Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Public Advocate of the U.S.: Loudoun County, Va. Tyrants Punish Christians Who Refuse To Kneel To Demon
MERRIFIELD, Virginia, Dec. 10 -- The Public Advocate of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA. TYRANTS PUNISH CHRISTIANS WHO REFUSE TO KNEEL TO DEMON
The arbitrary abuse of students by punishment, suspension and even mocking Christian moral values by the Loudoun County School system is illegal and a violation of basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution. This will result in sanction by the Department of Justice and may result in the lose of federal funds for the entire School District. Public Advocate has supported Loudoun parents from the beginning and support
... Show Full Article
MERRIFIELD, Virginia, Dec. 10 -- The Public Advocate of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA. TYRANTS PUNISH CHRISTIANS WHO REFUSE TO KNEEL TO DEMON
The arbitrary abuse of students by punishment, suspension and even mocking Christian moral values by the Loudoun County School system is illegal and a violation of basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution. This will result in sanction by the Department of Justice and may result in the lose of federal funds for the entire School District. Public Advocate has supported Loudoun parents from the beginning and supportthem in their fight for religious liberty, " says Eugene Delgaudio, president of Public Advocate and a former 16 year member of the Loudoun Board of Supervisors.
The Washington Times reports:
DOJ says Loudoun school transgender policy violated Christian students' rights
The Trump administration sued Loudoun County public schools on Monday, accusing the Virginia system of forcing its concept of "gender identity" on students without considering their religious beliefs.
The Justice Department said the policy allows people to enter "intimate" spaces of their choice regardless of their biological sex, and when students spoke out - and used "biologically accurate pronouns" to refer to a transgender student - they were suspended and ordered to submit to further disciplinary education.
"Students do not shed their First Amendment rights at the schoolhouse gate," said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, repeating a line from a famous 1960s Supreme Court case
"Loudoun County's decision to advance and promote gender ideology tramples on the rights of religious students who cannot embrace ideas that deny biological reality," she said.
The department moved to intervene on behalf of the students, who have filed an equal protection claim under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The incident in question came when two male Christian students said they were in a locker room when a student born female but who identifies as a male came into the space and, according to the complaint, recorded audio and video.
The two students spoke out against the incident and the policy, earning the suspension.
In its complaint the Justice Department repeatedly refers to the transgender student, who is not identified by name, as "she" or "her."
The county refers to the same student as "he" and "him," the person's preferred pronouns.
THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT POSTED THIS STATEMENT
The Justice Department announced today that it filed legal action against the Loudoun County (Va.) School Board (Loudoun County) for its denial of equal protection based on religion. The suit alleges that Loudoun County applied Policy 8040, which requires students and faculty to accept and promote gender ideology, to two Christian, male students in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
"Students do not shed their First Amendment rights at the schoolhouse gate," said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. "Loudoun County's decision to advance and promote gender ideology tramples on the rights of religious students who cannot embrace ideas that deny biological reality."
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Original text here: https://www.publicadvocateusa.org/news/article.php?article=13398
[Category: Sociological]
Pitt and UPMC Study Finds Signature of Pediatric Brain Injury
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Dec. 10 -- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center issued the following news release:
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Pitt and UPMC Study Finds Signature of Pediatric Brain Injury
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh discovered a promising new biomarker of "complicated" mild- to severe-pediatric traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Unlike a concussion--which usually resolves within weeks--complicated TBI requires at least an overnight hospital stay, signaling a more serious injury.
Published today in the Journal of Neurotrauma, this study is
... Show Full Article
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Dec. 10 -- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center issued the following news release:
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Pitt and UPMC Study Finds Signature of Pediatric Brain Injury
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh discovered a promising new biomarker of "complicated" mild- to severe-pediatric traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Unlike a concussion--which usually resolves within weeks--complicated TBI requires at least an overnight hospital stay, signaling a more serious injury.
Published today in the Journal of Neurotrauma, this study isfirst to identify a signature of potentially reversible chemical modifications of DNA, called epigenetic modifications, that may serve as dynamic indicators of post-injury recovery and guide future precision rehabilitation strategies.
