Replace 23 forklifts with zero-emission units
  - Replace three tire manipulation trucks, two diesel-powered mobile pumps, and one diesel-powered air compressor with tier 4 final engines
- James Madison University – $3,500,000
  - Replace 72 short haul combination diesel engines with renewable Compressed Natural Gas trucks
- Virginia Port Authority – $972,000
  - Replace four diesel utility tractor rigs with four new battery electric utility tractor rigs
In total, EPA has tentatively selected approximately 70 national DERA projects totally $125 million to reduce diesel emissions across a range of transportation sectors including the engine replacements and upgrades to school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment. In addition to funding new cleaner diesel technologies, more than half of these selections will support replacing older equipment and vehicles with zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric school buses, terminal tractors, drayage trucks and provide shore power to marine vessels. All selected projects will reduce diesel pollution and benefit local communities, including disadvantaged communities and other areas facing environmental justice concerns. A small number of awards are still under processing. Once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied and additional selections are finalized, the EPA will update the DERA National Awards webpage.

Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. New diesel engines must meet tight standards, however, nearly eight million legacy diesel engines across transportation sectors remain in service and emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than newer diesel engines. These pollutants are linked to a range of serious health problems including asthma, lung and heart disease, other respiratory ailments, and premature death.

In selecting projects for award, priority was given to projects that:
- in areas designated as having poor air quality;
- reduce emissions from ports and other goods movement facilities;
- benefit local communities;
- incorporate local communities in project planning;
- demonstrate planning or action towards reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts;
- illustrate preparation for workforce development; and
- demonstrate an ability to continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.
DERA advances environmental justice by prioritizing emissions reductions in areas particularly affected by health and environmental impacts from diesel fleets. EPA is committed to ensuring the DERA Program delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

Read more information on the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris EPA announces nearly $5.6 million to upgrade older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions in Massachusetts
Source: US Environment Protection Agency

City of Boston and Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition, Inc. two of 70 selectees nationwide to reduce diesel emissions across a range of projects, including upgrades to school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment

October 18, 2024

Contact Information

MASSACHUSETTS (Oct. 18, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced selections totaling nearly $125 million under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act National Grants Program which will incentivize and accelerate the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions leading to significant emission reductions and air quality and public health benefits. These awards are in final workplan negotiations with the tentatively selected applicants. The DERA program prioritizes projects in areas that face air quality impacts, especially those projects that benefit disadvantaged communities and other areas that face particular public health or environmental justice risks or impacts.

“Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the latest round of funding, EPA’s successful DERA program will upgrade these sources of harmful pollution, and accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans.”

“Thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, EPA is tackling air pollution through innovative technologies, making a difference in everyday people’s lives, especially for those living in areas overburdened by pollution,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “Through the selection of the City of Boston and the Columbia Willamette Clean Cities Coalition, we will see cost-effective emission reductions which will improve air quality and protect the health of our children, nearby communities, and port workers.

In Massachusetts, the City of Boston was selected to receive a total of $4 million under two grants and the Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition, Inc. will receive nearly $1.6 million. The City of Boston is receiving $2 million to retrofit battery electric engines on 15 diesel school buses and install 15 direct current fast chargers and supporting infrastructure and $2 million to replace ten Class 7 diesel school buses with ten battery-electric school buses and to install ten direct current fast chargers and supporting infrastructure. The Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition is receiving $1,554,999 to replace three excavators and five dumpers/tenders with Tier 4 ultra-low sulfur diesel excavators and dumpers/tenders at a port in Everett, Massachusetts.

In total, EPA has tentatively selected approximately 70 national DERA projects to reduce diesel emissions across a range of transportation sectors including the engine replacements and upgrades to school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment. In addition to funding new cleaner diesel technologies, more than half of these selections will support replacing older equipment and vehicles with zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric school buses, terminal tractors, drayage trucks and provide shore power to marine vessels. All selected projects will reduce diesel pollution and benefit local communities, including disadvantaged communities and other areas facing environmental justice concerns. A small number of awards are still under processing. Once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied and additional selections are finalized, the EPA will update the DERA National Awards webpage.

Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. New diesel engines must meet tight standards, however, nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines across transportation sectors remain in service and emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than newer diesel engines. These pollutants are linked to a range of serious health problems including asthma, lung and heart disease, other respiratory ailments, and premature death.

In selecting projects for award, priority was given to projects that:
- Are in areas designated as having poor air quality.
- Reduce emissions from ports and other goods movement facilities.
- Benefit local communities.
- Incorporate local communities in project planning.
- Demonstrate planning or action towards reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts.
- Illustrate preparation for workforce development.
- Demonstrate an ability to continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.
DERA advances environmental justice by prioritizing emissions reductions in areas particularly affected by health and environmental impacts from diesel fleets. EPA is committed to ensuring the DERA Program delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

Read more information on the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: RIDOH and DEM Recommend Lifting the Advisory for Blue-green Algae at Larkin Pond

Source: US State of Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory for recreational activities at Larkin Pond in South Kingstown. The advisory was related to high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria.

Recent consecutive surveys and sample analysis confirmed that blue-green algae have been present but at acceptably low levels and that cyanotoxin is not present in detectable concentrations. These findings meet the advisory guidelines and support lifting the advisory.

Blue-green algae conditions can change quickly, and it is possible that blooms may affect Larkin Pond or other waterbodies in Rhode Island. The public should avoid contact with any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating algal mat on the water’s surface. Blue-green algae blooms may look like green paint or thick pea soup. Toxins may persist in the water after a blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.

For more information and current advisories, consult RIDEM’s website http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen. To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact RIDEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Coal to Host Star Rating Awards Ceremony, Stakeholder Consultation on MDOs, and Release of Coal Directory on October 21, 2024

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 3:40PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Coal is organizing the Star Rating Awards Ceremony, Stakeholder Consultation on Mining Developers cum Operators (MDOs), and the Release of the Coal Directory of India on October 21, 2024 at Scope Convention Centre, Scope Complex, Lodhi road, New Delhi. These events aim to recognize the exceptional performance of coal and lignite mines, foster engagement with key stakeholders, and provide valuable insights into the coal sector. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, with Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, as the Guest of Honour.

The Star Rating Awards acknowledge the outstanding performance of coal and lignite mines, aiming to promote responsible mining practices, enhance industry standards, and ensure sustainable growth in the sector. The Ministry has established a comprehensive Star Rating mechanism that evaluates mines across seven key modules: Mining Operations, Environmental Factors, Adoption of Technologies-Best Mining Practices, Economic Performance, Rehabilitation & Resettlement, Worker-Related Compliance, and Safety & Security.

The Star Ratings are awarded on a scale from Five Star to No Star, based on the holistic assessment of each mine’s performance. The ratings cover three categories of mines: Underground Mines (UG), Opencast Mines (OC), and Mixed Mines. For the year 2022-23, total 380 mines have participated in star rating award and 43 mines have qualified for the prestigious Five Star Rating, scoring more than 91%. Among them, 4 mines have been ranked for 1st, 2 mines ranked 2nd, and 6 mines ranked for 3rd prizes. No mines have been qualified under the mixed category for this year.

The Ministry of Coal will also host a Stakeholder Consultation on Mining Developers cum Operators (MDOs), focusing on streamlining operations, enhancing productivity, and reducing mining costs. The primary objective of this consultation is to engage MDOs to significantly boost coal production, reduce the country’s reliance on imported coal, and introduce cutting-edge technology in the mining sector. Ministry of Coal is committed to advancing the coal sector through enhanced collaboration with key stakeholders, including Mining Developers cum Operators (MDOs). This consultation is a crucial platform for open dialogue between the Ministry and MDOs, ensuring that industry best practices are shared and adopted to achieve a more streamlined and productive coal-mining ecosystem. The stakeholders’ consultation aims to identify and address the operational challenges faced by MDOs, such as logistical bottlenecks, regulatory compliance, and the coordination between public and private stakeholders. By engaging with MDOs, the Ministry of Coal aims to build a robust and forward-looking coal sector that can meet the nation’s growing energy requirements while maintaining high standards of safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This stakeholder consultation serves as a strategic initiative to harness the strengths of MDOs and ensure that India’s coal mining industry remains competitive and resilient in a dynamic global landscape.

Further, the event will feature the iGOT Awards (Integrated Government Online Training) under the Ministry of Mines. The Ministry of Coal will also release the Coal Directory of India, a comprehensive repository offering insights into coal and lignite production, sectoral dispatches, and other critical aspects of the coal industry. Additionally, Swachhata Awards will be presented during the event. These awards highlight the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and sustainability in the coal industry, in alignment with the Swachh Bharat mission.

These events underscore the Ministry of Coal’s commitment to enhancing the performance of coal and lignite mines, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring the availability of accurate data for stakeholders. Through these efforts, the Ministry continues to drive the growth and development of the Indian coal sector.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council enjoy significant success in fly-tipping crackdown

Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

Officers from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have revealed significant successes in their crack-down against fly-tippers over recent months.

Since the start of April this year, 11 separate Fixed Penalty Notices (£400 fines) have been issued to those responsible for dumping rubbish in green areas and public spaces.

These enforcement actions have taken place right across the ABC Borough in both urban and rural areas, with five Fixed Penalty Notices issued in Portadown, two in Armagh, two in Lurgan, two in Craigavon and one in Keady.

A spokesperson for ABC Council said one offender who dumped waste outside a recycling centre in Keady when it was closed and failed to pay the Fixed Penalty Fine was later taken to court and fined £500 plus costs.

The spokesperson said: “A further five people who failed to respond to notices issued in relation to fly-tipping offences were fined in court with the fines ranging from £150 to £300 plus costs.

“There is no reason why anyone would have to fly-tip waste as the council provides a collection service for bulk waste items such as white goods, furniture etc.

“We would also urge anyone who does not have the appropriate wheeled bins for their waste to contact their landlord where appropriate or contact the Environmental Services Department within council.”

The spokesperson added: “Fly-tipping is damaging to the climate, the environment and local wildlife and our Environmental Health officers are determined to continue our zero-tolerance approach, by pursuing all those responsible for fly-tipping and issuing these very significant fines.”

Members of the public can also help in the fight against fly-tipping, by reporting incidents via the ABC Council App which is available to download on the App store and Google Play store, or by calling the Council’s Environmental Health team directly on 0300 0300 900.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India leading the standards development process at global level: India’s candidates elected in leadership positions in all 10 Study Groups (SG) of International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) Standardization Sector (ITU-T)

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Communications

India leading the standards development process at global level: India’s candidates elected in leadership positions in all 10 Study Groups (SG) of International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) Standardization Sector (ITU-T)

India increases its leadership positions in ITU-T to 11 positions in WTSA-2024 from 7 positions in WTSA-2022

Study Groups are technical grouping of experts responsible for developing international standards for telecommunications technologies

Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 6:38PM by PIB Delhi

Keeping in view India’s vision of being a technology leader and leading the standards development process at global level, India’s candidates were elected in leadership positions in all 10 Study Groups(SG) of International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) Standardization Sector (ITU-T).

While India retained Chair position in one group, it secured Vice-Chair positions in all other 9 Study Groups and the SCV Committee, thereby increasing its leadership positions in ITU-T from 7 in WTSA-2022 to 11 positions in WTSA-2024.

India is currently hosting the International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 15^th October and will continue till 24^th October 2024. It is for the first time that WTSA is being conducted in the Asia-Pacific region and it would set the direction of standardization activities ITU-T and its work for the next four years (2024-2028). This year’s WTSA-24 witnesses more than 3700 delegates from over 160 countries, the highest ever for any WTSA assembly.

The ongoing discussions at WTSA focus on promoting standardization activities on emerging technologies and developing new ITU-T Resolutions on topics such as Digital Public Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, post-quantum cryptography, Metaverse, Over-the-top (OTT) services, Sustainable Digital transformation, etc., which would be pivotal in shaping the future of technology and ensuring a connected, secure, and inclusive digital world. The existing ITU-T Resolutions are also being updated. Once the roadmap is set during the WTSA-24, the standardization activities would be taken up by the various ITU-T Study Groups in the form of development of Standards and Technical reports. The work of ITU-T will be carried out through its 10 Study Groups.

Leadership positions: During the WTSA-24, participating countries elected leadership positions of the various Study Groups. India has significantly strengthened its position in the global telecommunication landscape, securing key leadership roles in all the ITU-T Study Groups. In the ongoing WTSA-24, India has garnered 11 leadership positions, including 1 Chair position for ITU-T SG 11 and 10 vice chair-positions as detailed below:

S. N.	Study Group	Leadership Position	Chair/Vice-Chair
1	SG2: Operational aspects	Vice-Chair	Premjit Lal, DDG(IR), DoT
2	SG3: Economic & policy issues	Vice-Chair	Sathish Kumar MC, Deputy Administrator, USOF
3	SG5: Environment, EMF & circular economy	Vice-Chair	Neha Upadhyay, Director, TEC
4	SGC [Merger of SG9: Broadband cable & TV and SG16: Multimedia & digital technologies]	Vice-Chair	Avinash Agarwal, DDG, TEC
5	SG11: Protocols, testing & combating counterfeiting	Chair	Tejpal Singh, Advisor, TRAI
6	SG12: Performance, QoS & QoE	Vice-Chair	Abdul Kayum, Advisor, TRAI
7	SG13: Future networks	Vice-Chair	Abhijan Bhattacharyya, TCS
8	SG15: Transport, access & home	Vice-Chair	Sudipta Bhaumik, STL
9	SG17: Security	Vice-Chair	Preetika Singh, Director, TEC
10	SG20: IoT, smart cities & communities	Vice-Chair	Ravi A Robert Jerard, CMD, BSNL
11	SCV [Standardization Committee for Vocabulary]	Vice-Chair	Hemendra K Sharma, DDG(Media), DoT

This is a recognition of the contributions of these experts in development of global standards and a major milestone in India’s Standardisation Journey.

About Study Groups

Study Groups are technical grouping of experts who work for developing international standards for telecommunications technologies based on the technical inputs received from members of ITU. Chairs and Vice Chairs of these Study Groups are elected from the ITU members during the WTSA. Area of work for the Study Groups (SGs) are as below :

SG2: Operational aspects

Deployment of numbering, naming, addressing and identification (NNAI) requirements and resource assignment,
operational and management aspects of networks

SG3: Economic & policy issues

Studying international telecommunication/ICT policy and economic issues and tariff and accounting matters (including costing principles and methodologies), with a view to informing the development of enabling regulatory models and frameworks.

SG5: Environment, EMF & circular economy

Electromagnetic fields (EMF), environment, climate action, sustainable digitalization, and the circular economy.

SGC [Merger of SG9: Broadband cable & TV and SG16: Multimedia & digital technologies]

Use of telecommunication systems in the distribution of television and sound programs supporting advanced capabilities such as ultra-high definition and high-dynamic range, 3D, virtual reality, augmented reality and multiview.

Ubiquitous multimedia applications, multimedia capabilities, multimedia services and multimedia applications for existing and future networks.

SG11: Protocols, testing & combating counterfeiting

signalling and protocols
establishing test specifications, conformance and interoperability testing for all types of networks, technologies and services that are the subject of study and standardization by all ITU-T study groups
combating counterfeiting of ICT devices
combating the use of stolen ICT devices

SG12: Performance, QoS & QoE

Development of international standards (ITU-T Recommendations) on performance, quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE). This work spans the full spectrum of terminals, networks and services, ranging from speech over fixed circuit-switched networks to multimedia applications over mobile and packet-based networks.

SG13: Future networks

Future computing, including cloud computing and data handling in ICT networks. This work covers network capabilities and technologies to support data utilization, exchange, sharing, and data quality assessment. It also covers computing-aware networking as well as end-to-end awareness, control and management of future computing, including cloud, cloud security and data handling.

SG15: Transport, access & home

Development of standards for the optical transport network, access network and home network infrastructures, systems, equipment, optical fibres and cables and the related installation, maintenance, management, test, instrumentation and measurement techniques, and control plane technologies to enable the evolution toward intelligent transport networks.

SG17: Security

Cybersecurity, security management, security architectures and frameworks, countering spam, identity management, the protection of personally identifiable information, operational aspects of data protection, open identity trust framework; and quantum-based security; and Child Online Protection.

SG20: IoT, smart cities & communities

Coordinated deployment of IoT and address IoT implementation challenges related to interoperability, big data, and architectural frameworks and requirements for supporting various IoT systems. SG20 standards that set the requirements for IoT deployment also help smart cities and communities to improve the efficiency of IoT systems and smart city platforms, break down data silos, facilitate seamless data sharing among various verticals, and enhance data processing and management capacity.

SCV [Standardization Committee for Vocabulary]

To address the need for a harmonized understanding of all terms and definitions used in standardization.

