Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
Union of Concerned Scientists: EPA Finalizes Rules Addressing Climate, Health Harms From Power Plant Pollution
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, April 26 -- The Union of Concerned Scientists issued the following statement on April 25, 2024, by Chitra Kumar, managing director, and Julie McNamara, a senior analyst and deputy policy director of the climate and energy Program:
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued four final rules regulating climate- and health-harming pollutants from fossil fuel-fired power plants, covering mercury, air toxics, and wastewater discharge from coal-fired power plants; storage of coal ash; and the release of carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power
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CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, April 26 -- The Union of Concerned Scientists issued the following statement on April 25, 2024, by Chitra Kumar, managing director, and Julie McNamara, a senior analyst and deputy policy director of the climate and energy Program:
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued four final rules regulating climate- and health-harming pollutants from fossil fuel-fired power plants, covering mercury, air toxics, and wastewater discharge from coal-fired power plants; storage of coal ash; and the release of carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired powerplants and new gas-fired power plants. These measures will deliver critical public health protections for communities that have long suffered from the burning of fossil fuels, as well as provide major reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Below is a statement by Chitra Kumar, the managing director of the Climate and Energy Program at UCS, about the package of power plant rules.
"The suite of power plant rules announced by EPA Administrator Regan represents a significant step forward in the fight for ambitious climate action and environmental justice. Together, these rules help address a long-standing legacy of public health and environmental harms stemming from coal-fired power plants that scientific studies show have disproportionately hurt communities of color and low-income communities. By setting carbon standards for new gas-fired power plants, Administrator Regan has also rightly recognized the growing climate threat posed by a shift to fossil gas, helping to stave off a whole new round of pollution harms.
"With rigorous implementation and enforcement, these safeguards can provide essential protections for communities living in the vicinity of fossil fuel power plants, near coal ash disposal sites, or along waterways polluted by toxic waste from coal plants. As states and utilities move to implement these rules, they must prioritize proactive community engagement--including with historically overburdened populations, as well as affected fossil fuel workers and communities--to ensure outcomes reflect the needs of those most directly impacted.
"The bottom line is that coal-fired power is massively polluting, increasingly uneconomic, and must be rapidly phased out to protect public health and address the climate crisis--and the solution cannot be committing to even more fossil gas. The quicker our nation can transition toward clean renewable energy, the better it will be for people and the planet."
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Below is a statement by Julie McNamara, a senior analyst and deputy policy director of the Climate and Energy Program at UCS, about the power plant carbon standards.
"It's untenable that coal-fired power plants have gone so long without carbon limits despite their staggering climate toll, and that new gas-fired power plants keep getting built without carbon accountability. EPA's new carbon standards for coal-fired power plants, coupled with parallel rulemakings cracking down on mercury and air toxics, coal ash, and toxic power plant wastewater discharge, rightly force the hand of all coal plants that remain: clean up or make an exit plan. Furthermore, EPA's carbon standards for new gas-fired power plants are a critical check on the profoundly shortsighted buildout of ever more fossil fuel infrastructure.
"Delivering the rapid and robust clean energy transition the science demands requires attending to numerous policymaking levers and dials, but none are more fundamental than EPA doing its job in holding fossil-fuel-fired power plants to account for their pollution harms--and in so doing, leveling the playing field for states and utilities to pursue truly clean energy solutions instead.
"For as critical as these carbon rules are, the agency's job is not yet done. EPA must tackle carbon emissions from existing gas-fired power plants--soon to be the largest source of power sector carbon emissions--and it must look beyond carbon to reckon with the full suite of health-harming pollution these plants disproportionately and inequitably force on the communities that surround them. When all the heavy costs of fossil fuel-fired power plants are tallied, it's unequivocally clear that clean energy presents the just and necessary path ahead."
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Original text here: https://www.ucsusa.org/about/news/epa-finalizes-rules-addressing-power-plant-pollution
[Category: Environment]
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association: EPA's Unlawful, Unachievable Rules Jeopardize Reliable Electricity
ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 26 -- The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association issued the following statement on April 25, 2024:
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National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency finalized four new rules to regulate power plants.
"The path outlined by the EPA today is unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable," NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said. "It undermines electric reliability and poses grave consequences for an already stressed electric grid. The American economy can't succeed without reliable
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 26 -- The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association issued the following statement on April 25, 2024:
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National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency finalized four new rules to regulate power plants.
