Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Indiana Chamber to Host Environmental Permitting and Reporting Conference
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, March 7 -- The Indiana Chamber of Commerce issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
* * *
Indiana Chamber to Host Environmental Permitting and Reporting Conference
Hoosier businesses navigating increasingly complex environmental regulations will have a chance to hear directly from regulators and compliance experts this spring, as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Environmental Permitting and Reporting Conference April 21-22 in downtown Indianapolis and virtually. The event is designed to help Indiana companies avoid costly penalties from the U.S.
... Show Full Article
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, March 7 -- The Indiana Chamber of Commerce issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
* * *
Indiana Chamber to Host Environmental Permitting and Reporting Conference
Hoosier businesses navigating increasingly complex environmental regulations will have a chance to hear directly from regulators and compliance experts this spring, as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Environmental Permitting and Reporting Conference April 21-22 in downtown Indianapolis and virtually. The event is designed to help Indiana companies avoid costly penalties from the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency.
"We're proud to offer the most complete and comprehensive permitting and reporting course offered in the state," says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders. "This conference will impart critical information to help business owners and operators better understand environmental permitting programs while providing the most current updates on reporting issues facing the regulated community."
The conference is presented by consulting firm KERAMIDA, Inc.
Session topics include: environmental management fundamentals, Indiana's industrial stormwater general permit, California Senate Bills 261 and 253, EHS and ISO auditing best practices and fundamentals of air, water and waste permitting and compliance.
Attendees also will hear directly from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's Offices of Air Quality, Land Quality and Water Quality.
Registration costs $749 for Indiana Chamber members or $849 for non-members. Companies sending two or more attendees can receive a 20% discount at checkout by using the promo code GROUP20.
View the agenda and register to attend in person or virtually at www.indianachamber.com/conferences.
* * *
The Indiana Chamber partners with 25,000 members and investors - representing over four million Hoosiers - to achieve the mission of "cultivating a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.indianachamber.com/indiana-chamber-to-host-environmental-permitting-and-reporting-conference-5/
[Category: Business]
Humane World Action Fund: House Farm Bill Advances With Attacks on State-level Farmed Animal Welfare Protections
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Humane World Action Fund (formerly the Humane Society Legislative Fund) issued the following news release on March 5, 2026:
* * *
House Farm Bill advances with attacks on state-level farmed animal welfare protections
Animal advocates denounce interference by Big Pork and other unscrupulous players as special favors Farm Bill passes out of committee by a 34 to 17 vote
*
In a lengthy debate that felt all too familiar, some House Agriculture Committee members, led by Chairman GT Thompson, took time at this week's Farm Bill markup to reopen questioning on the topic of state
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Humane World Action Fund (formerly the Humane Society Legislative Fund) issued the following news release on March 5, 2026:
* * *
House Farm Bill advances with attacks on state-level farmed animal welfare protections
Animal advocates denounce interference by Big Pork and other unscrupulous players as special favors Farm Bill passes out of committee by a 34 to 17 vote
*
In a lengthy debate that felt all too familiar, some House Agriculture Committee members, led by Chairman GT Thompson, took time at this week's Farm Bill markup to reopen questioning on the topic of statehumane farming laws such as California's Proposition 12. Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund, offer the following statements on where the Farm Bill debate goes from here as it heads to the House floor.
Sara Amundson, president of Humane World Action Fund:
"The House farm bill is a twisted treasure trove of handouts to Big Ag and those seeking to profit from the cruelty of animal exploitation. This package not only guts state laws protecting farm animals from extreme confinement but also includes provisions that make it harder to rescue dogs from international disasters and directs taxpayer-funded support to the mink industry. But once again, Chairman Thompson has touted a farm bill package that would overturn state laws providing basic protections for farmed animals. He has turned federal farm policy over to an out-of-touch, backward-looking segment of the pork industry, setting the stage for market chaos and disregarding the will of millions of voters and consumers who have supported higher standards of welfare for animals raised for food. The package contains so many controversial poison pills attacking animals, communities and the environment that final passage will be virtually impossible."
Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals:
"Chairman Thompson and his allies pushed forward legislation that disregards the will of consumers who care about how food reaches their plates. Instead, the bill would force low-welfare pork products into markets in every state, including those where voters and lawmakers have explicitly rejected such practices. This approach is out of step with public opinion, the passage of similar protections in more than a dozen states, and the sweeping changes underway in the consumer marketplace and corporate supply chains on animal welfare. Congress should reject this special-interest legislation being driven through the House Agriculture Committee at the behest of Big Pork."