"This research brings us closer to understanding how children's brains respond to injury at the molecular level and how those changes relate to real-world functioning," said senior author Amery Treble-Barna, Ph.D., associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, clinical & translational science, and psychology at Pitt School of Medicine. "As a neuropsychologist, I look beyond whether a child can return to school or basic independence. Combining nuanced cognitive and behavioral data with molecular insights allows us to lay the groundwork for personalized care and advance precision rehabilitation in pediatric patients."
TBI is a leading cause of disability in children, shaped by a complex mix of biological, psychological and social factors. As leaders in neurotrauma research in both children and adults, Pitt and UPMC have long driven innovation in TBI diagnostics and recovery strategies to prevent premature death and reduce disability.
Building on the decades-long legacy of innovation at Pitt's Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, the new study adds to the growing knowledge about TBI biomarkers in children. In their research, the team focused on modifications of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene because of its role in neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize and heal after injury. Previous studies link BDNF levels to recovery outcomes after TBI in adults, but, until now, no group has looked at its epigenetic modifications in children.
By focusing on one of the most widely studied types of epigenetic modifications--DNA methylation--researchers were able to analyze whether BDNF methylation levels could serve as dynamic biomarkers that reflect both biological and psychosocial factors shaping recovery, offering a unique molecular lens into pediatric TBI.
Scientists analyzed blood samples of children with no prior history of TBI or neurological conditions, collected over several hours, days and months after the children had been hospitalized at UPMC Children's with complicated mild, moderate or severe TBI. Their analysis found that, during the acute recovery period, children with TBI had a different epigenetic profile compared to children with orthopaedic injuries: blood samples from children with TBI had significantly less BDNF DNA methylation, with methylation levels stabilizing and reaching those of the control group by 12 months after the injury.
Importantly, researchers did not observe any correlations between BDNF DNA methylation and TBI severity measured by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), a widely used tool for assessing consciousness. This adds to a growing body of evidence arguing that the GCS does not represent the full picture of recovery.
"DNA methylation is dynamic and modifiable, which means it could respond not only to injury but also to interventions like diet, exercise and therapy," said lead author of the study Lacey Heinsberg, Ph.D., R.N., formerly a neurocritical care nurse and now assistant professor at Pitt's School of Nursing focused on genetics and genomics research. "This opens the door to future research on how we might actively improve recovery trajectories for kids with TBI."
The team is now expanding their work to examine DNA methylation across the entire genome and to link these changes to long-term neurobehavioral outcomes.
This research highlights Pitt's leadership in epigenetic and neurotrauma research and the unique collaboration between experts in TBI, neuropsychology, nursing and genetics. UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh serves as a clinical partner in advancing pediatric neurotrauma care and research.
Explore the full study, related research and expert insights at:
* Standalone link to the publication
* Genomics of Patient Outcomes HUB | School of Nursing | University of Pittsburgh
* Children's Hospital Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit | UPMC Children's
* Brain Injury Rehabilitation | UPMC - Pittsburgh PA
* Community Resources for Brain Injury Patients and Their Families
* Moderate and Severe Brain Injury Basics | HEADS UP | CDC
* Report to Congress : the management of traumatic brain injury in children
Other authors of the research are Aboli Kesbhat, Bailey Petersen, Ph.D., Lauren Kaseman, Zachary Stec, Nivinthiga Anton, Patrick Kochanek, M.D., Daniel Weeks, Ph.D., and Yvette Conley, Ph.D., all of Pitt., and Keith Owen Yeates, Ph.D., of the University of Calgary, Canada.
This work was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health (K01HD097030, R01NS135492).
