Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
WildEarth Guardians: Toxic Oil and Gas Spills Surge 400% in Q3 Across Permian and Chaco
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Nov. 12 (TNSrpt) -- WildEarth Guardians issued the following news release:* * *
Toxic Oil and Gas Spills Surge 400% in Q3 across Permian and Chaco
Guardians' new Waste Watch report exposes record pollution, failed oversight, and growing risk from fracking wastewater "recycling" schemes under WQCC rulemaking
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New data released by WildEarth Guardians reveals that oil and gas waste spills in New Mexico jumped nearly 400% in the third quarter of 2025, contaminating mostly public lands. Four of the five largest spills occurred at produced water "recycling" facilities, exposing ... Show Full Article SANTA FE, New Mexico, Nov. 12 (TNSrpt) -- WildEarth Guardians issued the following news release: * * * Toxic Oil and Gas Spills Surge 400% in Q3 across Permian and Chaco Guardians' new Waste Watch report exposes record pollution, failed oversight, and growing risk from fracking wastewater "recycling" schemes under WQCC rulemaking * New data released by WildEarth Guardians reveals that oil and gas waste spills in New Mexico jumped nearly 400% in the third quarter of 2025, contaminating mostly public lands. Four of the five largest spills occurred at produced water "recycling" facilities, exposingthe risks of reusing toxic fracking waste. Devon Energy and ExxonMobil's XTO remain top offenders.
The Q3 2025 Waste Watch report documents 350 fluid spills between July 1 and September 30, including more than 2 million gallons of toxic waste "lost" to the environment, largely in the Permian Basin of southwest New Mexico. The findings confirm a dramatic escalation from both the Q1 and Q2 reports, which already showed steady increases in waste and wellsite mismanagement across state and federal lands.
"Toxic spills exploded nearly 400 percent this quarter--mostly on public lands," said Melissa Troutman, Climate & Health Advocate and lead author of the report. "Produced water 'recycling' sites are becoming major polluters. Large contaminant ponds used for storage and treatment of produced water lead to much bigger spills."
The report found that four of the five largest spills this quarter occurred at so-called produced-water "recycling" or reuse sites, where toxic wastewater is stored and treated for reuse in new drilling operations. The largest, on July 15, 2025, involved OXY USA's Mesa Verde East site on federal public land, where equipment failure caused a spill of 1.6 million gallons of produced water and 126,000 gallons of crude oil, nearly all of which were lost to the environment.
"These 'recycling' facilities are ground zero for contamination," said Troutman. "They prove what we've been warning regulators: you can't safely reuse or discharge toxic oil and gas waste without putting water, land, and communities at risk."
Over 60% of all spills occurred on federal lands, confirming that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and EPA continue to fail in enforcement.
* Devon Energy and ExxonMobil's XTO topped the Worst Actors list for the third consecutive quarter.
* Eddy and Lea Counties (Permian Basin) accounted for 89% of all reported incidents.
The surge in spills comes as the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) considers a controversial new rule that would allow the discharge of treated produced water into the environment -- the very waste responsible for this quarter's biggest contamination events.
WildEarth Guardians and coalition partners previously won a strong discharge prohibition rule in May, which is now under appeal by industry. The current WQCC proceeding--backed by the Oil and Gas Association and "recycling" operators--seeks to roll back those protections.
"This data is Exhibit A in why the WQCC must reject the proposed produced water discharge rule sponsored by industry," said Rebecca Sobel, Climate & Health Director at WildEarth Guardians. "If companies can't safely contain produced water at their own recycling facilities inside the oilfield, there's no justification for allowing them to transport this waste offsite to dump into rivers or spread onto fields."
Across all three quarters of 2025, more than 7.6 million gallons of oil and gas wastes and other contaminants have been spilled in New Mexico -- equivalent to over 1,200 tanker trucks of toxic material. Yet no major fines or penalties have been issued to repeat violators. Trade-secret loopholes continue to hide chemical identities, making cleanup, worker protection, and medical response far more difficult and dangerous.
"The state's produced-water 'recycling' experiment has turned public lands into toxic waste zones," Sobel said. "Regulators have the authority--and obligation--to stop the next spill disaster before it happens."
Background
WildEarth Guardians has been tracking and exposing the industry's mounting pollution crisis throughout 2025:
* Q1 Waste Watch Report: Read here (https://wildearthguardians.org/news/q1-2025-waste-watch-report/)
* Q2 Waste Watch Report: Read here (https://wildearthguardians.org/news/q2-2025-waste-watch-report/)
* Top Polluter Report: "ExxonMobil Wins 2025 Top Polluter Award at Balloon Fiesta"(https://wildearthguardians.org/press-releases/exxonmobil-wins-2025-top-polluter-award-at-balloon-fiesta/)
* ExxtremeEnergy Campaign: See Guardians' satirical expose on industry greenwashing (https://exxtremeenergy.com/)
Together, these investigations and creative interventions expose how oil and gas waste pollution, lax enforcement, and corporate disinformation converge to endanger public health and water security in New Mexico.
WildEarth Guardians is urging state and federal policymakers to:
* Stop Toxic Waste Disasters -- Require OCD, BLM, and EPA to issue meaningful fines, deny new permits to repeat offenders, and publicly report enforcement actions.
* Reject Produced-Water Discharge -- Uphold the WQCC's 2025 prohibition rule and reject any new rule that would legalize toxic discharge or "recycling" schemes.
* Mandate Full Chemical Disclosure -- End trade-secret loopholes and require public disclosure of all drilling and fracking chemicals.