"The path outlined by the EPA today is unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable," NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said. "It undermines electric reliability and poses grave consequences for an already stressed electric grid. The American economy can't succeed without reliableelectricity. Smart energy policy recognizes that fundamental truth and works to help keep the lights on. This barrage of new EPA rules ignores our nation's ongoing electric reliability challenges and is the wrong approach at a critical time for our nation's energy future."
NRECA's assessment of EPA's power plant rule, the most impactful of the four finalized by EPA today, remains unchanged from the agency's original proposal:
The rule is unlawful. It violates the law, exceeds EPA's authority, and disregards Supreme Court rulings.
The technology isn't ready. The rule mandates the widespread adoption of technology that is promising, but not ready for prime time.
The timelines are unrealistic. The rule gives neither existing coal units nor new gas units enough time to reach compliance.
EPA finalized its rule against a backdrop of daunting threats to reliability, as electricity demand surges at the same time supply is decreasing.
The Energy Information Administration projects that power demand will reach record highs in 2024 and 2025, increasing by 2.5% and 3.2% respectively. Grid planners forecast electricity demand to grow by 38 gigawatts through 2028, the equivalent of adding another California to the grid.
Meanwhile, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation has warned that more than 110 gigawatts of always-available generation, enough to power about 35 million homes, will retire through 2033. And all or parts of 19 states are at high risk of rolling blackouts during normal peak conditions over the next five years.
Below is a 30-second audio clip of Matheson's comments on the power plant rule: "What's most concerning is that it puts electric reliability at risk."
Download these comments in MP3 format (https://www.cooperative.com/programs-services/government-relations/regulatory-issues/Documents/111/matheson_epa_response.zip).
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The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing nearly 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation's landscape. As local businesses built by the consumers they serve, electric cooperatives have meaningful ties to rural America and invest $15 billion annually in their communities.
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Original text here: https://www.electric.coop/epa-unlawful-power-plant-rules-jeopardize-reliable-electricity
[Category: Energy]
National Association of Manufacturers: EPA's Power Plant Rule Is Unachievable Without Substantial Permitting Reform
WASHINGTON, April 26 -- The National Association of Manufacturers issued the following statement on April 25, 2024:
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Following the release of the Environmental Protection Agency's new regulations on greenhouse gas emissions standards for certain power plants, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:
"Manufacturers appreciate the EPA removing existing gas plants from its new regulation, following manufacturers' warnings about the initial proposal. However, the rest of the rule causes serious concern because Congress and the president
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WASHINGTON, April 26 -- The National Association of Manufacturers issued the following statement on April 25, 2024:
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Following the release of the Environmental Protection Agency's new regulations on greenhouse gas emissions standards for certain power plants, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:
"Manufacturers appreciate the EPA removing existing gas plants from its new regulation, following manufacturers' warnings about the initial proposal. However, the rest of the rule causes serious concern because Congress and the presidenthave not enacted permitting reform--making it impossible to achieve the EPA's highly aspirational mandates. We call on Congress to get serious by enacting significant and meaningful permitting reform this year. That is essential to ramping up the use of renewables, carbon capture, hydrogen and nuclear, for example, to meet future demand.
"The final rule threatens grid reliability because of the unrealistic timeline for power plants to adopt technologies within the next 10 years that have yet to even be proven at scale. Our nation should be doing everything possible to make sure our families, businesses and manufacturers have a modern, strong and reliable electrical grid, especially at a time when global turmoil threatens our energy security. This new rule does the opposite, creating a threat to our national and economic security that literally could leave Americans in the dark and factories offline. In short, the EPA is rolling the dice with Americans' electricity and therefore with President Biden's manufacturing legacy.
"Our industry has made transformational investments in these technologies and clean energy solutions, and we are leading the way in their deployment. The EPA should be partnering with us--not undermining this progress. We will continue to press the administration to achieve a more balanced regulatory framework to help reach our climate goals."
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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.89 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit http://www.nam.org.
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Original text here: https://nam.org/epas-power-plant-rule-is-unachievable-without-substantial-permitting-reform-30842/?stream=series-press-releases
[Category: Business]
NMPF STATEMENT ON H5N1 AND FEDERAL ORDER ON LACTATING COWS
ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 26 -- The National Milk Producers Federation issued the following statement on April 24, 2024, by President and CEO Gregg Doud:
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Since this virus was first discovered in cows, H5N1 in dairy cattle has been primarily an animal health concern. Today's announcements and actions underscore that continued concern and focus on the well-being of animals and those who care for them.
