Month: April 2025

Top Executive battles country’s largest retailer in court & on the front lines

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A historic, multimillion-dollar lawsuit has been filed in federal court, spearheaded by award-winning Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Top Executive Dr. Johné Battle, on behalf of himself and 75,000 Black and Brown workers against Dollar General Store – the nation’s largest brick-and-mortar retailer.

Unbeknownst to many, Tennessee-based Dollar General Store operates over 20,000 stores, employs approximately 170,000 workers and generated a whopping $40 billion in revenue last year. Dollar General is TWICE the size of Walmart & Target, COMBINED! The company faces allegations of systemic racial discrimination that has affected thousands of marginalized employees nationwide and costs the top executive, his job and millions in salary. With 75% of U.S. households living within a five-mile radius of a Dollar General store, the milestone case underscores the widespread impact of the company’s bias employment practices and is, by far, the most egregious in the wake of the country’s “anti-woke” climate and the recent attempts at dismantling racial equity. This groundbreaking case is poised to shine the brightest light, to date, on the DEI dilemma and its historic impact on inclusion in America.

“This is more than just a lawsuit; this is a pivotal, landmark moment in light of our country’s latest assault on DEI,” said Dr. Battle. “The egregious retaliation and inequities that I and so many others of color have faced, must be heard. The first casualty of war is the truth.”

The lawsuit challenges Dollar General’s alleged quiet, massive and multi-layered cover-up in its bigoted hiring, promotion and pay practices when comparing Dollar General’s employees of color to the company’s white workers. Battle has referred to it as a new age, cryptic “plantation-style” culture. In the midst of unfounded U.S. tariffs and a remarkable economic downturn, Dollar General is the ONLY company, quietly, thriving.

Civil rights leaders are organizing one of the LARGEST DEI marches and boycotts that will take place at Dollar General headquarters later this month in Nashville, TN.

ABOUT DR. JOHNÉ BATTLE
Award-winning, globally recognized DEI leader, advocate, and change maker with a decorated career in fighting for workplace equity and justice. More at bit.ly/drjohnbattle.

Contact: Tee Foxx, call/text 404.791.6525 | tfoxx@foxxentgroupinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/landmark-case-poised-to-make-historic-impact-on-dei-302423888.html

SOURCE Dr. Johné Battle

HOUSTON, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SPL Environmental, a leader in analytical laboratory testing, is proud to announce the addition of targeted dioxin testing for 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) to its suite of advanced, specialty laboratory services.

2,3,7,8-TCDD is the most toxic and well-studied of the dioxin compounds and is commonly monitored in regulatory and environmental compliance programs. By offering testing for this compound, SPL supports public water suppliers, wastewater treatment plants, industries, and environmental consultants in meeting stringent safety and environmental standards.

“Adding dioxin testing enhances our ability to provide high-quality data for clients managing contamination concerns and regulatory compliance,” said Andrew Parker, President, Environmental at SPL. “It’s another way we’re partnering with our customers, helping them navigate complex environmental requirements with confidence.”

While SPL is accredited to test 2,3,7,8-TCDD in drinking water, this service is also applicable to:

• Soil and sediment characterization
• Contaminated site assessments
• Waste characterization
• Industrial discharge monitoring

With a legacy of scientific excellence and a dedicated team of experts, SPL continues to expand its specialized testing capabilities to support public health, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

For more information about Dioxin testing, or to request a quote, please visit www.spllabs.com.

About SPL

SPL is a leading provider of compliance and testing services for Environmental, Energy, and other end markets. Through our ISO and NELAP certified labs, verifiable test methods, and nationally recognized scientists SPL is dedicated to ensuring accurate and defensible data to our clients and communities. We provide best-in-class laboratory, metrology, and data management services, as well as access to data in real-time, to enable our customers to efficiently track and optimize their operations.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spl-now-offers-dioxin-testing-services-to-support-environmental-and-public-health-initiatives-302423846.html

SOURCE SPL, Inc.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sierra Northern Railway (SERA) announced today at the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) conference in Denver, Colorado, that it successfully completed testing of the first four-axle hydrogen-fueled, zero-emission switching locomotive on March 27, 2025, in West Sacramento, California.

Kennan H. Beard III, President of Sierra Northern Railway stated, “This accomplishment marks another major milestone in Sierra’s mission to bring Hydrogen Powered Zero Emission Switcher Locomotives within commercial reach for the short line industry.  Both in California and around the world.”

