Category Archives: Progress

PDC Energy, Inc.

DENVER, Sept. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PDC Energy, Inc. (PDC or the Company) (Nasdaq: PDCE) announced today the publication of the Company's 2022 environmental, social and governance (ESG) materials. The 2022 ESG reports are aligned with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and the American Exploration and Production Council (AXPC) ESG metrics framework.

As a leader in the energy industry, we understand it is incumbent upon us to safely develop the domestic energy needed to power our world, said Bart Brookman, President and Chief Executive Officer of PDC. At PDC, we are committed to ongoing environmental stewardship, aggressive emissions reduction goals, and the complete elimination of routine flaring as we foster strong, transparent relationships with our communities.

I am of proud the progress our team has made in our ESG program over the last three years we have been formally reporting. Our ESG journey has been one characterized by thoughtful and incremental progress, and its clear that 2021 and early 2022 marked a significant leap in our emergence as a forward-looking leader in this space.

Key highlights from the look back on 2021 include:

17% year-over year reduction in methane emissions

12% year-over year reduction in GHG intensity

More than 7,200 volunteer hours given by PDC employees in 2021

Added new ESG metrics to executive compensation

90% of PDCs board has been added in the last five years including the addition of three diverse members since early 2021

Expanded reporting framework to include Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and responded to the CDP climate change questionnaire, providing detailed information on topics including emissions management and governance and policy engagement

Continued 2022 progress highlighted in the reports include:

PDC acquired Great Western Petroleum, a DJ Basin asset accretive to our ESG initiatives

Joined the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0), a comprehensive, measurement-based reporting framework for the oil and gas industry that improves accuracy and transparency of methane emissions reporting

Both the DJ Basin and Delaware Basin assets surpassed four years without an employee Lost Time Incident

Developed and adopted Human Rights and Political Engagement policies and added corruption and bribery language to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

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PDC remains committed to its long-term greenhouse gas and methane emission intensity reduction goals of 60% and 50%, respectively, by 2025 and reduction goals of 74% and 70%, respectively, by 2030. Additionally, we remain on track to eliminate routine flaring by 2025.

PDC has published several reports as a part of the Company's 2022 ESG materials designed to provide a roadmap on progress of our key metrics, material initiatives and successes. Reports include:

2022 Corporate Social Responsibility Report (A Look Back on 2021)

Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)

Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

Key Metrics and Performance Highlights, including American Exploration and Production Council (AXPC) ESG metrics framework

For more information about PDCs sustainability efforts and to download the 2022 ESG reports, please visit http://www.pdce.com.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act), and the United States (U.S.) Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the Companys expectations of future permit applications approvals, planned operating activity and inventory expectations. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in and incorporated by reference into this press release are forward-looking statements.

PDC cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance occurring after the date of this press release or currently unknown facts or conditions or the occurrence of unanticipated events. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contacts:

Courtney Loper

Director Stakeholder Relations

(303) 831-3997

Courtney.Loper@pdce.com

Aaron Vandeford

Director Investor Relations

303-318-9493

Aaron.Vandeford@pdce.com

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PDC Energy Publishes Annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Materials Highlighting Progress on Key Metrics and Material Initiatives - Yahoo...

INNIO announced that EcoVadis has awarded the INNIO Group, including its Jenbacher and Waukesha product lines, with a platinum medal as part of its sustainability performance rating, placing INNIO in the top 1% of all businesses evaluated by EcoVadis.

Founded in Paris in 2007, EcoVadis is one of the worlds largest providers of business sustainability ratings, with a global network of more than 100,000+ rated companies.

INNIO said the platinum award reflects demonstrated improvements and contributions towards sustainable growth in the past year, with notable score improvement in Environment, and Sustainable Procurement and continued strong performance in Labor & Human Rights and Ethics categories.

