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Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI Global: A new wave of Venezuelan refugees would threaten a humanitarian crisis – Latin America could learn from Europe

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Omar Hammoud Gallego, Assistant Professor in Public Policy, Durham University

    Latin American countries are bracing themselves for a wave of Venezuelan migrants. Sebastian Delgado C / Shutterstock

    Venezuela’s disputed election results have thrown the country into chaos. The authoritarian leader of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, was declared the winner in a contested vote in July and, since then, has used state violence to inhibit any hint of protest.

    The crackdown has led to the deaths of more than 20 people at the hands of Venezuela’s security services and pro-government armed groups known as colectivos, while more than 2,400 people have been thrown in jail. And the opposition candidate who is widely believed to have won the vote, Edmundo González, has fled to Spain after being threatened with arrest.

    This swift escalation has sparked widespread concern throughout Latin America and beyond. Another wave of migration may be imminent, adding to the nearly 8 million people who have already left Venezuela since 2015. Countries across Latin America, especially Colombia, have expressed concern that a new surge of displaced Venezuelans might overwhelm public services and fuel political tensions.

    It is possible that governments in the region may respond by imposing stricter border controls to stem the flow of migrants. But past experience shows that this move would both be ineffective and harmful.

    Venezuela is a nation that was once known for its vast oil wealth. However, it has endured a prolonged period of economic and political instability. The country’s democratic backsliding began under former president Hugo Chávez in the early 2000s, but it worsened dramatically after he died in 2013 and Maduro came to power.

    Maduro’s rule has been marked by rampant inflation, a 75% reduction in GDP, and widespread political repression. These conditions have led to one of the largest migrations in modern history. Nearly a quarter of Venezuela’s population have fled their homes, primarily to other South American countries.



    Read more:
    Venezuelan migrants are boosting economic growth in South America, says research

    Initially, many Latin American nations coordinated their response. Governments came together in Ecuador to sign the Quito Declaration in 2018, for example, which committed them to ensuring the safe and regular migration of Venezuelan citizens.

    However, this cooperative spirit soon began to unravel. Chile, Ecuador and Peru made it much harder for ordinary Venezuelans to enter their countries legally by introducing visa restrictions by the middle of 2019. These restrictions replaced earlier policies that allowed entry to Ecuador and Peru with just an ID card.

    The effectiveness of these restrictions has been the subject of much debate. In a recent study, I compared the experiences of countries that introduced restrictions with those of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, which kept their borders open.

    My findings suggest that restricting migration in South America has not prevented it. Migration has instead been driven underground, with significant costs both for migrants and host countries.

    The introduction of visa restrictions led to a 38% increase in the number of Venezuelan migrants who crossed borders via unauthorised routes, and a 41% rise in migrants without a regular residency permit in their destination country. The number of Venezuelan migrants who lacked legal status in their host country also jumped from less than one-in-five to more than half.

    This shift towards irregularity has had consequences. For example, I found that falling into irregularity led to a shift in migrants’ priorities away from seeking employment and towards trying to regularise their migratory status.

    There is also no evidence to suggest that migrants redirected their journeys to South American countries with more open policies. In fact, the composition of migrants remained largely unchanged after the introduction of restrictions.

    Lessons from Europe

    Before the election, a poll conducted by Venezuelan firm Meganálisis indicated that around 40% of Venezuelans would consider leaving the country if Maduro remained in power. This represents a potentially staggering increase in migration, even if we account for the gap between intention and action.

    To avoid exacerbating an already critical situation, countries in the region must adopt pragmatic policies that prioritise safe and regular migration. And they should offer regular status to migrants that already reside there.

    Europe’s response to the mass displacement caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine offers lessons that Latin American governments should not ignore.

    In 2022, the EU coordinated efforts to allow Ukrainian refugees free and safe movement throughout Europe, while also guaranteeing their right to work and residency, as well as access to health and educational services.



    Read more:
    Ukraine war: a year on, here’s what life has been like for refugees in the UK

    Despite the massive scale of this displacement, at over 6 million refugees, there was no widely reported “Ukrainian refugee crisis” because of this cooperative approach.

    Ukrainian refugees entering Romania after crossing the border.
    Pazargic Liviu / Shutterstock

    While the refugee status of Ukrainians in Europe is guaranteed up to February 2026 (and can be extended if the European Council agrees), the story is quite different for displaced Venezuelans. Despite being considered refugees by the UN and the laws of most Latin American countries, governments in the region have largely decided not to recognise them as such.

    Nevertheless, Latin American governments should pursue a strategy similar to the one we have seen in Europe. This must include renewing their commitment to the principles outlined in the Quito Declaration, as well as establishing common standards across the region for the reception of Venezuelan migrants.

    These standards should include the possibility of allowing Venezuelans to cross borders using only their ID cards, as is still the case in Argentina and Brazil, given how costly passports and other travel documents are for many Venezuelans.

    Such requirements would significantly reduce the likelihood of irregular migration and, together with mass regularisation programmes, have a positive impact on the integration of Venezuelans into their host countries.

    As Venezuela continues to grapple with political and economic collapse, the international community – and particularly neighbouring Latin American nations – must be prepared for another surge of migration.

    But the response should not be to close borders or restrict access. Governments must instead coordinate to ensure safe, regular and humane migration routes.

    The future of millions of Venezuelans, as well as the stability of Latin America, depends on the region’s ability to manage this crisis effectively.

    Omar Hammoud Gallego has received funding from the UK Economic and Social Research Council to conduct this research.

    – ref. A new wave of Venezuelan refugees would threaten a humanitarian crisis – Latin America could learn from Europe – https://theconversation.com/a-new-wave-of-venezuelan-refugees-would-threaten-a-humanitarian-crisis-latin-america-could-learn-from-europe-238345

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Over a decade of enduring and resisting statelessness in the Dominican Republic

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Uncertainty and human rights violations for Dominicans of Haitian descent

    By: Elena Lorac, co-coordinator of Movimiento Reconocido

    It was September 2013. I had managed to get accepted into university, but I still needed the identity card that would actually allow me to take classes. Then in the afternoon on Monday, 23 September 2013, at Centro Montalvo, we got news of the court’s decision in judgment 168-13 against Juliana Deguis, which stripped over 200,000 people of their nationality.

    The court had to find in our favour for me to be able to go the next day to get my identity documents and correctly enrol at the university. But it didn’t. It was a sorrowful afternoon, and the start of an 11-year road I am still on today.

    When I listened to the arguments of the lawyer and legal experts, I couldn’t wrap my mind around the court’s decision. I had no idea of the difficulties in store. The press amplified the news. We asked ourselves: why so much injustice, racism, discrimination, and segregation against a group of people who just want to make something of their lives? They say we’re foreigners, but we were born here. Why so many lies and double standards? Then the hate speech flared up, although others took a stand for our rights. I felt something similar in September 2023, when those convoys of war tanks and armoured trucks were bearing down on a people that just needs water: water is life, and so are the right papers for those who don’t have them.

    I just remember them saying: “How can they possibly take away the nationality of so many young people?” And then in the next news segment, I saw someone had been issued a card to regularize their migratory status and thought: “If they treat me as a foreigner, where would I go? What country would I go to? I have no ties to Haiti.” I thought about the Dominicans who go abroad and have children there, but they come back and they have houses, or their kids know the language. But I could barely speak Creole, and my parents no longer remember where they were born.

    23 September 2013 was a pivotal moment for me, as it was for every Dominican of Haitian descent. On that day, our last modicum of hope was snuffed out. I remember that many of the people supporting us at the time said: “Don’t worry, this will blow over. There’ll be a solution.” I never imagined that today I would look back on over a decade that has passed since the cruel decision of the Constitutional Court, a body whose main function is to ensure people’s human rights but that instead breaks its own rules to legitimize an entire oppressive system of stigmatization and systemic racism that has prevailed throughout history, a system stacked against Dominicans of Haitian descent because we are black and trace our lineage to a nation that played a major historic role in the fight against slavery.

    Today marks 11 years since this terrible decision that validated all the administrative practices of the Central Electoral Board, practices that violated the human rights of those born in the Dominican Republic with the constitutional guarantee of jus soli (right of soil), a right that was reframed to instate a system that denies children of foreign parents—especially children of Haitians who came and contributed to this country—the right to Dominican nationality.

    I wish that today the discussion could be about well-being, about progress. I wish that instead of speaking to the realities that we Dominicans of Haitian descent endure in our country, we could be talking about economic development, or about how a Dominican of Haitian descent was accepted to Harvard a won awards there, or about business ideas we plan to pitch.

    Now, 11 years on, we should be talking about what we’ve put behind us and how far we’ve come. But we’re not. Instead of advancing human rights against a backdrop of rule of law and democracy, we find ourselves in an era of backsliding, even while much is being said about a government committed to change. But what kind of change? A change that will make the reality of black Dominicans of Haitian descent even worse? A change that will continue robbing thousands of youth of their dreams of studying, attending university, working, being able to register the births of their children, get married, or even do things as simple as buy a chip for their cell phone? It should not be impossible for parents to name their children, for young athletes to be signed on to teams and represent our country abroad, or for other youth to be able to achieve their dreams of practicing medicine or law, or starting a business to contribute to our economy and nation.

    Sadly, they can do none of these things, because the very state that should stand up for their rights and bring about a change does just the opposite, and instead takes backward and illegal action to arbitrarily detain and deport young people who were born in the Dominican Republic. It instead acts out the discrimination, inequity, and inequality that have dominated all these years of struggle and resistance.

    Today I urge the Dominican state, through its government, to return to lawfulness so that we can put statelessness—which the county continues to see as up for debate even now in the 21st century—behind us. So that the Dominican youth of Haitian descent, who for decades have been awaiting a real and effective response to the hijacking of our fundamental rights, can enjoy the same rights as the rest of the population. The Dominican state has an opportunity to fulfil its obligation to make reparations, which would restore our nationality not only by giving us identity cards, but also by giving us justice and respect for our fundamental human rights.

    No more statelessness! No more driving out Dominicans of Haitian descent! And no more racism, full stop!

    MIL OSI NGO –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pink cocaine: the party drug cocktail putting a growing number of lives at risk

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Joseph Janes, Lecturer in Criminology, Swansea University

    A synthetic drug cocktail known as pink cocaine, has rapidly become a major concern in Spain, the UK and beyond. Earlier this month, Spanish authorities carried out their largest ever synthetic drug bust, seizing a large quantity of pink cocaine alongside more than a million ecstasy pills. The operation targeted drug networks across Ibiza and Malaga.

    This dangerous substance has been linked to a growing number of drug-related deaths. The unpredictable composition and rising popularity of pink cocaine have sparked calls from European drug harm reduction organisations for urgent action to address the risks it poses.

    Despite its name, pink cocaine doesn’t necessarily contain any cocaine. Instead, it’s often a mixture of various other substances, including MDMA, ketamine and 2C-B. MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is a stimulant with psychedelic properties while ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic which has sedative and hallucinogenic effects. 2C drugs are classed as psychedelics but they can also produce stimulant effects.

    Typically found in powder or pill form, pink cocaine is known for its vibrant colour, which is designed to enhance its visual appeal. It’s coloured using food colouring and sometimes strawberry or other flavourings.

    The original psychedelic form of the drug dates to 1974 and was first synthesised by American biochemist, Alexander Shulgin. But the modern variant emerged around 2010 in Colombia and is a knock-off version.

    The drug gained popularity on the party scene in Latin America and has now spread to Europe. Common names for pink cocaine vary widely, from “cocaina rosada” and “tuci” to “Venus” and “Eros”.

    Russian roulette

    Today’s pink cocaine is an unpredictable mix of substances and that is where much of its danger lies. Users often expect a stimulant similar to cocaine, but the inclusion of ketamine can lead to serious health risks. Abuse of ketamine, which is widely available as a club drug, can lead to unconsciousness or dangerously laboured breathing. This in turn increases the potential dangers of pink cocaine.

    Its aesthetic look and “designer drug” status have contributed to its appeal, particularly among young people and first-time users. This mirrors the historical allure of drugs like cocaine and MDMA. It highlights a persistent trend where certain substances are glamourised despite their risks.

    Experts compare taking pink cocaine to playing Russian Roulette with substance use, underscoring the unpredictable and dangerous nature of pink cocaine.

    The drug has spread beyond Ibiza to the UK, and there is evidence that it has gained traction in Scotland, parts of Wales and England. Across the Atlantic, New York City has also seen a surge in its availability.

    Health officials across Europe are alarmed. Pink cocaine is difficult to detect through standard drug testing, particularly in Spain, where the current testing regime is not yet equipped to identify all its components.

    Warning to Brits over “Russian roulette” party drug pink cocaine | ITV News.

    The drug is sold for around US$100 per gram (£76) in Spain, and is often marketed as a high-end product. The legal response varies, with Spanish authorities working to curb its distribution.

    In the UK, pink cocaine falls under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which classifies drugs into three categories, class A, B, and C, based on their perceived harm. While pink cocaine itself may not be explicitly listed, the substances commonly found in it are controlled by the law. Both MDMA and 2C-B are class A drugs, while ketamine is a class B.

    Harm reduction

    One of the most urgent needs highlighted by the rise of pink cocaine is for accessible drug-checking services. Drug-checking kits are an important harm-reduction tool for people looking to test the substances they intend to consume. These kits can help users identify unknown components, offering a layer of protection in a high-risk environment.

    My own work shows how vital such harm-reduction services are. Public awareness campaigns and support services are also an important part of reducing harm.

    The growing popularity of pink cocaine is a stark reminder of the ever-changing landscape of illicit drugs, where aesthetics, social media trends and risky behaviour can combine to create new threats. While its pink hue and “designer” label may attract a younger crowd, the unpredictable cocktail of chemicals it contains presents a serious and growing danger.

    As pink cocaine continues to spread through Europe and beyond, it is crucial that authorities, health services and the public are equipped to deal with the risks it poses.

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

    – ref. Pink cocaine: the party drug cocktail putting a growing number of lives at risk – https://theconversation.com/pink-cocaine-the-party-drug-cocktail-putting-a-growing-number-of-lives-at-risk-237592

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks by National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard on Sustaining American Auto  Leadership

    Source: The White House

    Detroit Economic Club, Detroit, Michigan

    As Prepared for Delivery

    Thank you to the Detroit Economic Club for hosting me today. It is a pleasure to be back in the Motor City where I had a great time working on autos in one of my first jobs. 

    I want to thank Governor Whitmer for her important partnership, along with Mayor Duggan, County Executive Evans, Senators Stabenow and Peters, and Representatives Dingell, Stevens, Tlaib, Thanedar, and many others.

    The President and Vice President are determined that America’s iconic automakers and autoworkers are positioned to win the future. Our auto strategy is designed to invest in America’s world class autos supply chain from end to end; take tough, targeted enforcement actions against China’s unfair practices; and invest in America’s best-in-class autos workforce. 

    Today, I am pleased to announce two important new steps to advance our autos strategy. We are proposing a first-of-its-kind rule to safeguard America from the risks posed by connected vehicles from China. And we are building out the Michigan Workforce Hub to give workers the skills they need to contribute to this dynamic sector and expanding access to capital for small- and medium-sized auto manufacturers.

    The American Auto Sector

    The auto sector is an iconic American industry and our largest manufacturing sector. Over 3.2 million Americans work in the auto industry, and one third of those are in manufacturing jobs. The auto sector creates good-paying, union jobs that provide a ladder to the middle class, a sense of community, and the opportunity to work and retire with dignity.

    Nowhere is that more evident than right here in the proud city of Detroit and the great state of Michigan.

    While it wasn’t born here, America quickly made the auto industry our own. Here in Detroit, Henry Ford revolutionized transportation by mass producing a car for the common man. By 1930, the Big 3 had come to dominate global auto sales. The legendary Flint sit-down strike in 1936 gave rise to the United Autoworkers, and by 1941, hundreds of thousands of UAW members had good-paying, middle class jobs and pensions at the Big 3. During World War II, the auto industry became the center of the Arsenal of Democracy, churning out bombers, tanks, and engines by the thousands.

    When the Global Financial Crisis hit our auto sector hard, President Obama and then-Vice President Biden came to the rescue of the Big 3 and Detroit. UAW members made difficult sacrifices to get the industry back on its feet.

    Just a decade later, the pandemic brought new challenges. Decades of offshoring had left our supply chains fragile, and shutdowns of semiconductor factories in Asia and shipping disruptions led to layoffs on shop floors here and unfinished vehicles piling up in parking lots.
    Our automakers and autoworkers are no stranger to a tough fight. And this Administration has always stood with them.

    We worked tirelessly with business and labor to move semiconductors to auto plants and repair snarled transportation and logistics networks. These actions and our recovery plan enabled U.S. auto production to rebound three times faster than Europe. During this Administration, the U.S. auto industry has created more than 275,000 new jobs – in contrast to the loss of 86,000 auto jobs under the previous administration.

    Now our automakers and autoworkers face another seismic shift – the growing presence of clean vehicles, the rise of connected cars, and a wave of underpriced Chinese auto exports hitting global markets due to Chinese overcapacity.

    Investing in America’s Auto Supply Chain

    The President and Vice President have a comprehensive strategy to position the American auto sector to win the future.

    First — we are investing in America’s auto supply chain from end to end to make sure American autos remain best in class. That means investing in every stage, from small suppliers to final assembly, and using every tool at our disposal, from grants and loans to tax credits. This investment approach deploys demand- and supply-side incentives, from removing barriers to providing upfront consumer rebates to bolstering our domestic supply chains.

    Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are building a nationwide network of EV charging stations and building a domestic supply chain for batteries and critical minerals. Just last week, we announced $3 billion in selections for projects through the Battery Supply Chain Awards, including several projects in Michigan, to boost domestic production of advanced batteries, funding the expansion and construction of new facilities for critical minerals, battery components, battery manufacturing, and recycling.

    Through the CHIPS and Science Act, we are supporting dedicated investments for the legacy chips that power cars and the advanced chips and materials that enable electric vehicles to drive further and charge faster.

    Through the clean energy incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, we are providing families with an up-front rebate of up to $7,500 when they choose to buy a U.S.-made electric vehicle with U.S. batteries and materials. The Department of Energy’s Domestic Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Grant Program is providing $1.7 billion of federal investment that is leveraging $5 billion in total investment to help retool 11 auto plants across eight states to produce electric vehicles and electric vehicle (EV) components while protecting good jobs and union jobs. Michigan is receiving $650 million of federal investment from this one program alone.

    These incentives have already driven historic investment totaling more than $177 billion in the EV supply chain, including in the battery supply chain that China dominates. They are supporting investments that are projected to transform the United States into a major lithium producer by the end of the decade and that are now projected to produce batteries to meet all forecasted U.S. demand for EVs by 2030.

