Category: Environment

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime NZ announces safer boating funding for 2023

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Maritime NZ has announced recipients of its annual Community Grant funding for safety programmes to help reduce fatalities and injuries to people out on the water in recreational craft.

In total, 21 projects and initiatives around the country will share $876,680 worth of funding. In 2022, 24 projects shared $853,000.

In 2022 there were 17 deaths (spread across 16 incidents) related to recreational craft. The number of fatalities has remained relatively consistent over the last decade, despite significant efforts from recreational craft safety-focussed organisations.

For Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett, these fatalities and the substantial number of preventable harm incidents are of significant concern for her and the rest of Maritime NZ.

“With nearly two million people in New Zealand undertaking activities on the water, we know it is very important to get the right safety messages out to a wide range of people, from different backgrounds, all over Aotearoa.

“At Maritime NZ, we will be looking for opportunities to promote the work of other organisations to reduce harm, and are keen to see collaborative approaches to safety across the sector.

“No one organisation has the answer or the ability to reach everyone. This is why it is important to work together to increase water users’ knowledge on how to be safe on the water, and ultimately bring down instances of harm.

A key part of the funding allocation decision was looking at how to reach at-risk groups.

“There are several initiatives that are targeted to supporting different ethnic groups, including Pasifika, Asian and Māori communities.

“Across New Zealand, we know there are differing levels of safety knowledge, safety equipment owned by water users and language barriers for some communities. It is hugely important we keep up our previous momentum with supporting these communities and have them prioritising safety.

“Everyone should go home safely from a day out on the water.

“It is vital water users understand the rules and know how to keep themselves safe,” Ms Hewlett says.

The funding is split across local and national initiatives, with recipients located all around New Zealand.

Among the initiatives that have secured funding are Coastguard’s Old4New lifejacket upgrade programme, which includes Second Life Lifejackets and received $100,000; Northland Regional Council’s Nobody’s Stronger Than Tangaroa campaign, which received $85,000; and $70,000 for Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Kia marutau ki te wai and Safety is Our Wai scheme.

Beneficiary organisations include the Kayak Association of Sea Kayakers, Watersafe Auckland (Drowning Prevention Auckland), New Zealand Stand Up Paddling, Jet Boating NZ, and several regional councils.

A key purpose of the fund is to support campaigns and collaboration led by the members of New Zealand’s Safer Boating Forum, a coalition of organisations dedicated to improving safety in the recreational boating sector.

Successful recipients

Council / Organisation	Programme	Funding Approved
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Jon Jon Peters [email protected]	Safety is our Wai & Kia marutau ki te wai Continuation of on-water safety programme to Harbour & Lakes and safer boating education and resources specifically to local Iwi and Hapū	$70,000
Coastguard New Zealand Tautiaki Moana Aotearoa Daisy Docherty [email protected]	Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade Programme including Second Life Lifejackets and Ngā Hue ō Hinemoa Continuation of the Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade campaign offering heavily discounted lifejackets and PFD’s to those who upgrade their old or damaged lifejackets across NZ and providing new life jackets for at-risk communities Continuation of an existing programme to educate Pasifika boaties to be more knowledgeable and safer skippers.	$100,000
Environment Canterbury Gordon McKay [email protected]	Canterbury Safe Boating Programme Continuation of programme to educate safer boating and providing an Enforcement Officer to specialise in educating the jet boat sector.	$55,000
Environment Southland Zak Smith [email protected]	Environment Southland Boating Safety Program Continuation of existing programme to deliver consistent boating safety education to recreational boating operators on water and on boat ramps.	$20,000
Gisborne District Council Peter Buell [email protected]	Tairāwhiti Haumaru Moana Continuation of promoting safer boating throughout the region	$48,000
Greater Wellington Regional Council Grant Nalder [email protected]	Do you know what you need to? To deliver nationally consistent safe boating messages and the aim is to make this relevant and available to a wide demographic through direct contact with a range of boaties.	$58,410
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Adrian Wright [email protected]	Tamariki and Pakeke Boating Safety Programme Continuation of education program of delivering Safer Boating Education to local iwi and running a “Suddenly in Charge Course” at boating clubs around the region	$18,000
Jet Boating New Zealand Inc. Stephen Woodside [email protected]	Jet Smart – Safer Jet Boating Continuation to produce a series of Jet Smart – Safer Jet Boating videos that contain safety messages focusing on river navigation.	$36,650
Kayak Association of Sea Kayakers (KASK) Steve Cooper [email protected]	KayakSafe NZ Continuation of delivery of key kayaking safety messages through a variety of channels.	$7,000
Marlborough District Council Brittany Hamilton [email protected]	Safer Boating Roadshow Marlborough – bringing boating safety to you! Visiting remote areas and promote safer boating behaviour.	$20,000
Nelson City Council Stuart Whitehouse [email protected]	Maritime Safety Internship Increasing safety education and compliance for Nelson waters	$27,000
Nelson City Council Stuart Whitehouse [email protected]	Sup on water educational programme Continuation of programme to educate SUP users on safety and help develop skills about informed decision making in dynamic environments.	$4,800
New Zealand Stand Up Paddling Inc. (NZSUP) Bill Dawes [email protected]	SUP SAFE Continuation of campaign targeted at stand up paddle boarders to increase safety behaviours.	$24,000
Northland Regional Council Peter Thomas [email protected]	Nobody’s stronger then Tangaroa Continuation of engaging with remote communities with specific messaging and face to face engagement	$85,000
Queenstown Lakes District Council Isabelle Logez [email protected]	QLDC Waterways Skipper Responsibility Campaign Increased public messaging to promote skipper responsibility of waterways within region, which solely comprises of inland waterways – rivers and lakes.	$12,000
Royal New Zealand Coastguard Marilyn Brady [email protected]	Ko Tangata Moana To deliver safer boating courses to Maori, Pasifika and Asian communities	$100,000
Waikato Regional Council Chris Bredenbeck [email protected]	Operation Neptune Continuation of on-water education with three primary tactics education, engagement and enforcement while delivering safety messages	$45,000
Waka Ama NZ Lara Collins [email protected]	Waka Ama Water Safety Continuation of delivery of the CBE Waka Ama Safety Course to all waka ama paddlers around Aotearoa.	$46,000
Watersafe Auckland Inc.(Drowning Prevention Auckland) Nicola Keen-Biggelaar [email protected]	WaiWise for the Pacific, Asian and Indian communities Continuation of programme to provide specific drowning prevention education for the three at-risk communities in Tāmaki Makaurau.	$50,000
Watersafe Auckland Inc.(Drowning Prevention Auckland) Nicola Keen-Biggelaar [email protected]	Supporting growth in use of Lifejacket Hubs for drowning prevention education Continuation to provide hubs where people can access lifejackets and support growing awareness of these hubs.	$25,000
Yachting New Zealand Raynor Haagh [email protected]	Yachting New Zealand’s sailing experience RŪNĀ Continuation of the RŪNĀ framework to encourage a wider and more diverse range of students to connect with sailing both inside and outside the classroom	$25,000
		$876,680

Note to editors

All of Maritime New Zealand’s recreational boating work is funded through fuel excise duty on petrol (about $5.4 million). This is from contributions to the tax boaties make when refuelling their boats. A portion of this funding is used to support the Community Grants programme
Maritime NZ also provides funding to a range of Councils around the country to support on-water compliance. Funding for ‘No Excuses’ and on-water compliance initiatives will not come out of community grants funding. Instead they will be supported from the on-water compliance funding budget.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: SAR teams support trapped tramper with survival kit as bad weather delays rescue

Source: Maritime New Zealand

A survival kit dropped to a tramper in snowy conditions played a key role in keeping him alive through freezing conditions before rescuers could reach him.

The tramper, a Danish national, was in the Two Thumbs Range, North West of Tekapo. He initially contacted police for assistance by way of a broken 111 call, after heavy snow closed in around him late in the afternoon of Wednesday, 26 July. Through the call, police were only about to get an approximate location for the tramper. He later activated his personal locator beacon which provided an accurate GPS location.

Maritime NZ’s RCCNZ coordinated the response, after receiving the beacon activation. With darkness setting in, RCCNZ tasked a night-vision and winch-equipped Garden City Helicopter from Christchurch to assist the man. The helicopter got overhead of the tramper, but two winch attempts to lower a medic failed due to the new snow recirculation and limited definition on the night vision devices.

“There was about a metre and a half of snow in the area. The rotors of the helicopters were forcing it up, meaning they were unable to safely land in the area,” Manager, RCCNZ and Safety Systems Justin Allan says.

The situation was then reviewed and it was decided rescuers were unable to extract the man that day. Conversations then took place about how to best support him through the night.

Our search and rescue officers got in touch with the team at Southern Lakes Helicopter and the Department of Conservation’s Aoraki Search & Rescue Team to look at options to support the response.

“While the man was reasonably well prepared for the conditions, a decision was made to supply him a survival bag containing a tent, radio, light, sleeping bag and extra clothing to help him manage in the freezing temperatures,” Allan says.

Aoraki Search & Rescue Team Leader, Dave Lewis says it was important to get the tramper the resources he needed in trying conditions.

“Temperatures were exceptionally cold, with a lot of snow around. There was also an incoming storm setting in for the night. Ensuring he had extra equipment played a crucial role in him surviving the night,” he says.

RCCNZ maintained contact with the tramper overnight to ensure he was coping with the conditions. The tramper was airlifted back to Tekapo on Thursday 27 July at about 11 am.

Tramping in snowy conditions? Think before you go

Justin Allan says anyone planning on heading out in this sort of weather needs to understand the conditions and reflect on them against their capabilities.

“In locations with significant snow, we recommend trampers check out the advice the Mountain Safety Council has developed,” he says.

“From RCCNZ we want to thank the on-the-ground teams who worked tirelessly in trying conditions to ensure the tramper had the supplies he needed to last the night, and then got him safely to Tekapo” Justin Allan says.

Link

Mountain Safety Council’s advice on avalanche safety

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Canadians should expect another active hurricane season

Source: Government of Canada News

May 23, 2025 – Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

During the upcoming hurricane season, Canadians can rely on state-of-the-art weather forecasting systems from Environment and Climate Change Canada. These systems provide timely and reliable weather information and alerts in advance of approaching tropical storms and hurricanes. Early warnings will give Canadians time to prepare and protect themselves, their loved ones, and their properties in the event of a storm.

The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and this season is expected to be above-average for tropical storm activity. Experts are predicting 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean basin. Environment and Climate Change Canada encourages everyone to prepare before the season begins.

Meteorologists at the Canadian Hurricane Centre conduct 24/7 monitoring and hazard prediction year-round. They focus on storms with the potential to affect Canada and its waters, track storm paths, predict intensity, and issue warnings. They also provide information to help provincial and territorial partners and emergency management officials to lessen the impacts of tropical cyclones and hurricanes in Canadian communities.

It is now more important than ever to get prepared. There has been an increase in Category 3 to Category 5 hurricanes over the past four decades, and with climate change, the intensity of the strongest hurricanes is expected to increase.

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Managing Director takes the helm at Stour Environmental Credits Ltd

Source: City of Canterbury

Home » Latest News » Managing Director takes the helm at Stour Environmental Credits Ltd

Stour Environmental Credits Ltd (SEC) has appointed Mariam Bajulaiye as its first Managing Director, as the Joint Venture company created by Ashford Borough Council and Canterbury City Council prepares to start trading in nutrient mitigation credits.

Mariam has joined Ashford-based SEC from her role as Principal Consultant at Resource Futures, where she managed a team of technical consultants to support UK councils on the implementation of new waste management policies, such as net zero strategies.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, Mariam has more than 17 years’ experience of delivering waste and resource efficiency projects for the private sector, government agencies, local authorities, housing associations and social enterprises.

Expressing her “delight” at joining Stour Environmental Credits, Mariam said: “We look forward to working with mitigation providers and housing developers to enable thousands of much-needed new homes to be delivered across the River Stour catchment area.

“Stour Environmental Credits is a not-for-profit company, whose aim is to buy the benefit of a range of nutrient mitigation to sell on as credits to developers, to unlock the development of homes delayed due to concerns over the water quality in the Stour and at the Stodmarsh nature reserve downstream near Canterbury.

“I’m working at pace with the SEC Board to finalise our action plan and we look forward to announcing more details of this very soon via our website.”

SEC is gearing up to start trading in credits later this year. It went out to soft market testing in January and February 2025 to gauge the range of potential credit generating opportunities that are being developed by individuals and organisations. As a result, SEC is in discussions with the potential providers of land-use change based credits.

Following the considerable interest shown by companies looking to provide septic tank upgrades, SEC has advised them that we are moving into an open market tender. As the company is publicly owned, it is obliged to follow public procurement regulations.

SEC is liaising with potential mitigation providers on the technical and legal information required to be able to secure mitigation for credit provision, to satisfy Natural England, the Environment Agency, the local planning authorities and SEC itself, of the efficacy and longevity of the credits.

This will enable housing developers to have full confidence in the temporary and permanent credits provided for sale by the company.

SEC’s website is being developed to enable organisations to register their interest in nutrient neutrality mitigation online.

It is anticipated that a range of credits will become available later in 2025. We are working in collaboration with the local planning teams at Ashford Borough Council and Canterbury City Council on our timeline to market initial credits and the pipeline of credits that will be coming online. The plan is to make credits available in tranches.

If you have any specific queries please email admin@stourenvironmentalcredits.co.uk.

Finding solutions to the ‘Stodmarsh problem’

In July 2020, Natural England issued advice requiring new housing development in the River Stour catchment to demonstrate nutrient neutrality.

This followed concerns that high levels of phosphates and nitrates in the water were having harmful impacts on the Stodmarsh nature reserve further downstream.

The impact during the past five years has meant that councils, primarily in Ashford and Canterbury, and developers have not been able to build new homes within the River Stour catchment, which is having a negative impact on the Local Plan and new housing provision in the two districts.

SEC is tapping into some of the £9.8m of the Local Nutrient Mitigation Funding awarded to the catchment by Government. This funding is controlled by Kent County Council.

At the time SEC was founded, a report to Ashford Borough Council’s Cabinet warned: “Protecting the natural environment in our rivers remains a priority, however the nutrient neutrality constraints that have been placed on the council present a huge barrier to growth and our ability to address some of the wider social and economic challenges.

“A solution needs to be found swiftly that meets the local requirements without creating further uncertainty.”

Published: 23 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Highlights Connecticut’s Parks, Beaches, and Attractions as Summer Tourism and Activity Season Begins

Source: US State of Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents and those who live outside of the state to consider the many parks, beaches, and other destinations that Connecticut has to offer as they make recreational plans during the upcoming summertime tourism and activity season.

