Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Victory! Gov. Evers Vetoes Wisconsin Anti-Dissent Bill
WASHINGTON, March 21 [Category: Sociological] -- The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee issued the following news release:
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Victory! Gov. Evers Vetoes Wisconsin Anti-Dissent Bill
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Late yesterday Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin vetoed a harmful anti-Dissent bill. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) commends Governor Evers for vetoing AB 672, legislation that would have criminalized political expression, advocacy, and dissent. This bill posed a direct threat to First Amendment rights, civil liberties, and democratic participation.
Official Veto statement from
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 21 [Category: Sociological] -- The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee issued the following news release:
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Victory! Gov. Evers Vetoes Wisconsin Anti-Dissent Bill
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Late yesterday Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin vetoed a harmful anti-Dissent bill. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) commends Governor Evers for vetoing AB 672, legislation that would have criminalized political expression, advocacy, and dissent. This bill posed a direct threat to First Amendment rights, civil liberties, and democratic participation.
Official Veto statement fromGovernor Evers
Over the past few months ADC has engaged directly with partners, state lawmakers, and the governor's office on this issue. Most recently ADC submitted official testimony in opposition to AB 672 for the Wisconsin state records. We worked closely and alongside other civil liberties organizations raising similar concerns, including the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance (WMCA), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), Voces de la Frontera, and the ACLU of Wisconsin.
ADC Policy Manager Ellie Yousif said, "AB 672 posed a direct threat to First Amendment rights by giving the state sweeping authority to label nonviolent political activism as 'terrorism,' a historically politicized term used to delegitimize movements and ideas that challenge state power. History shows that 'terrorism' has often been wielded as a political tool to suppress dissent, from civil rights and anti-war activists to contemporary advocacy for Palestinian rights. The bill comes at a time when U.S. foreign policy consistently prioritizes Israel's security, often at the expense of civil and political rights of not only Arab Americans, but all Americans. AB 672 reflects a domestic extension of these international power dynamics, threatening to criminalize advocacy that engages with globally recognized human rights issues and chilling constitutionally protected speech".
AB672 was structurally designed to allow for arbitrary enforcement against individuals and organizations simply for advocating for Palestinian rights, opposing ICE actions in schools, or otherwise voicing dissent. Its reliance on vague and undefined terms-intent, association, alignment-would have transformed protected political activity into criminal liability. Similar labeling has already been misapplied against journalists, students, and activists advocating for Palestinian rights, showing how easily AB 672 could have criminalized lawful dissent. The same mechanisms could just as easily be used against any political dissenter, regardless of ideology or affiliation, making this a threat to all who challenge government policy.
By rejecting AB 672, Governor Evers prevented the state from codifying the criminalization of dissent and protecting marginalized communities from selective enforcement and political persecution. California provides a clear warning: a narrower transnational repression bill was vetoed in 2025 for similar reasons. AB 672 went further in scope, penalties, and potential for abuse. Marginalized communities-including Palestinians, immigrants, Black Americans, Muslims, students, and political activists-would have borne the brunt of enforcement, reflecting historic inequities in policing and criminal justice. The bill's vague definitions and broad powers could have been applied against anyone expressing dissent, making it a universal threat to political freedom and democratic participation.
ADC thanks Governor Evers for rejecting AB 672 and commends his defense of fundamental civil liberties. We call on lawmakers to ensure that future legislation protects, rather than undermines, democratic participation and free expression. The First Amendment must remain a shield, not a target.
ADC also urges Governor Evers to veto pending IHRA bills, which pose a similar threat by chilling dissent, constraining legitimate political discourse, and effectively criminalizing individuals for expressing views critical of state policy or international human rights practices. Coalition letter to reject IHRA.
This effort is part of ADC's commitment to Fighting Hate in Your State. By focusing on state level advocacy we are more likely to have a direct impact. Make a contribution today to support these efforts.
About ADC: The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is the largest Arab American grassroots organization in the U.S., founded in 1980 by former Senator James Abourezk. ADC's mission is to defend and promote the human rights, civil rights, and liberties of at least 3.7 million Arab Americans residing in the United States. Through its work, ADC fights discrimination in the U.S., enhances public understanding of Arab history and culture, and partners with marginalized communities globally to advance social justice.
