Featured Stories
Statement From ANHE on Gov Shapiro PA Executive Order Data Centers
MOUNT RAINIER, Maryland, Aug. 22 -- The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environment issued the following statement on Aug. 20, 2026:
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Statement from ANHE on Gov Shapiro PA Executive Order Data Centers
(PA)- On Tuesday Aug. 18th, PA Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to implement the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards for proposed data centers in Pennsylvania.
"Nurses understand accountability because our profession depends on it. Every order, every intervention, every outcome is tracked and documented. We need the same standard applied to data
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MOUNT RAINIER, Maryland, Aug. 22 -- The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environment issued the following statement on Aug. 20, 2026:
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Statement from ANHE on Gov Shapiro PA Executive Order Data Centers
(PA)- On Tuesday Aug. 18th, PA Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to implement the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards for proposed data centers in Pennsylvania.
"Nurses understand accountability because our profession depends on it. Every order, every intervention, every outcome is tracked and documented. We need the same standard applied to datacenter growth: strict oversight of energy demand and supply, binding protections for ratepayers, and penalties when developers fail to commit to transparency, workforce, and environmental protection," said Nina Juntereal, Pennsylvania Nurse Advocacy Coordinator, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments.
Katie Huffling, Executive Director at the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments said, "This is fundamentally a health issue. Three in four Americans live with at least one chronic condition. When grid strain, propelled by data centers, drives up reliance on fossil-fuel plants, Americans living with asthma, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions will feel it first and worst. Clean energy isn't a separate issue to public health; it is public health."
We urge PA lawmakers to build on this executive order with legislation that prioritizes clean energy investment and puts real accountability structures in place, not just for utility costs, but for the health and safety of every Pennsylvanian breathing air near these facilities.
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The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments is the only national nursing organization focused solely on the intersection of health and the environment. The mission of the Alliance is to support nurses in promoting planetary health and equity globally by educating and leading the nursing profession, advancing research, incorporating planet-safe practice, and influencing policy. http://enviRN.org
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Original text here: https://envirn.org/statement-from-anhe-on-gov-shapiro-pa-executive-order-data-centers/
[Category: Nursing]
EAA Introduces 2026 Sport Aviation Halls of Fame Class
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Aug. 22 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
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EAA introduces 2026 Sport Aviation Halls of Fame class
Six inductees welcomed November 11, representing unique segments of aviation
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EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin -- The Experimental Aircraft Association Sport Aviation Halls of Fame continue to grow as six new inductees will be honored as part of the 2026 class. The six inductees each represent a different area of aviation - homebuilders, ultralights, the International Aerobatic Club, the Vintage Aircraft Association, and
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OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Aug. 22 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
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EAA introduces 2026 Sport Aviation Halls of Fame class
Six inductees welcomed November 11, representing unique segments of aviation
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EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin -- The Experimental Aircraft Association Sport Aviation Halls of Fame continue to grow as six new inductees will be honored as part of the 2026 class. The six inductees each represent a different area of aviation - homebuilders, ultralights, the International Aerobatic Club, the Vintage Aircraft Association, andEAA Warbirds of America.
The 2026 inductees include:
* EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Mike Blyth- Aircraft designer and Founder of Sling Aircraft, 1995 Microlight World Champion, and pioneer of early microlight aviation in South Africa
* International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Mike Goulian - Renowned air show performer and air racer, 1995 National Unlimited Aerobatic Champion and three-time member of the US Unlimited Aerobatic Team
* Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Ron and Diane Fagen - Warbird restorers and founders of the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls, MN, home to more than 15 airworthy WWII aircraft
* Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: Tom Brown - Aircraft restoration craftsman who has been involved with and restored a wide variety of award-winning vintage airplanes
* EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame: Ronnie Smith - Founder of South Mississippi Light Aircraft (Now South Mississippi Legacy Aviation)
The EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame were established to honor the outstanding achievements of men and women in aviation who share the spirit of EAA and its community. Those inducted into the halls of fame are selected by their peers for myriad contributions made to their respective areas of aviation.
