Featured Stories
RFA Celebrates Gov. Newsom's Signing of California E15 Bill
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 [Category: Energy] -- The Renewable Fuels Association posted the following news release:
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RFA Celebrates Gov. Newsom's Signing of California E15 Bill
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The Renewable Fuels Association today applauded California Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing Senate Bill 795, the "E15 Clean-up Act," into law following the legislature's unanimous passage of the bill on August 31. The bill removes the final regulatory impediment that was preventing California retailers from offering lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 to eager customers, who are facing the highest gas prices in the nation.
"Governor
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 [Category: Energy] -- The Renewable Fuels Association posted the following news release:
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RFA Celebrates Gov. Newsom's Signing of California E15 Bill
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The Renewable Fuels Association today applauded California Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing Senate Bill 795, the "E15 Clean-up Act," into law following the legislature's unanimous passage of the bill on August 31. The bill removes the final regulatory impediment that was preventing California retailers from offering lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 to eager customers, who are facing the highest gas prices in the nation.
"GovernorNewsom promised to remove the red tape that was blocking lower-cost E15 from reaching California consumers, and that's exactly what this bill does," said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. "Thanks to the governor's leadership and decisive action, California is closer than ever to lower gas prices and a cleaner future for families across the state. Dozens of other states have already seen the benefits of E15-healthier air, better engine performance, and cost savings at the pump. Now, California drivers are about to experience those same advantages for themselves, and we thank Gov. Newsom for voicing his support for E15 throughout the legislative process."
The bill, prepared in the wake of last year's unanimously supported legislation permitting E15 sales, allows retailers to use existing vapor recovery equipment to dispense E15 if the manufacturer of that equipment submits a statement of compatibility to the relevant state agencies.
Cooper also thanked the bill's principal authors, Sens. Bob Archuletta and Suzette Martinez Valladares, and Assemblymember David Alvarez, as well as the entire bipartisan California Problem Solvers Caucus for their leadership and commitment to reducing gas prices for California families.
Recent studies show E15 could save California drivers at least $2.7 billion annually, or $200 per household, and significantly cut the emissions of tailpipe pollutants that create smog and contribute to illness and disease.
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Original text here: https://ethanolrfa.org/media-and-news/category/news-releases/article/2026/09/rfa-celebrates-gov-newsom-s-signing-of-california-e15-bill
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Opens Public Review Period for Revised PHTA-13 Water Conservation Standard
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (formerly the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals) issued the following news release:
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September 18, 2026
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Opens Public Review Period for Revised PHTA-13 Water Conservation Standard
(Alexandria, Va.) -- The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, invites public review and comment on a proposed revision of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-13 2017 American National Standard for Water Conservation Efficiency in Residential and Public Pools,
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ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (formerly the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals) issued the following news release:
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September 18, 2026
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Opens Public Review Period for Revised PHTA-13 Water Conservation Standard
(Alexandria, Va.) -- The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, invites public review and comment on a proposed revision of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-13 2017 American National Standard for Water Conservation Efficiency in Residential and Public Pools,Spas, Portable Spas and Swim Spas.
Public review is an essential part of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) consensus-development process. PHTA is an ANSI-accredited standards developer committed to developing standards through an open, balanced, and consensus-based process.
The proposed PHTA-13 Standard for Water Conservation Efficiency establishes requirements and identifies technologies that support the efficient use and conservation of water in residential and public pools, spas, portable spas, and swim spas equipped with filtration and circulation systems.
The revision reflects the pool and spa industry's continued commitment to responsible water stewardship as communities face increasing pressure on finite water resources. Its updated requirements provide practical minimum guidelines for conserving water without unnecessarily restricting pool ownership or operation.
"Reaching the public review stage is an important milestone for the PHTA-13 Standard Writing Committee and reflects the significant work that has gone into this revision," says Matthew Ryther, Chair of the PHTA-13 Standard Writing Committee. "Our goal was to develop a standard that is practical, understandable, and focused on responsible water conservation. I encourage everyone with an interest in the industry to review the draft and provide input."
New content developed by the PHTA-13 Standard Writing Committee includes requirements and guidance addressing evaporation mitigation, leak detection and response, water-conditioning devices, water reclamation and reuse, and other water conservation measures.
Nonmandatory best practices and additional water-saving measures previously included in the standard's appendices have been removed and will be published separately in a complimentary PHTA-13 Resource Guide.
The revision also improves coordination and consistency across PHTA standards by incorporating current references to ANSI/PHTA/ICC-11 American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Hot Tubs/Spas, the authoritative source for applicable water quality requirements.
