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WASHINGTON, May 1 [Category: Energy] -- The American Petroleum Institute posted the following news release:

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Nicole Luciano Named Associate Director of API Pennsylvania

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HARRISBURG, PA -April 28, 2026 -Today, the American Petroleum Institute (API) appointed Nicole Luciano of Harrisburg as Associate Director of API Pennsylvania. Luciano brings over 10 years of public policy, advocacy, legislative and regulatory analysis, coalition building and utility industry experience and will support API's mission to promote safety and influence public policy in support of a strong U.S. oil and natural ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 1 [Category: Energy] -- The American Petroleum Institute posted the following news release: * * * Nicole Luciano Named Associate Director of API Pennsylvania * HARRISBURG, PA -April 28, 2026 -Today, the American Petroleum Institute (API) appointed Nicole Luciano of Harrisburg as Associate Director of API Pennsylvania. Luciano brings over 10 years of public policy, advocacy, legislative and regulatory analysis, coalition building and utility industry experience and will support API's mission to promote safety and influence public policy in support of a strong U.S. oil and naturalgas industry.

"Nicole's deep expertise in energy policy, proven leadership in association management and solid track record of building effective coalitions has earned her a strong reputation and makes her an exceptional addition to our team," said API Pennsylvania Executive Director Stephanie Catarino Wissman. "She brings a thoughtful, solutions-focused approach that will play a key role in advancing our mission, driving economic growth across the Commonwealth and delivering value for our stakeholders."

As Associate Director, Luciano will advocate for a robust oil and natural gas industry through collaboration with key constituencies and public policy engagement in Pennsylvania and West Virginia on behalf of API.

Before joining API, Luciano served the Energy Association of Pennsylvania as Director of Policy and previously as the Manager of Policy and Research, responsible for managing legislative and regulatory issues, industrywide coalition building and long-term strategic planning. She also served as a Public Policy Analyst for LeadingAge PA and a government affairs professional for the Insurance Agents and Brokers association, where she conducted outreach and member education while tracking legislation.

"I am thrilled to join the talented team at API Pennsylvania and to represent an industry that is so vital to our region's prosperity," said Luciano. "My focus will be on building meaningful collaborations with stakeholders and policymakers in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia to advance a robust energy agenda that supports our members and benefits the communities we serve."

Luciano holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College, graduating summa cum laude, and a Master's degree in Political Science from Lehigh University. She also holds professional certifications from the U.S. Chamber's Institute of Organization Management and the American Society of Association Executives as a Certified Association Executive.

About API Pennsylvania

The American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania (API Pennsylvania) is a state affiliate office of the American Petroleum Institute (API). API represents all segments of America's oil and natural gas industry, supporting nearly 11 million U.S. jobs. With approximately 600 members, API companies produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation's energy. Founded in 1919, API has developed over 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Learn more at API.org.

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Original text here: https://www.api.org/news-policy-and-issues/news/2026/04/29/nicole-luciano-named-associate-director-of-api-pennsylvania

Nation's Ob-Gyns Gather in Washington, D.C., to Celebrate ACOG's 75th Anniversary at Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting

WASHINGTON, May 1 [Category: Medical] -- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued the following news release:

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Nation's Ob-Gyns Gather in Washington, D.C., to Celebrate ACOG's 75th Anniversary at Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting

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Washington, D.C. -ACOG's 2026 Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting (ACSM) begins today, bringing together more than 6,000 ob-gyns, medical trainees, allied health professionals, and partners dedicated to the field of obstetrics and gynecology to celebrate ACOG's 75th anniversary. This year's theme, Build on Legacy. Shape the Future., ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 1 [Category: Medical] -- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued the following news release: * * * Nation's Ob-Gyns Gather in Washington, D.C., to Celebrate ACOG's 75th Anniversary at Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting * Washington, D.C. -ACOG's 2026 Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting (ACSM) begins today, bringing together more than 6,000 ob-gyns, medical trainees, allied health professionals, and partners dedicated to the field of obstetrics and gynecology to celebrate ACOG's 75th anniversary. This year's theme, Build on Legacy. Shape the Future.,encourages attendees to reflect on the specialty's history and complexities and consider how they can apply lessons learned to future ob-gyn care.

"This year's ACSM marks an important milestone in ACOG's history at a time when our voice, influence, and advocacy are essential," said ACOG President Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, FACOG. "It's amazing to see how our currently practicing and our future generations of ob-gyns are so engaged. They are bringing forward the critical issues facing our field and our patients and taking action. The ACSM provides an opportunity for all ob-gyns to come together to learn about the latest science, make connections, share bold ideas, and hear from diverse voices so they can go forward empowered to improve ob-gyn care for all those who need it."

