Category: Justice

MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Releases Information on Efforts to Protect the Right to Vote, Prosecute Election Fraud, and Secure Elections
Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Consistent with longstanding Justice Department practices and procedures, the department today is providing information about its efforts, through the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Division, National Security Division (NSD), and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country, to ensure that all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted free of discrimination, intimidation, or criminal activity in the election process, and to ensure that our elections are secure and free from foreign malign influence and interference.

Civil Rights Division

The department’s Civil Rights Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote and with the criminal provisions of federal statutes prohibiting discriminatory interference with that right. This work is often performed in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of a wide range of federal statutes that protect the right to vote including: the Voting Rights Act; National Voter Registration Act; Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act; Help America Vote Act; and Civil Rights Acts. Among other things, collectively, these laws:
- Prohibit election practices that have either a discriminatory purpose or a discriminatory result on account of race, color, or language minority status;
- Prohibit intimidation of voters;
- Allow voters who need assistance in voting because of disability or inability to read or write to receive assistance from a person of their choice (other than agents of their employer or union);
- Require minority language election materials and assistance in certain jurisdictions;
- Require accessible voting systems for voters with disabilities;
- Require that provisional ballots be offered to voters who assert they are registered and eligible to vote in the jurisdiction, but whose names do not appear on poll books;
- Require states to provide for absentee voting for uniformed service members serving away from home, their family members also away from home due to that service, and U.S. citizens living abroad; and
- Require covered states to offer the opportunity to register to vote through offices that provide driver licenses, public assistance, and disability services, as well as through the mail, and to take steps regarding maintaining voter registration lists.
The Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination in voting based on disability. The ADA applies to all aspects of voting, including voter registration, selection and accessibility of voting facilities, and the casting of ballots on Election Day or during early voting, whether in-person or absentee.

The Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter interference based on race, color, national origin, or religion.
- Throughout the election cycle, Civil Rights Division attorneys in the Voting, Disability Rights, and Criminal Sections in Washington, D.C., will be ready to receive complaints of potential violations of any of the statutes the Civil Rights Division enforces. The Civil Rights Division will work closely with counterparts at U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and other department components to review and take appropriate action concerning these complaints.
- Individuals with complaints related to possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can call the Justice Department’s toll-free telephone line at 800-253-3931, and can also submit complaints at www.civilrights.justice.gov.
- Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov.
Complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local authorities by calling 911. They should also be reported to the department after local authorities are contacted.

Criminal Division and the Department’s 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices

The department’s Criminal Division oversees the enforcement of federal laws that criminalize certain forms of election fraud and vindicate the integrity of the federal election process.

The Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are responsible for enforcing the federal criminal laws that prohibit various forms of election crimes, such as destruction of ballots, vote-buying, multiple voting, submission of fraudulent ballots or registrations, alteration of votes, and malfeasance by postal or election officials and employees. See Justice Manual 9-85.210 (discussing requirements regarding election crime matters); 9-85.300 (discussing approach to ballot fraud); 9-85.400 (discussing application of 18 U.S.C. § 592); 9-85.500 (discussing timing of actions).

The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are also responsible for enforcing federal criminal law prohibiting unlawful threats of violence against election workers, and prohibiting voter intimidation and voter suppression for reasons other than race, color, national origin, or religion (as noted above, voter intimidation and voter suppression that has a basis in race, color, national origin, or religion is addressed by the Civil Rights Division often in partnership with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices).

U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country designate Assistant U.S. Attorneys who serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) in their respective districts. DEOs are responsible for overseeing potential election-crime matters in their districts, and for coordinating with the department’s election-crime experts in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices work with specially trained FBI personnel in each district to ensure that complaints from the public involving possible election crimes are handled appropriately. Specifically:
- In consultation with federal prosecutors at the Public Integrity Section in Washington, D.C., the DEOs in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, FBI officials at headquarters in Washington, D.C., and FBI special agents serving as Election Crime Coordinators in the FBI’s 56 field offices will be on duty while polls are open to receive complaints from the public.
- Election-crime complaints should be directed to the local U.S. Attorney’s Office or the local FBI field office. A list of U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and their telephone numbers can be found at www.justice.gov/usao/districts. A list of FBI field offices and accompanying telephone numbers can be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us.
- Public Integrity Section prosecutors are available to consult and coordinate with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the FBI regarding the handling of election-crime allegations.
All complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should be reported first to local police authorities by calling 911. After alerting local law enforcement to such emergencies by calling 911, the public should contact the Justice Department.

National Security Division

The department’s National Security Division (NSD) supervises the investigation and prosecution of cases affecting or relating to national security, including any cases involving foreign malign influence and interference in elections or violent extremist threats to elections. In this context:
- NSD oversees matters involving a range of malign influence activities that foreign governments may attempt.
- NSD’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section oversees matters involving covert information operations (e.g., to promulgate disinformation through social media); covert efforts to support or denigrate political candidates or organizations; and other covert influence operations that might violate various criminal statutes.
- NSD’s National Security Cyber Section oversees such matters when they are cyber-enabled (i.e., when online platforms, such as social media and other online services, are central to the commission of the offense), as well as those involving computer hacking of election or campaign infrastructure.
- NSD’s Counterterrorism Section oversees matters involving international and domestic terrorism and supports law enforcement in preventing any acts of terrorism that impact Americans, including any violent extremism that might threaten election security.
As in past elections, the National Security Division will work closely with counterparts at the FBI and our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to protect our nation’s elections from any national security threats. Attorneys from National Security Division sections will be partnered with FBI Headquarters components to provide support to U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI field offices to counter any such threats. The Department of Homeland Security also plays its own important role in safeguarding critical election infrastructure from cyber and other threats.

Complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local authorities by calling 911 and, after local authorities are contacted, then should be reported also to the department.

Protecting the right to vote, prosecuting election crimes, and securing our elections are all essential to maintaining the confidence of all Americans in our democratic system of government. The department encourages anyone with information regarding concerns in these subject areas to contact the appropriate authorities.

For more information about the department’s work to ensure compliance with federal civil and criminal laws related to voting, please visit www.justice.gov/voting and www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-pin/election-crimes-branch.

MIL Security OSI –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Louisville Man Pleads Guilty to Carjacking Resulting in Death

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Louisville, KY – This week, a Louisville, Kentucky, man pleaded guilty to carjacking which resulted in the death of teenage motorist.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department, and Shelby County Sheriff Mark Moore made the announcement.

According to court documents, Michael Dewitt, pleaded guilty to a single count indictment charging him with carjacking resulting in death. According to court records, Dewitt committed a carjacking at gunpoint on March 1, 2021, and stole a 2011 Ford F350 from its owner in Simpsonville, Kentucky. During the immediate flight from the carjacking, and while still in possession of the stolen truck, Dewitt collided with a vehicle on Dixie Highway in Louisville, causing the death of 17-year-old.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 27, 2025. The maximum penalty is life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. If the plea agreement in the case is accepted by the court, the defendant will be sentenced to serve 29 years and 4 months in prison.

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is being investigated by the FBI Louisville Field Office, the Louisville Metro Police Department, and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Bonar and Mac Shannon are prosecuting this case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Happy Valley Goose Bay investigates mischief, seeks public’s assistance

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Happy Valley Goose Bay RCMP is seeking assistance from the public following a recent incident that occurred on Mitchell Street in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

In the early morning hours of October 24, 2024, around 1:30 a.m., a suspect approached a parked vehicle in a residential driveway with a gas can in hand and poured a substance from the gas can into the gas tank of the vehicle.

See surveillance images attached.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone having information about this crime is asked to contact Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP at 709-896-3383 . To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SEC Announces New Members of Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee
Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced four new members of the Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. The new members were appointed to four-year terms and will join the 14 current Commission-appointed committee members.

“I thank the new members for their willingness to serve on the Advisory Committee, which plays an important role in our work to facilitate capital formation for companies of every size,” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler. “Small businesses employ nearly half of America’s workforce and make up more than 99 percent of America’s businesses. The new members named today understand this well, and I am pleased the SEC will benefit from their valuable experiences and insights.”

The new Commission-appointed committee members are:
- Jennifer Newton – Managing Attorney and Founder, StartSmart Counsel; Miami
- Rose Standifer – Partner, Foley Hoag LLP; Denver
- Wendy Stevens – Partner, Forvis Mazars LLP; New York
- Emily Underwood – Clinical Professor of Law, Bluhm-Helfand Director of the Innovation Clinic, The University of Chicago Law School; Chicago
In addition to the 14 appointed members, the current committee members include the SEC’s Small Business Advocate, and three non-voting members appointed by the SEC’s Investor Advocate, the North American Securities Administrators Association, and the Small Business Administration, respectively. The committee also has an observer appointed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

The committee provides advice and recommendations to the Commission on rules, regulations, and policy matters relating to small businesses, including smaller public companies. Committee members represent a diverse spectrum of entrepreneurs, investors, and advisers who work with early-stage private companies and smaller public companies, including minority- and women-owned small businesses. Additional information about the committee, its members, and prior meeting materials is available on the committee webpage.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Samson Cree Nation — Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigate homicide in Maskwacis – Update

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On Jan. 28, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., Maskwacis RCMP was called to assist EMS with a 25-year-old male. The male was transported to the hospital where he was declared deceased. The circumstances of the victim’s death were considered suspicious.

RCMP Major Crimes Unit (MCU) took carriage of the investigation, and the autopsy determined that the manner of death was a homicide.

On Sept. 28, 2024, RCMP MCU arrested a 24-year-old individual and a 25-year-old individual, both residents of Maskwacis, Alta. The 24-year-old individual has been charged with second-degree murder.

After a judicial interim release Hearing, the 24-year-old individual was remanded to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin on Oct. 3, 2024.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Edmonton — Alberta RCMP coordinate with communities to curtail copper wire crooks
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Alberta RCMP is launching a community initiative in response to concerns about ongoing copper wire theft in eastern Alberta.

To reduce the amount of theft, the RCMP’s Eastern and Central District’s Crime Reduction Units, along with K Division Criminal Analysis Section (K/DCAS), and Community Safety and Well-being Branch will be working with industry partners to determine areas that are being targeted and develop strategies to investigate, identify and ultimately arrest the individuals who are causing the most harm related to copper wire and precious metal thefts.

Precious metals like copper are used in a variety of projects ranging from large scale industrial sites like power plants, cellphone towers and pipelines to smaller uses like the wiring in homes.

Copper wire and other precious metals can be difficult to track making them ideal targets for criminals to steal. The theft of copper wire can have a large impact on the public; whether it’s having spare wire stolen from your personal property or damage caused to vital infrastructure across the province.