* Apply Hazardous Waste Laws -- Remove oil and gas exemptions under RCRA, CERCLA, and the Safe Drinking Water Act, and classify produced water as hazardous waste.
See this week's Leak of the Week video (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ66G9ggOAR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) for more information about the report.
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REPORT: https://pdf.wildearthguardians.org/site/DocServer/Q3%202025%20Waste%20Watch%20Report.pdf
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Original text here: https://wildearthguardians.org/press-releases/toxic-oil-and-gas-spills-surge-400-in-q3-across-permian-and-chaco/
[Category: Environment]
SwRI uses machine learning to calibrate emissions control systems faster, more efficiently
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Nov. 12 [Category: Business] -- Southwest Research Institute posted the following news release:* * *
SwRI uses machine learning to calibrate emissions control systems faster, more efficiently
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November 12, 2025 Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed a method to automate the calibration of heavy-duty diesel truck emissions control systems using machine learning and algorithm-based optimization. The latest diesel aftertreatment systems often take weeks to calibrate. SwRI's new method can calibrate them in as little as two hours.
"Manually calibrating selective ... Show Full Article SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Nov. 12 [Category: Business] -- Southwest Research Institute posted the following news release: * * * SwRI uses machine learning to calibrate emissions control systems faster, more efficiently * November 12, 2025 Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed a method to automate the calibration of heavy-duty diesel truck emissions control systems using machine learning and algorithm-based optimization. The latest diesel aftertreatment systems often take weeks to calibrate. SwRI's new method can calibrate them in as little as two hours. "Manually calibrating selectivecatalytic reduction (SCR) systems is labor-intensive, often taking six or more weeks of testing and work," said Venkata Chundru, senior research engineer in SwRI's Advanced Algorithms Section. "By combining advanced modeling with automated optimization, we can accelerate calibration and improve system performance while ensuring compliance with the upcoming standards."
New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards are scheduled to go into effect in 2027, governing the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) a vehicle can emit in proportion to energy used. SwRI has completed several projects that improve existing automotive technologies, bringing them to well within the new standards or exceeding them.
As a continuation of this work, SwRI's Powertrain Engineering Division has developed a method to automate calibration of SCR systems for diesel engines. Most SCR systems control engine emissions using an ammonia-based solution, such as the urea-based diesel exhaust fluid injected into the exhaust stream. The dosed exhaust interacts with a catalyst, creating a chemical reaction that converts NOx into harmless water and nitrogen.
The project team created a physics-informed neural network machine learning model that learns from both data and the laws of physics, providing faster and more accurate results. By running simulations of an active SCR system, the team could fine-tune its urea dosing control to lower overall NOx and ammonia emissions and rapidly identify optimal settings for the engines. The model could then learn to identify these settings and map the calibration processes, allowing for full automation.
"Compared to manual calibration, the method we developed consistently delivered faster calibration timelines and improved NOx conversion efficiency, among other benefits," Chundru said. "It provides us with a scalable, cost-effective pathway for future heavy-duty applications."
This project was funded through the Southwest Research Institute Internal Research and Development Program. In 2024, SwRI invested more than $11 million in tomorrow's technology to broaden its knowledge base, expand its reputation as a leader in science and technology and encourage its staff's professional development. To learn more, visit Southwest Research Institute Internal R&D.
For more information, visit SwRI Automotive Emissions or contact Jesus Chavez at +1 210 522 2258, Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238-5166.
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Original text here: https://www.swri.org/newsroom/press-releases/swri-uses-machine-learning-calibrate-emissions-control-systems-faster-more-efficiently
Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis: Woodside's Browse Gas Play: Risky and Redundant
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Nov. 12 -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:* * *
Woodside's Browse gas play: risky and redundant
High cost, high emissions, uncompetitive and unnecessary
Key Takeaways:
Woodside's Browse gas project is unlikely to be competitive either domestically or internationally, based on IEEFA cost estimates.
Browse gas is likely four times more expensive than existing domestic gas and could depress industrial demand. Diverting cheaper LNG feedgas would be a better solution for Western Australia's energy security.
Browse ... Show Full Article LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Nov. 12 -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release: * * * Woodside's Browse gas play: risky and redundant High cost, high emissions, uncompetitive and unnecessary Key Takeaways: Woodside's Browse gas project is unlikely to be competitive either domestically or internationally, based on IEEFA cost estimates. Browse gas is likely four times more expensive than existing domestic gas and could depress industrial demand. Diverting cheaper LNG feedgas would be a better solution for Western Australia's energy security. BrowseLNG may struggle to find buyers in an oversupplied global market. Potentially 60% more expensive than Qatar's LNG, it is likely twice the price needed to unlock new demand in Asia through coal-to-gas switching.
The project's carbon-intensive gas and reliance on costly, unreliable carbon capture could push project costs up by about 9% and drive carbon prices higher for everyone.
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(IEEFA AUSTRALIA): Woodside Energy's proposed Browse gas project, in ecologically sensitive waters off Western Australia, poses significant financial and environmental risks -- with little evidence it is essential for energy security in Western Australia or Asia, warns a new report.
Despite being touted as a replacement for declining gas fields feeding the North West Shelf (NWS) liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, analysis from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) estimates Browse is likely too expensive to compete in both domestic and global energy markets, and could drive up gas prices across the state.
"After more than 50 years, Browse remains undeveloped for a reason -- it's complex, likely to be costly and faces an uncertain market outlook," says Joshua Runciman, IEEFA's Lead Gas Analyst. "Our analysis shows the project risks increasing costs for consumers, investors and the broader Australian economy while adding to national emissions."
