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Trump Sets a 15-Point Peace Plan With Iran
WASHINGTON, March 29 [Category: Energy] -- The Institute for Energy Research posted the following commentary:
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Trump Sets a 15-Point Peace Plan With Iran
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Key Takeaways
1
President Trump has proposed a 15-point peace plan to Iran to cease hostilities in the Middle East, covering missiles, nuclear weapons, and maritime routes.
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Pakistan is offering to host talks between parties, and Pakistan's army chief has reached out to Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
3
Iran has indicated to the UN and the International Maritime Organization that ships from nations
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 29 [Category: Energy] -- The Institute for Energy Research posted the following commentary:
* * *
Trump Sets a 15-Point Peace Plan With Iran
*
Key Takeaways
1
President Trump has proposed a 15-point peace plan to Iran to cease hostilities in the Middle East, covering missiles, nuclear weapons, and maritime routes.
2
Pakistan is offering to host talks between parties, and Pakistan's army chief has reached out to Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
3
Iran has indicated to the UN and the International Maritime Organization that ships from nationsnot in conflict with Iran may transit the Strait of Hormuz, but uncertainties remain.
4
These moves, along with oil supplies bypassing the strait by pipeline, may be calming energy prices, sending Brent oil prices below $100 a barrel.
5
President Trump's energy dominance program has somewhat contained the rise in oil prices, as other conflicts and perceptions have seen higher price increases even before inflation is factored in.
Oil prices dropped about 2% on reports that the Trump administration had sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the conflict, and that Tehran would allow "nonhostile" ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude oil dropped below $100 a barrel, a level it has been hovering around recently, only slightly higher than the average inflation-adjusted price since January 2001, around $95. President Trump's energy dominance plan has made the United States the number one producer of oil and natural gas and a major exporter of both, somewhat insulating it from price spikes seen in other conflicts. For example, in March 2022, when Russia attacked Ukraine, Brent crude oil reached almost $140 a barrel, which would be closer to $160 today, factoring in inflation. Brent crude oil reached its historical all-time high of $147.50 per barrel in July 2008 due to peak oil fears, which would be about $222 with inflation factored in.
Trump's 15-Point Plan
The New York Times, which did not see a copy of the plan, indicated that it addressed Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs and discussed maritime routes. Iran has effectively blocked most Western ships from safely passing through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing the global supply of oil and natural gas by about 20% and increasing oil and gas prices.
According to the New York Times, Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, is the key interlocutor between the United States and Iran. He is believed to maintain close ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, putting him in a position to pass messages between the two sides. He recently reached out to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament and a former Revolutionary Guards commander, proposing that Pakistan host talks between Iran and the United States.
Iran Indicates Non-Hostile Ships Can Pass Through the Strait
Iran told the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization (I.M.O.) that "non-hostile vessels" may transit the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities. Via Reuters, the note stated, "non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may - provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations - benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities." Iran has "taken necessary and proportionate measures to prevent the aggressors and their supporters from exploiting the Strait of Hormuz to advance hostile operations against Iran," according to the note, adding that vessels, equipment, and any assets belonging to the U.S. or Israel, "as well as other participants in the aggression, do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage."
The New York Times reports that around 800 tankers are idling on either side of the strait, and 17 ships have been struck in the Middle East since the war began on February 28. Recently, a small number of ships have gone through the waterway, whose effective closure has affected oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, particularly to Asia. Asian countries that depend on Middle Eastern oil and gas can send tankers through if they trust Iran's assurances and obtain Iran's permission.
According to Dimitris Ampatzidis, a senior risk and compliance analyst at Kpler, a maritime data firm, Iran's letter is intended to signal to the I.M.O. that Iran has not imposed a formal blockade of the strait. The conditional nature of Iran's letter, however, "introduces uncertainty, which is typically enough for operators and insurers to stay cautious."
To offset disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, oil exports from Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Yanbu increased to nearly four million barrels per day. The Kingdom can move up to seven million barrels per day through its East-West pipeline, of which five million barrels per day are available for export. The other two million barrels per day are required for use by local refineries and power generation. Saudi Arabia has been using drag-reducing agents, friction-reducing chemicals that can boost flow rates by 30% or more, to speed up oil flows to Yanbu.
However, according to OilPrice, most oil exported from the Red Sea port of Yanbu is loaded onto Very Large Crude Carriers that are too large to pass through the Suez Canal, forcing them to transit south through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where they are vulnerable to Houthi drone and missile attacks. The risk has suppressed traffic through the Red Sea, with companies and insurers perceiving the transit via Bab el-Mandeb as "high risk." Analysis from ship broker Braemar showed 33 Very Large Crude Carriers have lifted oil from Yanbu since February 28. Average tanker earnings for voyages from the Red Sea to Asia have increased to their highest in nearly six years, reaching nearly $270,000 a day.