“Summer is a wonderful time to spend in Connecticut, with some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities around, including many state parks that are among the best in the country and are a huge part of our tremendous quality of life here in our state,” Governor Lamont said. “Tourism to our state has been increasing in recent years as more people learn about and explore the attractions of all kinds that Connecticut has to offer. Whether you’ve lived in Connecticut your whole life or have never been to our state, I guarantee there is a destination everyone with all interests can enjoy.”

Tourism is an $18.5 billion industry in Connecticut and supports more than 125,000 jobs in the state. In 2023, more than 68 million people visited Connecticut, up 2% from the prior year. (For more data, check out the most recent Connecticut State of Tourism Report.)

Connecticut tourist attractions and restaurants climb on national rankings

Recently, several attractions in the state have received notable attention in the rankings from national tourism publications, including by Condé Nast Traveler, which ranked Litchfield County as one of the “Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2025,” and USA Today, which named Mystic Seaport Museum the “#2 Best Open-Air Museum” for the second consecutive year.

Connecticut also boasts some of the most celebrated restaurants in the U.S. that any foodie would love. Recently, several Connecticut chefs and restaurants have gained increased national recognition, capped by chef David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic capturing the world-renowned James Beard Award for best chef in the northeast, and several others named semifinalists, including Renee Touponce of Oyster Club and The Port of Call in Mystic who was nominated in the outstanding chef category, and Coracora in West Hartford nominated for outstanding restaurant.

Even Bradley International Airport, the state’s largest airport, has been named a “Top 10 Best Airport in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler for the last eight consecutive years in recognition of its convenience, growing list of airlines and nonstop destinations, and amenities offered to travelers.

“Whether you’re escaping from NYC or Boston, or wanting a more accessible staycation, Connecticut’s blend of activities, culture, and cuisine offers a taste of everything,” Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer, said. “We’ve packed more fun per square mile than most states twice our size, which is likely why Connecticut has seen occupancy rates rise 2.3% year-to-date over last year and ahead of our regional peers.”

Connecticut also offers many opportunities in the popular area of agritourism. Visitors can pick their own apples, berries, and sunflowers at charming family farms, and taste locally-produced beverages at one of the state’s award-winning farm-cideries and wineries.

In the last year, the state also recently launched two new trails to guide visitors on some of the unique experiences that Connecticut has to offer, including the Connecticut Oyster Trail and the and the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail, and later this year the state will officially launch the Connecticut Pizza Trail to celebrate its designation as the Pizza Capital of the United States.

The best way to explore tourism destinations in Connecticut and find activities to do in the state is by visiting the official Connecticut Tourism website at CTVisit.com.

State parks, forests, and beaches are available within minutes of any spot

Connecticut has a long history of celebrating and preserving its natural resources, and offers 110 state parks, 32 state forests, 29 state campgrounds, 117 state boat launches, and 4 coastal state beaches that provide any number of recreational opportunities. Located across the state, there is a state park available with a 15-minute drive of virtually any spot in Connecticut.

The best way to explore these opportunities and plan a trip is by visiting the official Connecticut State Parks website at CTParks.com.

“We are making your Connecticut State Parks more accessible than ever before,” Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Thanks to Governor Lamont and our partners in the state legislature, we’ve been hard at work putting Restore CT State Parks funding to use to improve roads, restrooms, electrical infrastructure, campgrounds, boat launches and more to ensure that these well-loved parks remain for the next generation of Connecticut residents. And, once again this summer, visitors arriving at our beautiful state parks in Connecticut-registered vehicles pay no parking fees thanks to the Passport to the Parks program. We’re making it even easier to access your state parks, and we hope you have a fun and safe summer season in the parks.”

The state also has made it a priority to make its natural resources accessible to everyone and now provides all-terrain wheelchairs at no cost at seven state parks, giving greater access to those who have varying mobility levels. To learn more about the All-Terrain Wheelchair Program and to make an online reservation to use an all-terrain wheelchair, visit ctparks.com/all-terrain-wheelchairs.

While most state parks are available to everyone at no cost, anyone driving a motor vehicle that has a Connecticut license plate does not have to pay any fees at those few state parks that require a fee to park, including at the popular Hammonasset Beach State Park, made possible by the Passport to the Parks program.

Governor Lamont has recently committed more than $70.7 million to make infrastructure repairs and improvements across the state park system, such as picnic pavilion repairs, restroom improvements, upgrades to campgrounds and boat launches, and more. (To view a full list of these projects, click here.)

Reservations at state campgrounds can be made online at connecticutstateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-877-668-CAMP (2267).

It is strongly recommended that anyone planning a visit to a state park or boat launch – especially on weekends or holidays – should check DEEP’s social media accounts for up-to-the-minute updates on parking lot capacity before heading to their destination. This information can be found on the social media app X at @CTStateParks and @CTBoatingInfo.

More than 15 million people visit Connecticut’s state parks and forests each year.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Moth X Human by Ellie Wilson inspired by Wiltshire nature reserve
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Moth X Human by Ellie Wilson inspired by Wiltshire nature reserve

Data from Parsonage Down National Nature Reserve is used by composer violinist Ellie Wilson for her Moth X Human performances at Bradford and Southbank Centre.
Moth X Human by Ellie Wilson will be played at Bradford City of Culture 2025 and the Southbank Centre with imagery created by Northern School of Art students.

Moths are rather unassuming creatures, often playing second fiddle to their insect cousins, butterflies. But in a new work being premiered next month, they are far from that. In fact they have been instrumental in creating the immersive soundworld that forms the basis of composer Ellie Wilson’s piece.

“Moth X Human” is an instrumental piece, based on moth activity data collected last summer, much of it from Natural England’s Parsonage Down National Nature Reserve near Salisbury.

The piece will have its first airing in Bradford during the UK City of Culture celebrations on 7 June and then will also be played at the Southbank Centre in London on 5 July, as part of a New Music Biennial.

Classically trained Ellie said the idea to use insect activity to create music that explores declining biodiversity came to her at breakfast one morning and from there she was introduced to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology which had created a system with high-resolution cameras to capture images of moths and record their species.

The numbers of moths visiting Parsonage Down National Nature Reserve by Salisbury were used to create this instrumental. Image by Northern School of Arts.

Ellie chose two lots of data on which to base her composition. One was from Parsonage Down, where over the course of four hours, 80 different moth species were recorded on 1 August, including elephant hawk, burnished brass, water veneer and ruby tiger moths. The second was from monoculture farmland, where pesticides have been used and on the same night. Just 19 different species were recorded.

The species were each given a unique sound or note to create the 12-minute long piece that is played alongside live musicians.

Ellie said:

At some points the moths create short melodic fragments and these can be heard later in the piece as repeating motifs in the cello and piano.

By contrast, the end of the piece uses data from a poor habitat, audibly demonstrating declining biodiversity due to human interference.

Natural England’s senior reserve manager for National Nature Reserves in Wiltshire, Stuart Hales, said:

National Nature Reserves are our most important places for nature, so it’s exciting to see Parsonage Down providing inspiration for the arts, in addition to being crucial for conservation.

We hope that this fabulous project helps connect people with nature through the power of music to bring it to a whole new audience.

Students from the Northern School of Art have created more than 100 moth designs, which are being animated to complement the music during the performances.

Be sure to catch the premiere of Moth x Human as part of New Music Biennial 2025 – a festival presented in partnership by PRS Foundation, Southbank Centre, and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. Free tickets available now for Bradford (6 to 8 June) and Southbank Centre (4 to 6 July).

Listen to a trailer of Moth X Human.

Background

OCM is a unique producer and charity that works to develop and present the highest quality and most innovative new music and sound-based live events, to engage diverse local and national audiences with our work, and to deepen understanding and appreciation of musical cultures from within the UK and worldwide. OCM’s raison d’être is to bring music, artists and audiences together in ways that encourage and create memorable and meaningful experiences for all. See OCM.

PRS Foundation and Southbank Centre’s New Music Biennial is a critically acclaimed free festival of new music, presenting a unique snapshot of contemporary music in the UK today. 20 pieces of new music will be performed across two festival weekends at Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture (6 to 8 June 2025) and London’s Southbank Centre (4 to 6 July 2025), broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and available for download from NMC Recordings. You can find out about all 20 New Music Biennial commissioning organisations and composers at New Music Biennial. PRS Foundation’s New Music Biennial is generously supported by Southbank Centre, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, BBC Radio 3, Arts Council England and NMC Recordings. You can find out more at PRS Foundation. Moth X Human will be presented in Bradford and London, in collaboration with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, London’s Southbank Centre and PRS Foundation’s New Music Biennial.

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is a leading independent research institute dedicated to understanding and transforming how we interact with the natural world. With over 600 researchers, we tackle the urgent environmental challenges of our time, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. See CEH.

The Northern School of Art is a specialist art and design school based in North East England. The higher-education campus in Hartlepool, Durham, delivers a wide range of Art, Design and performance-based degrees across undergraduate and postgraduate study. The School, established 150 Years ago, and is rated TEF Gold. The School is also well-known for its further education campus, providing a range of diplomas, A-level and Foundation study across the art, design and performance disciplines, rated Ofsted Outstanding. Find more information at Northern Art.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 23 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Next phase of Hull water project brings boost to wildlife
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Next phase of Hull water project brings boost to wildlife

The next phase of Hull’s Dynamic Drains project gets underway – helping to transform the city’s urban watercourses.
The new mural created on Northern Powergrid’s electricity sub station

Unloved green spaces have been revamped into a new park as the next phase of an exciting project to transform a city’s urban watercourses gets underway.

Hull’s Dynamic Drains aims to improve the city’s urban watercourses, boost wildlife habitats and encourage people to connect with their natural environment.

The latest developments along Holderness Drain in the east of the city includes a new park between Portobello Street and St John’s Grove, a new piece of striking wildlife artwork co-designed by local children that has transformed Northern Powergrid’s electricity substation, and easier access to fishing.

The city’s wildlife and history trail has also been expanded, with wildlife mascots Wendy the water vole and Percy the perch taking walkers from East Carr Road all the way to King George Dock and the Humber Estuary.

Along the way people can find out more about the local history at each of the 12 bridges crossing the drain and spot some wildlife native to the location.

Hull’s Dynamic Drains is a partnership project with the Environment Agency, Groundwork Yorkshire, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Hull City Council.

The £500,000 pilot phase of the project to bring improvements along Beverley and Barmston Drain was completed last year.

Encouraging people to connect with nature

The Environment Agency’s Dan Jagucki said:

We’re delighted to have rolled out the exciting Hull’s Dynamic Drains project to Holderness Drain.

This partnership work has already created new green spaces to enjoy and is encouraging people to connect with nature in what is a largely urban environment.

Bringing together a local artist with local children – supported by Northern Powergrid – and transforming an old building into a new striking mural has really helped to bring the project to life for the community.

Pupils from Archbishop Sentanu School with the mural they helped to design. Credit: Katie Cawthorne.

So far the £235,000 project, largely funded by the Environment Agency, has included:

A new piece of public artwork at Preston Road created by artist Mike Sprout. With permission and support from Northern Powergrid, the walls of a previously dull electricity substation have been transformed into a wildlife themed mural. With support from Mike and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the mural was co-designed by children from Archbishop Sentanu School, Woodlands Primary School and The Hut Youth Centre (Child Dynamix), with some children even helping with the painting.

The expansion of the city’s history and wildlife trail, which was originally created during the Beverley and Barmston Drain pilot project. The new trail takes people from East Carr Road to King George Dock and the Humber Estuary. The wildlife mascots Wendy the water vole and Percy and perch tell people about the history and wildlife of the area.

Designed and delivered by Groundwork Yorkshire a new linear park has been created between St John’s Grove and Portobello Street. A winding footpath leads people through an avenue of trees including apples, pears and plums to pick, with stone seats for people to use. Four new bins have also been provided by Hull City Council along the path to help reduce littering.

Access for fishing on the drain has been made easier and safer with the installation of two flights of fishing steps in the new park, soon to be complemented by two new fishing platforms on the opposite bank at Flinton Grove.

One of the new signs as part of the history and wildlife trail. Credit: Groundwork Yorkshire.

Project shows ‘nature finds a way to thrive’

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s David Craven said:

It’s easy to assume the drains through a major city are brown and lifeless, but this project shows that nature finds a way to thrive.

We hope the ongoing success of Dynamic Drains encourages everyone from school children to commuters to stop and look around them at the wildlife in their community.

The introduction of fruit trees and public art only further the strong sense of community that is being brought together.

Peter Murphy, Operations Director for Groundwork Yorkshire, added:

Working on Hull’s Dynamic Drains programme has been so rewarding, bringing a multi-disciplinary team together to deliver community engagement, landscape design and contract management, resulting in meaningful improvements to the land along these important blue-green corridors.

Future plans to roll out the project further

Future plans for work on Holderness Drain includes more tree planting along the trail and two new pocket parks at Saltshouse Road and Maybury Road.

Hull’s Dynamic Drains also has plans to continue working across the city on its other urban waterways.

Councillor Charles Quinn, portfolio holder for Environment at Hull City Council, said:

Hull’s Dynamic Drains is a very important and exciting local environmental project. As a port city on the Humber estuary, water has always defined Hull’s identity.

Residents have told us how much they appreciate the transformation of the drain bank. It has made a significant improvement to people’s safety, especially the children going to and from Archbishop Sentamu Academy.

Plus, it has improved people’s access to local nature, improved leisure opportunities like fishing, and boosted general fitness with improved accessibility for walking and cycling.

Cathryn Harper, Customer Service Manager for Northern Powergrid, said:

This is the second time we’ve supported the Dynamic Drains team with local projects.

After being part of a successful project to restore a section of Beverley and Barmston drain near our Clough Road depot, it was a yes when they approached us about decorating the Preston Road substation.

Local residents were just as enthusiastic when we went out to check they were happy with the initial designs, but I think it’s fair to say the stunning end result has surpassed everyone’s expectations!

Background

More information on the pilot project at Beverley and Bramston Drain.

More detail on the Hull’s Dynamic Drains project.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 23 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University hosts World Energy Business Schools (WEBS) Conference 2025 On 22 May 2025, the University of Aberdeen hosted the second World Energy Business Schools (WEBS) Conference, reaffirming its commitment to global collaboration on energy and sustainability challenges.

