Commonwealth

Beyond Juukan Gorge: how First Nations people are taking charge of clean energy projects on their land

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 26, 2023

Many of the big wind and solar farms planned to help Australia achieve net zero emissions by 2050 will be built on the lands and waters of First Nations peoples.

Key Points: 
  • Many of the big wind and solar farms planned to help Australia achieve net zero emissions by 2050 will be built on the lands and waters of First Nations peoples.
  • More than half of the projects that will extract critical minerals to drive the global clean energy transition overlap with Indigenous-held lands.
  • Australia’s Pilbara and Kimberley regions have high rates of Indigenous land tenure, while hosting some of world’s best co-located solar and wind energy resources.

The long but hopeful journey back from Juukan Gorge

  • First, the furore and subsequent parliamentary inquiry following the Juukan Gorge incident forced the resignation of Rio Tinto boss Jean-Sebastien Jacques.
  • Companies were put on notice that they can no longer run roughshod over First Nations communities.
  • Third, there is a question whether the Native Title Act allows large-scale clean energy developments to go ahead without native title holders’ permission.
  • Because these agreements are voluntary, native title holders can refuse to allow large wind and solar farms on their Country.

Promising partnerships on the road to net zero

  • Many significant proposed projects announced in the last few years show huge promise in terms of First Nations ownership and control.
  • Still, much more needs to happen to provide Indigenous communities with proper consent and control.
  • And much needed reforms to cultural heritage laws in WA were scrapped following a backlash from farmers.

Why free, prior and informed consent is crucial

  • So long as governments can compulsorily acquire native title to expedite a renewable energy project and miners are allowed to mine critical minerals (or any mineral) without native title holders’ consent, the net zero transition will transgress this internationally recognised right.
  • Communities must decide the forms participation takes – full or part ownership, leasing and so on – after they have properly assessed their options.
  • Rapid electrification through wind and solar developments cannot come at the expense of land clearing and loss of biodiversity.


Ganur Maynard was formerly a member of the steering committee of the First Nations Clean Energy Network. Brad Riley, Janet Hunt, and Lily O'Neill do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Avangrid Announce Largest Single Asset Tax Equity Financing and First Large-Scale Offshore Transaction in the U.S.

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The $1.2 billion dollar investment transaction was reached with J.P. Morgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, making it the largest single asset tax equity financing and the first for a commercial scale offshore wind project.

Key Points: 
  • The $1.2 billion dollar investment transaction was reached with J.P. Morgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, making it the largest single asset tax equity financing and the first for a commercial scale offshore wind project.
  • “Closing on a tax equity package has always been a central element to achieving financial success for the first-of-its-kind Vineyard Wind 1,” said Tim Evans, partner and Head of North America for CIP.
  • “Finalizing this tax equity transaction is a critical milestone in executing the financing plan for Vineyard Wind 1.
  • Vineyard Wind 1 began on-site construction in late 2021, achieved steel-in-the-water in June 2023, and completed the nation’s first offshore substation in July 2023.

The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. Updates Important Dates for Rights Offering

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 24, 2023

The formal offer and detailed terms of the tender offer will be announced following the conclusion of the Rights Offer.

Key Points: 
  • The formal offer and detailed terms of the tender offer will be announced following the conclusion of the Rights Offer.
  • The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end fund managed by HERZFELD/CUBA, a division of Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. (based in Miami Beach).
  • Investing in companies of Caribbean Basin Countries may present certain unique risks not associated with domestic investments, such as currency fluctuation, political and economic changes and market risks.
  • Before investing in the Fund, investors should carefully consider the investment objective, risks, and charges and expenses of the Fund.

Armstrong County, PA to Transition to Online Sheriff’s Sales in October

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 24, 2023

By moving online, the sheriff’s office intends to streamline the auction process and increase accessibility by allowing all participants to bid remotely.

Key Points: 
  • By moving online, the sheriff’s office intends to streamline the auction process and increase accessibility by allowing all participants to bid remotely.
  • The online format exposes the properties to a larger group of potential buyers, increasing the likelihood of third-party sales and excess proceeds for defendants, while reducing the number of properties that lenders will need to purchase.
  • Bid4Assets has recently hosted successful online foreclosure sales for multiple sheriff’s offices in Pennsylvania, including Montgomery, Monroe, Berks, Adams and Philadelphia Counties.
  • “The decision to move to online sales became easier as we saw the format’s effectiveness across the state,” said Armstrong County Sheriff Frank Pitzer.

The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. Announces Important Dates for Rights Offering

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 20, 2023

The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end fund managed by HERZFELD/CUBA, a division of Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. (based in Miami Beach).