Analysis
Because the Strait of Hormuz needs to be freed of hostilities to end the oil supply disruptions, President Trump's 15-point peace plan is a good initial step. However, given that Iran " responded negatively " to the proposal and the U.S. has sent thousands more troops to the region, an end to the war still seems out of reach. Absent an end to the conflict, oil and gas companies in the U.S. and around the world will need to ramp up production, and politicians need to support this effort by removing regulatory and trade barriers.
For inquiries, please contact wrampe@ierdc.org.
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Original text here: https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/fossil-fuels/gas-and-oil/trump-sets-a-15-point-peace-plan-with-iran/
The Terms for Ending the Iran Conflict
WASHINGTON, March 29 [Category: Energy] -- The Institute for Energy Research posted the following commentary:
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The Terms for Ending the Iran Conflict
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Key Takeaways
1
The United States and Iran have exchanged demands for an end to hostilities in the region as the continued effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacts energy and commodity prices.
2
The sides appear far apart, with the United States demanding the Strait reopening and an end to Iran's nuclear program, while Iran is demanding ownership of the Strait and an end to sanctions, among other conditions.
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With
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 29 [Category: Energy] -- The Institute for Energy Research posted the following commentary:
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The Terms for Ending the Iran Conflict
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Key Takeaways
1
The United States and Iran have exchanged demands for an end to hostilities in the region as the continued effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacts energy and commodity prices.
2
The sides appear far apart, with the United States demanding the Strait reopening and an end to Iran's nuclear program, while Iran is demanding ownership of the Strait and an end to sanctions, among other conditions.
3
Withthe state of negotiations uncertain and hostilities continuing, volatility is expected in markets for oil, gas, and other commodities that typically transit the strait.
4
The U.S. Post Office has announced a temporary 8% surcharge on packages to recover higher energy prices.
5
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a temporary 20-day emergency fuel waiver that will allow nationwide sales of gasoline with a 15% ethanol blend, beginning May 1.
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Higher gasoline and diesel prices have renewed some interest in electric vehicles, according to CarEdge.
The United States, in its 15-point peace plan, demands an end to Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened to global trade. According to an Iranian official, Iran would not allow President Trump "to dictate the timing of the war's end," providing a list of its own terms, including reparations for damages, a recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, an end to sanctions and a wider cease-fire for the region that protects Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group backed by Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is at the center of any negotiations because its effective closure is holding hostage supplies that account for a fifth of the world's oil and gas consumption. The United States wants safe passage through the strait for all supplies, including oil and LNG from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Iran is allowing "nonhostile" ships, with its permission, to safely pass through the strait, documenting that decision in a letter to the U.N. and the International Maritime Organization. Iran is now working to advance a law to formalize charging ships a toll in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Asia, which relies more heavily on oil, gas, fuel, and fertilizer from the Middle East than other regions, is the most vulnerable to supply disruptions. Reuters reports that the most acute shortages are in oil derivatives such as naphtha, sourced predominantly from the Persian Gulf and used in refineries across Asia to produce the plastics and other petrochemicals needed for almost every manufactured product. Prices for some fundamentals, such as plastic and rubber, are hitting records.
U.S. Effects of the Iran Conflict
U.S. gasoline prices are averaging almost $4 a gallon across the nation, but in California, a gallon of gas costs nearly $6, as its onerous policies against oil and gas, taxes and environmental fees, and its boutique fuel requirements raise the state's gas price almost $2 over the national average. That is still lower than gasoline prices in Europe, where drivers pay about 2 euros a liter, or $8.77 a gallon -more than double the average U.S. price. U.S. diesel prices average over $5 a gallon, hurting the trucking industry's profits and raising the prices of all commodities transported to retail outlets. The price of jet fuel has almost doubled since the start of the conflict, prompting airlines to add a fuel surcharge to ticket prices. Jet fuel is generally airlines' highest cost after labor, accounting for 20% of expenses or more.
The U.S. Postal Service plans to impose a temporary 8% surcharge on packages to offset rising fuel and transportation costs, taking effect on April 26, and is less than one-third of what its competitors charge for fuel alone. Its competitors, like FedEx and UPS, had already raised their fuel surcharges due to rising fuel costs. Before the USPS price increase takes effect, it must be reviewed and approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, an independent agency that oversees the post office.