Source: University of Aberdeen

On 22 May 2025, the University of Aberdeen hosted the second World Energy Business Schools (WEBS) Conference, reaffirming its commitment to global collaboration on energy and sustainability challenges.
Building on the success of the inaugural event in 2024, this year’s conference – entitled ‘Strengthening Global Ties for a Sustainable Future’ – brought together academics from across Europe and Australia to share research and foster partnerships aimed at advancing the energy transition.
While the first conference laid the groundwork for collaboration between the University of Aberdeen, Curtin University (Australia), and the University of Calgary (Canada), the 2025 event expanded the network, drawing participation from seven universities:

University of Aberdeen, Scotland
University of Dundee, Scotland
Curtin University, Australia
University of Insubria, Italy
University of Southern Denmark
University of Groningen, Netherlands
University of Stavanger, Norway

This broader engagement marks a significant step in the evolution of the WEBS initiative, reinforcing its potential as a platform for international cooperation in research and education on energy and sustainability.
Although held primarily online, the event also welcomed in-person attendees at the Sir Duncan Rice Library in Aberdeen, with School Director of Research, Professor Keith Bender, serving as host. The one-day conference featured a full schedule of presentations grouped around four key thematic areas:

Sustainable Workers and Firms
Public and Private Environmental Policy
Energy Transitions
Finance and Policy in Sustainable and Circular Economies

Presentations addressed diverse topics, ranging from workforce sustainability and peer effects in low-carbon housing adoption, to friend-shoring, circular economy challenges and financial risks in the context of climate change. A highlight of the day included cross-national insights into renewable energy governance, corporate sustainability, and collaborative consumption strategies in business-to-business networks.
The WEBS 2025 Conference underscored the value of sustained dialogue among business schools in energy-active regions. As global energy systems evolve, the WEBS network provides a forum for collaborative research, joint funding bids and PhD training opportunities.
With two successful conferences now completed, the WEBS initiative is poised to become a leading academic network driving forward interdisciplinary insights and policy-relevant research on the future of energy.
The Business School at the University of Aberdeen looks forward to continuing this important collaboration in the years ahead. Academics, researchers, and graduate students interested in energy, sustainability, and global collaboration are encouraged to engage with the WEBS network.
Whether through joint research projects, future conference participation, or knowledge exchange, WEBS offers a growing platform for impactful interdisciplinary work. For further information or to express interest in future events, please contact the Business School at bs-research@abdn.ac.uk.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Details of Duncombe Square’s Passivhaus homes revealed

Source: City of York

The latest details of the 34 spacious new Passivhaus homes at Duncombe Square have been revealed.

Those who have already expressed an interest in the homes can now have a clearer idea of the layout, interiors and details of these homes designed by prize-winning architects Mikhail Riches.

Built in stylish terraces, the generously-sized apartments and houses have traditional brickwork with a contemporary twist blending, and render and clay tile finishes.

Internal features include exposed softwood staircases, oak-veneer window sills and shutters. The kitchens are fully-fitted with high-quality Howden’s units, Silestone worktops and integrated appliances.

Duncombe Square’s 34 homes are built to the rigorous Passivhaus standard; widely considered to be the world’s leading standard for energy-efficient homes. Supporting that are electricity-generating solar PV panels on roofs and low-energy air source heat pumps which work alongside high levels of insulation. Inside are mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems to keep air continually filtered and fresh and triple-glazed windows to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature and reduce heat loss.

To create a safe, welcoming environment for all residents, cars are kept off the streetscape to make the neighbourhood a cleaner, quieter and safer place. In its shared green spaces and ginnels, people take priority: children can play and neighbours can meet and build a community in shared green spaces.

Prices for the shared ownership and market sale homes will be announced shortly before the homes are released for sale.

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said:

This is our first ever Passivhaus development and Duncombe Square is looking to be an exceptional addition to the city’s housing. This is reflected in the tremendous interest we’ve had from people eligible for shared ownership and for the market sale homes.

“The homes’ prices must reflect the market and maximise receipts to enable us to invest in building more much-needed social housing. The new homes for social rent at Duncombe Square will be allocated shortly and will be an important addition to Council housing in the city.”

Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment at City of York Council, said:

Being Passivhaus ensures residents will have consistent indoor temperatures all year round, significantly reducing the need for heating and cooling – and yes, you can open the windows! This means long-term cost savings and comfortable room temperatures for residents, and a lower carbon footprint for us all.

“The grounds at Duncombe Square are green and community focussed, encouraging residents of all ages to enjoy time outdoors.”

Kate Draper, Senior New Homes Manager and Affordable Housing Specialist at estate agent William H Brown, said:

We are delighted to be partnering with Shape Homes, as selling agent for Duncombe Square, the first Passivhaus development in the North of England to be launched to market.

“Demand is already high and we’re sure the development will be a huge success, bringing something unique to the York housing market.”

Find out more about Duncombe Square’s homes and express your interest here.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: For many island species, the next tropical cyclone may be their last

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Valle, Conservation Planning Officer at IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group & Honorary Lecturer in Conservation Science, Bangor University

The Bahama warbler, a species which suffered greatly as a result of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. David Pereira

When a major cyclone tears through an island nation, all efforts rightly focus on saving human lives and restoring livelihoods. However, these storms have permanent consequences for other species that are often forgotten.

As the world continues to heat, cyclones are expected to become more frequent, intense and unpredictable. The International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global authority on biodiversity, lists storms as one factor threatening species. But just how much of a threat is still poorly understood.

The effects of cyclones on biodiversity are easily neglected because the damage is sudden, scattered and hard to measure. Extinctions can be abrupt and go unnoticed. This largely overlooked extinction crisis is likely to worsen with climate change.

In a new study, we measured the threat posed by tropical cyclones on the diversity of land-based mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles globally. We mapped all severe tropical cyclones that occurred between 1972 and 2022 and checked how many overlapped with areas widely recognised to be exceptionally rich in species, otherwise known as biodiversity hotspots.

Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

We focused on severe cyclones only – those with wind speeds exceeding 130 mph – as historically, it is these that have caused species to severely decline or go extinct.

What we found surprised us: three-quarters of all severe cyclones struck hotspots which are entirely comprised of islands. This seemed alarming. Islands have an inherently high extinction risk anyway because they support many species that are found nowhere else and which evolved in isolation. These species often have very small populations and nowhere to escape when disaster strikes.

Even more worrying, more than 95% of the severe cyclones that struck island biodiversity hotspots hit the same five ones. In descending order of cyclone frequency these are: Japan, Polynesia-Micronesia, the Philippines, Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands, and the Caribbean islands.

We clearly identified high-risk areas, but what does this mean for the animal species that live there? To find out we consulted the red list of threatened species which is compiled and regularly updated by the IUCN to see how many vertebrate species were noted for their vulnerability to storms.

One cyclone away from extinction

The hotspots experiencing the most severe cyclones are not necessarily those that have the most storm-threatened species. For example, Japan has the most storms but the fewest species at risk, whereas the Caribbean has fewer storms but over 128 species are threatened by them. This suggests that the frequency of cyclones alone does not determine the danger to each region’s biodiversity.

Other aspects are likely to play a role. In particular, the data indicates that species in island biodiversity hotspots made up of a lot of small islands are more at risk of local or global extinction.

The more we learned about the dangers posed by cyclones, the more concerned we became. Many species are so restricted in range that they could be entirely wiped out by just one cyclone. It has happened before. The Bahama nuthatch (Sitta insularis), a small forest-dwelling songbird, is thought to have gone extinct following the passage of Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

One of the last known sightings of the Bahamas nuthatch.

Preparing for the unpredictable

To begin raising awareness and help conservationists prioritise their efforts, we compiled a watchlist of the species that are most at risk from tropical cyclones. This includes 60 storm-threatened species which are present only on a single location on a single island.

For each of these 60 species, the next severe tropical cyclone may be their last. A better understanding of the distribution and status of these species is only the beginning. Conservationists need to plan how to help them avoid a sudden demise.

The need to act quickly is clear. Of the 60 species on our list, only 24 are part of any active conservation effort and just six are in captive breeding programmes. Coordinated efforts are our best bet and we propose a task force under the IUCN to allow better preparation, rapid response and international support.

With the right knowledge and foresight, we can ensure human recovery and ecological survival for future generations.

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

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

Tom Martin, head of research at Operation Wallacea, contributed to this article.

Simon Valle and David Jorge Pereira do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointments.

– ref. For many island species, the next tropical cyclone may be their last – https://theconversation.com/for-many-island-species-the-next-tropical-cyclone-may-be-their-last-256600

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Insect trafficking poses risk to wildlife and human health

Source: Anglia Ruskin University

Rhinoceros beetles are just one of the insect species being traded illegally

By Angus Nurse, Anglia Ruskin University and Elliot Doornbos, Nottingham Trent University

Four men were recently arrested and fined for attempting to smuggle more than 5,000 ants out of Kenya. Aiming to sell them as part of the exotic pet trade, these ants were being stored in individual test tubes and syringes with small amounts of cotton wool for transportation. This unusual case highlights an important yet overlooked aspect of wildlife trafficking.

Wildlife trafficking is a crime against nature which occurs mainly because of consumer demand. Trafficking refers to the illegal smuggling and continued exploitation of wild animals, plants or timber. That includes, as in this case, insects.

Much conservation effort, reporting, study and enforcement activity focuses on recognised species such as rhinos. Wildlife trafficking is often associated more with these charismatic species and products made from them such as elephant tusks and rhino horn.

But wildlife trafficking includes a whole spectrum of illicit animal trade from poaching and smuggling to the distribution of protected and endangered species. There is also thriving illegal trade in insects.

For avid collectors, trophies and the exotic pet trade a wide array of insects have been seized over the years including rhino beetles into Japan, praying mantis eggs into the US and butterflies out of Sri Lanka.

Globally, insect species are declining. This is caused by an array of threats such as pollution, pesticides, climate change and urbanisation. Although the extent of the harm being caused by trafficking is unknown, this adds further pressure to species that already face extinction.

Protections for insects vary. The conservation status of each ant species affects their level of protection both nationally and internationally.

Ants that are on the red list – which is the largest classification of endangered species produced by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – and classed as critically endangered or endangered cannot be captured, killed or disturbed in any manner. An example is the anathema ant, which is currently listed as an endangered species.

International law puts controls on wildlife that may be threatened by trade. Some ants are protected under UK law which makes it an offence to disturb or destroy the nests of species like the red wood ant.

This case shows how wildlife trafficking extends to areas such as the smuggling of, and illegal trade, in ants. Some organised crime groups have moved from smuggling drugs and weapons to trafficking in plants, medicinal compounds and animals – including insects. Organised crime can include smaller and partially disorganised groups and networks. Where there is money to be made smuggling, networks will target wildlife.

The scale of the insect smuggling problem is unknown. Many cases will go unreported due to the clandestine nature of the trade. As such, both law enforcement and the wider public might not know or care about this being an offence.

Although there have been some insect trade seizures, law enforcement agencies are often underresourced and may view wildlife crimes as a low priority in comparison to other areas of criminality, such as drugs.

Often, insects are easily concealed. For example, 37 rhino beetles were discovered at Los Angeles International airport hidden within sweet and crisp packets.

Even once insects are seized, it can be difficult to identify the species to find out whether they are protected, given so many different levels of protections for species internationally.

Invasive species risk

Insect trafficking could introduce non-native species to new places. If they establish a breeding population and pose a threat to local ecosystems, they can become known as “invasive species”. Invasive species can outcompete native species for food. Some destroy habitats. Others have the potential to bring new diseases to a country.

Not only can invasive insects pose threats to the environment such as the ongoing issue of invasive Asian hornets within Europe, but also affect people. Hawaii spends US$10 million (£7.5 million) on invasive species control measures – US$2.4 million of that is set aside just for coconut rhinoceros beetles.

Although predicting which species and when they may become invasive is a challenge, insect trafficking can cause serious consequences. Undervaluing some species protections provides avenues for traffickers, so enforcing trafficking laws for all wildlife, including insects, is crucial.

Elliot Doornbos, Senior Lecturer of Criminology, Nottingham Trent University and Angus Nurse, Professor of Law and Environmental Justice, Anglia Ruskin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ricketts Celebrates National Beef Month

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) celebrated Beef Month in America during his weekly press call. Ricketts highlighted his work supporting ranchers and producers. He spoke with members of Nebraska press about National Beef Month:
“Nebraska’s ranchers feed the world,” said Ricketts. “This month, we honor hard-working cattlemen and women that promote this great industry. Overall, agriculture accounts for $31.6 billion of cash receipts for Nebraska’s economy. Our livestock bring in $18 billion in cash receipts, that’s 7.2% of the U.S.’s total. Nebraska beef production is key to our state’s success.”
Watch the video here.
TRANSCRIPT
Senator Ricketts: “Thank you for joining our press call today.
“Nebraska is the Beef State.
“In May, we celebrate National Beef Month.
“Agriculture is the heart and soul of our state, and beef is a cornerstone.
“Nebraska’s ranchers feed the world.
“This month, we honor the hard-working cattlemen and women that promote this great industry.
“Overall, agriculture accounts for $31.6 billion of cash receipts for Nebraska’s economy.
“Our livestock bring in $18 billion in cash receipts, that’s 7.2% of the U.S.’s total.
“Nebraska beef production is key to our state’s success.
“Last year, we led the nation with over $2 billion in beef exports.
“Nebraska also led the nation in commercial cattle slaughter, with 6.8 million head.
“We have the top three beef-producing counties in the nation in Cherry, Custer, and Holt Counties.
“Much of the land used for livestock production couldn’t be used for anything else.
“Agricultural land is divided into two categories: arable land and marginal land.
“Arable land, which represents one-third of agricultural land, can be plowed.
“That means it’s suitable for growing food.
“Marginal land, representing two-thirds of agricultural land, is not suitable for growing food.
“Marginal land receives little or no water, has lower quality soils, or is rocky.
“Cattle production keeps marginal lands thriving.
“Beef production is critical to our state economy and our nation.
“Food security is national security.
“When I was Governor, I led trade missions to Japan and Vietnam to promote Nebraska beef.
“On those trips, I traveled with Nebraska cattle producers and discussed the challenges they faced.
“At that time, cow-calf operators shared concerns about market prices.
“I told them the answer was premium, diversified trade markets.
“Under Joe Biden, the U.S. had an agricultural trade deficit of $32 billion dollars last year.
“But with President Trump’s recent trade negotiations, our way of life looks to be growing stronger.
“The May 8th trade deal announcement with the U.K. creates $5 billion for new exports of U.S. products.
“That includes more than $700 million in ethanol exports and $250 million in other agricultural products like beef.
“The U.K. also increased their tariff-free quotas on beef from 1,000 metric tons to 13,000 metric tons.
“Meanwhile, the E.U. only imported 13,438 metric tons of beef in 2022, despite a total population over six times as large as the U.K.
“I would like to see the final deal more favorable for Nebraska ranchers, with an end to the ban on hormone-treated beef.
“But, alongside the other negotiations, the President’s trade strategy is already delivering wins for Nebraska beef.
“I’m fighting to ensure our ranchers have what they need to be successful.
“I support expanded funding in the farm bill to double trade-promotion.
“And I recently led a bicameral letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency, pushing back on radical environmentalists’ anti-ag agenda.
“We warned against their agenda advancing harmful health, economic, or food security policies under the guise of human health.
“We should be encouraging more beef consumption, not less.
“In addition to being tasty, beef is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat.
“One 6-ounce cooked serving of beef provides 25 grams of protein.
“Beef contains ten essential nutrients including iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
“It takes more calories of plant protein to equate to similar levels of protein from beef.
“And research has linked beef protein to a host of positive health outcomes such as weight loss, muscle retention, and diet satisfaction.
“Nebraska ranchers and farmers are the original conservationists.
“They understand the science and they know what’s good for the land, animals, and consumers.
“They want to preserve the land and animals for the next generation.
“But Nebraska beef is not just healthy.
“It is our culture and way of life.
“This month, and every month, we celebrate our state’s beef industry.
“Happy National Beef Month, Nebraska!”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
India pushes for removal of export controls among BRICS nations

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India has urged the removal of export controls among BRICS member nations during the BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting held on May 21 in Brasilia under Brazil’s presidency. The meeting, centered around the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” served as a platform for India to advocate for enhanced intra-bloc trade cooperation and mutual support.