I am extremely proud that INNIO has been awarded the EcoVadis platinum medal, said Olaf Berlien, president and CEO of INNIO. After having already been ranked number one globally amongst companies with the lowest risk within the machinery industry by Sustainalytics, EcoVadis now places us among the top 1% of all evaluated businesses worldwide.

This demonstrates INNIOs commitment to empowering the net zero transition while ensuring that our employees are fully engaged at the workplace and providing continuous support through our diversity and inclusion efforts.

EcoVadis annual assessment focuses on 21 issues grouped into themes that include: environment, labor & human rights, ethics, sustainable procurement, and a dedicated scorecard on carbon. These criteria are based upon international sustainability standards, including the Global Compact Principles, the International Labour Organization Conventions, and the Global Reporting Initiative standard. The platinum medal rating reflects INNIOs continued commitment to its sustainability efforts in 2022.

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INNIO cited for progress and execution of ESG strategy - COMPRESSORtech2

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 20, 2022 / Gratomic Inc. ("Gratomic", "GRAT," or the "Company") (TSXV:GRAT)(OTCQX:CBULF)(FSE:CB82) announces its progress update on the earth moving activities at its Flagship Aukam Graphite Project in Namibia, further to its press release dated September 7, 2022. The benching process typically involves successively cutting berms alongside the mountain edge in order to steadily expose underground material, at the same time ensuring the stability of the mountain structure. This process allows for the collection of graphite in stages as the plaforms are constructed on the Aukam mountain.

During the past several weeks, road construction was completed to the upper part of the mountain, and actual benching of the mountain side began in earnest. During the process, the team intercepted its first mineralized vein and started movig material to the ROM pad. A representative sample of the material will be sent to the laboratory to confirm grade.

This interception is in line with the expectations of the Company's mining engineering team, which reinforces the team's understanding about the results to be achieved as the program advances.

Arno Brand, President & CEO, states, "I am very pleased to witness the rapid progress being made by our in-house mining team. The first intercept of graphite came weeks ahead of expectation and brings forth a great deal of excitement as we steadily prepare to re-launch mining operations at Aukam for the first time in 46 years. Our recent financing secured our ability to complete our benching and initial mining programs."

"It is comforting to see that the expectations of our technical team are being met, increasing our confidence level on the success of this benching program", says Armando Farhate, COO & Head of Graphite Marketing & Sales.

Gratomic wishes to emphasize that no Preliminary Economic Analysis, Preliminary Feasibility Study or Feasibility Study has been completed to support any level of production. In fact, no mineral resources let alone mineral reserves demonstrating economic viability and technical feasibility, have been delineated on the Aukam property.

The Company is working towards completing a Feasibility Study (FS) on the Aukam Processing plant. The study, its recommendations, and their subsequent implementation, will provide conclusions and recommendation at a FS level of comfort relating to the scale up of the existing processing plant to a commercial scale processing facility capable of producing the desired concentrate grades and production rates.

Gratomic wishes to emphasize that the supply of graphite is conditional on Gratomic being able to bring the Aukam project into a production phase, and for any graphite being produced to meet certain technical and mineralization requirements.

Risk Factors

No mineral resources, let alone mineral reserves demonstrating economic viability and technical feasibility, have been delineated on the Aukam Property. The Company is not in a position to demonstrate or disclose any capital and/or operating costs that may be associated with the processing plant until the FS (Feasibility Study) is completed.

The Company advises that it has not based its production decision on even the existence of mineral resources let alone on a Preliminary Feasibility Study or FS of mineral reserves, demonstrating economic and technical viability, and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit.

Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. There is no guarantee that production will begin as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved.

Failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Company's ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations. Failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Company's cash flow and future profitability.

About Gratomic

Gratomic is a multinational company with projects in Namibia, Brazil, and Canada. The Company is focused on becoming a leading global graphite supplier and aims to secure a strong position in the EV battery supply chain. With the continued development of its flagship Aukam project and further exploration on the Company's Capim Grosso property, Gratomic sets itself apart by seeking out unique top-quality assets around the world. True to its roots, the Company will continue to explore graphite opportunities displaying potential for development. The Company ranked third place in the top 10 preforming mining stocks on the 2022 TSX Venture 50.