There are signs of renewed interest in electric vehicles after their sales lagged due to the removal of the EV tax credit last September. According to the U.S. car buying service CarEdge, search traffic for electric vehicles has increased by more than 20% as oil prices approached $100 per barrel. There are more than 70 fully-electric models available in the United States across a wide range of prices, and the public charging network has expanded, once a major deterrent. The new interest comes after Ford, Honda, and G.M. shuttered new EV plants and took billions in write-downs. Volkswagen and other automakers are planning to bring out more affordable EV models this year, partly due to breakthrough lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, which allow low-cost production and fast charging, but by then oil prices and thus gas prices may be at a much reduced level.
To boost domestic supplies and temper rising fuel costs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a temporary 20-day emergency fuel waiver that will allow nationwide sales of gasoline with higher ethanol blends, beginning on May 1. According to the EPA, the waiver will allow refineries to produce E15 gasoline, which is blended with 15% ethanol, and "remove all federal impediments" to selling E10 gasoline blended with 10% ethanol across the country. The waiver is a temporary relaxation of Clean Air Act regulations and is an attempt to provide cheaper gasoline before the summer driving season begins. The delay to May 1 is to allow enough time for refineries to prepare for the change.
Conclusion
The United States and Iran have exchanged peace plans while hostilities continue that show a wide disparity among the proposals. The United States wants an end to Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened to global trade. Iran's 5-point proposal includes reparations for damages, a recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, an end to sanctions, and a wider cease-fire for the region that protects Hezbollah. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy is adjusting to rising prices for gas (averaging almost $4 a gallon), diesel (averaging over $5 a gallon), and jet fuel (around $5 a gallon). The higher prices have renewed interest in electric vehicles, according to CarEdge. To boost domestic supplies and temper rising fuel costs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a temporary 20-day emergency fuel waiver that will allow nationwide sales of gasoline with a 15% ethanol blend, beginning May 1.
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Original text here: https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/international-issues/the-terms-for-ending-the-iran-conflict/
The Iran Conflict Is Hitting Europeans Hard
WASHINGTON, March 29 [Category: Energy] -- The Institute for Energy Research posted the following commentary:
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The Iran Conflict Is Hitting Europeans Hard
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Key Takeaways
1
Europe was already suffering from high energy prices before the Iran conflict, as climate policies and other factors lifted prices there much higher than those in Asia and the United States.
2
Higher rates of renewable energy adoption in Europe have not reduced electricity prices, but have instead led to the offshoring of critical industrial production.
3
With the loss of LNG exports from the Gulf and significant
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 29 [Category: Energy] -- The Institute for Energy Research posted the following commentary:
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The Iran Conflict Is Hitting Europeans Hard
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Key Takeaways
1
Europe was already suffering from high energy prices before the Iran conflict, as climate policies and other factors lifted prices there much higher than those in Asia and the United States.
2
Higher rates of renewable energy adoption in Europe have not reduced electricity prices, but have instead led to the offshoring of critical industrial production.
3
With the loss of LNG exports from the Gulf and significantdamage to Qatar's production facilities from an Iranian attack, Europe will compete with Asian markets for LNG, which will keep prices relatively high even when the Strait of Hormuz reopens.
4
Damage and price increases in exports extend beyond oil and LNG to include fertilizer, minerals, and petrochemicals.
5
The U.S.'s commitment to energy dominance under President Trump has insulated it from the disruptions of higher dependence experienced in other parts of the world and reaffirmed the importance of energy production to national and economic security.
The conflict with Iran is hitting Europeans very hard because energy prices were already higher there than in other regions due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, U.S. tariffs, European tax and climate policies, and bans/moratoria on fracking. Europe's industries have faced years of high energy costs, enabling Chinese competition and leading to plant closures. Fears of deindustrialization were already common before the impacts of the Strait of Hormuz closure began to affect the continent. Germany's economy, Europe's biggest, could face a $46 billion hit over two years if oil stays at $100 a barrel, according to the IW German Economic Institute.
According to Reuters, Germany has some of the highest wholesale power prices worldwide at $132 per megawatt hour, significantly above $48 per megawatt hour in the United States and higher than the EU average of $120 per megawatt hour, according to International Energy Agency data. Germany has phased out its nuclear fleet and turned to renewable energy, which accounted for 55.9% of its electricity generation in 2025, mostly from intermittent wind and solar power. Its Energiewende by 2030 requires 80% of the electricity supply to come from renewable energy sources, rising to 100% by 2035.
Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after various strikes on both sides of the Iran conflict propelled Brent oil prices to almost $120 a barrel, double the price at the start of 2026, before dropping below $100 a barrel due to President Trump's announcement of ongoing talks with Iran. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz resulted in the reduction of about a fifth of global oil consumption that flows through the strait, with most of it headed for Asia.