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Original text here: https://www.upmc.com/media/news/120925-precision-recovery-tools
[Category: Health Care]
National Partnership for New Americans: As Trump's Indiscriminate Immigrant Ban Takes Effect, Would-Be U.S. Citizens' Lives Chaotically Upended Moments Before Oath of Allegiance
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 10 -- The National Partnership for New Americans issued the following news:
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As Trump's Indiscriminate Immigrant Ban Takes Effect, Would-Be U.S. Citizens' Lives Chaotically Upended Moments Before Oath of Allegiance
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the Trump Administration's sweeping and punishing travel ban takes effect, halting all immigration applications from nearly twenty countries, we are now witnessing its chaotic implementation upend the lives of families and would-be new Americans. Late last week, federal agents plucked people from their citizenship ceremony in Boston
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 10 -- The National Partnership for New Americans issued the following news:
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As Trump's Indiscriminate Immigrant Ban Takes Effect, Would-Be U.S. Citizens' Lives Chaotically Upended Moments Before Oath of Allegiance
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the Trump Administration's sweeping and punishing travel ban takes effect, halting all immigration applications from nearly twenty countries, we are now witnessing its chaotic implementation upend the lives of families and would-be new Americans. Late last week, federal agents plucked people from their citizenship ceremony in Bostonbased on their country of origin, moments before taking the Oath of Allegiance, throwing out a years-long undertaking to obtain American citizenship and remain rooted with families.
Said Liz G. Sweet, executive director, Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA): "Our clients are in shock that after complying with all the steps to become citizens of this country, they were pulled from their naturalization ceremony. After interviews, vetting, tests, and an approval from a Citizenship and Immigration Services official, what should have been a joyful day became one of devastation. Pulling individuals out of this final step to take their oath of citizenship was simply cruel."
Said Caitlyn Lewis, executive director, Community Center for Immigrants in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: "Last week, I had to make nine heartbreaking calls to clients to tell them they could no longer become U.S. citizens--not because of anything they did wrong, but because of where they were from. These are immigrants who have spent years building lives, studying for their exams, and contributing to our communities. This discriminatory policy doesn't just delay paperwork; it disrupts families, futures, and the promise of belonging."
Said Nicole Melaku, National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) executive director, "In our democracy, there is room for everyone. Across administrations, there have been orderly procedures to guide individuals through the lawful processes and ensure the appropriate vetting of prospective new Americans. The Trump Administration is using fear and intimidation tactics to dissuade eligible people from seeking citizenship and prevent families from fully rooting themselves in this nation they call home. Removing people at the finish line of their legal immigration process, on what should be a joyous occasion, is cruelty on top of chaos. These individuals and their families have spent years pursuing legal immigration pathways, enduring extensive vetting processes, and dedicating themselves to their communities, only to suffer the collective punishment of the Trump Administration. NPNA demands immediate oversight and Congressional intervention to protect one of the core tenets of our democracy: access to citizenship."
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The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is a multi-ethnic, multiracial coalition of 88 of the nation's largest immigrant and refugee rights organizations with reach across over 42 states. Together with our members, we advance immigrant and refugee equity and inclusion, build and expand immigration legal services and integration programming capacity, and drive campaigns that strengthen democracy through increased civic participation. See our website for more information at partnershipfornewamericans.org.
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Original text here: https://partnershipfornewamericans.org/as-trumps-indiscriminate-immigrant-ban-takes-effect-would-be-u-s-citizens-lives-chaotically-upended-moments-before-oath-of-allegiance/
[Category: Sociological]
Indiana Chamber of Commerce: Annual 'Chamber Day' Connects Businesses Across the State With Legislators December 9th, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Dec. 10 -- The Indiana Chamber of Commerce issued the following news release:
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Annual 'Chamber Day' Connects Businesses Across the State With Legislators
December 9th, 2025
Two events next month are set to showcase the breadth and depth of the state's business community along with the collective strength of local chambers of commerce in supporting the public policy interests of employers.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce will host the 2026 Chamber Day at the Statehouse on January 26 in partnership with the Indiana Chamber Executives Association. The gathering will
... Show Full Article
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Dec. 10 -- The Indiana Chamber of Commerce issued the following news release:
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Annual 'Chamber Day' Connects Businesses Across the State With Legislators
December 9th, 2025
Two events next month are set to showcase the breadth and depth of the state's business community along with the collective strength of local chambers of commerce in supporting the public policy interests of employers.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce will host the 2026 Chamber Day at the Statehouse on January 26 in partnership with the Indiana Chamber Executives Association. The gathering willbe followed by the Chamber Day Reception - attended by many state legislators and government VIPs - at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.
Chamber Day, which is presented by Thompson Thrift, kicks off with a welcome breakfast at the Indiana Statehouse and offers various networking and informational opportunities for attendees - particularly those from small businesses.
