Featured Stories
South Carolina Takes a Stand Against Shrimp Fraud
NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida, June 27 [Category: Food/Beverage] -- The Southern Shrimp Alliance posted the following news release:
* * *
South Carolina Takes a Stand Against Shrimp Fraud
*
South Carolina just became the latest state to address a widespread form of seafood fraud. With the General Assembly's passage of H4248, the Palmetto State has joined a growing list of states pushing back against restaurants passing off imported, farm-raised shrimp as authentic, wild-caught shrimp.
This spring, the South Carolina House and Senate passed different versions of the shrimp transparency bill, which
... Show Full Article
NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida, June 27 [Category: Food/Beverage] -- The Southern Shrimp Alliance posted the following news release:
* * *
South Carolina Takes a Stand Against Shrimp Fraud
*
South Carolina just became the latest state to address a widespread form of seafood fraud. With the General Assembly's passage of H4248, the Palmetto State has joined a growing list of states pushing back against restaurants passing off imported, farm-raised shrimp as authentic, wild-caught shrimp.
This spring, the South Carolina House and Senate passed different versions of the shrimp transparency bill, whichwas negotiated in conference to require food service establishments to conspicuously display a disclaimer on their menus and on a sign visible to the public at their main entrance, indicating that the establishment uses or may use imported shrimp. Yesterday, the Senate adopted the conference solution by a 33-5 vote.
It's a milestone worth celebrating -and a reminder of just how much work remains.
South Carolina's Shrimp Transparency Problem
Between May 19-22, 2025, the Southern Shrimp Alliance commissioned SeaD Consulting to conduct genetic testing on shrimp dishes served at 44 Charleston-area restaurants. The findings shocked the community: only 9% (4 out of 44) of sampled restaurants were found to be serving genuine domestic wild-caught shrimp.
It also confirmed what U.S. shrimpers know to be true: consumers are told they are eating U.S. wild-caught shrimp, when they're not. Genetic testing revealed that of Charleston restaurants that used farm-raised shrimp from undisclosed sources, 62.5% (25 of 40) claimed to serve domestic wild-caught shrimp on their menus and/or in staff descriptions. That denies consumer choice in a market where the majority of shrimp originates from countries associated with banned antibiotic use, forced labor, and environmental harms.
A February 2026 retest of half the sampled restaurants found little change, despite the public scrutiny. 53% (9 of 17) of sampled restaurants serving farm-raised imported shrimp verbally claimed to sell American wild-caught shrimp, even though genetic testing showed they were not.
Additional testing in February 2026 demonstrated that the problem is not limited to a single South Carolina market. The analysis found that only 25% (11 of 44) of sampled Myrtle Beach restaurants were serving authentic American wild-caught shrimp. Among those serving imported shrimp, 55% (18 of 33) verbally claimed, or the menu reflected, that they were selling American wild-caught shrimp when genetic testing showed they were not.
This matters because of how and where people buy shrimp. Marketing research shows 27% of U.S. shrimp consumption occurs when visiting coastal communities, like Charleston or Myrtle Beach, where consumers expect U.S. wild-caught shrimp. Branding, menu descriptions such as "Lowcountry," decor, or proximity to local docks all reinforce that perception, whether or not it's true. The resulting lack of transparency means consumers are frequently denied the opportunity to make informed decisions, and sales of premium U.S. wild-caught shrimp benefit foreign producers at the expense of U.S. fishermen.
A Problem Bigger Than One State
SeaD Consulting has now tested more than 1,000 restaurants across the eight shrimp-producing states, demonstrating that shrimp transparency and labeling problems are widespread and not limited to one market or state. However, their testing also shows that state transparency and labeling laws work. The inauthenticity rate averages 68% in states without labeling laws, compared with 30.5% in states with labeling laws.
Since 2024, five shrimp-producing states-Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas-have passed or strengthened shrimp labeling and transparency laws. South Carolina is now the sixth.
"South Carolina is taking steps to confront seafood fraud head-on instead of looking away. This law demonstrates that passing off imported farm-raised shrimp as American-caught will not be tolerated," said Blake Price, Executive Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance. "Consumers want the fresh taste and crisp bite unique to the shrimp species that live off the U.S. coast. This law gives South Carolina's commercial shrimping fleet -multigenerational, working-waterfront businesses that depend on customers' trust in what's on the menu -a foothold to build on."