Too expensive for domestic and export markets
IEEFA estimates Browse gas will cost about AU$7.80 per gigajoule (GJ) to produce -- rising to more than AU$9/GJ delivered to Perth. This is over four times the cost of existing domestic gas and on par with levels the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) says would cause industrial users to reduce operations.
On international markets, Browse LNG is expected to cost about US$7.8 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) delivered to North Asia -- roughly 60% higher than Qatar's LNG, which already faces a growing surplus of unsold supply.
Browse gas estimated as too costly for Australia or abroad
"Browse LNG may struggle to compete with lower-cost producers like Qatar," says Mr Runciman. "It's also likely to be far too expensive to displace coal in Asia, undermining claims that the project supports regional decarbonisation."
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has found that LNG prices would need to fall to US$3-5/MMBtu to incentivise greater coal-to-gas switching - nearly half the estimated cost of Browse LNG.
High emissions, high costs
The Browse field contains about 10% CO2 in its gas - far higher than many other fields. At peak production, the project could emit up to 6.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e) a year, representing 3-4% of Australia's total projected emissions in 2035.
Woodside plans to use carbon capture and storage (CCS) to offset some emissions. However, IEEFA has found that CCS technology remains expensive and unreliable. Chevron's Gorgon CCS project, which is similar in scale, has captured less than half its target of CO2.
IEEFA estimates the proposed CCS system for Browse could increase project costs by at least 9%, while residual reservoir emissions would still need to be offset with carbon credits -- potentially putting upward pressure on carbon prices across the economy.
Not needed for energy security
WA already produces eight times more gas than it consumes domestically, with 3,350 petajoules (PJ) of production in 2024 compared with 418PJ of domestic supply. While AEMO projects potential shortfalls later in the decade, IEEFA finds these are small relative to total LNG exports, and could be addressed by redirecting a small portion of uncontracted LNG to local markets.
IEEFA also points to unmet domestic supply obligations under WA's gas reservation policy -averaging just 8% instead of the required 15% of LNG production - as another area where government policy reform could ease domestic shortfalls.
"WA doesn't need Browse to keep the lights on," says Mr Runciman. "More effective use of existing gas, combined with renewables and electrification, would strengthen energy security without relying on what is likely to be an expensive new source of gas."
Globally, LNG markets face a wave of new supply, with capacity expected to rise 60% by the early 2030s. The IEA projects that even under slow energy transition scenarios, existing and under-construction LNG projects will more than meet global demand to 2040 - leaving high-cost projects such as Browse potentially exposed to price collapses and stranded asset risks.
A risky and redundant project
IEEFA's report concludes that the Browse development could increase domestic gas prices, raise Australia's emissions, and fail to deliver the promised energy security benefits - creating more risk than reward for investors and the nation.
"Browse is a high-cost, high-emission project chasing a declining market," says Mr Runciman. "It's time to focus on affordable, clean energy solutions that deliver genuine long-term benefits for Western Australia and Australia."
Read the report: Browse gas: Expensive, emissions-intensive, unnecessary (https://ieefa.org/sites/default/files/2025-11/IEEFA%20report_Browse%20gas%20project%20%E2%80%93%20Expensive%2C%20emissions-intensive%2C%20unnecessary_Nov2025.pdf)
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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/woodsides-browse-gas-play-risky-and-redundant
[Category: Energy]
Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis: Oman Sets Pace in Green Steel Race
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Nov. 12 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:* * *
Oman sets pace in green steel race
Ambitious strategy seeks to capitalise on existing advantages
Key Takeaways:
Oman is becoming a global hub for green iron and steel, due to its strong renewable energy potential, hydrogen projects, available land, strategic coastal location, and supportive regulations.
New direct reduced iron (DRI) plants in Oman are being designed to use hydrogen from the start, setting a benchmark for the green iron transition.
Oman ... Show Full Article LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Nov. 12 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release: * * * Oman sets pace in green steel race Ambitious strategy seeks to capitalise on existing advantages Key Takeaways: Oman is becoming a global hub for green iron and steel, due to its strong renewable energy potential, hydrogen projects, available land, strategic coastal location, and supportive regulations. New direct reduced iron (DRI) plants in Oman are being designed to use hydrogen from the start, setting a benchmark for the green iron transition. Omanalready has a strong steelmaking supply chain - from iron ore to electric arc furnaces - and this integrated setup is expanding to support green steel production.
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(IEEFA): Oman is well placed to become a global leader in the emerging green iron and steel industry, building on its existing natural advantages and strong industrial foundations through shrewd strategic planning.
A new report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) evaluates the industrial landscape in Oman as the decarbonisation of iron and steelmaking gathers pace. The country is making a strong claim to capitalise on the transition and establish itself as a leading international hub, according to Soroush Basirat, Energy Finance Analyst, Global Steel at IEEFA and author of the report Oman at the frontline of the green steel transition.
"Oman is one of the few nations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with an integrated steelmaking supply chain," says Basirat. "Having this established industrial base gives it a solid foundation for transitioning towards low-emission iron and steel production - and ultimately green iron and steel."
Oman's iron and steel supply chain includes iron ore concentration, pelletising, direct reduction and electric arc furnace (EAF) facilities, with expansion plans that include domestic iron ore concentration. In particular this industrial base is well set up for the shift to low-emission iron and steelmaking, as it is well advanced in producing iron metallics such as direct reduced iron (DRI), which can be produced using fossil gas, or eventually with green hydrogen.