The proposed revision is available for a 45-day public review period. PHTA invites pool, spa, and hot tub professionals, as well as other materially affected and interested parties, to review the draft and submit comments for consideration.
The public review was announced in the September 18, 2026, edition of ANSI Standards Action (https://share.ansi.org/Shared%20Documents/Standards%20Action/2026-PDFs/SAV5738.pdf#page=15).
The public review draft and instructions for submitting comments are available on the PHTA public comment webpage (https://www.phta.org/standards-codes/get-involved/submit-public-comment/).
For additional information about the proposed standard, visit the PHTA-13 webpage, email standards@phta.org, or call (703) 838-0083.
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About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 4,000 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase our members' professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.
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Original text here: https://www.phta.org/news-research/press-releases/2026-press-releases/pool-hot-tub-alliance-opens-public-review-period-for-revised-phta-13-water-conservation-standard/
[Category: Business]
BOXABL Inc. (NASDAQ: BXBL) Joins Nasdaq Following SPAC Merger Approval, Bringing Factory-Built Housing Model to Public Markets
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The Modular Building Institute posted the following news release from its affiliate BOXABL Inc.:
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BOXABL Inc. (NASDAQ: BXBL) Joins Nasdaq Following SPAC Merger Approval, Bringing Factory-Built Housing Model to Public Markets
BOXABL, an innovative technology construction company on a mission to solve the global housing crisis, is now trading on Nasdaq under the symbol BXBL. To date, BOXABL has raised over $230 million from more than 50,000 investors, indicating substantial public interest in its vision.
The transaction represents a significant milestone
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The Modular Building Institute posted the following news release from its affiliate BOXABL Inc.:
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BOXABL Inc. (NASDAQ: BXBL) Joins Nasdaq Following SPAC Merger Approval, Bringing Factory-Built Housing Model to Public Markets
BOXABL, an innovative technology construction company on a mission to solve the global housing crisis, is now trading on Nasdaq under the symbol BXBL. To date, BOXABL has raised over $230 million from more than 50,000 investors, indicating substantial public interest in its vision.
The transaction represents a significant milestonefor the company as it seeks to expand production of its factory-built housing platform while addressing growing demand for more affordable residential construction.
The Nasdaq listing represents the next stage in BOXABL's evolution from a privately funded startup into a growing publicly traded manufacturing company, placing greater emphasis on the company's ability to execute its production strategy at scale while operating under the financial transparency and performance expectations associated with public markets.
BOXABL aims to disrupt the traditional housing construction industry by delivering affordable, high-quality homes at an accelerated pace. The company has attracted attention through its approach to factory-built housing, which differs from traditional site-built residential construction. Rather than assembling homes at individual building sites, the company manufactures standardized housing units inside its Las Vegas production facility before transporting them in a folded configuration for installation at their final location.
Its flagship product, the Casita, is a 361-square-foot studio-style home equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and living area, designed to unfold on-site in under an hour. The unit is engineered to fold to highway-legal dimensions, allowing transportation without many of the specialized permits typically required for modular housing.
BOXABL is also broadening its product portfolio building upon its original Casita design. The company recently introduced the Baby Box, a smaller, 120-square-foot unit built to recreational vehicle standards that offers greater deployment flexibility in certain jurisdictions. Larger modular units remain under development and are intended to support townhomes, multifamily housing, hotels and mixed-use developments through stackable and connectable building designs.
Management believes factory production can reduce several inefficiencies associated with conventional construction, including weather delays, fragmented subcontractor coordination and inconsistent building schedules.
Unlike many traditional manufactured housing companies, BOXABL emphasizes automation and standardized manufacturing techniques similar to those used in advanced industrial production. The company's manufacturing campus now encompasses approximately 400,000 square feet, serving as the primary proving ground for its automated production system.
According to BOXABL, the company has completed installations across multiple states, including Nevada, California, Utah, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arizona and Texas. Management also reports that production efficiencies have contributed to a 43% reduction in manufacturing costs since 2022, supported by assembly-line improvements, automation initiatives and larger purchasing volumes.
Management believes additional automation and artificial intelligence can play an important role in improving factory efficiency, amid growing demand for affordable housing. The company has been incorporating AI and digital manufacturing technologies into production operations to optimize throughput, reduce defects and improve quality control, reflecting broader trends across advanced manufacturing sectors.
