Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Senate Majority PAC: Susan Collins Voted to Keep American Soldiers in Trump's Illegal War
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Susan Collins Voted to Keep American Soldiers in Trump's Illegal War
Today, Republican Sen. Susan Collins voted against the Iran War Powers Resolution, enabling President Trump to continue his illegal conflict that has already claimed the lives of American servicemembers. This
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WASHINGTON, April 16 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Susan Collins Voted to Keep American Soldiers in Trump's Illegal War
Today, Republican Sen. Susan Collins voted against the Iran War Powers Resolution, enabling President Trump to continue his illegal conflict that has already claimed the lives of American servicemembers. Thisfailed vote leaves Congress with limited authority to rein in Trump's military actions as Maine families face soaring gas prices and rising manufacturing costs. Collins has maintained steadfast support for Trump's illegal war in Iran, despite broad opposition from the majority of Americans.
"Susan Collins is asking Mainers to re-elect her while she is failing to stand for them. She voted today to let Donald Trump keep waging an illegal war without a single check from Congress," said Senate Majority PAC Press Secretary Christyna Thompson. "There is no version of today's vote that puts Maine first. If she's already neglecting her constitutional duty as a senator, why should Mainers put her back in the Senate?"
This is not Collins' first time backing President Trump's unpopular agenda. Last June, she voted to advance President Trump's devastating One Big Beautiful Bill, doubling down on unpopular policies that delivered the most severe cuts to Medicaid in history. Despite months of data showing that the bill would drive up health care prices and kick thousands of Mainers from insurance, Collins sided with Trump, leaving Mainers bearing the brunt of the costs.
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Original text here: https://senatemajority.com/news/susan-collins-voted-to-keep-american-soldiers-in-trumps-illegal-war/
[Category: Political]
Senate Majority PAC: Dan Sullivan Voted to Keep American Soldiers in Trump's Illegal War
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Dan Sullivan Voted to Keep American Soldiers in Trump's Illegal War
Today, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan voted against the Iran War Powers Resolution, enabling President Trump to continue his illegal conflict that has already claimed the lives of American servicemembers. This failed
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Dan Sullivan Voted to Keep American Soldiers in Trump's Illegal War
Today, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan voted against the Iran War Powers Resolution, enabling President Trump to continue his illegal conflict that has already claimed the lives of American servicemembers. This failedvote leaves Congress with limited authority to rein in Trump's military actions as Alaskan families face soaring gas prices and rising import costs. Sullivan has maintained steadfast support for Trump's illegal war in Iran, despite broad opposition from the majority of Americans.
"Dan Sullivan is asking Alaskans to re-elect him while he is failing to stand for them. He voted today to let Donald Trump keep waging an illegal war without a single check from Congress," said Senate Majority PAC Press Secretary Christyna Thompson. "There is no version of today's vote that puts Alaska first. If he's already neglecting his constitutional duty, why should Alaskans put him back in the Senate?"
This is not Sullivan's first time backing President Trump's unpopular agenda. Last June, he voted for President Trump's devastating One Big Beautiful Bill, doubling down on harmful policies that delivered the most severe cuts to Medicaid in history. Despite months of data showing that the bill would drive up health care prices and kick thousands off of their insurance, Sullivan sided with Trump, leaving Alaskans bearing the brunt of the costs.
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Original text here: https://senatemajority.com/news/dan-sullivan-voted-to-keep-american-soldiers-in-trumps-illegal-war/
[Category: Political]
SACCOs Positioned to Expand Financial Inclusion for Refugees in Kenya, New Report Finds
MADISON, Wisconsin, April 16 (TNSrep) -- The World Council of Credit Unions issued the following news release:
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SACCOs Positioned to Expand Financial Inclusion for Refugees in Kenya, New Report Finds
New WOCCU report highlights opportunities and barriers to scaling access through cooperative financial institutions
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A new report from the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), developed in partnership with the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA), highlights the critical role regulated Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) can
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MADISON, Wisconsin, April 16 (TNSrep) -- The World Council of Credit Unions issued the following news release:
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SACCOs Positioned to Expand Financial Inclusion for Refugees in Kenya, New Report Finds
New WOCCU report highlights opportunities and barriers to scaling access through cooperative financial institutions
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A new report from the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), developed in partnership with the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA), highlights the critical role regulated Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) canplay in expanding financial inclusion for refugees and migrants in Kenya, while outlining key regulatory and operational barriers that must be addressed to unlock that potential.
