Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
VFW Applauds Common Sense Improvement to Women Veterans' Health Care
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Dec. 12 -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., a veterans service organization, issued the following news release:
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VFW Applauds Common Sense Improvement to Women Veterans' Health Care
The following is a message from VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore
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WASHINGTON -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) applauds the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for taking decisive action to improve women veterans' access to essential health services. VA's new policy allowing women to schedule gynecology appointments directly, without first obtaining a referral, removes
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Dec. 12 -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., a veterans service organization, issued the following news release:
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VFW Applauds Common Sense Improvement to Women Veterans' Health Care
The following is a message from VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore
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WASHINGTON -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) applauds the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for taking decisive action to improve women veterans' access to essential health services. VA's new policy allowing women to schedule gynecology appointments directly, without first obtaining a referral, removesunnecessary primary care visits and extended wait times for women-specific medical needs. This bureaucratic hurdle has finally been eliminated through this common-sense decision. I extend my sincere gratitude to VA Secretary Doug Collins and his team for advancing this long-overdue change and for their commitment to strengthening care for the growing number of women who have served.
Recent VFW testimonies before Congress have highlighted persistent access challenges and the need for practical reforms just like this one. These testimonies reinforce the real-world experiences of women veterans across the country, experiences that make clear how important such streamlined processes can be.
As the first woman to lead the nation's largest organization of combat veterans, and as a former Army Nurse who relies on VA for my own health care, I know firsthand how vital it is for women veterans to feel welcomed, respected and understood when they enter a VA facility. For VA to remain a truly veteran-centered health system, removing barriers and eliminating inefficiencies must remain a priority.
Women are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population. By enabling women veterans to directly access the specialized care they need, the VA is not only enabling improved health outcomes but also reaffirming its commitment to treating every veteran with dignity, respect and urgency. The VFW looks forward to continued collaboration with Secretary Collins to identify additional hurdles and work together to eliminate them, strengthening access, expanding trust and ensuring that all veterans receive the timely, high-quality care they have earned.
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Original text here: https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2025/12/vfw-applauds-common-sense-improvement-to-women-veterans-health-care
[Category: National Defense]
New Bill Would Better Protect National Parks From Mining Threats
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- The National Parks Conservation Association issued the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
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New Bill Would Better Protect National Parks from Mining Threats
Today, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) celebrates the introduction of a bill that takes steps to protect America's national parks from the harmful impacts of mining.
With over 3,500 active mine claims inside national parks and national monuments and over 127,000 mine claims impacting watersheds and wildlife habitat just outside of park boundaries, this legislation addresses the urgent
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- The National Parks Conservation Association issued the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
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New Bill Would Better Protect National Parks from Mining Threats
Today, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) celebrates the introduction of a bill that takes steps to protect America's national parks from the harmful impacts of mining.
With over 3,500 active mine claims inside national parks and national monuments and over 127,000 mine claims impacting watersheds and wildlife habitat just outside of park boundaries, this legislation addresses the urgentneed to preserve these iconic landscapes for future generations.
Introduced by U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, the CLAIM Act proposes long-overdue reforms to the General Mining Law of 1872. The current law allows for mining activities within and near national parks, allowing companies to operate with little oversight and leaving taxpayers to cover the costs of damaged landscapes and abandoned mines. This outdated law poses a particular risk to the fifteen national parks with active mine claims within their boundaries.
The CLAIM Act takes a practical step to reduce speculative claims within and near national parks and monuments while supporting the restoration of tens of thousands of abandoned mine sites that threaten water quality, wildlife habitat, Tribal cultural resource protection, and visitor safety.
Mining activities risk polluting the air and water within these pristine landscapes and jeopardize the health of ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. According to a recent bipartisan poll, nearly 60% of Americans oppose opening lands in or adjacent to national parks for mining and drilling, recognizing that such activities can cause irreversible damage and threaten the very experiences millions of visitors come to national parks to enjoy.
In March 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order to rapidly expand mining on public lands by expediting permitting approvals, expanding the list of critical minerals and promoting speculative mineral exploration on lands in and adjacent to national parks, putting these iconic landscapes in the crosshairs of unchecked mining development.