Gas-based DRI is emissions-intensive, and it is not possible to produce green iron and steel with gas. Without transitioning from gas to green hydrogen, new DRI projects will be unable to benefit from a green premium in the market. To achieve that, the country needs to move from gas to green hydrogen.
However, Oman also enjoys vast renewable energy potential, significant investments in both solar and wind power generation. Cheap, reliable clean energy could be a major advantage for steelmakers in Oman, providing the constant power needed for EAFs, DRI, and, importantly, the electrolysers needed to produce green hydrogen.
The country has a clear, coordinated strategy to become a leading hub for green hydrogen production. It aims to produce 1-1.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by the end of this decade. The steel sector can play a central role as a major offtaker in Oman's emerging green hydrogen economy.
To support these ambitions, Oman also boasts abundant land for project development. Moreover its strategic location, with access to open seas, gives it an advantage in supplying major export markets such as the EU, Asia and Southeast Asia.
Oman's existing advantages are further enhanced by strong policy support and a supportive regulatory framework. The country's Oman Vision 2040 nationalises development strategy sets an overall target of achieving a non-oil share of GDP of over 90%, moving the country away from its reliance on fossil fuel exports. Its hydrogen strategy includes comprehensive planning across all aspects, from developing infrastructure and providing incentives, to actively supporting the securing of offtakers for hydrogen projects.
Oman's iron and steel sector has traditionally been dominated by two companies, Jindal Group and Vale. However, the country is now attracting new entrants such as Meranti Green Steel, Mitsui and Kobe Steel, and even green hydrogen developer and energy company, ACME Group, which are reshaping the market. They are spearheading a new generation of DRI facilities featuring flexible technologies in the country. Crucially, these projects are expected to use a mix of gas and hydrogen from day one with ambitious timelines for increasing the amount of hydrogen used.
"Oman stands at a pivotal moment," says Basirat. "With the potential to supply green iron to markets such as the EU cost-competitively, the country holds a significant advantage over other producers. And it is well positioned to lead the shift to green iron and steel as it is managing the transition in a highly structured way."
Read the note: Oman at the frontline of the green steel transition (https://ieefa.org/sites/default/files/2025-11/IEEFA%20report_Oman%20at%20the%20frontline%20of%20the%20green%20steel%20transition_Nov2025.pdf)
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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/oman-sets-pace-green-steel-race
[Category: Energy]
Examples of Good News Arising From Big Beautiful Bill's Full Business Expensing Provision
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on Nov. 11, 2025:* * *
Examples of Good News Arising from Big Beautiful Bill's Full Business Expensing Provision
By John Kartch
In addition to across-the-board tax cuts for households, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Trump on July 4 provides full business expensing for American businesses.
In their own words, U.S. employers describe the benefits of the expensing provisions in the bill:
William Thiele, dairy farmer (Cabot, Pennsylvania) - Grain bin replacement for improved storage capacity and ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on Nov. 11, 2025: * * * Examples of Good News Arising from Big Beautiful Bill's Full Business Expensing Provision By John Kartch In addition to across-the-board tax cuts for households, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Trump on July 4 provides full business expensing for American businesses. In their own words, U.S. employers describe the benefits of the expensing provisions in the bill: William Thiele, dairy farmer (Cabot, Pennsylvania) - Grain bin replacement for improved storage capacity andsupport of food quality:
"I'm a dairy farmer. I'm excited President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill back on July 4. And that really helps farmers like myself because on farms like mine we always have a lot of projects going on and one that we have going on here is we tore down a grain bin actually yesterday and we are going to be building a new one here soon. And so my family and I would not have had the confidence to have a project like this done if it wasn't for the One Big Beautiful Bill to help us with a project like this to improve our grain holding capacity. Remember, if we don't have quality food here, then we can't have a growing nation like we have now, so you always got to support farmers from all over America." - William Thiele, Aug. 7, 2025
U.S. Metal Powders, Inc. (Palmerton, Pennsylvania) - New job creation and company expansion:
"Thanks to this transformative tax legislation, U.S. Metal Powders has already broken ground on adding another production line--which will soon double the company's workforce. This is pro-growth tax policy in action." -- David N. Taylor, President & CEO, Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association, Aug. 8, 2025 press release
Alphabet, Inc. (Mountain View, California) - OBBBA's expensing provisions are helping the company create jobs and build data centers in South Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Virginia, and other locations:
"Changes to U.S. tax law enacted on July 4, 2025, allow, among other things, for immediate expensing of domestic research and experimentation costs and accelerated depreciation on eligible capital expenditures, the effects of which are included in operating cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2025." - Alphabet 3rd quarter 2025 results, released Oct. 29, 2025
Sergio's Cuban American Kitchen (Florida) - Two new restaurant locations and 100 new jobs:
But thanks to the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, independent restaurants are poised to thrive - benefiting employees, customers and the community alike. For Sergio's Restaurants, my family small business, that means moving ahead with plans to open two new restaurant locations and hire approximately 100 new team members over the next year.
How? The new federal law restores 100% immediate expensing for capital equipment, which allows us to fully deduct the cost of appliances like ovens and refrigerators the year we buy it. The policy incentivizes small businesses to invest in operational expansion now, rather than waiting and kicking the can down the road.
Additionally, the law also makes the 20% small business deduction that was set to expire permanent and locks in lower tax rates for pass-through enterprises. (These are entities in which business revenue is taxed as the owner's personal income.)