USDA, FDA and scientific research has established what accumulated science indicated all along: The consumer milk supply is safe. Pasteurization renders the H5N1 virus, like other viruses,
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 26 -- The National Milk Producers Federation issued the following statement on April 24, 2024, by President and CEO Gregg Doud:
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Since this virus was first discovered in cows, H5N1 in dairy cattle has been primarily an animal health concern. Today's announcements and actions underscore that continued concern and focus on the well-being of animals and those who care for them.
USDA, FDA and scientific research has established what accumulated science indicated all along: The consumer milk supply is safe. Pasteurization renders the H5N1 virus, like other viruses,inactive, an important reminder to consumers of its value as a basic safeguard for human health. We appreciate that these agencies are sharing this message, which will help alleviate any concerns consumers may have.
That said, the presence of this virus in dairy herds, as well as dairy farmers' own commitment to animal and human health, makes USDA's actions on testing and interstate travel appropriate. Dairy farmers stand ready to take a proactive approach to ensuring that we better understand the spread of the virus, do what we can to limit that spread, and ensure the health of our animals and workers.
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Original text here: https://www.nmpf.org/nmpf-statement-on-h5n1-and-federal-order-on-lactating-cows/
[Category: Agriculture]
International Fresh Produce Association: Organic Produce Industry's Access to Critical Crop Inputs Focus of IFPA Comments, Testimony to USDA
WASHINGTON, April 26 -- The International Fresh Produce Association issued the following news release:
In testimony and comments (https://www.freshproduce.com/siteassets/files/advocacy/ifpa---nosb-spring-2024-comments---final.pdf) delivered to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organics Standards Board (NOSB), members of the International Fresh Produce Association's Food Safety and Government Relations teams urged the agency to continue its use of objective, science-based decision making as the NOSB considers proposed changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
"We
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WASHINGTON, April 26 -- The International Fresh Produce Association issued the following news release:
In testimony and comments (https://www.freshproduce.com/siteassets/files/advocacy/ifpa---nosb-spring-2024-comments---final.pdf) delivered to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organics Standards Board (NOSB), members of the International Fresh Produce Association's Food Safety and Government Relations teams urged the agency to continue its use of objective, science-based decision making as the NOSB considers proposed changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
"Weurge the NOSB to consider our recommendations to the National Organics Program with specific attention to the need for adequate tools for fresh produce growers, for objective scientific review, and with an understanding of the diverse needs for the many crops, growing regions, and production methods in the organic industry," said IFPA Director of Production and Environment Sara Neagu-Reed. "With a limited toolkit already, it is imperative that organic growers can continue to access these critical listed substances to combat pests and nurture plants in a variety of scenarios."
Leveraging industry expertise and data provided by IFPA's Organics Committee, the association provided feedback to the NOSB Spring Agenda on the following:
* Residue Testing for a Global Supply Chain. IFPA urged that NOSB ensure pesticide residue certifiers are adequately trained in proper sampling protocols (including chain of custody to safeguard accuracy and reduce cross-contamination) and understand the optimal time to conduct testing. The association provided additional commentary on science-based residue detection and how these methodologies are continually updated to recognized laboratory methods.
"Industry and regulatory agencies must collaborate to ensure current methodology is approved in a timely manner and that labs demonstrate required competencies and proficiencies in their verifications processes," stated IFPA Vice President of Regulatory Compliance & Global Food Safety Standards Emily Moyer.
* Climate-Induced Farming Risk and Crop Insurance. Recognizing the existing gap in crop insurance availability for organic products, IFPA called on the NOSB to level the playing field for producers, specifically improvements in quality factor considerations during loss adjustment, ensuring agents have expertise in organic markets for revenue protection, and appropriate length of time needed for in-field adjuster review specifically cited as focus areas for the agency.
* Improving Support for Organic Transition Proposal. While supportive of NOSB assistance for organic transition, IFPA shared its members' concerns over the adjusted gross income (AGI) limitation placed on various USDA programs, which often prohibits growers from participating in organic transition programs.
"There is previous evidence that medium-sized and larger farms have been kept from participating in organic transition programs because their income is over a certain threshold. While recognizing the importance of improving access to these programs for small and disadvantaged farms, IFPA believes that support for a wide array of stakeholders will ensure that growers can expand the organics market for consumers nationwide," Neagu-Reed noted.
* Inert Ingredients in Pesticide Products. In its comments, IFPA cautioned against listing all inert ingredients individually on the National List as doing so would dramatically increase the number of substances subject to sunset review.