    Protecting American Autos from Unfair Competition

    Second — we are taking tough, targeted action to protect our auto sector from security risks and to ensure China does not unfairly undercut our auto sector. Americans should drive whatever car they choose – gas powered, hybrid, or electric. But, if they choose to drive an EV, we want it to be made in America, not in China.

    In order for companies to invest in innovative new designs and models here in America, they need to be assured that their investments won’t be undercut by unfairly underpriced cars from China. And in order for consumers to be safe and secure in increasingly connected cars on American roads, we need to guard against national security risks from China.

    China is flooding global markets with a wave of auto exports at a time when they are experiencing overcapacity. We have seen this playbook before in the China shock of the early 2000s that harmed our manufacturing communities. We saw it in Michigan – according to one analysis, the Detroit metro area lost more than 55,000 manufacturing jobs due to import competition from China. We are seeing that same playbook in EVs and batteries after a period when China compelled American automakers to form joint ventures and license their technology in China.

    The Administration is determined to avoid a second China shock, which means putting safeguards in place before a flood of underpriced Chinese autos undercuts the ability of the U.S. auto sector to compete on the global stage. That’s why this Administration imposed a new 100% tariff on EVs imported from China. It’s why we increased tariffs on China to diversify the autos supply chain, including on EV batteries, legacy semiconductors, and critical minerals.

    Many of our allies, including Canada and the European Union, have followed our lead. Moving forward, we will partner with Mexico and Canada to ensure that our North American supply chains remain free from state-owned enterprises and foreign entities of concern. China’s overcapacity in EVs will be a major area of focus as we look to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement mid-term review in 2026.

    And today, we are taking action to guard against safety and security risks in connected cars and ensure that our auto supply chains are resilient from foreign threats. Connected cars have the ability to exchange data with other cars, your personal devices, America’s infrastructure, our power grid, and auto manufacturers. The computer systems that power these cars can control vehicle movement and collect sensitive driver and passenger data, and the cameras and sensors embedded within them can record detailed information about our country and citizens.

    There are many benefits associated with connected vehicle systems, such as promoting safety, assisting drivers with navigation, and reducing emissions. But where we source these technologies has important implications for our national security, safety on our roads, and the resilience of our auto supply chains.

    China has taken steps to dominate the future of connected vehicles by dominating the software and hardware systems associated with those cars. But connected vehicles with Chinese software and hardware systems could expose the American people to new risks. Without the appropriate safeguards in place, sensitive data on Americans could be passed to Chinese authorities, or connected vehicles might provide a backdoor for malicious foreign actors to engage in espionage or sabotage.

    That is why, today, the Department of Commerce is using its ICTS (Information and Communications Technology Services) authorities for the first time to propose a new rule that would ban vehicles that rely on Chinese software and hardware from driving on American roads.

    Recall that for years China has required vehicle and battery makers to rely on Chinese data centers and software providers as a condition of operating in China.

    In effect, this rule will protect against potential vulnerabilities while allowing Americans to benefit from all that connected vehicles and technological innovation have to offer. 

    Investing in America’s Auto Workforce and Small Suppliers

    Third — we are investing in the autoworkers and small suppliers that are the backbone of our auto sector. We want to ensure that the next generation of leading American autos is produced by union autoworkers and that no auto community is left behind, especially here in Michigan.

    Today, we are unveiling new resources for workers through the new Michigan Workforce Hub. This spring, the President designated Michigan as a Workforce Hub to help Michigan workers prepare for the good jobs created by historic investments in the EV supply chain. The Workforce Hub, which we’ve developed in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, will expand pathways to EV and battery manufacturing jobs and union jobs, particularly for underserved communities in the state.

    Today, the Department of Labor and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity are announcing a new pilot program to train workers in Wayne County for over 140 high-quality jobs in the auto supply chain, partnering with local automotive employers to enable workers to earn a paycheck while they train, addressing a major barrier to enrollment.

    In addition, the Department of Energy’s Battery Workforce Challenge Program is announcing over $1 million to fund curriculum, equipment, internships, and job placements in community colleges, high-schools, and training institutions across the state. Henry Ford Community College, for example, will receive $200,000 in seed funding to establish a state-of-the-art Battery and Electric Vehicle Technical Center. Key partners in these programs will include the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, high schools, vocational institutions, community colleges and universities, and battery and automotive manufacturers.

    Through our Good Jobs Executive Order, we’re ensuring the benefits of federal grants and investments accrue to workers and communities. For instance, the projects receiving Domestic Conversion Grants will create nearly 3,000 new good-paying auto jobs and retain 15,000 high skilled, union jobs. As a condition for these grants, manufacturers committed to supporting their local communities and workforce. By supporting strong investments, we also support pathways to the middle class, including through union jobs.

    For instance, Blue Bird pledged to expand training programs in local high schools and invest in childcare for working parents at its facilities. And ZF North America is using their Conversion grant to retain and retrain 536 workers – mostly UAW workers – at its facility in Marysville, Michigan, for the production of components to electrify vehicles.

    Last year, the UAW secured record contracts with the Big 3 that will help ensure an equitable transition to electric vehicles. Since then, we have seen a large number of additional automakers announce record wages, and a rise in new labor organizing. From Tennessee to Georgia, and in new battery plants in Ohio and Michigan, workers in the EV supply chain are seeing the benefits of joining a union.

    Our auto workforce also includes hundreds of small and medium-size suppliers manufacturing products ranging from screws and bolts to e-axles. The U.S. economy has added more than 55,000 jobs in manufacturing automobile parts and bodies during this Administration. Many are based here in Michigan: in fact, 96 of the top 100 auto suppliers in North America do business in Michigan and 60 are headquartered here.

    This summer, Vice President Harris came here to Detroit to announce more than $100 million from across the federal government to support small- and mid-sized suppliers and parts manufacturers. That includes. millions of dollars we set aside from the manufacturing conversion grants program for states to make awards to small- and medium-sized suppliers because we heard from officials and suppliers right here in Michigan that smaller manufacturers struggle to tap into large federal grant programs directly.

    Today, we are building on the Vice President’s announcement with additional actions to support capital access for small- and medium-sized suppliers. This includes a commitment from Monroe Capital to launch a new fund of up to $1 billion to provide lower-cost debt capital to auto manufacturers, as well as a $9.1 million grant from the Department of Treasury to launch the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program, which will help small and underserved automotive manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers secure financing to scale and shift to supply the EV supply chain.
    Conclusion

    Our economic resilience and national security have been tied to the strength of our auto sector for the past century. Now it is critical the U.S. auto sector is positioned to lead the 21st century.

    We believe that an investment in our auto supply chain – especially here in Michigan – is one of the best investments we can make. That’s why we are investing across the supply chain and strengthening our suppliers, small businesses, workers, and communities that are the lifeblood of the industry.

    Today’s announcements underscore our commitment to auto communities, union jobs, and to the competitiveness and safety of the U.S. auto sector. It is part of a comprehensive approach that is forward looking and leverages the strengths of American manufacturing and the talents of American automakers – here in Detroit, throughout Michigan, and across the country.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Board of Governors Elects New Chairperson for 2024-2025

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Ambassador Philbert Abaka Johnson. (Photo: A. Barber-Huescar/IAEA)

    The IAEA Board of Governors elected Ambassador Philbert Abaka Johnson as the Chairperson of the IAEA’s Board of Governors for 2024–2025. His one-year term commences today. He succeeds Ambassador Holger Federico Martinsen of Argentina.

    Ambassador Johnson is the Permanent Representative of Ghana to the Agency, the United Nations Offices and other International Organizations in Vienna. Since his appointment in 2020, he has chaired the 54th Session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), Subsidiary Body III of the Tenth Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the standing open-ended intergovernmental working group on improving the governance and financial situation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (FINGOV), the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and the Vienna-based African Group. He is currently serving as Co-Chair for the preparations of the Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Application and Technology and Technical Cooperation in 2024.

    A career diplomat with close to 30 years of experience, Ambassador Johnson’s first diplomatic assignment was in Liberia in 1995. He has since served in multiple Ghana Missions in Switzerland, the Russian Federation, Belgium, Canada and New York and has held numerous positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, including as the first Director of the Diaspora Affairs Bureau in 2014. Before his appointment in Vienna, he was the Director of Africa and Regional Integration Bureau and Head of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) National Office from 2019 to 2020 and contributed towards Ghana’s bid to host the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the establishment of the ECOWAS Early Warning Centre in Accra.

    Ambassador Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast, as well as two master’s degrees: a Master’s of International Affairs from the Legon Centre for International Affairs & Diplomacy in Ghana, and a Master’s of International Law and Economics from the World Trade Institute in Switzerland. He has participated in various courses on leadership and diplomacy and was the recipient of the Best Ghana Diplomatic Mission Award for 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 09/23/2024 VIDEO: Blackburn Discusses Fentanyl Epidemic with Tennessee Mom Who Lost Her 17-Year-Old Son

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video detailing her conversation with a Middle Tennessee mother named Kathy, who tragically lost her 17-year-old son, Vaughn-Thomas, after he unknowingly took a pill laced with fentanyl.

     

    Click here to download this video of Senator Blackburn’s conversation about the fentanyl epidemic with Kathy.

    “Most all of us know at least one person through friends, through family that has been affected, their lives have been torn apart by fentanyl. Over 100,000 Americans a year die [from drug overdoses], and it’s primarily fentanyl. The precursors come from China into Mexico, and then drug cartels bring it into the country. What we know is that across our great state, there are so many physicians and nurses and healthcare professionals who are on the front line of this every day. That is why we say thank you to our law enforcement and our healthcare community for the work that they are doing to fight back against fentanyl.” – Senator Blackburn

    “Vaughn-Thomas… was our firstborn, our oldest of three sons. He was very strong in his faith, he loved his friends, he was a good student, he was athletic, he loved golf – life was going really well for him… He was supposed to play golf with his dad the next day, and when Vaughn-Thomas didn’t wake up to his alarm, that’s when we found him. He took what he thought was a Xanax – it was a counterfeit Xanax. Our borders are inviting tragedy into the lives of our children. One mistake should not have been a death sentence for Vaughn-Thomas.” – Kathy

    BACKGROUND:
    • Fentanyl poisoning is the leading cause of death for Americans age 18-45. 
    • According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), CBP’s fentanyl seizures increased more than 860% from fiscal years 2019 to 2023, and they nearly doubled from fiscal years 2022 to 2023.
    • Just last month, CBP officers in Arizona seized roughly 4 million blue fentanyl pills – weighing more than 1,000 pounds and the largest singular fentanyl seizure in CBP history. 
    • So far in 2024, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized enough fentanyl to kill 269 million Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Fly-By: September 20, 2024

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Post navigation

    Pfluger Fly-By: September 20, 2024

    Washington, September 20, 2024

    September 20, 2024

    Increasing Security for Presidential Candidates

    Following the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Sunday, it is clear that more protection is needed to protect President Trump and his family.

    Today, I was proud to vote for theEnhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024, introduced by Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17). This bill directs the Director of the United States Secret Service to apply the same standards for determining the number of agents required to protect Presidents, Vice Presidents, and major Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates.

    The Senate must immediately take up the measure and provide President Trump with increased protection.

    Biden-Harris Border Policies Invite Chaos

    This week, I chaired a joint hearing in the Committee on Homeland Security with Rep. Clay Higgins to examine the variety of terror threats to the United States because of the wide-open southern border.

    It is no secret our nation is in the midst of a dire crisis at our nation’s borders. Over the last four years, a record number of migrants from across the globe have descended on our borders and have created security challenges our nation has never experienced.

    Specifically, border encounters under the Biden administration have surpassed 10.1 million aliensencountered nationwide, with over 8.2 million encountered along the Southwest border. These are only the number of individuals encountered at one of our borders.

    Experts estimate that nearly two million individuals have evaded arrest by CBP officials and are known to be “gotaways.”

    The most glaring statistic that alarms me the most is the 382 individuals whose names appear on the terrorist watchlist were stopped trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally between ports of entry from FY2021 to FY2024 year to date. This is compared to the 11 individuals apprehended from FY2017 – FY2020.

    If we know that nearly two million individuals are considered “gotaways,” how many of these individuals also appear on the terror watch list?

    During the hearing, it was deeply troubling to hear from a former U.S. Chief of Border Patrol about how he was barred from speaking publicly about the increase in threatening individuals.

    We need strong border security now. Watch here or below for my full opening remarks.

    Celebrating the 77th Anniversary of the United States Air Force

    This Wednesday marked the 77th anniversary of the United States Air Force. For twenty years, I had the honor of serving our country in uniform as a fighter pilot. As a Member of Congress, I remain committed to advocating for all service members and their families. The U.S. House Air Force Liaison Office joined me in celebrating the significant milestone. Fly-Fight-Win!

    New Report on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Unprecedented Border Crisis

    The House Committee on Homeland Security majority released a comprehensive new report documenting how President Joe Biden, Vice President and Biden-appointed “border czar” Kamala Harris, and other administration officials schemed together to open our borders, gut interior enforcement, and spark a historic flood of illegal immigration—from immediately after the 2020 election through the present day.

    Read the full report here.

    Defunding Sanctuary Cities

    Sanctuary Cities are communities and states that refuse to enforce immigration laws or cooperate with federal law enforcement and immigration officials. These policies actively incentivize illegal immigration and ignite the crises we are seeing across the country.

    In New York City alone, free hotels, healthcare, and debit cards have attracted more than 100,000 migrants since the spring of 2022, and more than 65,000 remain in the city’s care.

    Today, House Republicans passed The No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act to prevent sanctuary cities from receiving federal funding that would benefit illegal immigrants and bail out sanctuary cities from the crisis they created.

    Paul Whelan is Free

    I had the honor of meeting former US Marine Paul Whelan who was wrongfully detained in Russia for the last five years. It is an incredible relief to have Mr. Whelan home sharing his story and advocating on behalf of those who remain wrongfully imprisoned around the world. The United States will not tolerate its citizens being used as political pawns.

    United States Air Force Cadets in Washington

    It was great meeting with a group of U.S. Air Force Cadets during their visit to Washington. These young men and women have heeded the call to service and are the future of our armed forces. As a graduate of the Air Force Academy, I continue to be inspired by these incredible students who have chosen to pursue a career rooted in service.

    STEP Program Enrollment

    The U.S. State Department recently enhanced its Smart Traveler Enrollment Platform, known as STEP. This is an excellent resource and free service for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Sign up at STEP.

    September is Passport Month

    Are you planning to travel abroad in the coming year? Now is the perfect time to start the passport application process or check your current passport’s expiration date.

    If you are having trouble renewing or are experiencing a longer than normal processing time, our six district offices are ready to help you out.

    Visit this link to get started on your application or renewal process today.

    Applications Extended for Congressional Youth Advisory Council

    I am excited to announce the re-launch of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council for high school juniors and seniors in the 11th Congressional District of Texas. This esteemed program offers a unique opportunity for passionate and driven young leaders to engage with the government, collaborate with peers, and serve their communities.

    Participants will have the chance to interact directly with me, special guests, and senior staff members in up to four interactive virtual meetings. Additionally, CYAC participants will be provided special admittance to the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2025 (Date TBD).

    Interested students are encouraged to apply by completing an application HERE.

    The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2024.

    For questions about the program or application, please contact Corbette Padilla in the Midland district office at 432-687-2390.

    Upcoming Service Academy Night

    My office will be hosting a Service Academy Night on September 30th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. for high school students interested in pursuing an education and military career through the U.S. military service academies.

    The event will be held at the Angelo State University Houston Harte University Center in the CJ Davidson Conference Center, 1910 Rosemont Drive, San Angelo, Texas, 76901.

    Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to attend! If you have questions or would like to RSVP, please reach out to Mary O’Connor in my office at mary.oconnor@mail.house.gov.

    2024 Congressional App Challenge

    My office is now accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional App Competition. The competition is open to all 6-12 grade students in the 11th Congressional District of Texas and is an opportunity for students to develop their skills in computer science and STEM skills.

    The deadline is October 24th, 2024, at 12:00 pm ET. Students can register and upload their app here.

    Step-by-Step Video Guide

    The Congressional App Challenge website has a step-by-step video guide that walks students, parents, and educators through the application process. Clickhereto access the video guide.

    PRIZES

    The winner from the 11th Congressional District, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be featured on the House of Representatives website, House.gov, as well as onCongressionalAppChallenge.us. The winning app will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol among other winners from across the country. Additional sponsor prizes to be announced.

    RULES

    · Students will create an application (aka app) for PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc Any programming such as C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or “block code” will be accepted.

    · There are NO LIMITS on the application theme or topic.

    · Students may work individually or in teams made up of no more than four.

    Students are highly encouraged to review the competition’s complete rules and regulations on the Congressional App Challenge’s website. For more information, please visit congressionalappchallenge.us/or contact Kathy Keane in the San Angelo Office at Kathy.Keane@mail.house.gov.

    Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates.

    Rep. August Pfluger

    Member of Congress

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEMORANDUM: EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 24-208 (Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine)

    Source: US State of Florida

    TO:                Members of the Press

    FROM:          Bryan Griffin, Director of Communications, Governor Ron DeSantis

    DATE:           Monday, September 23, 2024

    RE:                Executive Order Number 24-208 (Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine)

    Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-208, Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, declaring a state of emergency in 41 Florida counties ahead of the storm.

    To read the full executive order, click here or read below:

    STATE OF FLORIDA
    OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
    EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 24-208
    (Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine)

    WHEREAS, as of 11:00 AM EDT on Monday, September 23, 2024, showers and thunderstorms located over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and portions of Central America have been associated with a broad area of low pressure, now identified as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine; and

    WHEREAS, based on atmospheric and oceanic data, highly conducive environmental conditions are forecast to organize and develop Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine into a tropical depression or tropical storm during the next day or two over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and southeastern Gulf of Mexico, where further development and strengthening is expected; and

    WHEREAS, forecast models indicate that this system will have a vast areal extent, and its impact will likely extend well beyond its center, along the northeast Gulf Coast; and

    WHEREAS, there is a significant threat of storm surge, coastal flooding and erosion, heavy rainfall and flash flooding, and damaging winds to the Florida Gulf Coast; and

    WHEREAS, due to the impacts from Hurricane Debby, the water tables and riverine levels across North and West-Central Florida remain above normal, and the additional incoming heavy rainfall will likely cause significant riverine flooding for an extended period; and

    WHEREAS, the incoming heavy rainfall, flooding, and gusty winds will cause widespread power outages due to fallen trees and powerlines; and

    WHEREAS,     these conditions could damage the operational capability of major interstates, roadways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, power grids and other critical infrastructure; and

    WHEREAS, as Governor of Florida, I am responsible to meet the dangers presented to the State of Florida and its people by this emergency.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron DeSantis, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution and by the Florida Emergency Management Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:

    Section 1.        Because of the foregoing conditions, which are projected to constitute a major disaster, I declare that a state of emergency exists in Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.