According to the Wall Street Journal, liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Qatar, the second-biggest supplier of LNG globally after the United States, are expected to be offline for months. That means the world is losing nearly 12 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas supplies, or about one-fifth of global LNG supplies. Qatar will not be able to resume production at prewar levels due to extensive damage to Qatar's Ras Laffan hub. QatarEnergy lost about 17% of its LNG export capacity when it was struck by Iran, and repairs are expected to take up to five years, with the damage affecting LNG supply to markets in Europe and Asia. QatarEnergy expects to lose about $20 billion in annual revenue. According to S&P Global Energy, other global LNG projects could theoretically add 2.3 to 2.8 million tons per month from April through June, which would not be enough to cover the roughly seven million tons Qatar produced per month before the Iran conflict began.
Besides the disruption to oil and gas markets, supplies of fertilizers, sulfur, helium, aluminum, and other critical raw materials have been affected by Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as the region accounts for significant production of all of them. Shipping costs have also surged.
Some Asian suppliers, which rely on oil from the Middle East, had declared force majeure, pushing up the price of their products. As the Journal reports, the supply crunch due to the closure of the strait is expected to lead to shutdowns at refineries and petrochemical complexes in Asia, which in turn will affect the output of products such as plastics. For example, one French company has suppliers in Vietnam and Thailand who have experienced force majeure and cannot ship raw materials, from which the French company gets 40,000 to 50,000 metric tons of polymers a year, Reuters reports.
According to Reuters, the French trade association Polyvia, which represents plastics and composites companies, is raising concerns with the government, saying suppliers are using soaring gas costs to renegotiate contracts and push for higher prices. European governments have less fiscal room than in 2022 to shield industry with massive subsidies. Therefore, if oil heads towards $130 a barrel, there will be a significantly greater risk of default in sectors such as metals and chemicals.
The United States Is in a Different Position
Due to President Trump's energy dominance program and the nation's vast energy resources, the United States is in a different position than Europe. U.S. West Texas Intermediate oil prices are about 10% lower than Brent oil prices, and retail gasoline prices are less than $4 a gallon, on average, as of March 26. The United States is also the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas and a major oil and gas exporter, selling 8.9 trillion cubic feet of LNG in 2025.
Countries are looking for secure supplies and turning to the United States. Asian refiners are sending oil cargoes from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Asia through the Panama Canal due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. oil producers are increasing production wherever possible and where they are not constrained by infrastructure. In the Permian Basin, for example, oil production growth is limited by associated gas production because excess pipeline capacity does not exist to transport it. Oil companies are also wary about adding drilling rigs because it is unclear how long the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed. Its opening will lower oil prices as more supply will be available.
Analysis
U.S. energy abundance is protecting American consumers from the severe price shocks seen in Europe due to the conflict with Iran. European energy prices were high even before the conflict began, largely due to climate regulations and subsidies for renewable energy technologies that crowd out reliable sources. How long prices will remain elevated depends on how long the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. Once opened, it will take some time for producers to gear up production.
For inquiries, please contact wrampe@ierdc.org.
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Original text here: https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/fossil-fuels/gas-and-oil/the-iran-conflict-is-hitting-europeans-hard/
PHOTOS: Michael Patrick King, Writer and Director of Sex and the City and Co-Creator of The Comeback, Honored at the 2026 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Dinner
WASHINGTON, March 29 [Category: Political] -- The Human Rights Campaign posted the following news release:
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PHOTOS: Michael Patrick King, Writer and Director of Sex and the City and Co-Creator of The Comeback, Honored at the 2026 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Dinner
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Special guests RuPaul and Lisa Kudrow were also in attendance alongside actress and honorary dinner chair Niecy Nash-Betts, Olympian Brittany Bowe, Mayor Karen Bass, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and members, supporters and advocates from across the state.
Photos for editorial use from Blue Carpet and from the program
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 29 [Category: Political] -- The Human Rights Campaign posted the following news release:
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PHOTOS: Michael Patrick King, Writer and Director of Sex and the City and Co-Creator of The Comeback, Honored at the 2026 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Dinner
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Special guests RuPaul and Lisa Kudrow were also in attendance alongside actress and honorary dinner chair Niecy Nash-Betts, Olympian Brittany Bowe, Mayor Karen Bass, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and members, supporters and advocates from across the state.
Photos for editorial use from Blue Carpet and from the programmay be found here -courtesy of Getty Images
LOS ANGELES - On Saturday, March 28th, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, brought together hundreds of LGBTQ+ advocates and supporters for its annual Los Angeles Dinner. Photos from the dinner can be found here.
