Targeted News Service

World Bank Group Funds 65% of Petrochemicals Projects Studied by New IEEFA and IAP Tracker

LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Aug. 19 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release on Aug. 18, 2026:

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World Bank group funds 65% of petrochemicals projects studied by new IEEFA and IAP tracker

The interactive database tracks petrochemical investments by 16 multilateral development banks (MDBs); most of these investments are in Southwest Asia and Africa

Key Takeaways:

* The World Bank group is a key investor in the petrochemical industry, accounting for 65% of the total investment amount of USD10,042 million traced by the tracker

* Agrochemicals ... Show Full Article

WildEarth Guardians: Killing the Roadless Rule Will Harm Wildlife, Water, and Old Growth Trees

SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 19 -- WildEarth Guardians issued the following news release on Aug. 18, 2026:

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Killing the Roadless Rule will Harm Wildlife, Water, and Old Growth Trees

Decision ignores more than 95% of public comments supporting Roadless protections

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Today the Trump administration announced its intention to entirely remove Roadless Area Conservation Rule protections ("Roadless Rule") across 45 million acres of roadless National Forest lands. This decision will harm wildlife, water, and old growth forests, and make these lands available to commercial logging, mining, and oil ... Show Full Article SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 19 -- WildEarth Guardians issued the following news release on Aug. 18, 2026: * * * Killing the Roadless Rule will Harm Wildlife, Water, and Old Growth Trees Decision ignores more than 95% of public comments supporting Roadless protections - Today the Trump administration announced its intention to entirely remove Roadless Area Conservation Rule protections ("Roadless Rule") across 45 million acres of roadless National Forest lands. This decision will harm wildlife, water, and old growth forests, and make these lands available to commercial logging, mining, and oiland gas drilling.

Roadless Areas represent some of the nation's last relatively untouched forested areas, found in 37 states. In 2001 the U.S. Forest Service enacted the Roadless Rule in response to strong public sentiment for protecting remaining roadless National Forest lands and the wildlife, clean water, mature and old growth forests, biological diversity, and recreational values they provide.

Though they make up just 2% of the land in the contiguous US, Roadless Areas contain habitat for 57% of our imperiled wildlife species, capture 57 million megagrams of carbon per year, and are a clean water source for 354 municipalities around the country.

The creation of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule in 2001 was one of the most important single acts of land protection in our nation's history. It has broad public support, with more than 95% of all public comments supporting keeping the Roadless Rule protected.

The move to repeal the Roadless Rule comes amid a slew of environmental rollbacks pursued by the Trump administration. Last March, the administration announced an "immediate expansion" of logging on federal public lands, including a 25% increase in logging on National Forests. While seeking this increase in National Forest logging, the administration has simultaneously curtailed the public's ability to comment on or even know about proposed logging projects. Now the administration wants to open Roadless Areas, some of the last wild places in the US, to bulldozers and chainsaws.

Data indicates that repealing the Roadless Rule will have significant impacts on wildlife.

"In western Montana and Wyoming, Roadless Areas protect over 4 million acres of 'connectivity pathways' for grizzly bears," said Adam Rissien, ReWilding Manager for WildEarth Guardians. "These pathways are crucial for linking isolated populations, which is essential for recovery and the long term survival of grizzly bears. Without the Roadless Rule protections, these islands of relatively secure habitat will disappear and with them some of the best habitat grizzly bears need to truly recover in the Northern Rockies."

In the Pacific Northwest, the Roadless Rule protects millions of acres of habitat, including habitat for species threatened with extinction like northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, and salmon.

"Prior to the Roadless Rule, over 500,000 acres of Roadless Areas in western Oregon and Washington and northern California were managed primarily for timber production under the Northwest Forest Plan," said Ryan Talbott, Pacific Northwest Conservation Advocate for WildEarth Guardians. "If the rule is repealed, these forests, including old-growth forests, will again be prioritized for logging. That will be a huge blow to recovery efforts for these species."