The changes give restaurants like ours the long-term tax certainty we need to grow confidently and create jobs, as well as provide existing staff room for career development.
But arguably the most impactful part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for restaurants is the "no tax on tips" provision.
Under this new rule, tipped workers can deduct up to $25,000 in tips from their taxable income. In Florida, the average restaurant server earns around $37,000 annually, more than 60% of which comes from gratuity. That means the "no taxes on tips" policy could eliminate a huge chunk of their federal income tax burden. That's a savings of around $2,000 per year back in the pockets of the restaurant servers and bartenders who power our industry.
This is more than just a win for employees, it's a game-changer for employers too. This significant savings functions like a raise for workers, without increasing the cost of labor for restaurants and bars. At a time when the service industry is fighting to attract and retain talent, this new tax-savings tool makes our sector more competitive and helps level the playing field against other industries. - Aug. 15, 2025 Fox Business Network column
Vance Truck Accessories (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) - Higher employee wages + bonuses, sponsorship of local youth baseball, football, and softball programs; local charitable giving:
"I run a small truck accessories company that specializes in American-made products. But I chose the worst possible time to set up shop. The year was 2016, and the economy wasn't doing great. I was basically broke, and every day was a struggle to find customers, hire workers and even keep my doors open. Taxes didn't help. Small businesses face a big burden. It was painful to watch the money I needed go out the door to Washington, D.C.
But then President Trump and Congress stepped up. In 2017, they passed a historic tax cut for small businesses, called the Small Business Deduction. Ever since, I've been able to deduct about 20% of my business income every year. Without this relief, I'd be at a huge disadvantage compared to big businesses. Their taxes are lower, and I need a level playing field to compete.
But my tax cut wasn't permanent. My taxes were going to go back to their original painful level at the end of this year. Thankfully, the Small Business Deduction is permanently in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act the president signed on the Fourth of July.
To understand why this permanent tax cut matters, consider what I've been able to do since it was originally passed in 2017. One of the first things I did with the tax cut was move my business into a better part of town. I couldn't have done it without the extra money. The new location has helped me find more customers and give them a better experience.
I've also been able to pay my team more. Higher wages help them stick around, instead of getting poached by bigger competitors with more money. I've also been able to give them annual bonuses because of the tax cut.
But the most meaningful thing I've done with the extra money is give back to Oklahoma City. I love this city. I want it to be the best place in America for the next generation. So, I've sponsored baseball, football and softball programs at our local schools. I've also donated to the Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division, helping our local heroes get the mental health care they need. I couldn't do any of this if my taxes rose at the end of this year.
But now I don't have to worry about that. Those 20% savings have helped me build the small business I always dreamed about. Now that the Small Business Deduction is permanent, I can dream even bigger. I'm going to keep giving back and investing in my team, my community and my country's future.
And it's not just me. Tens of millions of other small businesses can now do the exact same thing. Studies show that small businesses will now create more than 1.2 million new jobs a year because they have the confidence and cash to grow and give back. I look forward to playing my part. I couldn't be more grateful that my small business has been empowered for the next 10 years and beyond." - Statement of Chris Vance, owner, as published in The Oklahoman newspaper on Aug. 11, 2025
Amgen (Thousand Oaks, California) -- $600 million construction of a new U.S. science and innovation center in California; $900 million expansion to the company's Ohio manufacturing facility; $1 billion for construction of a new North Carolina manufacturing facility; $650 million additional expansion to the U.S. manufacturing network; creation of new jobs:
"Amgen today announced plans to invest more than $600 million in a new, state-of-the-art center for science and innovation at its global headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California.
The center is designed to bring together researchers, engineers and scientists across disciplines to enhance collaboration and accelerate the discovery of next-generation therapeutics for patients with the most serious diseases. The building will feature advanced automation and digital capabilities, empowering scientists with the tools and environment needed to drive scientific excellence and advancements in biotechnology.
Amgen's long-standing commitment to U.S. innovation and state-of-the-art operations is reflected in more than $40 billion invested in manufacturing and research and development since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. This investment includes over $5 billion in direct capital expenditures in the U.S. The enactment of pro-growth tax policies in TCJA, extended and reinforced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, further facilitates Amgen's ability to invest domestically in cutting-edge science and manufacturing. -- Sept. 2, 2025 Amgen company press release
"Amgen today announced a $900 million expansion of its Ohio manufacturing facility, bringing the total number of jobs created to 750 and the total investment in Central Ohio to over $1.4 billion.
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"Since passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amgen has invested almost $5 billion in direct capital expenditures in the United States, generating an additional downstream output to the U.S. economy of approximately $12 billion." -- April 25, 2025 Amgen company press release
"Amgen today announced a $650 million expansion of its U.S. manufacturing network, creating hundreds of new jobs.
The planned investment will support increased drug production at the company's biologics manufacturing facility in Juncos and integrate innovative advanced technologies throughout the operations process. It is expected to create nearly 750 jobs, including construction roles and new highly skilled manufacturing jobs.
"This expansion underscores Amgen's commitment to U.S. biomanufacturing and to strengthening the resilience of our global supply chain," said Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer at Amgen. "By growing our capacity to deliver innovative medicines with cutting edge technology in our manufacturing plants, we will not only better serve patients but also create high-quality jobs that reinforce America's leadership in biotechnology."
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Amgen's long-standing commitment to U.S. innovation and state-of-the-art operations is reflected in more than $40 billion invested in manufacturing and research and development since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. The enactment of pro-growth tax policies in TCJA, extended and reinforced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, further facilitates Amgen's ability to invest domestically in cutting-edge science and manufacturing.