This year's event honored writer and director of Sex and the City and Co-Creator of The Comeback Michael Patrick King with HRC's Visibility Award. Drag superstar and icon RuPaul and prolific actress and ally Lisa Kudrow were special guests at the event and presented King with the award. Other guests included Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, actress Niecy Nash-Betts, Olympian Brittany Bowe, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and many more. The night also featured a live auction led by comedian and 'Out 100' Honoree Dana Goldberg. HRC President Kelley Robinson also addressed the crowd on the fight ahead for LGBTQ+ equality.
Michael Patrick King spoke about the importance of uplifting LGBTQ+ stories on screen and bringing visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in the entertainment world.
So we have to push back those lies about us, about people who are different and push forward empowering stories about people who dare to be themselves, stories about characters who risk being individual in the face of society...
In living rooms across this country, people who don't know a queer person or think they don't, are watching TV, and occasionally watching an LGBTQ+ character, and sometimes something that happens on a television, a certain story, a wonderful character, a joke, a heart revealed can knock down the scaffold society has forced us to build up around ourselves and reveal the soul underneath. And when this happens, people in their homes, sitting on their couches, can see us and come to know us. And little by little, we are no longer 'them.'
Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson gave remarks on the state of LGBTQ+ rights and the critical moment the LGBTQ+ community is facing in the fight for equality:
What has struck me most is not the fear in our community, it is our courage. Because even now, with all of this grief, all of this anger, all of this pain, we are not without hope. And we are not without power. Look at No Kings! At Minneapolis! At Prop 50 passing here in California! These are serious times that require serious leadership and it's not going to come from the White House, it's going to come from us."
On the fight for marriage equality, and the tragic loss of Rob and Michelle Reiner, she added:
"Rob and Michele Reiner have been on my heart lately... they were champions for us - for all of us. When Prop 8 passed in 2008, Rob and Michele stood shoulder to shoulder with a real-life league of queer avengers... and from that moment, they launched the American Foundation for Equal Rights. That legal team took the fight to the Supreme Court. And they won.
Rob and Michele showed us what real allyship is... these are the stories we have to tell. Stories of heroes who came before us. Stories that remind us of our power."
More videos from the event will be posted on HRC's YouTube page in the upcoming week.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
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Original text here: https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/photos-michael-patrick-king-writer-and-director-of-sex-and-the-city-and-co-creator-of-the-comeback-honored-at-the-2026-human-rights-campaign-los-angeles-dinner
Global Protections Secured for Giant Otter and Striped Hyena at UN Wildlife Summit
BRONX, New York, March 29 [Category: Environment] -- The Wildlife Conservation Society issued the following news release:
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Global Protections Secured for Giant Otter and Striped Hyena at UN Wildlife Summit
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CAMPO GRANDE, BRAZIL, March 29, 2026 -Governments meeting at the 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) have adopted proposals to list both the giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) and the striped hyena ( Hyaena hyaena ) on CMS Appendices I and II, marking a major step forward for coordinated protection
... Show Full Article
BRONX, New York, March 29 [Category: Environment] -- The Wildlife Conservation Society issued the following news release:
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Global Protections Secured for Giant Otter and Striped Hyena at UN Wildlife Summit
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CAMPO GRANDE, BRAZIL, March 29, 2026 -Governments meeting at the 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) have adopted proposals to list both the giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) and the striped hyena ( Hyaena hyaena ) on CMS Appendices I and II, marking a major step forward for coordinated protectionand international conservation of these wide-ranging species.
The decisions, finalized in plenary at the close of the meeting, grant both species the highest level of protection under CMS while strengthening mechanisms for cross-border collaboration among range states. Appendix I listing requires strict protection and generally prohibits take, while Appendix II promotes international cooperation to conserve migratory species that traverse national boundaries.
"These listings send a clear signal that the global community recognizes the urgent need to act for species that depend on connected landscapes and waters that span borders," said Susan Lieberman, Vice President for International Policy at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). "For both the giant otter and the striped hyena, conservation success will depend on countries working together across entire ecosystems."
The giant otter, a charismatic freshwater species of South America, is often described as a sentinel of river health. It depends on vast, interconnected waterways across the Amazon, Orinoco, and Pantanal basins-systems that are increasingly under pressure from habitat degradation, fragmentation, and human disturbance.
"Once heavily impacted by hunting for its fur, the species has experienced significant range contraction and now occupies only a portion of its historical distribution," said Rob Wallace, Senior Conservationist with WCS Bolivia. "Today, they are largely restricted to a few strongholds in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Pantanal biomes and many of these strongholds are transboundary across two or more countries."