About TSAG [Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group]: TSAG acts as an advisory body and plays a crucial role in providing strategic guidance and oversight to the ITU’s standardization activities. It is called on to resolve coordination issues among the study groups, to expand electronic working methods for the ITU-T and to provide advice and procedures on relationships with other standards bodies.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE conference commemorates 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s accession to the Aarhus Convention

Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

Headline: OSCE conference commemorates 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s accession to the Aarhus Convention

Participants discuss the role of the Aarhus Centre in promoting the Aarhus Convention during an OSCE-organized conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s accession to the Aarhus Convention, Ashgabat, 21 October 2024, OSCE (OSCE) Photo details

On 21 October 2024, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat hosted a conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary since Turkmenistan acceded to the Aarhus Convention, a key UN document on access to environmental information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters.
The conference brought together representatives of the Aarhus Centre in Turkmenistan and public organizations, national environmental experts and governmental officials from relevant ministries and agencies.
“As we celebrate this significant anniversary, I am pleased to highlight that Turkmenistan was the first Central Asian state to ratify the Aarhus Convention and commit to implementing provisions of this unprecedented environmental agreement,” said Olivera Zurovac-Kuzman
, Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
The event presented the draft National Report on the Implementation of the Aarhus Convention in Turkmenistan and its provisions and discussed the main areas of Aarhus Centre’s activities.
A representative from the Aarhus Convention Secretariat, UNECE, focused on the role of the Aarhus Convention in promoting the principles of good environmental governance and sustainable development.
Representatives of the Aarhus Centre in Turkmenistan reflected on the role of the Aarhus Centre in promoting the Aarhus Convention and the main areas of their activities emphasizing the importance of their work aimed at promoting sustainable water management. Experiences of organizing environmental campaigns were also shared.
“We highly value our long-standing co-operation with the Aarhus Centre, hosted by the public organization ”Tebigy Kuwwat”, in supporting Turkmenistan in the implementation of the Aarhus Convention and promoting access to information, public participation and access to justice in environmental matters,” added Zurovac-Kuzman.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: HBT Financial, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Third Quarter Highlights

Net income of $18.2 million, or $0.57 per diluted share; return on average assets (“ROAA”) of 1.44%; return on average stockholders’ equity (“ROAE”) of 13.81%; and return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”)⁽¹⁾ of 16.25%
Adjusted net income⁽¹⁾ of $19.2 million; or $0.61 per diluted share; adjusted ROAA⁽¹⁾ of 1.53%; adjusted ROAE⁽¹⁾ of 14.62%; and adjusted ROATCE⁽¹⁾ of 17.20%
Asset quality remained strong with nonperforming assets to total assets of 0.17% and net charge-offs to average loans of 0.07%, on an annualized basis
Net interest margin and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)⁽¹⁾ expanded to 3.98% and 4.03%, respectively

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HBT Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: HBT) (the “Company” or “HBT Financial” or “HBT”), the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, today reported net income of $18.2 million, or $0.57 diluted earnings per share, for the third quarter of 2024. This compares to net income of $18.1 million, or $0.57 diluted earnings per share, for the second quarter of 2024, and net income of $19.7 million, or $0.62 diluted earnings per share, for the third quarter of 2023.

J. Lance Carter, President and Chief Executive Officer of HBT Financial, said, “In the third quarter, we continued our consistently solid financial performance with net income of $18.2 million, adjusted net income⁽¹⁾ of $19.2 million, adjusted ROAA⁽¹⁾ of 1.53% and adjusted ROATCE⁽¹⁾ of 17.20%. We have also seen tangible equity continue to build, with tangible book value per share increasing 23.3% over the last year. Our net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)⁽¹⁾ increased 3 basis points to 4.03% while funding costs remained modest, increasing 5 basis points to 1.47%. Our asset quality remains strong with net charge-offs at 0.07% of average loans on an annualized basis during the quarter and nonperforming assets to total assets at 0.17%. We have not seen any significant signs of stress in our loan portfolio, but we continue to monitor the portfolio closely. Noninterest income remained consistent and noninterest expense of $31.3 million was up only 2.1% when compared to the third quarter of 2023, as we remain focused on operational efficiency while continuing to invest in our business. Lastly, all capital ratios had solid increases and can support future organic growth or acquisitions.”
____________________________________
(1) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.

Adjusted Net Income

In addition to reporting GAAP results, the Company believes non-GAAP measures such as adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share, which adjust for acquisition expenses, branch closure expenses, gains (losses) on closed branch premises, net earnings (losses) from closed or sold operations, charges related to termination of certain employee benefit plans, realized gains (losses) on sales of securities, and mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustments, provide investors with additional insight into its operational performance. The Company reported adjusted net income of $19.2 million, or $0.61 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the third quarter of 2024. This compares to adjusted net income of $18.1 million, or $0.57 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the second quarter of 2024, and adjusted net income of $20.3 million, or $0.63 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the third quarter of 2023 (see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures).

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was $47.7 million, an increase of 1.5% from $47.0 million for the second quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to improved loan yields which were mostly offset by an increase in funding costs.

Relative to the third quarter of 2023, net interest income decreased 1.1% from $48.3 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to higher funding costs which were partially offset by higher asset yields and an increase in interest-earning assets.

Net interest margin for the third quarter of 2024 was 3.98%, compared to 3.95% for the second quarter of 2024, and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)⁽¹⁾ for the third quarter of 2024 was 4.03%, compared to 4.00% for the second quarter of 2024. Higher yields on interest-earning assets, which increased by 7 basis points to 5.35%, were mostly offset by an increase in funding costs, with the cost of funds increasing by 5 basis points to 1.47%.

Relative to the third quarter of 2023, net interest margin decreased 9 basis points from 4.07% and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)⁽¹⁾ decreased 10 basis points from 4.13%. These decreases were primarily attributable to increases in funding costs outpacing increases in interest-earning asset yields.
____________________________________
(1) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income for the third quarter of 2024 was $8.7 million, a decrease from $9.6 million for the second quarter of 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to changes in the mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) fair value adjustment, with a $1.5 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the third quarter 2024 results compared to a $0.1 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the second quarter 2024 results. Partially offsetting the MSR fair value adjustment was a $0.2 million increase in service charge income and a $0.2 million increase in other noninterest income, primarily attributable to swap fee income.

Relative to the third quarter of 2023, noninterest income decreased 8.3% from $9.5 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to the $1.5 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the third quarter 2024 results, partially offset by the absence of $0.8 million in realized losses on the sale of securities included in the third quarter 2023 results.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $31.3 million, a 2.7% increase from $30.5 million for the second quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to a $0.5 million increase in occupancy expense, driven in part by a seasonal increase in planned building maintenance expenses, and a $0.4 million increase in marketing and customer relations expense.

Relative to the third quarter of 2023, noninterest expense increased 2.1% from $30.7 million. The increase was primarily attributable to a $0.7 million increase in salaries and a $0.4 million increase in employee benefits. Partially offsetting these increases was a $0.3 million decrease in marketing and customer relations expense.

On February 1, 2023, HBT Financial completed its acquisition of Town and Country Financial Corporation (“Town and Country”) with the core system conversion successfully completed in April 2023. Acquisition-related expenses recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 are summarized below. No Town and Country acquisition-related expenses were recognized subsequent to the second quarter of 2023.

(dollars in thousands)		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES	$	5,924
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries		3,584
Furniture and equipment		39
Data processing		2,031
Marketing and customer relations		24
Loan collection and servicing		125
Legal fees and other noninterest expense		1,964
Total noninterest expense		7,767
Total acquisition-related expenses	$	13,691

Loan Portfolio

Total loans outstanding, before allowance for credit losses, were $3.37 billion at September 30, 2024, compared with $3.39 billion at June 30, 2024, and $3.34 billion at September 30, 2023. The $15.7 million decrease from June 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to several larger commercial real estate loan payoffs due to the sale of the property and a couple of larger one-to-four family residential loan payoffs. These decreases were partially offset by increased line usage and term originations in our agricultural and farmland portfolio.

Deposits

Total deposits were $4.28 billion at September 30, 2024, compared with $4.32 billion at June 30, 2024, and $4.20 billion at September 30, 2023. The $38.0 million decrease from June 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to lower balances maintained in retail accounts and a $18.3 million decrease in escrow balances related to seasonal tax payments, partially offset by increases in public funds and business accounts. Additionally, we continue to see a shift towards higher cost deposit products, with decreases in noninterest-bearing deposits, interest-bearing demand, and savings balances being partially offset by an increase in money market and time deposit balances.

Asset Quality

Nonperforming loans totaled $8.2 million, or 0.24% of total loans, at September 30, 2024, compared with $8.4 million, or 0.25% of total loans, at June 30, 2024, and $6.7 million, or 0.20% of total loans, at September 30, 2023. Additionally, of the $8.2 million of nonperforming loans held as of September 30, 2024, $2.0 million is either wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. government. The $0.2 million decrease in nonperforming loans from June 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to the payoff of $0.1 million in nonaccrual agricultural and farmland loans.

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $0.6 million for the third quarter of 2024. The provision for credit losses primarily reflects a $1.2 million increase in required reserves resulting from changes in economic forecasts; a $0.2 million increase in required reserves resulting from qualitative factor changes; a $0.6 million decrease in required reserves driven by decreased loan balances and changes within the loan portfolio; and a $0.2 million decrease in specific reserves.

The Company had net charge-offs of $0.6 million, or 0.07% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the third quarter of 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $0.7 million, or 0.08% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the second quarter of 2024, and net recoveries of $0.1 million, or 0.01% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the third quarter of 2023. During the third quarter of 2024, net charge-offs were primarily recognized in the commercial and industrial category which had $0.7 million of net charge-offs.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses was 1.22% of total loans and 499% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2024, compared with 1.21% of total loans and 484% of nonperforming loans at June 30, 2024. In addition, the allowance for credit losses on unfunded lending-related commitments totaled $4.1 million as of September 30, 2024, compared with $4.3 million as of June 30, 2024.

Capital

As of September 30, 2024, the Company exceeded all regulatory capital requirements under Basel III as summarized in the following table:

	September 30, 2024		For Capital Adequacy Purposes With Capital Conservation Buffer

Total capital to risk-weighted assets	16.54	%	10.50	%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets	14.48		8.50
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio	13.15		7.00
Tier 1 leverage ratio	11.16		4.00

The ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets⁽¹⁾ increased to 9.35% as of September 30, 2024, from 8.74% as of June 30, 2024, and tangible book value per share⁽¹⁾ increased by $0.91 to $14.55 as of September 30, 2024, when compared to June 30, 2024.

During the third quarter of 2024, the Company did not repurchase shares of its common stock under its stock repurchase program. The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $15 million of HBT Financial common stock under its stock repurchase program, which is in effect until January 1, 2025. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $10.6 million remaining under the stock repurchase program.
____________________________________
(1) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.

About HBT Financial, Inc.

HBT Financial, Inc., headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, is the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, and has banking roots that can be traced back to 1920. HBT Financial provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Illinois and eastern Iowa through 66 full-service branches. As of September 30, 2024, HBT Financial had total assets of $5.0 billion, total loans of $3.4 billion, and total deposits of $4.3 billion.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Some of the financial measures included in this press release are not measures of financial performance recognized in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include net interest income (tax-equivalent basis), net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis), efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis), ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets, tangible book value per share, ROATCE, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted ROAA, adjusted ROAE, and adjusted ROATCE. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, together with the related GAAP financial measures, in its analysis of our performance and in making business decisions. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present these non-GAAP financial measures, and accordingly believes that providing these measures may be useful for peer comparison purposes. These disclosures should not be viewed as substitutes for the results determined to be in accordance with GAAP; nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that may be presented by other companies. See our reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables.

Forward-Looking Statements

Readers should note that in addition to the historical information contained herein, this press release contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “will,” “propose,” “may,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” or “should,” or similar terminology. Any forward-looking statements presented herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or other threats thereof (including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Russian invasion of Ukraine), or other adverse external events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (iii) changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (iv) changes in state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business and any changes in response to the recent failures of other banks or as a result of the upcoming 2024 presidential election; (v) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of the Company’s assets; (vi) increased competition in the financial services sector, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and “fintech” companies, and the inability to attract new customers; (vii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (viii) unexpected results of acquisitions, which may include failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and the possibility that transaction costs may be greater than anticipated; (ix) the loss of key executives or employees; (x) changes in consumer spending; (xi) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the Company; (xii) the economic impact of exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xiii) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio; (xiv) concentrations within our loan portfolio (including commercial real estate loans), large loans to certain borrowers, and large deposits from certain clients; (xv) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xvi) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xvii) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xviii) breaches or failures of our information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, and (xix) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated. Readers should note that the forward-looking statements included in this press release are not a guarantee of future events, and that actual events may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect the Company’s financial results, is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT:
Peter Chapman
HBTIR@hbtbank.com
(309) 664-4556

HBT Financial, Inc. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary

	As of or for the Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023				2024			2023
Interest and dividend income	$	64,117		$	62,824		$	59,041		$	188,902		$	167,588
Interest expense		16,384			15,796			10,762			47,453			23,600
Net interest income		47,733			47,028			48,279			141,449			143,988
Provision for credit losses		603			1,176			480			2,306			6,460
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		47,130			45,852			47,799			139,143			137,528
Noninterest income		8,705			9,610			9,490			23,941			26,841
Noninterest expense		31,322			30,509			30,671			93,099			100,577
Income before income tax expense		24,513			24,953			26,618			69,985			63,792
Income tax expense		6,333			6,883			6,903			18,477			16,396
Net income	$	18,180		$	18,070		$	19,715		$	51,508		$	47,396

Earnings per share – Diluted	$	0.57		$	0.57		$	0.62		$	1.62		$	1.49

Adjusted net income ⁽¹⁾	$	19,244		$	18,139		$	20,279		$	55,456		$	58,910
Adjusted earnings per share – Diluted ⁽¹⁾		0.61			0.57			0.63			1.75			1.86

Book value per share	$	17.04		$	16.14		$	14.36
Tangible book value per share ⁽¹⁾		14.55			13.64			11.80

Shares of common stock outstanding		31,559,366			31,559,366			31,774,140
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding		31,559,366			31,579,457			31,829,250			31,600,442			31,598,650

SUMMARY RATIOS
Net interest margin *		3.98	%		3.95	%		4.07	%		3.96	%		4.14	%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) * ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾		4.03			4.00			4.13			4.01			4.20

Efficiency ratio		54.24	%		52.61	%		51.85	%		55.00	%		57.73	%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾		53.71			52.10			51.25			54.45			57.04

Loan to deposit ratio		78.72	%		78.39	%		79.63	%

Return on average assets *		1.44	%		1.45	%		1.58	%		1.37	%		1.29	%
Return on average stockholders’ equity *		13.81			14.48			17.02			13.58			14.22
Return on average tangible common equity * ⁽¹⁾		16.25			17.21			20.70			16.11			17.17

Adjusted return on average assets * ⁽¹⁾		1.53	%		1.45	%		1.62	%		1.48	%		1.61	%
Adjusted return on average stockholders’ equity * ⁽¹⁾		14.62			14.54			17.51			14.62			17.68
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity * ⁽¹⁾		17.20			17.27			21.29			17.34			21.34

CAPITAL
Total capital to risk-weighted assets		16.54	%		16.01	%		15.09	%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets		14.48			13.98			13.18
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio		13.15			12.66			11.88
Tier 1 leverage ratio		11.16			10.83			10.34
Total stockholders’ equity to total assets		10.77			10.18			9.14
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ⁽¹⁾		9.35			8.74			7.64

ASSET QUALITY
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans *		0.07	%		0.08	%		(0.01)	%		0.04	%		(0.01)	%
Allowance for credit losses to loans, before allowance for credit losses		1.22			1.21			1.16
Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses		0.24			0.25			0.20
Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.17			0.17			0.16

* Annualized measure.
(1) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.
(2) On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

HBT Financial, Inc. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary Consolidated Statements of Income

	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023				2024			2023
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
Loans, including fees:
Taxable	$	53,650		$	52,177		$	49, 640		$	157,753		$	138,948
Federally tax exempt		1,133			1,097			1,072			3,324			3,064
Debt Securities:
Taxable		6,453			6,315			6,402			18,972			19,460
Federally tax exempt		502			521			978			1,620			3,337
Interest-bearing deposits in bank		2,230			2,570			714			6,752			2,234
Other interest and dividend income		149			144			235			481			545
Total interest and dividend income		64,117			62,824			59,041			188,902			167,588
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits		14,649			14,133			7,211			42,375			13,908
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		134			129			35			415			107
Borrowings		119			121			2,108			365			5,594
Subordinated notes		470			469			470			1,409			1,409
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts		1,012			944			938			2,889			2,582
Total interest expense		16,384			15,796			10,762			47,453			23,600
Net interest income		47,733			47,028			48,279			141,449			143,988
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES		603			1,176			480			2,306			6,460
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		47,130			45,852			47,799			139,143			137,528
NONINTEREST INCOME
Card income		2,753			2,885			2,763			8,254			8,326
Wealth management fees		2,670			2,623			2,381			7,840			6,998
Service charges on deposit accounts		2,081			1,902			2,040			5,852			5,830
Mortgage servicing		1,113			1,111			1,169			3,279			3,522
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment		(1,488	)		(97	)		23			(1,505	)		(460	)
Gains on sale of mortgage loans		461			443			476			1,202			1,125
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities		—			—			(813	)		(3,382	)		(1,820	)
Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities		136			(96	)		(46	)		24			(61	)
Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets		(44	)		(28	)		550			15			443
Gains (losses) on other assets		(2	)		—			52			(637	)		161
Income on bank owned life insurance		170			166			153			500			415
Other noninterest income		855			701			742			2,499			2,362
Total noninterest income		8,705			9,610			9,490			23,941			26,841
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries		16,325			16,364			15,644			49,346			51,715
Employee benefits		2,997			2,860			2,616			8,662			7,658
Occupancy of bank premises		2,695			2,243			2,573			7,520			7,460
Furniture and equipment		446			548			667			1,544			2,135
Data processing		2,640			2,606			2,581			8,171			9,787
Marketing and customer relations		1,380			996			1,679			3,372			3,874
Amortization of intangible assets		710			710			720			2,130			1,950
FDIC insurance		572			565			512			1,697			1,705
Loan collection and servicing		476			475			345			1,403			971
Foreclosed assets		19			10			76			78			234
Other noninterest expense		3,062			3,132			3,258			9,176			13,088
Total noninterest expense		31,322			30,509			30,671			93,099			100,577
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE		24,513			24,953			26,618			69,985			63,792
INCOME TAX EXPENSE		6,333			6,883			6,903			18,477			16,396
NET INCOME	$	18,180		$	18,070		$	19,715		$	51,508		$	47,396