Last year, in Alberta losses from copper wire theft including damages to property was in excess of 10 million dollars. There are a variety of things that the public and companies can do to help reduce the likelihood of copper wire theft in your communities:
- Consider installing an alarm system with remote monitoring of surveillance cameras.
- Ensure each entrance and exit of your commercial property has proper lighting and surveillance cameras clearly visible to deter criminal activity.
- Arrange to have your precious metals laser engraved, so they can be easier identified and returned if recovered.
- For metal purchasers, be cautious about purchasing material from unknown or suspicious sellers.
- Always secure your valuables in a secure area.
- Invest in fencing for extra protection and ensure it’s well-maintained
- Always report suspicious persons you see at work sites, or on your property.
“The reality of the situation is because copper wire is so common and can be almost impossible to identify if it isn’t laser engraved, catching and charging copper wire thieves can be very difficult,” said Staff Sergeant John Pike District Advisory non-commissioned officer of the RCMP Eastern Alberta District. “There are thousands of sites using copper wire, and we can’t be at all of them. That’s why it’s so important for everyone do their part whether it is securing your property, reporting suspicious activity or questioning sellers.”

If you have any information about crimes in your community, please call your local RCMP detachment. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

MIL Security OSI –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: John D’or Prairie — Alberta RCMP Community Response Team arrest four individuals
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On Oct. 1, 2024, the Alberta RCMP Community Response Team engaged in a proactive traffic stop in John D’or Prairie with a vehicle that had been suspected of being involved in a recent occurrence in the community. During the police interaction with the occupants of the vehicle, the driver drove into two police cars and attempted to evade police. A pursuit was initiated and the suspect vehicle became disabled in a field south of John D’or Prairie, where five suspects fled on foot.

A sixth occupant was located in the vehicle and was identified and determined to have been the victim of kidnapping that took place immediately prior to the traffic stop. Four suspects were arrested with assistance from Fort Vermillion and John D’or Prairie RCMP Detachments as well as RCMP regional Police Dog Services. A sawed-off shotgun and a replica handgun were seized during the search for the suspects. One suspect remains at large; his identity is known and a warrant for his arrest is being sought.

The victim of the kidnapping was airlifted to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A 29-year-old individual, a 21-year-old individual, a 24-year-old individual and a 21-year-old individual, all residents John D’or Prairie, have been charged with the following offences:
- Kidnapping
- Forcible confinement
- Assault causing bodily harm
- Flight from Police Officer
- Failure to stop after accident
- Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle
- Using a firearm in the commission of an offence
- Careless use of a firearm
- Pointing a firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose x2
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession knowing it is unauthorized
- Unauthorized possession of firearm in motor vehicle
- Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
- Assault police officer with a weapon
All four suspects were taken before a justice of the peace and were remanded into custody. They are scheduled to appear on Oct. 9, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fahler, Alta.

MIL Security OSI –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A Budget to fix the foundations and deliver change for Northern Ireland
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

The UK Chancellor delivered the Autumn Budget today (Wednesday 30 October 2024)
Autumn Budget 2024

Chancellor takes long-term decisions to restore stability, rebuild the United Kingdom and protect working people across Northern Ireland.

No change to working people’s payslips as employee national insurance, income tax and VAT stay the same, but businesses and the wealthiest asked to pay their fair share.

Record £18.2 billion for the Northern Ireland Executive in 2025/26 including an additional £1.5 billion through the Barnett formula.

City and Growth Deals confirmed to continue to unlock growth and investment, while over £45 million is provided for counter-terrorism and security funding.

The Chancellor has delivered a Budget to fix the foundations to deliver on the promise of change after a decade and a half of stagnation. She set out plans to rebuild the United Kingdom, while ensuring working people across Northern Ireland don’t face higher taxes in their payslips.

The UK Government was handed a challenging inheritance; £22 billion of unfunded in-year spending pressures, debt at its highest since the 1960s, an unrealistic forecast for departmental spending, and stagnating living standards.

This Budget takes difficult decisions to restore economic and fiscal stability, so that the UK Government can invest in the economic future of Northern Ireland and lay the foundations for growth across the UK as its number one mission.

The Chancellor announced that the Northern Ireland Executive will be provided with a £18.2 billion settlement in 2025/26 – the largest in real terms in the history of devolution. This includes a £1.5 billion top-up through the Barnett formula, with £1.2 billion for day-to-day spending and £270 million for capital investment.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said:

This is the biggest real terms settlement for Northern Ireland since devolution.

The Northern Ireland Executive will get an additional £640 million in Barnett consequentials this year, and an additional £1.5 billion next year.

This will provide a strong foundation for stability and growth, and sees the UK Government delivering real change for the people of Northern Ireland.

We have also confirmed the UK Government’s investment in Northern Ireland’s City and Growth deals, which is a huge boost to communities in both rural and urban areas. The Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens Deals alone will receive a combined investment from the UK Government of £162 million, and I look forward to seeing them progress and make a real impact now and in years to come.

Meanwhile, measures such as the Northern Ireland Enhanced Investment Zone, continuing support for Northern Ireland integrated schooling and the UK-wide investment of over £500m in digital infrastructure through Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network benefit people across Northern Ireland’s communities.

The increase to £37.8 million in funding for the Police Service of Northern Ireland through the Additional Security Fund, combined with £8 million for the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime, underscores the UK Government’s continuing and steadfast commitment to security.

This budget is positive news for people across Northern Ireland, encouraging economic growth and enabling the conditions for a brighter future.

Protecting working people and living standards

While fixing the inheritance requires tough decisions, the Chancellor has committed to protecting the living standards of working people. The decisions taken by the Chancellor to rebuild public finances enable the UK Government to deliver on its pledge to not increase National Insurance, Income Tax or VAT on working people in Northern Ireland, meaning they will not see higher taxes in their payslip.

The National Living Wage will increase from £11.44 to £12.21 an hour from April 2025. The 6.7% increase – worth £1,400 a year for a full-time worker – is a significant move towards delivering a genuine living wage.

The National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will also see a record rise from £8.60 to £10 an hour.

Working people will benefit from these increases, with there estimated to be around 100,000 minimum wage workers in Northern Ireland in 2023.

The Chancellor has made the decision to protect working people in Northern Ireland from being dragged into higher tax brackets by confirming that Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions thresholds will be unfrozen from 2028-29 onwards.

The Chancellor is also protecting motorists by freezing fuel duty for one year – a tax cut worth £3 billion, with the temporary 5p cut extended to 22 March 2026. This will benefit an estimated 1.3 million people in Northern Ireland, saving the average car driver £59, vans £126 and Heavy Goods Vehicles £1,079 next year.

To support pubs and smaller brewers in Northern Ireland, the UK Government is cutting duty on qualifying draught products by 1p, which represent approximately 3 in 5 alcoholic drinks sold in pubs. This measure reduces duty bills by over £70 million a year, cutting duty on an average strength pint in a pub by a penny. The relief available to small producers will be updated to help smaller brewers and cidermakers.

Rebuilding the United Kingdom

This UK Government will not make a return to austerity and will instead boost investment to rebuild Britain and lay the foundations for growth in Northern Ireland. This includes £760 million of targeted funding for the Northern Ireland Executive, of which £662 million is as committed in the 2024 restoration financial package and £90 million is for capital investment.

The UK Government today confirmed that investment in the Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens City Deals will continue, supported by a value for money assessment as part of the review of the business cases for projects to ensure best value is being delivered. The Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens Deals deliver a combined investment from UK Government of £162 million over 15 years to rural areas in Northern Ireland.

The Chancellor committed the UK Government to working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on the Industrial Strategy, 10-year infrastructure strategy and the National Wealth Fund – to ensure the benefits of these are felt UK-wide and as part of the relationship reset between governments. These will mobilise billions of pounds of investment in the UK’s world-leading clean energy and growth industries.

The UK Government has today reaffirmed its commitment to develop an Enhanced Investment Zone in Northern Ireland and will continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to develop proposals.

The UK Government has increased funding to £37.8 million for the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Additional Security Fund and confirmed £8 million for the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime to ensure that people and communities are kept safe from violence and harm.

To support community cohesion the UK Government is providing £730,000 of additional funding in 2025-26 to support schools in Northern Ireland through the transformation process as they work towards integrated status.

Under-served parts of Northern Ireland will benefit from the rollout of digital infrastructure enabled by over £500 million of UK-wide investment in Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network.

A corporate tax roadmap will provide businesses with the stability and certainty they need to make long-term investment decisions and support our growth mission. It confirms our competitive offer, with the lowest Corporate Tax rate in the G7 and generous support for investment and innovation.

The UK Government will also proceed with implementing the 45%/40% rates of the theatre, orchestra, museum and galleries tax relief from 1 April 2025 to provide certainty to businesses in Northern Ireland’s thriving cultural sector.

Repairing public finances

The Chancellor has made clear that, whilst protecting working people with measures to reduce the cost of living, there would be difficult decisions required. The Budget will ask businesses and the wealthiest to pay their fair share while making taxes fairer. This will go directly towards fixing the foundations of the UK economy.

The rate of Employers’ National Insurance will increase by 1.2 percentage points, to 15%. The Secondary Threshold – the level at which employers start paying national insurance on each employee’s salary – will reduce from £9,100 per year to £5,000 per year.

The smallest businesses will be protected as the Employment Allowance will increase to £10,500 from £5,000, allowing firms in Northern Ireland to employ four National Living Wage workers full time without paying national insurance on their wages.

Capital Gains Tax will increase from 10% to 18% for those paying the lower rate, and 20% to 24% for those paying the higher rate.

To encourage entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) will remain at 10% this year, before rising to 14% on 6 April 2025 and 18% from 6 April 2026-27.

The lifetime limit of BADR will be maintained at £1 million. The lifetime limit of Investors’ Relief will be reduced from £10 million to £1 million.

The OBR say changes to CGT will raise over £2.5 billion a year and the UK will continue to have the lowest CGT rate of any European G7 country.

Inheritance Tax thresholds will be fixed at their current levels for a further two years until April 2030. More than 90% of estates each year will be outside of its scope. From April 2027 inherited pensions will be subject to Inheritance Tax. This removes a distortion which has led to pensions being used as a tax planning vehicle to transfer wealth rather than their original purpose to fund retirement.

From April 2026, agricultural property relief and business property relief will be reformed. The highest rate of relief will continue at 100% for the first £1 million of combined business and agricultural assets, fully protecting the majority of businesses and farms. It will reduce to 50% after the first £1 million. Reforms will affect the wealthiest 2,000 estates each year. Inheritance Tax reforms in total are predicted by the OBR to raise £2 billion to support stability.