Management estimates the company's total addressable market at approximately $2.2 trillion, citing persistent housing shortages, annual residential demand and continuing affordability pressures that have resulted in an approximately shortfall of 5 million homes throughout the United States. Industry studies continue to estimate that millions of additional housing units are needed nationally, while elevated construction costs have complicated efforts to increase supply using conventional building methods. BOXABL believes factory-built modular construction can help address part of that imbalance by reducing construction timelines and improving manufacturing consistency.
For more information, visit the company's website at www.Boxabl.com.
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Original text here: https://www.modular.org/2026/09/18/boxabl-joins-nasdaq-following-spac-merger-approval/
[Category: Construction]
American Pharmacists Association: Congress Introduces Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day Resolution
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The American Pharmacists Association issued the following news release:
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Congress Introduces Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day Resolution
WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 18, 2026) -- The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) applaud the introduction of a House of Representatives resolution recognizing Sept. 20 as Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. Established in 2023 by ASHP and APhA during Suicide Prevention Month, the annual observance is dedicated to raising awareness, eliminating stigma, and fostering
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The American Pharmacists Association issued the following news release:
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Congress Introduces Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day Resolution
WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 18, 2026) -- The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) applaud the introduction of a House of Representatives resolution recognizing Sept. 20 as Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. Established in 2023 by ASHP and APhA during Suicide Prevention Month, the annual observance is dedicated to raising awareness, eliminating stigma, and fosteringconversations that can save lives.
Suicide remains a significant public health challenge, with healthcare professionals among populations facing a higher risk. Recent research found that pharmacists remain at an increased risk of death by suicide and that female pharmacy technicians are also at elevated risk. These findings underscore the importance of bringing greater attention to the prevalence of suicide within the pharmacy profession while strengthening support systems that promote the well-being of the pharmacy workforce.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians across community, health-system, and other practice settings face chronic understaffing, growing workloads, administrative burdens, frequent interruptions, aggressive performance expectations, and insufficient time for patient care. These pressures affect individual pharmacy professionals, patient safety, and the long-term health and sustainability of the profession. Addressing them is essential to creating workplaces where pharmacy professionals feel supported, can thrive, and are able to provide the safe, high-quality care their patients and communities depend on.
The resolution was introduced by Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and is cosponsored by Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Haley Stevens (D-MI).
"Our pharmacists work hard each day to ensure we are delivered the treatment and care we need," Congressman Tonko said. "They deserve to have their needs met, and that must include addressing any mental health challenges they may experience from their profession. I'm proud to be joined by Congresswoman Kiggans to designate September 20th National Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. I'll keep pushing to ensure our healthcare workforce receives the same support, dedication, and compassion that they provide to their patients."
"The well-being of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, residents, and student pharmacists is essential to our profession and to the care we provide patients every day," said Samuel V. Calabrese, MBA, RPh, CPEL, FASHP, executive vice president and CEO of ASHP. "The losses experienced within our profession are heartbreaking reminders that supporting mental health and well-being must remain a priority for all of us. We are encouraged to see members of Congress recognize Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day and help bring greater attention to the challenges facing the pharmacy workforce and healthcare professionals more broadly. Together with our partners, ASHP remains committed to fostering a culture of well-being and ensuring members of the pharmacy workforce have access to the resources and support they need."
"I'm deeply grateful for Congress's recognition of Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day and for our partners across the profession who continue to advance this vital work. At the heart of this resolution are pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists whose lives and well-being matter deeply to our profession. Awareness is important, but it must lead to action," said Michael Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, executive vice president and CEO of APhA. "Pharmacists and other pharmacy professionals deserve to have the resources, support and autonomy to practice at the top of their education, training and abilities. We must tackle the underlying root causes in practice that are leading to serious moral distress leading to loss of hope. We owe it to our colleagues to focus on system solutions."
The resolution has also received support from over 40 other national and state organizations committed to suicide prevention and advancing workforce well-being.
The introduction of the House resolution marks an important milestone in raising awareness of mental health challenges facing the pharmacy workforce. Unfortunately, pharmacy is not the only health profession disproportionately affected by suicide. This effort provides an opportunity to amplify broader conversations about healthcare workforce mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention. We stand in solidarity with physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team who have also been impacted by this crisis. Through collaborative efforts with the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation and other healthcare partners, we are helping to bring a unified voice to this critical issue.