EARNINGS PER SHARE – BASIC	$	0.58		$	0.57		$	0.62		$	1.63		$	1.50
EARNINGS PER SHARE – DILUTED	$	0.57		$	0.57		$	0.62		$	1.62		$	1.49
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING		31,559,366			31,579,457			31,829,250			31,600,442			31,598,650

HBT Financial, Inc. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	26,776		$	22,604		$	24,757
Interest-bearing deposits with banks		152,895			172,636			87,156
Cash and cash equivalents		179,671			195,240			111,913

Interest-bearing time deposits with banks		—			520			500
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value		710,303			669,055			753,163
Debt securities held-to-maturity		505,075			512,549			527,144
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value		3,364			3,228			3,106
Equity securities with no readily determinable fair value		2,638			2,613			2,300
Restricted stock, at cost		5,086			5,086			11,165
Loans held for sale		2,959			858			3,563

Loans, before allowance for credit losses		3,369,830			3,385,483			3,342,786
Allowance for credit losses		(40,966	)		(40,806	)		(38,863	)
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses		3,328,864			3,344,677			3,303,923

Bank owned life insurance		24,405			24,235			23,747
Bank premises and equipment, net		65,919			65,711			64,713
Bank premises held for sale		317			317			35
Foreclosed assets		376			320			1,519
Goodwill		59,820			59,820			59,820
Intangible assets, net		18,552			19,262			21,402
Mortgage servicing rights, at fair value		17,496			18,984			20,156
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries		1,614			1,614			1,614
Accrued interest receivable		24,160			22,425			23,447
Other assets		40,109			59,685			58,538
Total assets	$	4,990,728		$	5,006,199		$	4,991,768

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	$	1,008,359		$	1,045,697		$	1,086,877
Interest-bearing		3,272,341			3,272,996			3,111,191
Total deposits		4,280,700			4,318,693			4,198,068

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		29,029			29,330			28,900
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		13,435			13,734			177,650
Subordinated notes		39,533			39,514			39,454
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts		52,834			52,819			52,774
Other liabilities		37,535			42,640			38,671
Total liabilities		4,453,066			4,496,730			4,535,517

Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock		328			328			327
Surplus		296,810			296,430			295,483
Retained earnings		302,532			290,386			256,050
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(38,989	)		(54,656	)		(78,432	)
Treasury stock at cost		(23,019	)		(23,019	)		(17,177	)
Total stockholders’ equity		537,662			509,469			456,251
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,990,728		$	5,006,199		$	4,991,768
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING		31,559,366			31,559,366			31,774,140

HBT Financial, Inc. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary

(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		September 30, 2023

LOANS
Commercial and industrial	$	395,598	$	400,276	$	386,933
Commercial real estate – owner occupied		288,838		289,992		297,242
Commercial real estate – non-owner occupied		889,188		889,193		901,929
Construction and land development		359,151		365,371		371,158
Multi-family		432,712		429,951		388,742
One-to-four family residential		472,040		484,335		488,655
Agricultural and farmland		297,102		285,822		275,239
Municipal, consumer, and other		235,201		240,543		232,888
Total loans	$	3,369,830	$	3,385,483	$	3,342,786

(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		September 30, 2023

DEPOSITS
Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	1,008,359	$	1,045,697	$	1,086,877
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand		1,076,445		1,094,797		1,134,721
Money market		795,150		769,386		673,780
Savings		566,783		582,752		623,083
Time		803,964		796,069		564,634
Brokered		29,999		29,992		114,973
Total interest-bearing deposits		3,272,341		3,272,996		3,111,191
Total deposits	$	4,280,700	$	4,318,693	$	4,198,068

HBT Financial, Inc. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary

	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2024							June 30, 2024							September 30, 2023
(dollars in thousands)	Average Balance			Interest		Yield/Cost *		Average Balance			Interest		Yield/Cost *		Average Balance			Interest		Yield/Cost *

ASSETS
Loans	$	3,379,299		$	54,783	6.45	%	$	3,374,058		$	53,274	6.35	%	$	3,296,703		$	50,712	6.10	%
Debt Securities		1,191,642			6,955	2.32			1,187,795			6,836	2.31			1,317,603			7,380	2.22
Deposits with banks		185,870			2,230	4.77			211,117			2,570	4.90			77,595			714	3.65
Other		12,660			149	4.68			12,588			144	4.60			16,430			235	5.68
Total interest-earning assets		4,769,471		$	64,117	5.35	%		4,785,558		$	62,824	5.28	%		4,708,331		$	59,041	4.97	%
Allowance for credit losses		(40,780	)						(40,814	)						(38,317	)
Noninterest-earning assets		278,030							283,103							294,818
Total assets	$	5,006,721						$	5,027,847						$	4,964,832

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand	$	1,085,609		$	1,408	0.52	%	$	1,123,592		$	1,429	0.51	%	$	1,160,654		$	761	0.26	%
Money market		800,651			4,726	2.35			788,744			4,670	2.38			682,772			2,026	1.18
Savings		573,077			396	0.27			592,312			393	0.27			639,384			249	0.15
Time		804,379			7,702	3.81			763,507			7,117	3.75			519,683			3,275	2.50
Brokered		29,996			417	5.54			38,213			524	5.51			66,776			900	5.34
Total interest-bearing deposits		3,293,712			14,649	1.77			3,306,368			14,133	1.72			3,069,269			7,211	0.93
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		29,426			134	1.80			30,440			129	1.70			33,807			35	0.41
Borrowings		13,691			119	3.47			13,466			121	3.60			157,908			2,108	5.30
Subordinated notes		39,524			470	4.73			39,504			469	4.78			39,444			470	4.72
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts		52,827			1,012	7.63			52,812			944	7.18			52,767			938	7.05
Total interest-bearing liabilities		3,429,180		$	16,384	1.90	%		3,442,590		$	15,796	1.85	%		3,353,195		$	10,762	1.27	%
Noninterest-bearing deposits		1,013,893							1,043,614							1,105,472
Noninterest-bearing liabilities		39,903							39,806							46,564
Total liabilities		4,482,976							4,526,010							4,505,231
Stockholders’ Equity		523,745							501,837							459,601
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	5,006,721						$	5,027,847						$	4,964,832

Net interest income/Net interest margin ⁽¹⁾				$	47,733	3.98	%				$	47,028	3.95	%				$	48,279	4.07	%
Tax-equivalent adjustment ⁽²⁾					552	0.05						553	0.05						675	0.06
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/ Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) ^{(2) (3)}				$	48,285	4.03	%				$	47,581	4.00	%				$	48,954	4.13	%
Net interest rate spread ⁽⁴⁾						3.45	%						3.43	%						3.70	%
Net interest-earning assets ⁽⁵⁾	$	1,340,291						$	1,342,968						$	1,355,136
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities		1.39							1.39							1.40
Cost of total deposits						1.35	%						1.31	%						0.69	%
Cost of funds						1.47							1.42							0.96

* Annualized measure.
(1) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
(2) On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.
(3) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.
(4) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(5) Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

HBT Financial, Inc. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2024							September 30, 2023
(dollars in thousands)	Average Balance			Interest		Yield/Cost *		Average Balance			Interest		Yield/Cost *

ASSETS
Loans	$	3,374,875		$	161,077	6.38	%	$	3,183,641		$	142,012	5.96	%
Debt Securities		1,197,772			20,592	2.30			1,366,298			22,797	2.23
Deposits with banks		188,087			6,752	4.80			84,720			2,234	3.53
Other		12,744			481	5.04			15,334			545	4.75
Total interest-earning assets		4,773,478		$	188,902	5.29	%		4,649,993		$	167,588	4.82	%
Allowance for credit losses		(40,611	)						(37,053	)
Noninterest-earning assets		279,789							289,843
Total assets	$	5,012,656						$	4,902,783

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Interest-bearing demand	$	1,112,198		$	4,148	0.50	%	$	1,204,937		$	1,902	0.21	%
Money market		800,693			14,193	2.37			664,036			4,467	0.90
Savings		592,134			1,232	0.28			678,495			616	0.12
Time		744,349			20,744	3.72			441,760			6,011	1.82
Brokered		50,046			2,058	5.49			22,987			912	5.30
Total interest-bearing deposits		3,299,420			42,375	1.72			3,012,215			13,908	0.62
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		30,769			415	1.80			35,844			107	0.40
Borrowings		13,387			365	3.64			148,443			5,594	5.04
Subordinated notes		39,504			1,409	4.76			39,424			1,409	4.78
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts		52,812			2,889	7.31			51,054			2,582	6.76
Total interest-bearing liabilities		3,435,892		$	47,453	1.84	%		3,286,980		$	23,600	0.96	%
Noninterest-bearing deposits		1,031,239							1,123,917
Noninterest-bearing liabilities		38,943							46,310
Total liabilities		4,506,074							4,457,207
Stockholders’ Equity		506,582							445,576
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	5,012,656							4,902,783

Net interest income/Net interest margin ⁽¹⁾				$	141,449	3.96	%				$	143,988	4.14	%
Tax-equivalent adjustment ⁽²⁾					1,680	0.05						2,092	0.06
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/ Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) ^{(2) (3)}				$	143,129	4.01	%				$	146,080	4.20	%
Net interest rate spread ⁽⁴⁾						3.45	%						3.86	%
Net interest-earning assets ⁽⁵⁾	$	1,337,586						$	1,363,013
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities		1.39							1.41
Cost of total deposits						1.31	%						0.45	%
Cost of funds						1.42							0.72

* Annualized measure.
(1) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
(2) On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.
(3) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.
(4) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(5) Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

HBT Financial, Inc. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary

(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023

NONPERFORMING ASSETS
Nonaccrual	$	8,200		$	8,425		$	6,678
Past due 90 days or more, still accruing		5			7			—
Total nonperforming loans		8,205			8,432			6,678
Foreclosed assets		376			320			1,519
Total nonperforming assets	$	8,581		$	8,752		$	8,197

Nonperforming loans that are wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. Government	$	2,046		$	2,132		$	1,968

Allowance for credit losses	$	40,966		$	40,806		$	38,863
Loans, before allowance for credit losses		3,369,830			3,385,483			3,342,786

CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance for credit losses to loans, before allowance for credit losses		1.22	%		1.21	%		1.16	%
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans		499.59			484.34			581.96
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans		499.28			483.94			581.96
Nonaccrual loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses		0.24			0.25			0.20
Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses		0.24			0.25			0.20
Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.17			0.17			0.16
Nonperforming assets to loans, before allowance for credit losses, and foreclosed assets		0.25			0.26			0.25

HBT Financial, Inc. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary

	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023				2024			2023

ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
Beginning balance	$	40,806		$	40,815		$	37,814		$	40,048		$	25,333
Adoption of ASC 326		—			—			—			—			6,983
PCD allowance established in acquisition		—			—			—			—			1,247
Provision for credit losses		746			677			983			1,983			5,004
Charge-offs		(1,101	)		(870	)		(412	)		(2,198	)		(733	)
Recoveries		515			184			478			1,133			1,029
Ending balance	$	40,966		$	40,806		$	38,863		$	40,966		$	38,863

Net charge-offs (recoveries)	$	586		$	686		$	(66	)	$	1,065		$	(296	)
Average loans		3,379,299			3,374,058			3,296,703			3,374,875			3,183,641

Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans *		0.07	%		0.08	%		(0.01)	%		0.04	%		(0.01)	%

* Annualized measure.

	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024		September 30, 2023				2024		2023

PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	746		$	677	$	983		$	1,983	$	5,004
Unfunded lending-related commitments ⁽¹⁾		(143	)		499		297			323		1,456
Debt securities		—			—		(800	)		—		—
Total provision for credit losses	$	603		$	1,176	$	480		$	2,306	$	6,460

(1) Includes recognition of an allowance for credit losses on non-PCD loans of $5.2 million and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $0.7 million in connection with the Town and Country merger during the first quarter of 2023.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Assets
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023				2024			2023

Net income	$	18,180		$	18,070		$	19,715		$	51,508		$	47,396
Adjustments:
Acquisition expenses ⁽¹⁾		—			—			—			—			(13,691	)
Gains (losses) on closed branch premises		—			—			—			(635	)		75
Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities		—			—			(813	)		(3,382	)		(1,820	)
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment		(1,488	)		(97	)		23			(1,505	)		(460	)
Total adjustments		(1,488	)		(97	)		(790	)		(5,522	)		(15,896	)
Tax effect of adjustments ⁽²⁾		424			28			226			1,574			4,382
Total adjustments after tax effect		(1,064	)		(69	)		(564	)		(3,948	)		(11,514	)
Adjusted net income	$	19,244		$	18,139		$	20,279		$	55,456		$	58,910

Average assets	$	5,006,721		$	5,027,847		$	4,964,832		$	5,012,656		$	4,902,783

Return on average assets *		1.44	%		1.45	%		1.58	%		1.37	%		1.29	%
Adjusted return on average assets *		1.53			1.45			1.62			1.48			1.61

* Annualized measure.
(1) Includes recognition of an allowance for credit losses on non-PCD loans of $5.2 million and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $0.7 million in connection with the Town and Country merger during the first quarter of 2023.
(2) Assumes a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Adjusted Earnings Per Share — Basic and Diluted
	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		September 30, 2023				2024		2023

Numerator:
Net income	$	18,180	$	18,070	$	19,715		$	51,508	$	47,396
Earnings allocated to participating securities ⁽¹⁾		—		—		(10	)		—		(26	)
Numerator for earnings per share – basic and diluted	$	18,180	$	18,070	$	19,705		$	51,508	$	47,370

Adjusted net income	$	19,244	$	18,139	$	20,279		$	55,456	$	58,910
Earnings allocated to participating securities ⁽¹⁾		—		—		(10	)		—		(33	)
Numerator for adjusted earnings per share – basic and diluted	$	19,244	$	18,139	$	20,269		$	55,456	$	58,877

Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		31,559,366		31,579,457		31,829,250			31,600,442		31,598,650
Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units		118,180		87,354		137,187			115,266		102,574
Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares		31,677,546		31,666,811		31,966,437			31,715,708		31,701,224

Earnings per share – Basic	$	0.58	$	0.57	$	0.62		$	1.63	$	1.50
Earnings per share – Diluted	$	0.57	$	0.57	$	0.62		$	1.62	$	1.49

Adjusted earnings per share – Basic	$	0.61	$	0.57	$	0.64		$	1.75	$	1.86
Adjusted earnings per share – Diluted	$	0.61	$	0.57	$	0.63		$	1.75	$	1.86

(1) The Company previously granted restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents, which were considered participating securities. Prior to 2024, these restricted stock units were included in the calculation of basic earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Net Interest Income (Tax-equivalent Basis) and Net Interest Margin (Tax-equivalent Basis)
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023				2024			2023

Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)
Net interest income	$	47,733		$	47,028		$	48,279		$	141,449		$	143,988
Tax-equivalent adjustment ⁽¹⁾		552			553			675			1,680			2,092
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) ⁽¹⁾	$	48,285		$	47,581		$	48,954		$	143,129		$	146,080

Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)
Net interest margin *		3.98	%		3.95	%		4.07	%		3.96	%		4.14	%
Tax-equivalent adjustment * ⁽¹⁾		0.05			0.05			0.06			0.05			0.06
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) * ⁽¹⁾		4.03	%		4.00	%		4.13	%		4.01	%		4.20	%

Average interest-earning assets	$	4,769,471		$	4,785,558		$	4,708,331		$	4,773,478		$	4,649,993

* Annualized measure.
(1) On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Efficiency Ratio (Tax-equivalent Basis)
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023				2024			2023

Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis)
Total noninterest expense	$	31,322		$	30,509		$	30,671		$	93,099		$	100,577
Less: amortization of intangible assets		710			710			720			2,130			1,950
Noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangible assets	$	30,612		$	29,799		$	29,951		$	90,969		$	98,627

Net interest income	$	47,733		$	47,028		$	48,279		$	141,449		$	143,988
Total noninterest income		8,705			9,610			9,490			23,941			26,841
Operating revenue		56,438			56,638			57,769			165,390			170,829
Tax-equivalent adjustment ⁽¹⁾		552			553			675			1,680			2,092
Operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) ⁽¹⁾	$	56,990		$	57,191		$	58,444		$	167,070		$	172,921

Efficiency ratio		54.24	%		52.61	%		51.85	%		55.00	%		57.73	%
Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) ⁽¹⁾		53.71			52.10			51.25			54.45			57.04

(1) On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Ratio of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets and Tangible Book Value Per Share
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023

Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders’ equity	$	537,662		$	509,469		$	456,251
Less: Goodwill		59,820			59,820			59,820
Less: Intangible assets, net		18,552			19,262			21,402
Tangible common equity	$	459,290		$	430,387		$	375,029

Tangible Assets
Total assets	$	4,990,728		$	5,006,199		$	4,991,768
Less: Goodwill		59,820			59,820			59,820
Less: Intangible assets, net		18,552			19,262			21,402
Tangible assets	$	4,912,356		$	4,927,117		$	4,910,546

Total stockholders’ equity to total assets		10.77	%		10.18	%		9.14	%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets		9.35			8.74			7.64

Shares of common stock outstanding		31,559,366			31,559,366			31,774,140

Book value per share	$	17.04		$	16.14		$	14.36
Tangible book value per share		14.55			13.64			11.80

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, Adjusted Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity and Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity

	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023				2024			2023

Average Tangible Common Equity
Total stockholders’ equity	$	523,745		$	501,837		$	459,601		$	506,582		$	445,576
Less: Goodwill		59,820			59,820			59,875			59,820			56,406
Less: Intangible assets, net		18,892			19,605			21,793			19,607			20,005
Average tangible common equity	$	445,033		$	422,412		$	377,933		$	427,155		$	369,165

Net income	$	18,180		$	18,070		$	19,715		$	51,508		$	47,396
Adjusted net income		19,244			18,139			20,279			55,456			58,910

Return on average stockholders’ equity *		13.81	%		14.48	%		17.02	%		13.58	%		14.22	%
Return on average tangible common equity *		16.25			17.21			20.70			16.11			17.17

Adjusted return on average stockholders’ equity *		14.62	%		14.54	%		17.51	%		14.62	%		17.68	%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity *		17.20			17.27			21.29			17.34			21.34

* Annualized measure.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The 2nd National Lighthouse Festival began with ‘Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024’

Source: Government of India

The 2nd National Lighthouse Festival began with ‘Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024’

Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024 highlighted opportunities for Heritage and Preservation

Odisha’s five heritage lighthouses among Key attractions, drawing Over 10 Lakh Visitors in 2024-25

In line with vision to unlock the immense potential of India’s maritime heritage, MoPSW has embarked on a transformative journey to revitalize our historic lighthouses Shri Shantanu Thakur, MoS, MoPSW

These majestic structures, which have long guided mariners, are now evolving into centres of tourism, culture, and learning: Shri Shantanu Thakur, MoS, MoPSW

Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 4:39PM by PIB Delhi

On the day one of 2nd National Lighthouse Festival , Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024 today in Puri, with over 100 participants, including government officials, tourism experts, and conservationists, in attendance. The event aimed to explore the vast potential of lighthouse tourism and strategies for preserving these maritime structures, blending tourism development with heritage conservation.