Based on qualitative research conducted with SACCO leaders and refugees, the report Financial Inclusion for Refugees and Migrants in Kenya: Insights from SACCOs (https://www.woccu.org/documents/Insights_from_SACCOs-Financial_Inclusion_for_Refugees_and_Migrants_in_Kenya) finds that while demand for financial services is strong, access remains inconsistent due to documentation challenges, regulatory uncertainty and product misalignment with the realities of refugee livelihoods.
SACCOs, as member-owned financial cooperatives rooted in community trust, are uniquely positioned to serve this population. In several cases, institutions are already adapting by introducing flexible savings products, adjusting credit models and partnering with local organizations to better meet the needs of underserved communities.
"Expanding financial inclusion requires practical solutions and strong partnerships," said Angelina Tracy, Vice President of Strategic Growth and Global Programs at World Council of Credit Unions. "What this report shows is that SACCOs are already adapting to meet the realities of the communities they serve. With greater regulatory clarity and continued collaboration, their impact can grow even further, supporting financial stability and long-term economic resilience."
The report also underscores the importance of policy alignment, noting that while Kenya has made progress in advancing refugee inclusion through national strategies and legal frameworks, implementation remains uneven. Clearer guidance on identity requirements and risk-based approaches to compliance could help expand access while maintaining financial system integrity.
As financial services continue to evolve globally, the findings reinforce the broader role of cooperative financial institutions in reaching underserved populations and strengthening inclusive economic systems.
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World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is the global trade association for the credit union movement, advancing cooperative finance worldwide. Through advocacy, education and more than 300 technical assistance programs in 90 countries, WOCCU advances financial inclusion and strengthens cooperative finance across diverse markets. Globally, more than 67,000 credit unions across over 100 countries serve more than 412 million people and hold over $3.8 Trillion (USD) in assets.
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Original text: https://www.woccu.org/newsroom/releases/SACCOs_Positioned_to_Expand_Financial_Inclusion_for_Refugees_in_Kenya_New_Report_Finds
[Category: Financial Services]
Public Interest Groups Challenge Trump Administration's Renewal of an Order to Keep Washington's Last Coal Plant Operating
NEW YORK, April 16 -- The Environmental Defense Fund posted the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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Public Interest Groups Challenge Trump Administration's Renewal of an Order to Keep Washington's Last Coal Plant Operating
The Department of Energy is claiming false emergencies to keep open dirty, inefficient coal plants across the country including a coal plant slated for shutdown in Centralia, Washington
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(Washington, D.C.) Today, public interest groups filed a second request for rehearing in response to the Department of Energy's (DOE) renewal last month of an emergency order
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NEW YORK, April 16 -- The Environmental Defense Fund posted the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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Public Interest Groups Challenge Trump Administration's Renewal of an Order to Keep Washington's Last Coal Plant Operating
The Department of Energy is claiming false emergencies to keep open dirty, inefficient coal plants across the country including a coal plant slated for shutdown in Centralia, Washington
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(Washington, D.C.) Today, public interest groups filed a second request for rehearing in response to the Department of Energy's (DOE) renewal last month of an emergency orderforcing the TransAlta coal plant in Centralia to remain open.
The request follows a federal court challenge filed last month by the groups to overturn the Trump administration's original illegal order issued just two weeks before the plant's last coal-burning unit was legally required to shut down on Dec. 31.
"Today's filing is a step towards challenging this renewal, like we did with the initial illegal order. We will keep fighting this sham effort by the Trump administration to try to keep this coal plant operating past its required shut down date," said Earthjustice Senior Attorney Patti Goldman. "Nobody wants this dirty, inefficient coal plant to keep operating except for the Trump administration."