Statement by Charlie Olsen, Energy and Public Lands Policy Manager at the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA):
"If we don't act now, our national parks risk becoming industrial mining zones. We're already seeing growing threats from mining in places like the Grand Canyon, Voyageurs, Arches, Gates of the Arctic and Mojave National Preserve.
"A century ago, many of our national parks were born out of the need to protect irreplaceable places in the frenzy of the gold rush. We know the next boom-and-bust rush for critical minerals is coming for our public lands, and this bill takes long-overdue steps to protect our national parks and our American heritage.
"The CLAIM Act is a promising step that brings balance to our mining system, steering new mining claims away from national parks and ensuring the public isn't the only one left footing the cleanup costs.
"Nobody wants mining in or near our national parks. We urge Congress to support commonsense reforms like this to better balance responsible mining practices with the preservation of our exceptional national parks."
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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.9 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation's most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
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Original text here: https://www.npca.org/articles/11263-new-bill-would-better-protect-national-parks-from-mining-threats
[Category: Environment]
New Balance's Home Turf Hit With Blitz of Anti-Leather Appeals From PETA
NORFOLK, Virginia, Dec. 12 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
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New Balance's Home Turf Hit with Blitz of Anti-Leather Appeals from PETA
Boston - Shoppers hoping to snag some sneakers at the New Balance store on Newbury Street may be kicking those leather kicks to the curb once they spot a thought-provoking new appeal PETA has plastered throughout Massachusetts Ave Station and Copley Station--just a small jog away from the Boston-based brand's special concept store. The visual shows a mother cow nuzzling her baby but quickly transitions to reveal
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NORFOLK, Virginia, Dec. 12 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
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New Balance's Home Turf Hit with Blitz of Anti-Leather Appeals from PETA
Boston - Shoppers hoping to snag some sneakers at the New Balance store on Newbury Street may be kicking those leather kicks to the curb once they spot a thought-provoking new appeal PETA has plastered throughout Massachusetts Ave Station and Copley Station--just a small jog away from the Boston-based brand's special concept store. The visual shows a mother cow nuzzling her baby but quickly transitions to revealthe calf standing alone--along with the pointed message, "Your New Shoes Stole My Mom. Leather Costs Lives. Please, Wear Vegan." PETA hopes the ad will prompt New Balance to embrace a new concept: shoes without suffering.
"Behind every pair of leather sneakers is a thinking, feeling being who loved their family, valued their own life, and didn't want to be killed for a shoe," says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. "PETA is encouraging shoppers everywhere to put their best foot forward by choosing trendy vegan sneakers that leave cows in peace."
Cows have friends and mourn when a loved one dies or when they're separated from each other. Yet cows killed for leather are skinned and dismembered--some while still conscious--after they've endured castration (for males), branding, and tail docking, often without painkillers. In addition to inflicting horrific cruelty on animals, the leather industry is a major contributor to climate change, land devastation, deforestation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Vegan leathers are durable and fashionable without the cruelty or environmental destruction of leather.
PETA's ad can be seen on a dozen digital displays located throughout Massachusetts Ave Station, just a short walk from New Balance's Newbury Street location, as well as on nearly two dozen displays throughout Copley Station once it reopens on December 22--even closer to New Balance's Newbury store.
PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to wear"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kitsfor people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/new-balances-home-turf-hit-with-blitz-of-anti-leather-appeals-from-peta/
[Category: Animals]
Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis: The Impacts of a 70% Reduction of Single-use Plastics on the Petrochemical Industry
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Dec. 12 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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The impacts of a 70% reduction of single-use plastics on the petrochemical industry
Key Takeaways:
Weak economics and low demand are causing instability in the petrochemical industry.
The plastics industry has grown consistently and was valued at $640 billion in 2024.
Despite its growth, the plastics industry suffers from chronic oversupply issues.
A 70% reduction in single-use plastics would cost the industry at least $138 billion.
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(IEEFA) -- As
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LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Dec. 12 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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The impacts of a 70% reduction of single-use plastics on the petrochemical industry
Key Takeaways:
Weak economics and low demand are causing instability in the petrochemical industry.
The plastics industry has grown consistently and was valued at $640 billion in 2024.
Despite its growth, the plastics industry suffers from chronic oversupply issues.
A 70% reduction in single-use plastics would cost the industry at least $138 billion.