"Americans across the political spectrum have made it crystal clear that they don't want political appointees removing protections from public lands," said Chris Krupp, Public Lands Attorney for WildEarth Guardians. "It would be a gross misreading of public sentiment to take the Roadless Rule away from Americans and our wildlife, and politicians do so at their jeopardy."

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Original text here: https://wildearthguardians.org/press-releases/killing-the-roadless-rule-will-harm-wildlife-water-and-old-growth-trees/

[Category: Environment]

EBC Dam Management Committee Announces New Ascending Professional Representative

BROOKLINE, Massachusetts, Aug. 19 -- The Environmental Business Council of New England issued the following news:

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EBC Dam Management Committee Announces New Ascending Professional Representative

The EBC Dam Management Committee is excited to announce that Rex Gamble, Water Resources Engineer and Project Manager with GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. has joined the Leadership Team as an Ascending Professional Representative. In this role, Rex will provide the Committee with insight into EBC's Ascending Professionals community and Committee, as well as thought leadership on the Dam Management industry.

Please ... Show Full Article

Club for Growth PAC Endorses Blake Miguez in LA-06

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Club for Growth PAC, an advocacy organization, issued the following news release:

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Club for Growth PAC Endorses Blake Miguez in LA-06

Washington, D.C. - Club for Growth PAC endorses Louisiana State Senator Blake Miguez in Louisiana's 6th Congressional district. Miguez, a member of the Club for Growth Foundation's 2025 Fellowship class, was previously endorsed by Club for Growth PAC for Louisiana's 5th District prior to recent redistricting.

"Blake Miguez is a conservative champion who has dedicated his career to cutting taxes, slashing spending, and promoting school ... Show Full Article

California's Landmark Tire Efficiency Standards Will Reduce Pollution

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The California Public Interest Research Group Education Fund posted the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:

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California's landmark tire efficiency standards will reduce pollution

Consumer, environmental, and health advocates celebrated the California Energy Commission's adoption today of first-in-the-nation efficiency standards for replacement tires. The standards will save drivers about $180 in gasoline costs over the lifetime of a set of replacement tires by ensuring they are as efficient as those found on new cars. They will reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The California Public Interest Research Group Education Fund posted the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026: * * * California's landmark tire efficiency standards will reduce pollution Consumer, environmental, and health advocates celebrated the California Energy Commission's adoption today of first-in-the-nation efficiency standards for replacement tires. The standards will save drivers about $180 in gasoline costs over the lifetime of a set of replacement tires by ensuring they are as efficient as those found on new cars. They will reduce nitrogen oxides and particulatematter pollution and cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to those from 400,000 gasoline cars, the Commission found.

The standards--required by a 2003 state law--do not impact the longevity of tires and include a wet grip standard that will remove the least-safe tires from the market. The standards will take effect in two stages, in 2029 and 2033.

Jenn Engstrom, CALPIRG Education Fund State Director, and Dan Jacobson, Environment California senior advisor, made the following statements

"These new standards are a step toward cleaner air in California," said Jenn Engstrom, state director of CALPIRG Education Fund. "Cars with more efficient tires burn less fuel. That curbs greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollutants that adversely impact public health every year. I applaud the Energy Commission for helping Californians breathe a little easier."

"Implementing rigorous efficiency standards for replacement tires delivers a win-win for California," said Dan Jacobson, senior advisor for Environment California Research and Policy Center. "It offers consumers real financial savings while cutting greenhouse gas emissions and dangerous air pollution. While the CEC and the Governor's office deserve praise for taking action today, swift implementation is essential."

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Original text here: https://pirg.org/media-center/californias-landmark-tire-efficiency-standards-will-reduce-pollution/

[Category: Political]

CAIR, CAIR-FL Join 102 Rights Groups to Call on Sec. Rubio to Secure Release of US Citizen Sama Safi From Israeli Detention

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on Aug. 18, 2026:

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CAIR, CAIR-FL Join 102 Rights Groups to Call on Sec. Rubio to Secure Release of US Citizen Sama Safi from Israeli Detention

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Florida chapter (CAIR-FL), today joined 102 rights groups to call on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to secure the release of Sama Safi, a U.S. citizen who has been illegally held in Israeli detention since June.