Large quantities of high-quality vein graphite have been shipped for testing to confirm its viability as an anode material. Gratomic is confident that the test results will provide a unique competitive advantage in its desired target markets. The Company will continue to update the public on the status of these tests and will provide results as soon as they become available.

The Company has formed a collaboration agreement with Forge Nano. With its patented ALD coating, this cooperation with Forge Nano is a key element to support Gratomic's strategies towards the value-added phases of production of graphite for anode applications, namely micronization, spheronization and coating, making Gratomic graphite a preferred choice for use in lithium-ion batteries.

For more information: visit the website at http://www.gratomic.ca or contact:

Arno Brand at [emailprotected] or (416) 561- 4095

Subscribe at gratomic.ca/contact/ to be added to our email list.

For Marketing and Media information, please email: [emailprotected]

"Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."

Forward Looking Statements:

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at http://www.sedar.com)

SOURCE: Gratomic Inc.

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Gratomic Announces Second Progress Update on Benching Program at its Aukam Project in Namibia - AccessWire

Brian Miller spoke with Deputy Bryan Hicks and his wife one year after he was shot in the head.

September 18, 2021 is when the darkness and uncertainty set in for Posey County Deputy Bryan Hicks.

He was shot in the head during a welfare check at a home in New Harmony. He nearly lost his life.

But fast forward one year later and the times are a bit brighter for the deputy and his wife Tammy.

Brian can speak in full sentences now with the help of a computer program he uses in his speech therapy sessions.

While Bryan still has difficulty finding the words, his wife Tammy has learned to pick up the slack.

Tammy says she wasn't shocked to learn Bryan had been shot that night. After all, she says, he made it clear that he would always be the first officer to go into a dangerous situation, risking his own life and safety for others.

The suspect, 70-year-old Paul Wiltshire, died of COVID-19 complications about three months after being charged with attempted murder of a police officer.

If there's any silver lining; any positivity to come from the despair and devastation this couple has no doubt felt, it's all of the items and get-well cards that came from around the nation.

As for what's next, Bryan says there's one thing that still drives him.

"My goal is to drive again and work again," he said.

Bryan is proud of his career and proudly displays his mementos, paying homage to the career choice that made him who he is today.

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Posey County deputy who was shot in the head is making progress, wants to return to his job - WEVV

JERUSALEM, Sept. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd.(Nasdaq: BVXV), which focuses on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative products for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and other illnesses, today provided encouraging updates related to the strategic research collaboration between BiondVax, the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (MPG), and the University Medical Center Gttingen (UMG) towards the development of a pipeline of innovative alpacaderived nanosized antibody (NanoAb) therapies.

As reported in March 2022, in addition to the exclusive license for the ongoing development and commercialization of an inhaled COVID-19 NanoAb therapy, the parties signed a five-year research collaboration agreement (RCA) for additional NanoAbs for the treatment of diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, asthma, and wet macular degeneration. Today, BiondVax reported that Professor Dirk Grlich of MPG and his team have successfully generated, identified and isolated NanoAbs addressing a number of additional biological target molecules as specified in the relevant RCA. Professor Grlich and his colleague Professor Matthias Dobbelstein of UMG verified strong affinity by the new NanoAbs to their biological target molecules and high thermostability. The academic research teams have also demonstrated strong neutralization by several NanoAb candidates of their respective target molecules. Neutralization studies of the other NanoAbs are expected to begin later this year.