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Original text here: https://adc.org/veto-victory-ab672-wi/
Tobacco-Free Kids Partners With Johns Hopkins Lerner Center to Enhance Public Health Advocacy
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids issued the following news release:
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Tobacco-Free Kids Partners with Johns Hopkins Lerner Center to Enhance Public Health Advocacy
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and its Global Health Advocacy Incubator are pleased to announce a new partnership with the Johns Hopkins Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. This collaboration will enhance the field of public health advocacy through the development of new advocacy training courses, resources and practice for public health students and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids issued the following news release:
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Tobacco-Free Kids Partners with Johns Hopkins Lerner Center to Enhance Public Health Advocacy
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and its Global Health Advocacy Incubator are pleased to announce a new partnership with the Johns Hopkins Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. This collaboration will enhance the field of public health advocacy through the development of new advocacy training courses, resources and practice for public health students andprofessionals.
Policy is one of the most powerful tools for ensuring that everyone can have the fairest, most equitable opportunity for a healthy, prosperous life and environment. Advocates for public health help shape the norms, systems and environments that influence people's health. Public health students and professionals bring unique credibility and evidence to this vital task.
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About us
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is the leading advocacy organization working to reduce tobacco use and its deadly consequences in the United States and around the world. Through our Global Health Advocacy Incubator, we tackle other critical public health challenges across the globe - including food and nutrition policy, injury and overdose prevention, and building resilient and equitable health systems. Our vision is a healthier and more equitable future for all.
The Johns Hopkins Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy translates research into real-world impact, through evidence-based communications, advocacy, and policy engagement strategies. The Lerner Center aims to be a leading catalyst for health policy change by preparing current and future leaders to be effective advocates through practice-based scholarship, education and training.
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Original text here: https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/press-releases/2026_03_20_tobacco-free-kids-partners-with-johns-hopkins-lerner-center
[Category: Political]
Human Rights First: Failed U.S. Efforts to Turn Back the Clock on Gender Equality at the United Nations Isolate America and Set Americans Back
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Human Rights First issued the following news:
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Failed U.S. Efforts to Turn Back the Clock on Gender Equality at the United Nations Isolate America and Set Americans Back
Human Rights First denounces recent U.S. efforts to tear down longstanding consensus on gender equality that underpins the work of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and multilateral cooperation.
Human Rights First President and CEO Uzra Zeya noted, "In a failed attempt to impose its domestic political agenda onto international human rights bodies, the Trump administration adopted
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Human Rights First issued the following news:
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Failed U.S. Efforts to Turn Back the Clock on Gender Equality at the United Nations Isolate America and Set Americans Back
Human Rights First denounces recent U.S. efforts to tear down longstanding consensus on gender equality that underpins the work of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and multilateral cooperation.
Human Rights First President and CEO Uzra Zeya noted, "In a failed attempt to impose its domestic political agenda onto international human rights bodies, the Trump administration adoptedpositions more extreme than some of the world's most repressive regimes and hit a new low in U.S. isolation on the world stage. The end result is diminished U.S. multilateral influence and a more hostile environment for U.S. and international civil society actors working tirelessly to combat gender discrimination and gender-based violence."
The annual convening of the Commission, which concluded yesterday, has proven an invaluable forum for globally advancing the human rights of women since the adoption by the international community of the ground-breaking Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995. Over the course of the most recent meeting of the Commission, the United States delegation repeatedly sought to undermine terms and conclusions relating to gender and the human rights of women that have been supported by the international community for many decades.These efforts not only threatened to impede the important work of the Commission but further demonstrated the isolated, counterproductive, and unprecedented character of the U.S. approach. Such efforts do not serve the interests of the U.S. or the international community.
Human Rights First applauds successful efforts by other Commission members to defend the longstanding consensus that has served as the backbone of the UN's important work to advance the human rights of women and persons in all their diversity around the world. U.S. and international civil society have a critical role to play in countering U.S. and others' efforts to collapse UN gender protections from within.