    Section 2.        I designate the Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management (“Director”) as the State Coordinating Officer for the duration of this emergency and direct him to execute the State’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and other response, recovery, and mitigation plans necessary to cope with the emergency, including any logistical, rescue or evacuation operations.  Pursuant to section 252.36(1)(a), Florida Statutes, I delegate to the State Coordinating Officer the authority to exercise those powers delineated in sections 252.36(6)-(12), Florida Statutes, which he shall exercise as needed to meet this emergency, subject to the limitations of section 252.33, Florida Statutes.  In exercising the powers delegated by this Executive Order, the State Coordinating Officer shall confer with the Governor to the fullest extent practicable.  The State Coordinating Officer shall also have the authority to:

    A. Invoke and administer the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (“EMAC”) (sections 252.921-252.9335, Florida Statutes) and other compacts and agreements existing between the State of Florida and other states, and the further authority to coordinate the allocation of resources from such other states that are made available to Florida under such compacts and agreements so as to best meet this emergency.

    B. Seek direct assistance and enter into agreements with any and all agencies of the federal government as may be needed to meet this emergency.

    C. Direct all state, regional, and local governmental agencies, including law enforcement agencies, to identify personnel needed from those agencies to assist in meeting the response, recovery, and mitigation needs created by this emergency, and to place all such personnel under the direct command and coordination of the State Coordinating Officer to meet this emergency.

    D. Direct the actions of any state agency as necessary to implement the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Disaster Recovery Framework.

    E. Designate Deputy State Coordinating Officers and Deputy State Disaster Recovery Coordinators, as necessary.

    F. Suspend the effect of any statute, rule, or order that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay any mitigation, response, or recovery action necessary to cope with this emergency. In accordance with section 252.3611(1), Florida Statutes, any such order, declaration, or other action shall specify each statute or rule being amended or waived, if applicable, and the expiration date for the order or action.

    G. Enter orders as may be needed to implement any of the foregoing powers; however, the requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, do not apply to any such orders issued by the State Coordinating Officer.  No such order shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

    Section 3.        I order the Adjutant General to activate the Florida National Guard, as needed, to deal with this emergency.  I further order the Director of the Florida State Guard to activate the Florida State Guard, as needed, to respond to this emergency.

    Section 4.        I find that the special duties and responsibilities resting upon some state, regional, and local agencies and other governmental bodies in responding to this emergency may require them to suspend or waive certain statutes, rules, ordinances, and orders they administer.  Therefore, I issue the following authorizations:

    A. Pursuant to section 252.36(6)(a), Florida Statutes, the Executive Office of the Governor may suspend all statutes and rules affecting budgeting to the extent necessary to provide budget authority for state agencies to cope with this emergency.  The requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, do not apply to any such suspension issued by the Executive Office of the Governor.  No such suspension shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

    B. Each state agency may suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or the orders or rules of that agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any such statute, order, or rule would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency.  This includes, but is not limited to, the authority to suspend any and all statutes, rules, ordinances, or orders which affect leasing, printing, purchasing, travel, and the condition of employment and the compensation of employees.  In accordance with section 252.3611(1), Florida Statutes, any agency order, declaration, or other action suspending a statute or rule shall specify each statute or rule being amended or waived, if applicable, and the expiration date for the order or action.  The requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any such suspension issued by a state agency. No such suspension shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

    C. In accordance with section 252.38(3), Florida Statutes, each political subdivision within the State of Florida may waive the procedures and formalities otherwise required of the political subdivision by law pertaining to:

    1) Performance of public work and taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community;

    2) Following local procurement and contracting policies;

    3) Entering into contracts; however, political subdivisions are cautioned against entering into time and materials contracts without a ceiling as defined by 2 CFR 200.318(j) or cost plus a percentage of cost contracts prohibited by 2 CFR 200.324(d);

    4) Incurring obligations;

    5) Employment of permanent and temporary workers;

    6) Utilization of volunteer workers;

    7) Rental of equipment;

    8) Acquisition and distribution, with or without compensation, of supplies, materials, and facilities; and

    9) Appropriation and expenditure of public funds.

    D. All agencies whose employees are certified as disaster service volunteers within the meaning of section 110.120(2)(d), Florida Statutes, may, in accordance with section 110.120(3), Florida Statutes, release any such employees for such service as requested by the employee to meet this emergency.

    E. The Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) may:

    1) Waive the collection of tolls and other fees and charges for the use of the Turnpike and other public highways, to the extent such waiver may be needed to provide emergency assistance or facilitate the evacuation of the affected counties;

    2) Manage the flow of traffic or close any and all roads, highways, and portions of highways as may be needed for the safe and efficient transportation of evacuees to those counties that the State Coordinating Officer may designate as destination counties for evacuees in this emergency;

    3) Suspend enforcement of the registration requirements pursuant to section 316.545(4), Florida Statutes, for commercial motor vehicles that enter Florida to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes or office style mobile homes into or from Florida;

    4) Waive by special permit the warning signal requirements in the Utility Accommodations Manual to accommodate public utility companies from other jurisdictions which render assistance in restoring vital services; and

    5) Waive the size and weight restrictions for divisible loads on any vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agricultural commodities and citrus as recommended by the Commissioner of Agriculture, allowing the establishment of alternate size and weight restrictions for all such vehicles for the duration of the emergency.  The DOT shall issue permits and such vehicles shall be subject to such special conditions as the DOT may endorse on any such permits.

    Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to allow any vehicle to exceed weight limits posted for bridges and like structures, or relieve any vehicle or the carrier, owner, or driver of any vehicle from compliance with any restrictions other than those specified in this Executive Order, or from any statute, rule, order, or other legal requirement not specifically waived or suspended herein or by supplemental order by the State Coordinating Officer.

    F. The Executive Director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) may:

    1) Suspend enforcement of the registration requirements pursuant to sections 316.545(4) and 320.0715, Florida Statutes, for commercial motor vehicles that enter Florida to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes or office style mobile homes into or from Florida;

    2) Waive the hours-of-service requirements for such vehicles;

    3) Suspend the enforcement of the licensing and registration requirements under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) pursuant to chapter 207, Florida Statutes, and the International Registration Plan (IRP) pursuant to section 320.0715, Florida Statutes, for motor carriers or drivers operating commercial motor vehicles that are properly registered in other jurisdictions and that are participating in emergency relief efforts through the transportation of equipment and supplies or providing other assistance in the form of emergency services;

    4) Waive fees for duplicate or replacement vessel registration certificates, vessel title certificates, vehicle license plates, vehicle registration certificates, vehicle tag certificates, vehicle title certificates, handicapped parking permits, replacement drivers’ licenses, and replacement identification cards and to waive the additional fees for the late renewal of or application for such licenses, certificates, and documents due to the effects of adverse weather conditions; and

    5) Defer administrative actions and waive fees imposed by law for the late renewal or application for the above licenses, certificates, and documents, which were delayed due to the effects of adverse weather conditions, including in counties wherein the DHSMV has closed offices, or any office of the County Tax Collector that acts on behalf of the DHSMV to process renewals has closed offices due to adverse weather conditions.  Recordkeeping and other applicable requirements for existing IFTA and IRP licensees and registrants are not affected by this Executive Order.  The DHSMV shall promptly notify the State Coordinating Officer when the waiver is no longer necessary.

    G. In accordance with section 465.0275(2), Florida Statutes, pharmacists may dispense up to a 30-day emergency prescription refill of maintenance medication to persons who reside in an area or county covered under this Executive Order and to emergency personnel who have been activated by their state or local agency but who do not reside in an area or county covered by this Executive Order.  In accordance with section 465.019(4)(b), Florida Statutes, a hospital that operates a Class II or Class III institutional pharmacy located in an area or county covered under this Executive Order may prescribe and dispense a supply of medicinal drug lasting up to 72 hours.

    H. All state agencies responsible for the use of state buildings and facilities may close such buildings and facilities in those portions of the State affected by this emergency, to the extent necessary to meet this emergency.  I direct each state agency to report the closure of any State building or facility to the WebEOC system utilized by the Division of Emergency Management.  Under the authority contained in section 252.36, Florida Statutes, I direct each county to report the closure of any building or facility operated or maintained by the county or any political subdivision on a daily basis to the WebEOC system.  Furthermore, I direct the Secretary of the Department of Management Services to:

    1) Maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of all such closures; and

    2) Provide that list daily to the State Coordinating Officer.

    I. All State agencies may abrogate the time requirements, notice requirements, and deadlines for final action on applications for permits, licenses, rates, and other approvals under any statutes or rules under which such application are deemed to be approved unless disapproved in writing by specified deadlines.  All such time requirements that have not yet expired as of the date of this Executive Order are suspended and tolled to the extent necessary to meet this emergency.

    J. All agencies shall implement Selected Exempt Services (SES) Extraordinary Payment Plans and Career Service Regular Compensatory Leave Payment Plans for:

    1) All essential agency personnel who are required to work extraordinary hours when state-owned or state-operated facilities are closed in response to an emergency condition.  Employees who are eligible to receive extraordinary pay under the agency’s activated plan shall accrue special compensatory leave credits for work performed during facility closures up to the number of hours in the employee’s established workday.  For these employees, any additional time worked beyond the employee’s established workday during facility closures will result in extraordinary pay;

    2) All agency personnel who are assigned to the State Emergency Operations Center and are required to work extraordinary hours; and

    3)  All agency personnel who are deployed throughout the state in response to an emergency condition and are required to work extraordinary hours.

    K. All State agencies may waive the forty-day time limit to issue a warrant pursuant to section 215.422(3)(b), Florida Statutes.  This waiver applies to invoices and reimbursement requests arising from this emergency that were received, inspected, and approved by the agency prior to the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.  This waiver of section 215.422(3)(b), Florida Statutes, and all waivers based upon this waiver shall expire upon the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

    L. The provisions of section 934.50, Florida Statutes, excluding subsection (4), are waived for state and local agencies conducting emergency operations arising from the state of emergency for the limited purpose of capturing aerial evidence concerning the amount of damage sustained to private and public property; to assist in search, rescue, and recovery activities; and prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property.

    Section 5.        All public facilities, including elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, state universities, and other facilities owned or leased by the state, regional or local governments that are suitable for use as public shelters shall be made available at the request of the local emergency management agencies to ensure the proper reception and care of all evacuees.  Under the authority contained in section 252.36, Florida Statutes, I direct the Superintendent of each public-school district in the State of Florida to report the closure of any school within its district to the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education.  Furthermore, I direct the Commissioner of the Department of Education to:

    A. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of all such closures; and

    B. Provide that list daily to the State Coordinating Officer.

     Section 6.        I find that the demands placed upon funds specifically appropriated to state and local agencies for disaster relief or response are unreasonably great and that such funds may be inadequate to pay the costs of coping with this emergency.  In accordance with section 252.37(2), Florida Statutes, I direct that sufficient funds be made available, as needed, by transferring and expending moneys from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund.

     Section 7.        All state agencies entering emergency orders, emergency rules, or other emergency actions in response to this emergency shall advise the State Coordinating Officer contemporaneously or as soon as practicable thereafter, and, pursuant to section 252.36(3)(b), Florida Statutes, shall submit the order or declaration to the Division of Administrative Hearings within five (5) days of issuance.

    Section 8.        Medical professionals and workers, social workers, and counselors with good and valid professional licenses issued by states other than the State of Florida may render such services in Florida during this emergency for persons affected by this emergency with the condition that such services be rendered to such persons free of charge, and with the further condition that such services be rendered under the auspices of the American Red Cross or the Florida Department of Health.

    Section 9. Pursuant to section 501.160, Florida Statutes, it is unlawful and a violation of section 501.204, Florida Statutes, for a person to rent or sell or offer to rent or sell at an unconscionable price within the area for which the state of emergency is declared, any essential commodity including, but not limited to, supplies, services, provisions, or equipment that is necessary for consumption or use as a direct result of the emergency.

    Section 10.        Under the authority contained in sections 252.36(6)(a), (g), and (m), Florida Statutes, I direct that, for the purposes of this emergency, the term “essentials”, as defined by section 252.359(2), Florida Statutes, shall be the same as and no more expansive than the term “commodity”, as defined by section 501.160(1)(a), Florida Statutes (hereinafter referred to collectively or alternatively as “essential commodities”).  Accordingly, any person who delivers essential commodities to a location in the area(s) declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order, and when necessary to ensure that those commodities are made available to the public, may travel within evacuated areas and exceed curfews, provided the State Coordinating Officer determines, after consultation with the appropriate Emergency Support Function(s), that:

    A. Law enforcement officials in the declared area(s) can provide adequate security to protect the essential commodities from theft;

    B. The weight of a delivery vehicle will not jeopardize the structural integrity of any roadway or bridge located within the declared area;

    C. Delivery vehicles will not negatively impact evacuation activities in the declared area(s); and

    D. Delivery vehicles will not negatively impact any response or recovery activities occurring within the declared area(s).

    After consulting with the appropriate Emergency Support Function(s), and after consulting with local officials, the State Coordinating Officer may dictate the routes of ingress, egress, and movement within the declared area(s) that drivers must follow when delivering essential commodities.

    Provided he or she is actually delivering medications, any person authorized to deliver medications under chapter 893, Florida Statutes, qualifies as a person delivering essential commodities.

    In order to qualify as a person delivering essential commodities under this section, a person must be in the process of delivering essential commodities only.  If an individual is transporting both essential and non-essential commodities, then this section shall not provide any authorization for that individual to enter into or move within the declared area(s).

    Section 11.        Consistent with Executive Order 80-29, nothing in this Executive Order shall prevent local jurisdictions in any area not declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order from taking prompt and necessary action to save lives and protect the property of their citizens, including the authority to compel and direct timely evacuation when necessary.

    Section 12.         I authorize the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to distribute funds pursuant to section 420.9073, Florida Statutes, to any county, municipality, or other political subdivision located within the area(s) declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order.  The authority of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to distribute funds in connection with this emergency shall expire six months after the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

         Section 13.      All actions taken by the Director of the Division of Emergency Management with respect to this emergency before the issuance of this Executive Order are ratified.

    Section 14.     This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall expire sixty (60) days from this date unless extended.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Gustavo Petro Urrego, President of the Republic of Colombia [scroll down for Spanish]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

     
    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Gustavo Petro Urrego, President of the Republic of Colombia.  They discussed Colombia’s peace initiatives.  The Secretary-General reiterated his strong support for Colombia’s efforts to fully implement the 2016 Final Peace Agreement and its dialogue efforts to further consolidate peace.  He praised Colombia’s leadership on climate and environment, notably its hosting next month of the COP16 on Biodiversity.
     

    ***
     
    El Secretario General se reunió con el Excelentísimo Señor Gustavo Petro Urrego, Presidente de la República de Colombia.  Hablaron sobre las iniciativas de paz en el país.  El Secretario General reiteró su firme apoyo a los esfuerzos de Colombia para implementar plenamente el Acuerdo Final de Paz de 2016 y sus esfuerzos de diálogo para consolidar aún más la paz.  Elogió el liderazgo de Colombia en cuestiones de cambio climático y medio ambiente, en particular su organización el próximo mes de la COP16 sobre Biodiversidad.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: President  Biden Commemorates Historic Climate Legacy during Climate Week  NYC

    Source: The White House

    President Biden will deliver remarks tomorrow highlighting his climate, conservation, clean energy, and environmental justice agenda, which is lowering costs, creating good-paying and union jobs, and reducing harmful emissions

    Meanwhile, House Republicans continue reckless attempts to roll back climate, conservation, and clean energy investments

    When President Biden took office, he pledged to restore America’s climate leadership at home and abroad. Every day since, the Biden-Harris Administration has led and delivered on the most ambitious climate, conservation, clean energy, and environmental justice agenda in history, including securing the largest ever climate investment and unleashing a clean energy manufacturing boom that has attracted hundreds of billions of dollars in private sector investment; created hundreds of thousands of new clean energy jobs; and lowered energy costs for families while delivering cleaner air and water for communities across the country.

    As business leaders, government officials, young people, and other advocates from around the world gather in New York City to participate in Climate Week, tomorrow President Biden will deliver remarks in New York City highlighting his Administration’s unprecedented progress in tackling the climate crisis, cutting energy costs for everyday Americans, and creating good-paying union jobs.

    Meanwhile, as President Biden and Vice President Harris continue to implement their Investing in America agenda, many Congressional Republicans continue to deny the impacts of climate change and are actively working to roll back this Administration’s historic and urgent climate investments – in fact, House Republicans have voted more than 50 times to repeal parts of President Biden’s climate investments. The contrast couldn’t be clearer.

    From replacing toxic lead pipes and modernizing our electric grid to reducing air pollution and conserving our nation’s lands and waters, President Biden and Vice President Harris have positioned America to lead the global effort against climate change and protect the health, safety, and economic vitality of our communities and our environment for generations to come. 

    Biden-Harris Administration’s Top Climate Accomplishments

    Deploying Clean, Affordable Electricity and Strengthening America’s Power Grid
    Through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden has secured unprecedented investments in a clean power sector, unleashing a boom in American solar, wind, battery storage, nuclear, and other clean energy technologies that are creating good-paying jobs and saving families money on utility bills. President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is supporting the U.S. offshore wind industry, transmission buildout and other power grid upgrades, residential solar for low-income households, investments in clean electricity across rural America, efficient permitting to get new projects built, and American manufacturing of clean energy technologies. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, the US has added more than 100 gigawatts of new clean energy – enough to power more than 25 million homes. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, clean energy project developers get access to expanded tax incentives if they pay workers prevailing wages and employ registered apprentices,  build their projects with domestic content, or locate projects in historic energy communities—provisions that are helping make more clean energy jobs good-paying and union jobs, supporting American manufacturing, and driving clean energy investment to the places that can benefit the most.

     
    Bolstering Climate Resilience and Adaptation

    The Biden-Harris Administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to addressing climate impacts, including through Federal climate adaptation planning and integrating consideration of climate impacts into Federal policies, programs, and funding. The Administration released a National Climate Resilience Framework and President Biden secured more than $50 billion for climate resilience and adaptation investments that are upgrading aging roads and bridges, including critical evacuation routes; restoring critical waterways, forests, and urban greenspaces; building forest health and reducing wildfire risk; bolstering water infrastructure and drought resilience across the American West; reducing the risk to federal assets from future floods; and modernizing our electric grid. Through portals like Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) and Heat.gov, the Administration is equipping communities with the information and resources they need to assess climate risks and implement adaptation actions in their communities. With historic investments from the President’s Investing in America agenda, the Administration stabilized the short-term security of the Colorado River and is making investments to ensure the long-term stability of the Colorado River Basin.
     