Mounting threats include illegal and artisanal gold mining, which contaminates rivers with mercury, as well as deforestation, infrastructure development, and climate-driven changes to hydrology. Conservation experts emphasize that protecting the giant otter requires safeguarding entire freshwater ecosystems-an effort that no single country can achieve alone.
With its inclusion on CMS Appendices I and II, range states are now expected to strengthen legal protections, improve monitoring, and coordinate conservation actions across borders. The listing also reinforces the importance of maintaining ecosystem integrity and ecological connectivity-ensuring that river systems remain linked and functional for both wildlife and people.
The striped hyena, found across parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, faces a different but equally urgent set of challenges. Despite its wide distribution, the species is experiencing population declines driven by habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict.
Often misunderstood and underappreciated, striped hyenas play a critical ecological role as scavengers, helping to control disease and recycle nutrients within ecosystems. Yet gaps in population data and limited conservation coordination have hindered effective management across much of their range.
"Striped hyenas depend on connected landscapes that span international borders," Lieberman said. "CMS provides the framework for countries to work together to conserve migratory species like this one. Without that cooperation, their future remains uncertain."
The new CMS listings are expected to catalyze improved data collection, strengthen legal protections, and encourage collaborative conservation planning among countries where the species occurs. For wide-ranging terrestrial species like the striped hyena, such cooperation is critical to maintaining habitat connectivity and reducing threats across fragmented landscapes.
The adoption of these proposals comes at a time of growing concern over the status of migratory species globally. Recent assessments indicate that nearly half of migratory species populations are in decline, underscoring the need for stronger international action.
CMS, a United Nations-administered treaty with more than 130 Parties, provides a global framework for such cooperation, enabling countries to align conservation efforts for species that move across borders. Decisions taken at CoP15 are expected to shape conservation priorities for years to come, with implications for biodiversity, ecosystem health, and sustainable development worldwide.
WCS played an active role throughout the meeting, supporting science-based proposals and engaging in policy discussions on issues including freshwater conservation, ecological connectivity, and the impacts of overexploitation and trade on migratory species.
"With these listings, governments have taken an important step," Lieberman added. "Now the real work begins-translating these commitments into coordinated action on the ground to secure a future for these species and the ecosystems they depend on."
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Original text here: https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26025/Global-Protections-Secured-for-Giant-Otter-and-Striped-Hyena-at-UN-Wildlife-Summit.aspx
China Raises Gasoline Prices Due to Rising Global Oil Prices, Triggering Lines
WASHINGTON, March 29 [Category: Energy] -- The Institute for Energy Research posted the following commentary:
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China Raises Gasoline Prices Due to Rising Global Oil Prices, Triggering Lines
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Key Takeaways
1
China is the world's largest importer of oil and has the world's largest refining capacity. It is raising gasoline and diesel prices for consumers, in part due to the Iran conflict and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
2
The government's fuel pricing has increased by just over 30 cents per gallon, and exports of finished products from its refineries have ceased.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 29 [Category: Energy] -- The Institute for Energy Research posted the following commentary:
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China Raises Gasoline Prices Due to Rising Global Oil Prices, Triggering Lines
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Key Takeaways
1
China is the world's largest importer of oil and has the world's largest refining capacity. It is raising gasoline and diesel prices for consumers, in part due to the Iran conflict and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
2
The government's fuel pricing has increased by just over 30 cents per gallon, and exports of finished products from its refineries have ceased.
3
China purchases over 90% of Iran's sanctioned oil exports.
At midnight on March 10, China increased domestic gasoline and diesel prices under the country's fuel pricing mechanism, according to China's National Development and Reform Commission. The agency announced that gasoline prices would increase by 695 yuan per ton ($100 per ton), about 7%, while diesel would increase by 670 yuan per ton ($97 per ton). The announcement spurred long lines at gasoline stations as residents wanted to fill their tanks before the price increase took effect. In some cities, the waiting vehicles formed long traffic queues extending nearly two kilometers onto nearby roads.
According to Vision Times, converting to retail prices, the increase translates to approximately :
* 0.55 yuan per liter (30.3 cents per gallon) for 92-octane gasoline
* 0.58 yuan per liter (31.8 cents per gallon) for 95-octane gasoline
* 0.57 yuan per liter (31.4 cents per gallon) for diesel
Prices for 92-octane gasoline in many regions were approaching or exceeding 7.5 yuan per liter ($4.129 per gallon), while 95-octane gasoline in some areas reached eight yuan per liter ($4.39 per gallon). For a typical private vehicle with a 50-liter fuel tank (about 13 gallons), filling up with 92-octane gasoline will now cost about 27.5 yuan ($4) more per tank. At 7.5 yuan per liter, a tank of gas would cost roughly $54.