Specifically, the day event also includes updates from legislative leaders, office visits with lawmakers and brief talks from state agency department heads. The afternoon agenda is highlighted by a panel on growing small businesses through social media platforms as well as the Best in Business Awards Luncheon, featuring the TikTok Small Business of the Year and Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana honorees.
"This legislative session will be important for businesses on several fronts, and we're excited to engage further with legislators during Chamber Day," remarks Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders. "It's an ideal opportunity for local chambers, small businesses, employers and community leaders to have their voices heard at the Statehouse and we're pleased to help make it happen."
The Chamber Day events occur near the midpoint of a short Indiana General Assembly session - a time when key legislative decisions are being made and effective business community involvement can make a real difference.
Registration for Chamber Day at the Statehouse is $99, and registration for the Chamber Day Reception, which includes appetizers and an open bar, is also $99. Registrants can sign up for both events for $179. Registration is available online at www.indianachamber.com/conferences.
The reception sponsor is Eli Lilly and Company. Diamond sponsors are TikTok, Inc., AT&T Indiana, Charter Spectrum TV/Internet/Voice and Duke Homes, Inc. Silver sponsors are Apex Clean Energy, Smithville, The Corydon Group, LLC, Delta Dental of Indiana, French Lick Resort, Coca-Cola Consolidated and Brightstar.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Jesse Brothers at jbrothers@indianachamber.com.
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The Indiana Chamber partners with 25,000 members and investors - representing over four million Hoosiers - to achieve the mission of "cultivating a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity."
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Original text here: https://www.indianachamber.com/annual-chamber-day-connects-businesses-across-the-state-with-legislators/
[Category: Business]
IEEFA's New Data Dive Reveals the Drivers, Barriers, and Costs of Asia's Gas and LNG Demand
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Dec. 10 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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IEEFA's new Data Dive reveals the drivers, barriers, and costs of Asia's gas and LNG demand
Interactive tool analyzes Asia's complex gas and LNG landscape and highlights how sectoral demand and market dynamics are shaping Asia's gas future
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(IEEFA Asia): The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) launched its latest Data Dive report, an interactive data tool that provides detailed insights into the demand for natural gas and liquefied
... Show Full Article
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Dec. 10 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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IEEFA's new Data Dive reveals the drivers, barriers, and costs of Asia's gas and LNG demand
Interactive tool analyzes Asia's complex gas and LNG landscape and highlights how sectoral demand and market dynamics are shaping Asia's gas future
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(IEEFA Asia): The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) launched its latest Data Dive report, an interactive data tool that provides detailed insights into the demand for natural gas and liquefiednatural gas (LNG) in 14 Asian economies.
The report analyzes trends in sectoral gas consumption and natural gas production, LNG imports, annual LNG spending, and average import prices in Asia using official government sources, converted to equivalent units and standardized categorizations.
"Natural gas is used as a fuel or a feedstock in many applications throughout Asia, making it challenging to understand the key sectoral drivers of demand," says co-author Sam Reynolds, IEEFA's LNG/Gas Research Lead, Asia. "This free tool organizes government data from around the region, allowing users to understand specifically where Asia's gas demand has grown in the past, and where it might grow in the future."
"Economics are a core driver of Asia's energy transition, particularly for emerging markets," adds co-author Christopher Doleman, IEEFA's LNG/Gas Specialist, Asia. "Understanding the end uses of gas and LNG is critical to analyzing various economic drivers and barriers to demand growth in each market."
Natural gas demand and supply in Asia
The report finds that Asia's natural gas consumption increased 35% between 2015 and 2023, with China accounting for over 90% of the growth. Meanwhile, falling gas demand in the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan was enough to offset growth elsewhere in the region, excluding China and India.
Although the power sector currently consumes the most natural gas in Asia, the industrial sector has accounted for the largest volume of growth since 2015, followed by the chemical and fertilizer sectors. The report provides data on specific subsectors driving consumption in each country on a comparable, energy equivalent basis.
For example, nearly all gas demand growth in residential and commercial buildings has occurred in China. India aims to expand residential connections but remains behind target, while gas is only expected to play a marginal role in buildings across Southeast Asia.
