ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE
Defense Department unveils conservation strategy to support monarch butterfly protections while ensuring military readiness
Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed the monarch butterfly be afforded new protections under the Endangered Species Act.
The Defense Department, with nearly 27 million acres of land, air and water resources, already plays a role in providing protections for the monarch butterfly. However, the new “Conservation Strategy for the Monarch Butterfly” details what its role will be if the monarch butterfly becomes federally listed as a threatened species under the ESA.
In preparation for the monarch’s potential listing, the department has been collaborating with USFWS to develop a conservation strategy that allows DOD to contribute to the monarch’s conservation. That same collaborative effort also ensures that the department will still be able to perform its mission and maintain military readiness.
The strategy’s key tenets are to enable DOD to meet its mission with flexibility and certainty while participating in the conservation of the monarch butterfly.
The strategy promotes the continued implementation of existing conservation programs to benefit the monarch butterfly on the over 1.7 million acres of grasslands that the department manages by providing nectar and milkweed resources and protecting 53 sites for overwintering monarchs. These efforts allow for realistic military training, testing and operations on natural landscapes that are critical for maintaining mission readiness.
“Mission readiness is predicated on having sufficient access to open lands and ranges to enable our troops to train and test. To achieve this, the actively conducts natural resources management that provides conservation benefits to millions of acres that it oversees,” said Ron Tickle, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for environmental management and restoration. “Thanks to that long-standing commitment, DOD is ahead of the curve in complying…
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U.S., Australia, and UK Join Forces to Target Russian Bulletproof Hosting Provider Supporting LockBit Ransomware
On Tuesday, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Australia’s Department
Pentagon Prioritizes Homeland Defense, Warfighting, Slashing Wasteful Spending
During a media interview on Sunday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said efforts at the Defense
U.S. House and Senate Pass Bipartisan Legislation: The Groundbreaking U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act and the WILD Act
The following statement was released today by the Wildlife Conservation Society upon the passage of the bipartisan U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act and the WILD Act. Both were part of the National Defense Authorization Act headed to the president for his signature.
Wildlife Conservation Society’s Executive Vice President for…
Overfishing Leads to a 50% Decline in Shark and Ray Populations Since 1970, New Study Reveals
A new analysis published last Thursday in the journal Science reveals that overfishing has caused populations of chondrichthyan fishes – sharks, rays, and chimaeras – to decline by more than 50% since 1970. To determine the consequences, a team of researchers developed an aquatic Red List Index (RLI)…
U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby Achieves LEED Gold Certification, Showcasing Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
In recognition of the Department’s commitment to environmental leadership and sustainable design, the new U.S. Embassy Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council.
Designed in collaboration by KCCT Architecture and Krueck Sexton Partners and constructed…
Guardsmen Deliver Food to Alaska Community Hit by Typhoon
Alaska National Guardsmen delivered nearly 14,000 pounds of frozen beef, chicken and pork this month to Toksook Bay, Alaska, helping residents still recovering from losses sustained when Typhoon Merbok flooded thousands of communities in September 2022.
The storm’s impact and ensuing power outages caused vital meat stores to spoil. After…
U.S. Military already fighting fires in California, ready to do more
The Defense Department now has 500 active-duty troops and a variety of equipment on standby to assist with the wildfires in California, said the deputy Pentagon press secretary.
“As announced by the president, 500 active-duty personnel currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, are preparing to support requests from federal and state authorities with route clearance, commodity distribution, search and rescue, rotary wing, airlift and general support, as requested,” said Sabrina Singh during a briefing today.
Those 500 active-duty personnel are from the Marine Corps, she said.
March Air Reserve Base, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, is also now serving as a staging base for efforts by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Singh also said that a defense coordinating officer and support element are being activated as well.
The department is also preparing some 10 Navy-provided helicopters with water delivery buckets to assist with aerial fire suppression, Singh said. Those Navy helicopters, along with aircrew, are coming from California’s Naval Station North Island, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendelton and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
“Under a long-standing memorandum of agreement with CAL FIRE, active-duty units in Naval Region Southwest are prepared to provide aircraft and aircrew to support the firefighting efforts,”…
U.S. Department of Energy unveils $65 million funding opportunity to accelerate innovation in small businesses, focusing on key environmental challenges and technological advancements
On Dec. 27, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $65 million funding opportunity to support projects through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This investment includes $1.1 million in Phase I/Release 2 proof of concept grants for projects funded by the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO), within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
Small businesses play a major role in spurring innovation and creating jobs in the U.S. economy. The DOE SBIR and STTR programs have helped thousands of American small businesses and entrepreneurs develop cutting-edge technologies and transform science and technology breakthroughs into viable products and services. Through the SBIR and STTR programs, IEDO supports small businesses that improve energy efficiency, material productivity, and increase the global competitiveness of American manufacturers.
IEDO is seeking applications in the following subtopics:
- Destruction Technologies for PFAS in Biosolids: PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are a class of emerging contaminants that are difficult to degrade or destroy, resisting most conventional wastewater treatment processes. In this subtopic, IEDO seeks proposals to advance scalable PFAS destruction technologies for biosolids that substantially reduce overall sludge volume.