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Original text here: https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/failed-u-s-efforts-to-turn-back-the-clock-on-gender-equality-at-the-united-nations-isolate-america-and-set-americans-back/
[Category: Sociological]
Environmental Working Group: California Bill Would Ban Toxic 'Forever Chemical' Pesticides Contaminating Nearly 40% of State-grown Non-organic Produce
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- The Environmental Working Group issued the following news release on March 20, 2026:
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California bill would ban toxic 'forever chemical' pesticides contaminating nearly 40% of state-grown non-organic produce
AB 1603 would phase out PFAS pesticides by 2035 and require public disclosure on 2.5M pounds of chemicals used each year
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SACRAMENTO - A bill introduced today in the Assembly would ban the toxic "forever chemical" pesticides that contaminate nearly two in five California-grown non-organic fruits and vegetables, increasing the risk of cancer and other serious
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- The Environmental Working Group issued the following news release on March 20, 2026:
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California bill would ban toxic 'forever chemical' pesticides contaminating nearly 40% of state-grown non-organic produce
AB 1603 would phase out PFAS pesticides by 2035 and require public disclosure on 2.5M pounds of chemicals used each year
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SACRAMENTO - A bill introduced today in the Assembly would ban the toxic "forever chemical" pesticides that contaminate nearly two in five California-grown non-organic fruits and vegetables, increasing the risk of cancer and other serioushealth conditions.
The bill comes on the heels of test results that showed contamination of nine out of 10 samples of peaches, nectarines and plums tested.
Assembly Bill 1603, introduced by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank), would ban the use, sale and manufacture of PFAS pesticides in California beginning in 2035. For the 23 of these PFAS pesticides that are already prohibited by the European Union, the ban would begin earlier, in 2030.
The bill would also immediately place a pause on state approvals and require public disclosure of PFAS pesticides.
AB 1603 is cosponsored by the Environmental Working Group, Californians for Pesticide Reform, Pesticide Action Network, the Center for Environmental Health and the Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network.
Nearly 70 pesticides that are PFAS are registered with the federal Environmental Protection Agency. They account for about 14% of all active pesticide ingredients.
Fifty-three of those 70 are registered for use in California, representing 5% of all state-registered active pesticide ingredients. But they account for 15% of the pesticide residues detected on California-grown produce.
"The country depends on California for its fruits and vegetables, but right now they're being seasoned with chemicals that never break down," said Bernadette Del Chiaro, EWG's senior vice president for California.
"We cannot claim to lead the world in public health while allowing millions of pounds of toxic PFAS to be deliberately sprayed on our most iconic crops," she said.
A growing crisis in California fields
"As a father, I don't want my kids eating strawberries contaminated with chemicals that will stay in their bodies for decades," said Schultz.
"AB 1603 is a vital step toward ensuring California's agricultural legacy is defined by health and innovation, not by the accumulation of toxic PFAS in our soil and water. We are providing a clear, responsible road map for our farmers to transition away from these persistent chemicals while re-establishing California as a global leader in food safety," he said.
An EWG analysis shows that PFAS pesticide use is widespread in California agriculture, averaging 2.5 million pounds annually in all 58 counties. Over six years, from 2018 to 2023, farmers applied 15 million pounds of these chemicals, with the highest concentrations in Fresno, Imperial, Kern and San Joaquin counties.
Much of this spraying targets some of the state's most valuable crops, including almonds, pistachios, wine grapes and tomatoes.
Many PFAS are already notorious for contaminating the drinking water of millions of Americans, an issue drawing increased scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers. The PFAS pesticide residues on California produce are a sober reminder of the continued identification and presence of PFAS in our environment, and they suggest an urgent need to phase out their use.
Ingesting toxic PFAS pesticide chemicals
And PFAS contamination is making its way from the field to the dinner table.
More than a third, or 37%, of 930 samples of non-organic California-grown fruits and vegetables contained traces of PFAS pesticides, according to an EWG analysis of state data.
In total, just over half, or 51%, of the 78 individual types of produce tested had at least some detectable residue.