Looking ahead to its upcoming BRICS presidency in 2026, India praised Brazil’s pragmatic and consensus-driven approach in navigating key trade challenges and promoting constructive dialogue among member countries.

Representing India at the meeting, Economic Adviser in the Department of Commerce, Yashvir Singh emphasized the need to eliminate restrictive trade measures that disrupt critical supply chains.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the endorsement of a Joint Declaration accompanied by three annexures: the BRICS Declaration on WTO Reform and Strengthening of the Multilateral Trading System, the BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding, and the BRICS Trade and Sustainable Development Framework. These key documents reflect BRICS’ shared commitment to an equitable, inclusive, and rules-based global trade architecture. The declaration also warned against the misuse of climate-related trade measures, cautioning that such actions should not become tools of unjustified discrimination or disguised trade restrictions.

Delivering a speech on behalf of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, India extended appreciation to Brazil for steering the deliberations effectively and welcomed Indonesia’s upcoming induction into BRICS in 2025. India reiterated its call for a fair, transparent, and decentralised trade system that serves the developmental needs of the Global South.

India used the opportunity to raise the long-pending issue of WTO reform. It stressed the urgent need for a permanent solution to the matter of public stockholding (PSH) for food security and promoted its “30 for 30” proposal — a blueprint for introducing 30 practical reforms ahead of the WTO’s 30th anniversary in 2025. India also reaffirmed that sustainable development must remain a foundational pillar of international trade governance, rooted deeply in the country’s cultural ethos.

Singh also highlighted the importance of ensuring the concessional transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs) to developing countries, with adequate financial support. He spotlighted India’s global initiative, Mission LiFE, which advocates for mindful consumption, sustainable living, and circular economy practices as part of a fair climate responsibility model.

The meeting also acknowledged the critical role of digital transformation in global economic development. India reaffirmed its leadership in inclusive digital governance through initiatives such as Digital India and IndiaAI. It also reiterated its commitment to international collaboration in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. India underscored the need to continue working through multilateral forums like the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and the G20. The BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding officially recognised DPI as a fundamental driver of digital economic transformation.

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Statement on DOE Metallurgical Coal Announcement

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright announced on Thursday, May 22, that coal used in steelmaking is now designated as a critical material. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“I am excited by this announcement from the Department of Energy.

“Metallurgical coal is a lifeblood for coal and steel communities across the country, including Virginia’s Ninth District.

“By designating metallurgical coal as a critical material, the Trump Administration advances the mineral’s status as an important contributor to America’s economy, energy and manufacturing sectors and military preparedness.”

BACKGROUND

Rep. Griffith is Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus.

In the 118th Congress, Rep. Griffith chaired the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.

The 119th Congress is Rep. Griffith’s first term as the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee Chair.

In April of 2025, Rep. Griffith attended a White House event where President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at boosting the American coal industry.

The designation of metallurgical coal as a “critical material” as any element falls in line with President Trump’s Executive Order “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Energy.”

The Energy Act of 2020 defines a “critical material” as any element, substance or material that the Secretary of Energy determines (i) has a high risk of supply chain disruption; and (ii) serves an essential function in one or more energy technologies, including technologies that produce, transmit, store and conserve energy.

According to the Virginia Department of Energy, approximately 80% of coal mined in Virginia constitutes metallurgical coal, almost all of which is from Virginia’s Ninth District.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Meetings with National Parliaments – Implementation of the Directive on Protection of Environment through Criminal Law – 04-06-2025 – Committee on Legal Affairs

Source: European Parliament

2025.06.04_ICM_Env Law_banner.jpg © European Parliament

The Committee on Legal Affairs, with the support of the Directorate for Relations with National Parliaments (DG PART), is organising an Interparliamentary Committee Meeting (ICM) on ‘Implementation of the Directive on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law’. The event will take place on 4 June 2025, from 14:30 to 16:30.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Workshop on Generative AI, on 28th Regime and ICM on Environmental Crimes Directive – Committee on Legal Affairs

Source: European Parliament

Picture GenAI.PNG © Europarl

At the meetings of 4 and 5 June 2025, JURI Members will host, with the Policy Department, a workshop on Generative AI and Copyright. The Workshop will be preceded by the presentation of a study on the same topic and will be followed by an exchange of views on the dossier Copyright and generative artificial intelligence – opportunities and challenges (2025/2058(INI)).

At the same meeting, the JURI Committee will host, with the Policy Department, a workshop on the 28th Regime: a new legal framework for innovative companies and an interparliamentary meeting on the Implementation of the Directive on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law. Additionally, JURI Members will exchange views on the amendment of Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on insolvency proceedings to replace its Annexes A and B (025/0023(COD)) and will hear a reporting back to committee on the negotiations pursuant to Rule 75(3) by the rapporteur of the Compulsory licensing for crisis management and amending Regulation (EC) 816/2006 (2023/0129(COD)) dossier. Members will also vote on amendments in the opinion on establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 (2023/0463(COD)) and will hear a presentation by EFRAG on its Work Plan 2025.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Deploys Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security
Source: The White House
DEPLOYING NUCLEAR REACTORS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to rapidly deploy advanced nuclear technologies to support national security objectives, including powering artificial intelligence (AI) computing infrastructure and national security installations.
- The Order directs the Secretary of the Army to establish a program of record to build a nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation to commence operations within the next three years.
- The Order directs the Secretary of Energy to designate AI data centers, located at or operated in coordination with Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, as critical defense facilities, and the nuclear reactors powering them as defense critical electric infrastructure.
- The Secretary of Energy will designate DOE sites, and work with the private sector, to deploy advanced nuclear technology to power AI infrastructure and meet other national security objectives within 30 months.
- The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Secretaries of the military departments, is tasked with making legislative and regulatory recommendations regarding the operation of advanced nuclear reactors on military installations.
SUPPORTING NUCLEAR PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR: President Trump is taking comprehensive actions to remove government barriers to private sector investment and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies at Federal sites.
- The Order directs the Secretary of Energy to release at least 20 metric tons of high-assay low-enriched uranium into a readily available fuel bank for private sector projects operating nuclear reactors to power AI infrastructure at DOE sites.
- The Secretaries of Energy and Defense shall utilize their authorities to enable the construction and operation of privately-funded nuclear fuel recycling, reprocessing, and fabrication capabilities at Federal sites.
- The Order directs the Secretaries of Energy and Defense to explore using categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act for the construction of advanced nuclear reactor technologies on Federal sites.
- Federal departments will prioritize the issuance of security clearances to support the rapid distribution and use of nuclear energy and fuel cycle technologies.
PROMOTING AMERICAN NUCLEAR EXPORTS: President Trump is fully leveraging the resources of the Federal government to promote the U.S. nuclear industry in the development of commercial civil nuclear projects worldwide.
- The Order tasks the Secretary of State or his delegee to lead diplomatic engagement and negotiations for agreements under section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act to enable the U.S. nuclear industry to access new markets in partner countries.
- Within 90 days, the Federal government will produce strategies to:
  
  Increase financing for U.S. nuclear projects and promote nuclear trade; and
  
  Make financial and technical support available to support foreign adoption of nuclear energy.
- The Order directs the Secretary of State to implement a program to enhance the global competitiveness of American nuclear companies by expediting agreements and removing burdens on American exports.
POWERING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND NATIONAL SECURITY SYSTEMS: President Trump recognizes the need to power and operate critical defense facilities and computing infrastructure for AI capabilities.
- Military installations, including those in locations that are not well-served by other types of power due to complex supply chains required to reach them, require uninterruptible, dispatchable, high-density power of the type that advanced nuclear reactors can provide because of their unique size and generation capabilities. This is critical for readiness and national security.
- The Federal Government’s advanced computing AI infrastructure will require a substantial increase in scalable power solutions, which advanced nuclear reactors are well-positioned to provide. This will ensure our technological supremacy in the emerging technologies of both AI and nuclear power.
- By empowering the Department of Energy and Department of Defense to expand utilization of advanced nuclear power and instructing each to reduce regulatory red tape hampering use of nuclear power at their sites, this Order enhances our national security and reduces reliance on foreign sources of energy for our military and AI operations.
- 87% of new reactor builds worldwide are based on foreign designs, and the majority of the world’s nuclear fuel comes from foreign sources. By instructing the Department of State and other agencies to aggressively pursue export opportunities, this Order will strengthen our relationships with our allies and disrupt potential industry control by adversaries.
UNLEASHING AMERICAN ENERGY: President Trump believes in supporting all forms of reliable, dispatchable energy, harnessing nuclear, fossil fuels, and emerging technologies to secure American energy independence and fuel economic growth.
- On Day One, President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency to eliminate bureaucratic barriers, unleash innovation, and restore America’s position as the world’s leading energy producer.
- Unleashing American energy will create jobs and economic prosperity, improve the United States’ trade balance, help our country compete with hostile foreign powers, strengthen relations with allies and partners, and support international peace and security.
MIL OSI USA News –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy

Source: The White House

class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose. The United States led the development of civilian nuclear power through the Atomic Energy Commission, the National Reactor Testing Station (now known as Idaho National Laboratory), and several other Federal Government entities. This work produced safe and abundant energy. But in the decades since, commercial deployment of new nuclear technologies has all but stopped. The Idaho National Laboratory has principal responsibility for constructing and testing new reactor designs; it concluded construction of new reactors in the 1970s. Our proud history of innovation has succumbed to overregulated complacency.
As I stated in Executive Order 14156 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency), the United States needs a reliable, diversified, and affordable supply of energy to drive development of advanced technologies, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and defense industries, and to sustain modern life and national security. Nuclear energy both is vital to this effort and has never held so much promise. Decades of research and engineering have produced prototypes of advanced nuclear technologies that incorporate passive safety mechanisms, improve the physical architecture of reactor designs, increase reactor operational flexibility and performance, and reduce risk in fuel disposal. Advanced reactors — including microreactors, small modular reactors, and Generation IV and Generation III+ reactors — have revolutionary potential. They will open a range of new applications to support data centers, microchip manufacturing, petrochemical production, healthcare, desalination, hydrogen production, and other industries.
The United States cultivated the effort to design and build the first Generation IV reactor for commercial use, but the Federal Government has effectively throttled the domestic deployment of advanced reactors, ceding the initiative to foreign nations in building this critical technology. That changes today. It is the policy of my Administration to foster nuclear innovation and bring advanced nuclear technologies into domestic production as soon as possible.
Sec. 2. Definitions. For purposes of this order:
(a) The term “advanced reactor” has the same meaning as the term “advanced nuclear reactor” in 42 U.S.C. 16271(b)(1).
(b) The term “Department” means the Department of Energy.
(c) The term “qualified test reactor” means an advanced reactor that satisfies thresholds established by the Department sufficient to demonstrate that, from the perspective of technical development and financial backing, the reactor may feasibly be operational within 2 years from the date a substantially complete application is submitted.
(d) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Energy.
Sec. 3. Findings. With some rare and arguable exceptions, no advanced reactors have yet been deployed in America. I find that design, construction, operation, and disposition of such reactors under the auspices of the Department — and not to produce commercial electric power — would be for research purposes, rather than “for the purpose of demonstrating the suitability for commercial application of . . . a reactor” within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. 5842. The purpose of testing these reactors at this stage in America’s industrial evolution is to establish fundamental technological viability. Thus, at least for the foreseeable future, advanced reactors over which the Department exercises sufficient control and that do not produce commercial electric power, including those “under contract with and for the account of the [Department],” 42 U.S.C. 2140(a)(2), fall within the jurisdiction of the Department, which has authority to foster research and development in nuclear reactors. Nothing in this section alters the authority or jurisdiction of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 4. Reforming the National Laboratory Process for Reactor Testing. (a) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary shall issue guidance regarding what counts as a qualified test reactor for purposes of this order.
(b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary shall take appropriate action to revise the regulations, guidance, and procedures and practices of the Department, the National Laboratories, and any other entity under the Department’s jurisdiction to significantly expedite the review, approval, and deployment of advanced reactors under the Department’s jurisdiction. The Secretary shall ensure that the Department’s expedited procedures enable qualified test reactors to be safely operational at Department-owned or Department-controlled facilities within 2 years following the submission of a substantially complete application.
(c) Upon finding that an applicant has submitted a substantially complete application for a qualified test reactor, the Secretary shall establish a team consisting of representatives from the Secretary’s office, the relevant National Laboratory or Laboratories, the Department’s Office of General Counsel, and any other entities within the Department that possess the authority to deconflict, oppose, or approve the application. The team shall provide assistance to the applicant to ensure expeditious processing of its application. For these purposes, each member shall report directly to the Secretary.
(d) The Secretary shall prioritize qualified test reactor projects for processing, as consistent with applicable law.
Sec. 5. Establishing a Pilot Program Outside the National Laboratories. (a) The Secretary shall create a pilot program for reactor construction and operation outside the National Laboratories, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act’s authorization of reactors under the Department’s sufficient control, including reactors “under contract with and for the account of” the Department, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 2140. The Secretary shall approve at least three reactors pursuant to this pilot program with the goal of achieving criticality in each of the three reactors by July 4, 2026.
(b) Upon approval of an application for this pilot program, the Secretary shall assign a team to provide assistance to the applicant as specified in subsection 4(c) of this order.
Sec. 6. Streamlining Environmental Reviews. (a) The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, take action to reform the Department’s rules governing compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) no later than June 30, 2025, consistent with the policies articulated in sections 2 and 5 of Executive Order 14154 of January 20, 2025 (Unleashing American Energy), and with applicable law.
(b) The Secretary shall, consistent with applicable law, use all available authorities to eliminate or expedite the Department’s environmental reviews for authorizations, permits, approvals, leases, and any other activity requested by an applicant or potential applicant. In addition to the measures outlined in section 7 of the Executive Order of May 23, 2025 (Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security), such measures shall include determining which Department functions are not subject to NEPA, creating categorical exclusions as appropriate for reactors within certain parameters (or relying on existing categorical exclusions), relying on supplemental analyses where reactors will be located on existing sites, or utilizing alternative procedures under NEPA.
Sec. 7. Implementation. The Secretary shall work with the DOGE Team Lead at the Department, as defined in Executive Order 14158 of January 20, 2025 (Establishing and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency”), with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and with the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to implement this order.
Sec. 8. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The Department of Energy shall provide funding for publication of this order in the Federal Register.