"The Trump administration is continuing to waste time and money, and risking higher energy costs for Washingtonians by doubling down on this false emergency," said Sierra Club Senior Attorney Greg Wannier. "The only purpose of the original order and its renewal is to disrupt Washington's long-range planning to transition to affordable and reliable clean energy."
"Washington has already turned the page on dirty and expensive coal power. We're investing in homegrown, affordable resources like solar and wind energy to power our future," said James Hove, Washington Director of Climate Solutions. "In the face of the growing climate crisis and rising energy bills, we won't let DC dictate our energy future here in the Northwest by dragging us backwards to the waning coal era."
"Trump's price-gouging of American families continues with his absurd campaign to force households to pay for expensive and unneeded coal power plants," said Tyson Slocum, Energy Program Director for Public Citizen. "Trump's incompetent, incoherent energy policy is exemplified by forcing TransAlta to operate Centralia under a fake energy emergency at the same time it considers TransAlta's application to export electricity to Canada."
"The Centralia coal plant hasn't even produced power since the Trump administration mandated that it stay open. Instead, it's just producing unnecessary costs for families and businesses," said Ted Kelly, Director and Lead Counsel for U.S. Clean Energy at Environmental Defense Fund. "Washington state and the Northwest have plenty of other more reliable, clean energy resources, which is why this aging coal plant has not been called on to run since the Department of Energy forced it to stay online past retirement. These illegal coal plant mandates are a reckless use of federal authority and a wasteful charade for ratepayers."
"The DOE is ignoring reality: Washington is ready for clean energy," said Julian Santos, Washington Conservation Action's Climate and Clean Energy Senior Manager. "Propping up this outdated plant doesn't protect our electrical grid--it just raises costs for residents and delays the shift to affordable, renewable energy."
"The evidence is clear: the Northwest has plenty of resources to maintain reliability without Centralia, and our utilities and planners in the Northwest are exercising lawful authorities and prudent planning to ensure this continues," said NW Energy Coalition Utility and Regulatory Director Lauren McCloy. "The current administration is not responding to a crisis -- it is manufacturing one. This order disrupts planning and causes costs that will be borne by Washington families, who deserve cleaner, more affordable resources -- not a lifeline for an unnecessary coal plant."
Background
Earthjustice, representing NW Energy Coalition, Washington Conservation Action, and Climate Solutions, along with Sierra Club and the Environmental Defense Fund, filed a challenge in early March to overturn an illegal emergency order issued by DOE to force Washington's last coal plant to continue operating. The State of Washington filed a similar lawsuit.
The groups' legal challenge asserts the Trump administration is unlawfully using Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, which generally allows DOE to order power plants to operate for short periods of time in response to imminent and unexpected shortfalls. This DOE order exceeds that authority and tries to impose the administration's preference for coal-fired power.
The DOE order for the TransAlta coal plant in Centralia is one of several issued by the Trump administration to prevent the long-planned retirement of some of the oldest, dirtiest, most expensive and unreliable coal-burning power plants across the country. Other orders issued for coal plants in Michigan, Indiana and Colorado are being challenged by public interest groups as well as attorneys general. The unlawful orders will unnecessarily drive up household electricity bills and worsen harmful pollution.
Efforts to close down the Centralia plant date back nearly 20 years. Earthjustice represented Sierra Club and National Parks and Conservation Association in advocacy and litigation to force the plant to reduce smog and harmful air pollution.
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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/public-interest-groups-challenge-trump-administrations-renewal-order-keep-washingtons-last
[Category: Environment]
Justice Department Ends Biden Assault on Public Advocate Free Speech Rights
MERRIFIELD, Virginia, April 16 -- The Public Advocate of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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Justice Department Ends Biden Assault on Public Advocate Free Speech Rights
"Joe Biden as president directed the wholesale assault on Public Advocate posts critical of transgender butchery of children. Now the Justice Department under President Trump has restored the right of Public Advocate to promote truth and justice for victims of transgender surgeons who still are practicing their wickedness but now can not silence objections and scrunity by Public Advocate, " says Eugene Delgaudio,
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MERRIFIELD, Virginia, April 16 -- The Public Advocate of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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Justice Department Ends Biden Assault on Public Advocate Free Speech Rights
"Joe Biden as president directed the wholesale assault on Public Advocate posts critical of transgender butchery of children. Now the Justice Department under President Trump has restored the right of Public Advocate to promote truth and justice for victims of transgender surgeons who still are practicing their wickedness but now can not silence objections and scrunity by Public Advocate, " says Eugene Delgaudio,president of Public Advocate.
Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Challenging Biden State Department's Alleged Social Media Censorship
The Justice Department this week announced the settlement of litigation alleging that the Biden State Department actively silenced and censored disfavored speech by American citizens, in particular through its now-closed "Global Engagement Center." The lawsuit alleged that the prior administration funded and promoted private companies' development of technologies that social media companies and other private entities could use to downgrade, demonetize, and otherwise suppress protected speech online. Among other claims, plaintiffs alleged these actions violated the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
The settlement implements President Trump's Executive Order, entitled "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship," acknowledging that "the previous administration trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans' speech on online platforms. Under the guise of combatting 'misinformation,' 'disinformation,' and 'malinformation,' the Federal Government infringed on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens across the United States in a manner that advanced the Government's preferred narrative about significant matters of public debate." 90 Fed. Reg. 8243 (Jan. 28, 2025).
"The weaponization of the Biden Administration against the American people who they disfavored is over," said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. "This settlement is righting the historic wrong that they perpetrated against Americans, and today we say 'never again' will we tolerate these injustices."
"The Biden Administration muted speech it didn't like. But progressive elites cannot oust conservative viewpoints from the public square," said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. "These settlements are yet another example of DOJ making good on President Trump's promise to end weaponization against ordinary Americans, ensuring all of our Nation's citizens may speak freely."
"The Department of Justice will continue vindicating Americans' right to free speech," said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, of the Civil Division. "The Federal Government has no business promoting and funding tools to censor domestic media or citizens. This resolution ensures the unlawful practices at issue will not recur."
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas found good cause for plaintiffs to take discovery in support of their motion for a preliminary injunction after denying the government's motions to dismiss and to transfer venue. Now, the Department's agreement with plaintiffs avoids the need for continued litigation in this case. Daily Wire v. Dep't of State, No. 6:23-cv-609 (E.D. Tex.).
Securing the right of the American people to engage in constitutionally protected speech is a priority of the Department of Justice. Additional information about the Civil Division is available at www.justice.gov/civil.
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Original text here: https://www.publicadvocateusa.org/news/article.php?article=13536
[Category: Sociological]
FFRF Action Fund Joins Alliance for Justice's Opposition to Trump Attorney as Judge
MADISON, Wisconsin, April 16 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news:
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FFRF Action Fund joins Alliance for Justice's opposition to Trump attorney as judge
The FFRF Action Fund has signed on toa senatorial letter from the Alliance for Justice opposing the confirmation of President Trump's personal lawyer to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Justin Smith, co-owner of the James Otis Law Firm,
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MADISON, Wisconsin, April 16 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news:
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FFRF Action Fund joins Alliance for Justice's opposition to Trump attorney as judge
The FFRF Action Fund has signed on toa senatorial letter from the Alliance for Justice opposing the confirmation of President Trump's personal lawyer to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Justin Smith, co-owner of the James Otis Law Firm,played a major role in the 2024 Supreme Court case ruling that the president has immunity from prosecution for "official acts." He's now working to overturn the judgment against Trump in the E. Jean Carroll defamation and sexual abuse cases. On Trump's second Inauguration Day, Smith tweeted, "It's morning again in America. Our long national nightmare is over."
Throughout his legal career, Smith has argued against reproductive rights. While working at the Missouri Attorney General's Office, he represented a county clerk who misinformed a 17-year-old pregnant teen about parental consent laws on abortion, forcing the teen to seek care out of state. At the James Otis Law Group, Smith represented Arizona lawmakers who tried to block the state's democratically enshrined constitutional right to an abortion.
Smith has also taken staunch anti-trans positions, arguing for a ban on gender-affirming care in Missouri, as well as for Arizona's ban on transgender girls playing sports consistent with their gender identity.