EAA will honor the new inductees at a dinner ceremony on November 11, 2026, in the Eagle Hangar of the EAA Aviation Museum.
More information on each inductee will be added to the EAA website in the coming days.
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About EAA
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 300,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.
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Original text here: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-media-room/eaa-news-releases/hall-of-fame-class-2026
[Category: Aerospace]
Association for Competitive Technology: Chris McDonald Confirmed as Minister for Intellectual Property
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Association for Competitive Technology (formerly the ACT - The App Association) the following news release:
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Chris McDonald Confirmed as Minister for Intellectual Property
ACT welcomes an MP with extensive IP experience and a commitment to supporting SME innovation
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - Comment from Stephen Tulip, UK Country Manager for the Association for Competitive Technology (ACT):
'We welcome Chris McDonald's appointment as Minister for Science, Innovation and Investment with responsibility for intellectual property (IP). His background in engineering,
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Association for Competitive Technology (formerly the ACT - The App Association) the following news release:
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Chris McDonald Confirmed as Minister for Intellectual Property
ACT welcomes an MP with extensive IP experience and a commitment to supporting SME innovation
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - Comment from Stephen Tulip, UK Country Manager for the Association for Competitive Technology (ACT):
'We welcome Chris McDonald's appointment as Minister for Science, Innovation and Investment with responsibility for intellectual property (IP). His background in engineering,research, and innovation gives him firsthand knowledge of the importance of IP protection, especially for Britain's small and medium-sized tech enterprises (SMEs).
'As the former CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, as well as his many years as a policy champion for innovation and infrastructure at the Federation of Small Businesses, McDonald understands more than most members of the Government the significance of IP and standard essential patents (SEPs) to the UKs tech future.
'As the new dedicated IP minister he must ensure rapid progress on the UK Intellectual Property Office's (IPO) much-anticipated reforms of standard-essential patent (SEPs) licensing to ensure that British SMEs can compete and innovate on top of technical standards.
'We wish him the best in his new role and look forward to engaging with McDonald as he adjusts to his new brief.'
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About the Association for Competitive Technology (ACT)
ACT is a global technology trade association representing startups, scaleups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We work directly with our members worldwide to advocate for a policy environment that takes into account their real-world challenges and supports innovation, access to capital, job creation, and the ability of small technology companies to grow and compete globally.
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Original text here: https://actonline.org/2026/08/21/chris-mcdonald-confirmed-as-minister-for-intellectual-property/
[Category: Computer Technology]
American Farm Bureau Federation: Increased Beef Imports Could Create Long-term Damage
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 22 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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Increased Beef Imports Could Create Long-term Damage
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump's plan to import an additional 300,000 metric tons of beef in addition to already record-high beef imports.
"Farmers and ranchers are extremely disappointed to learn that President Trump plans to flood the American market with hundreds of millions of pounds of foreign-raised beef. The U.S. is already importing beef at record
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 22 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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Increased Beef Imports Could Create Long-term Damage
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump's plan to import an additional 300,000 metric tons of beef in addition to already record-high beef imports.
"Farmers and ranchers are extremely disappointed to learn that President Trump plans to flood the American market with hundreds of millions of pounds of foreign-raised beef. The U.S. is already importing beef at recordlevels. This decision would be an unprecedented move and would translate to nearly an additional 60% increase in imports over the next 90 days.
"For almost a year now, we've been advising the administration that America's ranchers are working to rebuild beef herds that had to be sold off due to drought. Despite high beef prices in grocery stores, prices paid to farmers and ranchers for their cattle have fallen sharply over the past two months, and beef packing plants are shutting down across the U.S. Further undercutting a fragile recovery by swamping markets with foreign products and attempting to manipulate prices threatens to wipe out any progress that has been made.
"We appreciate the president's goal of reducing grocery costs, but short-term measures could have long-term negative effects for consumers and for ranchers who are making decisions on whether to retain or expand their herd. Growing dependence on foreign-grown food could ultimately lead to even higher grocery costs and reliance on other nations for our food security. We urge the president to strongly reconsider his plan."