Key Points: 
  • The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end fund managed by HERZFELD/CUBA, a division of Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. (based in Miami Beach).
  • Investing in companies of Caribbean Basin Countries may present certain unique risks not associated with domestic investments, such as currency fluctuation, political and economic changes and market risks.
  • Before investing in the Fund, investors should carefully consider the investment objective, risks, and charges and expenses of the Fund.
  • The formal offer and detailed terms of the tender offer will be announced following the conclusion of the Rights Offer.

ComEd, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Award 18 Grants to Support Holiday Lights Events in Northern Illinois

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 25, 2023

To support local holiday displays, ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus today announced grants of up to $2,500 each for 18 northern Illinois communities as part of the annual ComEd Powering the Holidays Program.

Key Points: 
  • To support local holiday displays, ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus today announced grants of up to $2,500 each for 18 northern Illinois communities as part of the annual ComEd Powering the Holidays Program.
  • "We are thrilled to once again partner with ComEd on the Powering the Holidays Program," said Neil James, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.
  • With the addition of the 2023 grant recipients, ComEd has now awarded 46 communities and organizations a total of $113,000 in grants to power holiday lights events since 2021.
  • Powering the Holidays grants can be used for any community holiday lights event held from November 1, 2023, to February 13, 2024.

Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Announce Largest Single Asset Tax Equity Financing and First Large-Scale Offshore Transaction in the U.S.

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The $1.2 billion investment transaction was reached with J.P. Morgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, making it the largest single asset tax equity financing and the first for a commercial scale offshore wind project.

Key Points: 
  • The $1.2 billion investment transaction was reached with J.P. Morgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, making it the largest single asset tax equity financing and the first for a commercial scale offshore wind project.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231025424208/en/
    “We are continuing to make history with this first-in-the-nation project,” said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO.
  • “Finalizing this tax equity transaction is a critical milestone in executing the financing plan for Vineyard Wind 1.
  • Vineyard Wind 1 began on site construction in late 2021, achieved steel-in-the-water in June 2023, and completed the nation’s first offshore substation in July 2023.

Boston College High School Shields Center for Innovation to Host AI in Secondary Education Summit on November 6

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 24, 2023

On Monday, November 6, the Boston College High School Shields Center for Innovation (BC High Shields Center for Innovation) will host a summit for schools, educators and students on how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can transform secondary education in Boston and beyond.

Key Points: 
  • On Monday, November 6, the Boston College High School Shields Center for Innovation (BC High Shields Center for Innovation) will host a summit for schools, educators and students on how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can transform secondary education in Boston and beyond.
  • The AI in Secondary Education Summit will feature discussions with former Governor Jane Swift and experts from Google, Microsoft and Boston University.
  • Middle and high schools in Massachusetts plan to join BC High for the summit.
  • “In keeping with the tradition and ideals of a Jesuit education, the BC High Shields Center for Innovation is thrilled to be leading this discussion.

Westinghouse Launches eVinci™ Microreactor Accelerator Hub

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Westinghouse Electric Company today announced the launch of a new design and manufacturing facility near downtown Pittsburgh to accelerate commercialization of the eVinci™ microreactor .

Key Points: 
  • Westinghouse Electric Company today announced the launch of a new design and manufacturing facility near downtown Pittsburgh to accelerate commercialization of the eVinci™ microreactor .
  • In June, Westinghouse established eVinci™ Technologies LLC as a separate business unit within the company to streamline all aspects of bringing the microreactor to the market.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024529173/en/
    Westinghouse is accelerating the commercialization of its eVinci microreactor with the launch of a new design and manufacturing facility near downtown Pittsburgh.
  • With the federal awards and strategic government partnerships with Idaho National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory, Westinghouse is advancing the eVinci microreactor design, licensing and manufacturing capabilities.

Steven Stack, Commissioner of Kentucky Department for Public Health, Announced as Next ASTHO President

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 25, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) announced Steven J. Stack, MD, MBA as its 81st president. Stack serves as commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health and chief medical officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, roles he has held since February 2020. He succeeds Anne Zink, MD, who has served as ASTHO's president since September 2022.

Key Points: 
  • Stack serves as commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health and chief medical officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, roles he has held since February 2020.
  • "During the past few years, I have gained invaluable insight as an ASTHO member," says ASTHO president Steven Stack, MD, MBA.
  • "He has lead Kentucky diligently as commissioner, and we know he will do the same for ASTHO.
  • ASTHO members, the chief health officials of these jurisdictions, are dedicated to formulating and influencing sound public health policy and to ensuring excellence in public health practice.