This year's program boasts a wide range of sessions that touch on all areas of obstetrics and gynecology, including pressing topics in the field.

Dr. Fleischman will open the meeting with the presidential panel Lifestyle Medicine in Ob-Gyn: Healthy Ob-Gyns, Healthy Patients. The session will explore how practicing ob-gyns can integrate lifestyle medicine into their clinical and personal routines and explore how evidence-based strategies for nutrition, physical activity, and stress reduction can improve outcomes for both patients and ob-gyns. The panel will feature Kimberley Jayne Sampson, MD, FACOG, chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center; Gia Merlo, MD, MBA, MEd, clinical professor of psychiatry at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine; and Korin Hudson, MD, professor of clinical emergency medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Renowned experts in the field will offer their insights into a variety of topics, including person-centered menopause care, perinatal mental health care, new data and updated trends on maternal mortality, pregnancy counseling options post- Dobbs, vaccine recommendations and emerging vaccine policy issues, integration of substance use disorder care into practice, optimization of care for abnormal pregnancies in abortion ban states, and factors in managing obesity during menopause.

Attendees will also have access to a career fair, presentations of more than 200 ePosters on research topics that span ob-gyn care, and a special ACOG 75th anniversary exhibit that highlights ACOG's milestones and achievements over the years.

"We are thrilled to have ob-gyns from around the world join us in Washington, D.C., this year to celebrate ACOG's 75th Anniversary," said ACOG CEO Sandra E. Brooks, MD, MBA, FACOG. "For 75 years, ACOG has worked to improve health, advocated for policies to advance the field, and set the standard for ob-gyn care. We are honoring our legacy by continuing to advance the best science, evidence, and teaching tools while always keeping the communities we serve at the heart of our work."

Learn more about the 2026 ACSM.

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Original text here: https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2026/05/nations-ob-gyns-gather-washington-dc-to-celebrate-acog-75th-anniversary-at-acsm

Joint NMMA-IMCI Meeting Strengthened International Certification Alignment

CHICAGO, Illinois, May 1 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:

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Joint NMMA-IMCI Meeting Strengthened International Certification Alignment

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NMMA hosted a joint inspectors meeting this week in Chicago, bringing together NMMA inspectors and representatives from the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI), a European notified body, for a collaborative session focused on marine certification, compliance oversight and international alignment.

The meeting served as a forum for reinforcing consistency in inspection ... Show Full Article CHICAGO, Illinois, May 1 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release: * * * Joint NMMA-IMCI Meeting Strengthened International Certification Alignment * NMMA hosted a joint inspectors meeting this week in Chicago, bringing together NMMA inspectors and representatives from the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI), a European notified body, for a collaborative session focused on marine certification, compliance oversight and international alignment. The meeting served as a forum for reinforcing consistency in inspectionpractices, reviewing regulatory updates and addressing emerging industry challenges. Inspectors from across the program shared field insights, discussed interpretation of standards and worked to ensure certification processes remain transparent, consistent and aligned with both domestic and international expectations.

"The combined meeting created an important opportunity for inspectors from both organizations to collaborate directly, share technical expertise and promote greater consistency in the application of standards across regions," said Scott Berry, NMMA vice president of engineering standards. "As manufacturers continue to operate in an increasingly global marketplace, alignment and open dialogue between certification bodies becomes even more important."

This year marked the first time NMMA and IMCI combined their inspector meetings, providing an expanded international perspective and strengthening coordination between U.S. and European certification bodies. The collaboration supported improved mutual understanding of standards, reduced duplication of effort and created greater efficiencies for manufacturers operating in global markets. Representatives from the United States Coast Guard Office of Recreational Boating Safety also participated in the meeting, contributing additional regulatory perspective and supporting ongoing dialogue around boating safety standards and compliance coordination.

"The partnership between IMCI and NMMA is a cornerstone for boat manufacturers worldwide seeking global compliance for exports to the U.S. and the EU," stated Ulrich Manigel, IMCI managing director. "Thanks to the unique opportunity offered by the combined IMCI/NMMA inspection, this is the most cost- approach. We are proud to celebrate nearly 30 years of collaboration with NMMA."

Overall, the joint NMMA-IMCI inspectors meeting represented an important step in advancing international cooperation and strengthening safety and quality standards across the recreational boating industry.