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Original text here: https://www.fb.org/news-release/increased-beef-imports-could-create-long-term-damage
[Category: Agriculture]
American College of Surgeons: Automatic Crash Alerts Should Be Standard and Free in All New Vehicles, Experts Say
CHICAGO, Illinois, Aug. 22 (TNSjou) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
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Automatic Crash Alerts Should Be Standard and Free in All New Vehicles, Experts Say
American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma says the technology can help emergency responders locate crashes faster and send the right resources
Key Takeaways
* Automatic crash notifications can alert emergency responders that a serious collision has occurred and provide the vehicle's location, even when occupants can't call for help.
* Advanced automatic crash notification systems can provide
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Aug. 22 (TNSjou) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
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Automatic Crash Alerts Should Be Standard and Free in All New Vehicles, Experts Say
American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma says the technology can help emergency responders locate crashes faster and send the right resources
Key Takeaways
* Automatic crash notifications can alert emergency responders that a serious collision has occurred and provide the vehicle's location, even when occupants can't call for help.
* Advanced automatic crash notification systems can providevehicle data to help estimate the risk of severe injury and determine whether specialized resources are needed by emergency medical services.
* The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma calls for these technologies to be standard in all new vehicles without added subscription fees, along with stronger rural connectivity, standardized data sharing, and additional collaborative research.
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Automatic crash notification (ACN) systems should become a standard safety feature in every new vehicle, like seat belts and air bags, according to a new paper by members of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT), published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS). The authors note that, today, ACN is often offered as a premium connected-vehicle service that may stop working when a subscription expires.
The authors recommend nationwide adoption of ACN and advanced automatic crash notification (AACN), along with a standardized approach to share and interpret crash data among automakers, emergency responders, trauma experts, and federal agencies.
ACN alerts emergency responders after a serious collision. It can provide the vehicle's location and, in many systems, establish voice communication between an operator and the people inside the vehicle. AACN systems also transmit detailed crash information that helps emergency responders estimate injury severity before arriving at the scene. The paper draws on prior research, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration modeling that estimated AACN systems could save between 360 and 721 lives each year.
"Seat belts and air bags are standard because they are safety features, not luxury services. Automatic crash notification should be treated the same way," said lead author Theresa L. Chin, MD, MPH, FACS, a trauma and burn surgeon at UCI Health. "In a serious crash, the system can tell EMS where the crash happened and provide early signs on the severity of crash and potential for significant injury. That can help the right resources start moving sooner, especially in rural communities where help may be farther away."
Minutes Matter After a Serious Crash
Longer delays between a crash and notification of emergency medical services have been associated with a greater risk of death, particularly in rural areas. ACN can shorten that interval by automatically reporting the crash, its location, the time of the crash, even if occupants are unconscious, disoriented, or otherwise unable to call 911. AACN can add vehicle telemetry (data such as the change in vehicle speed, rollover, airbag deployment, and restraint status) to provide an early estimate of how likely there is to be severe injury.
Information showing that a vehicle rolled over several times may prompt a different response than a low-speed collision. Information on seat belt use and two-way communication with occupants may help responders determine how many people are involved and whether multiple ambulances are needed. The data may support decisions about deploying specialized trauma care such as advanced life support units, air medical transportation, extrication equipment (for example, the "jaws of life"), or direct transport to a trauma center.
Safety Technology Should Not Be Bundled with Convenience Features
Many ACN systems are packaged with paid connected-vehicle services such as remote start, door locking, mobile Wi-Fi, roadside assistance, or concierge features. As a result, drivers may unknowingly lose crash notification when a complimentary trial ends or when they cancel a package of services they don't otherwise use.
Dr. Chin said she discovered, while working on the project, that ACN in her own family's vehicle was no longer active because the bundled subscription had not been renewed. In fact, at a conference in a room of trauma professionals, "only one person knew that their vehicle had an active crash notification service," she added.
The European Union has required inclusion of an emergency notification system known as eCall in all new vehicles since March 2018. The system automatically contacts emergency services following a serious crash and does not require a paid subscription.
How Drivers Can Check Their Vehicle
Drivers can take several steps to determine whether their current vehicle has ACN or AACN:
1. Search the owner's manual or manufacturer's app for terms such as "automatic crash notification," "emergency call," "connected services," "911 assist," "eCall," or "SOS."