Hon’ble Shri @Shantanu_bjp, MoS, MoPSW, along with T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, MoPSW, commenced the celebrations with lighting of the lamp at this first-of-its-kind conclave dedicated to lighthouse tourism. This landmark event is part of the 2nd Indian Lighthouse Tourism. pic.twitter.com/7PX4qCOWbC

— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) October 19, 2024

The conclave was graced by dignitaries, including Shri Sambit Patra, Hon’ble MP from Puri; Shri Suresh Gopi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas & Tourism; and Smt. Pravati Parida, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha. Following the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur, delivered the keynote address, where he emphasized the importance of developing lighthouse tourism as a means to boost local economies and preserve India’s rich maritime heritage.

”In line with our vision to unlock the immense potential of India’s maritime heritage, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has embarked on a transformative journey to revitalize our historic lighthouses. These majestic structures, which have long guided mariners, are now evolving into centres of tourism, culture, and learning. With the development of 75 iconic lighthouses across the nation, we are not only preserving history but also creating vibrant spaces for recreation and community engagement”.

During the conclave on Lighthouse tourism Shri @Shantanu_bjp, MoS, MoPSW highlighted the role lighthouses played in maritime navigation before the advent of GPS tracking systems. He also praised Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi for his commitment to preserve these iconic structures. pic.twitter.com/Kv4frIesxm

— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) October 19, 2024

He warmly invited all visitors to explore these landmarks and experience the unique blend of heritage and modernity they offer.

A detailed presentation by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGL) showcased the current status and future prospects of lighthouse tourism in India, highlighting various initiatives underway. With an investment of ₹60 crore, 75 iconic lighthouses across 9 coastal states and 1 union territory have been developed under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. Each lighthouse has become a beacon of both heritage and recreation, with modern amenities such as museums, amphitheaters, children’s parks, and more. In Odisha, five lighthouses—Gopalpur, Puri, Chandrabhaga, Paradip, and False Point—have been developed as part of this initiative to promote lighthouse tourism.

In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, the 75 dedicated lighthouses attracted an impressive 16 lakh visitors. As of September 2024, the current fiscal year 2024-25 has already welcomed more than 10 lakh visitors. These developments have also resulted in job creation, with 150 direct and 500 indirect employment opportunities emerging in nearby hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation services, and local shops and artisans.

The presentation was followed by two engaging panel sessions. The first session, moderated by Gaurav Nagar, focused on “Lighthouse Tourism and Heritage.” Speakers, including Kapil Mohan (AIS Retd.), Debasis Mishra, and renowned photographer Dinesh Khanna, discussed the cultural and economic significance of lighthouses and the untapped potential in leveraging them as tourist destinations. The second session, also moderated by Gaurav Nagar, concentrated on “Preservation and Conservation of Lighthouses.” Experts such as Raja Parija, Capt. Devabrat Mishra, and Sangeeta Thakur deliberated on sustainable preservation techniques, balancing heritage conservation with the growing demand for tourism.

This interactive dialogue encouraged collaboration among key industry players to strengthen lighthouse tourism in India.

Through this conclave, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways aims to raise awareness about the unique blend of history and tourism that lighthouses represent, and how their preservation is essential for future generations. The event sets the stage for upcoming initiatives and collaboration in the lighthouse tourism sector.

Note: Later in the evening, the Lighthouse Tourism Festival at Talabania Ground, Puri, will witness a grand cultural celebration. The festivities will begin with the invocation dance, Ganesh Vandana, followed by a captivating medley of traditional Assamese performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Assam. To conclude the evening, renowned singer Papon will enthrall the audience with a special celebrity performance, adding a melodious touch to the celebration of India’s maritime heritage and lighthouse tourism. The event promises to be a blend of tradition, art, and entertainment, bringing people together in a vibrant cultural showcase.

********

NKK/AK

(Release ID: 2066322) Visitor Counter : 62

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 2024 WSTDF to open in Beijing

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

A press briefing on the 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum is held in Beijing on Oct. 18. [Photo courtesy of the China Association for Science and Technology]

The 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF), hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), will commence in Beijing on Oct. 22, according to a press briefing held on Friday.

Guided by the implementation of China’s three major global initiatives, the forum will center on the theme “Science and Technology for the Future” and focus on in-depth discussions of six topics. It aims to harness international expertise to drive high-quality development, foster cross-cultural scientific exchanges, and tackle global challenges through innovation and technological solutions.

The main activities of the 2024 WSTDF will take place in Beijing from Oct. 22-24, with the closing ceremony set for Oct. 30. During the event, in addition to the opening ceremony on Oct. 22, six major thematic sessions and three roundtable dialogues will be held, complemented by several cultural exchange activities. The six thematic sessions will explore the following key areas: “AI Governance Innovation: Building an International Trust Foundation for Cultivating the Ecology of Science and Technology Governance (Intelligence)”; “Interdisciplinary Science-Based Solutions Towards Sustainable Development (Interdisciplinary)”; “Open Science Infrastructures: Building a Collaborative Platform for the Sciences Decade (Infrastructures)”; “Cross-Industry Resource Collaboration and Integration to Provide Innovative Application Scenarios for Enhancing the Intelligent Manufacturing Industry (Innovation)”; “Harmonious Coexistence of Nature and Humanity: Environment and Health (Interaction)”; and “Science and Technology for Risk-Informed Sustainable Development (Integration).” The three roundtable dialogues will focus on the following themes: “Encouraging women’s participation in science and technology”; “Science: Openness, Cooperation and Mobility”; and “Seminar on Effectively Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.”

In addition, three key international exchange events will enrich the forum, namely the 2024 China-ASEAN Engineers Forum in Beijing on Oct. 16; the opening ceremony of the 2024 WLA Forum & The Award Ceremony of the 2024 WLA Prize in Shanghai on Oct. 25; and the 11th China-Russia Engineering and Technology Forum in Heilongjiang on Oct. 28-29.

The 2024 WSTDF is expected to attract hundreds of high-profile participants, including leaders from relevant countries, global award winners, heads of the United Nations as well as international science and technology organizations, as well as renowned scientists, entrepreneurs and educators from home and abroad. Among the attendees will be over 10 Nobel laureates and other major award winners, more than 40 academicians, over 30 business representatives, and nearly 50 delegates from international organizations.

Featuring a diverse array of events, including thematic sessions, open forums and closed-door meetings, the forum will emphasize fostering interdisciplinary technological cooperation and integration. Through proposals, reports and declarations, it aims to drive meaningful progress in science and technology.

In line with its commitment to simplicity and practicality, the forum will embrace a green, low-carbon and sustainable approach. This includes utilizing paperless communication to boost efficiency, leveraging digital technology to streamline event services, and using renewable energy vehicles for guest transportation. Additionally, the forum will limit the number of participants, avoid unnecessary formalities and minimize decorations to foster a focused and efficient environment.

First launched and hosted by CAST in 2019, the WSTDF has been held five times. Amidst the complex and evolving global landscape, the forum has played a vital role in fostering non-governmental scientific and technological exchange, broadening avenues for international collaboration, and establishing an open and trustworthy network of cooperation. This year, the forum will once again offer a crucial platform for nations to exchange ideas, deepen partnerships and advance scientific innovation and development on a global scale, contributing to a community with a shared future for mankind.

MIL OSI China News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Severn Valley communities invited to learn about plans for area
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Communities along the Severn Valley are invited to find out more about plans to manage water and enhance communities at a series of drop-in events.
Flooding in the Severn Valley.

Residents and business owners along the upper Severn Valley are invited to a series of drop-in sessions being held later this year where they can find out more about plans to manage water and enhance communities in the area.

The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) is an initiative led by a partnership of the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council which aims to enhance water management and create resilient environments across the Upper Severn catchment.

The Partnership will be at the drop-in sessions below to discuss how it will be developing plans to make the Severn a more vibrant and resilient river catchment, and members of the communities are invited to the drop-in session to find out more.

As well as considering future options for the upper Severn catchment, the SVWMS is also exploring the different funding approaches that would be needed to take forward future implementation in what is a challenging funding environment.

The drop-in sessions will be held on the following dates:

7 November – Newtown Library, Park Lane, Newtown, SY16 1EJ

26 November – Llanidloes – Hanging Gardens Project, Bethel St, Llanidloes SY18 6BS

10 December – Meifod – Meifod Cobra Rugby Club, Meifod, SY22 6HF

13 January – Oswestry – Oswestry Memorial Hall, Smithfield Street, Oswestry, SY11 2EG

29 January – Shrewsbury – Shropshire Wildlife Trust, 193 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AH

These sessions, which coincide with briefings for local parish and community councils in Powys and Shropshire, are designed to provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share their views.

People can also keep up to date with progress of the scheme and all the latest news and events by viewing the new SVWMS website, which seeks feedback from those with an interest in the scheme.

The project is investigating a combination of sustainable land use management, in conjunction with current land uses, up-scaled nature-based solutions, and sensitive engineering methods to improve flood risk resilience and water management in the catchment area.

If delivered, the SVWMS will bring numerous benefits to communities and businesses across the Severn catchment in England and Wales:

Improved Flood Risk Management: By implementing a combination of measures, the project will help slow the flow of water upstream, reducing the risk of flooding in downstream areas.

Enhanced Biodiversity: The project will contribute to halting biodiversity decline by creating and improving habitats such as wetlands, reed beds, and woodlands. This will support a diverse range of plant and animal species.

Climate Resilience: The regenerative approach of the SVWMS will positively contribute to addressing the climate crisis by enhancing the natural environment’s ability to absorb and store carbon.

Social Value: The project will engage local communities and involve them in the decision-making process, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship over the natural environment.

Economic Benefits: By improving water management and reducing flood risks, the project can protect local businesses and infrastructure, contributing to the overall economic resilience of the region.

David McKnight, Environment Agency Area Flood and Coastal Risk manager for the West Midlands said:

“Delivering the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is a long-term solution to sustainable water management and has the potential to better protect thousands of homes and businesses from flood risk across the upper Severn catchment in England and Wales.

“We are looking forward to sharing progress as it is made and for people to contribute and engage with us as the project advances. We want to hear from all areas of the Severn community as we embark on the strategy that the catchment needs to be able to adapt to our changing climate and continue to thrive.

“The new SVWMS website will be a reliable and informative resource for anyone wanting to engage with partners and we will update the venue details of our community drop-in sessions and event summaries there too.”

Gavin Bown, Natural Resources Wales, Head of Operations for Mid Wales said:

“This is an ambitious but important project as we face a climate and nature emergency. We are seeing adverse weather events, such as flooding and periods of drought, occurring more frequently than we have experienced in recent decades.

“The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) is looking at new and innovative ways to supplement our flood risk management activities and help further address these issues through using natural flood management to reduce the risk of flood or drought by working with natural systems.

NRW and Welsh Government are committed to the sustainable management of our natural resources. The SVWMS is a project which could provide us with additional longer-term solutions to sustainably manage water in the Severn catchment. We welcome the opportunity for communities to help inform the scheme.”

Councillor James Gibson-Watt, at Powys County Council, added:

“The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is a significant opportunity to address climate impacts being experienced within our communities in Powys. We’re excited to be a partner in this initiative and would encourage participation in the upcoming community events to learn more about the project and the potential opportunities it could bring.”

Councillor Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport at Shropshire Council, added:

“The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme represents a significant step forward in our efforts to protect communities and enhance our natural environment. This project not only addresses the immediate flood risks but also supports biodiversity and our fight against climate change.

“We encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming sessions to learn more about the positive impacts this scheme will bring.”

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Published 21 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SEE attends Singapore International Energy Week in Singapore (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

SEE attends Singapore International Energy Week in Singapore (with photos)
SEE attends Singapore International Energy Week in Singapore (with photos)
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The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, attended the 17th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) today (October 21). SIEW is organised by the Energy Market Authority under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) of Singapore. The theme this year is “A Connected and Sustainable Energy World”. Mr Tse attended the SIEW Summit to speak on the topic of Asia’s Collaborative Journey to a Sustainable Energy Future, and engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges with other participants. Speaking at the Summit, Mr Tse said that Hong Kong strives to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The carbon emissions in Hong Kong peaked in 2014. Compared to the peak, the carbon emissions of Hong Kong have reduced by about a quarter and the target is to reduce them by half before 2035. Hydrogen energy is a low-carbon energy with development potential. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is advancing with prudence to create an environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy, which includes improving legislation, setting up infrastructure and funding trial projects. He said, “Our country places great emphasis on developing hydrogen technology, and has a number of high-quality products and advanced technology. Hong Kong can grab the opportunity to become a hub for the country to promote different products and technologies, helping Hong Kong and other countries to promote a green transition.” Mr Tse also pointed out that there are three key elements to promote regional collaboration, namely political will to set policy targets, active participation from industries and the establishment of an exchange platform for sharing experiences and seeking co-operation. He expressed his gratitude to SIEW for providing an excellent platform that brings together various parties to explore new opportunities and collaboration. In the afternoon, Mr Tse met with the Senior Minister of State for the MTI, Ms Low Yen Ling, to exchange views on hydrogen development. He later met with officials of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to learn more about the latest developments of green maritime fuel in Singapore. Mr Tse also visited a local shipping company today and received a briefing on the supply chain and bunkering operations of green marine fuels, particularly the application of green methanol. Tomorrow (October 22), Mr Tse will visit a local enterprise to understand better the developments and applications of sustainable aviation fuel. He will return to Hong Kong the same evening.

Ends/Monday, October 21, 2024Issued at HKT 19:10

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: “Wholly Irreplaceable”—Endangered Species in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the CITES Convention
Source: US Global Legal Monitor

The following is a guest post by Jai-Len Williams, a foreign law intern in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress.

On July 1, 2024, category four Hurricane Beryl devastated the multi-island state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The livelihood of the Vincentian people, especially in the Southern Grenadines islands of Union Island, Mayreau, and Canouan, was severely impacted. Today, families are still displaced and recovery efforts are ongoing.

Union Island Gecko, photo by the Union Island Environment Alliance (UIEA) photographer Jeremy Holden. Used with UIEA permission

The impact on the ecosystem is also of concern. On the Grenadine island of Union Island, there lives a rare, bejeweled, and beautiful lizard called the Union Island Gecko (Gonatodes daudini), also known as the Grenadines clawed gecko. It was described as “wholly irreplaceable” by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute in their report titled “The Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.” From its discovery in 2005, the Union Island Gecko was so named because it is only known to live in about 123 acres (50 hectares) of the Chatham Bay Forest area of Union Island. It is not only unique but also tiny, as it is considered to be about the size of a paperclip. It is listed as “Critically Endangered” by the IUN Red List. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1987 protects wildlife from being removed from St Vincent and the Grenadines. However, there was no protection on the gecko under international law. In 2019, at the 18 Meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Geneva Switzerland, a decision was taken for the endemic lizard to be added to Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to protect its survival, prevent over-harvesting for the international pet trade, and destruction of its habitat.

Over the years, with assistance from residents and local, regional and international organizations, including the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department, the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Environmental Fund, the Union Island Environment Alliance, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Fauna & Floral, Virginia Zoo, Re:Wild, the BBC, National Geographic, Disney Conservation Fund, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the conservatory efforts reaped the reward of an increase in the gecko population. According to a 2022 survey, there was an 80% increase in the population of the Union Island Gecko.

However, due to the devastating impacts of the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl on Union Island, as of July 2024, according to the Director of Forestry, Fitzgerald Providence, the Chatham Bay Forest area was seen to have total defoliation and the status of the Union Island gecko population is unknown. After the recent assessment carried out by the forestry department, Wildlife supervisor Glenroy Gaymes stated that with the forest destruction, the gecko is impacted, as it has shown signs of distress and habitat disruption. As a result, the forestry department is looking at the way forward, which is to mitigate the impact by restoring the gecko’s habitat, community engagement and monitoring programs.

Another endemic specie, the Amazona Guildingii—the national bird of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has also had its fate tested by natural disasters affecting its habitat on mainland Saint Vincent. Most recently, it has suffered from the April 2021 series of explosive eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano. The Amazona Guildingii is an exotic multicolored parrot whose habitat includes the northern forest of the island, near the slopes of the volcano.

The Amazona Guildingii is also listed in Appendix 1 of CITES. According to the Director of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department, their assessment showed that while in 2021, there was an Amazona Guildingiiparrot that suffered and later died due to ash inhalation, many of the parrots managed to survive by migrating from the Red Zones to the safer zones.

Long live the Union Island Gecko and the Amazona Guildingii!