Similarly, gas demand from transportation has fallen in Japan, Thailand, Pakistan, South Korea, and Malaysia, with growth limited to China and India.
In the power sector, falling gas demand in Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines since 2015 was enough to offset growth in all other countries, excluding China.
At the same time, domestic gas production is declining throughout Asia, with the notable exceptions of China and Malaysia. Total depletion of natural gas reserves is imminent in the Philippines, Thailand, and Bangladesh. On the other hand, China has already surpassed its 2030 targets for domestic gas production.
Uncharted territory: The shift to imported LNG
Domestic gas production declines are driving a shift to imported LNG. Customs data indicates that the 14 markets surveyed -- excluding Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Vietnam -- spent USD177.6 billion on LNG imports in 2023, nearly double the amount paid in 2015.
Between 2015 and 2024, Australia supplied the largest volume of LNG to Asia, followed by Qatar, Malaysia, the United States (US), and Russia. Over the period, the share of Australian and US LNG in Asia has increased, while the share of Qatari LNG has fallen.
However, Asia's LNG imports are down 5% through August 2025. In particular, imports from the US have fallen in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, despite political pressure to buy US LNG.
"While LNG prices are currently around USD12 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), many parts of Asia produce gas at a cost below USD5/MMBtu," says Doleman. "In certain cases, subsidized industries like the fertilizer sector in Pakistan have relied on gas input costs below USD2/MMBtu. Integrating pricier LNG into industrial processes has and will prove difficult for less wealthy importing markets."
Risks to Asia's gas and LNG demand growth
While not intended to provide a detailed demand outlook, this report also highlights barriers to demand growth in the power, industrial, chemical, fertilizer, buildings, and marine and road transportation sectors. It also considers possible outcomes if LNG markets tilt into oversupply, causing prices to fall.
"Often, energy demand forecasts simply assume that imported LNG can replace domestic natural gas production," says Reynolds. "But the shift to LNG presents very different investment risks for new gas-based infrastructure, including higher fuel input costs, energy supply vulnerabilities, and exposure to volatile commodity markets."
"Falling prices are likely to boost short-term LNG demand in Asia, particularly among price-sensitive end-users in emerging markets," says Doleman. "That said, prices are still likely to remain higher than legacy domestic gas costs. For many sectors in the region, the shift to LNG may continue to undermine regional competitiveness compared to markets with lower-cost, localized energy inputs, even in a low LNG price environment."
Read the interactive report: Data Dive: The drivers, barriers, and costs of Asia's gas and LNG demand (https://ieefa.org/data-dive-drivers-barriers-and-costs-asias-gas-and-lng-demand)
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Original text here: https://ieefa.org/articles/pressrelease-ieefa-new-data-dive-reveals-drivers-barriers-and-costs-asias-gas-and-lng-demand
[Category: Energy]
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: 14 Men Called to Young Men General Advisory Council
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 10 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release on Dec. 9, 2025:
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14 Men Called to Young Men General Advisory Council
They will assist the Young Men General Presidency
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Fourteen men have been called to serve on the Young Men General Advisory Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They will assist the Young Men General Presidency as they counsel with other general and local Church leaders to teach, serve and watch over the young men of the Church. The members of the council began serving on December
... Show Full Article
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 10 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release on Dec. 9, 2025:
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14 Men Called to Young Men General Advisory Council
They will assist the Young Men General Presidency
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Fourteen men have been called to serve on the Young Men General Advisory Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They will assist the Young Men General Presidency as they counsel with other general and local Church leaders to teach, serve and watch over the young men of the Church. The members of the council began serving on December1, 2025.
The Young Men General Presidency -- President Timothy L. Farnes and counselors Brother David J. Wunderli and Brother Sean R. Dixon -- were sustained during April 2025 general conference and began serving August 1, 2025.
Called to serve in the council are:
Agbor T. Agbor, 53, Wasatch 7th Ward, Salt Lake Wasatch Utah Stake. Born in Cross River State, Nigeria, to Joseph Takim Agbor and Veronica Igra Agbor. Earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Utah. Works as the president of Utah Water Systems LLC. Married to DeAnna Marsden; two children. Has served as stake presidency counselor, bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor and full-time missionary in the California Ventura Mission.