"Individual listings will create unnecessary risk in the ability of NOSB to conduct sunset reviews in a timely manner. The NOSB should prioritize refining an inert ingredients list where ingredients that can be approved as a whole, rather than individually in the current system, as well as collaborate with staff and specialists at the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure accuracy of ingredients and their use," Moyer commented.
Other topics addressed in IFPA's comments were compost production for organic agriculture and 2026 Crop Sunset Reviews on many production inputs (hydrogen peroxide, ammonium soaps, horticultural oils, pheromones, ferric phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, and magnesium sulfate), as well as peracetic acid/peroxyacetic acid as an antimicrobial in washwater and for sanitization of produce handling tools and equipment.
With organics policy a key part of IFPA's advocacy agenda for 2024, Neagu-Reed will represent IFPA and its members' interests on these topics and more during the NOSB Spring Meeting scheduled for April 29-May 1 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://www.freshproduce.com/who-we-are/press-center/2024/organic-produce-industrys-access-to-critical-crop-inputs-focus-of-ifpa-comments-testimony-to-usda/
[Category: Food/Beverage]
Heart Rhythm Society: CV Societies Propel Plans Forward for a New Board of Cardiovascular Medicine
WASHINGTON, April 26 -- The Heart Rhythm Society issued the following news release:
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Efforts by the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the Heart Failure Society of America, the Heart Rhythm Society and The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions to create a new, independent Board of Cardiovascular Medicine under the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) are closer to becoming a reality with the creation of a formal Board of Directors and the announcement by the ABMS Advisory Board on Specialty Board Development of an open comment period.
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WASHINGTON, April 26 -- The Heart Rhythm Society issued the following news release:
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Efforts by the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the Heart Failure Society of America, the Heart Rhythm Society and The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions to create a new, independent Board of Cardiovascular Medicine under the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) are closer to becoming a reality with the creation of a formal Board of Directors and the announcement by the ABMS Advisory Board on Specialty Board Development of an open comment period.
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Efforts by the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the Heart Failure Society of America, the Heart Rhythm Society and The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions to create a new, independent Board of Cardiovascular Medicine under the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) are closer to becoming a reality with the creation of a formal Board of Directors and the announcement by the ABMS Advisory Board on Specialty Board Development of an open comment period.
The 90-day open comment period announced by ABMS on April 24 is a critical part of the application review process and a vital cornerstone for engagement in the decision-making process. Running through July 24, ABMS is seeking to gauge support for the new Board, including feedback on its impact to clinicians and patients.
"The open comment period is the time for cardiovascular physicians, allies in other medical specialties, patients, and others to make their voices heard on why an independent CV Board is the best path for cardiologists to stay up-to-date on best practices and evidence-based care, ensuring patients receive the best possible care," said Jeffrey Kuvin, MD, president of the proposed Board's new Board of Directors. "The field of cardiovascular medicine has evolved dramatically over the past few decades; now is the right time to develop an independent cardiovascular Board."
A diverse range of stakeholders, including cardiologists, other health care professionals, cardiovascular patients, cardiovascular organizations, and the public are invited to share their perspectives on the new Board, including whether it meets the ABMS requirements for both initial certification and continuing competency. Comments can be submitted via the ABMS website.
In addition to the comment period, the first 10 directors of the prospective Board have been selected, with an additional five directors soon to be named. As leaders in their respective fields, the Board of Directors will be instrumental in ushering the new Board through the application process and overseeing pre-launch projects in anticipation of Board approval.
The initial Directors include:
* Mark H. Drazner, MD (Treasurer)
* Peter L. Duffy, MD
* David P. Faxon, MD
* Edward T. A. Fry, MD
* Judith S. Hochman, MD
* Jodie L. Hurwitz, MD (Secretary)
* Michelle Maya Kittleson, MD
* Daniel M. Kolansky, MD
* Jeffrey T. Kuvin, MD (President)
* Gregory F. Michaud, MD
"Cardiologists have a responsibility to maintain clinical competency to ensure patients receive the best possible care. To facilitate career-long learning, a new model of certification tailored to the unique needs of cardiology is needed," the Directors said in a joint statement. "An independent Board focused solely on cardiovascular medicine as a distinct medical specialty will ultimately benefit cardiologists and patients alike."
The Directors' initial work will establish the framework needed to pave the way for a successful launch of the proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine, which includes crafting clear bylaws that outline the Board's structure and decision-making processes, establishing vital committees to manage specific Board processes and subspecialties, developing a sound budget, managing financial processes, and defining a tailored continuous competency certification process.