For more information on CITES and endangered species protection on a national and international level, please consult the following selected In Custodia Legis resources:
- Elin Hofverberg, Can you Legally Import a Toucan? No, you Probably Cannot (guest post by Elizabeth Boomer, September 20, 2021)
- Jenny Gesley, Grizzly Bears and the Endangered Species Act ( July 28, 2021)
- Hanibal Goitom, Law Library of Congress Report on Regulations Concerning the Private Possession of Big Cats (guest post by Laney Zhang, October 21, 2013)
- Hanibal Goitom, Law Library Report on Wildlife Trafficking and Poaching (April 9, 2013)
- Laney Zhang, Baby Pandas and the Law: In Memory of Mei Xiang’s Cub (September 27, 2012)
Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: This Week in NJ – October 18th, 2024

Source: US State of New Jersey

Governor Murphy Signs Bipartisan Legislation Increasing Penalties for Home Invasions

Governor Phil Murphy visited Edison to sign S3006/A4299 into law, establishing the crimes of home invasion burglary and residential burglary. The two new burglary classifications will raise penalties for crimes of burglary, reinforcing legal protections for New Jersey communities and ensuring that individuals who commit these crimes are held accountable.

“The safety and well-being of New Jerseyans is our Administration’s highest priority,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s bipartisan legislation ensures that the penalties for burglary and home invasion reflect the severity of these crimes and deter individuals from entering a home illegally. We are grateful to the Legislature, our law enforcement community, local mayors, and community members for supporting our shared goal of keeping New Jersey residents safe.”

“We are grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and the Environmental Protection Agency for their continued support in helping us build a cleaner and healthier Garden State through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Governor Murphy. “This newly announced funding will help New Jersey communities with the vital task of replacing all lead pipes within the next ten years as we work to ensure that everyone in New Jersey has access to clean, safe drinking water. These critical investments in our drinking water infrastructure will help protect our children from lead exposure, create good-paying jobs for New Jerseyans, and ensure a stronger drinking water system for generations to come.”

Home invasion burglary refers to a person who enters a home to commit an offense and ultimately inflicts bodily injury or is armed with a deadly weapon, whether or not that weapon is used. Under the new law, home invasion burglary is a crime in the first degree. A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 10 to 20 years, a fine of up to $200,000, or both.

Residential burglary refers to a person who enters a home to commit an offense. Under the new law, residential burglary is a crime in the second degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both.

Both classifications of burglary are subject to the “No Early Release Act,” which requires the convicted person to serve at least 85% of their incarceration term before becoming eligible for parole. Any person convicted of home invasion burglary or residential burglary may be denied a professional license from the Division of Consumer Affairs within the Department of Law and Public Safety.

This legislation, which takes effect immediately, builds upon the Administration’s commitment to reducing crime and bolstering public safety. Over the past seven years, the Murphy Administration has taken a holistic approach to crime reduction, including tightening gun laws, investing in mental health resources, deploying new data collection technology, and increasing penalties for violators.

READ MORE

Governor Murphy Announces Second Round of Medical Debt Elimination, Totaling $120 Million in Debt Abolished for 77,000 New Jerseyans

Nearly two months after effectuating the first round of medical debt abolishment through the State’s partnership with Undue Medical Debt, Governor Phil Murphy announced that 77,000 eligible individuals and families across New Jersey are set to benefit from the elimination of an additional $120 million in medical debt. Governor Murphy sat down with Andrew Rose Gregory, who was a special guest at the 2024 State of the State Address, to discuss the announcement. Andrew and his wife, Casey, partnered with Undue and raised $1.1 million following her passing to help eliminate medical debt for others. The video is available here.

By leveraging approximately $900,000 in American Rescue Plan funds, Undue has worked with the Atlantic Health System to identify and purchase qualifying, unpayable medical debts. Impacted residents may have all or some of their debts abolished as part of the Governor’s mission to make health care more affordable and accessible. Through the State’s partnership with Undue, $220 million in medical debt has been eliminated for 127,000 New Jersey residents so far.

“Investing in affordable and accessible health care allows residents to prioritize their well-being without having to take on the significant burdens of medical debt, which has long served as a debilitating barrier to receiving the life-saving care and services they deserve,” said Governor Murphy. “That is why our Administration has taken action to both protect residents from accumulating debt and eliminate existing debt so that New Jerseyans can focus on what matters most: their health. This announcement marks a monumental step forward and builds upon our efforts to create a health care system that relieves financial constraints and ensures quality, comprehensive care is within reach of every New Jerseyan.”

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AG Platkin, Division of Consumer Affairs Announce New Rules Aimed at Promoting Greater Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing, Including How and Why Prices Are Increased

Advancing the Murphy Administration’s efforts to rein in the high cost of prescription drugs in New Jersey, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs (“Division”) announced specially adopted new rules promoting greater transparency in prescription drug pricing.

The new rules, which became effective upon acceptance for filing by the Office of Administrative Law yesterday, implement P.L. 2023, c. 106, signed into law by Governor Murphy in July 2023 as part of a legislative package to combat the rising costs of prescription drugs in the state.

“The high cost of prescription drugs is a financial burden that disproportionately impacts the health and well-being of the most vulnerable among us: low-income families, the elderly, the uninsured, and people with disabilities,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Until now, we’ve been kept in the dark about the main drivers of high prescription drug costs. The new rules allow us to gain greater insight into prescription drug pricing and a better understanding of how we can help advance the goal of prescription drug affordability and accessibility.”

The new rules establish registration, reporting, and compliance requirements for five entities across the prescription drug supply chain—manufacturers, insurance carriers, pharmacy benefits managers, wholesalers and pharmacy services administrative organizations. The entities will be required to provide the Division with information and data pertaining to drugs with significant price increases or high launch prices and other drugs of interest. The Division will then use this information to produce an annual report on emerging trends in prescription drug prices. The report, which will be posted on the Division’s newly created prescription drug pricing webpage, will also be used to help the newly created Drug Affordability Council formulate legislative and regulatory policy recommendations focused on prescription drug affordability.

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Governor Murphy and Acting Commissioner Dehmer Award $20 Million to Expand High-Quality Preschool in 18 School Districts

Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Education Acting Commissioner Kevin Dehmer announced that 18 school districts have received Fiscal Year 2025 preschool expansion funds to establish or expand access to high-quality preschool programs in the 2024-2025 school year.

The nearly $20 million, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, is estimated to provide more than 1,200 additional children the opportunity to attend a high-quality preschool program. State-funded, high-quality preschool programs now exist in 293 New Jersey school districts – 229 of which have been established during the Murphy Administration.

“Our investment in early childhood provides the youngest learners with a solid foundation for success,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Today’s announcement builds on my ongoing commitment to expand early childhood education to more communities, with the long-term goal of ensuring every 3- and 4-year-old in the State has access to a high-quality preschool program.”

“The rapid expansion of preschool programs throughout New Jersey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Commissioner of Education. “Governor Murphy’s continued support means that, with the addition of the programs that are being announced today, we are now providing nearly 77,000 children in New Jersey with a state funded high-quality preschool program, each and every year. That’s a huge number of young lives whose futures will be broadened by our state’s efforts.”

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New Jersey Added 19,200 Jobs in September

Preliminary labor market estimates for September, produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, show that the unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage point from August to 4.7 percent. Total nonfarm employment increased by 19,200 jobs to reach a seasonally-adjusted level of 4,393,100 jobs in the state.

Revised estimates of total nonfarm employment from July to August saw an increase of 4,500 jobs (preliminary estimates indicated a loss of 4,400), for a net gain of 100 jobs. The state’s unemployment rate for August remained unchanged at 4.8 percent.

In September, seven out of nine private industries recorded employment gains compared to August. Sectors that recorded employment gains include education and health services (+10,100), trade, transportation, and utilities (+3,800), construction (+1,700), leisure and hospitality (+1,500), manufacturing (+1,300), professional and business services (+1,300), and other services (+200). Sectors that recorded job losses include financial activities (-600), and information (-300). Public sector jobs increased by 200 for September.

Over the past twelve months, New Jersey has added 51,600 nonfarm jobs. About eighty-eight percent of those gains were in the private sector, with four out of nine private sector industries recording a gain between September 2023 and September 2024. These include private education and health services (+45,500), trade, transportation, and utilities (+11,200), construction (+2,000), and other services (+1,300). Losses were recorded year-over-year in information (-4,700), financial activities (-3,300), manufacturing (-2,400), professional and business services (-2,200), and leisure and hospitality (-2,200). The public sector has recorded a gain of 6,400 over the past twelve months.

READ MORE

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Precautionary Measures Taken by Government Agencies

Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

Shell reported that an estimated 30 to 40 metric tonnes of slop, a mixture of oil and water, was leaked from its land-based pipeline into the water yesterday.

2. Agencies are working closely with Shell to clean up the leaked oil in the channel between Pulau Bukom and Bukom Kecil. As 21 October at 3 pm (Singapore Time), there are no other oil sightings.

3. As a precautionary measure, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has deployed a current buster system off Changi at the entrance to the East Johor Strait to collect oil slick, if sighted, and prevent potential spread beyond our port waters. Another current buster system has also been deployed to the west of Singapore, as a precautionary measure.

4. While no oil has been observed at Sentosa, Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, Labrador Nature Reserve, East Coast Park and West Coast Park so far, agencies have preemptively deployed oil absorbent booms to protect the three beaches and the biodiversity-sensitive coastlines on Sentosa, the lagoons at Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, Berlayer Creek and the Rocky Shore at Labrador Nature Reserve, as well as the mangroves and other key areas at the Marsh Garden at West Coast Park, as well as key areas at East Coast Park. The lock gates of Sentosa Cove have been closed, with oil absorbent booms deployed. Additionally, deflective booms will be progressively deployed across the key areas of Sentosa, including the three beaches which currently remain open for land-based and waters activities.

5. To date there has been no oil sightings at Kusu, Seringat, St John’s, Lazarus island, and Pulau Hantu. Singapore Land Authority will continue to assess if oil-absorbent booms will be required at the lagoons of these islands.

6. As a precautionary measure, the National Environment Agency has advised the public against swimming and conducting other primary contact water activities at the beaches at East Coast Park, Kusu, St John’s, and Lazarus island. Information on water quality at these beaches is available at https://go.gov.sg/beach-water-info.

7. PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, is closely monitoring the seawater intake at its desalination plants. No oil has been detected near the Jurong Island Desalination Plant and Marina East Desalination Plant, which are located nearest to the oil leak location. Seawater quality readings remain normal, and the plants’ operations are not affected. As a precautionary measure, PUB has also deployed oil containment booms across Marina Barrage.

8. JTC has advised companies on Jurong Island and waterfront-facing companies in the western region to be on alert and to take precautionary measures as necessary.

9. To date, there has been no reports of fish farms being affected by the leak. Nonetheless, Singapore Food Agency is in contact with our farmers and has advised them to continue to be vigilant and to take precautionary measures as necessary.

10. Businesses which have claims-related queries arising from this oil leakage can contact Shell appointed administrator at +65 6632 8689 (during office hours: 9:00am – 5:30pm) or email shell_claims@crawford.asia.

11. We have informed the Indonesian and Malaysian authorities of the incident and advised them to look out for any oil sightings along their respective coastlines.

12. Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.

Annex: Photos of Agencies’ precautionary measures

For photos, please refer to the following https://go.gov.sg/shell-oil-leak-media

The link will expire on 24 October 2024.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tse Chin-wan attends energy summit

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today attended the opening day of the 17th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW).

SIEW is organised by the Energy Market Authority under Singapore’s Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI). The theme this year is ‘A Connected & Sustainable Energy World’.

Mr Tse attended the SIEW Summit, where he gave an address on ‘Asia’s Collaborative Journey to a Sustainable Energy Future’, and held in-depth discussions with other participants.

Mr Tse said Hong Kong is striving to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. He highlighted that hydrogen energy is a low-carbon energy with enormous potential, and explained that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is taking steps towards creating an environment conducive to its development.

He added that efforts have been made to improve legislation, set up infrastructure and fund trial projects.

“Our country places great emphasis on developing hydrogen technology, and has a number of high-quality products and advanced technology,” he said. “Hong Kong can grab the opportunity to become a hub for the country to promote different products and technologies, helping Hong Kong and other countries to promote a green transition.”

In the afternoon, Mr Tse met Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for the MTI Low Yen Ling, to exchange views on hydrogen development.

He later met Maritime & Port Authority officials to learn more about the latest developments concerning green maritime fuels in Singapore.

Mr Tse also visited a local shipping company and listened to a briefing on the supply chain and bunkering operations associated with green marine fuels, in particular green methanol.

Tomorrow, Mr Tse will visit a local enterprise to hear about developments in and applications of sustainable aviation fuel. He will return to Hong Kong in the evening.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Wild animals can experience trauma and adversity too − as ecologists, we came up with an index to track how it affects them

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Xochitl Ortiz Ross, Ph.D. Candidate in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles

Marmots were the perfect test species for a wildlife adversity index. Xochitl Ortiz Ross

Psychologists know that childhood trauma, or the experience of harmful or adverse events, can have lasting repercussions on the health and well-being of people well into adulthood. But while the consequences of early adversity have been well researched in humans, people aren’t the only ones who can experience adversity.

If you have a rescue dog, you probably have witnessed how the abuse or neglect it may have experienced earlier in life now influence its behavior – these pets tend to be more skittish or reactive. Wild animals also experience adversity. Although their negative experiences are easy to dismiss as part of life in the wild, they still have lifelong repercussions – just like traumatic events in people and pets.

As behavioral ecologists, we are interested in how adverse experiences early in life can affect animals’ behavior, including the kinds of decisions they make and the way they interact with the world around them. In other words, we want to see how these experience affect the way they behave and survive in the wild.

Many studies in humans and other animals have shown the importance of early life experiences in shaping how individuals develop. But researchers know less about how multiple, different instances of adversity or stressors can accumulate within the body and what their overall impact is on an animal’s well-being.

Wild populations face many kinds of stressors. They compete for food, risk getting eaten by a predator, suffer illness and must contend with extreme weather conditions. And as if life in the wild wasn’t hard enough, humans are now adding additional stressors such as chemical, light and sound pollution, as well as habitat destruction.

Given the widespread loss of biodiversity, understanding how animals react to and are harmed by these stressors can help conservation groups better protect them. But accounting for such a diversity of stressors is no easy feat. To address this need and demonstrate the cumulative impact of multiple stressors, our research team decided to develop an index for wild animals based on psychological research on human childhood trauma.

A cumulative adversity index

Developmental psychologists began to develop what psychologists now call the adverse childhood experiences score, which describes the amount of adversity a person experienced as a child. Briefly, this index adds up all the adverse events – including forms of neglect, abuse or other household dysfunction – an individual experienced during childhood into a single cumulative score.

This score can then be used to predict later-life health risks such as chronic health conditions, mental illness or even economic status. This approach has revolutionized many human health intervention programs by identifying at-risk children and adults, which allows for more targeted interventions and preventive efforts.

So, what about wild animals? Can we use a similar type of score or index to predict negative survival outcomes and identify at-risk individuals and populations?

These are the questions we were interested in answering in our latest research paper. We developed a framework on how to create a cumulative adversity index – similar to the adverse childhood experiences score, but for populations of wild animals. We then used this index to gain insights about the survival and longevity of yellow-bellied marmots. In other words, we wanted to see whether we could use this index to estimate how long a marmot would live.

A marmot case study

Yellow-bellied marmots are a large ground squirrel closely related to groundhogs. Our research group has been studying these marmots in Colorado at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory since 1962.

A marmot wearing an ear tag.
Xochitl Ortiz Ross

Yellow-bellied marmots are an excellent study system because they are diurnal, or active during the day, and they have an address. They live in burrows scattered across a small, defined geographical area called a colony. The size of the colony and the number of individuals that reside within varies greatly from year to year, but they are normally composed of matrilines, which means related females tend to remain within the natal colony, while male relatives move away to find a new colony.

Yellow-bellied marmots hibernate for most of the year, but they become active between April and September. During this active period, we observe each colony daily and regularly trap each individual in the population – that’s over 200 unique individuals just in 2023. We then mark their backs with a distinct symbol and give them uniquely numbered ear tags so they can be later identified.

Although they can live up to 15 years, we have detailed information about the life experiences of individual marmots spanning almost 30 generations. They were the perfect test population for our cumulative adversity index.

Among the sources of adversity, we included ecological measures such as a late spring, a summer drought and high predator presence. We also included parental measures such as having an underweight or stressed mother, being born or weaned late, and losing their mother. The model also included demographic measures such as being born in a large litter or having many male siblings.

Importantly, we looked only at females, since they are the ones who tend to stay home. Therefore, some of the adversities listed are only applicable to females. For example, females born in litters with many males become masculinized, likely from the high testosterone levels in the mother’s uterus. The females behave more like males, but this also reduces their life span and reproductive output. Therefore, having many male siblings is harmful to females, but maybe not to males.

A yellow-bellied marmot shown on a trail camera in Montana.

So, does our index, or the number of adverse events a marmot experienced early on, explain differences in marmot survival? We found that, yes, it does.

Experiencing even just one adversity event before age 2 nearly halved an adult marmot’s odds of survival, regardless of the type of adversity they experienced. This is the first record of lasting negative consequences from losing a mother in this species.

So what?

Our study isn’t the only one of its kind. A few other studies have used an index similar to the human adverse childhood experiences score with wild primates and hyenas, with largely similar results. We are interested in broadening this framework so that other researchers can adopt it for the species they study.

A better understanding of how animals can or cannot cope with multiple sources of adversity can inform wildlife conservation and management practices. For example, an index like ours could help identify at-risk populations that require a more immediate conservation action.

Instead of tackling the one stressor that seems to have the greatest effect on a species, this approach could help managers consider how best to reduce the total number of stressors a species experiences.