This announcement builds on Amgen's recent investments, including a $600 million science and innovation center in California and manufacturing expansions of $900 million in Ohio and $1 billion in North Carolina, respectively. -- Sept. 26, 2025 Amgen company press release
Laser Marking Technologies LLC (Caro, Michigan) -- Facility expansion:
Expensing "will allow us to invest into the future and immediately allow us to double our manufacturing space." "If I can expense our manufacturing additions and new buildings that we need to build so we can supply the machinery for the U.S. -- we can do that and immediately write that off. And that means something. Because that puts it right back into our local economy." -- Sam Palmeter, President of Engineering and New Product Development.
i2M (Mountaintop, Pennsylvania):
"Manufacturers are innovators. By restoring immediate R&D expensing for manufacturers across America, Congress has empowered manufacturers like i2M to innovate and create. That's how we keep our competitive edge--not just as a company, but as a country." -- i2M founder Chris Hackett
Todd Olsen, rancher (Lewistown, Montana):
"Ranching is a gamble and an ever-changing tax code does not make our job easier. The One Big Beautiful Bill gives us multi-year certainty on expensing rules and ag-specific provisions. We can finally plan ahead with more confidence -- and that helps with our business decisions across the board." -- Todd Olsen
Patti Marine Enterprises, Inc. (Pensacola, Florida):
"The full deductibility of the new construction and the 100% immediate expensing of equipment and the extension of the Trump tax cuts allows us to reinvest directly into our workforce, our facilities, and to grow our future." -- Frank Patti Jr.
Click Bond, Inc. (Carson City, Nevada) -- Equipment purchases and employee pay and benefits:
"The OBBBA makes permanent the pro-growth tax policies from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, reinstating expired provisions on a permanent basis and preventing further damaging expirations. It also expands key incentives-- such as the change that will allow us to immediately expense new or improved production facilities. This historic law ensures a pro-growth tax code for manufacturers, ensuring that we can continue to offer the pay and benefits for our workers that allow them to build lifelong, family-supporting manufacturing careers." -- July 25, 2025 written testimony of Austin Robinson, Director of Manufacturing, Click Bond Inc. -- U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means Field Hearing on the One, Big, Beautiful Bill -- Delivering for American Workers -- Las Vegas, Nevada
Bear Valley Ranch (Parkfield, California) expensing provisions will help with equipment and capital purchases:
"Agriculture requires significant investments in machinery, equipment, and other depreciable assets and because of this, farmers and ranchers place great value on tax code provisions such as the Section 179 small business deduction. The ability to immediately expense purchases of equipment provide an incentive for farmers and ranchers to invest in their businesses. The increase of the Section 179 limitation to $2.5 million included in the One Big Beautiful Bill is a much-needed update to this tool which will help cattle producers make larger investments.
Section 179 helps cattle producers with difficult cash flow struggles, lowers their marginal effective tax rate, and eliminates burdensome recordkeeping requirements associated with depreciation. 57 percent of NCBA Tax Survey respondents reported using Section 179 in the past 3 years, and 45 percent of respondents say they would have incurred an additional tax burden exceeding $20,000 if they did not have access to it.
Accelerated deductions allow cattle producers to deduct expenses faster, reducing the tax burden and freeing up capital farm businesses can use to grow. Bonus depreciation, also known as first-year expensing, allows a business to deduct the cost of an asset the year it is placed in service. Farmers and ranchers generally use bonus depreciation when expenditures exceed the Section 179 small business deduction limits. 100 percent bonus depreciation was established in 2017, but it had been phasing out for several years. Reinstating this tool permanently will help cattle producers make essential investments without the burden of delayed tax benefits.
These improved tax incentives allow farmers to immediately write off capital investments, such as a new combine or tractor, and keep thousands of dollars in their bottom line. In addition to equipment purchases, other eligible items may include the purchase of "off-the-shelf" computer software, and breeding livestock." -- July 26, 2025 testimony of Kevin Kester, owner of Bear Valley Ranch, on behalf of National Cattlemen's Beef Association, submitted to House Ways and Means Committee
Robinson Helicopter Company, Inc. (Torrance, California) --
"The OBBBA restored immediate equipment expensing to the 100% level--and made this pro-growth, pro-manufacturing policy permanent. Thanks to the OBBBA, manufacturers and their associated suppliers now have both the policy tools and the certainty needed to compete in this capital-intensive industry.
For Robinson Helicopter, this means being able to carry out our plans to grow our business and create jobs faster. We are acquiring a new Torrance based warehouse very close to our Zamperini Field based headquarters that will allow us to expand our logistics capabilities and more effectively serve the maintenance needs of our customers. We expect that this expansion will lead to additional equipment purchases and increased workforce for this new space. The same is true for the expanded production lines we have planned, which will require a significant amount of research to develop both the best product and a cost-effective, scalable manufacturing processes. Once that process has been developed, it needs to be executed with significant investment in tools, equipment, and workers.
Full and immediate expensing of equipment positively impacts not only our ability to compete and grow our products and services, but also the workforce we will need to hire to operate our expanded manufacturing and logistics capability. That's going to be true across the manufacturing sector, where full expensing leads to lower costs of investment, more equipment purchases, accelerated workforce hiring, and an overall more competitive labor market and associated wages.