Prior to the conflict with Iran, in the first two months of the year, China adjusted petroleum prices four times, with three increases and one unchanged cycle. The current adjustment, due in part to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, is the fifth fuel price revision of the year. China is the world's top oil importer, importing more than 70% of its oil, and has been taking measures, including banning refined fuel exports, to ensure supplies for domestic consumption amid the conflict in the Middle East. China has the largest domestic refining capacity in the world.
Despite the higher prices, some fuel retailers in China are facing shrinking profit margins. Wholesale prices for gasoline and diesel have risen with oil prices, while retail prices remain capped under China's pricing system, narrowing the gap between wholesale and retail prices. Theoretical profit margins for major diesel distributors had dropped to about 666 yuan (about $97) per ton as of March 6th, down nearly 59% from the previous period. Profit margins for gasoline and diesel at independent refineries also declined significantly.
Iran Still Delivers Oil to China
Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil flows, mostly to Asia, Iran has continued to ship oil at a rate of 1.1 million to 1.5 million barrels per day. China buys 90% of Iran's sanctioned oil exports at below market prices. Iranian oil accounts for 11.6% of China's seaborne imports this year, mostly bought by independent refiners due to the discounted price.
Ninety percent of Iran's oil shipments have been leaving via Kharg Island, where the United States attacked military bases and possibly obliterated them, although their oil facilities were spared. President Trump said the United States would strike the export terminal if Iran kept attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Kharg is located 16 miles from Iran's coast and about 300 miles northwest of the Strait of Hormuz. Its deep waters enable the loading of oil tankers that are too large for the mainland's shallow coastal waters.
According to Reuters, Iran has exported 1.7 million barrels per day of oil so far this year, of which 1.55 million barrels per day were shipped via Kharg. Kharg has storage capacity for about 30 million barrels, and held about 18 million barrels of oil as of early March. As OPEC's third-largest oil producer, Iran supplies about 4.5% of global oil consumption, producing about 3.3 million barrels per day of oil and 1.3 million barrels per day of condensate and other liquids.
The Epoch Times reports that Iranian oil shipments to China have remained largely unaffected by the war because of contingency planning by China and Iran. Several years ago, China began the groundwork for an alternative oil transport route from Iran. Jask Port, outside the Strait of Hormuz, allows tankers to enter the Gulf of Oman without passing through the strait. China supported the construction of a 1,000-kilometer pipeline linking the inland oil hub of Goreh to the Jask terminal on the Gulf of Oman. The project was part of the 25-year cooperation agreement signed between China and Iran in 2021.
China's continued purchase of Iranian oil provides Iran with financial support to sustain the conflict and allows China to secure discounted oil and expand its strategic energy reserves as global oil prices continue to rise. China's strategic and commercial oil reserves already total 1.3 billion barrels.
Analysis
China and Iran's close economic relationship means that China is heavily invested in the war in Iran, despite its lack of a military presence in the region. Although China and Iran implemented a contingency plan with the Jask Port, it has rarely been used because it's viewed as less efficient, according to CNBC. How the war continues will affect where China gets its oil in the future. As IER's Caleb Jasso explains for RealClearEnergy, "If the war continues to escalate, or perhaps if Kharg Island's energy infrastructure, which processes 90% of Iran's oil for export, is attacked or occupied, China could potentially lose close to 20% of its seaborne imports. If the war leads to a regime change in Iran more favorable toward the West, or Iran's ability to export discounted oil to China is impacted by either military action or the lifting of sanctions, it will be forced to aggressively diversify its seaborne oil imports."
For inquiries, please contact wrampe@ierdc.org.
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Original text here: https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/fossil-fuels/gas-and-oil/china-raises-gasoline-prices-due-to-rising-global-oil-prices-triggering-lines/
At UN Wildlife Summit, CMS CoP15: Governments Adopt Landmark Protections and Actions Across Marine, Freshwater, and Terrestrial Species
BRONX, New York, March 29 [Category: Environment] -- The Wildlife Conservation Society issued the following news release:
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At UN Wildlife Summit, CMS CoP15: Governments Adopt Landmark Protections and Actions Across Marine, Freshwater, and Terrestrial Species
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CAMPO GRANDE, BRAZIL, March 29, 2026 -Governments meeting at the 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) have adopted a sweeping set of conservation measures, marking a significant step forward for migratory species and their habitats worldwide.
