The US has every reason to collaborate with China in the Belt and Road Initiative in order to enhance connectivity and jointly mitigate global development issues, according to a senior Chinese diplomat. Chinese Consul General in New York, Huang Ping noted that the BRI could be a point of agreement for China and the US cooperation in addressing development across the world.
Read moreThe Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued a decision on Jordan Cove’s application for a Section 401 Water Quality Certification. DEQ denied the requested certification at this time. DEQ denied the requested water quality certification at this time due to insufficient information to demonstrate compliance with water quality standards.
Read moreThe US will send a hospital ship to assist in the refugee crisis resulting from instability in Venezuela. Namely, at the annual Washington Conference on the Americas at the State Department, Vice President Mike Pence announced the Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort will deploy to the US Southern Command area of operations next month.
Read moreNew York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the Maid of the Mist, which has been navigating the waters of the Lower Niagara River, is preparing to launch the first two new all-electric, zero-emission passenger vessels constructed in the US. The vessels will be launched later this year. The new vessels will be placed into service in mid-September.
Read moreUS Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is worried about Russia's aggressive behaviour in the Arctic, while China’s actions should also be watched closely. This comes amid increasing divisions in the Arctic regarding global warming and access to minerals. However, Mr. Pompeo said that all were welcome to share in the Arctic’s wealth.
Read moreOn May 2, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published A Framework for OFAC Compliance Commitments in order to provide organizations subject to US jurisdiction, as well as foreign entities that carry out business in or with the US or US persons, or that use US-origin goods or services, with a framework on the necessary components of the sanctions compliance programs.
Read moreUS President Donald Trump stated that tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods will increase to 25%, from the current 10%. This move comes after repeated claims by the US government that trade talks with China are progressing smoothly. However, Vice President Mike Pence said that the US President is hopeful that he could reach an agreement with China.
Read moreVenture Global’s Plaquemines LNG export terminal in Louisiana is one step closer to receiving federal approval for construction, as US energy regulators issued a final environmental report. Namely, FERC decided that construction and operation of the project would result in some adverse environmental impacts, but those would be reduced to less-than-significant levels with proper mitigation.
Read moreA towboat hit St. Louis' Eads Bridge on May 3, possibly because of increasing flood waters. According to USCG officials, the tugboat was damaged to its pilot house but there were no injuries. The bridge was not harmed neither. After the accident, USCG closed a part of the Mississippi to all ship traffic from mile marker 179 to 184,
Read moreThe US announced that it is deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a bomber task force to the US Central Command region, as a response to a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings to Iran. The country also clarified that it is not seeking war with the Iranian regime, but it is 'fully prepared to respond to any attack.
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