Based on these promising results, the BiondVax-MPG-UMG Joint Steering Committee, established to guide the NanoAb collaboration, decided earlier this month to focus further development beginning with the following NanoAbs, targeting immune system cytokines:

Derisked strategy: This advancement is aligned with BiondVax's derisked R&D strategy as these cytokine targets are already validated to exert beneficial clinical results in human beings when treated with conventional monoclonal antibodies. Moreover, these conventional monoclonal antibodies are already approved for marketing and generate billions of dollars in annual commercial sales. The BiondVax-MPG-UMG research collaboration team aims to generate and develop NanoAbs with the potential to capture significant market share as "bio-betters" answering needs underserved by currently approved conventional monoclonal antibody therapeutics as the NanoAbs exhibit strong potential for superior patient convenience, safety, and clinical outcomes, at lower costs. Pursuant to the RCA, BiondVax holds exclusive options for worldwide exclusive licenses to further develop and commercialize these NanoAbs.

Inhaled COVID-19 therapy: These new NanoAbs are in addition to the ongoing development of a previously announced COVID-19 NanoAb therapy exclusively licensed to BiondVax from Max Planck Innovation GmbH, which acts as the technology transfer agency of MPG. In the coming weeks, BiondVax intends to initiate a preclinical proof-of-concept study of the COVID-19 NanoAb as an inhaled therapy in COVID-19 infected animals. The study will be conducted in collaboration with two world renowned institutions: The Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM and The University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo), Germany. Assuming successful results, a first-in-human Phase 1/2a clinical trial of the COVID-19 NanoAb inhaled therapy will be initiated in 2023.

Mr. Amir Reichman, BiondVax's Chief Executive Officer, noted, "The next two targets we have decided to pursue, asthma and psoriasis, are both conditions for which the antibody target is validated by existing treatments for which the mechanism of action is well understood. Both represent large and growing markets. We strongly believe in the potential of our NanoAbs to be 'bio-betters' compared to the existing treatments, in that the NanoAbs are expected to demonstrate very high potency, safety, stability and with convenient routes of delivery to patients at an affordable cost. Thanks to the leading scientific support provided by Professor Dirk Grlich and Professor Matthias Dobbelstein and their teams at Max Planck and UMG, we are confidently working with urgency to bring more drug candidates of this exciting NanoAb therapy platform to the market as soon as possible."

About BiondVaxBiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Nasdaq: BVXV) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative products for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and other illnesses. Since its inception, the company has executed eight clinical trials including a seven country, 12,400 participant Phase 3 trial of its vaccine candidate and has built a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for biopharmaceutical products. With highly experienced pharmaceutical industry leadership, BiondVax is aiming to develop a pipeline of diversified and commercially viable products and platforms beginning with an innovative nanosized antibody (NanoAb) pipeline. http://www.biondvax.com.

Contact DetailsCompany: Joshua E. Phillipson | +972 8 930 2529 | j.phillipson@biondvax.com

Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expect," "believe," "intend," "plan," "continue," "may," "will," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this communication regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected expenses, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, the therapeutic and commercial potential of nanosized antibodies (NanoAbs); and the timing of NanoAb proof-of-concept studies and clinical trials. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views with respect to certain current and future events and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the results to differ materially from those expected by the management of BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk that the therapeutic and commercial potential of NanoAbs will not be met; the risk of a delay in the preclinical and clinical data for NanoAbs, if any; the risk that BiondVax may not be able to secure additional capital on attractive terms, if at all; risks relating to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic; BiondVax's ability to acquire rights to additional product opportunities; BiondVax's ability to enter into collaborations on terms acceptable to BiondVax or at all; timing of receipt of regulatory approval of BiondVax's manufacturing facility in Jerusalem, if at all or when required; the risk that the manufacturing facility will not be able to be used for a wide variety of applications and other vaccine and treatment technologies, and the risk that drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with uncertain outcomes. More detailed information about the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company is contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2022. BiondVax undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason.

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SOURCE BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Company Codes: NASDAQ-SMALL:BVXV

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BiondVax's Strategic Research Collaboration with Max Planck and UMG: Significant progress towards development of innovative nanosized antibodies...