America's shrimping industry, and the consumers who support it, deserve nothing less than transparency. The Southern Shrimp Alliance expresses gratitude to all those involved in passing the South Carolina legislation, including the original sponsor, SC Representative Bill Herbkersman, cosponsors, and SC House Conference Chair Shannon Erickson. We appreciate the strong industry advocacy and the leadership of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association, which engaged with the legislators at every stage, driving the legislation forward for SC shrimpers. We also thank the coalition of local restaurants, the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association, and SeaD Consulting for their ongoing support of seafood transparency.
The Southern Shrimp Alliance will keep pushing for strong enforcement and full transparency so that what's on the menu finally matches what's on the plate.
***
Original text here: https://shrimpalliance.com/south-carolina-takes-a-stand-against-shrimp-fraud/
Clean Fuels Intervenes to Defend RFS' Success Against Legal Attack
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, June 27 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release on June 26, 2026:
* * *
Clean Fuels Intervenes to Defend RFS' Success Against Legal Attack
Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America filed a motion to intervene in consolidated litigation against the 2026-27 Renewable Fuel Standard rule, Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) v. EPA. Clean Fuels plans to aggressively defend EPA's biomass-based diesel volumes, which are driving a critical market opportunity for American farmers and sending signals for additional growth in biodiesel and renewable diesel
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, June 27 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release on June 26, 2026:
* * *
Clean Fuels Intervenes to Defend RFS' Success Against Legal Attack
Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America filed a motion to intervene in consolidated litigation against the 2026-27 Renewable Fuel Standard rule, Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) v. EPA. Clean Fuels plans to aggressively defend EPA's biomass-based diesel volumes, which are driving a critical market opportunity for American farmers and sending signals for additional growth in biodiesel and renewable dieselproduction and feedstock supplies.
"EPA's 2026 and 2027 RFS volumes are driving growth in a critical domestic market for U.S. farmers," stated Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels. "Farmers and rural economies across the country need growing market opportunities to match their productivity and the increasing costs of inputs such as fuel. EPA understands that additional investment, job creation, and industry expansion are all possible if the administration stands behind the latest RFS rule.
"More than that, domestic biodiesel and renewable diesel can meet 10% of U.S. demand for on-road diesel fuel. That added supply is absolutely necessary to keep the economy moving and keep fuel and consumer prices affordable. If refiners and other litigants are successful in destabilizing the RFS program, American farmers, rural communities, and U.S. consumers will pay the price."
Since early reports of the final 2026-2027 RFS volumes in March, the biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF industry has responded vigorously to the market signal:
* This week, Incobrasa Industries Ltd. opened a new facility in Gilman, Illinois, that will process 300,000 bushels of soybeans per day and provide a crucial market for 7,000 area farms.
* In May, domestic renewable diesel and SAF monthly production reached an all-time high.
* In April and May, domestic biodiesel producers operated at an average rate of 75% capacity.
* In March, U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel producers used all-time record amounts of domestic soy oil (1.28 billion lbs.) and distillers corn oil (432 million lbs.).
* In March and April, farmers received more than $11 per bushel for soybeans for the first time since mid-2024, according to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
* * *
ABOUT CLEAN FUELS ALLIANCE AMERICA
Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, and animal fats, the clean fuels industry is a proven, integral part of America's clean energy future. Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Clean Fuels receives funding from a broad mix of private companies and associations, including the United Soybean Board and state checkoff organizations.
* * *
Original text here: https://cleanfuels.org/clean-fuels-intervenes-to-defend-rfs-success-against-legal-attack/
[Category: Energy]
CFA Institute Reports Results for CFA Program Level II Testing in May 2026
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, June 27 -- The CFA Institute, an association of investment professionals, issued the following news release on June 25, 2026:
* * *
CFA Institute Reports Results for CFA(R) Program Level II Testing in May 2026
CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, announces that of the 18,111 candidates worldwide who sat for the Level II CFA(R) Program exam in May 2026, 43 percent have passed. All candidates will be notified of their results today.
Chris Wiese, CFA, Managing Director, Education, CFA Institute said:
"We congratulate all candidates who
... Show Full Article
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, June 27 -- The CFA Institute, an association of investment professionals, issued the following news release on June 25, 2026:
* * *
CFA Institute Reports Results for CFA(R) Program Level II Testing in May 2026
CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, announces that of the 18,111 candidates worldwide who sat for the Level II CFA(R) Program exam in May 2026, 43 percent have passed. All candidates will be notified of their results today.