                              DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,
    May 23, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Directs Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Source: The White House
MODERNIZING NUCLEAR REGULATION: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order directing the reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in order to reduce our dependence on foreign technologies, decrease regulatory barriers, and support our domestic nuclear industry.
- This Order directs the NRC to complete rulemakings within 18 months to comprehensively revise its regulations and guidance documents, with a focus on balancing safety concerns with the benefits of nuclear energy for our economy and national security. The revisions will include:
  
  Establishing fixed deadlines for evaluation and approval of licenses, including an 18-month deadline for construction and operation of new reactors and a 12-month deadline for continued operation of an existing reactor.
  
  Adopting science-based radiation limits, instead of relying on flawed radiation exposure models.
  
  Revising regulations governing compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
  
  Establishing an expedited pathway for approving reactor designs that have been safely tested by the Department of Defense or Department of Energy.
  
  Establishing a process for high-volume licensing of microreactors and modular reactors, including allowing for standardized applications.
  
  Reconsidering regulations limiting license terms, extending those terms as appropriate.
REALIGNING NRC CULTURE AND PERSONNEL: President Trump is directing the NRC to reform its culture and realign its organization to reflect Congress’ directive to rapidly promote nuclear power while ensuring reactor safety.
- When licensing and regulating civilian nuclear power, the NRC is directed to consider the benefits of nuclear power to our economic and national security in addition to traditional concerns regarding safety, health, and environmental factors.
- This Order directs a reorganization of the NRC to promote the expeditious processing of license applications and the adoption of innovative technology.
- The NRC will create a dedicated team to draft the new regulations directed by the Order.
REFORMING THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION: President Trump is committed to reestablishing the United States as a global leader in nuclear energy, which will create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs and generate American-led prosperity and resilience.
- Since 1978, only two new nuclear reactors have begun construction and entered into commercial operation. Meanwhile, in just a single day, President Trump is signing twice as many Executive Orders to start a nuclear renaissance in the United States.
- Due to an overly risk-averse culture that requires, for example, nuclear facilities to emit as little radiation as possible, including below naturally-occurring levels, the NRC has failed to license new reactors even as technological advances promise to make nuclear power safer, cheaper, more adaptable, and more abundant than ever.
- The Order establishes that U.S. policy will seek to facilitate the increased deployment of new nuclear reactor technologies and expand American nuclear energy capacity from around 100 GW today to 400 GW by 2050.
- Energy independence, deregulation, and reducing barriers to building infrastructure have been hallmarks of President Trump’s second term, and reforming the NRC will represent a significant milestone across these critical policy areas.
UNLEASHING AMERICAN ENERGY: President Trump believes in supporting all forms of reliable, dispatchable energy, harnessing nuclear, fossil fuels, and emerging technologies to secure American energy independence and fuel economic growth.
- On Day One, President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency to eliminate bureaucratic barriers, unleash innovation, and restore America’s position as the world’s leading energy producer.
- Unleashing American energy will create jobs and economic prosperity, improve the United States’ trade balance, help our country compete with hostile foreign powers, strengthen relations with allies and partners, and support international peace and security.
MIL OSI USA News –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Source: The White House

class=”has-text-align-left”>
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose. Abundant energy is a vital national- and economic-security interest. In conjunction with domestic fossil fuel production, nuclear energy can liberate America from dependence on geopolitical rivals. It can power not only traditional manufacturing industries but also cutting-edge, energy-intensive industries such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Between 1954 and 1978, the United States authorized the construction of 133 since-completed civilian nuclear reactors at 81 power plants. Since 1978, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has authorized only a fraction of that number; of these, only two reactors have entered into commercial operation. The NRC charges applicants by the hour to process license applications, with prolonged timelines that maximize fees while throttling nuclear power development. The NRC has failed to license new reactors even as technological advances promise to make nuclear power safer, cheaper, more adaptable, and more abundant than ever.
This failure stems from a fundamental error: Instead of efficiently promoting safe, abundant nuclear energy, the NRC has instead tried to insulate Americans from the most remote risks without appropriate regard for the severe domestic and geopolitical costs of such risk aversion. The NRC utilizes safety models that posit there is no safe threshold of radiation exposure and that harm is directly proportional to the amount of exposure. Those models lack sound scientific basis and produce irrational results, such as requiring that nuclear plants protect against radiation below naturally occurring levels. A myopic policy of minimizing even trivial risks ignores the reality that substitute forms of energy production also carry risk, such as pollution with potentially deleterious health effects.
Recent events in Europe, such as the nationwide blackouts in Spain and Portugal, underscore the importance of my Administration’s focus on dispatchable power generation –including nuclear power — over intermittent power. Beginning today, my Administration will reform the NRC, including its structure, personnel, regulations, and basic operations. In so doing, we will produce lasting American dominance in the global nuclear energy market, create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs, and generate American-led prosperity and resilience.
Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to:
(a) Reestablish the United States as the global leader in nuclear energy;
(b) Facilitate increased deployment of new nuclear reactor technologies, such as Generation III+ and IV reactors, modular reactors, and microreactors, including by lowering regulatory and cost barriers to entry;
(c) Facilitate the expansion of American nuclear energy capacity from approximately 100 GW in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050;
(d) Employ emerging technologies to safely accelerate the modeling, simulation, testing, and approval of new reactor designs;
(e) Support the continued operation of, and facilitate appropriate operational extensions for, the current nuclear fleet, as well as the reactivation of prematurely shuttered or partially completed nuclear facilities; and
(f) Maintain the United States’ leading reputation for nuclear safety.
Sec. 3. Reforming the NRC’s Culture. The Congress has mandated that the NRC’s “licensing and regulation of the civilian use of radioactive materials and nuclear energy be conducted in a manner that is efficient and does not unnecessarily limit — (1) the civilian use of radioactive materials and deployment of nuclear energy; or (2) the benefits of civilian use of radioactive materials and nuclear energy technology to society.” Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2024, Public Law 118-67, sec. 501(a). Just as the Congress directed, the NRC’s mission shall include facilitating nuclear power while ensuring reactor safety. When carrying out its licensing and related regulatory functions, the NRC shall consider the benefits of increased availability of, and innovation in, nuclear power to our economic and national security in addition to safety, health, and environmental considerations.

Sec. 4. Reforming the NRC’s Structure. (a) The current structure and staffing of the NRC are misaligned with the Congress’s directive that the NRC shall not unduly restrict the benefits of nuclear power. The NRC shall, in consultation with the NRC’s DOGE Team (as defined in Executive Order 14158 of January 20, 2025 (Establishing and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency”)), and consistent with its governing statutes, reorganize the NRC to promote the expeditious processing of license applications and the adoption of innovative technology. The NRC shall undertake reductions in force in conjunction with this reorganization, though certain functions may increase in size consistent with the policies in this order, including those devoted to new reactor licensing. The NRC shall also create a dedicated team of at least 20 officials to draft the new regulations directed by section 5 of this order.
(b) The personnel and functions of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) shall be reduced to the minimum necessary to fulfill ACRS’s statutory obligations. Review by ACRS of permitting and licensing issues shall focus on issues that are truly novel or noteworthy.

Sec. 5. Reforming and Modernizing the NRC’s Regulations. The NRC, working with its DOGE Team, the Office of Management and Budget, and other executive departments and agencies as appropriate, shall undertake a review and wholesale revision of its regulations and guidance documents, and issue notice(s) of proposed rulemaking effecting this revision within 9 months of the date of this order. The NRC shall issue final rules and guidance to conclude this revision process within 18 months of the date of this order. In conducting this wholesale revision, the NRC shall be guided by the policies set forth in section 2 of this order and shall in particular:
(a) Establish fixed deadlines for its evaluation and approval of licenses, license amendments, license renewals, certificates of compliance, power uprates, license transfers, and any other activity requested by a licensee or potential licensee, as directed under the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act, rather than the nonbinding “generic milestone schedules” guidelines the NRC has already adopted. Those deadlines shall be enforced by fixed caps on the NRC’s recovery of hourly fees. The deadlines shall include: (1) a deadline of no more than 18 months for final decision on an application to construct and operate a new reactor of any type, commencing with the first required step in the regulatory process, and (2) a deadline of no more than 1 year for final decision on an application to continue operating an existing reactor of any type, commencing with the first required step in the regulatory process. The regulations should not provide for tolling those deadlines except in instances of applicant failure, and must allow a reasonably diligent applicant to navigate the licensing process successfully in the time allotted. Moreover, these are maximum time periods; the NRC shall adopt shorter deadlines tailored to particular reactor types or licensing pathways as appropriate.
(b) Adopt science-based radiation limits. In particular, the NRC shall reconsider reliance on the linear no-threshold (LNT) model for radiation exposure and the “as low as reasonably achievable” standard, which is predicated on LNT. Those models are flawed, as discussed in section 1 of this order. In reconsidering those limits, the NRC shall specifically consider adopting determinate radiation limits, and in doing so shall consult with the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Environmental Protection Agency.
(c) Revise, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, NRC regulations governing NRC’s compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act to reflect the Congress’s 2023 amendments to that statute and the policies articulated in sections 2 and 5 of Executive Order 14154 of January 20, 2025 (Unleashing American Energy).
(d) Establish an expedited pathway to approve reactor designs that the DOD or the DOE have tested and that have demonstrated the ability to function safely. NRC review of such designs shall focus solely on risks that may arise from new applications permitted by NRC licensure, rather than revisiting risks that have already been addressed in the DOE or DOD processes.
(e) Establish a process for high-volume licensing of microreactors and modular reactors, including by allowing for standardized applications and approvals and by considering to what extent such reactors or components thereof should be regulated through general licenses.
(f) Establish stringent thresholds for circumstances in which the NRC may demand changes to reactor design once construction is underway.
(g) Revise the Reactor Oversight Process and reactor security rules and requirements to reduce unnecessary burdens and be responsive to credible risks.
(h) Adopt revised and, where feasible, determinate and data-backed thresholds to ensure that reactor safety assessments focus on credible, realistic risks.
(i) Reconsider the regulations governing the time period for which a renewed license remains effective, and extend that period as appropriate based on available technological and safety data.
(j) Streamline the public hearings process.
Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall provide funding for publication of this order in the Federal Register.

                              DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,
    May 23, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Joins Multistate Coalition to Oppose Trump Administration’s Reclassification of Federal Employees

Source: US State of California

New Trump employment classification would strip civil-service protections from tens of thousands of nonpartisan federal employees and risk eroding the effectiveness of the federal government

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter that opposes the Office of Personnel Management’s proposed rule to create a new employment classification in the federal civil service called “Schedule Policy/Career.” If implemented, this classification, a reinstatement of the previously failed “Schedule F,” would strip critical workplace protections from tens of thousands of career federal employees, allowing the Trump Administration to fire them for “subverting Presidential directives” or purely political or reasons unrelated to their job performance.

“The Trump Administration is looking to trample on workers’ rights by reinstating the Schedule F classification,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This would be a direct assault on the integrity of our federal workforce by threatening to replace experienced, nonpartisan professionals with political loyalists. This change would not only undermine the trust and stability of our strong federal workforce comprised of subject matter experts, it would also break the very foundation of a government that serves all Americans, not just those who implement President’ Trump’s agenda.”

Under the current federal civil service system, approximately 2 million federal employees serve in the “competitive service,” meaning they are hired through a merit-based process and protected by civil-service laws that guard against arbitrary dismissal or political interference. These federal employees are nonpartisan professionals hired for their expertise and expected to carry out the laws passed by Congress regardless of political shifts.

The new Schedule Policy/Career classification that attempts to reprise the previously proposed Schedule F would reclassify a broad range of policy-related civil servants—such as analysts, attorneys, scientists, and regulators — into an at-will employment status. Unlike traditional Schedule C appointees who change with each new presidential administration, Schedule Policy/Career would apply to nonpartisan federal career staff not normally subject to such turnover. This reclassification would remove long-standing due process protections that guard the apolitical nature of the federal workforce and open these employees up to being fired on political grounds.

As of March 2024, there were only roughly 1,600 Schedule C employees across the entire federal government, which illustrates just how narrow Congress intended the exemptions from merit-based employment to be. When the first Trump Administration attempted to implement Schedule F, one estimate projected it would reclassify as many as 50,000 federal employees.

In the comment letter, the attorneys general argue that the Trump Administration’s proposed rule is unlawful, unconstitutional, and harmful to states. Schedule Policy/Career violates the clear intent of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, which Congress passed to protect federal employees from arbitrary dismissal and ensure merit-based hiring. It also raises due process concerns under the Fifth Amendment by retroactively stripping career civil servants of vested employment rights. From a policy standpoint, the rule would politicize the federal workforce, chill the independence of career professionals, make it more difficult to retain experienced employees, and open the door to partisan retaliation against public servants when their expertise conflicts with a presidential administration’s political agenda.

The attorneys general also emphasize the rule’s dangerous impact on states, including California, which depend on consistent, professional federal partners to administer shared programs. States rely on civil servants at agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Education to implement laws, distribute funds, and provide technical guidance. This reclassification would also affect civil servants at agencies that states rely on to manage disasters, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The attorneys general further warn that the implementation of Schedule Policy/Career could return key parts of the federal workforce to a spoils system that enables a president to reward loyalists with jobs, rather than allow federal agencies to hire based on merit. Politicizing these positions would undermine cooperation, destabilize federal-state programs like Medicaid and environmental enforcement, and significantly degrade the effectiveness of the federal government, as well as its adherence to the rule of law. The attorneys general warn in the comment letter that Schedule F would erode federal-state relations by effectively shifting regulatory and programmatic burdens onto the states and coercing state compliance with federal political priorities.