    Accelerating a Clean Transportation Future

    Last year, the Biden-Harris Administration released the National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, a landmark strategy for eliminating nearly all greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. transportation sector by 2050. The Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act invest tens of billions to decarbonize maritime,  trucking, transit, rail, and aviation, all while making communities more walkable, bikeable, and connected. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is also investing $7.5 billion to build a nationwide network of convenient, reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along corridors and within communities, and $5 billion to put clean school buses on our roads. In addition, the President rallied automakers and autoworkers around a historic goal of having electric vehicles account for at least 50% of new passenger vehicles sold by 2030. To support this goal while driving down consumer costs, the Administration secured tax credits that reduce the cost of new or used clean vehicles by thousands of dollars directly at the dealership as well as tax credits to deploy EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure to support clean vehicle deployment needs for individuals and businesses within rural and low income communities. The Administration is also leading by example to electrify the federal vehicle fleet, including 66,000 U.S. Postal Service delivery vehicles over five years.

     
    Cutting Energy Costs and Pollution at Homes, Schools, and in Communities

    Last year, 3.4 million American families saved $8.4 billion from IRA home energy tax credits for heat pumps, insulation, solar, and other clean energy technologies, and today states across the US are rolling out IRA rebates of up to $14,000 per household to help low- and middle-income families afford cost-saving electric appliances and energy efficiency improvements. The President established a $20 billion national clean energy financing network that will support tens of thousands of clean energy projects and cost-saving retrofits, reducing or avoiding up to 40 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually over the next seven years. The Biden-Harris Administration has also strengthened energy efficiency standards to save households and businesses money, with standards updated by DOE for dozens of appliances expected to provide nearly $1 trillion in consumer savings over 30 years, saving the average household more than $100 a year while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2 billion metric tons. Schools across the country are using IRA clean energy tax credits and elective pay to install solar, energy storage, and ground source heat pumps.

    Revitalizing American Manufacturing for the Clean Economy

    President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has helped catalyze historic manufacturing growth, with factories opening across the nation. The private sector has committed over $910 billion in investments in American manufacturing and clean energy, including sectors central to our industrial strength. The President’s agenda is helping to make U.S. manufacturing the cleanest and most competitive in the world. The Inflation Reduction Act is investing more than $6 billion to slash climate pollution and support workers and community health at U.S. factories producing the steel, aluminum, cement, and other materials that form the backbone of our economy, nearly $2 billion to support shuttered or at-risk auto facilities retain or re-hire workers to support manufacturing in the electric vehicle supply chain, over $3 billion to bolster battery manufacturing, and over $4 billion through the Federal Buy Clean Initiative to bolster markets to buy cleaner materials. The Biden-Harris Administration’s historic steps to reduce super-polluting methane and hydrofluorocarbons are also harnessing American innovation and creating good-paying union jobs. 
     
    Advancing Environmental Justice

    Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized a whole-of-government approach to environmental justice. The President signed a historic Executive Order that mobilizes the federal government to bring clean energy and healthy environments to all and mitigate harm to those who have suffered from pollution and environmental burdens like climate change. Through the Justice40 Initiative, over 500 programs across 19 federal agencies are being reimagined and transformed to maximize the benefits of President Biden’s unprecedented investments – from clean energy projects to floodwater protections to wastewater infrastructure – to communities that need them most. At the same time, the Administration is taking unprecedented action to protect communities from PFAS pollution, accelerate Superfund and brownfield cleanups, tighten standards for hazardous air pollutants, and enhance air quality enforcement. To ensure the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of communities with environmental justice concerns are heard in the White House and reflected in federal priorities, policies, investments, and decision-making, President Biden also created the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
     
    Delivering Clean Water and Replacing Lead Pipes

    President Biden and Vice President Harris are fighting to ensure a future where every American has access to clean, safe water. The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests over $50 billion in upgrading the nation’s water infrastructure – the largest investment in clean water in American history. The Administration has already launched over 1,700 projects to expand access to clean drinking water, replace lead pipes, improve wastewater and sanitation infrastructure, and remove PFAS pollution in water. The Biden-Harris Administration invested over $1 billion from the President’s Investing in America agenda to specifically accelerate the delivery of drinking water and community sanitation infrastructure projects in Indian Country, where almost 50% of communities are lacking this basic human right. President Biden has also made a commitment to replace every toxic lead pipe in the country within a decade, protecting families from lead poisoning that can irreversibly harm brain development in children.


    Empowering Every Community to Advance Climate Solutions

    The historic set of federal actions that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken are supporting communities across the country in seizing opportunities in the clean energy economy. The Administration has mobilized billions of dollars in investment in the energy communities and workers that have powered our nation for generations. To help young people access skills-based training for good-paying careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy, the Administration launched the American Climate Corps, which will mobilize a new, diverse generation of more than 20,000 Americans. And with direct support from the Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, more than 45 states and more than 200 Tribes, territories, and metro areas have now developed their own Climate Action Plans. All of these foundational efforts will support climate solutions in the near-term and for years to come, helping the nation achieve the goal of reducing climate pollution by 50-52% below 2005 levels in 2030 and reaching a net-zero economy by no later than 2050.

    Conserving our Lands and Waters

    President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative is supporting and accelerating voluntary, locally led conservation and restoration efforts across the country, and with 42 million acres already protected under President Biden, the U.S. is on track to meet the first-ever national goal to conserve at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030. The Biden-Harris Administration has established or expanded eight national monuments and restored protections for three more; created five new national wildlife refuges and significantly expanded five more; established two new national marine sanctuaries and begun the process to designate or expand protections for five more; created one new national estuarine research reserve; protected the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, the nation’s most visited wilderness area; safeguarded Bristol Bay in southwest Alaska from the impacts of mining; protected the Arctic Ocean from oil and gas development; and withdrawn Chaco Canyon in New Mexico and Thompson Divide in Colorado from further oil and gas leasing which will protect pristine lands and thousands of sacred sites. The Administration also directed the conservation of old-growth and mature forests, put conservation on equal footing with development in managing our public lands, launched the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge to protect, restore, and reconnect 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of our nation’s river and streams, protected vast areas of caribou habitat in the Western Arctic for future generations, and is advancing the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California.
     
    Rallying Leaders of the World’s Largest Economies to Raise Global Climate Ambition

    President Biden has restored America’s climate leadership at home and abroad. Under his leadership, the Administration is securing commitments from more than 155 countries to reduce methane emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030; successfully galvanizing other countries at COP28 to commit, for the first time, to transition away from unabated fossil fuels, stop building new unabated coal capacity globally, and triple renewable energy globally by 2030 and nuclear energy by 2050; launching a new Clean Energy Supply Chain Collaborative to work with international partners to diversify supply chains that are critical to a clean and secure energy transition; mobilizing other governments to follow the U.S. lead and commit to achieve net-zero government emissions by 2050 through a new Net-Zero Government Initiative; and becoming a world leader in innovative debt-for-nature swaps that have helped countries restructure over $2 billion in debt and unlock hundreds of millions of new financing for nature and climate.

    Accelerating Federal Permitting to Deliver Clean Energy and Infrastructure More Quickly

    The Biden-Harris Administration has taken action to accelerate clean energy infrastructure and deliver other critical projects by securing and directing long overdue resources to improve and accelerate permitting and environmental reviews. The Administration also finalized the Bipartisan Permitting Reform Implementation Rule to address climate change, protect public health, encourage better environmental outcomes, and promote meaningful public input on Federal decisions and projects.

    House Republicans Continue Attempting to Roll Back Climate Protections

    As President Biden and Vice President Harris implement the most ambitious and impactful climate and conservation agenda in history, House Republicans are taking action right now that would roll back investments in climate, clean energy, and public health. House Republicans’ efforts to gut climate protections through a variety of avenues – including appropriations bills, Congressional Review Act resolutions, and other legislative actions – would raise consumer energy costs, undermine public health protections, worsen the impacts of extreme weather events, and destroy environmental safeguards for our lands and waters.

    Ongoing attempts by Congressional Republicans to roll back climate and environmental protections would:

    Raise Consumer Energy Costs, including by:

    Gut Public Health Protections, including by:

    • Trying to overturn Biden-Harris Administration rules that protect communities from coal plants’ water pollution, air pollution, and waste disposal.
    • Trying to overturn a Biden-Harris Administration rule that will reduce by 96% the number of people with elevated cancer risk near certain chemical plants, by reducing emissions of toxic chloroprene and ethylene oxide from those facilities.
    • Rolling back the Clean School Bus program that will reduce climate pollution and provide cleaner air for our nation’s children.
    • Undermining clean air progress by trying to overturn rules that reduce pollution from power plants, cars and trucks , and industrial sources.
    • Taking steps to block new Biden-Harris Administration rules to protect coal and other miners from toxic silica dust.

    Destroy Protections for Our Lands and Waters, including by:

    • Trying to eliminate Presidential authority to establish national monuments altogether.
    • Working to dismantle President Biden’s America the Beautiful Initiative.
    • Threatening to expose cherished landscapes to new drilling, including 13 million acres of special areas in the Western Arctic.
    • Planning to reduce accountability for oil and gas companies.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Force for Good: UN’s Sustainable Development Goals at risk of being missed – 9 urgent actions needed to unlock progress as cost of SDG gap rises by 10% to US$112-136 trillion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • A new report from Force for Good – “Capital as a Force for Good: Shifting the Global Order Through the Mass Mobilization of Solutions” – finds urgent action is needed now to unlock progress and achieve the SDGs
    • It identifies ‘Nine Big Ideas’ that, if scaled globally, have the potential to unlock SDG progress from less than 66% today, to nearly 90% by the end of the decade, helping correct the annual SDG funding gap of US$14-17 trillion
    • Ideas include climate transition frameworks, AI-enabled connectivity, and universal digital financial services, through coordinated action across governments, the private sector and multi-lateral institutions, proposing a high-impact roll-out across the world

    LONDON, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Force For Good: The world is failing to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and urgent action is needed to unlock progress and overcome the growing annual SDG funding gap, which now stands at US$14-17 trillion, a new report from Force for Good finds, US$112-136 trillion in total, up 10%, due to the costs of global climate transition and development needs in the Global South.

    Today, only 16% of the goal’s 169 underlying targets are on track to be met by 2030, with 50% falling behind, and 30% regressing below their 2015 levels when the SDGs were kicked off, the report finds.

    Nine ‘Big Ideas’, including climate transition frameworks, AI-enabled connectivity, and universal digital financial services, if scaled globally, have the cumulative potential to progress SDG achievement to nearly 90%, from less than 66% today, reigniting exponential progress.

    “This report shows how the global order and the systems itself can be transformed by delivering solutions en masse across the planet, engaging everyone in this endeavour … By leveraging the strengths of governments, private companies, NGOS and mobilising the individual as an agent of change, we can create a sustainable, secure, and prosperous future,” said Ketan Patel, Chair of the Advisory Council.

    The world’s failure to meet the goals is being driven by a series of interrelated economic, political, geopolitical and environmental shocks – including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and Gaza, the energy, cost-of-living and climate crises – interacting with one another to create a ‘polycrisis’ that is diverting attention and resources away from sustainable development.

    A mass and fast roll out of the ‘Nine Big Ideas’, sponsored by appropriate champions across government, private sector or multi-lateral institutions, working with the United Nations, can make a transformative impact on developing countries, while benefitting the global economy.

    While the mass mobilisation of solutions will take a global effort, the largest developing countries, particularly India, China, and Brazil, account for two-thirds of the world’s sustainable development potential. These countries represent the first wave of opportunity in a multi-wave project to realize the future faster.

    Meeting the SDGs is a crucial step for the world in the transition to the next era of human civilization, building a platform on which further breakthroughs and technologies can create a sustainable, secure and superior future.

    About Force for Good

    Force for Good’s mission is to mobilize capital, resources, and ideas as a force for good in the world at a time of profound change. The organization’s Capital as a Force for Good Initiative engages the world’s leading financial institutions and other stakeholders, to promote sustainable development through the deployment of capital and solutions to address global issues and enable the transition to a better future.

    The annual Capital as a Force for Good report, now in its fourth edition, is the result of collaboration with the United Nations and major global financial institutions, assessing the role of capital in addressing the world’s most pressing issues.

    Institutions actively engaged include Bank of America, BlackRock, Bridgewater Associates, Citi, Credit Suisse, Fidelity Investments, First Abu Dhabi Bank, GIC Singapore, Goldman Sachs, Great-West Lifeco, HDFC Bank, HSBC, Investec Group, Japan Post Holdings, JPMorgan Chase, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Lloyds Banking Group, Morgan Stanley, Nomura, Nordea, Northern Trust, OMERS, Putnam Investments, Schroders, State Street, UBS, Wellington, and others.

    For further details, please visit www.forcegood.org

    CONTACTS

    Force For Good Contact:
    Lesley Whittle
    Lesley.whittle@forcegood.org

    *ESG News is a proud supporter of Force for Good

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Science Activation Program Wins Prestigious Award

    Source: NASA

    The NASA Science Activation (SciAct) Program has been selected to receive the American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2024 Excellence in Earth and Space Science Education Award. This prestigious, annual award, established in 1995, honors a mid-career or senior scientist team, individual, or group that has demonstrated a sustained commitment to broad, positive impact on Earth and space science education at any education level from kindergarten through postgraduate studies.

    SciAct engages learners of all ages in all 50 states and 4 US territories with Earth and space science. Through an extensive network of nearly 600 partners, SciAct develops, co-creates, validates, and disseminates effective learning resources and activities to support the needs of learners in their pursuit of knowledge, including specific underrepresented groups such as: Black, blind and low vision, community college, differently abled, Hispanic, immigrant, Indigenous, multilingual, neurodiverse, rural, and other underserved communities. Furthermore, SciAct project teams share lessons-learned and best practices across the SciAct community to facilitate ongoing learning and growth for the entire SciAct community, ensuring the implementation of ever-more effective approaches for reaching all learners. 

    Since SciAct began in January 2016, its network has grown in strength and capacity. When reach data were collected for the first time in 2019, SciAct reported 15 million learner interactions. Four years later, in 2023, SciAct reported nearly 76 million learner interactions, a 506% increase. With many SciAct resources freely available online, 10 million of those interactions occurred across 170 other countries. In April 2024 alone, as part of a larger NASA-led eclipse mobilization, SciAct reported more than 62 million learner interactions, intentionally bringing the excitement of that celestial event to people in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada, to include learners far beyond the path of totality.

    The SciAct model is built on a foundation of NASA science. NASA Earth and space science research content areas, missions, scientists and other technical experts, and data are the building blocks of all SciAct learning resources and activities. Nearly 1,000 subject matter experts support the SciAct program to ensure science content is accurate, up-to-date, and – working with education/learning experts – accessible to diverse learner communities. Through these interactions, SciAct also influences scientists, showing them effective ways to contribute towards learning goals and reach new audiences. An increasing number of activities are specifically focused on giving scientists – especially early career scientists – the skills and knowledge to connect with learners outside the research community. 

    SciAct began as an experiment for conducting NASA Science education and outreach in a new, more coordinated way. Eight years later, that experiment has given rise to a powerful and effective approach for sharing the wonder of NASA science, content, and experts with the world. It is an honor for the NASA Science Activation program to be recognized by AGU, the world’s largest Earth and space science association, for its role in advancing science, transforming our understanding of the world, impacting our everyday lives, improving our communities, and contributing to solutions for a sustainable future.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor issues executive order expanding and investing in climate-ready and infrastructure workforce for New Mexico

    Source: US State of New Mexico

    SANTA FE – Today, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced an Executive Order to expedite New Mexico’s transition to a clean energy economy and address the critical need for infrastructure development across the state.

    The Executive Order reflects pressing needs of New Mexico communities such as Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache Nation, which suffered extensive fire and flooding damage which the governor discussed with residents during town halls last week.

    Gov. Lujan Grisham’s Executive Order will enable the state to leverage billions of federal and state dollars to ensure that New Mexico’s workforce is prepared for the work of modernizing transportation, telecommunications, water, and energy systems. The Executive Order also dovetails with Lujan Grisham’s role as co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance and her leadership of the organization’s upcoming Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative.

    “Communities that have been devastated by natural disasters are wisely demanding that we sustainably manage the forests, build bridges that withstand flooding, and harden our telecommunications infrastructure against the threat of fire,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “In short, they are demanding climate-ready infrastructure.”

    Lujan Grisham said record investments in public infrastructure and the clean energy transition have spiked demand for labor, necessitating a coordinated approach to training workers from all backgrounds to fill these high-quality jobs.

    “New Mexico is ready to get to work on implementation of the U.S. Climate Alliance Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, and this Executive Order provides the blueprint for doing so,” the governor said.

    So far, New Mexico is investing nearly $2.5 billion through the American Rescue Plan, $5.3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and over $217 million from the Inflation Reduction Act. These historic investments, combined with $2.5 billion allocated by the state in the 2024 legislative session, will help the state strengthen infrastructure and climate resilience.

    Federal initiatives, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS and Science Act, are expected to create nearly 3 million jobs nationwide, with approximately 70% of these jobs accessible to workers without a college degree. In addition, the state’s new Office of Housing is tackling the statewide housing shortage of 40,000 units, while working across sectors to ensure we meet the range of public infrastructure needs associated with new housing. 

    The increasing risks of heat, fire, floods, and other severe weather also demand investments in infrastructure that is designed, built and maintained to withstand climate impacts and meet the needs of communities for decades to come. For example, the Ruidoso wastewater treatment plant is investing in solar power to provide more resilient services when disaster occurs.

    As New Mexico embarks on large-scale infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams, water systems, broadband, and affordable housing, the collaborative work outlined in the Executive Order will help mitigate rising construction costs and address workforce shortages in many high-demand sectors.

    “Achieving the ambitious goals that Gov. Lujan Grisham has set out in this Executive Order will require participating agencies to establish innovative new partnerships with industry, trade unions, apprenticeship programs, educational institutions and other partners,” said Department of Workforce Solutions Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “Recent natural disasters in New Mexico demonstrate the need to build an energy sector that can help prevent and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Together, we can overcome gaps in New Mexico’s workforce and fulfill the promise of federal and state climate-ready infrastructure investments.

    The Executive Order sets the framework for a strategic and unified approach to enhance infrastructure and clean energy workforce training, including: 

    • Collaborative Effort Across 11 State Agencies and Offices: Key state agencies—including the Departments of Workforce Solutions, Transportation, Environment, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources, Public Education, and Higher Education—will coordinate efforts to plan, develop, and track infrastructure and climate-ready workforce training.  
    • Equity and Inclusion:  Workforce policies and programs will prioritize equity and expand opportunities for workers from rural, underrepresented, and underserved communities.  
    • Infrastructure and Climate-Ready Workforce Goals: New Mexico will train 2,000 workers in climate-ready professions by 2026. 
    • Support for Workers and Communities: Innovative strategies, including wraparound services such as childcare and transportation, will help ensure that workers can successfully enter and advance in clean energy careers. The order also calls for strong collaboration with Tribes, pueblos, nations, and other local communities. 