- Reducing Environmental Impacts of Chemicals Manufacturing: Chemical production is…
Central Park Conservancy Gala Shines With ‘Fortune’s Fête,’ Raising Over $1.2 Million for the Iconic Park
On November 20, the Central Park Conservancy Gala welcomed over 400 guests for a magical evening nestled in the heart of Manhattan. Thanks to unusually warm weather and the stunning backdrop of vibrant autumn leaves, attendees enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the park before making their way to the…
HyVelocity Hub Secures $1.2 Billion Federal Funding to Launch Largest Clean Hydrogen Initiative in the Gulf Coast
The HyVelocity Hub has executed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) to receive up to $1.2 billion in federal funding to build and expand low-carbon hydrogen and hydrogen infrastructure across Texas and the Gulf Coast.
Kicking off with about $22…
Elephant Seal Population Struggles After Devastating H5N1 Outbreak in Argentina: Only a Third of Expected Returns
The sounds of barking elephant seals are again in the air along the breeding grounds of Península Valdés, Argentina—but it’s quieter. Almost exactly a year after a massive outbreak of H5N1, highly pathogenic avian influenza killed more than 17,000 elephant seals, including about 97% of their pups, scientists estimate…
Holcim and Detroit Wayne County Port Authority Secures EPA Grant to Propel Zero-Emission Initiatives at Detroit Port
Holcim, in close partnership with the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA), was awarded a grant through the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports program. The joint grant supports the Detroit Port Authority’s broader Zero-Emission Technology Deployment program to accelerate the decarbonization of the port and improve…
Padilla announces over $122 million for California zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure
By Nicole Choquette / Assistant Managing EditorToday, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award $122.9 million for six California projects to build zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure, including over $55 million for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. The funding comes through the Federal Highway Administration’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program aims to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and other alternative fueling infrastructure projects in publicly accessible locations in urban and rural communities, including downtown areas and local neighborhoods.
The California Energy Commission will receive nearly $55.9 million to install 21 public charging stations and one hydrogen refueling station to support zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty semi-trailer trucks. The project will deploy at least 130 high-powered zero-emission vehicle charger ports across the heavily trafficked routes within California and between California and Nevada, supporting zero-emission freight transportation. Senator Padilla led a letter with 36 of his colleagues in the California congressional delegation in support of the California Energy Commission’s application.
“Reducing emissions from our transportation sector is a key component in reaching California’s ambitious climate and clean air goals,” said Senator Padilla. “But to facilitate the zero-emissions transition, we must rapidly deploy charging and clean-fueling infrastructure to keep our supply chain moving and improve the daily commute for millions of Californians. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these investments will decarbonize our freight sector, protect public health, and help low-income communities save on their energy costs.”
Additional…
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New Study Reveals Harmful Effects of Tire-Wear Particles on Aquatic Life
In a study published in Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, researchers from Hangzhou Normal University uncovered the adverse health effects of tire-wear particles (TWPs) on aquatic organisms. The study, led by Zhiquan Liu, focused on the hepatotoxicity of TWP leachates, revealing significant impacts on the gut-liver axis and oxidative stress levels…
AmeriCorps Ramps Up Disaster Response in North Carolina and Florida Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, announced today that more than 140 additional AmeriCorps members are deploying to North Carolina and Florida this week in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. These AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team members will join ongoing recovery…
Journey Into Panda Ridge: Panda Camera Launches at the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo launched its giant panda live camera, enabling people around the globe to virtually connect with Xin Bao and Yun Chuan. Viewers can enter their world and marvel as the pandas tumble, climb, explore, nap, and munch on bamboo across their dynamic habitats.
Xin Bao and Yun…
Aviation industry embraces sustainability: Innovations in sustainable fuels, electric aircraft, and hydrogen propulsion pave the way for a greener future
The aviation industry is at a transformative moment globally, driven by sustainability goals that aim to minimize the environmental impact of flying. Airlines, manufacturers, and regulators are under pressure to adopt greener technologies, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), electric aircraft, and hydrogen propulsion. These innovations promise to revolutionize aviation and set the stage for a more sustainable future.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels: A Game Changer
SAFs are among the most discussed topics in sustainable aviation. Derived from renewable sources like waste oils and agricultural residues, SAFs can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. Major airlines, including United Airlines, are already working to integrate SAFs into their operations. However, scaling production sustainably and ensuring widespread availability remain challenges.
“SAFs are a promising way to cut emissions, but the industry must focus on sustainable sourcing and building robust partnerships with producers,” says Sebastian Domaradzki, an aviation management consultant. “The goal should be to meet rising demand without compromising environmental integrity.”
Electric Planes: Redefining Short-Range Travel
Electric aircraft offer a revolutionary solution for regional travel, with companies like Joby Aviation and Eviation leading the charge. These all-electric aircraft produce zero in-flight emissions, are quieter than traditional planes, and have lower…
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Study Reveals Lingering Indoor Air Pollutants in Homes After Colorado’s Marshall Fire
Virginia Guard Supports Milton Response in Florida
The Virginia National Guard is helping Florida respond to Hurricane Milton while it winds down its support for victims of Hurricane Helene in Virginia.
The VNG sent a Black Hawk helicopter to Florida and is mustering approximately 225 Soldiers and Airmen to provide engineer, transportation and general support capabilities.
“I really…
U.S. Army Reserve Unit Assists in Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in North Carolina
Hurricane Helene made landfall along Florida’s coastal bend as a powerful Category 4 storm before weakening to a tropical storm and continuing northward into Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The storm brought severe flooding, strong winds, and widespread power outages, leaving many communities in dire need of assistance.
The 357th…
Honda Donates $500,000 to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
On behalf of the Honda family of companies in the U.S., Honda is donating $500,000 in needed disaster relief funds to the American Red Cross to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene. The donation will enable the American Red Cross to respond to and help people recover from this…