* * *
Original text here: https://humaneaction.org/press-release/2026/03/house-farm-bill-advances-attacks-state-level-farmed-animal-welfare
[Category: Political]
Humane World Action Fund: Bears' Lives Caught in Government Ping Pong Match
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Humane World Action Fund (formerly the Humane Society Legislative Fund) issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
* * *
Bears' lives caught in government ping pong match
Proposed federal rule seeks to roll back critical wildlife protections and allow cruel 'bear baiting' in Alaska's national parks once again
*
The Trump administration has once again advanced a proposal to strip away wildlife protections and permit some of the most horrific trophy-hunting practices imaginable on Alaska's national preserves. In a proposed rule published today, the U.S. National
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Humane World Action Fund (formerly the Humane Society Legislative Fund) issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
* * *
Bears' lives caught in government ping pong match
Proposed federal rule seeks to roll back critical wildlife protections and allow cruel 'bear baiting' in Alaska's national parks once again
*
The Trump administration has once again advanced a proposal to strip away wildlife protections and permit some of the most horrific trophy-hunting practices imaginable on Alaska's national preserves. In a proposed rule published today, the U.S. NationalPark Service seeks to rescind a 2024 regulation that banned bear baiting on Alaska's national preserves.
"Baiting bears with piles of donuts or meat scraps to lure them into range and gun them down is cruel beyond words and one of the most indefensible forms of trophy hunting there is," said Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals, formerly called Humane Society of the United States. "Bait piles also habituate bears to human scents and can lead to dangerous conflicts at campgrounds, picnic areas and other spots like trailheads where there is food. For years, we have fought in the courts to keep this from happening in Alaska's national preserves, and we have won time and again because the law and science are on the side of protecting wildlife. Wildlife must be respected, and bear baiting has no place in Alaska or anywhere."
Bear baiting on Alaska's wildlife preserves has a history of ups and downs. It was banned in 2015 under President Obama, but that ban was reversed in 2020 during President Trump's first term. Humane World for Animals and its allies successfully challenged that initial Trump rule in court and the National Park Service under President Biden subsequently restored the bear baiting ban.
"Rescinding the 2024 rule against bear baiting in Alaska isn't just a step backward, it's a return to sheer brutality by the Trump administration," said Sara Amundson, president of Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund. "This proposed rule is a greenlight for trophy hunters to kill animals with vile methods and no regard whatsoever for the science and public safety concerns that have sidelined those methods. If policymakers are willing to overturn a well-founded federal safeguard this easily, no wildlife protection measure is secure."
Across Alaska bear baiting is unpopular, with more than 75% of state residents saying they oppose it. The proposed NPS rule blatantly panders to trophy hunting interests at the expense of Alaska's wildlife, visitors and residents.
* * *
Original text here: https://humaneaction.org/press-release/2026/03/bears-lives-caught-government-ping-pong-match
[Category: Political]
Demand Progress Lauds Biggs Bill to Curb Federal Surveillance Powers
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, March 7 -- Demand Progress issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
* * *
Demand Progress Lauds Biggs Bill to Curb Federal Surveillance Powers
Washington, D.C. -- On Thursday, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced the Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act, a bill to curb invasive government surveillance. The bill closes loopholes that allow the government to sweep up the private texts, emails and calls of people in the United States without court approval. The government's sweeping spying authority, also known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence
... Show Full Article
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, March 7 -- Demand Progress issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
* * *
Demand Progress Lauds Biggs Bill to Curb Federal Surveillance Powers
Washington, D.C. -- On Thursday, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced the Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act, a bill to curb invasive government surveillance. The bill closes loopholes that allow the government to sweep up the private texts, emails and calls of people in the United States without court approval. The government's sweeping spying authority, also known as Section 702 of the Foreign IntelligenceSurveillance Act, is set to expire next month on April 20 if Congress does not reauthorize it. Demand Progress has been leading a bipartisan coalition to reform Section 702 under both Democratic and Republican presidents.
The following is a statement from Demand Progress Senior Policy Advisor Hajar Hammado:
"Not enough people realize that the government has the power to hoover up your private calls, texts and emails without any court approval. The Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act is a necessary bill that closes the loopholes allowing the government to conduct this dangerous, invasive spying. We thank Rep. Biggs for his committed, bipartisan leadership to fix this serious threat to our privacy. Congress must follow his lead and support critical reforms that would stop the government from buying our sensitive information from data brokers and warrantlessly surveilling us."