"The scale of this contamination is staggering," said Susan Little, EWG's legislative director in California. "Millions of pounds of PFAS are used on everyday California crops without any plan to phase them out."
"AB 1603 provides that road map. By immediately banning new state approvals, requiring full transparency starting next year, and phasing out these chemicals as of 2030, we are finally putting public health ahead of the chemical industry," she added.
Why PFAS are in pesticides
PFAS are a group of thousands of human-made chemicals used in a wide range of consumer, industrial and electronic products, in addition to pesticides. They are called "forever chemicals" because of their extreme environmental persistence: Their carbon-fluorine bond is among the strongest in chemistry, making them resistant to complete breakdown in the environment and in the human body.
The contamination doesn't stop there.
As these chemicals partially break down over time, they can form other harmful compounds, including trifluoroacetic acid, or TFA, which is increasingly being detected in the environment, wildlife and people. One study estimates that PFAS pesticide use in California could generate between 185,000 and 616,000 pounds of TFA each year.
Emerging research links TFA to reproductive harm and immune suppression, raising growing concerns about its spread and potential health risks.
A recent EPA analysis noted that 36 PFAS pesticides - 25 of which are registered in California - lack updated developmental and reproductive toxicity tests. Immunotoxicity studies are routinely waived in pesticide applications, despite growing evidence that PFAS chemicals are particularly harmful to the immune system.
"By the time these PFAS residues reach our plates, they have become part of a toxic cocktail that can suppress the immune system and harm reproductive health," said Varun Subramaniam, EWG science analyst. "That raises serious concerns about the long-term health risks of using these chemicals on food crops."
"The most troubling part is how little we know about their safety. We're spraying millions of pounds of chemicals on food without understanding their full health impacts or considering what little we do know. It's unconscionable," he added.
PFAS can also be found in pesticides as inactive ingredients, which means they don't address pests directly but can enhance how well a pesticide works. Manufacturers aren't required to disclose individual inactive PFAS in their products, so it's difficult to know how much of a role they play in the effects of pesticides that are sprayed.
"The chemical industry's insatiable greed has turned all of our bodies into sacrifice zones, especially in predominantly Latino farmworking communities, for profit-driven motives," said Sakereh Maskal, policy and advocacy director of the Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network. "Given that 98% of American bodies contain some level of PFAS, it's clear that the chemical industry will stop at nothing to prioritize profit over people."
Health risks of PFAS exposure
Once released into the environment, PFAS do not fully break down and they can build up in the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detected PFAS in the blood of 99% of Americans, including newborn babies.
Very low doses of PFAS have been linked to suppression of the immune system. Studies show exposure to PFAS can also increase the risk of cancer, harm fetal development and reduce vaccine effectiveness.
California's agricultural PFAS use means residents of the Golden State get hit twice - through contaminated food and through contaminated water. PFAS pesticides leave residues on fruits and vegetables, and the chemicals leach into groundwater that becomes drinking water.
"Farmworker communities already face unacceptable exposure from toxic pesticides, and now PFAS - forever chemicals that persist in our water, land and bodies," said Angel Garcia, co-director of the statewide coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform. "We don't yet understand the long-term health risks, and they're not even being recorded as PFAS by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation."
"That's not being health-protective. It's allowing permanent pollution in already overburdened communities. That's why AB 1603 is so important," added Garcia.
States leading on regulation
The EPA approves pesticides for national use, but states aren't required to follow suit. California operates its own approval system: The state's Department of Pesticide Regulation must independently evaluate and authorize each chemical before farmers can use it.
That gives California enormous power to protect residents - power the state has largely chosen not to use when it comes to PFAS pesticides.
While California has remained one of the world's largest users of PFAS pesticides, other jurisdictions have moved to restrict or ban them.
In 2021, Maine enacted the nation's first statewide PFAS pesticide ban on their use, sale and manufacture, starting in 2030. In 2023, Minnesota passed a broad ban on nonessential PFAS uses, including pesticides, phasing them out by 2032.
Denmark banned six PFAS pesticide ingredients in 2025. And the EU has prohibited 23 of the PFAS pesticides heavily used in California, including bifenthrin, trifluralin and flufenacet, chemicals California regulators continue to allow.