Chris Wiese, CFA, Managing Director, Education, CFA Institute said:
"We congratulate all candidates whopassed the Level II exam and achieved an important milestone on their path to becoming CFA charterholders. The results also reinforce a trend we continue to observe across the CFA Program that candidates who stay on track with their studies and exam schedule tend to achieve stronger outcomes."
First-time candidates achieved a pass rate of 48 percent, while candidates testing after at least one deferral had a pass rate of 25 percent. Remaining on track with CFA Program study and exam preparation remains the clearest indicator of exam success.
Successful Level II candidates may now progress to Level III of the CFA Program. Registration for the February 2027 Level III exams is open.
Candidates for the May Level II CFA Program exams attended in person at one of 508 proctored computer-based examination venues located in 415 cities in 115 markets worldwide. CFA Exam Level I was also administered during the May testing period. Historical pass rates can be found here: Exam Results and Pass Rates (https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfa-program/candidate-resources/exam-results).
* * *
About the CFA Program
The CFA Program is a rigorous self-study program that covers a wide range of investment management education essentials from ethics to quantitative analysis to portfolio management and wealth planning. Enrolling in the CFA Program and earning the CFA charter prepares individuals for a variety of career paths in every sector of the global finance industry. Candidates can access all essential study tools through the Learning Ecosystem including mock exams and the newly introduced Practical Skills Modules. Candidates preparing to sit for an exam after a deferral may find CFA Exam Study Tips helpful. For more about the CFA Program, visit: CFA Program.
* * *
About CFA Institute
As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standards for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors' interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 160 markets, CFA Institute has 8 offices and 157 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTube.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cfainstitute.org/about/press-room/2026/cfa-program-level-ii-testing-results-may-2026
[Category: Financial Services]
American Soybean Association Welcomes USDA Rule Approving Value-Added Farming for Biofuels Tax Credit
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, June 27 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following news release on June 26, 2026:
* * *
Welcomes USDA Rule Approving Value-Added Farming for Biofuels Tax Credit
Today, ASA applauded Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for publishing the Regenerative Feedstock Rule, which provides a framework for farmers to enhance the value of biofuel feedstock crops like soybeans by employing voluntary conservation practices. The final Regenerative Feedstock Rule will supplement forthcoming final tax guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and increase the credit
... Show Full Article
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, June 27 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following news release on June 26, 2026:
* * *
Welcomes USDA Rule Approving Value-Added Farming for Biofuels Tax Credit
Today, ASA applauded Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for publishing the Regenerative Feedstock Rule, which provides a framework for farmers to enhance the value of biofuel feedstock crops like soybeans by employing voluntary conservation practices. The final Regenerative Feedstock Rule will supplement forthcoming final tax guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and increase the creditvalue for biofuels produced from feedstocks grown using covered conservation practices.
"ASA applauds Secretary Rollins and USDA for finalizing the Regenerative Feedstock Rule, which will unlock a new premium soybean market by empowering farmers to produce value-added biofuel feedstocks using on-farm conservation practices," said Scott Metzger, ASA President and farmer from Williamsport, OH. "Domestic markets, bolstered by biomass-based diesel industry expansion, improve basis and expand a reliable, local customer base for our soybeans. Soybean farmers fought hard to improve 45Z to support domestic market growth for U.S. soy, and for the first time ever, the USDA Regenerative Feedstock Rule will ensure that the 45Z biofuel tax credit will not only benefit biofuel producers, but the farmers who produce homegrown regenerative biofuel feedstocks."
ASA has strongly supported the work of USDA to develop the Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator as part of the final rule so that farmers may realize the value-added potential of their crop. ASA appreciates USDA for honoring the commitment to solicit farmer feedback on the new tool, which included individual farmer beta testing and demonstrations at our annual trade show.
Regenerative agriculture practices covered by the rule include cover crops and conservation tillage. According to USDA, 70% of U.S. soybean farmers already employ at least one of these regenerative practices.
Last year, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act made two critical improvements to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit that were championed by ASA:
1. Removing a provision that arbitrarily penalized agricultural biofuel feedstocks based on farming practices overseas and
2. Establishing a North American ringfence to ensure the tax credit benefits fuels produced and sourced from our region rather than incentivizing imports that displace U.S. soybean oil. ASA is urging Treasury and IRS to swiftly finalize 45Z tax guidance that incorporates the improvements.