Said
... Show Full Article
BRONX, New York, March 29 [Category: Environment] -- The Wildlife Conservation Society issued the following news release:
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At UN Wildlife Summit, CMS CoP15: Governments Adopt Landmark Protections and Actions Across Marine, Freshwater, and Terrestrial Species
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CAMPO GRANDE, BRAZIL, March 29, 2026 -Governments meeting at the 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) have adopted a sweeping set of conservation measures, marking a significant step forward for migratory species and their habitats worldwide.
SaidSusan Liberman, Vice President for International Policy at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and head of the WCS delegation at CMS CoP15:
"The decisions adopted in plenary today include strengthened protections for priority species, new global initiatives to address illegal and unsustainable use, and major advances in the conservation of terrestrial, freshwater and marine biodiversity. Together, these outcomes underscore the growing recognition that coordinated international action is essential to halt and reverse the global decline of migratory species. Significantly, they reflect a strong commitment of governments to finding solutions through multilateralism.
"Migratory species are among the most visible indicators of ecological integrity-and among the most vulnerable. The decisions adopted here reflect the power of science-based policy and international cooperation. Now, governments must act on these commitments to secure real conservation outcomes on the ground and in the water. The species that symbolizes that the most is the jaguar; the meeting was held in the Pantanal, within the range of the magnificent jaguar, and adopted a strong resolution promoting increased collaboration and actions for this iconic species.
"WCS played a leading role throughout CoP15, supporting science-based proposals and documents across multiple taxa and ecosystems. Overall, the outcomes of CMS CoP15 highlight both progress and urgency. While there are advances and important steps forward, many migratory species are approaching critical thresholds due to threats such as habitat fragmentation and destruction, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. These decisions represent both a warning and a pathway forward. When countries come together with a shared purpose and in the spirit of collaboration, through multilateralism, they can deliver meaningful conservation at scale-but success will depend on sustained implementation and cooperation."
Read Lieberman's closing statement at the Plenary HERE.
Key Species Outcomes at CMS CoP15
Governments agreed to stronger protections for a range of threatened migratory species, including:
* Giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) -Listed on Appendix I and II, requiring strict protection and cross-border freshwater conservation and collaboration.
* Striped hyena ( Hyaena hyaena ) -Listed on Appendix I and II, requiring strict protection and coordinated action across its range in Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, South Asia, and Central Asia.
* Spotted sorubim, catfish, ( Pseudoplatystoma corruscans ) -Listed on Appendix II, supporting conservation of this migratory freshwater fish.
* Thresher sharks ( Alopias pelagicus, A. superciliosus, A. vulpinus ) -Listed on Appendix I, requiring strict protection, reflecting severe global declines and the urgent need for full protection, and their endangered status.
* Great and scalloped hammerhead sharks ( Sphyrna mokarran, S. lewini ) -Listed on Appendix I, requiring strict protection, recognizing escalating threats from overexploitation and their endangered status.
* Patagonian narrownose smoothhound -Listed on Appendix II, reinforcing regional fisheries cooperation.
The listings on Appendix I provide the highest level of protection, requiring strict protection from exploitation and other conservation measures, while Appendix II promotes international cooperation across migratory ranges.
Jaguars
Parties adopted a new, strong action-oriented resolution on the jaguar, promoting collaboration and actions to promote the conservation of the species and habitat connectivity across its range in the Americas.
Concerted Actions and Targeted Measures
Governments also advanced key Concerted Actions, including:
* Sand tiger shark -Strengthening coordinated conservation and recovery efforts.
* Manta rays -Advancing international collaboration on conservation (co-proposed by WCS).
Addressing Illegal and Unsustainable Use
A major new global initiative was adopted to tackle illegal and unsustainable take of migratory species, signaling a coordinated international effort to improve enforcement, combat illegal take and over-exploitation, and promote sustainable management practices for migratory species.
Breakthroughs for Freshwater Species
CMS CoP15 delivered important progress for freshwater biodiversity, including:
* Adoption of a Regional Action Plan for Amazonian migratory catfish, supporting river connectivity, food security, and basin-wide conservation.
* New scientific findings highlighting that hundreds of migratory freshwater fish species may qualify for CMS protection, underscoring the urgency for expanded action.
CMS, a United Nations Environment Program-administered treaty with more than 130 Parties, provides the global framework for conserving migratory species that cross national borders and their habitats. The decisions taken at CoP15 are expected to shape conservation priorities for years to come, with far-reaching implications for biodiversity, ecosystem health, and sustainable development worldwide.
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Original text here: https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26026/At-UN-Wildlife-Summit-CMS-CoP15-Governments-Adopt-Landmark-Protections-and-Actions-Across-Marine-Freshwater-and-Terrestrial-Species.aspx