Derral E. Eves, 51, Hurricane 19th Ward, Hurricane Utah South Stake. Born in Ogden, Utah, to Raymond and Jill Eves. Earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and advertising from Southern Utah University. Founded a marketing agency specializing in social media strategy and audience development; cofounder and executive producer of the television series "The Chosen." Serves on several corporate and philanthropic boards, including the Board of Trustees of Southern Utah University. Married Carolyn Robison; five children. Has served as elders quorum president, bishopric counselor, bishop, stake presidency counselor and full-time missionary in the Paraguay Asuncion Mission.
Daniel E. Mendoza Garcia, 55, Santaquin 19th Ward, Santaquin Utah North Stake. Born in Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Erasmo Garcia and Martha M. Garcia. Earned an associate's degree in industrial engineering from Instituto Tecnologico de Zacatepec. Worked at different companies in the production industry. Married Patricia Arzola; three children. Has served as counselor in three mission presidencies, high councilor, counselor in a stake Young Men presidency, bishop and bishopric counselor.
John Hilton III, 48, Cascade 4th Ward, Orem Utah Cascade Stake. Born in San Francisco, California, to John Levi Hilton Jr. and Shawna Hilton. Earned a master's degree from Harvard University and a PhD from Brigham Young University, both in education. Works as a professor of religious education at BYU and has authored several books and online courses. Married Lani Olsen; six children. Has served as stake presidency counselor, bishopric counselor, branch presidency counselor, high councilor, ward Young Men president, elders quorum president and full-time missionary in the Colorado Denver North Mission.
Richard P. Kaufusi, 59, Poplar Grove Ward, Salt Lake Cannon Stake. Born in Fua'amotu, Tonga, to Petelo Filitonga Kaufusi and 'Eveline Tukuafu Kaufusi. Earned degrees from Dixie College, an English degree from Brigham Young University, and a graduate degree in education, leadership and policy from the University of Utah. Worked in teaching and administration at the secondary level, community college and the David Eccles School of Business; served on many educational boards, chaired the Board of Trustees of Catholic Community Services, and on the Executive Board of Primary Children's Hospital. Currently works with Wolfgramm Capital, building businesses in the manufacturing sector and focusing on workforce development and apprenticeship opportunities for youth. Married 'Ofa Petulisa Reeves; five children. Has served as president of the Tonga Nuku'alofa Mission, stake presidency counselor, region welfare chairman, stake president, stake Young Men president, high councilor, bishop, bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, ward Young Men president, employment specialist, ward service coordinator and as full-time missionary in the Tonga Nuku'alofa and New Zealand Auckland Missions.
G. Sheldon Martin, 45, Stone Creek Ward, West Haven Utah Stake. Born in Auburn, Washington, to Jay Martin and Glenda Susan Hope Martin, and raised in Palmdale, California. Earned a bachelor's degree in political science, a master's degree in mental health counseling and a doctorate of behavioral health degree from Arizona State University. Worked for the Church for 21 years and currently serves as the director of member insights in the Priesthood and Family Department. Married Nicole Pethel; five children. Has served as bishop, stake presidency counselor, stake Young Men president, elders quorum president and as a full-time missionary in the France Paris Mission.
Steve K. Mutombo, 35, Lehi 35th Ward (French-speaking), Lehi Utah Central Stake. Born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to Mutombo Kalunga Kaputa and Epindu Lwalaba Gertrude. Earned a degree in information technology (systems administration) from Ecole Superieure d'Informatique Salama (ESIS) in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; a postgraduate diploma in business management from Regent Business School in South Africa; and a master of public administration with an emphasis in finance and information systems from BYU. Worked for the Church in several capacities, including buyer and fleet administrator, travel supervisor and regional support services manager. Currently works as a financial consultant for a consulting firm in Salt Lake City. Married Mathilde Mpung; four children. Has served as a seminary and an institute teacher, ward executive secretary, temple and family history consultant, elders quorum presidency counselor, elders quorum president, bishopric counselor, bishop, stake Sunday School counselor, high councilor and as a full-time missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa Mission.