Across the economy, the TCJA accelerated U.S. job growth by 1.5 percentage points--a
significant nominal increase representing hundreds of thousands of new nonfarm jobs. The TCJA also led to a 1.0 percentage point increase in the labor force participation rate, signifying hundreds of thousands of civilians entering the labor force. As you might expect in this type of tight labor market, in the two years after the TCJA's enactment, average earnings for production workers rose 6.0%, compared with just 4.9% for the two years prior to the TCJA.
This economic growth was a direct result of pro-investment policies like full expensing. And
now, in the OBBBA, Congress has made full expensing permanent. We've already seen how
these policies lead to economic growth, more jobs, and higher wages--and Robinson Helicopter is already rolling up our sleeves to take advantage of incentives like full expensing. For Robinson Helicopter, it's one of the most important components of this bill, and we look forward to helping deliver economic growth and job creation."
AT&T (Dallas, Texas) - Accelerating fiber infrastructure rollout and wireless services;
"AT&T plans to more quickly build fiber infrastructure thanks to pro-investment policies in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress today.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will spur investment, maintain U.S. leadership in innovation, and create economic opportunity nationwide. Thanks to the policies in this legislation, AT&T expects to invest more rapidly in next-generation networks after the bill is signed into law, increasing our investment by an additional 1 million fiber customer locations annually starting in 2026.
This bill also creates a pipeline of midband spectrum that will help meet soaring consumer demand and keep the U.S. technologically competitive with other countries. Paired with the tax provisions in the bill, this legislation paves the way for the stated goals laid out by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr: unleashing high-speed infrastructure builds and restoring America's global lead in wireless technology through smart policy." -- July 3, 2025 AT&T company statement
"AT&T expects to realize $6.5 to $8.0 billion of cash tax savings during 2025-2027 relative to the guidance it provided at its 2024 Analyst & Investor Day due to tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This reflects estimated savings of $1.5 to $2.0 billion in 2025 and $2.5 to $3.0 billion in each of 2026 and 2027.
The Company intends to invest $3.5 billion of these savings into its network to accelerate its fiber internet build-out to a pace of 4 million locations per year, a run-rate it expects to achieve by the end of 2026. As a result of this increased pace of organic fiber deployment, AT&T expects that by the end of 2030 it will reach approximately 50 million customer locations with its in-region fiber network and more than 60 million fiber locations when including the Lumen Mass Markets fiber assets it has agreed to acquire and plans to expand, its Gigapower joint venture, and agreements with other commercial open access providers.
AT&T also intends to contribute $1.5 billion of these savings to its employee pension plan by the end of 2026, which would result in approximately 95% funding of the plan. The remaining tax savings will add to AT&T's financial flexibility to support additional strategic investments, incremental capital returns and debt repayment, among other potential uses." -- July 23, 2025 company statement
Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, New Jersey) - Provides certainty for $55 billion in U.S. manufacturing investments:
"These very policies that just pass are the ones that have enabled our commitment to invest $55 billion in the US in the next four years. And our goal is to be able to manufacture in the US, all the medicines that are consumed in the US at the completion of that plan and we are on our way of being able to do that."
"We are pleased that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides certainty for our previously announced $55 billion commitment to invest here in the United States. This includes provisions such as permanent expensing for domestic R&D spend, permanent bonus depreciation, and 100% expensing of qualified production property, including our newly planned facility in North Carolina." - Joseph Wolk, Executive VP and CFO, July 16, 2025 earnings call.
Turk Stovall, rancher (Billings, Montana) -- equipment upgrades and other ranch investment:
"Because the One Big Beautiful Bill let's us fully expense valuable and necessary investments under Section 179 and 100% bonus depreciation, our ranch will be able to upgrade equipment, increasing our efficiency without being hit by a huge tax burden. That kind of flexibility matters in a ranch like ours." -- Turk Stovall
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Original text here: https://atr.org/expensing/
[Category: Political]
Campaign for Accountability Files Bar Complaint Against Interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Campaign for Accountability issued the following news release on Nov. 11, 2025:* * *
Watchdog Files Bar Complaint Against Interim US Attorney Lindsey Halligan
Today, Campaign for Accountability (CfA) filed a bar complaint asking the Florida Bar and the Virginia Bar to investigate Lindsey Halligan, a Florida-licensed attorney who Donald Trump designated as Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. By using the power of her office to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James despite a dearth of evidence ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Campaign for Accountability issued the following news release on Nov. 11, 2025: * * * Watchdog Files Bar Complaint Against Interim US Attorney Lindsey Halligan Today, Campaign for Accountability (CfA) filed a bar complaint asking the Florida Bar and the Virginia Bar to investigate Lindsey Halligan, a Florida-licensed attorney who Donald Trump designated as Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. By using the power of her office to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James despite a dearth of evidencethat either committed any crimes, Ms. Halligan appears to have violated myriad Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) and Rules Regulating The Florida Bar (RRTFB).
Read CfA's complaint (https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26222400-cfa-fl-va-bar-complaint-lindsey-halligan/).
CfA Executive Director Michelle Kuppersmith said, "It is difficult to overstate the damage wrought by Ms. Halligan's actions. In addition to unjustly and vindictively inflicting direct personal harm on Mr. Comey and Ms. James, she is singlehandedly undermining--maybe irrevocably--the public's confidence in the impartiality of the Department of Justice."