On September 14th, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina introduced a national 15-week abortion ban bill into the Senate less than three months after the fall of Roe.

Whats important to note is that, Grahams proposed bill wouldnt get rid of total abortion bans in red states that prevent abortions before 15-weeks. This would stop states from being able to provide abortions beyond 15 weeks.

Grahams bill clearly disproves Republicans long-held claim that abortion rights should be up to the states and proves what conservative politicians are actually after: government overreach by enacting control over our bodies and medical decisions.

But that South Carolina drawl aint charming other Republicans. If you havent noticed, most conservative pundits and politicians have been silent on the subject of abortion lately. But this is not because theyve slithered back into their dark dreary caves. Its because Republicans have received national backlash over the fall of Roe and they are seeing polls prove that most Americans support access to abortion. In addition, more young folks, women and LGBTQ folks are registering to vote - motivated by the fall of Roe. This spells disaster for Republicans in the upcoming November election.

In short, Grahams bill is a sad attempt to win Republicans votes and talking points for Novembers election but now that the genie is out of the bottle, its too late to put it back in. Sothank you Lindsey? For reminding Americans what your party truly stands for: anti-abortion, anti-freedom and anti-moisturizing. Lets take back our country and our rights this November and make sure you and your friends are registered to vote by checking govotetexas.org.

Want to hear more hot-takes from the Progress Texas staff on this proposed 15-week abortion ban? Check out our latest podcast here where we share our thoughts. And last but not least, dont forget to join the Roevolution, our campaign to fight for abortion access!

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Trolling themselves: the Republican 15-week national abortion blunder - Progress Texas

An accomplished attorney and national expert in food safety, William (Bill) Marler has become the most prominent foodborne illness lawyer in America with his firm, Marler Clark: The Food Safety Law Firm, and a major force in food policy in the U.S. and around the world. For the past 26 years, Bill has represented victims of nearly every large foodborne illness outbreak in the U.S. He began litigating foodborne illness cases in 1993, when he represented Brianne Kiner, the most seriously injured survivor of the historic Jack in the Box E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, in her landmark $15.6-million settlement with the company. The 2011 book, Poisoned, by best-selling author Jeff Benedict, chronicles the Jack in the Box outbreak and the rise of Bill Marler as a food safety attorney.

Bill's advocacy for a safer food supply includes petitioning the U.S. Department of Agriculture to better regulate pathogenic E. coli, working with nonprofit food safety and foodborne illness victims' organizations, and helping spur the passage of the 20102011 FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). His work has led to invitations to address local, national, and international gatherings on food safety, including testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill travels widely and frequently to speak to food industry groups, fair associations, and public health groups about the litigation of claims resulting from outbreaks of pathogenic bacteria and viruses and the issues surrounding them. He gives frequent donations to industry groups for the promotion of improved food safety, and has established numerous collegiate science scholarships across the U.S. He is also a frequent writer on topics related to foodborne illness and the Publisher of the online news site, Food Safety News, and his award-winning blog, http://www.marlerblog.com. He is frequent media guest on food safety issues and has been profiled in numerous publications.

In 2010, Bill was awarded the NSF Food Safety Leadership Award for Education, and in 2008 he earned the Outstanding Lawyer Award by the King County Bar Association. He has also received the Public Justice Award from the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association. Bill graduated from the Seattle University School of Law in 1987, and in 1998 was the Law School's "Lawyer in Residence." In 2011, he was given Seattle University's Professional Achievement Award. He is a member of the board of directors of Bainbridge Youth Services and a member of the Children's Hospital Circle of Care.

We Want to Hear from You!

Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com

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Ep. 128. Bill Marler: Perspectives on Poisoned and Food Safety Progress - Food Safety Magazine

Exterior construction is once again underway at Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Scaffolding is up at the front of the building as preparations are being made to install the marquee signage.

Various permits have been filed recently to install themed facades, which looks to be what we are seeing being readied here.