Luke J. Nichols, earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Brigham Young University and juris doctorate from George Mason University. Worked as the managing partner of Nichols & Green PLLC, where he practiced criminal defense law. Created and hosted multiple YouTube channels. Married Rebecca Nichols; three children. Served as a full-time missionary in the Japan Fukuoka Mission.
Rogelio Osuna, 40, Anthem 3rd Ward, Herriman Utah Anthem Stake. Born in Mexico City, Mexico, to Rogelio and Ana Laura Osuna. Earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Brigham Young University. Worked for Goldman Sachs for 10 years and currently works for the Church's Missionary Department supporting international missionary training centers. Married Karen Serratos; five children. Has served as elders quorum presidency counselor, temple and family history leader, bishop, high councilor and as a full-time missionary in the North Carolina Charlotte Mission.
Walter G. Queiroz Jr., 64, Highland 28th Ward, Highland Utah Central Stake. Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to Walter Guedes de Queiroz and Izabel Melo de Queiroz. Earned a degree in accounting. Works overseeing a mining company in Brazil and a commercial janitorial company in Utah. Married Claudia Santos; three children. Has served as priests and deacons quorum adviser, ward Young Men president, elders quorum president, branch president, bishopric counselor, high councilor, president of the Brazil Florianopolis Mission, counselor in the Sao Paulo Brazil Temple presidency, sealer in the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple and as a full-time missionary in the Brazil Recife Mission.
Anthony R. Sweat, 49, Hobble Creek 15th Ward, Springville Utah Hobble Creek Stake. Born in Reno, Nevada, to Dennis and Barbara Sweat. Earned a bachelor's degree in painting and drawing from the University of Utah and a master's degree and PhD in education from Utah State University. Worked in the Church Educational System and as a professor of Church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University; currently is the department chair of the latter. Married Cindy Bohman; seven children. Has served as counselor in an elders quorum presidency, elders quorum president, teachers quorum adviser, ward Young Men counselor, stake Young Men counselor, bishopric counselor, bishop, Sunday School teacher and as a full-time missionary in the Bolivia La Paz Mission.
Clinton E. Udy, 49, Silver Lake Ward, Eagle Mountain Utah Silver Lake Stake. Born in Burley, Idaho, to Lance and Kristine Udy, and raised in Malta, Idaho. Earned a bachelor's degree from Idaho State University and a master's degree from Utah State University. Works for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion as a region director. Married Amy Istook; four children. Served as bishopric counselor, bishop, stake high councilor, stake presidency counselor, stake Young Men president, YSA bishop, Area Seventy executive secretary, member of the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple open house committee, regional communications director and as a full-time missionary in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission.
Parker Aaron Walbeck, 36, College Farms Ward, Lehi Utah Willow Park Stake. Born in Provo, Utah, to Alan and Lucy Walbeck. Operates an online course and YouTube channel called Full-Time Filmmaker, teaching video production and social media marketing; also runs a faith-based YouTube channel and Instagram account, sharing Latter-day Saint conversion stories and video edits of Church leaders' talks. Married Lexi Ogden; four children. Has served as a mission prep instructor and as a full-time missionary in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita, 72, Grandview 23rd Ward (Japanese-speaking), Provo Utah Grandview East Stake. Born in Tokyo, Japan, to Sadae Nakazawa and Kiyoshi Yamashita. Received a bachelor's degree in education from Saitama University and a master's degree in sports science from Tsukuba University. Studied philosophy of physical education and sports at BYU. Worked as an assistant professor at Tsukuba University and a professor of health and sports science at Fukuoka University; served in many positions in universities, scientific societies and community and sports organizations; teaches at BYU and works as an internship coordinator. Married Tazuko Tashiro; six children. An emeritus General Authority Seventy, he also has served as an Area Seventy, stake president, stake mission president, high councilor, bishop, counselor in the Japan Fukuoka Mission presidency and president of the Japan Nagoya Mission.