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About the Proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine
For over 80 years, cardiovascular medicine has been incorporated under the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). However, given decades of advancements in the field, cardiologists across the country have come together to move towards a new Board that recognizes cardiovascular medicine as a medical specialty distinct from internal medicine. The proposed independent Board of Cardiovascular Medicine, governed by cardiologists for cardiologists, would facilitate a deep understanding of competencies to ensure high-value cardiovascular patient care. The underpinnings of true lifelong learning and practical skills development proposed by the new Board will support clinicians in achieving and maintaining clinical competency. For more information, visit: https://CVBoard.org.
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About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education, and optimal healthcare policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, D.C., it has a membership of more than 8,200 heart rhythm professionals from 94 countries. For more information, visit HRSonline.org.
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About The American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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About the Heart Failure Society of America
The Heart Failure Society of America, Inc. (HFSA) represents the first organized effort by heart failure experts from the Americas to provide a forum for all those interested in heart function, heart failure, and congestive heart failure (CHF) research and patient care. The mission of HFSA is to provide a platform to improve and expand heart failure care through collaboration, education, innovation, research, and advocacy. HFSA members include physicians, scientists, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, trainees, other healthcare workers and patients. For more information, visit HFSA.org.
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About the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) is a nonprofit professional association with nearly 4,500 members representing interventional cardiologists and cardiac catheterization teams in the United States. SCAI promotes excellence in interventional cardiovascular medicine for both adults and children through education, representation, and the advancement of quality standards to enhance patient care. Follow @SCAI on Twitter for the latest heart health news.
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Original text here: https://www.hrsonline.org/news/press-releases-statements/cv-societies-propels-plans-new-cardiovascular-medicine-board
[Category: Health Care]
Association of the U.S. Army: Mingus - Army Redefining Future Fight
ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 26 -- The Association of the U.S. Army issued the following news:
Facing adversaries that are looking to sense, shoot and disrupt farther, the Army is developing and expanding its capabilities to counter them, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Mingus said.
"Our adversaries ... have come to the conclusion that they don't want to get into a close fight with the United States of America," Mingus said April 24 during a panel discussion hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "They've developed a series of preclusionary tactics ... so they don't ever
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 26 -- The Association of the U.S. Army issued the following news:
Facing adversaries that are looking to sense, shoot and disrupt farther, the Army is developing and expanding its capabilities to counter them, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Mingus said.
"Our adversaries ... have come to the conclusion that they don't want to get into a close fight with the United States of America," Mingus said April 24 during a panel discussion hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "They've developed a series of preclusionary tactics ... so they don't everhave to experience that close fight component. We've got to be able to match the adversary when it comes to long-range precision fires, contested logistics and command and control."
The Army also is expanding its definition of maneuver as it prepares for the future fight, Mingus said, citing DoD's Joint Warfighting Concept 3.0. "The classic definition of maneuver ... has expanded, and we've got to embrace that," he said. In the future, maneuver will move beyond its "classic" "geographical" definition into one that incorporates capabilities in cyberspace, space and air.
In that future fight, unmanned aircraft systems present an "acute threat" that the Army is "putting a lot of time, energy and resources into," Mingus said during the panel, where he spoke alongside his counterparts from the other services on efforts to prepare the force for competition and future warfare.
Counter-UAS "has to be viewed through the lens of the broader integrated air missile defense architecture," he said. "We've got to change that approach [to counter-UAS] and look at it more like we would in a typical defensive posture where you establish engagement areas, then you have layered defense, you have things you can disrupt and break."
In addition to counter-UAS capabilities, connecting data and utilizing artificial intelligence through the Joint All-Domain Command and Control strategy will be "one of the most critical components of how we fight as a combined joint force," Mingus said.
"We need to move toward data mesh, then data convergence, then data replication and then data reconciliation," he said. "Artificial intelligence tools ... will help us stay above that fray and move much, much faster than our adversaries."
As Army capabilities grow, the battlefield itself "is going to expand," so "how we see, where we see, how far we see and how far we can kill is moving at ranges that we have not been able to do previously," Mingus said.
Though the future fight presents uncertainties for Western nations and the global security environment, a competent, lethal land force is still the nation's best defense, he said.
"From a land force perspective, if you still have ... squads and platoons and battalions and brigades and divisions that can close with and destroy anybody in the world, in the most extreme lethal ways that we can determine, that is still your greatest deterrent force [against] adversaries," Mingus said.
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Original text here: https://www.ausa.org/news/mingus-army-redefining-future-fight
[Category: National Defense]