This letter was co-led by Attorneys General Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Anne E. Lopez of Hawaii. They were joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

A copy of the comment letter can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev took part in the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

May 23, 2025

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

May 23, 2025

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

May 23, 2025

Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues Mukhtar Babayev

May 23, 2025

Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Head of the Environment Protection Organization Sheena Ansari

May 23, 2025

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the “Garden of Memory” campaign after the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

May 23, 2025

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the “Garden of Memory” campaign after the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

May 23, 2025

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the “Garden of Memory” campaign after the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

May 23, 2025

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the “Garden of Memory” campaign after the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

May 23, 2025

Previous news Next news

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev took part in the events of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress. After the plenary session, together with the Chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko and colleagues from foreign countries, Dmitry Patrushev planted a tree as part of the “Garden of Memory” campaign.

“We pay great attention to forest restoration. In 2025, Russia plans to restore forests on an area of over 1.3 million hectares. This work is being carried out within the framework of a separate federal project of the national project “Ecological Well-being”. Volunteers – participants in environmental campaigns also contribute to it every year. Thus, the traditional environmental and patriotic campaign “Garden of Memory” is held throughout the country and abroad. It is dedicated to the memory of those who died during the Great Patriotic War. Such events, among other things, contribute to environmental education, preservation and transmission of historical memory of the exploits of our heroes to the younger generation. Over the five years of the campaign, millions of volunteers from 78 countries of the world have joined in planting memorial gardens, who, through joint efforts, have planted over 130 million memorial trees,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

On the sidelines of the Nevsky International Ecological Congress, Dmitry Patrushev held two international meetings – with the Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, head of the Environmental Protection Organization Shina Ansari and the representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on climate issues Mukhtar Babayev. Russia works with both countries within the framework of the Tehran Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.

Russia and Iran are actively strengthening ties in the field of environmental conservation. There are two working groups: on water management and on ecology. The two countries also continue to work together to restore the population of the Persian leopard. In 2016, the first two individuals, transferred by the Iranian side, were released into the wild. Currently, 12 leopards live in the wild in the Russian part of the Caucasus. Dmitry Patrushev invited his Iranian colleagues to visit the Leopard Restoration Center in Sochi.

At a meeting with the representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on climate issues Mukhtar Babayev, the main topic was the shallowing of the Caspian Sea. Last year, a Russian-Azerbaijani working group was formed on this issue. Russia and Azerbaijan agreed to develop a joint program to solve this problem. Dmitry Patrushev said that it is planned to approve it this year.

The Deputy Prime Minister also drew attention to the need to form a common regulatory framework for interaction between Russia and Azerbaijan in the field of environmental protection.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: Effective management of natural resources is important for any state and for every person

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

May 23, 2025

Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

May 23, 2025

Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

May 23, 2025

Chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko and Dmitry Patrushev at the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

May 23, 2025

Previous news Next news

Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress. The event was attended by Chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko, Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov, Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov and representatives of parliaments and governments of foreign countries.

“The wide range of participants from over 70 countries and 17 international organizations, as well as the active involvement of young people in the work of the congress, confirm that ecology has no borders and does not depend on age or political views. Dynamic economic development increases human responsibility to nature. In this regard, effective management of natural resources is important for any state and for every person. In Russia, the environmental well-being of citizens is one of the strategic priorities. It has been singled out by the President of Russia as a separate national goal. The activities of all branches of government, business and citizens are united within the framework of the national project “Environmental Well-being”. About 800 billion rubles will be allocated for the implementation of its activities by 2030,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the Russian Government is consistently expanding the set of tools that allow for effective control over the implementation of all environmental projects, and is updating development strategies for several sectors at once: forestry and water management complexes, the system of specially protected natural areas, and hunting.

“Russia actively advocates for the consolidation of the global community’s efforts in the environmental field. We support initiatives through the United Nations, and work within the framework of more than 20 conventions and agreements. In addition, 70 of our river basins are transboundary. Therefore, we attach great importance to cooperation with foreign partners. In particular, we believe it is important to focus efforts on expanding horizontal ties between governments, experts, and scientific communities. This will allow us to exchange best practices, research results, and technologies globally and comprehensively in the water-climate-food and energy security relationship,” added Dmitry Patrushev.

The Deputy Prime Minister listed the main vectors of work in priority environmental areas in Russia. In particular, infrastructure for cleaning polluted wastewater from water bodies is being systematically created. In the previous six years, about 130 treatment facilities were built on the Volga River and Lake Baikal. In the national project “Environmental Well-Being”, the geography of events will be expanded to cover the largest waterways of the country.

In order to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere and the negative impact on the environment in Russia, systematic work is being carried out to monitor the operation of wastewater treatment facilities at enterprises and their modernization, and the principles of environmental responsibility of business are being introduced.

Forest restoration is more intense than forest loss. Over the past six years, the area of new plantings has reached almost 8 million hectares.

Speaking about the formation of a closed-loop economy, Dmitry Patrushev noted that almost 300 waste management facilities have appeared in six years. The new national project aims to build at least 400 more. By 2030, it is planned to eliminate at least 50 accumulated harm facilities.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the challenge for all countries is the preservation of biodiversity. International cooperation plays a key role here. As a result of extensive joint work in Russia, the number of Far Eastern leopards has increased almost threefold, and the number of Amur tigers has increased by one and a half times. The national project “Environmental Well-Being” focuses on the preservation of 17 rare and endangered species of wildlife. The reserve system plays a major role in preserving biodiversity. And here Russia is also ready to adopt the best international experience.

“Considering the size of Russia, we are aware of our responsibility for preserving natural resources. Therefore, we will continue our development with maximum care for the environment,” Dmitry Patrushev concluded.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Thursday, 22 May 2025 – Brussels – Final edition

Source: European Parliament

PV-10-2025-05-22

iPlPv_Sit

Minutes

Thursday, 22 May 2025 – Brussels

Abbreviations and symbols

+	adopted
–	rejected
↓	lapsed
W	withdrawn
RCV	roll-call votes
EV	electronic vote
SEC	secret ballot
split	split vote
sep	separate vote
am	amendment
CA	compromise amendment
CP	corresponding part
D	deleting amendment
=	identical amendments
§	paragraph

IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
Vice-President

1. Opening of the sitting

The sitting opened at 09:00.

2. Choose Europe for Science (debate)

Council and Commission statements: Choose Europe for Science (2025/2713(RSP))

Ekaterina Zaharieva (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.

The following spoke: Christian Ehler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Giorgio Gori, on behalf of the S&D Group, Catherine Griset, on behalf of the PfE Group, Piotr Müller, on behalf of the ECR Group, Valérie Hayer, on behalf of the Renew Group, Anna Strolenberg, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Ilaria Salis, on behalf of The Left Group, Marc Jongen, on behalf of the ESN Group, Letizia Moratti, Lina Gálvez, Annamária Vicsek, Marion Maréchal, Christophe Grudler, Vladimir Prebilič, Catarina Martins, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Angelika Niebler, Sofie Eriksson, Jana Nagyová, Diego Solier, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Anthony Smith, Hélder Sousa Silva, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Bruno Gonçalves, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Kris Van Dijck, Jüri Ratas, Elena Sancho Murillo and Eszter Lakos.

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Liudas Mažylis, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Sebastian Tynkkynen.

IN THE CHAIR: Victor NEGRESCU
Vice-President

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Helmut Brandstätter, João Oliveira and Lukas Sieper.

The following spoke: Ekaterina Zaharieva.

The debate closed.

3. Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 (debate)

Report on the deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 [2025/2027(INI)] – Committee on Petitions. Rapporteur: Gheorghe Falcă (A10-0063/2025)

Peter Agius (deputising for the rapporteur) introduced the report.

The following spoke: Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission).

The following spoke: Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, on behalf of the PPE Group, Sandra Gómez López, on behalf of the S&D Group, Pál Szekeres, on behalf of the PfE Group, Kosma Złotowski, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jana Toom, on behalf of the Renew Group, Ana Miranda Paz, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Marcin Sypniewski, on behalf of the ESN Group, Maria Walsh and Mireia Borrás Pabón.

The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Elena Nevado del Campo, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Petras Gražulis, Maria Zacharia and Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos.

The following spoke: Glenn Micallef and Peter Agius.

The debate closed.

Vote: 22 May 2025.

(The sitting was suspended at 10:45.)

IN THE CHAIR: Pina PICIERNO
Vice-President

4. Resumption of the sitting

The sitting resumed at 11:01.

⁂

The following spoke: Patryk Jaki.

5. Voting time

For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.

5.1. Amending Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 as regards additional assistance and further flexibility to outermost regions affected by severe natural disasters and in the context of cyclone Chido devastating Mayotte ***I (vote)

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 as regards additional assistance and further flexibility to outermost regions affected by severe natural disasters and in the context of cyclone Chido devastating Mayotte (COM(2025)0190 – C10-0071/2025 – 2025/0104(COD)) – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION by the AGRI Committee (Rule 170(6))

Approved

Vote: at a later part-session.

Detailed voting results

5.2. Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism ***I (vote)

Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism [COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD)] – Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety. Rapporteur: Antonio Decaro (A10-0085/2025)

The debate had taken place on 21 May 2025 (minutes of 21.5.2025, item 15).

(Majority of the votes cast)

COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

Approved (P10_TA(2025)0108)

REQUEST FOR REFERRAL BACK TO COMMITTEE

Approved

The following had spoken:

Antonio Decaro (rapporteur), after the vote on the Commission proposal, to request that the matter be referred back to the committee responsible, for interinstitutional negotiations in accordance with Rule 60(4).

Detailed voting results

5.3. Modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus ***I (vote)

Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus [COM(2025)0034 – C10-0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Inese Vaidere (A10-0087/2025)

(Majority of the votes cast)

COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

Approved (P10_TA(2025)0109)

Parliament’s first reading thus closed.

The following had spoken:

– Before the vote, Inese Vaidere (rapporteur), to make a statement on the basis of Rule 165(4).

– Before the vote, Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission), to make a statement.

Detailed voting results

5.4. Granting equivalence to Moldova and Ukraine for field inspections and seed production ***I (vote)

Report on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Decision 2003/17/EC as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in the Republic of Moldova on fodder plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of fodder plant seed produced in the Republic of Moldova, and as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in Ukraine on beet seed-producing crops and oil plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of beet seed and oil plant seed produced in Ukraine [COM(2024)0052 – C9-0026/2024 – 2024/0027(COD)] – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Rapporteur: Veronika Vrecionová (A10-0043/2025)

(Majority of the votes cast)

PROPOSAL TO REJECT THE COMMISSION PROPOSAL

Rejected

COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

Approved (P10_TA(2025)0110)

Parliament’s first reading thus closed.

Detailed voting results

5.5. Amendments to the Capital Requirements Regulation as regards securities financing transactions under the net stable funding ratio ***I (vote)

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions as regards requirements for securities financing transactions under the net stable funding ratio (COM(2025)0146 – C10-0059/2025 – 2025/0077(COD)) – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

(Majority of the votes cast)

PROPOSAL TO REJECT THE COMMISSION PROPOSAL

Rejected

COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

Approved (P10_TA(2025)0111)

Parliament’s first reading thus closed.

Detailed voting results

5.6. Euratom Research and Training Programme for the period 2026-2027 complementing Horizon Europe * (vote)

Report on the proposal for a Council regulation establishing the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2026-2027 complementing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and repealing Council Regulation (Euratom) 2021/765 [COM(2025)0060 – C10-0052/2025 – 2025/0035(NLE)] – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Borys Budka (A10-0083/2025)

(Majority of the votes cast)

COMMISSION PROPOSAL TO THE COUNCIL

Approved by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0112)

Detailed voting results

5.7. Partial renewal of Members of the Court of Auditors – HR nominee (vote)

Report on the nomination of Ivana Maletić as a Member of the Court of Auditors [06874/2025 – C10-0049/2025 – 2025/0802(NLE)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Ondřej Knotek (A10-0088/2025)

(Majority of the votes cast)
(Secret ballot (Rule 133(3)))

APPOINTMENT OF IVANA MALETIĆ

Approved (P10_TA(2025)0113)

The list of Members voting is annexed to these minutes (minutes of 22.5.2025 Annex 1).

Detailed voting results

5.8. Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 (vote)

Report on the deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 [2025/2027(INI)] – Committee on Petitions. Rapporteur: Gheorghe Falcă (A10-0063/2025)

(Majority of the votes cast)

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0114)

The following had spoken:

Fabienne Keller, to move an oral amendment to paragraph 35. Parliament had not agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote as more than 39 Members had opposed it.

Detailed voting results

(The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)

6. Resumption of the sitting

The sitting resumed at 11:42.

7. Explanations of vote

7.1. Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism (A10-0085/2025 – Antonio Decaro) (oral explanations of vote)

Jadwiga Wiśniewska

7.2. Written explanations of vote

Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.

8. Approval of the minutes of the part-session and forwarding of texts adopted

In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of that day’s sitting and those of the previous day’s sitting would be put to the House for approval at the start of the next sitting.

With Parliament’s agreement, the texts adopted during the part-session would be forwarded to their respective addressees without delay.

9. Dates of the next part-session

The next part-session would be held from 16 June 2025 to 19 June 2025.

10. Closure of the sitting

The sitting closed at 11:46.

11. Adjournment of the session

The session of the European Parliament was adjourned.

Alessandro Chiocchetti	Roberta Metsola
Secretary-General	President

LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT

I. Transfers of appropriations and budgetary decisions

In accordance with Article 29 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations INF1/2025 – Section VI – European Economic and Social Committee.

In accordance with Article 29 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations No 2/2025 – Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor.

In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve the Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 05/2025 – Section III – Commission.

In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve the Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 05/2025 – Section III – Commission.