If confirmed, Smith would "simply serve as a mere extension of the Trump administration, rubberstamping unprecedented misconduct," the letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee states. "Confirming a Trump loyalist to this circuit court seat not only risks the safety and well-being of those living in Missouri but could leave lasting and harmful impacts on all of the states covered by the Eighth Circuit."
FFRF Action Fund President Annie Laurie Gaylor comments, "The Trump administration's installation of loyalists and extremists across the federal judiciary is placing our system of checks and balances in serious jeopardy."
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FFRF Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. As the advocacy affiliate of the Freedom From Religion Foundation it also advocates for the rights and views of nonbelievers, and publicizes the views of elected officials concerning religious liberty issues.
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Original text here: https://ffrfaction.org/ffrf-action-fund-joins-alliance-for-justices-opposition-to-trump-attorney-as-judge/
[Category: Sociological]
Environmental Orgs File Protest Against Green Chile Pipeline in Southern New Mexico
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The Food and Water Watch posted the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Environmental Orgs File Protest Against Green Chile Pipeline in Southern New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE -- Earlier this week, the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, Center for Biological Diversity, and Food & Water Watch filed a protest with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) challenging the Transwestern Pipeline Company's attempt to fast-track the proposed Green Chile Pipeline. The 17-mile pipeline in Dona Ana County would provide gas to a new, massively-polluting power plant for the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The Food and Water Watch posted the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Environmental Orgs File Protest Against Green Chile Pipeline in Southern New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE -- Earlier this week, the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, Center for Biological Diversity, and Food & Water Watch filed a protest with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) challenging the Transwestern Pipeline Company's attempt to fast-track the proposed Green Chile Pipeline. The 17-mile pipeline in Dona Ana County would provide gas to a new, massively-polluting power plant for theproposed "Project Jupiter" data center.
The organizations argue that Transwestern cannot proceed under a FERC "blanket certificate," which is essentially a rubber-stamp permit that automatically approves minor projects and repairs; rather, FERC must instead conduct a full review of the project as required by section 7 of the National Gas Act. The organizations also urge FERC to deny the application under section 7 because it is contrary to the public interest.
In March, the New Mexico State Land Office denied Transwestern's application for their project to cross state land, forcing the company to reroute a section of the pipeline. It is not possible for FERC to fully consider Transwestern's application without knowing the exact route, and key information such as the cost of the project and the expected environmental impacts. If the reroute were to increase the cost of construction by even by 2.5%, it would no longer qualify for a blanket certificate review.
STATEMENTS
Camilla Feibelman, Director of Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
"To approve this pipeline without a thorough and conclusive review could be a disaster for New Mexico families and their communities. We urge FERC to pace themselves and not allow major polluting industries, such as data centers, to skirt regulations when so much is at risk."
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Gail Evans, New Mexico Climate Director, Center for Biological Diversity
"We're urging FERC to reject this pipeline because it would harm both people's health and the environment. Its sole purpose is to feed a massive new gas plant that would produce twice as much air pollution as Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces combined, just to serve a huge data center. New Mexicans are already burdened by extensive oil and gas infrastructure. It's time to move away from filthy fossil fuels and invest in clean energy."
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Morgan O'Grady, Staff Attorney, Western Environmental Law Center
"Transwestern's efforts to fast-track this proposed pipeline without environmental review are inappropriate given the massive impacts and uncertain future of the sole client it would serve, the Project Jupiter data center. Transwestern's application is premature and should be rejected--New Mexicans do not need more stranded oil and gas infrastructure."
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Alexa Reynaud, Food & Water Watch Rural Organizing Manager, Food & Water Watch:
"New Mexico has no need for more pipelines, and especially no need for more of this dangerous infrastructure to power the massive Project Jupiter data center. For too long, we have been treated as a sacrificial state, and this pipeline would only continue that legacy of corporate polluters taking our resources and threatening our air, land, and water. AI data centers - and the pipelines proposed to fuel them - have no place in New Mexico."
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Original text here: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2026/04/15/environmental-orgs-file-protest-against-green-chile-pipeline-in-southern-new-mexico/
[Category: Science]