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(IEEFA) -- Asthe oil and gas industry looks to diversify revenue streams, the industry is frequently looking to petrochemicals and the plastics made from them to bolster profits. A new report (https://ieefa.org/resources/single-use-plastics-sup-impact-70-reduction-findings-market-dynamics-and-methodology) from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) lays bare how fragile relying on single-use plastics (SUP) is as a long-term plan.
On a global scale, the petrochemical industry is facing headwinds as weak economics and low demand translate to financial instability. The report out today examines what a reduction in single-use plastics would look like for the industry, and the results are stark: A 70% reduction in the production of SUP would result in a $138 billion loss. This reduction would avoid roughly 3.85 million barrels per day of oil consumption.
"Rather than relying on single-use plastics as part of their business model, industry leaders should prepare for the transition away from SUP production," said Todd Leahy, IEEFA North American regional director and author of the report. "If a production cap on SUP was implemented or if the market continues to shrink, the petrochemical industry will continue its financial decline."
The plastics industry has experienced consistent growth, with the global market valued at approximately $640 billion in 2024. However, the growth has occurred in tandem with chronic oversupply, particularly in commodity plastics. In an oversupplied environment, operating rates fall, margins compress, and global factors reduce demand. Individual project economics become sensitive to small global changes, increasing financial risk.
The report's findings underscore a major transition for the petrochemical industry, assuming a 70% reduction, revealing a substantial impact on industry revenue, and a significant reduction in oil demand that highlights the shakiness of the industry.
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Original text here: https://ieefa.org/articles/impacts-70-reduction-single-use-plastics-petrochemical-industry
[Category: Energy]
Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis: Production Linked Incentive Scheme Drives Robust Growth in India's Solar Manufacturing Sector
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Dec. 12 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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Production Linked Incentive scheme drives robust growth in India's solar manufacturing sector
However, much of the progress will depend on sustained policy coherence, capital mobilisation and upstream integration
Key Takeaways:
Launched in 2021, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency solar modules has attracted strong industry interest and revived investor confidence in domestic solar manufacturing. However, capacity additions remain
... Show Full Article
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Dec. 12 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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Production Linked Incentive scheme drives robust growth in India's solar manufacturing sector
However, much of the progress will depend on sustained policy coherence, capital mobilisation and upstream integration
Key Takeaways:
Launched in 2021, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency solar modules has attracted strong industry interest and revived investor confidence in domestic solar manufacturing. However, capacity additions remainbelow targets, with only 56% of module and 14% of polysilicon capacity achieved as of June 2025.
In June 2025, India's PV capacity reached 3.3 gigawatts (GW) polysilicon, 5.3GW wafer, 29GW cell, and 120GW module, with the PLI scheme driving all upstream capacity.
Future iterations of PLI must adopt a comprehensive manufacturing-linked framework that integrates fiscal support, upfront capital subsidies, ancillary development and longer policy tenures.
The PLI scheme has reinforced the government's push for self-sufficiency, spurring an upsurge in domestic module capacity and investment inflow into the sector. At the same time, its full potential is yet to be realised due to delays in upstream integration, policy uncertainties, technical constraints, and volatility in global raw material prices.
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(JMK Research and IEEFA South Asia): A new report from JMK Research and the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) notes that while the solar PLI scheme has helped lay the groundwork for domestic PV manufacturing, it continues to face significant operational and policy challenges.
"The scheme channels government support towards measurable industrial output, helping build durable, long-term manufacturing capacity," says Vibhuti Garg, Director, IEEFA South Asia, and a contributing author of the report.
According to the report, India's solar manufacturing capacity has expanded significantly since 2022, with current operational capacity reaching 120GW for modules and 29.3GW for cells (as of June 2025). Post-2022 capacity additions totalled 82GW in modules and 22.7GW in cells, representing a 216% and 344% increase, respectively, from 2022 levels.
Whatever limited polysilicon and wafer capacities exist in India have come solely through the PLI scheme -- underscoring India's continued upstream dependence on imports -- while about 36% of total cell and 24% of module capacity originate from PLI allocations.
"However, the PLI scheme for solar PV manufacturing faces implementation challenges like high capital intensity of upstream integration, inadequate incentives, inconsistencies in trade policy, import dependency, and global raw material price volatility," says Prabhakar Sharma, senior consultant, JMK Research, and one of the report's authors.