The Budget also announced a package of measures that disincentivise activities that cause ill health, by:

Renewing the tobacco duty escalator which increases all tobacco duty rates by RPI+2% plus an above escalator increase to hand rolling tobacco (totalling RPI+12%). 

Introducing a new vaping duty at a flat rate of 22p/ml from October 2026, accompanied by a further one-off increase in tobacco duty to maintain financial incentive to choose vaping over smoking.

To help tackle obesity and other harms caused by high sugar intake, the Soft Drinks Industry Levy will increase to account for inflation since it was last updated in 2018, and the duty will rise in line with inflation every year going forward.

The UK Government will also uprate alcohol duty in line with RPI on 1 February 2025, except for most drinks in pubs

The UK Government has set out the next steps to deliver its tax manifesto commitments in the July Statement. Having consulted on the final policy details where appropriate, this Budget delivers the UK Government’s manifesto commitments to raise revenue to pay for First Steps, with reforms that are underpinned by fairness, and tackle tax avoidance by:

A new residence-based regime will replace the current non-dom regime from April 2025 and will be designed to attract investment and talent to the UK.

Offshore trusts will no longer be able to be used to shelter assets from Inheritance Tax, and there will be transitional arrangement in place for people who have made plans based on current rules.

The planned 50% reduction for foreign income in the first year of the new regime will be removed.

Reforms to the non-dom regime will raise a total of £12.7 billion according to the OBR.

The tax treatment of carried interest will be reformed by first increasing the Capital Gains Tax rates on carried interest to 32% and then, from April 2026, moving to a revised regime – with bespoke rules to reflect the characteristics of the reward.

The Higher Rate for Additional Dwellings surcharge of Stamp Duty Land Tax will rise from 3 to 5%, providing those looking to move home, or purchase their first property, with a comparative advantage over second home buyers, landlords, and businesses purchasing residential property.

The UK Government will also introduce 20% VAT on education and boarding services provided for a charge by private schools from 1 January 2025.

The Chancellor also doubled down on fiscal responsibility through two new fiscal rules that put the public finances on a sustainable path and prioritise investment to support long-term growth, and new principles of stability. Spending Reviews will be held every two years, setting plans for at least three years to ensure public services are always planned and improve value for money.

One major fiscal event per year will give families and businesses stability and certainty on tax and spending changes, while giving the Northern Ireland Executive greater clarity for in its own budget-setting. A Fiscal Lock will also ensure no future government can sideline the OBR again.

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Published 30 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA investigation leads to arrest of Toronto man for firearms-related offences
Source: Government of Canada News
October 30, 2024 Mississauga, ON Canada Border Services Agency

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) works hard to stop prohibited firearms from entering Canada and to protect our communities.

Today, the CBSA announced that an arrest was made for multiple firearms-related offences as part of an investigation by the CBSA Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET). The OFSET is a group of CBSA criminal investigators, intelligence analysts, and intelligence officers dedicated to investigating firearms smuggling throughout the province.

In August 2024, Border Services Officers working at the International Mail Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, intercepted a parcel that was addressed to a Toronto residence. Officers seized the contents of the parcel, including three prohibited semi-automatic handguns, five cartridge magazines and twelve rounds of ammunition.
In late August, CBSA investigators, assisted by the Toronto Police Emergency Task Force, executed a search warrant at a residence in Toronto.

Nicholas Douglas (34 years old) of Toronto was arrested and charged with:

3 counts of Smuggling Prohibited Device under Section 159(1) of the Customs Act pursuant to Section 160;

3 counts of knowingly importing prohibited goods contrary to section 103(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;

1 count of conspiring with a person or persons unknown to commit an indictable offence of importing a prohibited or restricted firearm contrary to section 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code; and

1 count of knowingly transferring a prohibited firearm contrary to section 99 of the Criminal Code.
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, including firearms smuggling, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line toll-free at 1-888-502-9060, or visit us online.
“The CBSA Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team is committed to detecting, investigating and disrupting organized crime. This investigation, arrest, and charges demonstrate our role and strong partnerships to find and seize prohibited firearms.”

– Abeid Morgan, A/Director, Intelligence and Enforcement Operations Division, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Selections for Nearly $3 Billion of Investments in Clean Ports as Part of Investing in America Agenda

Source: US State of New Jersey

EPA’s Clean Ports Program to fund 55 zero-emission port equipment, infrastructure, and planning projects across the nation to tackle climate change, reduce air pollution, promote good jobs, and advance environmental justice

WASHINGTON – Tuesday, as part of President Biden and Vice President Harris’ Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of 55 applicants across 27 states and territories to receive nearly $3 billion through EPA’s Clean Ports Program. These grants will support the deployment of zero-emission equipment, as well as infrastructure and climate and air quality planning projects at ports across the country. The grants are funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act — the largest investment in combating climate change and promoting clean energy in history— and will advance environmental justice by reducing diesel air pollution in U.S. ports and surrounding communities while promoting good-paying and union jobs that help America’s ports thrive.

Ports are vital to the U.S. economy and are responsible for moving goods and people throughout the country. At the same time, the port and freight equipment responsible for moving goods including trucks, locomotives, marine vessels, and cargo-handling equipment contribute to significant levels of diesel air pollution at and near port facilities. This pollution is especially harmful to nearby communities’ health and contributes to climate change. The funds announced Tuesday will improve air quality at ports across the country by installing clean, zero-emission freight and ferry technologies along with associated infrastructure, eliminating more than 3 million metric tons of carbon pollution, equivalent to 391,220 homes’ energy use for one year.

“Our nation’s ports are critical to creating opportunity here in America, offering good-paying jobs, moving goods, and powering our economy,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s historic $3 billion investment builds on President Biden’s vision of growing our economy while ensuring America leads in globally competitive solutions of the future. Delivering cleaner technologies and resources to U.S. ports will slash harmful air and climate pollution while protecting people who work in and live nearby ports communities.”

“President Biden and Vice President Harris entered office with a vision to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure and tackle the climate crisis in a way that would create good-paying and union jobs and uplift the communities who’ve borne the brunt of pollution,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy. “The EPA Clean Ports program is one of the best examples of their vision come to life.”

“Decarbonizing our nation’s ports is one of the many ways President Biden and Vice President Harris’s investment agenda is helping cut pollution and create good-paying union jobs,” said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “The communities being uplifted by these grants provide proof points for how good environmental policy can be good economic policy. By advancing clean energy solutions in every sector of our growing economy, the Biden-Harris administration continues to position our nation to lead the global clean energy race, while protecting all communities — especially those on the front-line and the fence-line — from harmful pollution in the air we breathe and the water we drink.”

“The Port of Baltimore is a vital economic engine for the state and a leader among the nation’s ports. As we work to improve the Port, it is essential that we build for the future. The projects supported by the Clean Ports Program will help reduce emissions, improve air quality in the Baltimore region and create more clean energy jobs,” said Senator Ben Cardin (MD). “The Biden-Harris administration’s bold investments in modernizing our infrastructure are driving our economy forward while enabling us to take on climate change in a meaningful way.”

“The tremendous projects selected for these federal funding awards will improve air quality and combat climate change by dramatically diminishing the Port of Baltimore’s greenhouse gas and toxic pollutant emissions via installation of zero-emission cargo handling equipment and trucks, while also bolstering the Maryland Port Administration’s overall emissions reduction strategy. These extraordinary federal investments into our Port are consistent with our collective duty to preserve the planet – while also continuing to uplift the Port of Baltimore’s workforce and surrounding communities in the transition to a zero-emissions facility,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). “As exemplified by this compelling announcement, the historic Inflation Reduction Act continues to tackle the climate crisis with fierce urgency right here in Baltimore.”

In February 2024, EPA announced two separate funding opportunities for U.S. ports – a Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition to directly fund zero-emission equipment and infrastructure to reduce mobile source emissions and a Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition to fund climate and air quality planning activities. The competitions closed in May 2024 with over $8 billion in requests from applicants across the country seeking to advance next-generation, clean technologies at U.S. ports.

After a thorough and rigorous grant application review process, EPA selected 55 applications to receive this historic investment. Applications to the Clean Ports Program were evaluated in part on their workforce development efforts, to ensure that projects will expand access to high-quality jobs. Grant selections also align with the Administration’s national goal for a zero-emission freight sector, the National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, and the ‘all-of government’ National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy.

Selected projects cover a wide range of human-operated and human-maintained equipment used at and around ports, with funds supporting the purchase of zero-emission equipment, including over 1,500 units of cargo handling equipment, 1,000 drayage trucks, 10 locomotives, and 20 vessels, as well as shore power systems, battery-electric and hydrogen vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure, and solar power generation.

Initial estimates of tailpipe reductions from this new equipment are estimated to be over 3 million metric tons of CO2, 12 thousand short tons of NOx, and 200 short tons of PM2.5 in the first 10 years of operation. These estimates are based on initial counts of proposed zero-emission equipment and shore power installations and do not consider benefits from retiring older vehicles, among other factors. These simplified estimates were prepared using national default emissions and activity factors and will be refined over time with more detailed information from selectees.

Selected Zero-Emission Technology Deployment project examples include:

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has been selected to receive an anticipated $344,138,135 to work with 5 collaborating partners to implement their proposed project, Catalyzing Change: Zero-Emissions NY-NJ Port Projects for a Greener Future. The proposed project includes the deployment of electric cargo handling equipment and drayage trucks with supporting charging infrastructure, including through a ZE Equipment for Ports (ZEEP) Voucher Incentive Program and Green Drayage Accelerator (GDA) program. PANYNJ commits to reducing the number of polluting vehicles at the port by scrapping a portion of the existing fleet. The project also includes the installation of vessel shore power infrastructure. As part of this project, PANYNJ will implement a comprehensive community engagement plan and train workers to operate and maintain new equipment and infrastructure.

The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority has been selected to receive an anticipated $21,905,782 to initiate the transition to a zero-emission future for the Port of Detroit in Michigan. The proposed project includes the acquisition and deployment of battery-electric cargo handling equipment, vessels, railcar movers, charging equipment, and solar arrays to support the electricity needs of the new equipment. The project also includes the scrappage of diesel cargo handling equipment, a vessel, and a railcar mover to reduce air pollution at the port and in the surrounding area. As part of this project, the applicant plans to develop a stakeholder engagement plan to facilitate community engagement and a guidebook for workforce development.