2. Look for an SOS or emergency button, often located near the rearview mirror or overhead console. The presence of a button is a clue, but drivers should still confirm that the service is activated.
3. Check whether the system requires a paired phone or an active subscription. Some systems use a built-in cellular connection, while others work only when the driver's phone is connected through Bluetooth.
4. Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) when contacting the manufacturer or dealership to confirm whether ACN or AACN was included in that specific model, model year, and options package.
"Most people assume that the safety systems built into their vehicle will be available when they need them," Dr. Chin said. "Drivers should not have to discover after a serious crash that an emergency feature was tied to a premium service they stopped paying for."
ACS Calls for Standard Access and Better Data Sharing
The ACS COT has previously issued a statement supporting:
* Making ACN and AACN standard in all new motor vehicles without additional subscription fees, while improving availability and connectivity in rural areas with limited cellular coverage.
* Developing reliable pathways for crash information to reach 911 centers and emergency response systems, with more consistent technical standards across automakers.
* Making ACN and AACN data available for research by injury prevention scientists and trauma system experts studying crashes, EMS response times, and injury patterns.
* Supporting federal research and collaboration with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other organizations to better understand how vehicle data can improve communication among 911 centers, EMS agencies, and hospitals.
The authors of the JACS' paper also emphasize the need for common definitions across manufacturers. A notification that describes a crash as having a "high risk" of severe injury should have a consistent and clinically useful meaning regardless of whether the vehicle was made by one automaker or another. Standardization could help emergency responders and clinicians use the information more efficiently, particularly in communities with limited personnel, transportation, or hospital resources.
"Injury prevention does not end when a crash occurs; it also means reducing the harm that follows," said co-author Leah C. Tatebe, MD, FACS, chair of the ACS COT Injury Prevention Program Area and associate professor of surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "This information could close a dangerous gap between time of crash and treatment. That protection should be built into every new vehicle, not reserved for people who can afford an ongoing subscription."
Co-authors are Julie Y. Valenzuela, MD, FACS; Thomas Duncan, DO, FACS; Peter E. Fischer, MD, FACS; Alexandra Briggs, MD, FACS; Alexis Moren, MD, MPH, FACS; David S. Shapiro,MD, MHCM, MEd, CPHQ, FCCM, FACS; Anne Rizzo, MD, FACS, DABS; Haley Etskovitz, DO, MBS; Leah C. Tatebe, MD, FACS; Brendan T. Campbell, MD, MPH, FACS; and Eileen Bulger, MD, FACS.
This study (https://www.ovid.com/jnls/journalacs/fulltext/10.1097/xcs.0000000000002168~advanced-automatic-crash-notification-systems-it-is-time-to) is published as an article in press on the JACS website.
Citation: Chin TL, Valenzuela JY, Duncan T, et al. Advanced Automatic Crash Notification Systems: It Is Time to Adopt Potentially Life-Saving Technology. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2026. DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000002168
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About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
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Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/automatic-crash-alerts-should-be-standard-and-free-in-all-new-vehicles-experts-say/
[Category: Medical]
AICPA Applauds Passage of Disaster Tax Bill With Strong Bipartisan Support, Continues to Urge Permanency for Disaster Tax Relief Legislation
NEW YORK, Aug. 22 -- The American Institute of CPAs issued the following news release:
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AICPA Applauds Passage of Disaster Tax Bill with Strong Bipartisan Support, Continues to Urge Permanency for Disaster Tax Relief Legislation
Washington, D.C. - The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has long-advocated for policies and legislation that would provide clear, permanent and consistent tax relief to individuals and businesses impacted by natural disaster across the country. Among the changes the AICPA has supported is newly passed legislation that provides "special rules" for casualty loss
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NEW YORK, Aug. 22 -- The American Institute of CPAs issued the following news release:
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AICPA Applauds Passage of Disaster Tax Bill with Strong Bipartisan Support, Continues to Urge Permanency for Disaster Tax Relief Legislation
Washington, D.C. - The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has long-advocated for policies and legislation that would provide clear, permanent and consistent tax relief to individuals and businesses impacted by natural disaster across the country. Among the changes the AICPA has supported is newly passed legislation that provides "special rules" for casualty lossdeductions attributed to qualified disasters occurring before January 1, 2027. The Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act recently cleared a final hurdle, passing in the Senate with strong bipartisan support. The bill now awaits the President's signature.