The newly proposed legislation, AB 1603, would bring California in line with these other states and jurisdictions, making the nation's "bread basket" once again a public health leader and helping ensure what we are putting on America's kitchen table is free from PFAS pesticides.
AB 1603 key provisions:
* 2027. Immediately halt new state approvals of PFAS pesticides
* 2027. Require transparency and public reporting on PFAS pesticide use
* 2030. Ban 23 PFAS pesticides already prohibited by the EU
* 2035. Ban use, sale and manufacture of all PFAS pesticides
"California has been a public health bellwether for decades, from car emissions to chemical safety," said Del Chiaro. "But we've been silent on PFAS pesticides, even though we've become one of the biggest users."
"AB 1603 changes that. Within a decade, 'California Grown' will mean grown without PFAS pesticides, which is the least we can do for families and communities struggling to contain widespread PFAS contamination in our soil, air, water and food," she added.
AB 1603 has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials and will likely be heard in mid-April.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
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Original text here: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2026/03/california-bill-would-ban-toxic-forever-chemical-pesticides
[Category: Environment]
Environmental Defense Fund: Governor Hochul Seeks to Weaken New York's Leading Climate Law
NEW YORK, March 21 -- The Environmental Defense Fund posted the following news release on March 20, 2026:
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Governor Hochul seeks to weaken New York's leading climate law
By following through with this proposal, New York would abandon its climate leadership as other states are moving forward with actions to cut pollution and costs
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ALBANY, N.Y. -- Today, Governor Hochul announced proposed changes to the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act, New York's landmark climate law. Among several reported changes that would weaken the law, the proposal would delay the deadline for regulations
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, March 21 -- The Environmental Defense Fund posted the following news release on March 20, 2026:
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Governor Hochul seeks to weaken New York's leading climate law
By following through with this proposal, New York would abandon its climate leadership as other states are moving forward with actions to cut pollution and costs
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ALBANY, N.Y. -- Today, Governor Hochul announced proposed changes to the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act, New York's landmark climate law. Among several reported changes that would weaken the law, the proposal would delay the deadline for regulationsto limit the state's emissions until 2030 -- another four-year delay on regulations already two years overdue.
The state's delay of these regulations -- previously designed as an economywide cap-and-invest program -- has already cost New York ratepayers at least $3 billion in investments that should be expanding access to cleaner, cheaper energy, including over $1 billion that could have directly lowered energy bills.
"With this proposal, Governor Hochul is backing down at a time when it couldn't be more critical to protect New Yorkers from energy price spikes driven by fossil fuels, unpredictable extreme weather and pollution that harms our health." said Kate Courtin, Senior Manager for State Climate Policy & Strategy at Environmental Defense Fund. "Kicking the can further down the road doesn't help New Yorkers. It is far past time for New York to move forward with a cap-and-invest program that cuts climate and air pollution, helps shield families from rising energy bills and creates good paying jobs. Right now, residents in other states are benefitting from their cap-and-invest programs, and New Yorkers deserve the same."
New York's previously proposed cap-and-invest program will benefit communities
* Cost Savings: In its first decade, a well-designed cap-and-invest program would deliver $6.9 billion in net savings for households earning up to $200,000 -- roughly $1,060 per household. Nearly 85% of New Yorkers fall within this income range.
* New Jobs: The program is also projected to create 300,500 jobs paying 21% above the statewide median income.
* Health Benefits: The program is anticipated to deliver up to $13 billion in annual health benefits by 2035 and prevent over 1,000 deaths and 137,000 emergency room visits from asthma.
Other states are leveraging these programs to cut pollution and support affordable energy
* California: The Cap-and-Invest program alone has generated over $30 billion in climate and community investments in California since 2013 and directed $16 billion to reduce household energy costs through utility bill credits. As a result, the legislature voted to extend the program in September 2025, with Governor Newsom highlighting Cap-and-Invest as a tool to address affordability.