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has been selected to receive an anticipated $48,763,746 to upgrade the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick with vessel shore power systems. These systems will allow ships to ‘plug-in’ to electric grid power and turn off auxiliary diesel engines while at port. In addition, the project includes the scrappage and replacement of diesel terminal tractors with new electric terminal tractors and the installation of electric charging infrastructure. GPA plans to engage with communities through their community advisory network and conduct classroom and on the job training for workers related to shore power, zero-emission vehicles, and charging stations.

The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority has been selected to receive an anticipated $77,650,965 to deploy zero-emission port equipment across the Port of Philadelphia’s (PhilaPort) operations in Pennsylvania. The equipment slated for purchase under this project includes zero-emissions (ZE) cargo handling equipment and associated charging infrastructure. The project also includes the scrappage of a portion of the existing diesel fleet to reduce air pollution at the port and in the surrounding area. In addition to the deployment of zero-emission technology, the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority plans to conduct community engagement and workforce development through this project.

The Port Department of the City of Oakland has been selected to receive an anticipated $322,167,584 to purchase and deploy zero-emission technology at the Port of Oakland in California. Project activities include the deployment of electric and hydrogen cargo handling equipment, drayage trucks, charging infrastructure, and a battery energy storage system, and the scrappage of a portion of the existing diesel fleet. The project includes community engagement activities, workforce training on zero-emission equipment, and efforts to expand access to high-quality jobs in near-port communities.

Selected Climate and Air Quality Planning project examples include:

The Port of Houston Authority in Texas, which has been selected to receive an anticipated $2,983,457 grant for the Port Houston’s PORT SHIFT (Ports Optimizing Resilient Transportation through Sustainable, Human, Innovative, and Forward-looking Technology), a comprehensive program designed to accelerate the introduction of zero-emissions technology into the Houston Port ecosystem. The project includes nine tasks: 1) greenhouse gas emissions inventory; 2) truck route analysis; 3) infrastructure cost assessment; 4) climate action plan; 5) performance measurement framework; 6) advisory council and community engagement forum; 7) trucking industry collaborative; 8) workforce planning and engagement; and 9) resiliency planning.

The Puerto Rico Ports Authority has been selected to receive an anticipated $1,800,000 for planning activities including the development of a baseline air emissions inventory and two projected “business as usual” emissions inventories for 2030/2050, development of emissions reduction strategies, and stakeholder engagement. Reduction strategies will prioritize technologically and operationally feasible vehicles and equipment that can be integrated to reduce criteria, greenhouse gas, and toxic air emissions. The project also includes development of a resiliency plan to protect infrastructure from climate related vulnerabilities, such as hurricanes.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) has been selected to receive an anticipated $3,000,000 to conduct planning for a breakbulk cargo terminal at the Port of Tacoma in Washington. Expected activities include completing a baseline emissions inventory and feasibility analysis of ZE technology to inform the development of a plan to transition 40 pieces of CHE and light-duty vehicles to zero-emissions, and engineering and design for shore power. A workforce development and climate resilience needs assessment will be prepared as part of the planning process. Meaningful community is already a standard practice at NWSA, and the project is informed by community concerns.

In addition to protecting human health and the environment, the program will protect and grow good-paying and union port jobs, create new good-paying and union jobs in the domestic clean energy sector, and enhance U.S. economic competitiveness through the innovation, installation, maintenance, and operation of zero-emissions equipment and infrastructure. The program’s historic investment in zero-emission port technology will also help promote and ensure the U.S. position as a global leader in clean technologies.

EPA’s Clean Ports Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Disadvantaged communities will benefit from cleaner air and access to high quality jobs that will be created to operate zero emissions technologies at ports.

EPA ensured that near-port community engagement and equity considerations were at the forefront of the Clean Ports Program’s design, including by evaluating applications on the extent and quality of their projects’ community engagement efforts. The program will also help to ensure that meaningful community engagement and emissions reduction planning become a part of port industry standard practices by building on the successes of EPA’s Ports Initiative and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act programs. These programs have previously invested over $196 million to implement 207 diesel emissions reduction projects at ports with an additional $88 million to multi-sector projects that involve ports and have encouraged strong community-port collaboration.

The agency anticipates making awards once all legal, statutory, and administrative requirements are satisfied. Selectees will work with EPA over the coming months to finalize project plans before receiving final awards and moving into the implementation phase. Project implementation will occur over the next three to four years depending on the scope of each project.

To learn more about the Clean Ports Program tentatively selected applications, please visit the Clean Ports Program Selections webpage.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Four Time Federal Felon Sentenced to More than 14 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Conviction

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

A man who fled from law enforcement while possessing methamphetamine was sentenced October 25, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Chad Hughes, 40, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on May 31, 2024, to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Hughes was previously convicted of a federal firearms offense in 2005, federal assault in 2010, and two federal escapes in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

At the plea and sentencing hearings evidence showed that Hughes possessed almost ½ pound of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute to others in Sioux City. On June 24, 2023, when law enforcement attempted to stop the motorcycle Hughes was operating, he fled from law enforcement in a high-speed pursuit through cities of Sioux City, Iowa and North Sioux City, South Dakota. During the pursuit Hughes ditched the motorcycle and a backpack to avoid apprehension. Law enforcement seized the backpack which contained methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a BB gun, and other items which aided in the ultimate identification of Hughes.

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Hughes was sentenced to 170 months’ imprisonment and must serve a five-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Hughes remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, North Sioux City, South Dakota, Police Department, and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

The case file number is 23-4053. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Sioux City Woman to Federal Prison for Meth Conspiracy

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Brandy Binneboese, 44, from Sioux City, Iowa was sentenced on October 25, 2024, after pleading guilty on June 7, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from January 2021 through June 2023, Binneboese participated in a conspiracy that distributed over 7 pounds of methamphetamine. Evidence further showed that on three occasions in 2023 Binneboese participated in the distribution of ¼ and ½ pounds of methamphetamine as observed by law enforcement using an individual cooperating with law enforcement. On June 1, 2023, just after one of the meth transactions was completed, Binneboese was stopped by law enforcement and found with ½ ounce of methamphetamine and $2,500 in pre-serialized buy money that had been used for the drug purchase moments earlier.

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Binneboese was sentenced to 38 months’ imprisonment and must serve three years of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Binneboese remains in custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

The case file number is 23-4042. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two Members of Transnational Money Laundering Organization Plead Guilty to Laundering Millions of Dollars in Drug Proceeds

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

A Georgia man pleaded guilty today to his involvement in a conspiracy to launder tens of millions of dollars in drug proceeds on behalf of foreign drug trafficking organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (the Jalisco Cartel). Earlier this year, on Aug. 5, a foreign national residing in Illinois pleaded guilty for his role in the same money laundering scheme.

According to court documents, Li Pei Tan, 46, of Buford, and Chaojie Chen, 41, a Chinese national residing in Chicago, worked for an organization that laundered millions of dollars in proceeds related to the importation of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico, and the unlawful distribution of these drugs. Tan, Chen, and their co-conspirators traveled throughout the United States to collect proceeds derived from trafficking in fentanyl, cocaine, and other drugs. They communicated and coordinated with co-conspirators in China and other foreign countries to arrange for the laundering of these proceeds through financial transactions that were designed to conceal the illicit source of the drug proceeds, including through a sophisticated trade-based money laundering scheme involving the purchasing of bulk electronics in the United States and the shipping of these electronics to co-conspirators in China.

On multiple occasions prior to Chen’s May arrest, law enforcement seized hundreds of thousands of dollars in bulk cash drug proceeds from Chen at locations across the United States. Additionally, Tan was intercepted by law enforcement in South Carolina while attempting to transport over $197,000 in drug proceeds.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s National Drug Threat Assessment, the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels are at the heart of the fentanyl crisis in the United States.

Tan and Chen pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. As part of their pleas, Tan and Chen agreed to forfeit numerous assets to the government, including a residence, a firearm, body armor, and more than $270,000 in seized currency. Additionally, they agreed to the imposition of money judgments totaling over $23 million. Chen is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 14 and Tan is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 7, 2025. Chen and Tan each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia; and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram made the announcement.

The DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit is investigating the case, with assistance from the DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit; DEA offices in Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina; and the Anderson County, South Carolina, Sheriff’s Office.

Trial Attorney Mary K. Daly of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edgardo J. Rodriguez for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Awarded $9 Million to Close the Digital Divide
Source: US State of Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Commission for Educational Technology, an office within the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), is being awarded more than $9 million in federal funding to launch key initiatives outlined in the state’s digital equity plan, “Connecticut: Everyone Connected.” The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) through its Digital Equity Program, which is part of the White House’s Internet for All initiative authorized through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Connecticut’s digital equity plan was produced following more than a year of outreach and research to identify the barriers preventing residents from getting online, equipped with a device, and supported with the training and technical assistance they need to thrive in today’s digital world. The plan aims to close the digital divide, particularly among the most disenfranchised groups in the state, including residents at or below 150% of the poverty line, racial and ethnic minorities, the aging, those incarcerated in or in transition out of state correctional facilities, individuals with disabilities or language barriers, those living in rural areas, and veterans.

The first wave of initiatives funded through the federal Digital Equity Program will support critical projects, including through:
- “Digital navigation” pilots: Local partners will receive support to work directly with residents to address skill gaps and lack of access to Internet connections and computers.
- Digital equity collaboratives: Covering the entire state, six new collaboratives will provide the resources and professional network for educators, policymakers, and community organizations to learn and share best practices that scale and improve efforts to connect and train residents.
- Digital equity curriculum: Through the collaboratives, the state will release a set of common assessments and teaching resources freely available to adult education and other local training programs to help meet residents where they are to close the digital skills gap in Connecticut.
- Asset map: Residents will be able to conduct online searches and call a telephone hotline to find and use the community-based programs and resources to help them get online and develop the technical skills necessary to thrive in the digital world.
“This award comes at a perfect time to further the important steps Connecticut has already taken to close the digital divide,” Governor Lamont said. “We are grateful for this investment to help ensure that all residents have the connections, computers, skills, and support to thrive in today’s digital world.”

“We are leading efforts to ensure a ‘digital-first’ approach to delivering state services,” DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. “This initial round of funding will help our neighbors take advantage of programs and benefits across dozens of state agencies.”

“For the first time, every state in the nation has a digital equity plan in place to promote widespread adoption of high-speed Internet services,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson said. “Connecticut now can request access to the funds to put its digital equity plan into action. The Biden-Harris administration’s Internet for All initiative will ensure everyone can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills.”

“We are thrilled with this announcement, welcoming this ‘down payment’ on longer-term investments to fast-track the training and support programs that our residents need,” Connecticut Chief Information Officers and DAS Deputy Commissioner Mark Raymond said.

