BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators approved permits Thursday for of carbon dioxide delivered through a massive pipeline proposed for the Midwest, marking another victory for a project that has drawn fierce opposition from landowners. The governor-led Industrial Commission voted unanimously to approve permits for Summit Carbon Solutions’ three proposed storage sites in central North Dakota. Summit says construction of the project would begin in 2026 with operations beginning in 2027, but it’s expected that resistant landowners will file lawsuits seeking to block the storage plans. “With these permits, we’re one step closer to providing vital infrastructure that benefits farmers, ethanol producers, and communities across the Midwest," Summit Executive VP Wade Boeshans said in a statement. Summit’s proposed 2,500-mile (4,023-kilometer), $8 billion pipeline planet-warming CO2 emissions from 57 ethanol plants in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska for underground storage. Carbon dioxide would move through the pipeline in a pressurized form to be injected deep underground into a rock formation. The company has permits for its route in North Dakota and Iowa but can’t yet begin construction. Also on Thursday, Minnesota regulators approved a permit for a in western Minnesota. Summit also recently applied in South Dakota, where regulators last year. Last month, the company gained , and Iowa regulators also have Summit faces several lawsuits related to the project, including a North Dakota Supreme Court appeal over a property rights law related to the underground storage plan. Further court challenges are likely. North Dakota Republican Gov. who chairs the Industrial Commission, is President-elect Donald Trump's and to lead a new Burgum has frequently touted North Dakota's underground carbon dioxide storage as a “geologic jackpot.” In 2021, he set a goal for the No. 3 oil-producing state to be carbon-neutral by 2030. His term ends Saturday. Summit's storage facilities would hold an estimated maximum of 352 million metric tons of CO2 over 20 years. The pipeline would carry up to 18 million metric tons of CO2 per year to be injected about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) underground, according to an application fact sheet. Jessie Stolark, who leads a group that supports the project and includes Summit, said the oil industry has long used similar technology. “We know that this can be done safely in a manner that is protective of human health and underground sources of drinking water,” said Stolark, executive director of the Carbon Capture Coalition. has drawn the ire of around the region. They oppose the potential taking of their property for the pipeline and fear a releasing a cloud of heavy, gas over the land. A North Dakota landowners group is challenging a property rights law related to the underground storage, and attorney Derrick Braaten said they likely would challenge the granting of permits. “The landowners that I'm working with aren't necessarily opposed to carbon sequestration itself,” Braaten said. “They're opposed to the idea that a private company can come in and use their property without having to negotiate with them or pay them just compensation for taking their private property and using it.” Carbon capture projects such as Summit's are eligible for lucrative federal tax credits intended to encourage cleaner-burning ethanol and potentially result in corn-based ethanol being Some opponents argue the amount of greenhouse gases sequestered through the process would make little difference and could lead farmers to grow more corn despite environmental concerns about the crop. In Minnesota, regulators granted a route permit that would connect an ethanol plant in Fergus Falls to Summit’s broader network. They attached several conditions, including requirements that Summit first begin construction in North Dakota. An administrative law judge who conducted hearings concluded in November that the environmental impacts from the Minnesota segment would be minimal and noted that Summit has secured agreements from landowners along most of the recommended route. Environmental groups that oppose the project disputed the judge’s finding that the project would have a net benefit for the environment. Iowa regulators required Summit to obtain approvals for routes in the Dakotas and underground storage in North Dakota before it can begin construction in Iowa. The Iowa Utilities Commission's approval sparked lawsuits related to the project. In Nebraska, where there is no state regulatory process for CO2 pipelines, Summit is working with individual counties to advance its project. At least one county has denied a permit. ___ Karnowski reported from Minneapolis. Jack Dura And Steve Karnowski, The Associated Press'This is ridiculous!' Jim Jordan indignant over Dems' 'crazy' pardon ideas
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SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RSA ConferenceTM, the world's leading cybersecurity conferences and expositions, today announced that starting in April 2025, the Top 10 Finalists in the RSAC Innovation Sandbox (ISB) contest will receive financing to help them further accelerate innovation to fight the next generation of cybersecurity threats. The investment program will provide these startups with additional capital to deliver solutions that help organizations defend against the increasing volume and complexity of cybersecurity attacks. The RSACTM ISB contest, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, has become the world's premier showcase for the cybersecurity startup community. Some of the most successful cybersecurity innovators have competed in the RSAC ISB contest in order to highlight their game-changing ideas that have disrupted the cybersecurity