* * *
Original text here: https://demandprogress.org/demand-progress-lauds-biggs-bill-to-curb-federal-surveillance-powers/
[Category: Sociological]
Community Oncology Alliance Relaunches Patient Advocacy Chapter at Northwest Medical Specialties
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The Community Oncology Alliance issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
* * *
Community Oncology Alliance Relaunches Patient Advocacy Chapter at Northwest Medical Specialties
In-person advocacy event revitalizes chapter to educate patients on the value of community oncology
*
The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) and Northwest Medical Specialties (NWMS) have relaunched the CPAN chapter based in Puyallup, WA. The chapter was first launched in 2017. Attendees of the launch heard from practice leaders, including physician Mohammed
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The Community Oncology Alliance issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
* * *
Community Oncology Alliance Relaunches Patient Advocacy Chapter at Northwest Medical Specialties
In-person advocacy event revitalizes chapter to educate patients on the value of community oncology
*
The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) and Northwest Medical Specialties (NWMS) have relaunched the CPAN chapter based in Puyallup, WA. The chapter was first launched in 2017. Attendees of the launch heard from practice leaders, including physician MohammedKanaan, MD; Director of Quality and Value-Based Cancer Care Abra Kelson, LICSW; and CEO Amy Ellis alongside, COA's Director of Patient Advocacy and Education Rose Gerber, MS.
NWMS serves patients with cancer in the Pacific Northwest, operating six locations in Washington state. The practice provides care in a setting that is close to home for many Washingtonians and operates at the forefront of cancer care, participating in clinical trials and payment reform initiatives. Running a CPAN chapter empowers NWMS patients to speak about the care they receive and important issues facing those with cancer. To accommodate patients who could not attend the chapter relaunch in person, the event was also broadcast virtually.
"Since 2017, NWMS leaders have worked to provide their patients with the tools and information they need to protect access to high-quality, locally based cancer care," said Rose Gerber, MS. "I was happy to join the practice as they rededicated themselves to CPAN's mission and invited a new cohort of advocates to join an organization that empowers them to speak on the important issues facing patients with cancer."
"Providing care for cancer patients is the baseline expectation here at Northwest," said chapter co-leaders Kimberly Ngouv, MSW, LSWAIC, and Sifa Herady Bandale, LSWAIC. "We're working to give the patient a voice in their care and give them the tools to advocate for policies that make care more accessible, and having access to CPAN's network and resources makes that work easier than ever."
The chapter will offer a range of national and practice-based advocacy opportunities, including quarterly CPAN Advocacy Chats, where experts from across the industry provide education on COA advocacy and policy initiatives, including PBMs, site of care, and topics like survivorship and health equity. Advocates from all parts of the country also gather at the annual COA Conference to learn more about the current state of community cancer care.
CPAN is a national advocacy organization committed to raising awareness of independent, community cancer care centers and how national and local health care policy issues may affect patient care. CPAN's network of community cancer practice-based chapters spans 20 states, connecting and activating committed, passionate people who advocate for the protection of locally delivered cancer care. CPAN advocates include patients, survivors, caregivers, and members of the oncology care team. CPAN advocates share personal stories to help policymakers and the community understand the importance of personalized, affordable cancer care close to where patients live and work.
To learn more about CPAN or inquire about the potential to open a chapter at your local community oncology practice, visit www.COAAdvocacy.org.
* * *
About the Community Oncology Alliance (COA)
The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for community oncology practices and, most importantly, the patients they serve. COA is the only organization dedicated solely to community oncology where the majority of Americans with cancer are treated. The mission of COA is to ensure that patients with cancer receive quality, affordable, and accessible cancer care in their own communities. Learn more about COA at www.communityoncology.org.
* * *
About the COA Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN)
The Community Oncology Alliance Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) is a chapter-based national advocacy organization committed to raising awareness of independent, community cancer care centers and how national and local health care policy issues may affect patient care. CPAN's network of community cancer practice-based chapters spans 20 states, and connects and activates committed, passionate people who advocate for the protection of locally delivered cancer care. CPAN advocates include patients, survivors, caregivers, and members of the oncology care team. CPAN advocates share personal stories so policymakers and the community can understand the importance of personalized, affordable cancer care close to where patients live and work. Sign up to become an advocate or find your local chapter at www.COAAdvocacy.org.