“These funds will help implement the state’s digital equity plan,” Doug Casey, executive director of the Commission for Educational Technology, said. “We look forward to working with our agency and community partners to scale up training and establish regional centers of excellence in digital inclusion.”

“We are so excited to make our plan a reality, a real investment in our residents,” Lauren Thompson, digital equity program manager for the Commission for Educational Technology, said. “The tools and programs we have planned will soon make it possible for residents everywhere to find the support they need. Our work will open opportunities for everyone in Connecticut.”

MIL OSI USA News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Frog Lake — Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigate homicide
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On Oct. 1, 2023, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Elk Point RCMP were called to a residence for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, police located one male who had been shot. The male was declared deceased on scene by EMS.

RCMP Major Crimes Unit (MCU) took carriage of the investigation, and the autopsy determined that the manner of death was a homicide. As a result of their investigation, MCU have arrested one individual in connection to the death of Kevin Buffalo, a 36-year old resident of Frog Lake.

A 22-year-old individual, a resident of Frog Lake, has been charged with the following offence:
- Second-degree murder
The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and was remanded into custody. He appeared in court on Oct. 3, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in St. Paul via CCTV.

MIL Security OSI –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: O’Chiese First Nation — Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigates homicide on Sunchild First Nation – Update #2

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Alberta RCMP advise that today a 33-year-old individual was located and safely arrested by the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit on O’Chiese First Nation for the Dec. 3, 2023, homicide Sheridan Goodrunning on Sunchild First Nation.

He will be taken before a justice of the peace to determine his release status and future court date.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Gleichen — Alberta RCMP member charged after investigation
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

In October of 2023, the Alberta RCMP’s Southern Alberta District General Investigation Section began an investigation into the on-duty conduct of an RCMP member.

As a result of the investigation, Cst. Anthony Jacobs (40) of the Gleichen RCMP has been charged with:
- One count of Perjury; and
- One count of Breach of Trust.
Jacobs is suspended with pay, and has now been released on an Undertaking. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 12, 2024, at the Siksika Nation Court of Justice.

Jacobs has been with the RCMP for 9 years.

MIL Security OSI –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Man pleads guilty to multiple child sexual abuse offences following Met investigation
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A 28-year-old man has pleaded guilty to a string of devastating sexual offences against children after being confronted with overwhelming evidence uncovered by the Metropolitan Police.

Sam Phillips, 28 (07.04.96), of Hillcroome Road, Sutton, appeared at Harrow Crown Court on 30th October, where he admitted to 38 offences committed between December 2023 and February 2024.

His crimes, which targeted six vulnerable children, including over 20 counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, alongside further charges of sexual communication with a child and making indecent images of children

The Met investigation demonstrated the tireless dedication of the officers involved, whose swift actions and relentless pursuit of justice ensured that Phillips could not continue his reign of abuse. Their work uncovered the extent of his crimes, providing crucial evidence that led to his guilty plea and ensuring that he will face the full weight of the law.

Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, who leads policing in north-west London where the investigation was undertaken, said:

“Phillips is a predator of the worst kind, preying on innocent, vulnerable children for his own gratification. The scale of his offending is both appalling and heartbreaking, and no child should ever have to endure the trauma these young victims have suffered.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the children and their families who had the courage to come forward. It is impossible to imagine the pain and fear they have experienced, but their bravery has allowed us to hold this dangerous individual to account.

“I am pleased Phillips has pleaded guilty, it is a testament to the strength and diligence of the case that Met officers have built. This outcome reflects our unwavering commitment to bringing sexual abusers to justice and ensuring that victims are heard and protected.”

The investigation began in late January 2024, when officers were contacted with serious concerns regarding the welfare of a child who had potentially been sexually exploited. Met detectives in north-west London immediately launched an investigation.

Through meticulous investigative work, officers uncovered that two additional children had also been groomed by Phillips. He had manipulated these children online, sending them money in exchange for inappropriate images of themselves. Detectives quickly traced the payments to Phillips’ account, and he was arrested on Monday, 11 March 2024. Initially charged with 11 offences involving three children, further analysis of his phone and financial records revealed more victims, leading to the total of 38 charges which were pleaded guilty to.

Acting Detective Sergeant Maria Giannakidou, the officer in the case, said:

“We commend the incredible bravery of the survivors who have come forward. It is through their courage that we are able to bring these deeply serious charges forward. Their strength in sharing their experiences is invaluable in holding those responsible to account, and we are committed to ensuring that victim voices are heard.”

Supporting Victims

The Metropolitan Police remains steadfast in its commitment to tackling child sexual exploitation and ensuring that every victim receives the care, justice, and support they deserve. Officers continue to work closely with specialist services to provide comprehensive assistance to the children and families affected by these crimes, ensuring that they are never alone in their recovery.

Support and assistance can be obtained from a number of agencies and charities:
- National Association for People Abused in Childhood NAPAC helpline: 0808 801 0331
- Rape Crisis 08085002222
- Childline 0800 1111
- National Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline 0808 802 9999
- Survivors UK 0203 598 3898 info@survivorsuk.org.
- Samaritans 116 123 jo@samaritans.org
Crimes of this nature can be reported online or on the telephone or in person to the police by calling 101 however 999 in an emergency.

MIL Security OSI –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: FBI Dallas Unveils Public Service Announcements in Different Languages to Increase Hate Crime Reporting

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

DALLAS, TX—The FBI Dallas Division developed a series of videos in five different languages to urge the community to report hates crimes to the FBI. The languages represented in the videos are English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Urdu. The goal is to reach people throughout the Dallas Division’s territory where English is not the first language.

Hate crimes are the highest priority of the FBI’s civil rights program because of the devastating impact they have on families and communities. The FBI defines a hate crime as a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.

The FBI is the lead investigative agency for criminal violations of federal civil rights statutes and works closely with local, state, tribal, and other federal law enforcement partners in many of these cases, even when federal charges are not pursued.

“The FBI is committed to increasing awareness of how to report hate crimes. It is important for the communities we serve to understand this message. This is why we decided to translate our call to action into multiple languages,” said P.J. O’Brien, acting special agent in charge of the FBI Dallas Division. “We want to reassure the public that the FBI will hold people accountable for committing these serious crimes.”

The FBI protects all victims of crimes, regardless of their country of national origin or immigration status. If you believe you are a victim or a witness of a hate crime, you are encouraged to report it to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting an online tip at tips.fbi.gov. You may remain anonymous, and reports can be made in an individual’s preferred language.

Hate Crime Video Links

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: OTC Europa: BaFin warns about websites otceuropa.com, otceuropa.info und otc-500.support

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about services offered by OTC Europa on the websites otceuropa.com, otceuropa.info und otc-500.support. BaFin has information that the company is offering financial services without the required authorisation. There is also a connection to the “OTC-500” platform, which BaFin has already warned about.

Financial services may only be offered in Germany if the company provid-ing these services has the necessary authorisation from BaFin to do this. However, some companies offer these services without the required au-thorisation. Information on whether particular companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

Please be aware:

BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Identity fraud: BaFin warns consumers against offers on websites waystone-im.de and wim-finanzberatung.de

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

Federal Financial Supervisory Authority BaFin warns against alleged fixed-term deposit offers on the websites waystone-im.de (previously: waystone-im.com) and wim-finanzberatung.de. The services are not actually being offered by Waystone Investment Management (IE) Limited, German Branch. This is a case of identity fraud by unknown perpetrators. Contrary to the information on the website, BaFin does not supervise alleged Waystone Investments.

Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

Please be aware:

BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Lloydminster — Lloydminster RCMP advise public of heavy police presence – Update 4
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit continues their investigation into the incident that occurred on Sept.11, 2024, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.

Police have now positively identified the victims as follows:
- Brent Peters (66)
- Matthew Peters (32)
- Brennan Peters (34)
We understand the concern this incident has raised within the community. Please be assured that our officers are fully committed to solving this case and bringing those responsible to justice. While the investigation is ongoing, we want to emphasize that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

If anyone has any information regarding the murders of Brent, Matthew and Brennan Peters, they are asked to contact the Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

MIL Security OSI –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works to Safeguard U.S. Elections from Illegal Immigrants

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined her colleagues in criticizing the Department of Justice (DOJ) for failing to prevent illegal aliens from registering to vote and protect the integrity of American elections.
In light of a report that uncovered that non-citizens have voted and are registering to vote in Iowa, Senator Ernst additionally criticized the White House for refusing to prosecute individuals caught illegally voting or registering to vote.“We are deeply concerned by reports of non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections,” the lawmakers wrote.“Clearly, there is a non-negligible amount of voter participation by non-citizens in federal elections, which is not only a serious threat to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process they represent, but also has the potential to reduce Americans’ trust and confidence in election results,” the lawmakers continued.
To maintain the integrity of our elections, Ernst demanded answers about the number of illegal aliens who have been charged, tried, and convicted of election related crimes, and asked what steps the DOJ is taking to work with states where there have been reports of unlawful election activity by illegal aliens.
Click here to view the full letter.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Casten, Nadler, Schakowsky Introduce Legislation to Help Ensure Safe Access to Reproductive Health Clinics

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

October 29, 2024

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) introduced the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Study (FACES) Act of 2024, legislation to study barriers to enforcement of existing protections for access to reproductive health clinics.

“Individuals seeking reproductive health care, and the workers responsible for delivering this care, should not face violence or intimidation when entering health clinics,” said Congressman Sean Casten. “While there are theoretically protections in place to ensure this does not happen, enforcement is infrequent and inconsistent. The FACES Act helps us to get to the bottom of why this happens and what Congress can do to ensure safe access to reproductive health centers.”

“Under the FACE Act, patients are protected under the law from intimidation and violence when they are seeking reproductive healthcare,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “Despite these protections, enforcement of the law is inconsistent, contributing to an alarming rise in violence outside of abortion clinics. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the FACES Act to better understand and overcome the barriers to enforcement so Americans across the country can freely access the care they need.”

“Since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court, we have seen an alarming increase in violence and threats directed toward patients and abortion providers. Federal law prohibits this type of intimidation, yet the problem persists. We need answers,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Access to comprehensive reproductive health care, including safe, legal, and accessible abortion, is a human right. That is why I’m joining Reps. Casten and Nadler in introducing the FACES Act to determine what further steps must be taken to best protect individuals seeking reproductive care, and the workers who provide the care. For me, the fight to protect reproductive freedom is more than just policy and politics; it’s about human dignity and justice.”