* Washington: In 2024, voters successfully defended Washington's Cap-and-Invest program on the ballot, beating a repeal attempt by a 24-point margin. An unprecedented coalition of over 500 organizations including labor unions, major businesses, Tribes, community groups and environmental groups successfully defended one of the nation's most ambitious climate policies as they felt and saw the program's benefits. In the next decade, the program is expected to create 40,000 new jobs and unleash $9 billion in economic growth.
* The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI): This cap-and-invest program for power plants operating across ten states in the Northeast has, for over a decade, delivered consumer savings while cutting emissions from power plants nearly in half. States in the RGGI region have realized more than 4:1 energy bill savings return for every dollar of program proceeds invested, totaling over $20 billion in projected savings for ratepayers.
- Virginia recently passed legislation affirming the state's commitment to RGGI under Governor Spanberger's leadership. As a candidate, Spanberger included RGGI and other clean energy policies as part of her platform to make energy bills more affordable.
- During her campaign, now-Governor of New Jersey Mikie Sherrill's affordability agenda included tackling rising costs by building more clean energy.
* Colorado: In December, U.S. Senator and candidate for Governor, Michael Bennet, proposed launching a statewide cap-and-invest program, focused on delivering clean air and affordable energy for Coloradans
Background
This proposal follows years of delays by the Hochul administration to implement the climate law. In October, the Albany County Supreme Court ruled New York must release regulations to ensure compliance with the climate law's requirements no later than February 6, 2026. However, the Hochul administration appealed the ruling, further delaying the rollout.
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With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
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Original text here: https://www.edf.org/media/governor-hochul-seeks-weaken-new-yorks-leading-climate-law
[Category: Environment]
Asia Turns to Coal Even Before Several Energy Facilities Get Targeted in Iran Conflict
WASHINGTON, March 21 [Category: Energy] -- The Institute for Energy Research posted the following commentary:
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Asia Turns to Coal Even Before Several Energy Facilities Get Targeted in Iran Conflict
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Key Takeaways
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Asian nations are increasing coal use to replace LNG amid escalating attacks on energy infrastructure in the Iran conflict.
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Coal prices have risen 14%, but LNG prices doubled even before Iran's recent attack on Qatar's LNG facility at Ras Laffan, the world's largest LNG export facility, that was in retaliation for Israel striking Iran's South Pars gas field.
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LNG's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 21 [Category: Energy] -- The Institute for Energy Research posted the following commentary:
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Asia Turns to Coal Even Before Several Energy Facilities Get Targeted in Iran Conflict
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Key Takeaways
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Asian nations are increasing coal use to replace LNG amid escalating attacks on energy infrastructure in the Iran conflict.
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Coal prices have risen 14%, but LNG prices doubled even before Iran's recent attack on Qatar's LNG facility at Ras Laffan, the world's largest LNG export facility, that was in retaliation for Israel striking Iran's South Pars gas field.
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LNG'sshare of electricity generation in Asia has been falling for years, accelerating after Russia's invasion of Ukraine drove up prices, leading to demand destruction.
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The Trump administration has asked Israel to cease attacks on energy infrastructure in Iran and warned Iran that further attacks on energy infrastructure in the region would result in U.S. attacks on their South Pars gas field, which they share with Qatar, the world's largest.
While oil and gas prices are surging, Asia is turning to coal, whose prices have increased by around 14%. At the same time, liquified natural gas (LNG) spot prices have doubled due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the shut-in of LNG facilities in Qatar. Now, the situation is even worse as a major gas field in Iran was struck by Israel, and Iran retaliated on energy facilities in the Middle East. Reuters reports that Iranian aerial attacks have caused extensive damage to the world's largest gas plant in Qatar, targeted a refinery in Saudi Arabia, forced the United Arab Emirates to shut gas facilities, and set off fires at two Kuwaiti refineries and one in Haifa, Israel. Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said an "eye for an eye" approach is now in effect, as "a new level of conflict has begun."
Asia Turns to Coal
Several countries in Southeast Asia are turning to coal. According to government data, Bangladesh is increasing coal power generation and coal-fired power imports in March, Reuters reports. Pakistan is increasing the power generated from domestic sources, including coal. The Philippines is ramping up coal-fired power and slashing LNG-fired output. Vietnam is negotiating coal supply, and Thailand is increasing generation from its largest coal plant to preserve LNG. South Korea plans to remove output ceilings on coal-fired power and increase nuclear generation, while Japan's top utility intends to maintain high utilization rates for coal-fired power.