Policy asymmetries -- such as unrestricted imports for polysilicon and wafers alongside module restrictions under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) -- and frequent ALMM revisions have created uncertainty for domestic manufacturers. Besides, the scheme's emphasis on fully integrated wafer-to-module facilities requires steep upfront investments, while incentives cover only a small fraction of production costs.
"India's reliance on imported machinery, components, and Chinese technical expertise has further slowed capacity ramp-up, a situation worsened by visa restrictions and limited equipment availability," says Chirag H Tewani, senior research associate at JMK Research, and a co-author of the report.
Meanwhile, global price volatility -- especially in polysilicon and wafers -- and China's dominance in upstream production expose Indian manufacturers to cost spikes and supply disruptions. Limited scale in domestic polysilicon production also undermines cost competitiveness, highlighting the structural challenges in achieving a self-reliant and globally competitive solar manufacturing ecosystem.
"Delays in implementing PLI solar PV facilities have also limited the scheme's economic impact," says Sharma. As of June 2025, only 31GW of the targeted 65GW module capacity was commissioned, attracting roughly Rs48,120 crore (~US$5.5 billion) in investments and creating 38,500 direct jobs -- far below the targets of Rs94,000 crore (US$10.45 billion) and 1.95 lakh direct jobs, the report states.
The report underscores that PLI non-compliance can lead to substantial financial losses for solar PLI awardees. According to JMK Research, across both tranches, solar PLI awardees can incur a monetary risk of up to Rs41,834 crore (~US$4.80 billion) cumulatively, combining direct penalties (bank guarantees encashment), lost incentives, and unrealised revenue from sales.
The scheme's trajectory hinges on comprehensive recalibration rather than timeline extensions alone. "Future PLI iterations should focus on improving cost competitiveness, upstream integration and market resilience," says Aman Gupta, research associate, JMK Research, and an author of the report. Key measures include tax credits, low-cost financing, and risk buffers against global price volatility; layered incentives and longer policy horizons to encourage full value-chain participation; and support for critical components to foster an integrated domestic supply chain.
With the emerging 50% US tariff on Indian solar exports adding pressure, the policy environment is becoming increasingly complex and will require strategic adaptation. The report emphasises that India must develop institutional mechanisms for coordinated policy implementation, and better align incentives with manufacturing timelines and market protection measures, while providing long-term policy certainty.
Read the report: Assessing the effectiveness of India's solar Production Linked Incentive scheme (https://ieefa.org/resources/analysing-effectiveness-indias-solar-manufacturing-production-linked-incentive-scheme)
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About JMK Research & Analytics: JMK Research & Analytics provides research and advisory services to Indian and international clients across renewable energy, electric mobility and the battery storage market. (www.jmkresearch.com)
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About IEEFA: The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) examines issues related to energy markets, trends and policies. The Institute's mission is to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy. (ieefa.org)
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Original text here: https://ieefa.org/articles/production-linked-incentive-scheme-drives-robust-growth-indias-solar-manufacturing-sector
[Category: Energy]
Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis: Declining Outlook for Australian Gas and LNG
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Dec. 12 -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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Declining outlook for Australian gas and LNG
IEEFA's updated data tool shows weakening demand here and abroad
Key Takeaways:
IEEFA has released an update of its Australian Gas and LNG Tracker, its interactive, visual tool providing data on Australia's liquefied natural gas industry and trade.
The latest Tracker data reveals falls in both Australia's exports and Asia's imports of LNG during 2025.
LNG exports continue to soak up the majority of Australia's gas output,
... Show Full Article
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Dec. 12 -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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Declining outlook for Australian gas and LNG
IEEFA's updated data tool shows weakening demand here and abroad
Key Takeaways:
IEEFA has released an update of its Australian Gas and LNG Tracker, its interactive, visual tool providing data on Australia's liquefied natural gas industry and trade.
The latest Tracker data reveals falls in both Australia's exports and Asia's imports of LNG during 2025.
LNG exports continue to soak up the majority of Australia's gas output,accounting for 83% of gas produced in the first half of 2025.
Domestic gas demand continues to fall in both Western Australia and the eastern states. Gas faces an uncertain future in Asia's electricity mix, amid fierce competition from coal and renewable energy.