In the early 1990s, Congress enacted the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act to protect the rights of patients to safely access reproductive health services in response to violence at abortion clinics and against abortion providers. The FACE Act prohibits violence, threatening, damaging, and obstructive conduct intended to injure, intimidate, or interfere with an individual’s ability to seek, obtain, or provide reproductive health services. However, the law is sporadically and inconsistently enforced.

The FACES Act, introduced by Reps. Casten, Nadler, and Schakowsky would study the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) criteria for enforcing the FACE Act, barriers to enforcement, data about variations in enforcement across the country, plans to overcome variations and barriers to enforcement, steps the DOJ can take to communicate best practices to state and local police, and legislative options available to Congress to ensure more fulsome enforcement of the FACE Act.

The National Abortion Federation reported a significant increase in violence and disruptions against abortion providers in 2022 compared to 2021. The findings showed a 229% increase in stalking, a 231% increase in burglary, and a 25% increase in invasions targeting abortion clinic staff, patients, and providers. In the past decade, abortion clinics experienced a 100% rise in anthrax and bioterrorism threats. Furthermore, the number of clinic blockades more than doubled in recent years, and incidents of picketing at facilities have been growing exponentially for years.

In July, Reps. Casten, Nadler, and Schakowsky led 51 colleagues in a letter urging the Department of Justice to fully enforce the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and protect safe access to reproductive health care facilities.

Text of the FACES Act can be found here.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Announces Over a Billion Dollars to Decarbonize California Ports and Improve Air Quality

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla Announces Over a Billion Dollars to Decarbonize California Ports and Improve Air Quality

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chair of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award over $1 billion across seven California ports to build zero-emission (ZE) port infrastructure and implement climate and air quality management plans. This substantial investment comes from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, which is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and aims to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality at ports across the nation.
California ports will receive three of the largest seven grants nationwide, including over $411 million for the Port of Los Angeles, the biggest award in the country.
California’s ports play an important role in the nation’s economy, moving hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods annually. These ports process about 40 percent of all containerized imports and 30 percent of all exports in the United States.
“California’s ports move the goods that power our economy. This historic investment in our ports is a major step forward in accelerating the zero-emission infrastructure transition,” said Senator Padilla. “With more than a billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act funding headed to California, we’re decarbonizing our supply chain to produce cleaner air in neighboring communities and meet our climate goals while creating green jobs.”
“This transformative investment will be a tremendous boost to our efforts to meet our ambitious zero emission goals, improve regional air quality, and combat climate change, while accelerating the port-industry’s transition to zero emissions across the country,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This grant will fund over 400 pieces of ZE cargo handling equipment, replacing nearly one-third of the diesel equipment currently on our docks, and eliminating over 40,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. This successful application is the culmination of a deep partnership with environmental justice groups, labor, the private sector, and stakeholders at all levels of government, and we’ll continue to work with our local communities to ensure this investment delivers benefits in their neighborhoods. We thank Senator Padilla, the EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration for their unprecedented support of our ambition and look forward to delivering on our commitment to cleaner air for future generations.”
“Special thanks to U.S. Senator Alex Padilla for his continued advocacy on supply chain decarbonization,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan. “These Clean Ports grant funds will allow us to bring hundreds of additional zero emissions equipment and vehicles to our seaport resulting in more environmental and economic benefits for the region.”
“The funding Senator Padilla has helped to secure from the EPA will be transformational for the Port of Stockton. These funds will significantly decrease freight-related emissions in the Central Valley by transitioning more than 90 percent of our cargo-handling equipment to Zero Emissions. We have been working hard over the years to reduce emissions and replace diesel powered cargo handling equipment with Zero Emission technology and this grant will springboard our efforts. We look forward to leveraging this support to further our advancements in zero-emission equipment and foster a more sustainable future for all,” said Port of Stockton Director Kirk DeJesus.
“The Port of San Diego is grateful to Senator Padilla for his continued advocacy of the work we are doing to get closer to our goal of becoming a zero emissions operation,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Modernizing our cargo terminals is a win for our maritime tenants, cargo trade business, and most importantly for our public health goals. Together we are delivering on our promise to those who live, work, and play on and around San Diego Bay.”
“We are grateful for the U.S. EPA’s award to the Port of San Francisco,” said Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. “This major investment will allow us to complete the Mission Bay Ferry Landing and to achieve an electric fleet, with zero emissions. We look forward to working with our partners at San Francisco Bay Ferry and the SFPUC to provide Bay Area residents with the nation’s first zero-emission ferry network, and to bring ferry service to Mission Bay. These EPA funds will also support access to critical, well-paying jobs in the maritime trades.”
“This grant represents an enormous push forward for the nation’s first high-speed zero-emission ferry network,” said Jim Wunderman, Chair of the SF Bay Ferry Board of Directors. “SF Bay Ferry will provide a critical transportation link to Mission Bay, an incredibly successful development hub in San Francisco. And because of the EPA’s decision, we’ll be able to do so with clean, reliable and efficient electric ferries. Thank you to Senator Padilla and the Bay Area Congressional Delegation for their support in winning this transformational grant.”
“The EPA Clean Ports announcement is exciting news for the Port of Hueneme,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme. “We have the funding to accelerate the Board’s policy to decarbonize the port.”
“The $43 million EPA Clean Ports Grant is transformative for the Port of Hueneme,” said Kristin Decas, President & CEO of the Port of Hueneme. “We are grateful for the support and leadership of Senator Padilla to help secure these critical dollars for the betterment of communities adjacent to Ports throughout California.”
“The Port of Redwood City applauds the EPA for this investment to facilitate the long-range planning and create a roadmap towards decarbonization by diversifying fueling options of Port operations,” said Kristine A. Zortman, Executive Director. “This investment represents an opportunity to create new jobs in a transformative sector of energy production furthering our environmental stewardship, workforce development, and emissions reductions.”
California ports receiving funding from the Clean Ports Program include:
Port of Los Angeles — $411.69 million: This project aims to accelerate the port’s transition toward ZE on-terminal operations by significantly reducing air pollution in and around the port, deploying ZE cargo handling equipment (CHE), and enhancing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The funding will help acquire over 400 pieces of ZE CHE and 250 ZE drayage trucks and associated charging infrastructure, replace nearly 30 percent of the Port’s diesel-burning CHE fleet, and eliminate 41,500 tons of carbon dioxide and 55 tons of NOx emissions annually. The port will also install cutting-edge power management systems, innovative heavy-duty drayage truck and charging deployments, and one of the world’s first shore-power support systems for auto carrier vessels.
Port of Oakland — $322.17 million: This project will support the vision of reducing emissions and fully decarbonizing port activities by transitioning to ZE alternatives for drayage trucks and cargo handling equipment. This includes the purchase of 762 pieces of ZE equipment (battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell) to complete a nearly 100 percent conversion of all cargo handling equipment to zero emissions technologies.
Port of Stockton — $110.47 million: This project will transform the port into the first small port with ZE terminal operations and increase the ZE workforce in Northern California. The port will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxide by acquiring electric forklifts, cranes, terminal tractors, and a mobile railcar indexer; obtaining a direct current fast charger; implementing a shore power system; and deploying rooftop solar power and battery energy storage to power new equipment.
Port of San Diego — $58.6 million: This project will support the port’s longstanding commitment to the electrification of San Diego’s maritime cargo handling facilities and freight transportation by implementing the final electrification elements to transform San Diego’s maritime cargo terminals and the goods movement network on San Diego Bay. These funds will help construct all remaining improvements to the Port’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal’s (TAMT) legacy 12kv loop to support all future investments in electrical infrastructure and install a grid-based shore power systems to connect ocean-going vessels and support electric commercial harbor craft homeported at TAMT and deployed throughout San Diego Bay, among other improvements.
Port of San Francisco — $55.39 million: This investment will transition ferry operations along the San Francisco waterfront to zero-emissions, removing 455,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide greenhouse gases and enhancing air quality at the Port of San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area airshed. The project will also connect disadvantaged communities with high-paying employment centers. The funding will deliver a series of projects that will complete the establishment of the first ZE fast ferry network in the country, connecting the two visitor and employment centers of Downtown San Francisco and Mission Bay with the emerging waterfront neighborhood on Treasure Island.
Port of Hueneme — $42.29 million: The Port of Hueneme Reducing Emissions, Supporting Health (PHRESH) project consists of two components: PHRESH START (Sustainable, Thoughtful And Resilient Transformation), which includes planning activities, and PHRESH AIR (Accelerating Implementation and Results), which involves the deployment of roughly 35 pieces of ZE terminal equipment and a drayage truck incentive program.
Port of Redwood City — $1.97 million: This project, in partnership with a private entity, includes climate and air quality planning for hydrogen-based fueling and infrastructure.
Grants from the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition will slash mobile source emissions (criteria pollutants, air toxics, and greenhouse gases) at California ports, while grants from the Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition will fund emissions inventories, strategy analysis, community engagement, and resiliency measure identification to strengthen zero-emissions port operations and reduce air pollution.
Senator Padilla believes decarbonizing our ports is vital for powering economic growth and protecting public health. Last year, he announced $74.5 million from the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration to decarbonize, upgrade, and rehabilitate key ports along California’s coast. He has consistently pushed for funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for California’s ports, including over $283 million for the Port of Long Beach last year, $94 million in port infrastructure grant funding in 2022, and over $57 million in 2021. Earlier this year, Padilla announced that the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (San Pedro Ports) will receive more than $112 million through the FY 2024 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan for critical construction upgrades and operations and maintenance activities.
Last year, Senator Padilla and Representative Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44) led 16 California lawmakers in urging EPA Administrator Michael Regan to grant authorization for the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) request for its Ocean-going Vessels At-Berth Regulation, which would reduce air pollution in California and protect the health of millions of people who are impacted by emissions from diesel-powered ships. Additionally, Padilla and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) introduced the Clean Shipping Act of 2023 to reduce air pollution within the shipping industry and protect the health of port communities.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Announces Over $279 Million in Rail Grants for California