LNG Demand Destruction
According to Reuters, war-driven supply disruptions are expected to trigger LNG demand destruction across Asia, with prices likely to remain elevated and volatile even after the conflict. High LNG costs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and shortages in city gas pipeline networks have led to cancellations and delays of proposed LNG import capacity in South Asia, where $107 billion in infrastructure investments could be at risk. Via Wood Mackenzie, "The conflict will significantly reduce Asian LNG demand growth in 2026." Wood Mackenzie cut its annual forecast for Asian LNG imports to about five million metric tons from 12.4 million tons, assuming a two-month disruption to Middle East supply.
Recent Attacks on Middle East Energy Facilities
Israeli airstrikes hit the infrastructure of the South Pars offshore gas field, Iran's largest source of natural gas, a gas field that is shared by Iran and Qatar. South Pars is Iran's largest domestic energy source, supplying 80% of its natural gas needs. Iran relies on natural gas to produce electricity and heat homes, even though it has huge energy reserves; it has suffered power shortages because of gas supply interruptions caused by poor infrastructure. In July, public buildings had to shut down when a heat wave strained the power grid. Iran is the fourth-largest global consumer of natural gas, behind the United States, China, and Russia. In contrast to other Middle East countries, it uses gas for heating due to its cold climate, and much of it is subsidized. Iran also supplies natural gas to Iraq, which accounts for about one-third of Iraq's energy needs, and Iraq's electric power supply was disrupted due to the strike on the gas field.
According to the Associated Press, Qatar has invested billions in developing the South Pars field as a source of LNG, which it exported from its Ras Laffan facility before the war. There, the gas is chilled to a liquid and loaded onto tankers that head for customers in Asia, who turn it back into gas. Qatar supplies about a fifth of the world's LNG. Ras Laffan shut down on March 2nd after an Iranian attack and was then struck again on March 19th. The shutdown and attack raised natural gas prices in Asia and Europe.
In retaliation for the hit on South Pars, Iran attacked Qatar's natural gas facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of Qatar's major energy hubs, as Iran reported an airstrike on its oil and petrochemical facilities. The actions spiked oil prices and sent markets sliding. Reuters reports that the attacks caused "extensive damage" to several of QatarEnergy's LNG facilities and to Shell-owned Pearl GTL, the world's largest gas-to-liquids plant, with capacity to process up to 1.6 billion cubic feet per day of wellhead gas. Qatar produces 77 million metric tons annually of LNG ; the Laffan refinery primarily processes condensate into refined products, including aviation fuel. While the United States did not know about the Israeli attack on South Pars, President Trump threatened to destroy Iran's South Pars gas field if Qatar's energy facilities were attacked again.
Other facilities recently attacked include a drone hit on the Aramco-Exxon refinery, SAMREF in Saudi Arabia, which also intercepted a ballistic missile launched towards the port city of Yanbu, which is currently its only outlet for oil exports and where the refinery is located. One of the operational units at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation's Mina al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries was targeted by drones, resulting in fires at both sites. The United Arab Emirates shut gas facilities after intercepting missiles. UAE authorities are responding to incidents at the Habshan gas facilities and at the Bab oil field caused by debris from intercepted missiles. The Habshan complex, operated by Abu Dhabi state oil giant ADNOC, is one of the world's largest gas processing facilities, comprising five plants with a total capacity of 6.1 billion standard cubic feet per day.
Analysis
The fact that Asian utilities are increasing coal-fired power generation to cut costs and safeguard energy supply indicates a potential long-lasting consequence of the war. The latest attacks are dealing a major blow to crucial oil and natural gas infrastructure, potentially causing lengthy disruptions that could trigger another supply shock. Increases in output by various countries, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and Guyana, along with the 60-day waiver on the Jones Act, could help lower prices. However, mitigating the disruptions to oil and gas will likely require that the temporary increases and waivers become permanent.