More than 100 faith-based and civil society groups are calling on US Secretary of ... Show Full Article

Americans for Tax Reform Issues Commentary: North Carolina Enacts Another Reform Easing Regulatory Impediments to Housing Development

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on Aug. 18, 2026, by Kiran Subramanian:

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North Carolina Enacts Another Reform Easing Regulatory Impediments to Housing Development

North Carolina is doing a lot winning lately when it comes to removing regulatory barriers to the development of new housing. On August 11th, Governor Josh Stein signed Senate Bill 445 into law, the second reform enacted this summer that will help alleviate housing costs in North Carolina, one of the nation's fastest growing states. This regulatory package, introduced by Senator ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on Aug. 18, 2026, by Kiran Subramanian: * * * North Carolina Enacts Another Reform Easing Regulatory Impediments to Housing Development North Carolina is doing a lot winning lately when it comes to removing regulatory barriers to the development of new housing. On August 11th, Governor Josh Stein signed Senate Bill 445 into law, the second reform enacted this summer that will help alleviate housing costs in North Carolina, one of the nation's fastest growing states. This regulatory package, introduced by SenatorSteve Jarvis, will cut burdensome red tape and expand opportunities to build new kinds of housing.

Eliminating Chassis Requirements

SB 445 reduces regulations on manufactured homes, making them more affordable to build and lowering costs for home buyers. For example, SB 445 repeals the state requirement that manufactured homes have a permanent steel chassis, a metal frame that enables easier transportation. It is estimated that the elimination of these requirements could reduce the cost of manufactured homes by up to $10,000, with the savings flowing through to consumers.

Expanding Accessory Dwelling Units

SB 445 also reduces government barriers to the construction of guest houses, carriage houses, and in-law suite, which are commonly referred to as accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Unfortunately, local governments are captured by "Not in my Backyard" (NIMBY) activists who stymy the construction of ADU on other people's property. SB 445 requires local government to issue ADU permits in cities in towns with more than 50,000 residents. Under SB 445, local governments will no longer be able to prevent the construction of ADUs by imposing minimum lot requirements, charging excessive fees, and/or blocking ADUs' access to utility services.

Establishing a Residential Right of Use

SB 445 also helps expand the supply of housing by setting up its residential right-of-use provision. This prevents local governments from blocking conversion of commercial properties to residential use through special discretionary approvals or mandated public hearings. This reform was enacted in Texas, where it facilitated in the creation of 8,400 new units. Additionally, SB 445 preempts local height restrictions of less than 60 feet. Analysis after analysis demonstrates that height limits increase apartment prices and have a large negative effect on housing affordability, especially in more land-expensive places. By encouraging more efficient land use that is unencumbered by onerous and outdated regulations, North Carolina will be able to build more housing, keeping the state affordable.

Protecting Vested Rights

In property law, vested rights allow developers to proceed with an approved project even if the city passes new rules. SB 445 extends the length of these rights from two years to five years. Local governments can also choose to extend these rights for up to eight years when the circumstances change. Developers want certainty and stability, knowing that their approved plan will not be derailed by local government meddling. With their property rights secured and stable, developers can continue their projects and more will choose to operate in the state. The impact is that North Carolina will be able to build more necessary housing.

North Carolina needs housing. The Tar Heel state currently has a 764,000 unit housing gap, fueled by housing not meeting the growing demand. If these are not addressed, costs will rise, and the population boom North Carolina is experiencing will fade as potential North Carolinians plant their roots elsewhere. Meeting the demand will take cutting red tape in the housing market, which Senate Bill 445 does. By securing property rights, reducing burdensome red tape, and blocking chokepoints in development, North Carolina has positioned itself to sustain the growing demand.

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Original text here: https://atr.org/north-carolina-enacts-another-reform-easing-regulatory-impediments-to-housing-development/

[Category: Political]

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