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About ASHP
ASHP is the largest association of pharmacy professionals in the United States, representing over 65,000 pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in all patient care settings, including hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and health-system community pharmacies. For over 80 years, ASHP has championed innovation in pharmacy practice, advanced education, and professional development, and served as a steadfast advocate for members and patients. In addition, ASHP is an accrediting body for pharmacy residency and technician training programs and provides comprehensive resources to support pharmacy professionals through every stage of their careers. For more information, visit ashp.org and ASHP's consumer website, SafeMedication.com. Learn more about ASHP's public awareness campaign at yourpharmacist.org.
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About APhA
Founded in 1852, APhA is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession. From its headquarters in Washington, DC, APhA leads the pharmacy profession by supporting pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in their role optimizing medication use and patient health outcomes and ensuring patients have access to pharmacists' care. We do this through our strong and effective advocacy, top notch education, practice tools and resources, dissemination of evidence, and opportunities for members to engage and learn from each other. APhA is the pharmacy voice at the table in developing national guidelines, policies, and best practices that advance the profession and patient care. To learn more, visit www.pharmacist.com.
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URL: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Original text here: https://www.pharmacist.com/APhA-Press-Releases/congress-introduces-pharmacy-workforce-suicide-awareness-day-resolution
[Category: Medical]
American Feed Industry Association: Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota Facility Named 2026 Feed Facility of the Year
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The American Feed Industry Association issued the following news release:
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Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota Facility Named 2026 Feed Facility of the Year
September 17, 2026
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Feedstuffs named Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota, Ill., facility as the 2026 Feed Facility of the Year. Each year, the award recognizes a feed facility that exemplifies excellence across its operations, including quality and safety, productivity, regulatory compliance, employee development and customer relations. The Feed Facility of
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The American Feed Industry Association issued the following news release:
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Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota Facility Named 2026 Feed Facility of the Year
September 17, 2026
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Feedstuffs named Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota, Ill., facility as the 2026 Feed Facility of the Year. Each year, the award recognizes a feed facility that exemplifies excellence across its operations, including quality and safety, productivity, regulatory compliance, employee development and customer relations. The Feed Facility ofthe Year program also benefits the AFIA Equipment Manufacturers Committee (EMC) scholarship fund, helping invest in the education and development of the animal food industry's future leaders.
"Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota team has built a culture where safety, quality, operational excellence and customer satisfaction are part of everything they do," said Gary Huddleston, AFIA's senior director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs. "Their strong employee involvement in continuous improvement and use of data to guide decision-making demonstrate the kind of leadership and commitment to excellence that this award is designed to recognize."
Under the leadership of facility manager Corey LaBarge, the Mendota facility produces more than 43,000 tons of feed ingredients and premixes annually for multiple animal species. Originally constructed in 1960, the facility has undergone numerous upgrades over the years to support its operations and continued growth. All tonnage produced at the facility is packaged.
The Mendota team has created a culture where employee safety, quality, operational excellence and customer satisfaction are inseparable. Employees are actively involved in continuous improvement initiatives, while the facility embraces data-driven decision making-through key performance indicators and trend analysis.
"Winning the Feed Facility of the Year award is a tremendous source of pride for our entire team," said LaBarge. "This recognition reflects the commitment our employees bring to the facility every day, from maintaining high standards for safety and quality to continuously looking for ways to improve our operations. It takes every member of our team working together to achieve this level of excellence, and we are proud to see the hard work recognized by the industry."
The AFIA and Feedstuffs would also like to extend congratulations to the following facilities in the 2026 Feed Facility of the Year program:
* Famo Feeds, Freeport, Minn. - semifinalist.
* Mountaire Farms, Candor, N.C. - semifinalist.
* Ridley Feed Ingredients, Mendota, Ill. - highest quality and food safety score.
* TransAgra International, Storm Lake, Iowa - semifinalist.
* Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Mineola, Texas - semifinalist.
* Western Milling, Goshen, Calif. - semifinalist and highest productivity and efficiency score.
* Westway Feed Products, Houston, Texas - semifinalist and highest employee safety score.
The AFIA has recognized excellence in feed manufacturing through the Feed Facility of the Year program since 1985. Beyond industry recognition, participating facilities receive comprehensive benchmarking reports that offer valuable insights into their performance compared with their peers and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Since 2024, proceeds from the program have supported the Equipment Manufacturers Committee scholarship fund, administered through the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), which provides scholarships to college students pursuing careers in the animal food industry. Learn more about the Feed Facility of the Year program at afia.org/FFY.