industry. The contest has grown to receive roughly 150 applicants annually, forming an important source of innovation and ideation that has been essential in addressing ever-changing cybersecurity challenges. More than 750 investors, cybersecurity leaders, entrepreneurs and members of the media join the packed audience to watch the ISB event live. The RSAC ISB contest has become a preeminent platform within the cybersecurity community, providing increased visibility and awareness to the Top 10 Finalists each year. Since the RSAC ISB contest's inception, companies named as Top 10 Finalists have collectively raised over $16.4 billion* in investments and been involved in over 90 merger and acquisition transactions. Each year, a panel of independent judges selects the Top 10 Finalists after reviewing the applicants' submissions. At RSA Conference in San Francisco, each Top 10 Finalist presents an overview of their business, and a winner is selected by an independent panel of judges drawn from the cybersecurity community. Starting in 2025, the Top 10 Finalists will each receive a $5 million uncapped Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) investment, provided by affiliates of Crosspoint Capital Partners. "Attackers are constantly adapting and changing their tradecraft. Continuous innovation from cybersecurity startups is essential to global cyber defense," said Dr. Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman and long-serving program chair of RSA Conference, and Managing Partner of Crosspoint Capital Partners. "Historically, the RSAC Innovation Sandbox competition has anointed winners in cybersecurity long before they became winners in the marketplace. We are excited to introduce simplified, founder-friendly financing for the companies selected by the independent and neutral process of the RSAC Innovation Sandbox to further fuel cybersecurity innovation." For many industry-leading cybersecurity companies, the ISB platform has been an important part of their journey. "When Wiz participated in the RSAC Innovation Sandbox contest in 2021, we were a young company in an emerging cybersecurity category," said Anthony Belfiore, Chief Security and Strategy Officer of Wiz. "The exposure that we received from the ISB platform and RSA Conference helped us attract more customers earlier in our journey. This was extremely helpful for us. This new investment program is a game-changer." The investment program is delivered as an uncapped SAFE, which provides an immediate capital infusion while maintaining future fundraising flexibility. "Post Series A investment, subsequent rounds have trended to be larger with multiple investors. A valued security investor like Crosspoint Capital with the deep operational experience of their founding partners would be welcomed into the cap table," said Theresia Gouw, co-founding partner, Acrew Capital. In addition to the investment capital, RSAC is also developing a new forum, the RSAC Founders Circle, to provide past and present ISB Top 10 Finalists with additional exposure, coaching, mentorship, and connections with the CISO community. This initiative will also serve as a powerful alumni network for these distinguished entrepreneurs. Multiple ISB finalists have gone on to become standalone public companies while others become attractive acquisitions for platform assets. These previous Top 10 Finalists include leading cybersecurity innovators such as: Wiz, Imperva, SentinelOne, Talon Cyber Security, Phantom Cyber, and Hidden Layer. Additional details on the RSAC ISB submission process for qualifying candidates will be made available in January 2025. RSAC's Commitment to the Cybersecurity Community RSAC has a heritage of supporting important investments for the community through former and existing programs, including the RSAC Innovation Sandbox, RSAC Security Scholar, child online safety, College Day, community philanthropic activities during the Conference and Conference scholarships to underrepresented communities through its vast network of partners. A portion of the returns received from the investments made in the Top 10 Finalists will be used by RSAC to support the cybersecurity community. *Indicates latest numbers according to Crunchbase Additional Quotes: Nasrin Rezai, SVP and Chief Information Security Officer, Verizon – RSAC Innovation Sandbox Judge "CISOs like me who are constantly trying to sort through the barrage of new cybersecurity entrants are always looking for a signal on who to spend time with and which solutions to try," said Nasrin Rezai, SVP and Chief Information Security Officer, Verizon and returning ISB judge. "The rigorous process of picking these Top 10 Finalists creates a signal to the market of who to pay attention to." Dean Sysman, Co-Founder and CEO, Axonius – RSAC 2019 Innovation Sandbox Winner "One of the best things you want to achieve as a startup in the cybersecurity world is to be a part of the RSAC Innovation Sandbox contest," said Dean Sysman, Co-Founder and CEO, Axonius. "RSA Conference is the most important place where cybersecurity business, ideas, and products get introduced, talked about, and reviewed. The recognition and validation that winning ISB provides coming from that esteemed judging panel was instrumental in people trusting that we would follow through in what we promised we would do for them. There is nothing to lose by applying. Winning it sets you apart in a very differentiated and unique way while pushing the industry to look at you in a new light." Rehan Jalil, CEO, Securiti AI – RSAC 2020 Innovation Sandbox Winner "Making it into the RSAC ISB Top 10 and then winning the contest sends a very strong signal to not only the venture capitalists but the industry at large. The panel of judges for the ISB competition is very diverse, and they each evaluate startups with a different