* * *
About Northwest Medical Specialties
Northwest Medical Specialties, PLLC (NWMS) is a leading community oncology practice with six locations across the South Puget Sound in Washington state. Dedicated to delivering high-quality and innovative cancer care, NWMS actively participates in value-based care models, more than 100 phase I-III clinical trials, and multiple national quality initiatives. NWMS holds accreditations from the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI), the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). As an engaged member of the ONCare Alliance and Exigent Research, NWMS collaborates with national experts to expand access to advanced treatments and ensure the best possible care for the communities it serves.
Learn more at https://www.nwmedicalspecialties.com.
* * *
Original text here: https://mycoa.communityoncology.org/news-updates/press-releases/NWMS-CPAN-chapter-relaunch
[Category: Medical]
Campaign for Accountability Issues Statement on Florida Bar's Flip on Halligan Investigation
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Campaign for Accountability issued the following statement on March 6, 2026:
* * *
CfA Statement on Florida Bar's Flip on Halligan Investigation
In response to reports that the Florida Bar is now claiming its Feb 4th letter, stating that there was a "pending investigation" into former interim US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Lindsey Halligan, was erroneous, CfA executive director Michelle Kuppersmith issued the following statement:
"CfA has not heard directly from the Florida Bar, but it's hard to reconcile this latest statement with the bar counsel's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Campaign for Accountability issued the following statement on March 6, 2026:
* * *
CfA Statement on Florida Bar's Flip on Halligan Investigation
In response to reports that the Florida Bar is now claiming its Feb 4th letter, stating that there was a "pending investigation" into former interim US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Lindsey Halligan, was erroneous, CfA executive director Michelle Kuppersmith issued the following statement:
"CfA has not heard directly from the Florida Bar, but it's hard to reconcile this latest statement with the bar counsel'sprevious letter saying there is an investigation pending. If there is no longer an investigation into Halligan, the question is why not, given that three judges indicated she engaged in conduct that appears to violate ethics rules."
* * *
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.
* * *
Original text here: https://campaignforaccountability.org/cfa-statement-on-florida-bars-flip-on-halligan-investigation/
[Category: Political]
ADL's Task Force on Middle East Minorities Statement on the Military Conflict in Iran
NEW YORK, March 7 -- The Anti-Defamation League, an anti-hate organization that aims to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all, posted the following statement on March 6, 2026:
* * *
ADL's Task Force on Middle East Minorities Statement on the Military Conflict in Iran
The Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) Task Force on Middle East Minorities issued the following statement regarding the military conflict in Iran:
At this moment of profound uncertainty for Iran, we stand in solidarity with the Iranian people and their tireless struggle for their
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, March 7 -- The Anti-Defamation League, an anti-hate organization that aims to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all, posted the following statement on March 6, 2026:
* * *
ADL's Task Force on Middle East Minorities Statement on the Military Conflict in Iran
The Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) Task Force on Middle East Minorities issued the following statement regarding the military conflict in Iran:
At this moment of profound uncertainty for Iran, we stand in solidarity with the Iranian people and their tireless struggle for theirrights, freedom, and dignity. Iran is not the regime that has controlled it for the last 47 years. For more than two millennia, Iran was one of the world's great pluralistic civilizations. The Cyrus Cylinder, widely regarded as the first charter of human rights, proclaimed freedom for religious minorities.
The Islamic Republic, which spent almost five decades corrupting that legacy, represents a departure from tradition. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has consistently designated Iran a "Country of Particular Concern" for engaging in "systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom."
Since the 1979 revolution, religious and ethnic minorities that had called Iran home for centuries were driven to the margins through executions, confiscation of property, forced emigration and systematic discrimination. The regime did not just persecute its people - it tried to erase the very pluralism that defined Iran's civilization. The "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement showed the world what the Iranian people already knew: that the values of the regime do not reflect the values of the nation.
The recent "National Revolution" that drew millions of Iranians from all walks of life to the streets brought hope but also marked one of darkest moments in Iran's history. Over 35,000 people were murdered in streets, homes, and even hospital beds by the Islamic Republic Guard Corps (IRGC) and its paramilitary Basij militias, often using military-grade weapons.
Despite the devastating loss, Iranian people are uniting beyond their differences to fight for their shared values We express the hope that whatever emerges, Iran will once again be a home for all its people, as it was for millennia before the revolution sought to make it otherwise. The Iranian people, in their courage, their diversity and their long memory, deserve nothing less.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.adl.org/resources/press-release/adls-task-force-middle-east-minorities-statement-military-conflict-iran
[Category: Political]