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded 12 grants to California rail infrastructure projects totaling over $279 million. The grants are part of the DOT’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program, which funds projects to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has nearly tripled funding for this program — with $5 billion available from 2022 to 2026.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering hundreds of millions of dollars to make rail transit more efficient and safer for Californians,” said Senator Padilla. “Modernizing and building out our rail networks will help lower our carbon emissions, create good-paying jobs, and keep commuters and goods moving across the state. This announcement includes a crucial federal investment in the LOSSAN rail corridor, bolstering efficiency and climate resiliency against rising sea levels and erosion along the California coastline.”
“CARB’s success securing a federal CRISI grant on behalf of California’s small locomotive operators is key to the future success of its GO ZERO grant program, which helps match Class III rail operators with grants to convert their fleets to cleaner operations at minimal cost. This grant will help replace 10 dirty diesel locomotives with zero-emission battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell locomotives and install four zero-emission battery chargers to provide substantial emissions reductions in communities surrounding rail operations that often endure a disproportionate public health burden,” said California Air Resources Board (CARB) Chair Liane Randolph.
“Thank you Senator Padilla for securing this important Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for The Portal. This commitment will complete final design for the track and rail systems connecting two recently completed federal investments: the electrification of Caltrain service and the opening of the largest multimodal transit hub on the west coast, the Salesforce Transit Center in downtown San Francisco. Connecting Caltrain and California High-Speed Rail with BART and 8 regional bus operators will bring diverse communities closer while reducing climate change impacts and providing residents better access to jobs, housing and economic opportunity,” said Adam Van de Water, Executive Director of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority.
CRISI grants awarded by the Department of Transportation for FY 2023-24 include:
Orange County Transportation Authority — $100 million: The Coastal Rail Infrastructure Resiliency Project will make track improvements along Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Corridor on infrastructure owned by the Orange County Transportation Authority. The project will bolster safety and climate resilience by stabilizing the track against the effects of sea-level rise and beach erosion, which will increase the reliability of intercity passenger rail, freight, and commuter rail service. It will also decrease delays caused by weather-related incidents in the project area.
California Air Resources Board — $36.5 million: The Go Zero Emission Rail Operation Project includes the replacement of 10 diesel locomotives with nine zero-emission battery-electric locomotives and one hydrogen fuel cell locomotive, as well as the installation of four battery chargers throughout California. This project will substantially reduce emissions and noise and provide significant benefits to surrounding communities.
Transbay Joint Powers Authority — $24.7 million: The Downtown Rail Extension (DTX) Final Design for Track and Rail Systems Project will help accommodate California High-Speed Rail (CHSR) and Caltrain commuter rail into the newly built, multimodal Salesforce Transit Center in downtown San Francisco. The project will support the development of the track and rail systems package and perform value engineering, constructability review, and risk management programs associated with the trackwork and rail systems scope for the DTX. This investment will reduce trip time and increase connectivity to other modes.
Arizona & California Railroad Company — $22.7 million: The Desert Rail Infrastructure Improvement Project will replace approximately 36 miles of rail for the Arizona and California Railroad Company, which will complete the track rehabilitation program for the full 69-mile corridor. This project will enhance safety and improve system and service performance by performing state of good repair upgrades to replace deteriorating 90 lb. rail with 115 lb. rail, resulting in more resiliency, higher speeds, and reduced derailments.
Modesto and Empire Traction Company — $20.5 million: The Central Valley Green Locomotive Initiative will repower nine existing locomotives. Each locomotive is currently powered by three internal engines, and this project would replace those with a single engine in each locomotive. This would incorporate Tier 4 technology, which is the cleanest technology for diesel locomotives.
Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority — $20 million: The Capitol Corridor Right-of-Way Safety Improvement Program will install security fencing along the Capitol Corridor route in northern California at three identified priority locations: Oakland to Fremont, Richmond to Emeryville, and Fairfield to Suisun City. This investment will prevent pedestrians from trespassing on the railroad right-of-way and deter individuals from intentionally entering the path of oncoming trains. The project is expected to reduce unauthorized access to the right-of-way and associated incidents by 20 percent along the corridor, including in two counties listed under the National Strategy to Prevent Trespassing: Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
California Department of Transportation — $18.7 million: This project for the San Joaquin Corridor 2nd Platforms at Modesto and Turlock-Denair Amtrak Stations includes station, track, and grade crossing improvements on the San Joaquin Corridor along infrastructure owned by BNSF Railway. The project will create a second platform at two different stations in California’s Central Valley — Modesto and Denair — and install additional track to ease congestion between passenger and freight service. This investment will enhance safety as the project will upgrade three at-grade crossings and improve congestion.
Trona Railway Company — $13.1 million: This project includes the replacement of six uncontrolled locomotives with three Tier 4 locomotives. It will reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting the users Trona Railway Company serves and residents in northern San Bernardino County.
Mendocino Railway — $11.4 million: This project will acquire and repower three Tier 0 diesel-electric switcher locomotives with three Tier 4 diesel-electric switcher locomotives to be put into service along the Mendocino Railway rail line, running from Fort Bragg to Willits. This cleaner technology and locomotive conversion will reduce criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
A full list of California projects awarded CRISI grant funding is available here.
Senator Padilla has secured hundreds of millions in federal funding to strengthen California’s rail infrastructure, bolstering modern and sustainable rail transit. Last year, he and the late Senator Dianne Feinstein announced $290 million in CRISI rail grants aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and capacity on key routes across the state. Earlier this year, Padilla announced $53.9 million in federal funding for improvements to the San Dieguito River Railway Bridge, which lies along the 351-mile Los Angeles–San Diego–San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor, the second busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the nation. He also celebrated a historic $6 billion federal investment from the Federal Railroad Administration last year in California rail projects, including $3.1 billion for the California High-Speed Rail Authority that he pushed for alongside Feinstein, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), and Representative Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21).

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
Source: European Investment Bank

EIB
- EIB and WWF will collaborate to mobilise early-stage funding for Nature-based Solutions.
- Partnership will develop projects to strengthen climate adaptation by working with nature.
- Accord signed during United Nations Convention on Biodiversity COP16 in Colombia.
With Europe facing increasingly intense floods and droughts, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and WWF are teaming up to accelerate climate adaptation in Europe by developing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that will help to buffer societies and economies against the worsening impacts of the climate and biodiversity crises.

In a Memorandum of Understanding, the EIB and WWF pledged to promote Nature-based Solutions across Europe to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Signed during the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity COP16 in Colombia, the four-year partnership will focus on ecosystem restoration projects linked to sectors such as agriculture, energy, and urban resilience, which will harness the power of nature to strengthen climate adaptation in Europe – the fastest-warming continent on Earth.

By investing in enhancing the health of ecosystems, the projects will also help to reverse nature loss in the continent. The recent WWF Living Planet Report found that species populations have declined by 35 per cent on average in Europe and Central Asia since 1970.

Under the agreement, WWF will establish an ‘Incubation facility’ to develop a pipeline of Nature-based Solutions from origination until they are investment-ready, while the EIB will provide guidance on mobilising public and private funding for them.

“Europe’s adaptation to climate change lags far behind what is needed,” said EIB Vice-President, Ambroise Fayolle, ”We want to support more nature-based-solution projects to restore and protect biodiversity and strengthen the climate resilience of our society. Partnerships with organisations like WWF with a strong presence on the ground are a relevant way for us to help deliver tangible results on a large scale.”

Nature-based solutions face significant obstacles including a lack of awareness among investors and a need for consensus building among a wide range of local players.

“Nowhere is immune from the climate crisis. Europe has been hit by a series of historic floods and droughts in recent years, devastating lives and livelihoods – and they are only going to get worse unless we urgently and drastically scale up investment in Nature-based Solutions,” said WWF Director General Kirsten Schuijt. “This partnership will do exactly that by creating a pipeline of projects that work with nature rather than against it. These projects will enhance the power of nature to protect Europeans from the worsening impacts of climate change, particularly droughts and extreme floods along the continent’s rivers and coasts.”

The announcement of this partnership is timely as the new European Commission has announced that it will work on a European Climate Adaptation Plan, which will support building preparedness and planning with regular science-based risk assessments and a European Water Resilience Strategy.

It also comes after the EU Nature Restoration Law was adopted in August 2024. This regulation combines an overarching restoration objective for the long-term recovery of nature in the EU with binding restoration targets for specific habitats and species.

Over the years, the EIB has worked with WWF on a range of matters including Nature-based Solutions, biodiversity, climate resilience and ecosystem restoration. Cooperation has focused on the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles, of which the EIB is one of the founding partners alongside WWF. Another example is EIB cooperation with WWF-Greece on stakeholder engagement to identify and develop nature-based solutions for flood resilience in Thessaly, Greece.

EIB at COP16

The EIB delegation will be led by Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. For interview requests with members of the EIB delegation please get in touch with the press contact below. Find out more about EIB at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference here.

Background information

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It is active in more than 160 countries and makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

As the Climate Bank, the EIB recognises that climate change and nature loss are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing environmental crises. The EIB Climate Adaptation Plan builds on the EU Adaptation Strategy, setting out how the EU can adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. The EIB Environment Framework outlines the EIB’s delivery of environmental sustainability impacts at scale. Mainstreaming nature-positive investments, increasing the co-benefits for nature, protecting biodiversity and managing the risks from biodiversity and nature loss are key elements of the Framework.

WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption

Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
©EIB
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Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
©EIB
Download original

Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
©EIB
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MIL OSI Europe News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Controversial application of Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 – P-002244/2024
Source: European Parliament
24.10.2024

Priority question for written answer P-002244/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dario Nardella (S&D)

Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/468 – adopted on the basis of Article 8 of Regulation (EC) 1925/2006, which sets rules for the addition of vitamins, minerals and other substances to food – prohibits substances such as aloe-emodin. This ban applies not only to the intentional addition of its purified form, but also to its natural presence in plants such as aloe and rhubarb.

Four cases are currently pending before the Court of Justice, disputing the Commission’s use of Article 8 to ban plants intended for food, instead of just banning substances added to food. Despite this, the Commission has initiated further procedures for plants widely used in food, such as sweet fennel fruits.

Furthermore, the heads of food safety agencies[1] also recommended evaluating 117 botanicals, with 13 as a priority.

1.Why is the Commission opening new procedures before the Court ruling, given that there are no urgent safety concerns with the botanicals in question?

2.Does the Commission find it appropriate to apply Article 8 to create a negative list of plants for food supplements?

3.Does the Commission believe a ban on these plants in food supplements should also extend to foods and spirits containing these substances, and is the Commission aware of the impact these decisions will have on the European food sector?

Submitted: 24.10.2024

[1] https://www.bvl.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/01_Lebensmittel/Internationales/Report_HoA_WG_FS-de.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=8
Last updated: 29 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Schumer, Gillibrand Secure Nearly $12 Million To Replace Bridge Street Bridge Over Schoharie Creek

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

Senators Say Fed $$ Will Support Critical Replacement Of 100-Year-Old Bridge Via Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Competitive “Bridge Investment Program”

Schumer, Gillibrand: The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law Is Helping Bridge The Gap To Build Long Overdue Projects The Capital Region!