lens, which ultimately helps you as a company be judged more holistically. Winning ISB put us on the map, boosting our brand and increasing customer engagement. Whether you raise money before the contest or after, you get community interest in potentially making a jump to the next stage once you make it into the Top 10," said Rehan Jalil, CEO of Securiti AI, RSAC 2020 Innovation Sandbox Winner. Oliver Friedrichs, Founder and CEO, Pangea and Founder and CEO, Phantom Cyber – RSAC 2023 Innovation Sandbox Finalist and RSAC 2016 Innovation Sandbox Winner "Being a Finalist puts you on the map and separates you from the pack," said Oliver Friedrichs, Founder and CEO of Pangea, RSA Conference 2023 Innovation Sandbox Finalist and Founder and CEO of Phantom Cyber, RSAC 2016 Innovation Sandbox Winner. "If you're a new, relatively unknown entity, it's a great way to launch your company on the big stage. The attention you get being a Top 10 Finalist attracts venture capitalists, strategic investors, and enterprise customers who are all trying to understand what these new companies are doing and how they can help me. This new investment program for the Top 10 Finalists is a testament to the quality and potential of these companies. This added funding provides an even greater long-term financial impact for these startups and further extends their runway." Dave Chen, co-head of Global Technology Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley – RSAC Innovation Sandbox Judge "Several of the companies that have been selected to the ISB Top 10 have gone on to become juggernauts in cybersecurity. The Innovation Sandbox competition is where some of the biggest stories in cybersecurity begin," said Dave Chen, co-head of Global Technology Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley. "I'm honored to be a judge for the 2025 contest." Ben Colman, Co-Founder and CEO, Reality Defender – RSAC 2024 Innovation Sandbox Winner "For over a year, we had board members, investors, and clients encourage us to apply to the Innovation Sandbox contest," said Ben Colman, Co-Founder and CEO of Reality Defender and winner of the RSA Conference 2024 Innovation Sandbox contest. "We applied with no expectations, made it to the Top 10, and quickly realized our fellow Finalists were almost all pure play cybersecurity companies — something we thought was our disadvantage as a cybersecurity company focused on AI, but ultimately proved to be why we won. Awarding future winners with an uncapped SAFE note now makes applying to RSAC Innovation Sandbox a truly game-changing proposition." Paul Kocher, Independent Researcher, Investor and Marconi Prize winner – RSAC Innovation Sandbox Judge "The Innovation Sandbox contest is a fantastic event and terrific driver for bringing new technology to market — and for entrepreneurs it's an opportunity to present to the ideal audience," said Paul Kocher, RSAC ISB Judge, Investor, Independent Researcher and Marconi Prize winner. "I've served as a judge for most of the contest's 20 years, and have seen first hand how it raises Finalists' profiles, helping start-ups build enthusiasm with customers, investors, and new hires. Although the strong field of applicants makes the selection process challenging, I appreciate the Conference and judges' commitment to ensuring the neutrality and independence of the evaluation and selection process." About RSA Conference RSA ConferenceTM is the premier series of global events and year-round learning for the cybersecurity community. RSAC is where the security industry converges to discuss current and future concerns and have access to the experts, unbiased content, and ideas that help enable individuals and companies advance their cybersecurity posture and build stronger and smarter teams. Both in-person and online, RSAC brings the cybersecurity industry together and empowers the collective "we" to stand against cyberthreats around the world. RSAC is the ultimate marketplace for the latest technologies and hands-on educational opportunities that help industry professionals discover how to make their companies more secure while showcasing the most enterprising, influential, and thought-provoking thinkers and leaders in cybersecurity today. For the most up-to-date news pertaining to the cybersecurity industry visit www.rsaconference.com . Where the world talks security.BLM local briefs 12/11
Mount Washington is known for having the worst weather in the world, so the week before Christmas, most people would expect the summit to be consumed by snowy conditions. But on Dec. 17-19, 2023, precipitation on the mountain fell as rain. The precipitation and snowmelt from this rain-on-snow (ROS) event caused a flood the severity of which is expected only once every 800 years in the Mount Washington Valley, according to the Mount Washington Observatory. In the aftermath of this storm, weather observer Charlie Peachey recognized that it could serve as a prime example of the devastation ROS events can cause. As a staff member at the Mount Washington Observatory, he has been studying these weather phenomena for the past few years. ROS events are instances when a measurable amount of rain falls onto an already existing snowpack. They tend to be most common in the late fall and early winter, and also in the early spring. This is because the weather is cold enough to maintain a layer of snow, but also still warm enough for rain to fall. ROS events like the one of December 2023 can cause major floods due to a combination of rain and melting snow. “These are really impactful rain events or flooding events because no one can really predict the magnitude of them,” Peachey said. The goal of Peachey’s research is to figure out if ROS events have increased in recent history, and if their seasonality, or when they occur during the year, is changing. This could help