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/14-men-called-to-young-men-general-advisory-council
[Category: Religion]
Almost 200 Urge Congressional Action on Clean Fuel End User Tax Credits for Fleets and End Users
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The Transport Project, a national coalition of fleets, vehicle and engine manufacturers and dealers, and fuel producers and providers dedicated to the decarbonization of North America's transportation, issued the following news release on Dec. 9, 2025:
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Almost 200 Urge Congressional Action on Clean Fuel End User Tax Credits for Fleets and End Users
Transportation, Energy, Agriculture, Waste Resource & Manufacturing Unite in Support of Increased Commercial Natural Gas Motor Fueling
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The Transport Project (TTP) today released a letter submitted to the leaders of
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The Transport Project, a national coalition of fleets, vehicle and engine manufacturers and dealers, and fuel producers and providers dedicated to the decarbonization of North America's transportation, issued the following news release on Dec. 9, 2025:
* * *
Almost 200 Urge Congressional Action on Clean Fuel End User Tax Credits for Fleets and End Users
Transportation, Energy, Agriculture, Waste Resource & Manufacturing Unite in Support of Increased Commercial Natural Gas Motor Fueling
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The Transport Project (TTP) today released a letter submitted to the leaders ofthe House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance. Endorsed by close to 200 diverse businesses and organizations, the letter urges congressional support and swift extension of the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit (26 U.S.C. Sec.Sec. 6426, 6427), and passage of the Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Act (S. 1252/H.R. 2596).
Each of these credits provides market-based, end-user incentives that supports investment in commercial vehicles moving goods, freight, and people powered by American fuel, American technology, and American innovation.
AFTC, which expired on December 31, 2024, and which provided a $0.50 per gallon credit for the use of CNG and LNG motor fuel, has a proven record of success since its enactment in 2005, providing investment certainty for public and private fleets as they transition to clean, domestically produced gaseous transportation fuels.
The RNG Incentive Tax Credit - introduced by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Mark Warner (D-VA) and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Linda Sanchez (D-CA) through their Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Act (S. 1252/H.R. 2596) - would provide a $1.00 per gallon tax credit for motor vehicles that use renewable natural gas (RNG) to further support cleaner and more efficient transportation across America. Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.
The absence of these end user credits has created uncertainty and slowed deployment of new clean natural gas vehicles. Both credits are needed complements to the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, preserved and extended in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (Public Law 119-21). Together, these provisions create a balanced market framework: 45Z rewards producers for lowering carbon intensity, while end-user credits give fleets and fuel users a predictable and reliable way to offset the higher upfront costs of adopting alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure. Without a complementary end-user credit, the benefits of 45Z are limited as fleets cannot directly claim the producer incentive.
Letter signers articulate that establishing and extending an end-user credit will stimulate demand through new medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle deployment, ensure the continued success of clean transportation initiatives, and help solidify the economic and environmental gains achieved in recent years.
The letter underscores the transformative impact of the credits, enabling transit agencies, school districts, freight haulers, and package delivery companies to invest in cleaner, commercially available RNG-fueled vehicles without compromising service or increasing fares. Furthermore, the RNG Incentive Act incentivizes nationwide RNG production by encouraging farmers and ranchers to capture methane from animal waste, mitigating emissions that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
Commercial natural gas vehicles (NGVs) fueled by RNG are recognized for their ultra-low criteria emissions, providing a multitude of performance benefits. RNG, captured from various organic sources like agricultural, wastewater, landfill, or food waste, can contribute to carbon-negative results when used in on-road vehicles such as short- and long-haul trucks, transit buses, and refuse and recycling collection vehicles.
In addition to TTP, national trade association letter signers include American Biogas Council, American Public Gas Association, American Public Transportation Association, American Trucking Associations, Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, and the National Waste & Recycling Association.
Read the letter HERE (https://transportproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025.12.09-TTP-AFTC-RNGIA-Letter-Final.pdf).
Access TTP's Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Act one-pager HERE.
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The Transport Project is a national coalition of roughly 200 fleets, vehicle and engine manufacturers and dealers, servicers and suppliers, and fuel producers and providers dedicated to the decarbonization of North America's transportation sector. Through the increased use of gaseous motor fuels including renewable natural gas and hydrogen, the United States and Canada can help achieve ambitious climate goals and greatly improve air quality safely, reliably, and effectively without delay and without compromising existing commercial business operations. Find out more at: transportproject.org.
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Original text here: https://transportproject.org/2025/12/09/almost-200-urge-congressional-action-on-clean-fuel-end-user-tax-credits-for-fleets-and-end-users/
[Category: Energy]