Originally planned to open in 2020 and delayed by the pandemic, the Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be located near the entrance of Toy Story Land and will be a table service offering. Disney said earlier this year that Roundup Rodeo BBQ will open in 2022.

Stepping into the lobby and waiting area, guests will experience first-hand what it feels like to be one of Andy's honorary toys, before progressing into two larger dining room spaces where Andy's rodeo takes place. Here, the rodeo will be in full swing, with western town and train station playsets mixing with surprising, playful details, like some fan-favorite Pixar characters as they've never been seen before.

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Signs of progress at Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney's Hollywood Studios - wdwmagic.com

YAKIMA, Wash. In May, a new law that requires the Washington State Crime Lab to test new sexual assault kits coming in within a 45-day period took effect. Since then, Washington State Patrol said the lab tested almost all the new kits by that deadline. Thousands of backlog kits have also been tested.

According to the Communications Director for Washington State Patrol Chris Loftis, the state crime lab received 372 new sexual assault kits between May and now. All but two of them were tested within 45 days. One took 47 days to test and the other 48 days.

Loftis said a lot of changes needed to be made in order to meet this deadline like hiring additional staff, updating equipment and better use of lab space.

The external pressure is good, Loftis said. Its forced us to improve our systems, its forced the legislature to provide the funding and resources.

Sergeant Jake Lancaster with the Yakima Police Department said getting those kits back sooner could be key in solving some cases.

We need some evidence, Sgt. Lancaster said. Sometimes thats the only physical evidence that we have.

Loftis said it could also help exonerate the innocent people accused a lot quicker.

A big dent in the Washingtons backlog of sexual assault kits was also made with about 95% of them tested. According to Loftis, thousands of kits were outsourced to other labs to speed up testing. Now the backlog stands at 427 kits, compared to the over nine thousand the state started with.

Of the kits tested, so far 2,763 DNA profiles have been entered in the national information database, CODIS, resulting in 1,059 hits to people already in the database. Two-hundred and twenty-seven people have been linked to another case.

The assumptions of the past that these were of little value, was wrong and it was disrespectful to victims, Loftis said.

In the past, kits were not tested if the evidence wasnt needed like if other physical evidence was available or if the suspect confessed. Loftis said that sent the wrong message. All kits sent to the lab are tested now.

Sgt. Lancaster said he believes all kits need to be tested for stronger prosecutions.

I dont believe it to be a pleasant experience for a victim to go through that so I think they should even if the suspect were to confess, Sgt. Lancaster said. I think that the kit should be tested because it makes the case even stronger.

YPD sends all their sexual assault kits to the crime lab to be tested every two weeks and has cleared all the backlogged cases at their department.

Evidence Technician Amanda Tricky-Morris said the Yakima County Sheriffs Office tries to send the kits to the crime lab right away. Sometimes it can take longer depending on the case but they try to send it off to the lab within a 30-day period. Only rarely do they wait past 30 days.

If there is somebody we wanted to get a reference sample from in order to maybe eliminate them, we would sometimes wait to collect that to send it in and that could delay shipment past the 30 days, Tricky-Morris said.

She added the crime lab like reference samples and kits to be sent together.

YCSO has also cleared their backlog of kits except four kits theyve kept because the victims didnt want to press charges. Tricky-Morris said they will keep those until the 20-year statue of limitations is up or until victims decide to press charges.

The state crime lab continues to face a backlog of nonsexual assault related cases and they are working to test evidence for other crimes like homicides.

Loftis said this can be harder to clear because the evidence can be as big a couch so each case is different. He said right now the average turn around for testing nonsexual assault related evidence is 186 days. However, 55% of evidence is tested in a 45-day period.