To learn more about NMMA Certification, visit https://www.nmma.org/certification

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Original text here: https://www.nmma.org/press/article/25483

IRFA Confident Year-Round E15 Will Receive Strong, Bipartisan Support During May 13 House Vote

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, May 1 -- The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association issued the following news release on April 30, 2026:

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IRFA Confident Year-Round E15 Will Receive Strong, Bipartisan Support During May 13 House Vote

E15 Vote Scheduled for May 13 After Farm Bill Passage Today

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Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed a "skinny" Farm Bill. Originally, a separate vote on the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council's year-round, nationwide E15 proposal was supposed to occur at the same time. After ongoing negotiations, the vote on E15 will now occur on May 13, after the Congressional recess.

"IRFA ... Show Full Article WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, May 1 -- The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association issued the following news release on April 30, 2026: * * * IRFA Confident Year-Round E15 Will Receive Strong, Bipartisan Support During May 13 House Vote E15 Vote Scheduled for May 13 After Farm Bill Passage Today * Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed a "skinny" Farm Bill. Originally, a separate vote on the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council's year-round, nationwide E15 proposal was supposed to occur at the same time. After ongoing negotiations, the vote on E15 will now occur on May 13, after the Congressional recess. "IRFAthanks the Iowa delegation and their Midwest colleagues for standing strong last night when ethanol haters tried to sabotage year-round E15 at the last moment," said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. "While a vote on E15 today would have been nice, I am confident there will be even greater support for E15 by the vote on May 13. Every day more members of Congress from outside the Midwest learn how E15 can reduce their gas prices and clean their air. E15 is gaining votes every day."

Under the rule adopted to govern floor debate, both the Farm Bill and the E15 proposal will receive a floor vote. Under the rule, the Farm Bill, although passed by the House, cannot be transmitted to the Senate until there is an E15 vote.

"If the last decade has taught us anything, it's that the path toward nationwide E15 is never straight or easy," added Shaw. "But with the rule on our side, we are confident that an E15 vote will occur on May 13, and we are confident of growing, bipartisan support on the House floor for E15. Now is the time to unleash E15 to reduce gas prices while boosting farmer income and enhancing U.S. energy security."

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The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state's liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation's leader in renewable fuels production with 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 5 billion gallons annually - including 34 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity - and 8 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 408 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.

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Original text here: https://iowarfa.org/2026/04/irfa-confident-year-round-e15-will-receive-strong-bipartisan-support-during-may-13-house-vote/

[Category: Energy]

Farm Bureau Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 1 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release on April 30, 2026:

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Farm Bureau Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the House of Representatives vote to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

"Farmers and ranchers applaud the House of Representatives for passing a new, modernized farm bill. We appreciate Chairman G.T. Thompson's leadership to get this done. After three years of extensions and eight years since a farm bill was passed, we're grateful ... Show Full Article

American Fintech Council Supports GUARD Financial Data Act to Modernize Federal Privacy Framework

WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:

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American Fintech Council (AFC) Supports GUARD Financial Data Act to Modernize Federal Privacy Framework

Letter highlights need for a durable national framework that modernizes GLBA while ensuring strong consumer protections and regulatory clarity

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The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, submitted a letter ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 1 -- 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 GUARD Financial Data Act to Modernize Federal Privacy Framework Letter highlights need for a durable national framework that modernizes GLBA while ensuring strong consumer protections and regulatory clarity * The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, submitted a letterto the House Financial Services Committee expressing support for the Guidelines for Use, Access, and Responsible Disclosure of Financial Data Act (the "GUARD Financial Data Act"). AFC underscores the importance of modernizing the federal consumer financial data privacy framework established under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) to reflect the evolution of the financial services ecosystem. Crucially, this modernization must preserve a clear, national standard that enables responsible innovation, supports competition, and ensures strong, workable consumer protections.

"Modernizing GLBA to reflect how financial data is used today is essential to maintaining both strong consumer protections and a competitive, innovative financial services sector," said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. "We strongly support the Committee's efforts to create a clear, durable national standard that reduces fragmentation and enables responsible financial technology companies and banks to better serve consumers."

In its letter, AFC expresses support for the GUARD Financial Data Act's modernization of GLBA, including strengthened data minimization standards, opt-in consent for sensitive personal data, and expanded consumer rights for access, deletion, and appeals. The letter also highlights the bill's improved transparency requirements related to data use and artificial intelligence, while underscoring the importance of maintaining implementation flexibility to ensure operational feasibility across financial institutions.