    In coordination with federal, state, and private entities, the state has already embarked on the following climate-ready and infrastructure workforce development initiatives: 

    • Industry Credential Pipeline Program: Led by the New Mexico Department of Transportation in coordination with the Department of Workforce Solutions, this program addresses worker shortages in the transportation sector through targeted credentialing. 
    • Workforce Training & Apprenticeship Fund: A $30 million state investment to support registered apprenticeship programs in key sectors, ensuring pathways to high-paying jobs. 
    • Higher Education Programs: The New Mexico Higher Education Department has secured $20 million per year for the next three years to fund students pursuing non-credit certifications and industry-recognized credentials, with additional funding for expanding Integrated Education & Training programs. 
    • Residential and Commercial Electrification and Energy Efficiency: The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is managing over $2 million across three grant programs to train workers on the newest building codes, train and certify contractors for residential energy projects, and train workers to conduct energy audits of commercial and residential buildings. 
    • Technical Assistance: The Department of Workforce Solutions recently received a $1.5 million technical assistance grant from the Families and Workers Fund to develop plans and convene key partners to expand the state’s qualified infrastructure and clean energy workforce capacity.  

    The Executive Order connects to several Lujan Grisham administration initiatives that direct climate readiness into all aspects of infrastructure development. For example, the 2024-2027 Statewide Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Plan identified infrastructure, climate resilience, and clean energy as priority sectors for the state.

    The order also directs state agencies to appoint a liaison to work with the Department of Workforce Solutions to track progress and ensure alignment with the state’s broader workforce, infrastructure, and climate goals. Additionally, the order encourages collaboration across sectors to foster climate-ready skills and credentials that support economic mobility.

    The Department of Workforce Solutions will publish an annual Infrastructure and Climate-Ready Workforce Report starting in 2025, providing comprehensive data on workforce outcomes, investments, and areas for improvement.

    The Governor’s Executive Order is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: U.S. Climate Alliance launches Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, aims to train 1 million new registered apprentices by 2035

    Source: Washington State News

    Gov. Jay Inslee, who co-founded the bipartisan U.S. Climate Alliance in 2017, joined his co-chairs and national climate advisor Ali Zaidi at Climate Week NYC to announce a new workforce initiative. This initiative complements programs already underway in Washington state to help more people train for jobs and careers in clean energy, climate resiliency and restoration.

    Full press release below. A livestream of the press event is available at USCA’s Climate Week NYC webpage.

    U.S. Climate Alliance launches Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, aims to train 1 million new registered apprentices by 2035

    NEW YORK, NY — The U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 24 governors representing approximately 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population, today launched the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative to grow career pathways in climate and clean energy fields, strengthen workforce diversity, and jointly train 1 million new registered apprentices by 2035 across the Alliance’s states and territories.

    Today’s announcement was made at a Climate Week NYC event featuring Alliance co-chairs New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, founding member Washington Governor Jay Inslee, and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.

    “In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “As a co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, I’m proud to be collaborating with states, industry leaders, labor unions, higher education and community organizations to create the jobs of the future required to build a clean, equitable, and resilient economy. A skilled and well-prepared workforce will drive innovation, create new businesses, and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for our country.”

    “We need a climate-ready workforce — from EV technicians and heat pump installers to solar panel manufacturers — to meet our carbon reduction goals,” said New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “The Executive Order I’m issuing today in conjunction with the Alliance’s new Workforce Initiative will help ensure that workers from all backgrounds have access to the skills and training needed for high-quality, climate-ready jobs across New Mexico.”

    “We’re aligning our ambitious climate policies with workforce development to have 1 million more workers poised to take these good-paying, union jobs that serve our communities and strengthen our economies,” said Washington Gov. Jay Gov. Inslee. “These are economy-wide jobs, not just in clean energy but building trades, land management, clean technology and more. Climate Alliance states have a track record of meeting our ambitious goals and that momentum continues today.”

    “Under President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, we are bringing down the barriers to economic opportunity, lowering costs for American families, and catalyzing a renaissance of American-made manufacturing that is creating jobs across America. In fact, just last year, we added over 250,000 new American energy jobs — with clean energy jobs growing twice as fast as the rest of the sector,” said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “Governors across America are at the forefront of our efforts to spur growth in union jobs, expand American energy production, and invest in the economic success of our communities. Today’s announcement will help capitalize on our momentum to create a climate-ready workforce that is rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, communities, and industrial strength.” 

    The Initiative’s launch comes as historic federal investments, combined with ambitious state climate action, have unleashed a significant expansion of good-paying and union jobs in climate-ready fields — with millions more anticipated in the coming years under the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This includes high-quality jobs not only in clean energy and clean technology sectors — such as wind, solar, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and batteries — but also in fields associated with climate resilience and natural climate solutions.

    Under this Initiative, Alliance states and territories will collaborate to collectively support 1 million new workers in completing Registered Apprenticeship programs across the coalition by 2035. These programs, registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or federally approved State Apprenticeship Agencies, provide an especially valuable and proven career pathway, empowering workers to earn while they learn in key climate-ready occupations and industries.

    Alliance members will also advance a series of collective goals aimed at strengthening and expanding pathways into a wide variety of climate-ready professions critical to building a clean, equitable, and resilient net-zero future. The Initiative’s goals include boosting job quality and ensuring climate-ready employment pathways lead to good-paying, high-quality jobs; expanding opportunities for workers from underrepresented and underserved communities; and promoting the use of stackable and portable credentials in climate-ready fields to build transferable skills, support reskilling and upskilling, and strengthen workers’ economic mobility. A full list of the Initiative’s goals can be found here.

    Finally, to advance sector-specific strategies, Alliance members will work together through new multi-state cohorts focused on in-demand, climate-ready fields. These cohorts will provide a platform for states and territories to increase collaboration, share evidence-based practices, engage experts and stakeholders, and develop sectoral workforce solutions that can be scaled across the country. Cohorts to be launched in the Initiative’s first year will focus on careers in the following areas:

    • Clean Energy, Fuels, and Technologies: Led by Michigan and New Jersey, this cohort will focus on careers in the design, construction, and maintenance of a clean, affordable, and resilient power system; the manufacturing and deployment of zero-emission vehicles and technologies; and the development and distribution of alternative, low-carbon fuels.
    • Clean Buildings and Industry: Led by Maine and Massachusetts, this cohort will focus on careers in the engineering, design, construction, retrofitting, maintenance, and operation of buildings and industrial processes that are clean, energy-efficient, healthy, and resilient.
    • Resilient Communities and Lands: Led by Arizona and Vermont, this cohort will focus on careers in the development and maintenance of safe, livable, and resilient communities; preparedness for and response to climate impacts such as extreme heat, wildfires, severe storms, flooding, and drought; and the deployment of natural climate solutions and climate-smart stewardship of our lands and waters. 

    The Initiative will be led by Alliance states and territories with support from the Alliance’s Secretariat. In implementing the Initiative, Alliance members will customize efforts to meet their individual needs and challenges, while working together to achieve the collective goals. States and territories will also collaborate directly with their workforce development system partners, labor unions, higher education institutions, industry, and other key partners that bring substantial expertise and experience in this work.

    This Initiative builds on a number of federal-state collaborations between the Alliance’s members and the Biden-Harris Administration, including a White House convening with Alliance governors’ offices in May focused on creating good-paying jobs and mobilizing a diverse workforce in climate and clean energy.

    Additional information on the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Announces 3,000 Illegal Guns Off Our Streets – A Direct Result Of Her Anti-Gun Trafficking Provision In The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    In Just Over Two Years, Gillibrand’s Statute Has Allowed Law Enforcement To Seize More Than 3K Guns Nationwide And 250 In New York

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a video press conference to announce a major new milestone in the seizure of illegal guns under the anti-gun trafficking statute in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was shaped by Gillibrand’s Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act. As of this month, the anti-gun trafficking statute has gotten more than 3,000 illegal guns off our streets, including 1,000 confirmed within the last 6 months alone.  

    The seized weapons included: 

    • 317 AR-15s and AR-style weapons;
    • 478 machine gun conversion devices, which can convert semi-automatic pistols and rifles into fully automatic weapons in under a minute;
    • 206 ghost guns, homemade firearms that are completely untraceable – and a favorite of criminals.

    The statute has also been used to charge 423 defendants in 33 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, and to secure at least 118 convictions nationwide. 

    “While we still have a lot of work to do to fight the scourge of gun violence, we’ve made incredible progress prosecuting criminals and getting dangerous and deadly weapons off our streets in the two years my anti-gun trafficking statute has been in effect,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I anticipate many more gun seizures, arrests, and convictions as a result of this statute in the years to come, and I will continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle to pass commonsense gun safety legislation.”

    Senator Gillibrand’s Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act formed the centerpiece of BSCA’s anti-gun trafficking provision. Gillibrand first introduced the bill in 2009 after meeting with the family of Nyasia Pryear-Yard, who tragically lost her life at 17 years old when she was shot by a perpetrator using an illegally trafficked gun. Gillibrand worked with Nyasia’s mother, Jennifer Pryear, to pass the bill into law, and they attended the bill signing together in 2022.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Cuba’s inclusion in the list of ‘state sponsors of terrorism’ – E-001475/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU considers that the United States (US) embargo and connected measures such as the inclusion of Cuba in the US list of countries sponsoring terrorism (SST) have a negative impact on the Cuban population and are an important factor — even if not the only one — in the serious economic crisis the country is undergoing.

    The EU and Member States have consistently supported the United Nations (UN) Declaration against the US embargo on Cuba, which is voted yearly (last time in November 2023)[1].

    The US removal of Cuba from its list of countries not fully cooperating on counterterrorism efforts (in May 2024) is a positive step and it is hoped that the US will also be able to complete the process by removing Cuba from the SST list.

    On every pertinent occasion, the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) and/or his services pass clear messages to its US interlocutors in line with the UN Declaration, reiterating the need to end the embargo and the importance of removing Cuba from the SST list.

    The HR/VP and/or his services also take these opportunities to recall that external trade and foreign investment can play a crucial role in setting the island on a path towards modernisation and reform.

    • [1] https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/11/1143112
    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Dispute panel established to review certain tax credits under US Inflation Reduction Act

    Source: World Trade Organization

    DS623: United States — Certain Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

    China submitted its second request to establish a panel to determine whether certain tax credits under the United States Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are in line with WTO rules. The United States said it was not in a position to agree to China’s first request in July, justifying its actions as necessary to combat climate change. China stated that the IRA’s subsidies favour US goods over imports, violating WTO rules prohibiting such discrimination.

    The United States expressed disappointment over China’s decision to pursue a panel request and reiterated that the IRA is its most significant step toward clean energy, aimed at ensuring secure and sustainable supply chains for a global clean energy future.

    The DSB agreed to the establishment of the panel. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, the European Union, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Norway, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and Venezuela reserved their third party rights to participate in the panel proceedings.

    DS597: United States – Origin Marking Requirement (Hong Kong, China)

    For the 12th time, the United States raised the matter of the panel ruling in DS597 at a DSB meeting. The US said it was raising the matter again as a result of recent developments in Hong Kong, China regarding free speech and human rights. The US referred back to its previous statements regarding its position on essential security and its reasons for placing this item on the DSB agenda.

    Hong Kong, China criticized the US for once again raising this matter at the DSB. It referred to previous WTO panels that dismissed US claims that invoking national security in defense of a trade-restrictive measure is entirely self-judging.  Any objections should be heard by the WTO’s Appellate Body, which remains blocked due to the US refusal to allow appointment of new Appellate Body members, said Hong Kong, China.

    China reiterated its firm belief that a restored appeal mechanism is the proper place to address claims of panel error made by the US and rejected in the strongest terms what it said was US interference in the internal affairs of another WTO member.

    Appellate Body appointments

    Speaking on behalf of 130 members, Colombia introduced for the 79th time the group’s proposal to start the selection processes for filling vacancies on the Appellate Body. The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common interest in the functioning of the Appellate Body and, more generally, in the functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, Colombia said.

    The United States repeated that it does not support the proposed decision to commence the appointment of Appellate Body members as its longstanding concerns with WTO dispute settlement remain unaddressed.

    Twenty members then took the floor to comment. Many of these members referred to their previous statements made on this matter at earlier DSB meetings and underlined the urgent need to meet the mandates set out at the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences in 2022 and early 2024 respectively to conduct discussions with the view to having a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all members by 2024.

    Several members welcomed the progress being made in the formal dispute settlement reform process now underway and the need to accelerate discussions to achieve the 2024 goal.

    Colombia, speaking on behalf of the 130 members, said it regretted that for the 79th occasion members have not been able to launch the selection processes. Ongoing conversations about reform of the dispute settlement system should not prevent the Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and members shall comply with their obligation under the DSU to fill the vacancies as they arise, Colombia said for the group.

    The DSB chair, Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Saudi Arabia), concluded by expressing his full support for the facilitator in the dispute settlement reform discussions, Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady of Mauritius, in her efforts towards achieving a positive outcome within the mandated time frame.

    Other business

    Surveillance of implementation

    The United States presented status reports with regard to DS184, “US — Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Products from Japan”,  DS160, “United States — Section 110(5) of US Copyright Act”, DS464, “United States — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Measures on Large Residential Washers from Korea”, and DS471, “United States — Certain Methodologies and their Application to Anti-Dumping Proceedings Involving China.”

    The European Union presented a status report with regard to DS291, “EC — Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products.”

    Indonesia presented its status reports in DS477 and DS478, “Indonesia — Importation of Horticultural Products, Animals and Animal Products.” 

    Next meeting

    The next regular DSB meeting will take place on 28 October.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill  Biden at an Event to Launch Partnership for a Lead-Free  Future

    Source: The White House

    New York City, New York

    Thank you.

    It’s great to be with so many world leaders, your Excellencies from Malawi, the Dominican Republic, and Nepal.

    Director General of the World Health Organization and President Banga of the World Bank, I’m glad to see you both again. And I appreciate your support of this new coalition.

    I’m also grateful to Open Philanthropy, which has been at the forefront of the fight against lead poisoning in children for many years.

    To Cathy Russell and Administrator Power: thank you for inviting me to join you today.

    Cathy and I have known each other for decades. Beyond the causes we both care so deeply about—from expanding opportunities for women to protecting and lifting up children—I’m grateful for our friendship. You and the team at UNICEF take on some of the world’s toughest challenges and you make a difference in every life you touch. Thank you.

    And Samantha Power, Joe’s intrepid Administrator of USAID, I am inspired by all that you do. The only thing greater than your determination to tackle humanitarian challenges around the world is your optimism for creating a healthier, safer, brighter future for people everywhere.

    Several years ago, I traveled to Jordan.

    There, I met Ms. Maha, a principal of an all-girls’ school.

    More and more families were arriving to her community from Syria after fleeing violence. And Ms. Maha’s school was already at capacity.

    One day, a mother showed up, desperate to enroll her daughter.

    The mother had tried and been turned away at so many other schools.

    So, with tears in her eyes, she pleaded with Ms. Maha to find a place for her daughter.

    Ms. Maha loves her students. And she said, “I think love is giving as much as you can.”

    So she made a promise.

    Send your daughter to class with a chair, and she can enroll.

    In the days that followed, more and more young girls showed up—carrying any chair they could find—so they could go to school and learn.

    As educators, we don’t sit with problems.

    We solve them.

    I saw this in the classrooms I visited in rural Malawi.

    The teachers found inventive ways for their students to learn through songs, rhythm, and repetition.

    Even from my own experience, like four years ago, when the pandemic hit and schools in the United States went silent.

    Overnight, educators had to learn how to use Zoom and reimagine lesson plans so we could reach our students.

    Our world is full of complexities and conflicts.

    But for the problems we can solve we can’t hesitate.

    In Principal Maha’s words: We must give as much as we can.

    Every year, the United Nations General Assembly meets to recognize our shared challenges and to find ways to overcome them.

    Right now, around the world, parents give their children toys so they can learn and play.

    They prepare meals with everyday cookware to keep their family fed.

    All the while, dangerous amounts of lead seep into their lives.

    And the consequences are irreversible.

    These children will never reach the full potential they were born with because lead poisoning is so pervasive.

    But it’s a problem we can solve.

    I’m proud that this new partnership is committing more than $150 million, which will jumpstart efforts to end childhood lead exposure in developing countries.

    This funding is 10 times more than what’s been spent annually on this problem to date.

    And it has a coalition behind it: Partners—from governments to industry to advocates—who will phase out lead from everyday products, enforce safe standards, and create a lead-free future for every child.

    Through the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future, UNICEF and USAID believe we can end childhood lead poisoning by 2040.

    Education is my life’s work.

    And I often think of what leaders might learn from teachers, who know that the future isn’t some far off place.

    It’s right before them, in their students who are striving to learn and grow. 

    Teachers who don’t stop at problems, they push through.

    Teachers who love what they do. And love is giving as much as you can.

    Children will reach for the promise that resides within them—if we do our part, everything we can, to break down the barriers in their way.

    It’s going to take all of us, pulling up chairs and joining this coalition to end lead poisoning.

    That future is within our grasp.

    Let’s reach for it, together.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call for bids: Promoting sustainable mining in Peru

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The British Embassy in Lima is seeking bids for a practical action research project that will build insights to push forward mining and human rights in Peru.

    The British Embassy in Lima is seeking bids for a practical action research project that will build insights on how to push forward mining and human rights in Peru. Results from the project should inform partner interventions and policymaking and strengthen the UK’s reputation as an ally to sustainable growth in Peru.

    1.       Background

    The UK is a global promoter of responsible business practices: it aims to ensure that companies abide by human rights standards in all their activities, as it benefits business and communities, and contributes to the goal of building democratic societies and sustainable development. The UK was the first country to produce a National Action Plan based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and is a member of a cross-government Working Group on Business and Human Rights. As such, the FCDO supports countries in adhering to the UNGPs and other voluntary commitments.

    Globally, the past years have seen an explosion of mandatory and voluntary regulation regarding responsible business practices, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, the ILO’s Tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy. Similarly, the OECD has adopted Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct and a Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct.

    These regulations play a role in Peru’s business ecosystem. During a 2017 visit by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, the government committed to creating a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. The final 2021-2025 Plan was published in June 2021 -the second in the region- after multistakeholder consultations. While it is currently in its implementation phase, the Mesa Multiactor has had limited activity. In 2020, the OECD recommended that Peru effectively implement existing laws and policies regarding responsible business practices. Further, CSOs have proposed a bill that would regulate human rights due diligence.