ATTENDANCE REGISTER

Present:

Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Saliba Alex, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barley Katarina, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Beňová Monika, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Brejza Krzysztof, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Cavazzini Anna, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Ciccioli Carlo, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Clausen Per, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Everding Sebastian, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcă Gheorghe, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firmenich Ruth, Flanagan Luke Ming, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Glück Andreas, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Gregorová Markéta, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guetta Bernard, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Kovařík Ondřej, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Lenaers Jeroen, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Maydell Eva, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Meleti Eleonora, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moratti Letizia, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Patriciello Aldo, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schnurrbusch Volker, Schwab Andreas, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Sidl Günther, Sieper Lukas, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Stancanelli Raffaele, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarquinio Marco, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Toveri Pekka, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Tudose Mihai, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Zacharia Maria, Zajączkowska-Hernik Ewa, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zver Milan

Excused:

Berg Sibylle, Burkhardt Delara, Hazekamp Anja

ANNEX 1 – Partial renewal of Members of the Court of Auditors – HR nominee

MEMBERS VOTING IN THE SECRET BALLOT

ECR:
Bartulica, Bay Nicolas, Berlato, Bielan, Bocheński, Brudziński, Cavedagna, Ciccioli, Ciriani, Crosetto, Donazzan, Dworczyk, Erixon, Fidanza, Fiocchi, Gambino, Geadi, Gemma, Gosiewska, Inselvini, Jaki, Junco García, Kamiński, Kanko, Kartheiser, Kols, Krutílek, Magoni, Maląg, Mantovani, Maréchal, Mularczyk, Müller, Nesci, Ozdoba, Peltier, Picaro, Polato, Pozņaks, Razza, Ruissen, Rzońca, Sberna, Solier, Squarta, Storm, Sturdza, Szydło, Târziu, Teodorescu, Terheş,Timgren, Tomaszewski, Torselli, Trochu, Tynkkynen, Valchev, Van Dijck, Ventola, Veryga, Vivaldini, Vondra, Vrecionová, Wąsik, Weimers, Wiśniewska, Zalewska, Złotowski

ESN:
Anderson, Arndt, Aust, Borvendég, Boßdorf, Buchheit, David, Droese, Froelich, Gražulis, Jongen, Jungbluth, Knafo, Laykova, Mazurek, Neuhoff, Schnurrbusch, Sell, Stoyanov, Sypniewski, Tyszka, Uhrík, Volgin, Zajączkowska-Hernik

NI:
Beňová, Braun, De Masi, Dostál, Firmenich, Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Kabilov, Konečná, Laššáková, Lazarus, Nikolaou-Alavanos, Ondruš, Panayiotou, Papadakis, Pérez, Pürner, Roth Neveďalová, Sieper, Sorel, von der Schulenburg, Warnke, Yoncheva, Zacharia

PPE:
Abadía Jover, Adamowicz, Aftias, Agius, Arias Echeverría, Arimont, Arłukowicz, Beleris, Bellamy, Bentele, Berendsen, Berger, Bernhuber, Bogdan, Brejza, Buda Daniel, Budka, Bugalho, Buła, Carberry, Casa, Caspary, Chinnici, Crespo Díaz, Cunha, Dahl, Dávid, de la Hoz Quintano, De Meo, Doherty, Doleschal, Do Nascimento Cabral, Dorfmann, Düpont, Ehler, Estaràs Ferragut, Ezcurra Almansa, Falcă, Falcone, Farský, Ferber, Gahler, Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Gerzsenyi, Geuking, Gieseke, Giménez Larraz, Gomart, González Pons, Gotink, Grims, Hadjipantela, Halicki, Hansen, Hava, Herbst, Herranz García, Hetman, Hohlmeier, Humberto, Imart, Jarubas, Joński, Juknevičienė, Kalniete, Kanev, Kefalogiannis, Kelly, Kircher, Köhler, Kohut, Kokalari, Kolář, Kopacz, Kovatchev, Kulja, Lakos, Lazarov, Lenaers, Liese, Lins, Lopatka, López-Istúriz White, Łukacijewska, McAllister, Mandl, Marczułajtis-Walczak, Mato, Maydell, Mažylis, Mertens, Millán Mon, Morano, Moratti, Motreanu, Mureşan, Navarrete Rojas, Nerudová, Nevado del Campo, Niebler, Niedermayer, Novakov, Nykiel, Pascual de la Parte, Pedro, Pereira, Pietikäinen, Polfjärd, Princi, Protas, Radev, Radtke, Ratas, Ressler, Ripa, Salini, Saudargas, Schneider, Schwab, Seekatz, Sienkiewicz, Smit, Sokol, Solís Pérez, Sommen, Sousa Silva, Stier, Szczerba, Ter Laak, Terras, Tobé, Tomašič, Tomc, Tonin, Toveri, Tsiodras, Vaidere, Vălean, Van Leeuwen, Vincze, Voss, Vázquez Lázara, Walsh, Walsmann, Warborn, Wawrykiewicz, Wcisło, Weber, Winkler, Winzig, Wiseler-Lima, Zdechovský, Zdrojewski, Zoido Álvarez, Zver

PfE:
Androuët, Annemans, Bardella, Bartůšek, Bay Christophe, Blom, Bonte, Borchia, Borrás Pabón, Brasier-Clain, Bryłka, Buczek, Ceccardi, Dauchy, Deloge, Diepeveen, Dieringer, Disdier, Dömötör, Dostalova, Ferenc, Frigout, Furet, Gál, Girauta Vidal, Griset, Győri, Gyürk, Haider, Hauser, Jamet, Joron, Knotek, Kovařík, Krištopans, Kubín, László, Leonardelli, Mariani, Martín Frías, Mayer, Moreira de Sá, Nagyová, Nikolic, Olivier, Patriciello, Pennelle, Piera, Pimpie, de la Pisa Carrión, Rechagneux, Rougé, Sanchez, Sardone, Schaller-Baross, Steger, Szekeres, Tânger Corrêa, Tertsch, Thionnet, Tolassy, Tovaglieri, Valet, Vandendriessche, Vannacci, Varaut, Vicsek, Vilimsky, Vistisen, Werbrouck, Zijlstra

Renew:
Agirregoitia Martínez, Allione, Al-Sahlani, Andrews, Auštrevičius, Azmani, Bosse, Boyer, Brandstätter, Canfin, Cassart, Chastel, Christensen, Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Cotrim De Figueiredo, Cowen, Devaux, Farreng, García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Gerbrandy, Glück, Goerens, Gozi, Groothuis, Grudler, Guetta, Hahn, Hayer, Henriksson, Hojsík, Ijabs, Joveva, Karlsbro, Karvašová, Katainen, Kelleher, Keller, Kulmuni, Kyuchyuk, Løkkegaard, McNamara, Minchev, Ní Mhurchú, Ódor, Oetjen, Paet, Šarec, Singer, Streit, Stürgkh, Toom, Van Brug, van den Berg, Vasconcelos, Vautmans, Vedrenne, Verougstraete, Wiesner, Wiezik, Wilmès, Yar, Yon-Courtin, Žalimas

S&D:
Agius Saliba, Andriukaitis, Angel, Assis, Bajada, Ballarín Cereza, Barley, Benea, Benifei, Biedroń, Bischoff, Blinkevičiūtė, Bonaccini, Bullmann, Ceulemans, Chahim, Corrado, Costanzo, Cremer, Cristea, Danielsson, Decaro, Dibrani, Di Rupo, Dobrev, Ecke, Eriksson, Fernández, Fritzon, Fuglsang, Gálvez, García Pérez, Geier, Germain, Glucksmann, Gomes, Gómez López, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares, Gori, Grossmann, Gualmini, Heide, Heinäluoma, Homs Ginel, Incir, Jalloul Muro, Jerković, Kalfon, Kaljurand, Lalucq, Laureti, López, López Aguilar, Luena, Lupo, Maestre, Maij, Manda, Maniatis, Maran, Mebarek, Mendes, Mendia, Mikser, Molnár, Moreno Sánchez, Moretti, Muşoiu, Negrescu, Noichl, Pajín, Papandreou, Pellerin-Carlin, Penkova, Picula, Rafowicz, Regner, Repasi, Repp, Reuten, Ridel, Rodrigues, Ros Sempere, Sánchez Amor, Sancho Murillo, Sargiacomo, Schaldemose, Scheuring-Wielgus, Schieder, Serrano Sierra, Sidl, Sippel, Śmiszek, Strada, Tarquinio, Tavares, Temido, Tinagli, Tobback, Tudose, Ušakovs, Van Brempt, Vigenin, Zan

The Left:
Andersson, Antoci, Arvanitis, Aubry, Barrena Arza, Botenga, Boylan, Carême, Chaibi, Clausen, Della Valle, Demirel, Everding, Farantouris, Flanagan, Fourreau, Galán, Gedin, Hassan, Kennes, Lucano, Martins, Mesure, Montero, Morace, Oliveira, Omarjee, Palmisano, Pedulla’, Rackete, Saeidi, Salis, Schirdewan, Sjöstedt, Smith, Tamburrano, Tridico

Verts/ALE:
Andresen, Asens Llodrà, Bloss, Camara, Cavazzini, Cormand, Eickhout, Freund, Geese, Gregorová, Häusling, Holmgren, Kuhnke, Lagodinsky, Langensiepen, Lövin, Marino, Marquardt, Marzà Ibáñez, Matthieu, Metz, Miranda Paz, Neumann, Niinistö, Nordqvist, Orlando, Paulus, Peter-Hansen, Prebilič, Riba i Giner, Riehl, Satouri, Sbai, Schilling, Scuderi, Sinkevičius, Søvndal, Strik, Strolenberg, Tegethoff, Toussaint, Van Sparrentak, Vieira, Waitz

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The slaughter of marine mammals in the Faroe Islands – E-001959/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001959/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sebastian Everding (The Left), Anja Hazekamp (The Left), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Anthony Smith (The Left), Petras Auštrevičius (Renew), David Cormand (Verts/ALE), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Damien Carême (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Ville Niinistö (Verts/ALE), Friedrich Pürner (NI), Jessika Van Leeuwen (PPE)

The hunting method grindadráp is a practice in the Faroe Islands involving the annual slaughter of whole families of long-finned pilot whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins and other cetaceans[1]. This results in an average of 1 100 cetaceans being killed each year[2].

As the largest trading partner of the Faroe Islands, the EU can promote reforms in the Faroe Islands that align with modern marine conservation standards. The EU has enacted legislation to protect cetaceans from being hunted, caught or kept in captivity as well as to prohibit trade in products both made from these animals and originating from non-EU countries[3].

1.How has the Commission addressed the Faroe Islands’ failure to cooperate in cetacean conservation during the latest consultations[4]?

2.What measures will the Commission take to improve transparency when it comes to the country of origin labelling for fish products from the Faroe Islands?

3.What concrete actions has the Commission undertaken since Parliament’s 2021 call to continuously engage with the Faroe Islands in order to stop the practice of the grindadráp hunting method[5], and what future actions does it envisage?

Submitted: 15.5.2025

[1] Heimabeiti, ‘Hvalvágir góðkendar’, https://heimabeiti.fo/176.

[2] According to correspondence with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which documents the hunts.

[3] Council Decision 82/461/EEC of 24 June 1982 on the conclusion of the Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals (OJ L 210, 19.7.1982, p. 10, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/1982/461/oj); Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/oj); Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein (OJ L 61, 3.3.1997, p. 1,ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/1997/338/oj).

[4] Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Cooperation between the European Union and the Government of the Faroe Islands, signed on 14 March 2024, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/2024/20240321%20Signed%20MoU.pdf.

[5] European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2021 on the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives (OJ C 67, 8.2.2022, p. 25).
Last updated: 23 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environmental schemes on the agenda of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

Members of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee will have the opportunity to discuss compensatory planting schemes and biodiversity enhancement when they meet on Thursday 29 May.

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “Environmental schemes are important for our communities as they ensure that biodiversity is improved when new infrastructure projects are developed. This paper will give Members the opportunity to discuss the benefits of advance scheme endorsement which could support developers to deliver positive impacts more effectively and assist the Council in supporting our commitment to sustainable development.”

Members will be asked to agree to the principle of the Council endorsing proposed schemes in advance of planning permission, as well as a fee structure for major development proposals.

Cllr Gowans added: “Developers delivering major infrastructure projects often find it challenging to secure sufficient land for their environmental scheme obligations which can result in delays to projects and sub-optimal biodiversity improvements. I look forward to discussing how we could potentially mitigate these delays and avoid negative environmental impacts whilst fulfilling our statutory obligations.”

The papers for the Economy and Infrastructure Committee are available on the Council’s website.

23 May 2025

Share this story

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EPD team visits PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, today (May 23) led the directorate officers of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to visit the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks. Accompanied by representatives of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, the team toured the exhibition themed “Dreams of the East”.

The exhibition comprises three thematic exhibition halls, namely “the Chinese Dream”, “the Dream of a Strong Military” and “the PRC HK Garrison”, along with a weaponry and equipment area. After the visit, Dr Chui and the team members expressed that the exhibition enhanced their appreciation of the nation’s illustrious military legacy and modernisation efforts, while deepening their grasp of the strategic significance of the holistic approach to national security.

Dr Chui said, “Ecological security is a pivotal element of the national security system. EPD has been upholding a spirit of professionalism and innovation, collaborating to build a green, resilient city. Through environmental initiatives, we reinforce the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and inject impetus into Hong Kong’s sustainable development.”

In addition to internal training to enhance staff awareness of national security, the EPD has rolled out diverse educational activities in recent years to strengthen public understanding of the country, particularly among the youth.

The Environment and Ecology Bureau and the EPD, in collaboration with the Center for Environmental Education and Communications of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, have produced the documentary series “Enchanting China”. With the first series launched last September, the documentary helped the public understand the country’s progress in ecological civilisation development in building a beautiful China, as well as the contributions and achievements made by the country and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in environmental protection and nature conservation through showing the country’s achievements and contributions in environmental protection. The second series of “Enchanting China” is currently in production and slated for release later this year.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 5.22.25

Source: US State of California 2

May 22, 2025

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

Tala Khalaf, of San Carlos, has been appointed to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Khalaf has been a Senior Physical Therapist at the Stanford Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Physical Therapy Clinic since 2008, Faculty Member of the Physical Therapy Residency Program at Stanford Health Care since 2014, a Self-Employed Concierge Physical Therapist since 2017, and the Co-Founder of PhysioHand since 2020. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Khalaf earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Massachusetts General Hospital and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Ohio State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Khalaf is a Democrat.

Donna DeBerry, of San Diego, has been appointed to the 22nd District Agricultural Association San Diego County Fair Board. DeBerry has been Chief Executive Officer of Donna Deberry & Associates since 2025. DeBerry was the President and Chief Executive Officer for the County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce from 2020 to 2025. She was the Vice President of Global Inclusion at Seismic from 2021 to 2022. She was the Director of Global Inclusion and Diversity at Indeed from 2016 to 2018. She was the Global Manager Inclusion & Diversity at Starbucks from 2014 to 2016. She was a Global Diversity & Inclusion Executive Consultant at Brand Inclusion from 2007 to 2014. She was a consultant and Vice President of Global Diversity at Nike from 2004 to 2006. DeBerry was the Executive Vice President of Global Diversity at Wyndham Worldwide from 2000 to 2004. DeBerry earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Diversity and Organizational Development from Thomas Edison State College. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. DeBerry is registered without party preference.