The domestic biomass-based diesel industry is poised for significant growth this year, with expanded capacity to process an additional 140 million bushels of soybeans expected by the 2026 harvest.
Investments in the biofuel value chain are largely the result of actions taken by the Trump Administration and Congress, including the statutory improvements to 45Z, strong renewable volume obligations released by EPA earlier this year, and today's publication of the USDA Regenerative Feedstock Rule.
While the final Regenerative Feedstock Rule will expand economic opportunities for farmers located near biofuel production, current traceability standards will prevent farmers in other regions from accessing the benefits. ASA encourages USDA to address this regional disparity as work continues to enhance and expand the rule in the future. ASA will continue working with the administration to complete the final tax guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and increase the credit value for biofuels produced from feedstocks.
* * *
Original text here: https://soygrowers.com/news-releases/asa-welcomes-usda-rule-approving-value-added-farming-for-biofuels-tax-credit/
[Category: Agriculture]
American Securities Association Applauds Select Committee on China's Efforts to Expose CCP Economic Espionage
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on June 25, 2026:
* * *
ASA Applauds Select Committee on China's Efforts to Expose CCP Economic Espionage
The American Securities Association (ASA) today applauded the House Select Committee on China for holding a hearing on "China's Economic Espionage and Subnational Influence in the United States" and called on Congress to pursue bold legislative and oversight action to counter the CCP's infiltration of America's capital markets.
"China's efforts to infiltrate and compromise America's capital markets are
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on June 25, 2026:
* * *
ASA Applauds Select Committee on China's Efforts to Expose CCP Economic Espionage
The American Securities Association (ASA) today applauded the House Select Committee on China for holding a hearing on "China's Economic Espionage and Subnational Influence in the United States" and called on Congress to pursue bold legislative and oversight action to counter the CCP's infiltration of America's capital markets.
"China's efforts to infiltrate and compromise America's capital markets area direct assault on the privacy, liberty, and economic security of every American investor," said ASA President and CEO Chris Iacovella.
"The CCP is actively targeting our financial infrastructure, seeking to steal investor data that can be weaponized for blackmail and coercion. Washington has talked tough on China -- but left the door wide open. The SEC's Consolidated Audit Trail is a honeypot of sensitive investor data sitting in plain sight, and Congress must act to shut it down before Beijing walks through it. ASA is calling on lawmakers to pursue bold, urgent action: protect American investors, harden our financial infrastructure, and ensure no foreign adversary can infiltrate our markets or weaponize our financial system against us."
For the last eight years, the ASA has been the only financial services trade association calling on Congress and the federal government to take action to protect America's investors and the nation from the economic and national security threats posed by the CCP. Iacovella has testified before Congress on multiple occasions detailing how the CCP exploits regulatory loopholes to infiltrate U.S. capital markets and how CCP-sponsored scammers target American seniors and retirement savers with increasingly sophisticated schemes.
* * *
The American Securities Association (ASA) represents the retail and institutional capital markets interests of regional financial services firms who provide Main Street businesses with access to capital and advise hardworking Americans how to create and preserve wealth. ASA's mission is to promote trust and confidence among investors, facilitate capital formation, and support efficient and competitively balanced capital markets. This mission advances financial independence, stimulates job creation, and increases prosperity. The ASA has a geographically diverse membership of almost one hundred members that spans the Heartland, Southwest, Southeast, Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-applauds-select-committee-on-china-s-efforts-to-expose-ccp-economic-espionage
[Category: Financial Services]
American Fintech Council Supports FDIC Proposal to Modernize Confidential Supervisory Information Framework
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
* * *
American Fintech Council (AFC) Supports FDIC Proposal to Modernize Confidential Supervisory Information Framework
Proposal would improve transparency, streamline supervisory information sharing, and strengthen remediation efforts across the banking ecosystem
-
The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
* * *
American Fintech Council (AFC) Supports FDIC Proposal to Modernize Confidential Supervisory Information Framework
Proposal would improve transparency, streamline supervisory information sharing, and strengthen remediation efforts across the banking ecosystem
-
The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks,supports the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's (FDIC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update its regulations governing the disclosure and use of confidential supervisory information (CSI). The proposal would clarify the use and disclosure of nonpublic supervisory information, establish a more structured framework for information sharing, and update longstanding agency procedures.