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(IEEFA Australia): The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has released an update of its Australian Gas and LNG Tracker, its interactive data visualisation tool on Australia's liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry and trade.
The Australian Gas and LNG Tracker allows users to visualise Australia's gas production and LNG export demand and flows. It uses data compiled from a range of authoritative sources, including Kpler and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), along with IEEFA's own analysis. The latest version of the Tracker updates and expands upon the previous version, released in June.
Key findings revealed in the updated Australian Gas and LNG Tracker include:
* Australia's LNG exports fell in the first half of 2025 to their lowest level in four years, driven almost entirely by falling exports from Western Australia. This was caused, in part, by Woodside mothballing a train at its North West Shelf LNG plant.
* Asian LNG imports saw the largest half-year fall (in the first half of 2025) in the period since 2010, with imports down by 9%. China was a key driver, with its imports down 21% year on year.
* LNG exports continue to account for most of Australia's gas production, with 83% of gas produced in the first half of 2025 used for exports. Declining export volumes coincided with falling domestic gas production and domestic supply.
* Domestic gas demand continues to fall. In eastern Australia, all major segments saw a fall in consumption between FY2022-23 and FY2024-25, with the exception of the LNG export sector. In Western Australia, falling demand for gas for electricity generation drove a fall in total domestic gas consumption, which coincided with falling domestic spot gas prices.
* Victoria continues to supply the majority of gas to the southern states, exporting almost 1,050 petajoules (PJ) to other states from 2017 to mid-2025. In contrast, Queensland supplied about 17PJ on a net basis to the southern states over that same period.
* The role of gas in Asia's electricity systems is mixed. Growing renewables appear to be displacing gas in some countries, and declining domestic gas production is seeing other countries rely more heavily on coal generation. The few countries that rely on LNG and have a large or growing share of gas generation have high incomes and relatively small landmasses.
"The latest Tracker data presents an outlook of weakening demand for Australian gas both here and abroad," said Joshua Runciman, Lead Analyst, Australian Gas at IEEFA. "It reveals a decline in LNG exports over the last year, with growing competition from coal and renewable energy complicating the energy mix among key markets in Asia. Domestic gas consumption is also falling, with LNG production continuing to account for the vast majority of Australia's gas production."
To visit IEEFA's Australia Gas and LNG Tracker, click here (https://ieefa.org/australian-gas-and-lng-tracker).
About IEEFA: The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) examines issues related to energy markets, trends and policies. The Institute's mission is to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy. (ieefa.org)
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Original text here: https://ieefa.org/articles/declining-outlook-australian-gas-and-lng
[Category: Energy]
EBC Welcomes New Member: GSI Environmental Inc.
BROOKLINE, Massachusetts, Dec. 12 -- The Environmental Business Council of New England issued the following news:
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EBC Welcomes New Member: GSI Environmental Inc.
Please join the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) in welcoming GSI Environmental Inc. as a new member of the organization.
"GSI Environmental Inc. (GSI) is an engineering and environmental science consulting firm committed to investigating, analyzing, and solving complex environmental problems around the globe. Our work ranges from practical solutions for environmentally sound industrial operations and property
... Show Full Article
BROOKLINE, Massachusetts, Dec. 12 -- The Environmental Business Council of New England issued the following news:
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EBC Welcomes New Member: GSI Environmental Inc.
Please join the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) in welcoming GSI Environmental Inc. as a new member of the organization.
"GSI Environmental Inc. (GSI) is an engineering and environmental science consulting firm committed to investigating, analyzing, and solving complex environmental problems around the globe. Our work ranges from practical solutions for environmentally sound industrial operations and propertydevelopment to toxicological analysis and management of chemical hazards, sustainable development of water and other natural resources, and protection of our rivers, bays, and estuaries. Our staff combines practical know-how with leading-edge research to deliver timely, innovative, and focused solutions to your environmental challenges."
EBC member companies include businesses specializing in environmental and energy technology, services, and products. They range from one-person entrepreneurial ventures to established corporations with thousands of employees. EBC Member Directory.
To learn more about GSI Environmental Inc. including their business discipline and services provided, please follow the link below.
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Original text here: https://ebcne.org/news/ebc-welcomes-new-member-gsi-environmental-inc/
[Category: Environment]