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Original text here: https://www.afia.org/news/news-release-items/ridley-feed-ingredients-mendota-facility-named-2026-feed-facility-of-the-year/
[Category: Agriculture]
ALPA Canada Statement on Private Investment in Canada's Largest Airports
MCLEAN, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following statement:
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ALPA Canada Statement on Private Investment in Canada's Largest Airports
September 18, 2026
OTTAWA, Ont. -- Captain Tim Perry, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) Canada, issued the following statement after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal government is open to seeking private investment to operate Canada's four largest airports.
"Canada's airports are critical national infrastructure. They underpin our economic prosperity, our connectivity,
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MCLEAN, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following statement:
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ALPA Canada Statement on Private Investment in Canada's Largest Airports
September 18, 2026
OTTAWA, Ont. -- Captain Tim Perry, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) Canada, issued the following statement after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal government is open to seeking private investment to operate Canada's four largest airports.
"Canada's airports are critical national infrastructure. They underpin our economic prosperity, our connectivity,and our sovereignty.
"Opening our largest airports to foreign private investment poses significant risks--not only to Canadian sovereignty but airport operations decisions affect runway maintenance, de-icing capacity, staffing and the pace of infrastructure investment, all of which could impact safety, service, affordability, and the long-term sustainability of Canadian jobs.
"For Canada's pilots, airports are also our workplaces and a fundamental part of the aviation safety system. Any change to how these critical assets are operated must ensure that safety remains the overriding priority and protect the infrastructure, services, and skilled aviation workforce that pilots and passengers rely on every day.
"Canada's airports are important national assets, and the government must ensure they continue to prioritize the public interest, safety, and the needs of Canadians--not the interests of private investors and shareholders."
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Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world's largest airline pilot union and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.
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Original text here: https://www.alpa.org/press-room/2026/09/alpa-canada-statement-on-private-investment-in-canadas-largest-airports
[Category: Transportation]
AAFA Continues Challenge Against SB-707 PRO Selection Despite Injunction Denial
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The American Apparel and Footwear Association issued the following news release:
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AAFA Continues Challenge Against SB-707 PRO Selection Despite Injunction Denial
September 18, 2026 | WASHINGTON, D.C.
Following the Sacramento Superior Court's denial of its motion for a preliminary injunction, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is announcing that it will continue to pursue its complaint in American Apparel & Footwear Association, Inc. v. California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, to ensure the statutory requirements of California
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The American Apparel and Footwear Association issued the following news release:
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AAFA Continues Challenge Against SB-707 PRO Selection Despite Injunction Denial
September 18, 2026 | WASHINGTON, D.C.
Following the Sacramento Superior Court's denial of its motion for a preliminary injunction, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is announcing that it will continue to pursue its complaint in American Apparel & Footwear Association, Inc. v. California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, to ensure the statutory requirements of CaliforniaSB-707 are met.
A statement from AAFA President and CEO, Steve Lamar:
"We are disappointed by the court's decision to deny our motion for a preliminary injunction, allowing the producer responsibility program to proceed through critical early implementation steps without first meeting the statutory requirements established in law. AAFA invested significant time and expertise in helping shape SB-707 into a practical and implementable framework designed to accelerate the development of a circular textile system in California through a cost-effective and collaborative approach.
That goal remains our priority. To that end, we will continue to pursue our complaint and advocate for a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) that complies with the law and reflects the full breadth of the industry it serves. Specifically, the law requires a PRO that is: (1) formed and governed by producers, (2) led by a diverse Board of Directors that represents the full scale and scope of the textile and apparel industry, (3) organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit without profit motivation, and (4) supported by strong financial oversight and controls.
California's textile circularity goals can only be achieved through a program that is both effective and legally compliant. Regrettably, what we have today is nowhere near that. Instead, CalRecycle chose a for-profit company, which has been allowed to operate under the guise of a 501(c)(3), setting its own budget, setting its own fees, and running a program with unclear industry input or financial oversight. If we get this wrong, not only do we jeopardize the success of California's textile EPR program; we jeopardize the future of sustainable fashion everywhere. Therefore, we will continue to pursue all efforts, including this litigation to put California's textile EPR program back on the track it deserves, and which was statutorily required, to achieve success."
AAFA'S continued support and defense of SB-707 is rooted in AAFA's establishment of the THREADS Sustainability and Social Responsibility Protocol which identifies core tenets that enable policymakers to develop practical, workable, and effective regulatory proposals.
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Original text here: https://www.aafaglobal.org/AAFA/AAFA_News/2026_Press_Releases/AAFA_Continues_Challenge_Against_SB-707_PRO_Selection_Despite_Injunction_Denial.aspx
[Category: Business]