"The FDIC's proposal is a constructive step toward modernizing supervisory practices to reflect the realities of today's banking system," said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. "Greater clarity around the appropriate sharing of supervisory information will help institutions address regulatory concerns more efficiently and improve coordination between banks and the fintech partners responsible for remediation. We thank Chairman Hill for his continued pragmatic and collaborative approach to modernizing agency frameworks and procedures."
AFC supports the proposal's efforts to improve consistency and transparency across the supervisory process by clarifying the treatment of privileged supervisory materials, updating disclosure procedures, and providing clearer standards for the use and sharing of confidential information. These changes would help institutions and their service providers respond more effectively to supervisory findings, support timely remediation efforts, and strengthen communication throughout the examination process.
"Clear, consistent standards for confidential supervisory information are critical to making supervision work as intended in a modern, partnership-driven banking system," said Ian P. Moloney, Chief Policy Officer of the American Fintech Council. "By providing a more structured and transparent framework, the FDIC is helping ensure that banks and their partners can respond to supervisory expectations in a timely and coordinated way, while maintaining the safeguards that protect the integrity of the supervisory process."
This effort builds on AFC's longstanding engagement on modernizing confidential supervisory information (CSI) practices. In a January joint comment letter, AFC and Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) urged the FDIC, Federal Reserve, and OCC to align CSI definitions across agencies and clarify rules for sharing narrowly scoped supervisory information with fintech partners and service providers supporting remediation and operations. The FDIC's proposed rulemaking seeks to address these concerns by clarifying and modernizing the CSI framework to improve consistency and transparency while preserving strong confidentiality safeguards. AFC intends to provide comment on the proposed rule.
* * *
A standards-based organization, the American Fintech Council (AFC) is the largest and most diverse trade association representing financial technology (fintech) companies and innovative banks. On behalf of over 150 member companies and partners, AFC promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. AFC members foster competition in consumer finance and pioneer products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.fintechcouncil.org/press-releases/american-fintech-council-afc-supports-fdic-proposal-to-modernize-confidential-supervisory-information-framework
[Category: Financial Services]
API Ohio Applauds Signing of Senate Bill 219 Into Law, Updating Oil and Gas Regulations and Protecting Well-plugging Fund
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The American Petroleum Institute posted the following news release on June 25, 2026:
* * *
API Ohio Applauds Signing of Senate Bill 219 into Law, Updating Oil and Gas Regulations and Protecting Well-plugging Fund
COLUMBUS, OHIO -- Today, the American Petroleum Institute (API) Ohio is applauding Gov. Mike DeWine for signing Senate Bill 219 into law and state legislators for their bipartisan support of the legislation that updates the law governing oil and gas wells and protects the dedicated fund for plugging abandoned or orphan wells in Ohio.
"This law marks an important
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The American Petroleum Institute posted the following news release on June 25, 2026:
* * *
API Ohio Applauds Signing of Senate Bill 219 into Law, Updating Oil and Gas Regulations and Protecting Well-plugging Fund
COLUMBUS, OHIO -- Today, the American Petroleum Institute (API) Ohio is applauding Gov. Mike DeWine for signing Senate Bill 219 into law and state legislators for their bipartisan support of the legislation that updates the law governing oil and gas wells and protects the dedicated fund for plugging abandoned or orphan wells in Ohio.
"This law marks an importantstep forward for Ohio's energy future," said API Ohio Executive Director Chris Zeigler. "The signing of S.B. 219 provides greater clarity for operators and regulators, protects funding for well-plugging and helps ensure Ohio remains responsive to the growing demand for affordable, reliable energy."
API Ohio long supported a provision in the bill to protect revenue intended for well-plugging and regulatory oversight from future budget raids.
"The adoption of S.B. 219 is a win for both energy development and environmental stewardship," said API Ohio Associate Director Claire Linkhart. "Both energy and environmental groups have been aligned on the importance of plugging orphaned and abandoned wells in Ohio and have remained focused on preserving the dedicated fund for well-plugging."
Under the previous law, the Ohio Oil and Gas Well Fund - funded wholly through industry severance tax revenue - includes two line items: one to fund the Ohio Division of Oil and Gas's core regulatory and oversight functions, and the other to plug idle, orphaned and abandoned wells.
* * *
The American Petroleum Institute Ohio is a state affiliate office of the American Petroleum Institute (API). The API represents all segments of America's natural gas and oil industry, which supports nearly 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process, and distribute the majority of the nation's energy. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.api.org/news-policy-and-issues/news/2026/06/26/api-ohio-applauds-signing-of-senate-bill-219-into-law
[Category: Energy]