For qualified disasters after July 4, 2025, and before January 1, 2027, this bill would extend the special rules consistent with recent disaster relief legislation, which include waiving the 10% adjusted gross income limitation, allowing qualified disaster losses to be added to the standard deduction, and raising the deduction floor from $100 to $500. Unlike previous disaster tax relief bills, this bill is the first in many years to be prospective, where most are typically retroactive. The bill also introduces significant clarity by adding the disaster relief provisions to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).
The legislation also extends the coverage period through the end of 2026 for the exclusion of qualified wildfire relief payments. The 2024 legislation enacting this disaster relief covered payments received between 2020 and 2025 and extended the period of limitation for refund claims; however, the limitations period extension was unnecessary in the bill because it extended the original disaster period by just one year.
"This legislation has a broader impact beyond closing the gap in disaster relief dating back to 2025. By codifying these provisions into the IRC, Congress is providing clarity to and ensuring consistency for taxpayers affected by federally declared disasters," said Daniel Hauffe, Senior Manager for Tax Policy & Advocacy with the AICPA. "Although the bill ensures that disaster-related tax relief is readily findable and predictable, we urge Congress to pursue permanent relief to provide long-term certainty and avoid future gaps in relief for affected taxpayers."
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About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
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BACKGROUND:
March 3, 2025 - AICPA Submits Comment Letter Citing the Need for Permanent, Consistent, and Clear Disaster Relief Tax Legislation
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Original text here: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/aicpa-applauds-passage-of-disaster-tax-bill-with-strong-bipartisan-support-continues-to-urge-permanency-for-disaster-tax-relief-legislation
[Category: Accounting]
AFIA Welcomes New Manager of Global Policy
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 22 -- The American Feed Industry Association issued the following news release:
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AFIA Welcomes New Manager of Global Policy
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is pleased to welcome Abigail Tierney as manager of global policy. In this position, Tierney will educate policymakers, represent the AFIA in trade discussions and advocate for science-based regulations to reduce non-tariff barriers. She will also represent the U.S. animal food industry at meetings both domestically and internationally, analyze global trade trends and develop tools to support industry
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 22 -- The American Feed Industry Association issued the following news release:
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AFIA Welcomes New Manager of Global Policy
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is pleased to welcome Abigail Tierney as manager of global policy. In this position, Tierney will educate policymakers, represent the AFIA in trade discussions and advocate for science-based regulations to reduce non-tariff barriers. She will also represent the U.S. animal food industry at meetings both domestically and internationally, analyze global trade trends and develop tools to support industrymembers.
"Abby brings an impressive combination of trade policy, regulatory and international affairs experience that will strengthen AFIA's global advocacy efforts," said AFIA Chief Policy Officer Leah Wilkinson. "Her background across federal agencies and firsthand experience advancing U.S. agricultural interests will be invaluable as the AFIA works to expand market opportunities, address trade barriers and promote science-based policies that support the competitiveness of the U.S. animal food industry for our members. We are thrilled to welcome Abby to the AFIA team."
Prior to joining the AFIA, Tierney managed global policy at the Environmental Protection Agency, where she also represented the United States on the environmental policy committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Before her time at the EPA, Tierney worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, first directing international market development programs and later advancing U.S. animal trade policy. Tierney began her career as a Peace Corps agribusiness volunteer in Panama from 2017-19.
Hailing from Kansas City, Kan., Tierney holds a bachelor's degree in business administration in international business from Saint Louis University and now calls Washington, D.C., home.
The AFIA looks forward to the contributions of Tierney to help strengthen the U.S. animal food industry's global relationships.
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Original text here: https://www.afia.org/news/news-release-items/afia-welcomes-new-manager-of-global-policy/
[Category: Agriculture]