FOX41 YakimaFOX11 TriCities

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Progress made on testing of backlogged sexual assault kits, new kits tested within 45 days - FOX 11 and FOX 41

Governor KathyHochultoday announced that the New York State Public Service Commission initiated a proceeding to implement the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act, which will advance efforts to decarbonize buildings across the state. Implementation of this law will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by allowing for the creation of utility-scale infrastructure projects that connect multiple buildings into a shared thermal network. Utility thermal networks present an opportunity for utilities to provide thermal energy to customers rather than fossil-based natural gas to meet their space heating, water heating, and cooling needs.

"Ahead of Climate Week, New York is taking a bold step to further support the use of clean-energy technology,"GovernorHochulsaid."Buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York State - accounting for 32 percent of overall emissions - and the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act will help significantly reduce climate change emissions and create greener, healthier places to live and work across the Empire State."

In addition to creating the regulatory framework for the thermal energy network, the New York Public Services Commission (PSC) will work to ensure the development of and access to well-trained, highly skilled trade persons needed to support timely, reliable, high-quality thermal energy network projects and promotes good jobs for New Yorkers in the expanding decarbonization sector.

As part of this process, the PSC will require the seven largest, investor-owned utilities Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation, National Grid USA (Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid, The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY, andKeySpanGas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid), Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, and National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation to each submit up at least one and up to five proposed thermal network pilot projects for review, with at least one pilot project located in a disadvantaged community within each utility service territory. The PSC will also establish a thermal-energy networks working group to assist the utilities in the development of pilot project proposals prior to submission to the PSC for review and to develop proposed rules and regulations for utility thermal service.

New York Public Services Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said,"The Commission has a long-standing history of supporting cost-effective energy efficiency aimed at reducing on-site energy consumption and more recently building electrification. At the conclusion of this process, customers will have more choices for their heating needs and utilities will have exciting new opportunities aligned with New York's ambitious climate and energy goals."

The need for utility thermal energy networks is driven by the goal to significantly reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the combustion of fuels in buildings as part of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Buildings are the largest source of GHG emissions in New York State, accounting for 32 percent of overall GHG emissions. The challenge to reducing GHG emissions from buildings is exacerbated by the fact that building emissions derive mostly from the on-site combustion of natural gas, which provides New Yorkers with basic necessities: heat, domestic hot water, and cooking. For this reason, it is essential that the transition away from natural gas for use in New York's building stock be undertaken in due course to ensure the continuation of safe and reliable utility service.

The PSC has recently taken action to reduce building emissions. The Commission adopted procedures requiring the gas utilities to submit long-term plans that comply with the State's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals established under the CLCPA. Based on a finding of potential and existing gaps between forecasted demand and gas supply in gas service areas, the PSC required the gas utilities to address these gaps through consideration of non-pipe alternatives, such as demand response programs, energy efficiency, and/or electrification via heat pumps and geothermal technologies.

The CLCPA requires significant decreases in carbon-based emissions over the next decades. It is important to provide new business opportunities for the State's gas utilities given the likelihood that gas-based appliances like boilers, furnaces and hot water heaters may be replaced by electrified appliances to ensure compliance with the CLCPA. Given the importance of the issues facing our environment and the potential utility thermal networks offer, experience from these pilot projects will be critical to advancing scalable opportunities to electrify New York's building stock.

State Senator Kevin S. Parker said,"As we battle climate change, work towards our CLCPA goals and create a clean energy economy, thermal energy networks are going to be an important tool. This legislation recognizes their importance and directs utilities to develop them in order to create full-time jobs at a living wage with benefits. Thank you,GovernorHochul,for recognizing this important nexus between creating jobs and fighting climate change and signing this critical legislation into law."

Assemblymember Latoya Joyner said,"The implementation of the Utility Thermal Energy Network Act is a key step forward as New York reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances access to quality jobs for years to come. I look forward to working with GovernorHochulas we build upon this important legislation to achieve the goals established under the CLCPA."