For inquiries, please contact wrampe@ierdc.org.
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Original text here: https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/fossil-fuels/asia-turns-to-coal-even-before-several-energy-facilities-get-targeted-in-iran-conflict/
2026 Iditarod Round-Up: A Trail of Death, Disease, and Dogs Pushed Past Their Breaking Point
NORFOLK, Virginia, March 21 (TNSrpt) -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
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2026 Iditarod Round-Up: A Trail of Death, Disease, and Dogs Pushed Past Their Breaking Point
As another Iditarod has come to an end, PETA is breaking down this year's deadly race--and what comes next for the dogs who survived. PETA's new white paper also offers peer-reviewed studies and damning evidence of long-distance endurance racing's harmful impact on dogs' health.
* Since its inception, the Iditarod's death toll has continued to climb, with at least 157 dogs now
... Show Full Article
NORFOLK, Virginia, March 21 (TNSrpt) -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
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2026 Iditarod Round-Up: A Trail of Death, Disease, and Dogs Pushed Past Their Breaking Point
As another Iditarod has come to an end, PETA is breaking down this year's deadly race--and what comes next for the dogs who survived. PETA's new white paper also offers peer-reviewed studies and damning evidence of long-distance endurance racing's harmful impact on dogs' health.
* Since its inception, the Iditarod's death toll has continued to climb, with at least 157 dogs nowdead and counting. This week, a 4-year-old dog named Charley died on the trail after musher Mille Porsild forced her to run more than 800 miles through grueling conditions.
* Illness swept through the race. Multiple dogs on Jason Mackey's team developed pneumonia, while expedition musher Thomas Waerner withdrew after several of the dogs he forced to race showed signs of kennel cough. Other mushers openly admitted that viruses were circulating among teams still being pushed down the trail.
* Jeff Deeter continued racing a dog with known neck, shoulder, and rib issues, while another developed a painful skin condition on his scrotum after being forced to run long hours in extreme weather.
* Jessie Royer lost her entire team of dogs three separate times, blaming one incident on a new pair of mittens that she claims made it hard to hold onto the sled and another when she crashed so hard going downhill that it apparently knocked out her contact lens, forcing her to walk "maybe a mile" searching for the dogs. After locating them, she immediately lost them again, before once more forcing them to continue the race.
* Approximately 185 dogs were pulled off this year's trail due to illness, injury, or exhaustion, including one dog whose toenail apparently broke off while running, causing blood to spray "everywhere"--an injury the musher claims he didn't even notice at first.
* Jaye Foucher dropped out after describing a punishing trail with 60+ mph winds and blown-down trail markers--conditions so severe they battered the dogs and destroyed equipment.
* Jessie Holmes--who is notorious for his cruel training practices, including forcing a team of struggling dogs through neck-deep floodwater while pulling a heavy metal carriage--was first to be dragged across the finish line after dropping four dogs who had been pushed past their limit.
"This year's Iditarod left a dog dead and others sick and suffering and destined to be chained up in the bitter cold until they're forced to run to their breaking point all over again," says PETA President Tracy Reiman. "PETA is urging every remaining sponsor of this deadly race to reconsider its ties before another dog pays the price."
PETA points out that while this year's race is over, the surviving dogs will continue to suffer from injuries sustained on the trail, and most will live outside, chained to plastic barrels or dilapidated wooden boxes in all weather extremes until they're forced to race again.
PETA has released new video footage taken by eyewitnesses showing dogs used in this year's race panicking, shivering, and begging to be brought in from the cold; handlers dragging dogs by the neck and shoving them into tiny boxes for transportation; and even a dog with a wound on his side. PETA is sending the footage to all Iditarod sponsors, urging them to reconsider their future sponsorships of this deadly race.
Major sponsors--including Alaska Airlines, Chrysler, Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, Jack Daniel's, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, and Wells Fargo--have all dropped their support for the race after learning about this cruelty from PETA.
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PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for 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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REPORT: https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/peta-iditarod-white-paper.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/2026-iditarod-round-up-a-trail-of-death-disease-and-dogs-pushed-past-their-breaking-point/
[Category: Animals]