Kartikeya “KK” Jha, of Fresno, has been reappointed to the State Board of Pharmacy, where he has served since 2022. Jha has been District Director of Operations at Omnicare, a CVS Health Company since 2019. He was Director of Operations at Nimble Rx from 2018 to 2019. Jha earned a Master of Science degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Long Island University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Jha is a Democrat.

Nicholas Hardeman, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Housing and Finance Agency Board of Directors. Hardeman has been Principal at Hardeman Strategies and Consulting since 2024. He was Chief of Staff to Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins in the California State Senate from 2016 to 2024. Hardeman held several positions in the California State Assembly from 2006 to 2016, including Chief of Staff to Speaker pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, Special Assistant to Speaker pro Tempore John Pérez, and Chief of Staff to Speaker pro Tempore Fiona Ma. He was a Policy Consultant in the California State Senate from 2003 to 2006. Hardeman is a Board Member on the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors, Brightline Defense Project, and The California Storm. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Government in Politics from Saint Mary’s College of California. This position requires Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Hardeman is a Democrat.

Jason Newell, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the State Board of Pharmacy, where he has served since 2024. Newell has been Principal and Co-Founder at System2Solutions since 2020. He was Co-Founder and Program Director of the Leveraging Equal Access Program from 2015 to 2024. Newell earned a Master of Social Work degree in Community Mental Health from California State University, East Bay, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Advertising Design from Academy of Art College. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Newell is a Democrat.

Nicole Thibeau, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the State Board of Pharmacy, where she has served since 2021. Thibeau has been Director of Pharmacy Services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center since 2013. She was the Pharmacist in Charge at Target Pharmacy from 2012 to 2013. Thibeau was the Pharmacist in Charge at CVS Pharmacy from 2009 to 2012. She earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Thibeau is a Democrat.

Daniel Lee, of South Sacramento, has been reappointed to the Podiatric Medical Board of California, where he has served since 2020. Lee has been a Foot and Ankle Surgeon for The Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente since 2011, Clinical Professor at the California Northstate University, College of Medicine since 2013, Clinical Professor at the California School of Podiatric Medicine since 2021 and Associate Clinical Professor at Western University College of Podiatric Medicine since 2021. He is a Member of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. Lee earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Sciences from Chulalongkorn University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Lee is registered without party preference.

Maria Preciosa Solacito, of Palmdale, has been reappointed to the California Veterinary Medical Board, where she has served since 2020. Solacito has been a Practice Owner in Antelope Valley since 2023. She held multiple positions at the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control from 2008 to 2023, including Deputy Director, Senior Veterinarian, and Shelter Veterinarian. Solacito is a member of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, Southern California Filipino Veterinary Medical Association, Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, California Animal Welfare Association, and the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association. She earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines College of Veterinary Medicine. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Solacito is a Democrat.

Cheryl Williams, of San Diego has been reappointed to the Respiratory Care Board, where she has served since 2021. Williams has been an Insurance Consultant for the American Family Life Assurance Company since 2015. She was a Community Relations Coordinator at the San Ysidro Health Center from 2010 to 2015. Williams was a Constituent Service Manager in the California State Assembly from 2006 to 2010. She was an Assistant Campaign Field Manager for Mary Salas for State Assembly from 2005 to 2006. Williams was a Community Development Consultant at the Jacobs Foundation in San Diego from 2001 to 2004. She was President and Chief Executive Officer at the San Diego Circuit Board Service from 1981 to 2000. Williams was a Hearing and Placement Assistant for the San Diego Unified School District from 1977 to 1981. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and San Diego Delta Foundation Inc. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Williams is a Democrat.

Carel Mountain, of Fair Oaks, has been reappointed to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, where she has served since 2018. Mountain has been an Assistant Professor of Nursing at California State University, Sacramento since 2022. She was an Adjunct Faculty Member at Pacific Union College from 1997 to 2023. Mountain was Director of Nursing at Sacramento City College from 2016 to 2022. She was an On-Line Instructor for the University of Phoenix from 2006 to 2019. Mountain was a Professor at Shasta College from 1997 to 2016. She is a member of the National League of Nursing and California Organization of Associate Degree Nursing Educators. Mountain earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from California State University, Fresno, a Master of Science degree in Nursing Administration and Education from California State University, Sonoma, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from Pacific Union College. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Mountain is a Democrat.

Gloria Gregoria Guzman, of Bakersfield, has been reappointed to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, where she has been serving since 2023. Guzman has been a Licensed Vocational Nurse at Kaiser Permanente since 1989. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Guzman is a Democrat.

Aleta Carpenter, of Redding, has been reappointed to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, where she has served since 2016. Carpenter has been a Consultant at ACE Communications since 2013. She was a Community Education Specialist II for the Public Health Department at the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency from 2007 to 2012. Carpenter was a Lobbyist and Partner at Carpenter, Snodgrass and Associates from 1982 to 2003. She is the Chair of the Youth Violence Prevention Council/Youth Options Shasta and Shasta County Tobacco Education Coalition, School Board Member for the California Heritage YouthBuild Academy, and Member of the Shasta Environmental Alliance and the Redding Community Grant Advisory Committee. Carpenter earned a Master of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Carpenter is a Democrat.

Seyron Foo, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the Board of Psychology, where he has served since 2017. Foo has been Senior Program Officer at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation since 2022, where he was previously Senior Advocacy Officer from 2020 to 2022. He held several positions at Southern California Grantmakers from 2016 to 2020, including Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations, Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, and Senior Manager of Public Policy and Government Relations. Foo was a Senior Policy Analyst for the Director’s Office at the City of Long Beach Public Works Department from 2015 to 2016. He was a David M. Wodynski Memorial Fellow at the Long Beach City Manager’s Office from 2014 to 2015. Foo held multiple positions for Senate Majority Leader Ellen M. Corbett in the California State Senate from 2009 to 2012, including Legislative Aide and Senate Fellow. Foo earned a Master in Public Affairs degree from Princeton University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric and Political Science from University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Foo is a Democrat.

Mary Harb Sheets, of San Diego, has been reappointed to the Board of Psychology, where she has served since 2018. Harb Sheets has been a Self-Employed Clinical Psychologist since 1994. She was a Senior Consultant and Staff Psychologist at Workplace Guardians, Inc. from 2000 to 2023. Harb Sheets was an Adjunct Faculty Member in Advanced Law and Ethics at Alliant University from 2012 to 2018. She was a Counseling Psychologist and Adjunct Faculty Member at California State University, San Diego from 1990 to 1998. Harb Sheets was a Registered Psychological Assistant for Gary De Voss, Ph.D. from 1992 to 1994. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, San Diego. Harb Sheets is a member of the American Psychological Association, California Psychological Association, National Register of Health Services Psychologists, and San Diego Psychological Association. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Harb Sheets is a Democrat.

Press releases, Recent news

Recent news

May 22, 2025

News What you need to know: The state today began restoring shallow water habitats in the Salton Sea as part of California’s first major habitat restoration project in the region – a key step for improving local wildlife conditions and suppressing dust to improve air…

May 22, 2025

News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced California will fight the U.S. Senate’s illegal vote aiming to undo key parts of the state’s clean vehicles program in court. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced today the…

May 22, 2025

News What you need to know: The Pacific Coast Highway, which was closed following the Palisades Fire, will reopen to public travel ahead of schedule this Friday in advance of Memorial Day Holiday. LOS ANGELES – Following through on his commitment to reopen a critical…

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: California reaches major restoration milestone at the Salton Sea

Source: US State of California 2

May 22, 2025

What you need to know: The state today began restoring shallow water habitats in the Salton Sea as part of California’s first major habitat restoration project in the region – a key step for improving local wildlife conditions and suppressing dust to improve air qualities for surrounding communities.

SALTON SEA – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a major restoration milestone at the Salton Sea – filling the East Pond Expansion with water to restore habitats lost over time due to increased salination and water loss. This comes as part of the larger Species Conservation Habitat Project, a 10-year plan for implementing projects around the Salton Sea to develop an environment sustainable for local wildlife and improve air quality by reducing dust expelled from the dried seabed.

The Salton Sea, California’s largest inland water body, has shrunk in recent years due to reduced inflows, resulting in an exposed lakebed that could potentially release small dust particles that further impact the already-poor air quality in the Imperial Valley. The reduced water levels and increased salinity also negatively impact habitat for wildlife, including birds traveling the Pacific flyway.

“Today marks a major step in California’s environmental leadership – breathing life into critical ecosystems while creating cleaner air for communities around the Salton Sea. Thanks to the support of our local and federal partners, we’re making real the first major restoration project the Salton Sea has ever seen.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

Drone images show the partially filled East Habitat Pond, which is part of the Species Conservation Habitat Project at the Salton Sea

Today’s milestone is just the latest example of Governor Newsom’s prioritization of delivering large-scale projects at the Salton Sea that create environmental habitats and provide benefits to nearby communities. Previously envisioned as a 4,100 acre project funded primarily through bond funds at a cost of approximately $200 million, the state secured additional commitments from the federal government in recent years totaling $245 million – allowing the Species Conservation Habitat Project to more than double in size.

“Filling the East Pond Expansion represents a major step forward in our commitment to the Salton Sea region,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “Today’s action is proof that with strong partnerships and persistence, we can continue to make real progress that benefits both people and wildlife at the Sea.”

“Today, we can point to clear progress being made to improve conditions in the Salton Sea, which is critical to the health and economies of the Imperial and Coachella Valleys,” said State Water Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel. “These habitat restoration efforts help suppress dust from the exposed lakebed while protecting the Pacific Flyway, supporting diverse ecosystems, providing recreational opportunities and enhancing overall quality of life. For too long the Sea has been seen as an unfortunate liability, when in fact it is one of California’s greatest assets. This project, with federal, state, tribal, local and community leadership, is turning the page on that narrative.”

Waterfowl seen along the New River Diversion Structure, which is part of the Species Conservation Habitat Project at the Salton Sea

The initial groundbreaking for the East Pond Expansion was last October. Today’s milestone comes in addition to California’s efforts to enhance wetland habitat and improve public health and environmental conditions at the Salton Sea, including transforming the region into a global hub for battery production, essential to the state’s transition to zero-emission vehicles.

In 2023, Governor Newsom visited a project that is being implemented as part of the Salton Sea Management Program to enhance wetland habitat and improve public health and environmental conditions at the Salton Sea.

The total Species Conservation Habitat Project footprint is now envisioned to span over 9,000 acres – enough space to fit roughly 7,500 football fields. It will create a network of ponds, berms, nesting and loafing islands, and water delivery systems engineered to sustain fish and bird populations – helping to restore the local ecosystem and protect air quality by reducing dust at a key area of previously exposed lakebed at the Salton Sea. Today’s filling of the East Pond Expansion, combined with the filling of the original East Pond in early April, means that roughly 2,000 acres of the project will be operational in the coming weeks. Additional work continues to complete the remaining expansion components of the project.

Press releases, Recent news

Recent news

May 22, 2025

News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced California will fight the U.S. Senate’s illegal vote aiming to undo key parts of the state’s clean vehicles program in court. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced today the…

May 22, 2025

News What you need to know: The Pacific Coast Highway, which was closed following the Palisades Fire, will reopen to public travel ahead of schedule this Friday in advance of Memorial Day Holiday. LOS ANGELES – Following through on his commitment to reopen a critical…

May 22, 2025

News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 22, 2025, as “Harvey Milk Day.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONToday, we honor Harvey Milk – a hero for not just his own community,…

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Dogfighting and Drug Distribution

Source: US FBI

An Ohio man was sentenced today to 21 months in prison and three years supervised release after pleading guilty to dogfighting and fentanyl distribution. For today’s sentence, he will serve nine months concurrent with, and 12 months after, the 10 years he is already serving on the drug charges.

Michael Valentine, 40, of Bidwell, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of raising and training dogs for the purpose of fighting, and five counts related to fentanyl distribution. He was sentenced on Jan. 26, 2023, to serve 10 years in prison for the drug distribution charge and five years of supervised release. In total, Valentine will serve 11 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

“Dogfighting is a barbaric offense that cruelly harms animals and endangers the surrounding community,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that those engaged in this horrific practice face significant punishment.”

“Valentine’s crimes endangered both humans and dogs,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio. “Thanks to the work of our investigative partners, hundreds of grams of fentanyl were taken out of circulation before reaching our local communities and more than 50 dogs were removed from the defendant. It is appropriate that Valentine will spend a significant amount of time in federal prison.”

“The relevant provisions of the Animal Welfare Act were designed to protect animals from being used in illegal fighting ventures, which often entail other forms of criminal activity including drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Springer of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG). “The USDA-OIG thanks the Justice Department, who prosecuted the case, and Gallia County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI for their assistance with the investigation.”

According to court documents, law enforcement first investigated Valentine for dogfighting offenses in 2019 after a dog attacked a small child living with him. That investigation led to a search warrant of the Valentine’s residence and the seizure of 40 dogs. The search also recovered numerous items of dog fighting paraphernalia, including treadmills, veterinary supplies and dogfighting videos.

On March 8, 2022, a second search warrant was executed at the Valentine’s residence as part of a fentanyl-distribution investigation. That search revealed dog fighting paraphernalia, as well as two assault-style rifles. In addition, a search of a nearby parcel of land revealed 677 grams of fentanyl and 69 grams of cocaine packaged for distribution, and an additional 11 dogs, which Valentine was keeping for purposes of dogfighting. Valentine had previously sold 141 grams of fentanyl from the property.

The case was investigated by USDA-OIG and the FBI with assistance from the Gallia County Sherriff’s Office.

This investigation was conducted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz for the Southern District of Ohio and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Marous for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

May 27, 2025

Category: Environment

Successful recipients

Tramping in snowy conditions? Think before you go

Link

Moth X Human by Ellie Wilson inspired by Wiltshire nature reserve

Background

Share this page

Updates to this page

Next phase of Hull water project brings boost to wildlife

Encouraging people to connect with nature

Project shows ‘nature finds a way to thrive’

Future plans to roll out the project further

Background

Share this page

Updates to this page

One cyclone away from extinction

Preparing for the unpredictable

Invasive species risk

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues Mukhtar Babayev

Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Head of the Environment Protection Organization Sheena Ansari

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the “Garden of Memory” campaign after the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the “Garden of Memory” campaign after the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the “Garden of Memory” campaign after the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Dmitry Patrushev took part in the “Garden of Memory” campaign after the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko and Dmitry Patrushev at the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress

Share this story

Recent news

Recent news