For example, changing weather patterns driven by global heating trends may create new stressors that a wildlife manager can’t address. But it might be possible to reduce how many times these animals have to interact with people during key times of the year by closing trails, or providing extra food to replace the food they lose from harsh weather.

While this index is still in early development, it could one day help researchers ask new questions about how animals adapt to stress in the wild.

Xochitl Ortiz Ross has received funding from The National Science Foundation, The University of California, Los Angeles, The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, The Animal Behavior Society, The American Society of Mammalogists, and The American Museum of Natural History.

Daniel T. Blumstein received funding from The National Science Foundation, The University of California Los Angeles, The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and the National Geographic Society.

– ref. Wild animals can experience trauma and adversity too − as ecologists, we came up with an index to track how it affects them – https://theconversation.com/wild-animals-can-experience-trauma-and-adversity-too-as-ecologists-we-came-up-with-an-index-to-track-how-it-affects-them-237913

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China kicks off fresh round of environmental inspections

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Oct. 21 — The Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced on Monday the launch of a new round of environmental inspections by China’s central authorities.

Eight teams, conducting this third batch of the third round of inspections, have been dispatched to the provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Sichuan and Guizhou, as well as to four centrally administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs), namely, China National Petroleum Corporation, China Petrochemical Corporation, Sinochem Holdings Corporation Ltd. and China National Chemical Engineering Group Corporation Ltd., according to the ministry.

The inspection teams pointed out the need to promote new progress in the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and for the centrally administered SOEs to establish sound ecological environment protection management and responsibility systems.

It is essential to leverage the demonstration and leading role of these enterprises to promote the green and low-carbon transformation of economic and social development, and improve the quality of the ecological environment, according to the inspection teams.

The inspections should be carried out in an accurate and scientific manner and in accordance with the law, and rectifications will be made in the meantime, said the ministry.

The inspections will last for one month, it added.

The second batch of the third round of inspections was launched in May this year, covering Shanghai, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan and Yunnan.

MIL OSI China News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Activity in the U.S. Attorney’s Office

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Federal Land Offenses

Michael A. Tunis, age 66 of West Yellowstone, Montana, was sentenced to 30 days in jail and a 5-year period of probation, with a ban from Yellowstone National Park during that time, for a DUI per se and open container violation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Oct. 11, in Mammoth, Wyoming.

Darrell C. Osterhout, age 63 of New Brighton, Minnesota, was sentenced to 7 days in jail and 1 year of probation, with a ban from Yellowstone National Park during that time, for DUI per se and interference with law enforcement functions. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Oct. 16, in Mammoth, Wyoming.

Production of Child Pornography

Robert Wayne Eaker, 38, of Boulder, Wyoming, was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison for production of child pornography with 15 years of supervised release. The court also ordered the defendant to pay $36,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment. According to court documents, Eaker is a registered sex offender for prior offenses involving the sexual abuse of minors. In September 2023, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force were conducting an online investigation for people sharing child pornography. Agents discovered a Wyoming IP address sharing numerous files of child pornography and traced it back to Eaker. Agents later received a search warrant for the house where he was living. Agents found Eaker had produced lewd and lascivious files of a child. Eaker admitted to producing the files without the child’s knowledge. In addition, investigators found hundreds of files of child pornography containing prepubescent children on multiple devices belonging to Eaker. DCI-ICAC investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Eaker was indicted on May 16, pleaded guilty on July 25, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 16, in Cheyenne.

Drug and Firearm Offenses

Brady Mitchell, 33, a transient, was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment for being a felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on April 13, Cheyenne Police Officers contacted Mitchell who was asleep in his van in a gas station parking lot. During questioning, officers saw a hatchet under his seat and smelled marijuana. They asked him to step out of his van so they could secure the weapon and conduct a search. Officers found a .22 revolver on Mitchell and approximately 12 ounces of marijuana, 3.31 grams of Xanax, 3.75 grams of fentanyl, and 1.13 grams of methamphetamine in his van. Mitchell is a previously convicted felon and not allowed to possess a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated this crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney, Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. Mitchell was indicted on April 13, pleaded guilty on July 11, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 15, in Cheyenne.

llegal Re-entry of a Previously Deported Alien

Luis Barajas-Morales, 46, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served plus 10 days for deportation for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Feb. 26, Barajas-Morales was arrested by the Teton County Sheriff’s Department for the charge of contempt of court. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted. A Deportation Officer processed the defendant and obtained fingerprints matching pre-existing fingerprints in their database indicating Barajas-Morales was in the U.S. illegally and had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. after being formally removed in December 2003. ICE investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 15, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00106.

About the United States Attorney’s Office

The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:

Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.

Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.

Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.

To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking

MIL Security OSI –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Response and Recovery Efforts in Western North Carolina

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Response and Recovery Efforts in Western North Carolina

Response and Recovery Efforts in Western North Carolina
mseets
Mon, 10/21/2024 – 10:38

After Hurricane Helene, North Carolina continues leading a robust response and recovery with the support of federal, local, and non-profit partners.

Helene hit North Carolina 25 days ago as the deadliest tropical storm in the state’s history. Because Governor Cooper declared a State of Emergency Declaration before the storm hit, North Carolina National Guard soldiers, swift water rescue teams, equipment and supplies were positioned in Western North Carolina to respond as soon as the storm passed. Just as this storm was unprecedented, the response that followed has been unprecedented in its size and speed.

Key Progress and Numbers

Today there are approximately 5,000 customers without power down from more than one million customers just after the storm. Most of the cell phone coverage that was wiped out by the storm has been restored. The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has opened 789 roads of the approximately 1,200 roads that were closed as a result of the storm, which is significant considering the difficulty of making repairs in a rugged, mountainous region. NCDOT currently has approximately 2,000 employees and 900 pieces of equipment working to re-open roads that remain closed. 28 of the school districts that were closed following the storm have re-opened, with 7 still closed, two of which are scheduled to re-open this week.

North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) soldiers and other military personnel rescued 765 people with local first responders and swift water teams rescuing hundreds more. The state has confirmed 95 fatalities and there are currently approximately 26 people still unaccounted for.

Air Drop of Supplies and Commodities

Because road access was limited, the state, local and federal government working with nonprofits and volunteers used a system for aerial delivery of supplies and commodities like water, food and medicine. Supplies were brought into the Asheville airport by plane and then delivered to other parts of Western North Carolina by helicopter.

At the height of this operation, more than 30 planes and helicopters and 1,200 ground vehicles were in use. More than 27 million pounds of food and water were delivered by the state and federal government, with more being brought by non-profits and charities.

National Guard and Military

The response to Helene was the largest and fastest integration of U.S. military soldiers with the National Guard in North Carolina history.

More than 3,150 Soldiers and Airmen have been working in Western North Carolina in the aftermath of the storm. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.

The Army Corps of Engineers is working with local, state and federal experts, including the EPA and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), to assess damages, remove debris and repair water systems.

More than 1,600 responders from 39 state and local agencies have performed 146 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

FEMA

Approximately $129 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds so far have been paid directly to people in Western North Carolina hurt by the storm and more than 207,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. More than 6,200 people have been able to get temporary housing through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance. More than 5,100 registrations for Small Business Administration Loans have been filed.

Approximately 1,500 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they have been meeting with disaster survivors in their neighborhoods and homes, in shelters, and in other areas to provide rapid access to relief resources.

Cooper Signed Bipartisan Bill for Funding and Elections

Just days after the storm, state legislators returned to Raleigh on October 9 to begin the process of allocating state funding for storm recovery. On October 10, Governor Cooper signed HB 149 into law as a first step in that process. In addition to initial funding, the bill also allows people in affected counties to have more options in where they return absentee ballots and gives flexibility to local election boards in impacted counties to ensure people have opportunities to vote. The 2024 election will be safe and secure, and people impacted by the storm will be able to make their voices heard.

Governor Cooper also raised the amount of weekly unemployment payments for the thousands of people temporarily out of work. The Executive Order increasing benefits won unanimous bipartisan support from the NC Council of State.

Misinformation and Disinformation Permeate the Response

Governor Cooper and a bipartisan array of local, state and federal North Carolina officials have called out the intentional spread of disinformation and misinformation as detrimental to this response and recovery, leading to threats and intimidation, breeding confusion, and demoralizing storm survivors and response workers.

On October 11, Governor Cooper responded to one of Donald Trump’s social media posts by saying, “This is a flat out lie. We’re working with all partners around the clock to get help to people. Trump’s lies and conspiracy theories have hurt the morale of first responders and people who lost everything, helped scam artists and put government and rescue workers in danger.”

At a media briefing on October 16, Governor Cooper was asked why he believes the misinformation and disinformation have been worse after this storm compared to others. Governor Cooper explained:

“Candidates are using people’s misery to sow chaos for their own political objectives, and it’s wrong. This is a time where we all need to pull together to help the people of Western North Carolina and it’s disappointing when candidates, knowing full well what they’re doing, are continuing this kind of disinformation filled with lies,”

Efforts Will Continue to Ensure Long Term Recovery

Other resources have surged into the area following the storm. $100 million in emergency funding from US Department of Transportation has been granted. NC Department of Health and Human Services, NCDEQ, Department of Motor Vehicles, NC Department of Public Instruction and many other state entities are supporting response and recovery.

Western North Carolina has never experienced a storm like this. Recovery in mountainous terrain will require a unique, united and sustained effort that focuses on people who’ve lost everything while leaving politics at the door. With just weeks until the 2024 election, the Governor’s office urges all leaders to stick to the truth and not spread disinformation and misinformation, which only hurts the people who need help and those on the ground giving it their all to provide that help.

###

Oct 21, 2024

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: QUIGLEY, DURBIN, DUCKWORTH ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $81 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE CREATE PROGRAM

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced $81,301,065 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) INFRA (Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects) Program for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program, which aims to reduce traffic delays, increase rail junction safety, and improve mobility throughout Chicago.

DOT’s INFRA Grant Program provides federal funding for large projects of regional significance and is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that the lawmakers worked to pass in 2021.

Last month, Quigley, Durbin, and Duckworth announced $209 million in federal funding for the CREATE Program through DOT’s Mega Grant Program, bringing the total with today’s announced funding to $291,179,049.

“The CREATE Program is fundamentally changing rail operations in Chicago for both commuters and freight. Last month, we secured $209 million in funding for this program. Today’s announcement marks another significant step toward fulfilling CREATE’s mission to improve safety, alleviate congestion, and boost mobility throughout our city,” said Quigley.

“Today’s additional funding announcement is a major investment in the future of our transportation infrastructure. Chicagoans will be better connected because of the CREATE Program, which will improve the safety and quality of our rail system and roadways,” said Durbin. “Senator Duckworth, members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, and I have long supported these investments, and I’m glad to see these federal dollars go toward improving safety and alleviating congestion in a region that desperately needs it.”

“Investing in our transportation infrastructure is about growing our economy and making it easier, faster, safer and more efficient so people and goods can get where they need to go,” Duckworth said. “This significant federal investment in the CREATE Program—which Senator Durbin, members of the Illinois Delegation and I have been championing for years—will help us modernize our rail system for all Chicagoans while supporting good-paying South Side jobs and strengthening our region’s economy.”

The CREATE Program brings together the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Metra, Amtrak, and the nation’s freight railroads in a partnership to eliminate transit bottlenecks, boost the economy, and improve overall safety of the Chicagoland area.

Today’s announced funding will advance the 75^th Street Corridor Improvement Project, a three-mile elevated rail corridor on Chicago’s South Side, which approximately 90 freight trains and 30 Metra commuter trains use daily. The project will reconfigure track segments and signals at Belt Junction, add a third track to the Norfolk Southern line, replace and restore 14 aging bridge and viaduct structures, and implement mobility improvements on surface streets throughout the corridor.

Quigely, Durbin, and Duckworth have long championed rail improvements, having helped secure $132 million in federal funding to begin this project in 2018.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: New report reveals that targets to save 30% of the ocean by 2030 aren’t being met

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Callum Roberts, Professor of Marine Conservation, University of Exeter

Qasimphotographer/Shutterstock

The world is gathering in Colombia for the UN biodiversity conference known as Cop16, a biannual pulse-taking of the living planet where actions to protect the natural world are agreed. At its last meeting in 2022, an ambitious roadmap for nature protection was put in place. As part of that Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework, the UN set a bold goal to protect 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030 – known as “30×30” – which was agreed by 196 countries and bodies such as the European Commission.

A key task in Colombia will be to measure progress, and the ocean is in the spotlight. A new report reveals that growth in marine protected areas – designated nature conservation zones that are protected from one or more harmful or damaging human activities – is far too slow to achieve this target. Analysis by conservation experts shows that protected areas are too scattered and unrepresentative.

Efforts to protect marine life lag far behind conservation on land. When 30×30 was agreed, the world had protected roughly 17% of land and 7.8% of the sea. The sea element was already behind previous targets, set in 2010 by the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity to reach 17% and 10% protection of land and sea by 2020.

The 30×30 target is based on what scientists say is required to protect marine diversity, unlike the arbitrary 10% target it replaces. This would give a decent chance of meeting basic conservation goals like representing the full spectrum of habitats and species, or sustaining ecosystem services, such as the provision of seafood to eat and clean water for people. The 30×30 target was designed to turbo-charge conservation, end biodiversity loss and begin nature’s recovery. It hasn’t quite worked out that way, at least not yet.

The new report, commissioned by philanthropic initiative the Bloomberg Ocean Fund and developed in partnership with environmental organisations Campaign for Nature, the Marine Conservation Institute and SkyTruth, is sobering. Since 2022, the global ocean protected area network has grown by only 0.5 percentage points to 8.3%, still nearly 2% short of the 10% target that 30×30 replaced. On this trajectory, the world is set to crawl towards just 9.7% by 2030. The world is failing badly and there seems little urgency in the pace of progress.

Some marine protected area designations set fishing restrictions.
Tamil Selvam/Shutterstock

Most marine protected areas (MPA) fail the quality test too. Assessed against a global framework of effectiveness, called the MPA guide, most marine protected areas are insufficiently protected or managed to deliver positive benefits to nature. The report calculates that only 2.8% of the world’s ocean is protected “effectively” according to MPA guide criteria. They include tiny protected areas like the South Arran MPA in Scotland, which was set up in 2014 and monitored by the local community, and the vast and still wild Ascension Island protected area that encloses 172,000 square miles (445,000km²) of the tropical Atlantic.

Even this low figure could overestimate current effectiveness. Reporting against MPA guide criteria is not yet mandatory for countries, so inconsistent definitions of protected areas complicate measurement of progress. And while some countries have declared MPAs as either “highly” or “fully” protected, the report suggests some of these areas aren’t sufficiently funded by governmental or other means to deliver effective management.

Country protected-area networks – that’s the the total composition of all protected areas – are badly imbalanced. In the global north, countries like the US, UK and France have declared large highly and fully protected areas in their overseas territories to boost the coverage of effective MPAs. Meanwhile, in home waters, most MPAs remain subject to destructive and extractive industrial activities such as bottom-trawl fishing or offshore energy. Their headline percentage protection numbers therefore “blue-wash” the reality of ongoing damage and biodiversity loss.

This October, Australia expanded the sub-Antarctic Heard and MacDonald Islands MPA, leading its environment minister to declare that with 52% of Australia’s waters protected, it had far exceeded 30×30. This and other huge offshore protected areas hide the fact that only 15% of coastal seas around the main Australian landmass are protected. Much of it is still open to industrial fishing and oil and gas production.

The 30×30 goal will also be an impossible dream until the world ratifies the UN’s high seas treaty. This was agreed in 2022 to manage and protect the colossal 61% of the ocean (43% of the Earth’s surface) that lies beyond the sovereign waters of any nation. Until that treaty comes into force, there is no agreed legal mechanism to create MPAs there. At present, just 1.4% of international waters are protected, much of them in Antarctica.

The Bloomberg report recommends governments speed up the creation of more marine protected areas. Another new study suggests a further 190,000 MPAs will be needed to reach 30×30, equivalent to 85 new protected areas daily for the rest of this decade.

While numbers and size matter, the world must also stop paying lip service to conservation and deliver real protection for nature, matched with sufficient and durable finance to ensure they work. And the high seas treaty needs urgently ratified, since there otherwise remains a near half-planet sized hole in ambitions for 30×30.

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

Get our award-winning weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

Callum Roberts receives funding from Convex Insurance, EU H2020, and EU Synergy. He is a board member of Nekton and Maldives Coral Institute, and advisor to Minderoo Foundation, Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy and CORDAP, and is a Pew Marine Fellow and WWF Fellow.

– ref. New report reveals that targets to save 30% of the ocean by 2030 aren’t being met – https://theconversation.com/new-report-reveals-that-targets-to-save-30-of-the-ocean-by-2030-arent-being-met-241584

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth, Quigley Announce More Than $81 Million In Additional Federal Funding For the CREATE Program

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

10.18.24

CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) today announced $81,301,065 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) INFRA (Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects) Program for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program, which aims to reduce traffic delays, increase rail junction safety, and improve mobility throughout Chicago.

DOT’s INFRA Grant Program provides federal funding for large projects of regional significance and is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that the lawmakers worked to pass in 2021.

Last month, Durbin, Duckworth, and Quigley announced $209 million in federal funding for the CREATE Program through DOT’s Mega Grant Program, bringing the total with today’s announced funding to $291,179,049.

“Today’s additional funding announcement is a major investment in the future of our transportation infrastructure. Chicagoans will be better connected because of the CREATE Program, which will improve the safety and quality of our rail system and roadways,” said Durbin. “Senator Duckworth, members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, and I have long supported these investments, and I’m glad to see these federal dollars go toward improving safety and alleviating congestion in a region that desperately needs it.”

“Investing in our transportation infrastructure is about growing our economy and making it easier, faster, safer and more efficient so people and goods can get where they need to go,” Duckworth said. “This significant federal investment in the CREATE Program—which Senator Durbin, members of the Illinois Delegation and I have been championing for years—will help us modernize our rail system for all Chicagoans while supporting good-paying South Side jobs and strengthening our region’s economy.”