    In this context, a critical area of impact for business and human rights is Peru’s mining sector. Mining activity concentrates significant, long-term foreign investment, and is increasingly affected by human rights standards. Despite continued efforts from mining companies, in an environment that is still adapting to responsible mining practices it remains difficult to mitigate the negative externalities of business operations and reduce barriers. These difficulties are compounded by the growth of illegal and informal mining, which represents a significant portion of resource extraction.

    Across the region, valuable efforts have been made to map existing National Action Plans, policies, legislation, and best practices (see, for example, Danish Institute of Human Rights, 2019; KAS, 2023; UNHCHR, 2022; Global NAPS; SNMPE, 2023). However, there is space to move research into action to ensure the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, UN Guiding Principles and similar voluntary documents become a reality. As such, the British Embassy would like to support an action research project that would push forward mining and human rights in Peru. This falls in line with Priority Theme 3 (Business and Human Rights) of our country Human Rights and Gender Equality Strategy 2023-2025.

    2.       Objective and scope of work

    The objective of the work is to support the UK’s commitment to sustainable growth and human rights in Peru. Projects should adopt a practical action research approach, with clear research and programmatic components. Successful bidders will demonstrate a creative, impactful approach to ensure that voluntary standards in business and human rights are clear for Peruvian stakeholders and move the field forward towards effective implementation.

    Bids should look to demonstrate their ability to deliver a project that includes:

    a) Research and analysis.

    • A comprehensive assessment of the current state of formal and informal mining and human rights in Peru, referencing existing national and international voluntary. commitments, with emphasis on OECD guidelines.
    • Map the existing mining and human rights ecosystem in Peru, with emphasis on barriers and facilitators action. Proposals that include informal mining in their mapping will be especially welcome.

    b) Technical assistance

    • Provide technical assistance to relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to government agencies, mining companies and civil society organizations, to support the implementation of voluntary commitments on business and human rights.
    • Monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of technical assistance.

    3.       Project Budget

    Project proposals of up to £60,000 = S/274,800 / $72,000. We are looking for projects that can begin in October 2024 and be completed by March 2025. Implementers should spend 100% of their allocation by March 2025.

    4.       Assessment

    Bids will be assessed against the following criteria:

    • strategic fit – alignment with stated objectives and scope of work expected.
    • project viability – including a realistic description of methodology and activities to deliver the outcome and deliverables (outputs) within the project duration and sustainability after the project ends.
    • stakeholder management – including the capacity of the implementing organisation to engage with key stakeholders, including diverse business, government and civil society stakeholders present in Peru, and involve local/international expertise to deliver expected outcomes.
    • project design – including clear achievable objectives and outputs
    • value for money
    • risk management
    • experience and understanding of the current mining and human rights context in Peru.

    5.       How to Bid

    Please complete the attached “Project Proposal Form” and “Activity Based Budget” using the guidance provided.

    Completed forms should be sent in standard document and spreadsheet formats in English or Spanish to BEProjectsPeru@fcdo.gov.uk by 11:59pm September 26, with “Call for bids Mining and Human Rights” in the subject line of your email.

    Bids submitted after this date will not be considered. Bids can be submitted at any time up to the indicated deadline.

    Bidders will be notified via email of the outcome of assessments in early October. Due to the volume of bids expected, we will not be able to provide feedback on unsuccessful bids.

    Organisations can submit up to a maximum of 2 proposals; bids for projects that include engagement with stakeholders outside of Lima are particularly welcome.

    Please also familiarise yourself at an early stage with the standard ‘Grant Agreement Template’ attached.

    What to Include in the Bid Form?

    • Overview of project or activity.
    • How it fits with the UK’s approach to the relevant priority; and why the UK should fund the project or activity.
    • How the project or activity will create an impact and lead to change.
    • Rationale– including why the project or activity should take place now.
    • Where relevant, evidence of support from Peruvian government actors for the project or activity and that it complements their own strategy.
    • Information about how the impact will be sustained after the project or activity has been completed.

    Proposals must be submitted on the authorised forms and include an activity-based budget (ABB) in soles/US dollars. Value for money is an important selection criterion and if you do not submit a detailed ABB then your proposal will not be considered. 

    6.       Key documents

    • Proposal Form for Activities / Projects between £10,000 and £80,000 Template_Project_Proposal (ODT, 77.5 KB)
    • Activity Based Budget (ABB) Template_Activity Based Budget Template (ODS, 10.2 KB)
    • Value for money and budgeting guidance Value for money and budgeting guidance (ODT, 13.8 KB)
    • Model Grant Agreement Template_Accountable Grant Low Value Arrangement (ODT, 94.5 KB)

    7.       Contacts

    Please contact BEProjectsPeru@fcdo.gov.uk. with any questions or queries.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals in Puerto Rico Add Man Wanted in New York to 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List

    Source: US Marshals Service

    San Juan, PR – The U.S. Marshals Service District of Puerto Rico has added to its 10 Most Wanted fugitives list a man wanted by the Irondequoit, New York, Police Department on four charges of second-degree murder and charges of narcotics.

    Luis Francisco Soriano, aka Jefry Yeyo, 31, of Dominican Republic, is suspected to have been involved in a quadruple homicide Aug. 31 near Rochester, New York. Two of the victims were children, 2 and 4. Soriano is believed to have fled to Puerto Rico, where authorities are actively searching for him.

    The U.S. Marshals in Puerto Rico request the public’s assistance in capturing dangerous fugitives, such as Soriano. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement or the U.S. Marshals directly.

    “Given the nature of Soriano’s alleged crimes, his danger to the community at large and ability to elude law enforcement, the U.S. Marshals in Puerto Rico have added him our 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list,” said Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico. “Soriano and his co-conspirators committed a horrendous crime against a family, whose children were innocent victims and did not deserve a cruel death. We will not allow terror, violence and impunity to take over our communities. That is why we are seeking the public’s assistance in getting this dangerous individual in custody so that he can face justice.”

    Soriano is 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs approximately 150 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He has four moles under his right eye and tattoos on both arms. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

    The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) encourages the community to continue to collaborate with our deputies on tips that help find the whereabouts of a fugitive by contacting our local office at (787) 766-6297, calling the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1 (800) 336-0102, or submitting tips using the USMS Tips App. You can also contact the case agents at (787) 306-9411 or (787) 412-1462.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexico: ICITAP Training and Mentoring Lead to Accreditation and High-Tech Equipment in Baja California Sur

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    On June 11, the ICITAP-Mexico mission provided an update on its impact on the criminal justice system in Baja California Sur. In 2022, the state of Baja California Sur acquired high-tech equipment for its forensic chemistry laboratory for the detection of street and pharmaceutical drugs in biological samples. The equipment uses liquid chromatography coupled with a high-resolution mass spectrometry detector capable of detecting up to 64 drugs in a single sample. Until 2023, it was the only state in Mexico with this technology. The degree of error is so low that it allows experts to differentiate with high precision between one substance and another and even identify new substances that are not reported in databases or libraries which is of vital importance because new drugs appear on the market every day. In addition, sellers have been known to mix various substances and this equipment is sensitive enough to be able to identify them. The Baja California Sur forensic chemistry laboratory achieved ANAB accreditation in January 2020, which guarantees that it operates with internationally recognized standards of quality. For this achievement, ICITAP-Mexico, through its expert advisors, collaborated with the laboratory by providing training, advice and support since 2018. It should be noted that the implementation of a culture of quality standards in forensic services led the state to make an investment for the acquisition of the new technology. ICITAP continues to advise in the development of methods necessary for its proper use. Seven in-state analyses of post-mortem biological samples were recently analyzed in five cases and in all of them fentanyl was identified along with various other drugs. These samples were obtained largely from cases involving foreigners. These different adulterants with fentanyl were identified thanks to the additional scope provided by the new technology. As the only state to have this equipment and methodology until 2023, other states requested support for sample analysis from Baja California Sur including Chihuahua, Morelos, and Tabasco. The presence or lack of drugs in the biological samples have been a factor in the prosecution of various cases in these states. ICITAP wholeheartedly supports this type of collaboration between states. To date Guanajuato, Sonora and the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) have also acquired this technology. The use of this equipment will have many more advantages for Mexico, once the prosecutors’ offices understand the scope of this type of analysis and exploit the capacity of the equipment, but for the moment the ICITAP-trained Baja California Sur laboratory is already capable of responding to increasingly complex situations and cases involving illicit substances. In Mexico, ICITAP works with the support of and in coordination with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Habeas Corpus (constitutional challenge, “Amparo”) granted against the Ministry of Energy, Mexico – BERDEJA Y BUTLER CONSULTORES, S.C.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Santa Fe, Mexico City, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Amparo en contra de la Secretaría de Energía, México

    Verfassungsbeschwerde gegen das Energieministerium, Mexiko

    Berdeja y Butler Consultores, S.C. (“the Firm”) has achieved a significant legal victory securing an Amparo against  Mexico’s Ministry of Energy, challenging its Decree imposing maximum tariffs on ‘UVIEs’ -verifiers for conformity in electrical installations to the Mexican Official Standards (“NOMs”), “the Decree”, dated September 5, 2022.

    The Amparo was granted in October 2023 and ratified on 4th July 2024 by the First Collegiate Circuit Court in Administrative Matters Specialising in Economic Competition, Broadcasting & Telecommunications.

    The illegal imposition of maximum rates discouraged the work of the UVIEs, promoted simulation, and generated uncertainty for customers, who, due to the improper actions of the authorities, believed that below-market rates were valid; that is, below the rates formally registered by each UVIE with the Ministry of Economy. In other words, the Ministry of Energy was distorting the market and services provided by the UVIEs, and their economics because they had to judicially defend themselves from the now judged illegal Decree.

    The Decree violates the principles of statement of reasons, foundation -constitutional, conventional, and legal–, legal certainty, free competition, job freedom, efficient economy, and the supremacy of the rule of law by prioritising a public interest artificially constructed by the Decree.

    The granting of the definitive Amparo will generate the following benefits: 1. Recover legal and economic certainty in the UVIE-clients relationship; 2. Remove the distortion of UVIE rates in the relevant market; 3. Eliminate the constraint on the UVIE’s job freedom; 4. Reconfirm that the powers of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Economy are limited; it constrained their arbitrariness; 5. Clarify the difference between the regulated electricity industry and the electricity sector; 6. Enforce the international treaties to which Mexico is a party, as well as Mexico’s Constitution and laws; in summary, the rule of law in Mexico.

    There are key industries that need to be properly defended against legislative changes or acts of authority. These include energy: oil & gas, and clean energies; mining for lithium & open-pit mines; and water, particularly pre-existing or granting of future concessions. When acts or ommisions of public authorities violate human rights, the Constitution is the best defense; however, if it is also violated, Conventional mechanisms for the defense and protection of international investments can be activated.

    The Firm trusts that the next President of Mexico will promote the energy sector and the rule of law, and hopes that the administration of justice will not be adversely affected by any reform to the Judiciary Power. Likewise the Firm will continue working towards legal certainty and regulatory compliance to effectively and efficiently protect its clients’ interests, and the investment attraction of Mexico; otherwise, the Firm is ready to help defending business interests in Mexico.

    Please do not hesitate to contact Carlos Berdeja Prieto, Berdeja y Butler Consultores, S.C., carlos_berdeja@bybconsultores.com; (+52)5554362055, in case any business plan related to Mexico needed to be implemented or defended.

    #Verfassungsrecht #Amparo #ConstitutionalLaw #Energie #Energia #Energy #Mexiko #México #Mexico #JuristischeDienstleistungen #LegalServices #ServiciosLegales #Investitionen #Investments #Inversiones #RegulatorischeCompliance #CumplimientoRegulatrorio #RegulatoryCompliance #WirtschaftlicherWettbewerb #EconomicCompetition #CompetenciaEconomica

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Red Cat Holdings Reports Financial Results for Fiscal First Quarter 2025 and Provides Corporate Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, reports its financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended July 31, 2024 and provides a corporate update.

    Recent Operational Highlights:

    • Presented drone solutions to high-level officials, at multiple Defense Conferences, including the U.S Marine Corps (Modern Day Marine), domestic and international Special Operations Forces (SOF Week), and European Union and NATO forces at Eurosatory 2024 in Paris, France.
    • Announced development of a new Family of Small ISR and Precision Strike Systems at Eurosatory 2024.
    • Recently closed FlightWave asset purchase agreement.
    • Launched Robotics and Autonomous Systems Industry Consortium called Red Cat Futures Initiative.

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights:

    • Quarterly revenue of $2.8 million, representing 59% year-over-year growth.
    • Ended the quarter with cash of $7.7 million.
    • Guidance of $50-$55 million for calendar year 2025 exclusive of government or NATO programs of record.
    • Record backlog of $13 million.

    “Red Cat continues to see significant global demand and year-over-year growth with a strong pipeline and backlog,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This is being driven by strong domestic and international adoption and sales across our entire Family of Systems, which now includes the Edge 130 Blue. Our guidance for the upcoming 2025 calendar year of $50 – $55 million will continue our growth trend as we await news around the U.S. Army’s Short-Range Reconnaissance Program of Record and prepare to scale up production capacity.”

    “We are reporting 59% year-over-year growth and $13 million in backlog for the first quarter of fiscal 2025,” stated Leah Lunger, Chief Financial Officer. “Having officially closed the acquisition of FlightWave Aerospace System, we look forward to integrating the Edge 130 Blue into our Family of Systems, which will open new revenue streams and partnership opportunities with companies in our Futures Initiative. We also have significant market potential for NDAA compliant FPV precision strike drones within our innovation roadmap.”

    Conference Call Today

    CEO Jeff Thompson and CFO Leah Lunger will host an earnings conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 23, 2024 to review financial results and provide an update on corporate developments. Following management’s formal remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session.

    Interested parties can listen to the conference call by dialing 1-844-413-3977 (within the U.S.) or 1-412-317-1803 (international). Callers should dial in approximately ten minutes prior to the start time and ask to be connected to the Red Cat conference call. Participants can also pre-register for the call using the following link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10192508/fd6e5cff60

    The conference call will also be available through a live webcast that can be accessed at:
    https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=TD6F4UVA

    A replay of the webcast will be available until December 22, 2024 and can be accessed through the above link or at www.redcatholdings.com. A telephonic replay will be available until October 7, 2024 by calling 1-877-344-7529 (domestic) or 1-412-317-0088 (international) and using access code 2058195.

    About Red Cat, Inc.
    Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a bleeding-edge Family of ISR and Precision Strike Systems including the Teal 2, a small unmanned system offering the highest-resolution thermal imaging in its class, the Edge 130 Blue Tricopter for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities.  Learn more at www.redcat.red.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Contact:

    INVESTORS:
    E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

    NEWS MEDIA:
    Phone: (347) 880-2895
    Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

    RED CAT HOLDINGS
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
           
        July 31,     April 30,
        2024       2024  
    ASSETS          
               
    Cash and marketable securities $ 7,732,763     $ 6,067,169  
    Accounts receivable, net   681,775       4,361,090  
    Inventory, including deposits   10,667,676       8,610,125  
    Intangible assets including goodwill, net   12,612,560       12,882,939  
    Other   6,260,457       7,473,789  
    Equity method investee   —       5,142,500  
    Note receivable   —       4,000,000  
               
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 37,955,231     $ 48,537,612  
               
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
               
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 3,428,538     $ 2,703,922  
    Debt obligations   599,570       751,570  
    Operating lease liabilities   1,471,589       1,517,590  
    Total liabilities   5,499,697       4,973,082  
               
    Stockholders’ capital   126,002,642       124,690,641  
    Accumulated deficit/comprehensive loss   (93,547,108 )     (81,126,111 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   32,455,534       43,564,530  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 37,955,231     $ 48,537,612  
               
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations      
                     
        Three months ended      
        July 31,       
        2024     2023  
      Revenues $ 2,776,535     $ 1,748,129  
                     
      Cost of goods sold   3,259,926       1,573,464  
                     
      Gross (loss) profit   (483,391 )     174,665  
                     
      Operating Expenses              
      Research and development   1,626,440       1,353,551  
      Sales and marketing   2,041,511       1,288,760  
      General and administrative   3,483,095       2,863,758  
      Impairment loss   93,050       —  
      Total operating expenses   7,244,096       5,506,069  
      Operating loss   (7,727,487 )     (5,331,404 )
                     
      Other expense   4,688,889       262,891  
                     
      Net loss from continuing operations (12,416,376 )     (5,594,295 )
                     
      Loss from discontinued operations   —       (242,573 )
      Net loss $ (12,416,376 )   $ (5,836,868 )
                     
      Loss per share – basic and diluted $ (0.17 )   $ (0.11 )
                     
      Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted   74,500,480       54,935,339  
                     
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
         
          Three months ended July 31,  
          2024       2023  
    Cash Flows from Operating Activities                
    Net loss from continuing operations   $ (12,416,376 )   $ (5,594,295 )
    Non-cash expenses     6,755,639       1,522,611  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities     3,312,325       (2,854,385 )
    Net cash used in operating activities     (2,348,412 )     (6,926,069 )
                     
    Cash Flows from Investing Activities                
    Proceeds from sale of equity method investment and note receivable     4,400,000       —  
    Proceeds from sale of marketable securities     —       4,888,399  
    Other     (99,957 )     (5,054 )
    Net cash provided by investing activities     4,300,043       4,883,345  
                     
    Cash Flows from Financing Activities                
    Payments of debt obligations, net     (152,000 )     (137,989 )
    Payments related to employee equity transactions     (134,037 )     (8,520 )
    Net cash used in financing activities     (286,037 )     (146,509 )
                     
    Net cash used in discontinued operations     —       (118,295 )
                     
    Net increase (decrease) in Cash     1,665,594       (2,307,528 )
    Cash, beginning of period     6,067,169       3,260,305  
    Cash, end of period     7,732,763       952,777  
    Less: Cash of discontinued operations     —       (15,021 )
    Cash of continuing operations, end of period     7,732,763       937,756  
    Marketable securities     —       7,922,392  
    Cash of continuing operations and marketable securities   $ 7,732,763     $ 8,860,148  
                     

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neal Statement on USTR Enforcement Action under the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA)

    Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member released the following statement after the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced enforcement action under the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA):

    “Today’s timber enforcement action demonstrates the unwavering commitment of USTR and the Biden-Harris Administration to protecting our workers and environment. Step-by-step the Administration and House Democrats are shaping international trade to be a force for good in our communities, with House Democrats leading the effort to include the first-of-its-kind timber agreement in the Peru FTA. We structured the agreement to ensure that Peruvian timber doesn’t contribute to deforestation and that illegal loggers who do engage in unfair trade practices are held accountable. With this strong enforcement, we are standing up for American workers, our industry, and environment.