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $11,600,000 for Schoharie County to replace the Bridge Street bridge over Schoharie Creek as a recipient of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) highly competitive Bridge Investment Program. The federal funding, created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law championed by the senators, will help replace the aging bridge, which is a vital connector in Schoharie County.

“The Bridge Street bridge is a vital connector in Schoharie County, but after 100 years of use, it is nearing the end of its useful life. This $11.6 million will boost efforts to replace the bridge and restore this vital connector for Schoharie County,” said Senator Schumer. “The next closest bridge over Schoharie Creek is more than 20 minutes away. When considering emergency vehicles, that 20 minutes is vital. New York State has already put a weight restriction on the bridge due to its condition, and it’s vital that we build a replacement bridge as soon as possible to keep people safe and to maximize ease of transport and economic efficiency. I fought to create the Bridge Investment Program in our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law because I know how important boosting federal investment in bridges is to protecting travelers’ safety while creating good-paying jobs. I’m proud that the law is continuing to deliver for the Capital Region.”

“Infrastructure like the Bridge Street bridge helps local economies thrive, plays a vital role in protecting public safety, and connects communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Bridge Street serves as a crucial overpass for emergency vehicles, farm vehicles, and citizens of Schoharie County, and its replacement is long overdue. I’m proud to have fought for the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and helped secure this funding for the Capital Region. I will continue working to deliver federal dollars to New York for the improvement of our infrastructure.”

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Lieutenant Governor Delgado, Congresswoman Stefanik and all the bipartisan supporters for securing the $11.6 million needed for Schoharie’s new Bridge Street Bridge. This bridge is essential for our town—it boosts the safety and efficiency of our roads, ensures emergency responders can act quickly, supports our farmers who rely on it, and links our community hubs. This investment is a big win for everyone in Schoharie County, showing a strong commitment to enhancing our critical infrastructure,” said Benjamin Oevering, Supervisor, Town of Schoharie.

The Bridge Street bridge is a vital connector in Schoharie County, but after 100 years of use, it is nearing the end of its useful life. The federal funding secured by the senators will help the county build a new bridge, increasing safety and creating jobs. New York State has put a weight restriction on the bridge due to its condition, and the County is concerned that further disrepair could eventually limit its use by emergency vehicles. The nearest bridge is approximately 10 miles away, adding 20-25 minutes in commute time. The senators also said that farm vehicles use the bridge regularly, and the bridge is vital to the County’s thriving rural agriculture economy.

The senators explained that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included $12.5 billion appropriated annually over five years (FY 22-26) to help plan, replace, rehabilitate, protect, and preserve some of the nation’s largest bridges, ensuring that they remain operational, support local economies, strengthen supply chains, and improve safety. The Capital Region was one of the first in the nation to tap into this federal funding when Schumer and Gillibrand secured $21 million to repair and modernize the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge in April 2023.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FIVE NEW YORK TEAMS ADVANCE TO NEXT ROUND OF NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION “INNOVATION ENGINES” PROGRAM – CREATED BY SCHUMER’S CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW – TO COMPETE FOR UP TO $160 MILLION…
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

Last Year, Schumer-Supported And Binghamton University-Led Battery Research Hub Won Inaugural NSF Engines Competition, And This Year Even More From NY Are Competing For Funding As The Contest Launches For Second Year

Schumer Says 5 NY-Based Projects Were Selected – The Most Of Any State – Ranging From University At Buffalo AI Research To Rochester’s Laser Lab To Cornell’s New Technology For Upstate Dairy Farmers And More; All To Spur New Innovations And Good-Paying Jobs

Schumer: NY Is Leading The Charge To Boost American Innovation And Economic Leadership!

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced that five New York teams have advanced to the next round of consideration for federal investment through the National Science Foundation’s Regional “Innovation Engines” Competition (NSF Engines), which was created by his CHIPS & Science Law.

The five teams include projects ranging from the University of Rochester’s effort to develop cutting-edge laser technology, to the University at Buffalo-led AI for Health Equity, to Cornell University leading sustainable dairy innovation, to FuzeHub strengthening Upstate NY’s microelectronics manufacturing, to CUNY bolstering the tristate region’s biotechnology sector. Schumer said these five projects in NY, along with a total of 71 teams across the country, will now submit full proposals to compete for up to $160 million in federal investment from the CHIPS & Science Law. You can read more about this year’s competition here.

“I created the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program in my CHIPS & Science Law with New York’s world-renowned universities and innovation ecosystem in mind. I’m thrilled to see five NY-based teams reach the next round in the competition for major federal investment to boost American innovation, new jobs, and economic leadership,” said Senator Schumer. “From Buffalo pioneering the next generation of AI to Cornell discovering new technology to help our Upstate dairy farmers to Rochester powering the future of laser development, these projects show how NY can lead our nation in developing the technology and jobs of the future. The NSF is saying what I have long known: keeping America at the cutting edge of innovation across industries begins in New York. This major federal funding can help translate more research and development at New York’s universities into new businesses and new, good-paying jobs across the state, boosting New York to further lead the charge in powering America’s economic preeminence.”

More details on the five New York-based proposals can be found below:
- The University of Rochester’s proposal, officially named “STELLAR: Advancing Laser Technologies in the Rochester NY/Finger Lakes Region,” is focused on establishing a diverse coalition of partners in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region to accelerate laser discovery, technological advancement, education, and company creation, drive manufacturing and boost workforce development in order to help recapture U.S. national competitiveness and strengthen our security. The STELLAR Engine will foster laser-oriented workforce development, particularly in underserved communities in Rochester and rural communities in the Finger Lakes, accelerate use-inspired R&D, entrepreneurship, and regional business development that will create jobs, build a laser science and technology talent pipeline, bolster the supply chain, and grow and sustain the region’s economy.
- The University at Buffalo’s proposal, officially named “AI for Health Equity,” will work to utilize artificial intelligence to develop cutting-edge health care solutions, further highlighting Western New York’s leadership in building an AI innovation ecosystem, something Schumer has actively pushed for. The project aims to boost new start-up companies and help partners commercialize AI technology centered on health and wellness. This new technology will aid health care providers and serve as personal assistance to community members. Eventually, the project will expand so that its technology can serve communities beyond Western NY and across the country.
- Cornell University’s proposal, officially named “Sustainable Utilization of Scalable Technologies & Advanced Innovation for NetZero NY (SUSTAIN Dairy),” aims to reduce waste, create new dairy products, and develop new rural and workforce development opportunities. It is one of five projects in this round that is focused on agriculture and the only project focused on dairy. This proposal aims to develop a holistic, science-based framework for achieving net zero by 2050 from farm to fork through an advanced dairy innovation ecosystem. With dairy manufacturing and family farms scattered throughout rural New York, achieving place-based innovation that builds community wealth is vital for the future success of Upstate New York.
- CUNY-ARC’s proposal, officially named “Tech-Enabled, Bioinspired & Biomanufacturing Ecosystem (Tri-State Tech-Biome),” aims to address critical regional challenges by creating an ecosystem that accelerates the innovation and commercialization of bio-inspired technologies and materials derived from renewable feedstocks. This work is being done in coordination with industry players and leading research universities in the region.
- FuzeHub’s proposal, officially named “A Materials Innovation Engine for Manufacturing Sustainability,” will work to mitigate the negative impacts on the environment from manufacturing industries by replacing toxic or scarce components with advanced materials. FuzeHub competed last year for this award as well and was asked to resubmit.
“I proudly supported the CHIPS and Science Act to pave the way for critical investments like the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovative Engines program,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “With the University of Rochester’s STELLAR engine advancing to the next phase, we celebrate Rochester’s legacy in optics and photonics and our designation as a Regional Tech Hub. This milestone honors our community’s pioneering spirit, and I look forward to working with the NSF to elevate Rochester’s role in shaping the future of technology.”

“I am very pleased that our Science, Technology, and Engineering for Laser and Laser Applications Research (STELLAR) proposal will be advancing to the next stage and can continue to compete for transformative funding focused on creating and growing a diverse, workforce-focused laser ecosystem in Rochester and Upstate New York,” said Thomas Brown, the Director of the University’s Institute of Optics. “Our proposal is the only one to address declining U.S. leadership in laser manufacturing, since lasers are a fundamental enabling technology underpinning the entire internet, chip manufacturing, and a host of other technologies. I particularly thank Senator Schumer for his vision in establishing the regional innovation engines program at the National Science Foundation through his landmark CHIPS and Science Act, our many academic, industry and community partners, and the NSF for their consideration of support.”

“The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, created through the CHIPS and Science Act, is strengthening our nation’s manufacturing sector and boosting our global competitiveness,” said Congressman Kennedy. “At the forefront of this progress are five New York based teams that have made it to the next round of the process to receive game-changing federal funding to build on the progress Western New York has made to become a national-leader in the tech space. These teams are making our state and region a leader in innovative manufacturing while creating good-paying union jobs.”

“As the home of Empire AI, UB is dedicated to leveraging our game-changing artificial intelligence research to alleviate health disparities in underserved populations throughout our region,” said UB President Satish K. Tripathi. “With an NSF Engines award, UB will be able to harness our AI- informed health innovations to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families across Western New York, ultimately growing participation in our region’s economy. On behalf of all of us at the University at Buffalo, I would like to thank Majority Leader Schumer for his steadfast support of UB. In championing federal research funding for institutions of higher education, Senator Schumer is helping UB fuel impactful innovations, contribute measurably to economic development and enhance health outcomes across the lifespan.”

Last year, Schumer helped the Binghamton University-led Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine win the esteemed competition in its inaugural year, bringing $15 million in federal funding immediately, with up to $160 million total over the life of the program from the NSF to supercharge growth and cutting-edge research in battery development and manufacturing in Upstate NY. The projects selected this year will build upon the inaugural cohort’s work developing new state-of-the-art technology.

Schumer created the NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines Program in his CHIPS & Science Law as a program that falls under the newly created NSF Directorate of Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships. Schumer proposed the creation of this Directorate originally in his bipartisan Endless Frontier Act, with a focus on delivering investment in research, workforce training, and entrepreneurship in key technology areas like AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, climate-smart research, advanced materials, and more. The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program catalyzes and fosters innovation ecosystems across the United States to promote and stimulate economic growth, job creation, and spur regional innovation.

Each NSF Engine can receive up to $160 million over 10 years; actual amounts will be subject to a given NSF Engine’s status and overall progress, as assessed annually. The teams selected in this recent announcement will submit full proposals to NSF by February 2025, with final awards made next year, pending appropriations.
MIL OSI USA News –
January 25, 2025