“The CREATE Program is fundamentally changing rail operations in Chicago for both commuters and freight. Last month, we secured $209 million in funding for this program. Today’s announcement marks another significant step toward fulfilling CREATE’s mission to improve safety, alleviate congestion, and boost mobility throughout our city,” said Quigley.

The CREATE Program brings together the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Metra, Amtrak, and the nation’s freight railroads in a partnership to eliminate transit bottlenecks, boost the economy, and improve overall safety of the Chicagoland area.

Today’s announced funding will advance the 75^th Street Corridor Improvement Project, a three-mile elevated rail corridor on Chicago’s South Side, which approximately 90 freight trains and 30 Metra commuter trains use daily. The project will reconfigure track segments and signals at Belt Junction, add a third track to the Norfolk Southern line, replace and restore 14 aging bridge and viaduct structures, and implement mobility improvements on surface streets throughout the corridor.

Durbin and Duckworth have long championed rail improvements, having helped secure $132 million in federal funding to begin this project in 2018.

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: BOEM Completes Environmental Review of Wind Lease Areas Offshore New York and New Jersey

Source: US State of New Jersey

TRENTON – In support of the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has completed an environmental review to assess potential wind development activities within six wind lease areas covering over 488,000 acres offshore New York and New Jersey in an area known as the New York Bight. BOEM estimates that full development of the lease areas could generate up to 7 GW of offshore wind energy, enough to power up to two million homes.

“BOEM has collected input from Tribes, Federal and state government agencies, local communities, ocean users, and key stakeholders as part of our comprehensive environmental review,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein. “We appreciate the feedback we have received, and we believe our regional approach will provide a solid baseline for future environmental reviews for any proposed offshore wind projects in the New York Bight.”

In February 2022, BOEM held an auction that brought in over $4.3 billion for the rights to six lease areas in the New York Bight – a record amount for any U.S. offshore renewable or conventional energy lease sale.

BOEM prepared a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) to analyze potential environmental impacts of offshore wind activities in the six New York Bight lease areas. The Proposed Action for the PEIS identifies avoidance, minimization, mitigation, and monitoring (AMMM) measures that BOEM may require as conditions for approval for activities proposed by lessees in the individual construction and operations plans submitted for these six lease areas. Additional environmental analyses specific to each proposed project would build on the PEIS. This is the first time BOEM has conducted a regional analysis of offshore renewable energy development activities across multiple lease areas.

In early 2024, BOEM held five public meetings and eight regional environmental justice forums between 2022 and 2024 to receive input on the Draft PEIS from Tribal Nations, local community members, government partners, and ocean users. This public engagement was supported by funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. BOEM sought information on important resources and issues, potential impacts to the environment, and AMMM measures found in the Draft PEIS. BOEM received 1,568 unique comments from 560 submissions, which informed the Final PEIS, including the categorization and analysis of the AMMM measures. The Final PEIS analyzes 58 AMMM measures that have been applied previously to offshore wind activities, and eight that have not been applied previously but may help reduce potential impacts.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, the Department of the Interior has approved more than 15 gigawatts of clean energy from ten offshore wind projects, enough to power nearly 5.25 million homes. It has also held five offshore wind lease auctions, including a record-breaking sale offshore New York and New Jersey and the first-ever sales offshore the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Earlier this year, Secretary Haaland announced a schedule of potential additional lease sales through 2028.

The “Notice of Availability of a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Expected Wind Energy Development in the New York Bight” will publish in the Federal Register on October 25, 2024.

For more information, see BOEM’s website.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin, San Diego Congressional Delegation Call for Federal Support for South Bay Air Quality Monitoring

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

October 18, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Mike Levin (CA-49), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Scott Peters (CA-50) called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide support to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) as they work to monitor the air quality in communities impacted by Tijuana River Valley pollution.

This summer, South Bay communities were overwhelmed by strong sewage odors from the Tijuana River Valley, and hydrogen sulfide was detected in higher-than-normal amounts for short periods of time. Because exposure to hydrogen sulfide can cause adverse health effects like headaches and difficulty breathing, it is important that our communities have access to continuous and robust air quality monitoring that will give public health officials the information they need to help keep people safe.

“In the past year, researchers discovered that toxins and bacteria from the Tijuana River can be aerosolized and become airborne– unveiling an apparent threat not only to our water ecosystems, but the air in our communities. A recent heat wave in the region intensified the odors, and led constituents to report that the fumes have caused them to wake up in the middle of the night,” wrote the lawmakers.

“The [APCD] needs additional resources to ensure that they can properly measure and respond to the reported increase of noxious fumes,” the lawmakers continued. “That is why we are requesting that the EPA deploy whatever available federal resources to assist the San Diego County APCD with establishing a network of reference-grade monitoring equipment that can provide precise and real-time data.”

Read the full letter HERE.

The San Diego Congressional delegation has been focused on combating pollution in the Tijuana River Valley for years.

Together, the San Diego Congressional delegation has secured $400 million in federal funding which will be used to help improve and expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. Construction on the plant will begin soon.

In May, the Congressional delegation called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to look into the contaminants in the water, soil, and air in our communities and the potential connection to reported increases in illnesses and other symptoms. Thanks to their request, the CDC has begun an investigation into the public health impacts of the Tijuana River Valley sewage pollution.

Earlier this year, the San Diego Congressional delegation reiterated their call to the President to declare a federal state of emergency to help address the pollution.

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Pierce County business owner must pay $360K for scamming local gas station owners
Source: Washington State News

Kevin Wilkerson and his companies illegally charged tens of thousands of dollars for shoddy work that increased the risk of underground fuel leaks

TACOMA — On Friday, a Pierce County judge ordered a local business owner to pay more than $360,000 in penalties and restitution for unlawfully charging gas station owners for unfinished, unnecessary, or shoddy work on underground fuel storage tanks. The order is the result of a consumer protection lawsuit filed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s Wing Luke Civil Rights Division.

The judgment includes full restitution, plus interest, for nine gas station owners — all but one of whom identify as Korean or South Asian — who were scammed by Kevin Wilkerson and his companies, Northwest Environmental Services and Core Environmental Group. Wilkerson collected payment from the small businesses for work he did not perform or performed so poorly the businesses had to pay thousands more to other companies for the same services. In many cases, Wilkerson stopped responding to the owners of the gas stations when they attempted to contact him and refused to refund what they paid.

“My office stands up for Washington small businesses that follow the rules and contribute to our economy,” Ferguson said. “Wilkerson and his companies not only took advantage of Washingtonians trying to follow the rules, he put their livelihoods at risk. We are committed to protecting hardworking small businesses from bad actors who prey on them.”

An Olympia gas station owner, who immigrated to the U.S. 40 years ago, told the Attorney General’s Office: “(Wilkerson) took my money and then didn’t respond to me and made excuses. I trusted him. He was supposed to be an expert in the field. He was supposed to know what he’s doing. If he had said something needed to be done, I listened and asked him to do it because I relied on his word. Instead, (Wilkerson) and NES did work they were not qualified to do and cost me thousands of dollars in the process.”

Wilkerson’s unlawful conduct affected small businesses in Pierce, King, Snohomish, Thurston, Grays Harbor and Lewis counties.

Wilkerson’s unlawful conduct violated the state Consumer Protection Act. On Friday, Pierce County Superior Court Judge Clarence Henderson, Jr., found that Wilkerson violated the law and ordered Wilkerson to pay a total of $360,741, which includes $195,000 in enhanced civil penalties for harming individuals in Washington based on their national origin. Wilkerson must pay nine gas station owners a total of $165,741, amounting to full restitution plus interest.

Moreover, Wilkerson and his companies must cease all unlawful conduct or face further penalties from the court.

Wilkerson’s companies advertise maintenance services for underground storage tanks, which are used by gas stations across Washington to store fuel. There are approximately 8,700 underground storage tanks located at more than 3,400 sites statewide. Gas stations, which are primarily independently owned and operated, are responsible for periodic testing, maintenance and servicing for underground storage tanks. Service providers for this maintenance work must be certified, follow state regulations, and report the services they perform to the state Department of Ecology, which enforces regulations for underground storage tanks. Despite advertising a “skilled and certified in-house team” that “performs to the highest of standards,” Wilkerson and his companies have been taking advantage of small business owners since at least 2015, including:
- Accepting payment for services that were not completed or only partially completed;
- Completing services that violated regulations and exposed customers to liability for environmental damages;
- Misrepresenting certifications to customers;
- Persuading gas station owners to purchase and install unnecessary equipment and make unnecessary, expensive repairs; and
- Telling gas station owners they had submitted required documentation to Ecology when they had not.
In one instance, an Indian gas station owner in Toledo paid Wilkerson a $50,000 deposit to install new underground fuel storage tanks at his gas station. Six months later, the business owner learned that Wilkerson had not applied for the permits and, as a result, the work could not begin on time. The gas station owner had already purchased two new underground tanks, each capable of holding 25,000 gallons of fuel. With nowhere to install them, the owner had to pay an additional $7,000 to store them above ground behind the gas station. The gas station owner has hired a different contractor to complete the work, which will not be done until summer 2025. As a result, the business will lose a significant portion of monthly sales until then. The court ordered Wilkerson to repay the business owner $94,119 for this and other shoddy work, an amount that includes 12 percent interest.

In another instance, a Korean gas station owner in Olympia paid Wilkerson nearly $9,000 for upgrades to the gas station’s cathodic protection system, which protects underground storage tanks from corrosion to prevent underground fuel leaks. Wilkerson performed the work without proper certification and never returned to do required testing to ensure the system was working properly. When the gas station owner paid another service provider to come out to do the required testing, the system failed. The owner discovered Wilkerson had used incorrect parts and had to pay to have all the work redone. Wilkerson stopped responding to the gas station owner and never refunded the money he was paid for the shoddy work. The court ordered Wilkerson to repay the business owner $13,163, which includes 12 percent interest.

While the restitution provided by the court on Friday is limited to the nine impacted business owners who submitted declarations to the court, the Attorney General’s Office believes more businesses may have been harmed by Wilkerson’s conduct. Business owners who wish to report harm from Wilkerson or his companies should contact the Attorney General’s Office at civilrights@atg.wa.gov or toll-free by calling 1-833-660-4877 and selecting option 1.

Assistant Attorneys General Emily C. Nelson and Alyssa P. Au, Investigator Rebecca Pawul, and Paralegal Logan Young handled the case for Washington.

Ecology asks Attorney General to investigate Wilkerson’s repeat violations

The Attorney General’s Office filed the lawsuit against Wilkerson in March after the state Department of Ecology requested the office’s intervention. For years, Wilkerson repeatedly violated state regulations and disregarded penalties from Ecology.

Ecology received repeated complaints over many years from gas station owners and operators regarding Wilkerson. He faced multiple complaints for shoddy work that increased the risk of environmental damages, such as underground fuel leaks.

Despite the penalties, Wilkerson remains undeterred. Ecology continues to receive new complaints about similar conduct by Wilkerson.

To report a complaint to Ecology’s underground storage tank program, email tanks@ecy.wa.gov or call the UST Hotline at 800-826-7716.

Anyone who believes they are the victim of unfair or deceptive business practices should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office: https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint

Read the Korean translation of this press release here.

Read the Punjabi translation of this press release here.

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Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit http://www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Media Contact:

Brionna Aho, Communications Director, (360) 753-2727; Brionna.aho@atg.wa.gov

General contacts: Click here

MIL OSI USA News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt: Federal Infrastructure Investment Completion and 75th Anniversary of Kootenay National Park

Source: Government of Canada News

Federal Infrastructure Investment Completion and 75th Anniversary Kootenay National Park.

Renovations and improvements

From 2016 to early 2024, Parks Canada completed $29 million in federally funded infrastructure updates at the Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt to improve safety while modernizing and enhancing the visitor experience. Special attention was taken to hire local contractors wherever possible to ensure that the local community, for whom the hot springs are a primary economic driver, continued to benefit while construction was underway.

This work was part of a strategic effort to preserve the historical significance of the site while improving its facilities to meet contemporary standards of comfort and to improve accessibility. This included updates to the bathing pools and amenities. Upgrades to technology were also achieved.

·  Infrastructure Improvements: The Aquacourt infrastructure was upgraded to ensure safety and efficiency. This included updates to plumbing, electrical systems, mechanical systems and some structural enhancements to prolong the lifespan of the facility. These improvements also support conservation with the incorporation of green technologies.

·  Accessibility Enhancements: Efforts were made to improve accessibility for all those who visit. This involved installing and upgrading handrails and lifts and improving entry and exit to the site. The facility can now better accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.

·  Aesthetic and Comfort Upgrades: The interior and exterior of the Aquacourt underwent renovations to enhance the aesthetic appeal and comfort of the facility. This included renovating the restaurant, gift shop, and change rooms.

·  Environmental Sustainability: Measures were taken to promote environmental sustainability during the renovation process by installing energy-efficient geothermal energy systems to reduce the Aquacourt’s carbon footprint. Structural upgrades to culverts under the building have also safeguarded nearby fish habitats.

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MIL OSI Canada News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Significant federal infrastructure improvements completed at Radium Hot Springs in Kootenay National Park

Source: Government of Canada News

Upgrades and repairs to beloved Aquacourt ensures the future of this heritage building.

Upgrades and repairs to beloved Aquacourt ensures the future of this heritage building.

October 21, 2024 Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia Parks Canada

The Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt, located in Kootenay National Park, hosts more than 200,000 visitors each year. The hot mineral waters that flow from the ground have drawn people to this place since time immemorial. These hot springs were known and used, both recently and historically, by the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc people for their therapeutic properties. They are sacred places of healing and rejuvenation.

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the completion of a federal infrastructure project to update and renew the Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt building of approximately $29 million. Members of the community marked the completion of the renovations at an event that also recognized the 75^th anniversary of the start of construction of the Aquacourt. Building the Aquacourt was the first major construction project undertaken in the western national parks following the Second World War. The upgrades means that the Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt now offers a modern, safe, accessible and inclusive experience for visitors and community members alike.

Investments in the Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt modernized the mechanical and electrical systems, including the installation of energy-efficient technology to leverage geothermal energy from the hot springs. The building was made more resilient to climate change through upgrades to the cold pool that help protect it from flooding and improve visitor safety. The installation of culverts under the building direct water flow to protect the foundation from erosion while safeguarding nearby fish habitats. The renovated restaurant, gift shop, and change rooms will support improved visitor experiences, along with a new rooftop sundeck and upgraded accessibility features including handrails, lifts, and improvements to the site entry and exit.

Through infrastructure investments, the Government of Canada protects and conserves national treasures, while supporting local economies and contributing to growth in the tourism sector. By investing in the Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt, a Classified Federal Heritage Building, the Government of Canada is ensuring that future generations can continue to connect with nature in Kootenay National Park for years to come. These repairs and improvements ensure public safety and positive visitor experiences, support Parks Canada conservation efforts by incorporating green technologies and safeguarding natural habitats, strengthen climate resilience and protect built heritage in Canada.

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Hermine Landry
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
873-455-3714
hermine.landry@ec.gc.ca

Lindsay McPherson
External Relations Manager
Lake Louise, Yoho, Kootenay Field Unit
Parks Canada
867-678-5667
Lindsay.McPherson@pc.gc.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Leads Democratic Efforts to Put a Spotlight on Project 2025 With New Documentary Style Video Series
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

New Documentary Video Series Details Project 2025’s Threat to Reproductive Freedom, Workers’ Rights, Environmental Protections, Public Education, and American Democracy

Video Series Comes as Democrats Seek to Employ New Strategies to Meet the American People Where They Are, Capitalize on Strength of Social and Non-Traditional Media

Series Features 13 Members of Congress, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, Planned Parenthood Vice President Karen Stone, NY League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe, and Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone

View Video on Project 2025’s Threat to Democracy Here

View the Trailer for the Series Here

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) released the first full-length video in his five-part video documentary series detailing Project 2025’s threat to democracy, reproductive freedom, workers’ rights, environmental regulation, and public education. The series will feature interviews with Congressman Goldman and 12 of his House Democratic colleagues from across the country, as well as American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, Planned Parenthood Vice President Karen Stone, NY League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe, and Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone.

As an increasing share of Americans consume their news from non-traditional sources on Instagram, YouTube, and other social media sites, Congressman Goldman’s series marks an effort by Democrats to reach audiences where they are in a diversified media landscape. Across various social media platforms, the first two videos of the series have received over 400,000 views, signaling the potential of this new format to reach large numbers of Americans.

“Project 2025’s shocking plan to gut checks and balances, restrict abortion access, decimate public education, pollute our air and water, and endanger American workers for the sole benefit of Republican authoritarian extremists is utterly reprehensible and incredibly dangerous,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “This document is a detailed guide for how a second Trump administration will dismantle our democracy, and it is critical that the American people understand exactly how Trump intends to do it. I am proud to be joined by so many of my colleagues and policy leaders to expose this radical plan to reshape American society as we know it.”

Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Becca Balint said, “Project 2025 is a far-right plan by Trump allies to impose Christian nationalist values onto every American. It goes completely against our American values to promote a strong, resilient democracy; in fact this plan aims to erode our democratic institutions by gutting checks and balances and seizing power for the presidency. Project 2025 is nothing short of an anti-freedom and anti-equality agenda: it further attacks reproductive rights and disproportionately harms communities of color and our LGBTQI+ community. Project 2025 would increase gun violence rather than protect our communities. And its plan to abolish the Department of Education would hurt millions of families whose kids go to public schools, teachers who are already underpaid, and students. It’s dangerous and we must take it extremely seriously. I’m proud to be a part of this series to help Americans understand the threat it poses to our values and democratic norms.”