"A well-designed federal privacy framework must balance strong consumer protections with the flexibility needed to support responsible innovation and competition in financial services," said Ian P. Moloney, Chief Policy Officer of the American Fintech Council. "The GUARD Financial Data Act makes meaningful progress toward establishing a modern, national standard for consumer financial data privacy that improves regulatory certainty for financial institutions and innovators alike. We appreciate the Committee's thoughtful approach and look forward to continuing to engage as the legislation moves forward."

The letter also highlights several new provisions in the legislation, including a two-year compliance period for key requirements like data minimization and deletion rights, which provides needed time for financial institutions and fintech partners to update systems and processes. AFC also supported the new definition of "former customer" and the narrowed "financial data aggregator" definition, both of which better reflect modern bank-fintech operations.

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Original text here: https://www.fintechcouncil.org/press-releases/american-fintech-council-afc-supports-guard-financial-data-act-to-modernize-federal-privacy-framework

[Category: Financial Services]

ABA, State Bankers Associations Urge OCC to Close Yield Loopholes in Stablecoin Rule

WASHINGTON, May 1 [Category: Financial Services] -- The American Bankers Association posted the following news release:

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ABA, State Bankers Associations Urge OCC to Close Yield Loopholes in Stablecoin Rule

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WASHINGTON - The American Bankers Association, joined by 52 state bankers associations, today submitted a comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency urging the agency to strengthen its proposed rule implementing the GENIUS Act to ensure a meaningful and enforceable prohibition on interest and yield payments tied to stablecoins.

Separately, ABA also submitted its ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 1 [Category: Financial Services] -- The American Bankers Association posted the following news release: * * * ABA, State Bankers Associations Urge OCC to Close Yield Loopholes in Stablecoin Rule * WASHINGTON - The American Bankers Association, joined by 52 state bankers associations, today submitted a comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency urging the agency to strengthen its proposed rule implementing the GENIUS Act to ensure a meaningful and enforceable prohibition on interest and yield payments tied to stablecoins. Separately, ABA also submitted itsown detailed comment letter to the OCC expanding on these concerns and urging the agency to enforce the GENIUS Act's yield prohibition in a way that reflects how the stablecoin market actually operates. ABA's letter stressed that most payment stablecoins are distributed through exchanges and intermediaries -not directly by issuers -and that allowing yield to flow through those channels would defeat Congress' central policy choice. Both letters emphasize that allowing stablecoins to function as de facto yield bearing instruments would erode the traditional deposit base that supports bank lending to households, small businesses and local communities, ultimately harming economic growth.

In the joint letter, ABA and the state bankers associations warn that without stronger guardrails, stablecoin issuers could evade Congress's explicit prohibition on yield by routing economically equivalent payments through exchanges and other third party intermediaries. While the OCC's proposal establishes a helpful framework, the associations caution that gaps in the rule could allow yield like benefits to reach stablecoin holders indirectly -undermining the statute's intent.

"The OCC should issue a broad prohibition because Congress required one, and because the evidence shows that anything less will not work," the letter states.

The associations recommend targeted changes to close those loopholes, including broadening the OCC's presumption so it applies regardless of how upstream payments are labeled, expanding the definition of "related third party" to capture distribution and promotion partners, and clarifying that yield may not be provided directly or indirectly when it arises from holding or using a stablecoin. They also urge the OCC to make clear that the statutory phrase "solely in connection with" cannot be used to evade the prohibition through nominal additional conditions, emphasizing the need for a workable supervisory standard that prevents cosmetic structuring designed to replicate yield.

ABA's letter warns that a narrow or technical interpretation of the prohibition would invite widespread circumvention and create deposit substitution effects that could materially reduce lending capacity-particularly at community banks-while reshaping funding markets in ways Congress expressly sought to avoid. The letter urges the OCC to pair a clear, substantive prohibition on yield with strong presumptions against indirect payment structures, so that economically equivalent arrangements are treated consistently regardless of form.

The associations conclude by encouraging the OCC to use this rulemaking to establish a durable foundation for the broader federal stablecoin framework and to set a clear baseline that other regulators can apply consistently.

Read the joint ABA/state bankers association comment letter.

Read ABA's comment letter to the OCC.

About the American Bankers Association

The American Bankers Association is the voice of the nation's $25.3 trillion banking industry, which is composed of small, regional and large banks that together employ over 2 million people, safeguard $20.1 trillion in deposits and extend $13.5 trillion in loans.

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Original text here: https://www.aba.com/about-us/press-room/press-releases/aba-state-bankers-associations-urge-occ-to-close-yield-loopholes-in-stablecoin-rule

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