predict future flooding and allow residents of the Mount Washington Valley time to prepare. The Mount Washington Observatory’s weather data set is unique. Their staff stay at the summit with someone there to collect hourly and six-hourly temperature and precipitation data year-round. Consistent human intervention with weather equipment means that the observatory’s data is high quality. “When we’re going outside to take our observations ... we’re also going outside to knock all the ice off of these anemometers (a device that measures wind speed and direction),” Peachey said. Observatory staff also differentiate between types of precipitation while they’re out collecting other data, while previous studies on ROS events have used temperature as a proxy for precipitation type. “If it’s below freezing, they’re going to consider it solid,” Peachey said. “If it’s above freezing, they’re going to consider it liquid. But there’s a whole lot of nuances in there.” The observatory’s real-time monitoring improves the accuracy of their data. The observatory has been in its current location since 1980. Peachey used the data from 1980 to 2020 to create two distinct climatologies, or 30-year periods of average weather conditions (1981 to 2010, and 1991 to 2020). This is the standard in the field of climatology, said Peachey. “This extensive temporal coverage allows for a comprehensive analysis of rain-on-snow events and facilitates the investigation of trends and patterns over time,” said Dr. Dae Il Jeong, a physical sciences specialist at Environment and Climate Change Canada. To avoid the data being skewed by months with no likelihood of ROS events and to better study seasonality, Peachey focused on the “winter year” (October through May) instead of the calendar year (January through December). Peachey compared the winter year climatologies of 1981-2010 and 1991-2020 to identify any differences in the frequency and seasonality of ROS days. ROS days increased 17 percent between 1981-2010 and 1991-2020, Peachey found. Even more telling is that ROS days in December increased 46 percent between the two climatologies. In the earlier climatology, ROS days peaked in April with a smaller peak in November. But in the later climatology, the smaller peak occurred in December instead. This increase in ROS events and the change in their seasonality is explained by the increasing temperatures at the summit of Mount Washington, and one of the months that’s warming the fastest on the mountain is December, according to a 2021 study published in Northeastern Naturalist. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that since the beginning of the 19th century, New Hampshire’s temperature has increased more than 3 degrees Fahrenheit. They also project an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme precipitation events, along with an overall rise in the amount of precipitation in the state. Although Peachey doesn’t want to confirm any results until his study is peer-reviewed, he said, “In general, it most likely is a climate change-related issue, just causing things to become a little more variable and also ... making the winter warmer at the beginning ... and at the end.” Ultimately, these results mean that the winter season in New Hampshire is shortening. As N.H. Public Radio has reported, the mountains have lost one to two weeks of snow since the 1970s. This has a huge impact on ski resorts, which are the backbone of the state’s tourism industry. Peachey said that due to warming temperatures, “a lot of ski areas ... can’t start building a snowpack until later in the year. ... And most of their money honestly is made during the week of Christmas. So, if they’re able to get a lot of snow in by then they’ll probably pretty much be able to survive the year. If they aren’t, then there’s a lot of tourism hits that happen here in the North Country.” Peachey and intern Laura Wilson’s case study on the December 2023 ROS event illustrates how devastating these storms can be to the ski industry. Tuckerman Ravine, a popular area for those who want to test their backcountry skiing prowess, is located on the east side of Mount Washington and had a healthy snowpack of up to 83 inches on Dec. 15, 2023. When the Mount Washington Avalanche Center checked the area again on Dec. 21, it was virtually un-skiable due to exposed rocks and rushing water under the remaining snow. The summit’s snowpack also fared poorly, reduced from 5 inches to 1 inch by this ROS event. Unstable snow like this poses an avalanche risk to skiers and hikers alike. The 2021 Northeastern Naturalist study reported a downward trend of snow-covered days both on the summit of Mount Washington and in Pinkham Notch. This storm and others like it could contribute to a continuation of this trend. Floods like the one of December 2023 don’t just wipe out precious powder, they also cause critical destruction to communities in the Mount Washington Valley. Gov. Chris Sununu reported more than $4 million in damages in the state from the December 2023 storm. If temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, resulting in an increase in ROS events, the risk for major floods will also grow. ROS events are difficult to forecast, Peachey said. To address this, he’s currently working on another project to pair with his existing work that he hopes will help “create a usable product for (estimations) here at the summit.” Jeong, the Environment and Climate Change Canada scientist, said that predictive models and informed management practices are “increasingly important in the context of climate change.” Peachey hopes that the data from his studies will help improve this technology. NOAA reports that climate change will continue to alter our winters, and research like that from the Mount Washington Observatory may help adaptation to its consequences.