Pre-K and Child Care Caucus Co-Chair Suzanne Bonamici said, “Project 2025 is a blueprint for MAGA extremists to undermine government and destroy programs and policies that support working families. It’s the product of people who held top positions in the previous administration and special interest groups that hold significant influence over the GOP’s agenda. I’m working with my colleagues to counter this extremist plan and to educate Americans about its potentially devastating effects.”

Pro-Choice Caucus Task Force Chair Judy Chu said, “Trump and his allies’ Project 2025 is a 900 page comprehensive plan for MAGA Republicans to grab power for themselves, enrich their allies, and shatter our already fragile democracy. Project 2025 touches on every agency in the federal government and is January 6th extremism crafted into a governing ideology: fire tens of thousands of civil servants to replace them with partisan loyalists, abolish checks and balances, chip away at church-state separation, and impose a far-right agenda that rips away our freedoms and takes money out of pockets. It’s so critical for House Democrats to work together to shine a light on as many details of this plan as possible so we can equip ourselves and the American people with the information we need to fight back and make certain we put systems into place to protect us from these extreme policies.”

Freshman Leadership Representative Jasmine Crockett said, “Let me make it plain: Project 2025 is the GOP’s attack plan against the American constitution. It doesn’t just undermine the progress made in this country forwomen, people of color, and LGBTQIA folks over the past century; it undermines the very principles of self-government that our country was founded on. If our Founding Fathers were to read Project 2025, they would have thought it was sent over by King George himself. It’s a blueprint for authoritarianism, a blueprint for monarchy, and a blueprint for a right-wing dictatorship in America that will end our democratic experiment for good. If the majority of Americans were to read and understand this plan – a plan authored by hundreds of members of former President Trump’s administration – they would reject it as un-American and dangerous. Thank you to Congressman Goldman for bringing us together to break down Project 2025 from every angle – no matter how engaged you are, you can still learn something from this series.”

Committee on Natural Resources Vice Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove said, “Project 2025 poses a grave threat, not just to our democracy but to our planet, too. This hostile takeover of the federal government would depose dedicated public servants and install Trump loyalists and climate denialists at the EPA, enabling Republicans to slash environmental protections at the behest of Big Oil. But Project 2025 doesn’t stop at encouraging the world’s worst polluters—this agenda also seeks to discontinue air quality, clean energy, and decarbonization programs by overturning the Inflation Reduction Act, harming the health of our communities and the environment, eliminating clean energy jobs, and exacerbating the climate crisis. With Project 2025, Republicans have shown that they will continue to put polluters over people—this plan must be stopped.”

Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Ranking Member Seth Magaziner said, “Donald Trump’s Project 2025 will hand a future Trump administration nearly unlimited power to ban abortion, take away healthcare for people with preexisting conditions, and rip away the freedoms that Americans have fought hard for. Trump’s Project 2025 is dangerous, cruel, and out-of-touch with the needs of the American people. We will not let Trump and Congressional Republicans take us back.”

House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism Co-Chair Kathy Manning said, “Project 2025 is simply a more detailed blueprint of Donald Trump’s extreme MAGA agenda that promises to roll back Americans’ basic rights and freedoms. Because of Donald Trump and the three extreme MAGA Justices he appointed to the Supreme Court to overturn Roe. v. Wade, one in three women of reproductive age lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban. Now, his extreme Project 2025 plans will attack reproductive freedoms even further by targeting abortion pills and contraception coverage, and threatening IVF treatments. Project 2025 would also ban the mailing of abortion medications, equipment, or materials, effectively creating a nationwide, backdoor abortion ban — without the approval of Congress.”

Labor Caucus Co-Founder Donald Norcross said, “Project 2025 is a 920-page manifesto designed to tell every American how to live their life. If enacted into law, Project 2025 would destroy the 250-year-old system of checks and balances that make up our democracy and completely dismantle almost every labor standard that protects workers. As a union electrician and co-chair of the Labor Caucus, it pains me to see a document that would strip away worker protections and fair labor practices that working families have been fighting for decades. I’m proud to join Rep. Goldman in this video series to help explain the threat Project 2025 poses to American values, ideals, and freedoms.”

Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government Ranking Member Stacey Plaskett said, “Project 2025 is the playbook for Donald Trump’s second term, which will ensure that the few have power over the many and that the rule of law as we know it, is gone. It is a plan to ensure that the federal government no longer acts as a check on the greed and desire for absolute power that Trump and his cohort of friends share. In every way, Project 2025 will make Americans less safe and less free. Republicans know that these ideas are not popular with the people of America and that’s why they hide from the facts, obfuscate the truth and distract the public’s attention with wild claims to vilify minorities and keep us divided. It is imperative that we all do our part to ensure that Donald Trump is not allowed to enforce the clear and present danger that the Project 2025 master plan represents to American democracy.”

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said, Project 2025 is about institutionalizing Trumpism. It’s about going after educational opportunity, economic opportunity and equal opportunity. It’s about going after the legitimacy of elections. This is the stuff of demagogues and dictators, not democracies. This is not the promise of America. We can and must do better than this—for the sake of our families and the future of our republic.”

Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone said, “Project 2025 isn’t about serving the people; it’s about ensuring that political loyalty becomes the guiding rule. They want to replace our government’s independent watchdogs with partisan loyalists, dismantling checks and balances to consolidate power in the executive branch. With a captured Supreme Court and a weaponized Department of Justice, the next conservative administration would have all the tools they needed to drive America closer and closer to their idealized far-right dystopia, at the cost of our personal freedoms.”

A third of all U.S adults say they regularly get their news from Facebook or YouTube, and nearly 20% report preferring to receive their news from social media. As more Americans turn to non-traditional platforms such as social media, YouTube, and online searches to stay informed Congressman Goldman is focused on ensuring that important information reaches all Americans in this rapidly transforming media landscape.

Featured in the videos are Representatives: Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Becca Balint (VT-AL), Pre-K and Child Care Caucus Co-Chair Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Pro-Choice Caucus Task Force Chair Judy Chu (CA-28), Freshman Leadership Representative Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Lois Frankel (FL-22), Dads Caucus Founder and Chair Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Committee on Natural Resources Vice Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Ranking Member Seth Magaziner (RI-02), House Bipartisan Task Force forCombating Antisemitism Co-Chair Kathy Manning (NC-06), Labor Caucus Co-Founder Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government Ranking Member Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), and Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Co-Chair Paul Tonko (NY-20).

Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan for the next conservative president to swiftly enact the most anti-democratic and archconservative agenda in the history of this country. It lays the groundwork for Donald Trump to seize power, gut checks and balances, and enact a radical agenda. It touches on every department and agency within the federal government.

The Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank funded by shady dark money interests, has been plotting Project 2025, an unprecedented scheme to help the next conservative president quickly enact the most radical agenda in the history of the country. The plan is laying the groundwork for a new president to seize power and enact broad changes that are deeply unpopular with the American people. This includes vastly expanding the ability of the president to purge civil servants who are not sufficiently loyal to this extreme right-wing agenda.
- Within the first 180 days of taking office, the plan calls for attacks on reproductive rights, the rule of law, and the expansion of the cruel and inhumane immigration policies from the Trump administration. Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan that would touch every department of the federal government and fundamentally reshape the lives of the American people. The Project’s four-pronged strategy that includes:
  - A laundry list of extreme policies to be enacted across the federal government;
  - A blueprint for how to use existing authority – or expand the power of the presidency – to implement right-wing policy proposals;
  - A database of right-wing ideologues who wholeheartedly endorse this power grab and far-right policies;
  - Training for staff so they can more efficiently enact this extreme agenda.
While Project 2025 is being run out of the Heritage Foundation, its advisors include former Trump White House aides like Stephen Miller, and more than half the groups supporting the effort have received $21.5 million in funding from Leonard Leo’s dark money network.

Congressman Dan Goldman is a member of the Stop Project 2025 Task Force.

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MIL OSI USA News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Pierce 카운티 사업주는 현지 주유소 소유주들에 대한 사기 혐의로 36만 달러의 벌금을 지불해야 합니다.
Source: Washington State News

Kevin Wilkerson과 그가 운영하는 회사들은 지하 연료 누출의 위험을 높이는 부실한 작업을 해놓고 수만 달러를 불법적으로 청구했습니다.

TACOMA — 금요일, Pierce 카운티 판사는 지하 연료 저장 탱크에 대한 작업을 완료하지 않았거나, 불필요하거나 부실한 작업을 해놓고 주유소 소유주들에게 불법적으로 비용을 청구한 현지 사업주에게 36만 달러가 넘는 벌금과 배상금을 지불하라고 명령했습니다. 해당 명령은 법무장관 Bob Ferguson의 Wing Luke Civil Rights Division(민권담당과)이 제기한 소비자 보호 소송의 결과로 내려지게 되었습니다.

해당 판결에는 Kevin Wilkerson과 그가 운영하는 회사인 Northwest Environmental Services 및 Core Environmental Group으로부터 사기를 당한 주유소 소유주 9명(한 명을 제외하고는 모두 한국인 또는 남아시아인으로 확인됨)에게 전액 배상(이자 포함)을 하라는 명령도 포함되었습니다. Wilkerson은 본인이 수행하지 않았거나 부실하게 진행한 작업에 대해 해당 주유소들로부터 돈을 받았으며, 이 주유소들은 결국 제대로 작업을 마무리하기 위해 다른 사업체에 추가적으로 비용을 지불해야 했습니다. 대다수의 경우, Wilkerson은 주유소 소유주들의 연락에 응대를 하지 않았고, 해당 소유주들이 지불한 금액에 대한 환불 또한 거부했습니다.

Ferguson 장관은 “법무장관실은 규칙을 준수하고 경제에 이바지하는 워싱턴의 소규모 사업체들을 대변합니다. 그들의 신뢰를 저버리고 생계를 위험에 빠뜨리는 것은 수치스러운 일입니다. 우리는 열심히 일하는 워싱턴의 소규모 사업주들을 상대로 사기 행위를 저지르는 사람에 대해 엄격한 조치를 취할 것입니다.”라고 강조했습니다.

40년 전 미국으로 이민 온 Olympia 주유소 소유주는 Attorney General’s Office(법무장관실)에 다음과 같이 토로했습니다. “(Wilkerson)은 제 돈을 받은 이후로 제대로 된 응답은 하지도 않고 그저 변명만 했습니다. 저는 그를 믿었습니다. 그가 관련 분야의 전문가라고 생각했습니다. 그가 자신이 하는 일을 제대로 알고 있을 거라고 생각했습니다. 그가 어떤 작업이 필요하다고 말하면, 저는 그 작업을 해달라고 요청했습니다. 전적으로 그의 말을 믿었기 때문입니다. 그런데 (Wilkerson)과 NES는 수행 자격도 없는 작업을 한다고 했고, 그 과정에서 수천 달러의 비용이 소모되었습니다.”

Wilkerson의 불법 행위로 Pierce, King, Snohomish, Thurston, Grays Harbor, Lewis 카운티의 소규모 사업체들이 피해를 입었습니다.

Wilkerson의 불법 행위는 주 Consumer Protection Act(소비자 보호법) 위반입니다. 금요일, Pierce 카운티 고등법원 판사 Clarence Henderson, Jr.는 Wilkerson의 법률 위반 사실을 파악하고 Wilkerson에게 워싱턴 주에서 특정 개인에게 출신 국가를 근거로 피해를 입힌 건들에 대해 강화된 민사 벌금 195,000달러를 포함하여 총 360,741달러를 지불하라고 명령했습니다. Wilkerson은 주유소 소유주 9명에게 배상금 전액과 이자를 합쳐 총 165,741달러를 지불해야 합니다.

또한, Wilkerson과 그가 운영하는 회사들은 모든 불법 행위를 중단해야 하며, 그렇지 않을 경우 법원으로부터 추가적인 처벌을 받게 될 것입니다.

Wilkerson이 운영하는 회사들은 워싱턴 전역의 주유소에서 연료 저장에 사용되는 지하 저장 탱크에 대한 유지보수 서비스를 제공한다고 광고하고 있습니다. 주 전역에 걸쳐 3,400여 곳에 약 8,700개의 지하 저장 탱크가 있습니다. 주로 독립적으로 소유 및 운영되는 주유소는 지하 저장 탱크를 정기적으로 검사하고 유지보수 및 정비해야 할 책임이 있습니다. 이러한 유지보수 작업을 담당하는 서비스 제공자는 인증을 받아야 하고, 주 규정을 준수해야 하며, 지하 저장 탱크에 대한 규정을 시행하는 주 Department of Ecology(생태부)에 수행한 서비스에 대해 신고해야 합니다. Wilkerson과 그가 운영하는 회사들은 “최고 수준의 성과를 보장하는 숙련되고 인증된 사내 팀”을 갖추고 있다는 광고를 했음에도 불구하고, 적어도 2015년부터 소규모 사업주들을 속여 왔습니다. 몇 가지 사례를 꼽자면 다음과 같습니다.
- 완료되지 않았거나 부분적으로만 완료된 서비스에 대한 지불금을 받음
- 규정을 위반하고 고객이 환경 피해에 대한 책임을 물어야 하는 방식으로 서비스를 완료함
- 고객에게 인증에 대한 잘못된 사실을 전달함
- 주유소 소유주들에게 불필요한 장비를 구매 및 설치하도록 하고 불필요하고 비용이 많이 드는 수리 작업을 하도록 설득함
- 주유소 소유주들에게 Ecology에 필요한 서류를 제출했다고 말했으나, 실제로는 제출하지 않음
한 사례에서, Toledo의 한 인도인 주유소 소유주는 그가 운영하는 주유소에 새로운 지하 연료 저장 탱크를 설치하기 위해 Wilkerson에게 5만 달러의 보증금을 지불했습니다. 6개월 후, 그는 Wilkerson이 관련 허가를 신청하지 않았다는 사실을 알게 되었고, 결과적으로 적시에 설치 작업을 시작할 수 없게 되었습니다. 그는 이미 각각 25,000갤런의 연료를 담을 수 있는 두 개의 새로운 지하 탱크를 구입한 상황이었습니다. 이 탱크들을 설치할 곳이 마땅치 않아 주유소 뒤편의 지상에 설치하기 위해 추가로 7,000달러를 지불해야 했습니다. 그는 다른 계약업체를 고용하여 설치 작업을 완료했지만, 해당 작업은 2025년 여름이나 되야 끝날 예정입니다. 결과적으로 그가 운영하는 주유소는 그때까지 월 매출에 있어 상당 부분 손실을 겪게 될 것입니다.

또 한 가지 사례에서, Olympia의 한 한국인 주유소 소유주는 지하 연료 누출을 방지하기 위해 지하 저장 탱크가 부식되지 않도록 보호하는 음극 방식 보호 시스템을 업그레이드하기 위해 Wilkerson에게 약 9,000달러를 지불했습니다. Wilkerson은 적합한 인증을 받지 않은 상태에서 해당 작업을 수행했고, 이 시스템이 제대로 작동하는지 확인하는 데 필요한 검사를 실시해야 하는 데 그러지 않았습니다. 해당 주유소 소유주는 다른 서비스 제공업체에 비용을 지불하고 필요한 검사를 진행하려 했지만, 시스템이 고장이 나버렸습니다. 그제서야 Wilkerson이 잘못된 부품을 사용했다는 사실을 발견했고 모든 작업을 다시 진행할 수 밖에 없어 해당 비용을 추가로 지출하게 되었습니다. 그러나 이에 대해 Wilkerson은 아무런 응답도 하지 않았고, 부실한 작업에 대해 받은 돈도 환불해 주지 않았습니다.

금요일 배상 판결은 법원에 피해 사실에 대해 진술서를 제출한 9명의 사업주에게만 해당되는 것이지만, Attorney General’s Office에서는 Wilkerson의 행동으로 인해 더 많은 사업체가 피해를 입었을 것으로 생각합니다. Wilkerson이나 그가 운영하는 회사에게 입은 피해를 신고하고자 하는 사업주들은 Attorney General’s Office로 이메일 civilrights@atg.wa.gov 또는 무료 전화 1-833-660-4877번(옵션 1 선택)으로 연락하시기 바랍니다.

법무차관보 Emily C. Nelson과 Alyssa P. Au, 조사관 Rebecca Pawul, 준법률가 Logan Young이 워싱턴의 해당 사건을 처리했습니다.

Ecology는 법무장관에게 Wilkerson의 반복적인 위반 행위에 대한 조사를 촉구합니다.

Attorney General’s Office는 주 Department of Ecology(생태부)가 법무장관실의 개입을 요청한 후 지난 3월에 Wilkerson을 상대로 소송을 제기했습니다. Wilkerson은 수년간 주 규정을 반복적으로 위반했고 Ecology의 처벌을 무시해 왔습니다.

Ecology는 수년간 주유소 소유주와 운영자로부터 Wilkerson과 관련된 불만을 여러 건 접수해 왔습니다. 그에 대해 지하 연료 누출 등 환경 피해의 위험을 높이는 부실한 작업에 대한 여러 건의 민원이 접수되었습니다.

처벌에도 불구하고 Wilkerson은 시정할 생각이 없어 보입니다. Ecology에는 Wilkerson이 저지른 유사 행위에 대한 새로운 민원이 계속해서 접수되고 있습니다.

Ecology의 지하 저장 탱크 프로그램에 대한 민원을 제기하려면, 이메일 tanks@ecy.wa.gov 또는 UST 핫라인 전화 800-826-7716번으로 연락해 주시기 바랍니다.

불공정하거나 사기적 사업 관행으로 인해 피해를 입었다고 생각되는 분들은 Attorney General’s Office(https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint)에 민원을 제기해 주십시오.

자막: Ecology는 Wilkerson을 고용한 주유소 중 한 곳에서 그가 수행한 부실한 작업 중 몇 건에 대해 조사한 결과, 그가 해당 수리 작업에 판지와 덕트 테이프를 사용했다는 사실을 발견했습니다.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 24, 2025

Category: Environment

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