Mr. Comey, as FBI director, oversaw the agency's investigation into Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and its alleged ties to Russia. Ms. James, as New York Attorney General, launched a civil fraud case against Mr. Trump and his company in 2022. Furious about both matters, President Trump has viewed Mr. Comey and Ms. James among his top political enemies and has openly called for retaliatory investigations against them. Trump's initial nominee for United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert, investigated both but ultimately refused to indict either after concluding the evidence did not support prosecution. Last week, Federal Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick criticized the Comey prosecution as a case of "indict first, investigate later."
Learning President Trump planned to fire him for refusing to indict Mr. Comey or Ms. James, Mr. Siebert resigned, and Mr. Trump announced one of his former personal attorneys, Ms. Halligan, as Mr. Siebert's replacement. Willing to oblige President Trump's demands when no career prosecutors would do so, Ms. Halligan indicted Mr. Comey within days of her appointment, and Ms. James soon thereafter.
Through her actions in indicting Mr. Comey and Ms. James, Ms. Halligan may have violated numerous rules of professional conduct including: RPC 3.3(a)(1) (requiring candor to the Court); RPC 1.1 (requiring competence); RPC 3.8 (prohibiting the prosecution of a charge the prosecutor knows is not supported by probable cause); and RPC 8.4 (prohibiting conduct involving dishonesty, deceit, misrepresentation, or conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice).
Additionally, by contacting Lawfare journalist Anna Bower to discuss and attempt to influence her coverage of the James prosecution, Ms. Halligan appears to have violated DOJ regulations, Virginia District Court rules and RPC 3.6, prohibiting pretrial publicity. Further, by communicating with Ms. Bower through Signal and setting the messages to auto-delete after 8 hours, Ms. Halligan also appears to have violated the Federal Records Act, which requires the preservation of records - including text messages - regarding official government action. Flouting the FRA also may violate RPC 8.4.
Ms. Kuppersmith continued: "Ms. Halligan appears to have violated numerous rules of professional conduct for lawyers. We are asking the Virginia and Florida Bars to investigate, making clear that a government appointment is not a hall pass for unethical behavior."
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Campaign for Accountability is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog organization that uses research, litigation, and aggressive communications to expose misconduct and malfeasance in public life and hold those who act at the expense of the public good accountable for their actions.
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Original text here: https://campaignforaccountability.org/watchdog-files-bar-complaint-against-interim-us-attorney-lindsey-halligan/
[Category: Political]
ATR Op-ed in RealClearMarkets: "Why the GAIN Act Is a Net Loss for U.S. Technology"
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following excerpts of a commentary on Nov. 11, 2025, to RealClearMarkets:* * *
ATR op-ed in RealClearMarkets: "Why the GAIN Act Is a Net Loss for U.S. Technology"
On November 11, 2025, RealClearMarkets published an op-ed by ATR's Director of Innovation Policy James Erwin.
The op-ed explains how the GAIN AI Act, currently under consideration by the House of Representatives, will hurt American competitiveness in chip manufacturing.
The bill gives American consumers the "right of first refusal" for any advanced chip before it is exported ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following excerpts of a commentary on Nov. 11, 2025, to RealClearMarkets: * * * ATR op-ed in RealClearMarkets: "Why the GAIN Act Is a Net Loss for U.S. Technology" On November 11, 2025, RealClearMarkets published an op-ed by ATR's Director of Innovation Policy James Erwin. The op-ed explains how the GAIN AI Act, currently under consideration by the House of Representatives, will hurt American competitiveness in chip manufacturing. The bill gives American consumers the "right of first refusal" for any advanced chip before it is exportedto a foreign country. While proponents of the bill are selling this as a means to keep advanced technology out of the hands of the CCP, this hurts the global standing of American chip manufacturers more than anything else.
This may seem a good idea on the surface: a measure to prevent our main adversary from buying up our stock at the expense of American companies. But like all attempts to micromanage the market, the GAIN AI Act will cause harmful distortions while failing on its own terms. As the House considers its own defense bill, they should keep this provision out.
If the U.S. is to get the world building AI on American chips, as President Trump and AI czar David Sacks have challenged us to, restricting our companies' market access is the opposite of what we should do.
Lawmakers have correctly identified that America must beat the CCP in the AI race; this is an imperative to ensure that artificial intelligence is pro-freedom and pro-America. However, measures such as the GAIN AI Act are entirely counterproductive to these aims. Limiting the market share of American chipmakers will prevent them from turning a profit that can be reinvested in innovation, and it will hurt Americans more than it does the CCP.
There are two counterproductive effects of export controls, even half-hearted restrictions like GAIN AI. First is the obvious contradiction that dominating the global chip market requires American chipmakers to export their products around the world. We can either prioritize keeping our technology out of China's hands or we can prioritize dominating the global tech stack. What we cannot do is get the world to buy American chips by prohibiting the world from buying American chips.
On this strategic question, Trump and Sacks are correct while Banks and Moolenaar are wrong. Even if policymakers were to choose the former course, prioritizing keeping our technology out of reach of the CCP, it is impossible to do so for long. Short of keeping U.S. chip producers from selling them at all, they'll eventually reach those whom American politicians would prefer they not.
The GAIN AI Act is a full reversal of the policies that made American chip manufacturers successful. The bill would emulate the Chinese model, with a planned economy and government fiat superseding the expertise of innovators in the field. Congress needs to embrace the American economic model, which puts innovators in the driver's seat and will put America in first place.
Read the full op-ed here (https://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2025/11/11/why_the_gain_act_is_a_net_loss_for_us_technology_1146495.html).
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Original text here: https://atr.org/atr-op-ed-in-realclearmarkets-why-the-gain-act-is-a-net-loss-for-u-s-technology/
[Category: Political]