    Ways and Means Ranking Member Neal continued, “The U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai, deserves credit for her unfailing commitment to enforcing trade rules, with Congressman Earl Blumenauer as the driving force behind the Peruvian Forestry Annex when it was negotiated and leading on every major environmental advancement in trade policy for the two decades. Earl’s leadership will be sorely missed, but his legacy will endure and House Democrats will proudly carry his mantel forward.” 

    The PTPA contains a landmark Environment Chapter and Forest Annex, which includes a requirement for Peru to conduct audits and verifications of particular timber producers and exporters upon request from the United States. The agreement also provides for U.S. participation in the verification process and permits the United States to take compliance measures based on the results of a verification. Since the signing of the PTPA, the United States and Peru have cooperated in efforts to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, however serious concerns about illegal logging in Peru remain. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Connolly, Correa Lead Nearly 60 Members Calling for TPS or DED for Guatemalan Nationals in United States

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gerry Connolly (D-Va)

    Today, Representative Lou Correa (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee, and Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) led nearly 60 of their colleagues in a letter urging the Biden-Harris Administration to designate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Guatemalan nationals residing in the United States.

    “We write to urgently request that your administration provide temporary humanitarian protections for Guatemalan nationals living in the United States by either designating the country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or authorizing Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Guatemalan nationals,” the members wrote. “Several significant and overlapping natural disasters are causing substantial disruption and hampering the country’s ability to adequately handle the return of its nationals at this time. Additionally, widespread impunity, corruption, and violence are preventing Guatemalans from returning to the country safely.”

    Today, the vast majority of Guatemalans have lived in the United States for many years and are deeply integrated into the fabric of American families, communities, and local economies. Providing these humanitarian protections will reinforce the relationship that the United States is developing with the new, democratically elected government in Guatemala, which has committed to taking steps to try to ameliorate many of the conditions that have long been neglected by previous Guatemalan leaders.

    “Granting TPS or DED to Guatemalan nationals in the United States is entirely within the legal authority of this administration and it is both the right and the smart thing to do,” the members concluded. “The problems in Guatemala today are deeply rooted and they pose a threat not only to the safety and security of Guatemalan nationals who have long resided in the United States, but also to the U.S. Government’s efforts to address the root causes of forced and irregular migration in the hemisphere.”

    The U.S. Government’s official reports on human rights abuses and violence in Guatemala are unsparing. The State Department’s 2023 Human Rights Report cites credible reports of: “cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment by the government; harsh and life threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrest or detention,” and more.

    “The President has recognized the critical role that Temporary Protected Status plays in offering relief to families,” says Gustavo Torres, Executive Director of CASA. “We urge him and the administration to continue to extend relief to those who have been a part of our community for decades. A designation of TPS or DED for Guatemala would ensure that CASA members and Guatemalan families across the country will be able to secure work authorization, allowing them to support their loved ones without the constant fear of being separated. As so many have become fundamental members of communities across the US, we call on the administration to recognize their long-standing contributions and ensure that those who now call the US home can do so with pride and security.” 

    Led by Correa and Connolly, this letter was endorsed by CASA co-signed by nearly 60 Democratic members of the House of Representatives. A full list of co-signers can be found HERE.

    “Due to climate change and natural disasters, Guatemala does not have an infrastructure where people can continue to live, as many communities are destroyed,” said Julian Ramirez, CASA member in Georgia. “In 2020, I watched as Hurricane Eta and Iota destroyed people’s homes. Completely destroyed the agriculture that our people rely on. We immigrants came to this country to contribute to our families and to this country at the same time. We come to work, to support our families, and a TPS would give us the freedom and opportunity to do more than we can now.”

    “TPS will give me the protection I need to keep working and supporting my family,” says Jose Berduo, CASA community member in Virginia. “As an essential agriculture worker, it means I can continue contributing to the economy without the constant fear of losing everything—or losing my family to deportation. I immigrated with my family 16 years ago from Guatemala, and ever since then, I’ve been working on America’s farms, helping to feed our communities. TPS would provide the stability I need to keep supporting my family and fulfilling my dreams while giving back to the country that has become my home.”

    “A TPS or DED designation from President Joe Biden for the Guatemalans unprotected in our country is the biggest hope they have after decades of contributing to the economy and raising their families here in the US,” says Walter Baltres, President of the Red Migrante Guatemalteco (Guatemalan Immigrant Network). “This is a long overdue act of dignification for our members across forty states. There is no moment better than right now to bring our people out from behind the shadows.”

    You can read the full text of the letter HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation  Ministerial

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, the members of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, – or the Atlantic Partnership – came together and reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Atlantic region and a healthy, sustainable, and resilient Atlantic Ocean that is a resource for future generations. Since its launch, the Atlantic Partnership has grown to forty-two members, representing more than 75 percent of the Atlantic coastline. Countries from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean come together to address shared challenges, promote common solutions, and advance collective principles. In addition to the 32 original founding members, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago have joined the Atlantic Partnership over the past year.
    Members have endorsed a Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation promising engagement on the basis of international law, existing national and international legal frameworks, mutual collaboration, and respect for differences in capacity and political perspective, and acknowledging the special role and primary interest of Atlantic states in the Atlantic.  At today’s ministerial, the Partnership’s members reaffirmed their commitment to work together to uphold the guiding principles for Atlantic cooperation as outlined in the Declaration. These include:
    A commitment to uphold international law, including the UN Charter, to promote an open Atlantic in which Atlantic states are free from interference, coercion, or aggressive action;
    A commitment to uphold the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and political independence of states;
    Recognition of the special interest and primary role that Atlantic states have in the Atlantic.
    The Atlantic Partnership has focused on three lines of effort: 1)Sustainable Blue Economy, 2) Science Capacity Building and Exchange, and 3) Ocean-based Food Security.
    Sustainable Blue Economy
    The blue economy is the sustainable use of Atlantic Ocean resources for economic growth. The increase in the use of the ocean space, resources, and services, and their impact on marine biodiversity and ocean ecosystems, can put the ocean’s benefits at risk. The Declaration and its accompanying Plan of Action established the objective of advancing sustainable blue economic development as an overarching Atlantic Partnership goal. The United States is contributing to the Sustainable Blue Economy line of effort with the following programs and initiatives:   
    Marine Spatial Planning Technical Assistance – The Atlantic Partnership has established a working group on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), which is co-chaired by Spain, Morocco, and Angola. MSP is a process that helps coordinate multiple ocean-related industries to use marine resources sustainably. MSP can provide an integrated, ecosystem-based framework to allow for sustainable use of the marine and coastal environment, maintain biodiversity, and ensure alignment of government policies, community needs, and economic drivers. The United States is sponsoring MSP capacity building via directed technical assistance, local case studies, and global best practices.         
    Blue Economy/Blue Tech Solutions Public Diplomacy:  The United States is sponsoring a series of Atlantic Partnership Blue Economy/Blue Tech Solutions events.  The events will bring the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and technical government offices together with U.S. counterparts to develop and deploy solutions to environment- and ocean-related challenges with the United States as a model.      
    Partnering Across the Atlantic on the Blue Economy – The United States is sponsoring technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen Atlantic Partnership members’ efforts to grow the blue economy. The Atlantic Partnership is strengthening the blue economy via support for work on aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal planning, coastal resilience, science-based decision making, technology and data management, and early career development for scientists.     
    Support for Ghost Gear Reduction in the Atlantic – Ghost gear is abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear that can wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. The United States is working with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative and technical experts and local partners in West Africa and Central America to identify factors contributing to ghost gear in the Atlantic Ocean and potential solutions. In April 2024, The United States and Canada convened Atlantic Partnership members to focus on the problem of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) or “ghost gear,” a form of marine plastic debris.  Canada, Costa Rica, and Ghana shared response experiences, best practices, and challenges, creating a new network of pan-Atlantic practitioners addressing the issue.    
    Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Marine and Blue Economy “4TheAtlantic” Incubator – To bolster cooperation among Atlantic Cooperation countries in the Gulf of Guinea to address emerging oceanic environmental issues, the United States is funding a three-day capacity building program designed to help entrepreneurs across Atlantic Partnership members to tackle emerging oceanic environmental issues such as food security, rising sea levels, deteriorating marine life, increased oceanic and surface temperatures, unregulated fishing, and marine pollution. 
    Ocean-related or “Blue” Technology – In August 2024, the Atlantic Partnership convened technology leaders to introduce new and innovative technology solutions to improve the blue economy, enhance environmental stewardship, and address challenges posed by climate change. These included technologies for ocean mapping, hydrography, GIS, ocean observation, robotics and telepresence, and vessel monitoring.
    Innovative Financing: In April 2024, the United States convened members and external partners to focus on innovative financing solutions for marine conservation. Co-hosted by Pew and the Nature Conservancy, the event highlighted opportunities and processes associated with debt-for-nature programming and the Belize and Gabon’s experiences of with innovative finance to protect their marine areas.    
    Science Capacity Building and Exchange    The Atlantic Ocean is at the heart of the Atlantic Partnership.  Under the leadership of Brazil, Portugal, and the United States, the Partnership has created a platform to advance Atlantic Ocean observation and understanding. The Platform creates a mechanism to bring in world-class science, connect with ongoing scientific endeavors, strengthen member participation, and deliver benefits to members. The United States is contributing to the Science Capacity Building and Exchange line of effort with the following programs and initiatives:   
    Building Ocean Observation and Modeling Capacity – The United States is sponsoring a targeted effort to support diverse, equitable, and inclusive all-Atlantic research collaborations with facilitated trainings and workshops that respond to Atlantic Partnership members’ needs, including building the technical capacity and increasing global access to Atlantic Ocean research data through increased access to and training on ocean observing equipment for under-resourced countries and communities, and will collaborate with All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Partners. 
    Atlantic Partnership/AAORIA Ocean Observation and Modeling Workshop – The United States hosted a joint Atlantic Partnership/AAORIA workshop on ocean observation and modeling capacities in Washington, DC. Collaboration with AAORIA brings access to the broader Atlantic Ocean science community, strengthens the potential for internal interagency coordination in member governments, and further demonstrates the power of the Atlantic community.     
    Ocean-Based Food Security  
    Food security and food system resilience affect all countries, and some of the coastal Atlantic states face acute pressures. Over half the world’s population depends on ocean-derived foods as a vital food source, underscoring the immense importance of ocean-based food security. In addition to conflict and political challenges, Atlantic States face increasing pressures from changing precipitation patterns, shifting fisheries stocks, and warming oceans, all of which affect food and nutrition security in real terms. 
    The United States is contributing to the Food Security of effort with the following initiative:   
    Ocean-based Food Security Solutions Exchange: The Atlantic Partnership “solutions exchange” will focus on sustainable aquaculture as a food security solution, highlighting global food security as its signature issue for its December 2024 UN Security Council Presidency General Debate. Working with the Environmental Defense Fund, the United States will bring together government officials, private sector leaders, NGO and academic experts, philanthropies, and multilateral groups to focus on the nexus between food security and the Atlantic Ocean. This exchange will highlight the critical importance of the issue of food security, particularly the potential for the Atlantic Ocean to support sustainable responses.   
    Public Private PartnershipsThe United States is partnering with the Schmidt Ocean Institute and with additional philanthropies, academics, private sector, and NGOs to bring their significant resources and expertise to augment government efforts, with a particular focus on ocean research and observations and harness opportunities for early career scientists. 
    Partnership with Schmidt Ocean Institute:  The United States is partnering with Schmidt Ocean Institute to leverage its planned work in Atlantic Ocean scientific observation, research, and capacity building, through the 2025-2029 R/V Falkor (too) Atlantic Expeditions.
    Cabo Verde Partnership Opportunity Delegation:  The United States will bring a delegation of interested U.S.-based research, private sector, and conservation organizations to explore opportunities to collaborate with Cabo Verde at the nexus of science exchange and sustainable economic development.    
    Ongoing U.S. Atlantic ProgramsConsistent with our leadership of the Atlantic Partnership, the United States has implemented and continues to advance programs across the Atlantic on a range of shared challenges:
    The End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC) – The United States initiated EPPIC, a new international public-private partnership to incentivize investment and solutions to end plastic pollution, starting upstream. EPPIC engages partners beyond national level governments to take on ambitious commitments that reduce demand for plastic and maximize circularity.
    Save Our Seas Initiative – The United States addresses ocean plastic pollution in the northern coast of Dominican Republic through its global and bilateral programs. The global Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program focuses on supporting an improved solid waste management system and remediating opened dump sites in Samana Province and preventing waste, including plastic waste entering the Samana Bay. The Dominican Republic Solid Waste Reduction Program works to reduce waste in municipalities on Puerto Plata, Monte Cristi, and Dojabon provinces leading to cleaner oceans, enabling communities and economies to thrive and build resilience to climate and economic shocks.  
    Coastal Resilience, Carbon, and Conservation Finance – The United States Climate Finance for Development Accelerator launched the Coastal Resilience, Carbon, and Conservation Finance (C3F) program to encourage the flow of private capital into coastal resilience and blue carbon projects. These projects generate biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, and adaptation outcomes while safeguarding local communities’ benefits.  The United States is partnering with the Ocean Risk and Resilience Alliance to identify and engage stakeholders in Senegal, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Suriname, and other countries to build capacity to develop bankable, climate-positive projects and address information asymmetries between communities and investors – leading to investments that safeguard local resources and livelihoods.
    Blue Carbon Inventory Project – Through the Blue Carbon Inventory Project, the United States will continue to provide partner countries with technical assistance on the integration of coastal wetlands in National Greenhouse Gas Inventories and maximizing the value of these ecosystems in terms of coastal resilience and blue economies. Through an integrated series of workshops, engagements and directed bilateral collaboration, the Blue Carbon Inventory Project has already collaborated to varying degrees with Costa Rica, Ghana, and Senegal and hopes to engage with other members of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation in the years to come.
    Atlantic Ocean Marine Microbiome Working Group – Marine microbes play pivotal roles in the environment and climate, the food value chain, biodiscovery, and a host of cross-cutting challenges, including the need to demonstrate the socio-economic value of marine microbiomes and environmental DNA (eDNA). The United States co-chairs and provides in-kind contributions to the Atlantic Ocean Marine Microbiome Working Group, which focuses on building a network of marine microbiome researchers and disseminating knowledge about the important role microbiomes play in the functioning of the ocean.
    Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) Pole to Pole of the Americas – The United States continues to provide support for MBON Pole to Pole, a knowledge sharing network dedicated to the collection, use, and sharing of marine biodiversity data in a coordinated, standardized manner, leveraging existing infrastructure and standards.
    U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) – The United States has provided over $100 million in new resources to increase access to climate finance, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and build resilience to climate change and natural disasters under PACC 2030. PACC 2030 has established a network of Caribbean-based scientific experts to develop new climate mitigation and adaptation measures, identified new opportunities for clean energy infrastructure, and enhanced resilient food production systems to feed the region. 
    Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity – The United States Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity aims to reduce threats to coastal-marine biodiversity in the Caribbean while building coastal communities’ resilience to climate change. The Sustainable Ecosystems Activity harmonizes regional conservation approaches and engages the tourism sector to advocate and conserve marine protected areas
    Caribbean Biodiversity Program – Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can help support biodiversity and climate resilience in the face of climate change. The Caribbean Biodiversity Program facilitates international and regional peer-to-peer exchange between MPAs in areas of enforcement, protected area financing, communication, outreach, public education, coral reef monitoring, and socio-economic monitoring.
    Sargassum Inundation Embassy Science Fellow – Sargassum inundation events occur when rafts of this algae are carried to shore by winds and currents. These events are a type of harmful algal bloom that can adversely impact coastal ecosystems, tourism, and public health. The United States embedded an environmental engineer at the University of the West Indies to focus on collaborative research to better detect and address Sargassum influxes in the Caribbean and to support developing a plan for identification and response strategies for Sargassum inundation events in the Eastern Caribbean. 
    National Marine Litter Action Plans – The United States assisted several Atlantic Partnership members (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala) in the development of their National Marine Litter Action Plans which establish a roadmap for relevant authorities in each country to better manage marine litter issues.
    Ocean Conservation Skill Sharing – The United States is working to build relationships among regional institutions to share approaches and learning to improve conservation of mangroves, shellfish, seagrass, and coral reefs.
    Support for fisheries management efforts of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) – The United States provides extensive support for ICCAT, which oversees the conservation and management of Atlantic tunas, swordfish, marlin and sharks, and adopts measures to minimize bycatch of sea turtles, seabirds, and other protected species associated with these fisheries. This responsibility is shared among ICCAT’s 53 members, including a number of members of the Atlantic Partnership. 
    Support for the Atlantic Centre Course on “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in the Atlantic” – The United States partners with the Atlantic Centre, a “Multilateral Centre of Excellence,” to promote defense capacity-building for the Atlantic, including the recent course on “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in the Atlantic,” held in the Azores. 
    Joint Presentation of the Five-Day Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Seminar – The United States has deployed an exportable, internationally-focused seminar to assist partner nations (including Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone) to develop and strengthen their fisheries enforcement regimes to help prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing products from entering the global seafood market. 
    Maritime Advisor to Côte d’Ivoire – The United States supports a Maritime Advisor to Côte d’Ivoire, who assists in countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and improving maritime governance, port security, and port state control in West Africa. A mobile training team completed a two-week Boarding Officer Course for 18 Ivorians from their Navy, Gendarmerie, Customs and Fisheries organizations.  
    Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity – The United States funds the Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA) – a five-year, $17.8 million project that is mitigating the near collapse of Ghana’s small pelagic fisheries and establishing a foundation for their ecological recovery. The GFRA reduces overfishing and improves small pelagic fisheries management, which encourages ecological sustainability and marine biodiversity conservation and improves the socioeconomic well-being, food security, and resilience of fishers and coastal communities in Ghana. 
    Women Shellfishers and Food Security Activity – The United States works in field sites in The Gambia and Ghana to demonstrate effective shellfishing and natural resource management approaches to women-led, community-based shellfishing operations.
    Protecting Natural Ecosystems in Sierra Leone – The United States provided $10 million in political risk insurance to support West Africa Blue’s equity investment in a mangrove blue carbon project in the Bonthe and Moyamba regions of Sierra Leone. The project builds on a longstanding relationship with local communities and aims to develop long-term conservation, restoration, and income diversification activities funded sustainably through the issuance of high-quality, certified carbon credits. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation  Ministerial

    Source: The White House

    Today, the members of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, – or the Atlantic Partnership – came together and reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Atlantic region and a healthy, sustainable, and resilient Atlantic Ocean that is a resource for future generations.
     
    Since its launch, the Atlantic Partnership has grown to forty-two members, representing more than 75 percent of the Atlantic coastline. Countries from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean come together to address shared challenges, promote common solutions, and advance collective principles. In addition to the 32 original founding members, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago have joined the Atlantic Partnership over the past year.

    Members have endorsed a Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation promising engagement on the basis of international law, existing national and international legal frameworks, mutual collaboration, and respect for differences in capacity and political perspective, and acknowledging the special role and primary interest of Atlantic states in the Atlantic. 
     