SonalJessel, Director of Policy at WE ACT for Environmental Justice said,"The CLCPA mandates a necessary timeline for transitioning off of gas, and now the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act will help us do just that by transforming our utilities and allowing the State to transform our buildings heating and cooling systems at scale. We thank GovernorHochuland the Commission for kicking off planning for the implementation of this law through the proceeding, and we look forward to a greener New York."

Mario Cilento, President, NYS AFL-CIO said,"Earlier this summer, the legislature passed, and GovernorHochulsigned, historic legislation to authorize utility companies to establish geothermal networks. The union movement was proud to support this law and work with environmental, community and employer groups to help get this done. We applaud GovernorHochuland the Public Service Commission for moving quickly to implement this vital new program so that New York leads the way in combatting climate change while adhering to strong labor standards that protect workers and ensure we create good union jobs."

Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building & Construction Trades Council said,"If New York is to continue to set global standards in clean energy initiatives, it is imperative that we remain committed to modernizing our infrastructure and utilities through projects that also create good paying union jobs for our hard-working members and stimulate immediate economic growth. We thank GovernorHochulfor signing the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act into law, a crucial measure that will not only advance our state's clean energy ambitions, but also provide our state's tradesmen and tradeswomen with countless middle class career opportunities. We look forward to working with the Public Service Commission to implement this important policy and begin transitioning homes across New York to more sustainable renewable energy networks."

John J. Murphy, International Representative United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry said,"Utility scale thermal energy networks will rapidly advance building decarbonization and reduce costs for customers with little impact to the electric grid even during peak periods while providing a just transition for thousands of middle-class New Yorkers who were at risk of being excluded from the clean energy transition."

Lisa Dix, New York Director for the Building Decarbonization Coalition said,"Utility Thermal Energy Networks must be central to New York's strategy to decarbonize our homes, schools, workplaces and communities at scale. We commend GovernorHochulfor her leadership and her commitment to ensuring that rapid decarbonization of New York's buildings will go hand in hand with uplifting workers, creating union jobs, investing in our communities most impacted by climate change, and spurring economic and market development. We look forward to working with the Governor and the Public Service Commission to make the Thermal Energy Network pilot program a success."

Julie Tighe, President of the League of Conservation Voters said,"Scaling up and establishing thermal energy networks in our neighborhoods is how we'll make clean energy affordable for everyday New Yorkers and place our state firmly on the path to decarbonization. That this path is paved with prevailing-wage union jobs means it's a win not just for our environment, but for workers and our economy as well. We applaud GovernorHochulfor her tireless leadership in this effort and the Public Service Commission for wasting no time in beginning this important proceeding."

Jessica Azulay, Executive Director of Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE) said,"In New York, we are working together to chart the path to community-scale renewable heating and cooling with Thermal Energy Networks, which will ensure customers, workers, and the environment are protected. We look forward to working with the GovernorHochul, the Public Service Commission, our friends in organized labor, and the utilities to pilot the next generation of heating and cooling infrastructure in New York State."

Maritza Silva-Farrell, Executive Director of ALIGN said,"The implementation of The Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act will be a critical step to transforming New York's electric and gas utilities and making just transition a reality for thousands of workers in the industry. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will help us meet the goals of the Climate Community and Leadership Protection Act. This project is a shining example of industry, workers, and the community working together towards a common goal. We applaud GovernorHochuland the Public Service Commission for kicking off the proceeding for Thermal Energy Networks."

Roger Downs, Conservation Director for the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter said,"Removing the regulatory barriers to utility thermal energy networks will be transformational in reducing carbon emissions within our building sector, creating healthier living environments, and producing a new wave of family supporting jobs for the communities that need them most. GovernorHochul'sjoint vision with the legislature to combine climate innovation with equity principles takes a big step today for a building decarbonization plan that will bring greater health and prosperity to all New Yorkers."

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $35 billion in 120 largescale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting nearly 158,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2020, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, while ensuring that at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings.

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Governor Hochul Announces Progress toward Implementing Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions - ny.gov