    At today’s ministerial, the Partnership’s members reaffirmed their commitment to work together to uphold the guiding principles for Atlantic cooperation as outlined in the Declaration. These include:

    • A commitment to uphold international law, including the UN Charter, to promote an open Atlantic in which Atlantic states are free from interference, coercion, or aggressive action;
    • A commitment to uphold the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and political independence of states;
    • Recognition of the special interest and primary role that Atlantic states have in the Atlantic.

    The Atlantic Partnership has focused on three lines of effort: 1)Sustainable Blue Economy, 2) Science Capacity Building and Exchange, and 3) Ocean-based Food Security.

    Sustainable Blue Economy

    The blue economy is the sustainable use of Atlantic Ocean resources for economic growth. The increase in the use of the ocean space, resources, and services, and their impact on marine biodiversity and ocean ecosystems, can put the ocean’s benefits at risk. The Declaration and its accompanying Plan of Action established the objective of advancing sustainable blue economic development as an overarching Atlantic Partnership goal. The United States is contributing to the Sustainable Blue Economy line of effort with the following programs and initiatives:   

    • Marine Spatial Planning Technical Assistance – The Atlantic Partnership has established a working group on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), which is co-chaired by Spain, Morocco, and Angola. MSP is a process that helps coordinate multiple ocean-related industries to use marine resources sustainably. MSP can provide an integrated, ecosystem-based framework to allow for sustainable use of the marine and coastal environment, maintain biodiversity, and ensure alignment of government policies, community needs, and economic drivers. The United States is sponsoring MSP capacity building via directed technical assistance, local case studies, and global best practices.         
    • Blue Economy/Blue Tech Solutions Public Diplomacy:  The United States is sponsoring a series of Atlantic Partnership Blue Economy/Blue Tech Solutions events.  The events will bring the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and technical government offices together with U.S. counterparts to develop and deploy solutions to environment- and ocean-related challenges with the United States as a model.      
    • Partnering Across the Atlantic on the Blue Economy – The United States is sponsoring technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen Atlantic Partnership members’ efforts to grow the blue economy. The Atlantic Partnership is strengthening the blue economy via support for work on aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal planning, coastal resilience, science-based decision making, technology and data management, and early career development for scientists.     
    • Support for Ghost Gear Reduction in the Atlantic – Ghost gear is abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear that can wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. The United States is working with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative and technical experts and local partners in West Africa and Central America to identify factors contributing to ghost gear in the Atlantic Ocean and potential solutions. In April 2024, The United States and Canada convened Atlantic Partnership members to focus on the problem of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) or “ghost gear,” a form of marine plastic debris.  Canada, Costa Rica, and Ghana shared response experiences, best practices, and challenges, creating a new network of pan-Atlantic practitioners addressing the issue.    
    • Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Marine and Blue Economy “4TheAtlantic” Incubator – To bolster cooperation among Atlantic Cooperation countries in the Gulf of Guinea to address emerging oceanic environmental issues, the United States is funding a three-day capacity building program designed to help entrepreneurs across Atlantic Partnership members to tackle emerging oceanic environmental issues such as food security, rising sea levels, deteriorating marine life, increased oceanic and surface temperatures, unregulated fishing, and marine pollution. 
    • Ocean-related or “Blue” Technology – In August 2024, the Atlantic Partnership convened technology leaders to introduce new and innovative technology solutions to improve the blue economy, enhance environmental stewardship, and address challenges posed by climate change. These included technologies for ocean mapping, hydrography, GIS, ocean observation, robotics and telepresence, and vessel monitoring.
    • Innovative Financing: In April 2024, the United States convened members and external partners to focus on innovative financing solutions for marine conservation. Co-hosted by Pew and the Nature Conservancy, the event highlighted opportunities and processes associated with debt-for-nature programming and the Belize and Gabon’s experiences of with innovative finance to protect their marine areas.    

    Science Capacity Building and Exchange  
      
    The Atlantic Ocean is at the heart of the Atlantic Partnership.  Under the leadership of Brazil, Portugal, and the United States, the Partnership has created a platform to advance Atlantic Ocean observation and understanding. The Platform creates a mechanism to bring in world-class science, connect with ongoing scientific endeavors, strengthen member participation, and deliver benefits to members. The United States is contributing to the Science Capacity Building and Exchange line of effort with the following programs and initiatives:   

    • Building Ocean Observation and Modeling Capacity – The United States is sponsoring a targeted effort to support diverse, equitable, and inclusive all-Atlantic research collaborations with facilitated trainings and workshops that respond to Atlantic Partnership members’ needs, including building the technical capacity and increasing global access to Atlantic Ocean research data through increased access to and training on ocean observing equipment for under-resourced countries and communities, and will collaborate with All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Partners. 
    • Atlantic Partnership/AAORIA Ocean Observation and Modeling Workshop – The United States hosted a joint Atlantic Partnership/AAORIA workshop on ocean observation and modeling capacities in Washington, DC. Collaboration with AAORIA brings access to the broader Atlantic Ocean science community, strengthens the potential for internal interagency coordination in member governments, and further demonstrates the power of the Atlantic community.     

    Ocean-Based Food Security  

    Food security and food system resilience affect all countries, and some of the coastal Atlantic states face acute pressures. Over half the world’s population depends on ocean-derived foods as a vital food source, underscoring the immense importance of ocean-based food security. In addition to conflict and political challenges, Atlantic States face increasing pressures from changing precipitation patterns, shifting fisheries stocks, and warming oceans, all of which affect food and nutrition security in real terms. 

    The United States is contributing to the Food Security of effort with the following initiative:   

    • Ocean-based Food Security Solutions Exchange: The Atlantic Partnership “solutions exchange” will focus on sustainable aquaculture as a food security solution, highlighting global food security as its signature issue for its December 2024 UN Security Council Presidency General Debate. Working with the Environmental Defense Fund, the United States will bring together government officials, private sector leaders, NGO and academic experts, philanthropies, and multilateral groups to focus on the nexus between food security and the Atlantic Ocean. This exchange will highlight the critical importance of the issue of food security, particularly the potential for the Atlantic Ocean to support sustainable responses.   

    Public Private Partnerships
    The United States is partnering with the Schmidt Ocean Institute and with additional philanthropies, academics, private sector, and NGOs to bring their significant resources and expertise to augment government efforts, with a particular focus on ocean research and observations and harness opportunities for early career scientists. 

    • Partnership with Schmidt Ocean Institute:  The United States is partnering with Schmidt Ocean Institute to leverage its planned work in Atlantic Ocean scientific observation, research, and capacity building, through the 2025-2029 R/V Falkor (too) Atlantic Expeditions.
    • Cabo Verde Partnership Opportunity Delegation:  The United States will bring a delegation of interested U.S.-based research, private sector, and conservation organizations to explore opportunities to collaborate with Cabo Verde at the nexus of science exchange and sustainable economic development.    

    Ongoing U.S. Atlantic Programs
    Consistent with our leadership of the Atlantic Partnership, the United States has implemented and continues to advance programs across the Atlantic on a range of shared challenges:

    • The End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC) – The United States initiated EPPIC, a new international public-private partnership to incentivize investment and solutions to end plastic pollution, starting upstream. EPPIC engages partners beyond national level governments to take on ambitious commitments that reduce demand for plastic and maximize circularity.
    • Save Our Seas Initiative – The United States addresses ocean plastic pollution in the northern coast of Dominican Republic through its global and bilateral programs. The global Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program focuses on supporting an improved solid waste management system and remediating opened dump sites in Samana Province and preventing waste, including plastic waste entering the Samana Bay. The Dominican Republic Solid Waste Reduction Program works to reduce waste in municipalities on Puerto Plata, Monte Cristi, and Dojabon provinces leading to cleaner oceans, enabling communities and economies to thrive and build resilience to climate and economic shocks.  
    • Coastal Resilience, Carbon, and Conservation Finance – The United States Climate Finance for Development Accelerator launched the Coastal Resilience, Carbon, and Conservation Finance (C3F) program to encourage the flow of private capital into coastal resilience and blue carbon projects. These projects generate biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, and adaptation outcomes while safeguarding local communities’ benefits.  The United States is partnering with the Ocean Risk and Resilience Alliance to identify and engage stakeholders in Senegal, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Suriname, and other countries to build capacity to develop bankable, climate-positive projects and address information asymmetries between communities and investors – leading to investments that safeguard local resources and livelihoods.
    • Blue Carbon Inventory Project – Through the Blue Carbon Inventory Project, the United States will continue to provide partner countries with technical assistance on the integration of coastal wetlands in National Greenhouse Gas Inventories and maximizing the value of these ecosystems in terms of coastal resilience and blue economies. Through an integrated series of workshops, engagements and directed bilateral collaboration, the Blue Carbon Inventory Project has already collaborated to varying degrees with Costa Rica, Ghana, and Senegal and hopes to engage with other members of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation in the years to come.
    • Atlantic Ocean Marine Microbiome Working Group – Marine microbes play pivotal roles in the environment and climate, the food value chain, biodiscovery, and a host of cross-cutting challenges, including the need to demonstrate the socio-economic value of marine microbiomes and environmental DNA (eDNA). The United States co-chairs and provides in-kind contributions to the Atlantic Ocean Marine Microbiome Working Group, which focuses on building a network of marine microbiome researchers and disseminating knowledge about the important role microbiomes play in the functioning of the ocean.
    • Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) Pole to Pole of the Americas – The United States continues to provide support for MBON Pole to Pole, a knowledge sharing network dedicated to the collection, use, and sharing of marine biodiversity data in a coordinated, standardized manner, leveraging existing infrastructure and standards.
    • U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) – The United States has provided over $100 million in new resources to increase access to climate finance, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and build resilience to climate change and natural disasters under PACC 2030. PACC 2030 has established a network of Caribbean-based scientific experts to develop new climate mitigation and adaptation measures, identified new opportunities for clean energy infrastructure, and enhanced resilient food production systems to feed the region. 
    • Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity – The United States Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity aims to reduce threats to coastal-marine biodiversity in the Caribbean while building coastal communities’ resilience to climate change. The Sustainable Ecosystems Activity harmonizes regional conservation approaches and engages the tourism sector to advocate and conserve marine protected areas
    • Caribbean Biodiversity Program – Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can help support biodiversity and climate resilience in the face of climate change. The Caribbean Biodiversity Program facilitates international and regional peer-to-peer exchange between MPAs in areas of enforcement, protected area financing, communication, outreach, public education, coral reef monitoring, and socio-economic monitoring.
    • Sargassum Inundation Embassy Science Fellow – Sargassum inundation events occur when rafts of this algae are carried to shore by winds and currents. These events are a type of harmful algal bloom that can adversely impact coastal ecosystems, tourism, and public health. The United States embedded an environmental engineer at the University of the West Indies to focus on collaborative research to better detect and address Sargassum influxes in the Caribbean and to support developing a plan for identification and response strategies for Sargassum inundation events in the Eastern Caribbean. 
    • National Marine Litter Action Plans – The United States assisted several Atlantic Partnership members (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala) in the development of their National Marine Litter Action Plans which establish a roadmap for relevant authorities in each country to better manage marine litter issues.
    • Ocean Conservation Skill Sharing – The United States is working to build relationships among regional institutions to share approaches and learning to improve conservation of mangroves, shellfish, seagrass, and coral reefs.
    • Support for fisheries management efforts of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) – The United States provides extensive support for ICCAT, which oversees the conservation and management of Atlantic tunas, swordfish, marlin and sharks, and adopts measures to minimize bycatch of sea turtles, seabirds, and other protected species associated with these fisheries. This responsibility is shared among ICCAT’s 53 members, including a number of members of the Atlantic Partnership. 
    • Support for the Atlantic Centre Course on “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in the Atlantic” – The United States partners with the Atlantic Centre, a “Multilateral Centre of Excellence,” to promote defense capacity-building for the Atlantic, including the recent course on “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in the Atlantic,” held in the Azores. 
    • Joint Presentation of the Five-Day Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Seminar – The United States has deployed an exportable, internationally-focused seminar to assist partner nations (including Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone) to develop and strengthen their fisheries enforcement regimes to help prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing products from entering the global seafood market. 
    • Maritime Advisor to Côte d’Ivoire – The United States supports a Maritime Advisor to Côte d’Ivoire, who assists in countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and improving maritime governance, port security, and port state control in West Africa. A mobile training team completed a two-week Boarding Officer Course for 18 Ivorians from their Navy, Gendarmerie, Customs and Fisheries organizations.  
    • Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity – The United States funds the Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA) – a five-year, $17.8 million project that is mitigating the near collapse of Ghana’s small pelagic fisheries and establishing a foundation for their ecological recovery. The GFRA reduces overfishing and improves small pelagic fisheries management, which encourages ecological sustainability and marine biodiversity conservation and improves the socioeconomic well-being, food security, and resilience of fishers and coastal communities in Ghana. 
    • Women Shellfishers and Food Security Activity – The United States works in field sites in The Gambia and Ghana to demonstrate effective shellfishing and natural resource management approaches to women-led, community-based shellfishing operations.
    • Protecting Natural Ecosystems in Sierra Leone – The United States provided $10 million in political risk insurance to support West Africa Blue’s equity investment in a mangrove blue carbon project in the Bonthe and Moyamba regions of Sierra Leone. The project builds on a longstanding relationship with local communities and aims to develop long-term conservation, restoration, and income diversification activities funded sustainably through the issuance of high-quality, certified carbon credits. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA’s New Mexico Joint Recovery Office is Hiring: Attend Sept. 24 and 25 Hiring Fairs in Santa Fe

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA’s New Mexico Joint Recovery Office is Hiring: Attend Sept. 24 and 25 Hiring Fairs in Santa Fe

    FEMA’s New Mexico Joint Recovery Office is Hiring: Attend Sept. 24 and 25 Hiring Fairs in Santa Fe

    SANTA FE, N.M. — The FEMA New Mexico Joint Recovery Office (JRO) is hosting a hiring fair on Sept. 24 and 25 for full-time New Mexico Joint Recovery Office and Claims Office positions. The positions will support the important mission of helping the state recover from disasters, process claims, and compensate those affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding.

    FEMA staff will be available at the hiring fairs to receive resumes, answer questions, and conduct on-the-spot interviews. 

    Interested individuals are encouraged to attend the hiring fair to learn more about open positions and how to secure a fulfilling career while serving their community.

    When

    Sept. 24, 2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. MT

    Sept. 25, 2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. MT

    Where

    Santa Fe Community College Higher Education Center, 1950 Siringo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505

    Open positions for the Santa Fe office include Navigators, Appeals Analysts, Deputy Finance Director, Spend Plan Analyst, Invoice Management Specialist, Travel Manager, Accountable Property Manager, Facilities Specialist, Ordering Specialist, Supply Specialist, Deputy Director, Recovery Coordination, Administrative Specialist, Recovery Coordination Group Supervisor, Voluntary Agency Liaison, Infrastructure Branch Director, Program Delivery Manager, Geospatial Information Systems Specialist, Program/Data Analyst, Technical Writer, 406 Mitigation Specialist.

    FEMA employee benefits include eligibility for public service student loan forgiveness; federal retirement plans; paid annual leave; mental health resources; health, dental, and vision insurance; annual federal pay raises, and career growth opportunities.

    FEMA is looking for people who can represent the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office with compassion, fairness, integrity, and respect. Ideal candidates will have customer service experience; strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills; and experience completing high-quality products within assigned time frames.

    “Claims Office staff are vital in FEMA’s recovery mission in Northern New Mexico,” said Jay Mitchell, Director of Operations at the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office. “We aim to hire dedicated people from the community who can take on the unique challenges of post-fire recovery. Their local knowledge and commitment will strengthen our efforts to support and rebuild the affected areas.” 

    For additional information about the hiring fairs, including candidate qualifications, position descriptions, and FEMA benefits, please visit fema.gov/fact-sheet/claims-office-and-jro-open-positions.

    Anyone impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding is encouraged to start a claim with the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office if they haven’t already. The deadline to submit a Notice of Loss is November 14, 2024, per the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act.

    The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. At the time of publication, the FEMA Claims Office has paid more than $1 billion to claimants. 

    Claims Office compensation is not taxable. Receiving payment from the Claims Office will not impact eligibility for government assistance programs. Contact a tax professional for specific tax-related questions. Questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your claim Navigator or the Claims Office Helpline at 505-995-7133.

    For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice. 

    amy.ashbridge
    Mon, 09/23/2024 – 21:04

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Readout Of Meeting With President Of Guatemala

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    September 23, 2024

    NEW YORK–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Monday released the following statement after meeting with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo at the United Nations General Assembly.  
    “Thanks to President Arévalo’s reform agenda and support from Vice President Harris and the Partnership for Central America, Guatemala has made real progress in rooting out corruption and growing their economy, and I was glad to discuss with him how the U.S. can continue to support that work. President Arévalo’s early successes are in part a testament to the Biden-Harris’ strategy of targeting the heart of the issue – helping to make these countries safer, their economies more prosperous, and the region more stable. Tackling poverty, corruption, and violence means that fewer people are forced to make the dangerous journey north to our border because their communities are safer and economic opportunities are abundant. I look forward to our continued partnership to make the Americas prosper together.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada and France reach agreement in Atlantic halibut negotiations

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Atlantic halibut is found in waters from east of Newfoundland to the northeastern United States. Most of the stock is found in Canadian fisheries waters, with a small percentage of the stock also found within the French Maritime Zone off the coast of St. Pierre and Miquelon

    September 23, 2024

    Ottawa, Ontario – Atlantic halibut is found in waters from east of Newfoundland to the northeastern United States. Most of the stock is found in Canadian fisheries waters, with a small percentage of the stock also found within the French Maritime Zone off the coast of St. Pierre and Miquelon. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of this stock, both to Canadian and French fisheries.

    Today, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced that following several months of recent negotiations, Canada has reached an agreement with France (in respect of St. Pierre and Miquelon) on a sharing arrangement for Atlantic halibut.

    The agreement, reached on September 20, 2024, will allow French harvesters from St. Pierre and Miquelon to catch 3 per cent of the total allowable catch set by Canada. This allocation will allow for measured growth of the St. Pierre and Miquelon Atlantic halibut fishery, while also providing benefits for Canadian coastal communities through French landings of Atlantic halibut in Canadian ports. This agreement supports the health and sustainability of the Atlantic halibut stock and recognizes the importance of this fishery to coastal communities in Atlantic Canada, as well as the significant investments made by Canada and its fishing industry in the development and management of the fishery.

    Since 2016, Canada has been working with France to reach an agreement on quota sharing for Atlantic halibut, with officials from Fisheries and Oceans Canada leading the negotiations.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    September 29, 2024
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