The demonstration of this Hydrogen Powered Zero Emission Switcher Locomotive was funded through a $4,000,000 grant to fund the design, integration, and demonstration of a hydrogen fuel cell switching locomotive from the California Energy Commission (CEC) and administered through GTI Energy.

“Sierra’s successful test proves that short lines can retire pre-tier 0 to tier 4 diesel locomotives and replace them with a Hydrogen Powered Zero Emission Switcher Locomotives using our advanced hydrogen powered units,” said Beard.

Demonstration and validation of Sierra Northern Railways Hydrogen Powered Zero Emission Switcher Locomotive establishes a platform for widespread commercialization in the immediate future. Short line and switching locomotives account for a significant share of the total locomotive energy use within the State of California as they carry a significant portion of freight in California and operate on the first and last miles of the national freight network. This makes short-line operations an excellent testbed for the demonstration of zero-emission technologies and a key to decarbonizing transportation emissions.

Video of this historic event can be found on Sierra Northern Railway (SERA) website: http://sierranorthern.com

This demonstration will start to facilitate the improvement of local air quality, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and odor for the communities that have a short line in their community. Most switcher locomotives in California use an average of approximately 50,000 gallons per year per switcher, potentially leading to a reduction of more than 12 million gallons of diesel per year. This is approximately equivalent to the same amount of fuel used each year by 20,000 light-duty vehicles.

“Sierra Northern Railway is proud that we will continue to lead the industry with low emission switching solutions as we continue to demonstrate that Sierra has achieved what the industry needs to convert to zero emission by integrating advanced hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage, advanced battery and systems control technologies to provide an alternative to less environmentally friendly diesel-powered locomotives.” stated Beard.

In addition to the funds received by the California Energy Commission, Sierra’s funding partners include: The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality District, SoCalGas and the Low Carbon Resource Initiative. Project Partners include: GTI Energy, Velocity Strategies, Railpower Tech, WHA International, Inc., OptiFuel Systems, Ballard Power Systems, UC Riverside and Valley Vision.

Next Actions for Sierra Northern Railway

Sierra Northern Railway has already started the process to build three additional zero emission hydrogen fueled switching locomotive from funding it was awarded from the State of California, California State Transportation Agency, Port and Freight Infrastructure Project Funding through a public-private partnership with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. The total project cost will be approximately $19,500,000 to expand on its current efforts by developing, demonstrating, and testing three additional hydrogen-fueled, zero-emissions switcher locomotives. The testing will be conducted on the soon to be constructed test track in Sierra’s West Sacramento rail yard. When this project is completed in quarter four of 2027, it will expand the Sierra’s Hydrogen Zero Emission Switching Locomotive Fleet to a total of four locomotives and will help Sierra lead the way to eventually convert the entire Sierra fleet to hydrogen powered zero-emission switchers as well as all 260+ switchers in California to a Sierra Hydrogen Powered Zero Emission Switcher Locomotive.

Sierra Northern Railway (SERA): Sierra Northern Railway is the freight division of privately owned, Sierra Railroad Company. Sierra Railroad Company is also the principal owner of Sierra Energy Corporation, which has developed a proprietary waste- to- clean hydrogen technology: FastOx^® gasification. Sierra Northern Railway currently operates approximately 75 miles of track in Northern California and 30 miles in Southern California through the heart of a number of the Golden State’s prime industrial areas, serving a wide variety of customers, and interchanging with both BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad.  http://sierranorthern.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sierra-northern-railway-successfully-tests-first-four-axle-hydrogen-fueled-zero-emission-switching-locomotive-302423855.html

SOURCE Sierra Northern Railway

BROOKFIELD, Wis., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bitcoin Mining World, a leader in bitcoin mining education and equipment sales, has announced Daniel Batten as a new shareholder and advisor. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the company’s innovation and professionalism within the Bitcoin mining industry. Batten, a ClimateTech investor and advocate for dispelling misconceptions about Bitcoin mining, will provide guidance and expertise over the next few years. His focus areas include coaching the executive team, promoting environmental sustainability, and advocating for the industry.

Batten’s prior experience as a business coach for Bitcoin Mining World last year helped align their visions for decentralized energy solutions and responsible mining practices. This formal partnership solidifies their shared mission.

“I’m excited to formalize my partnership with Bitcoin Mining World,” said Daniel Batten in a preliminary statement. “Our missions are aligned around driving innovative and climate-conscious solutions in Bitcoin mining. I look forward to supporting Bitcoin Mining World’s growth and continuing to dispel the myths and fears that too often surround this industry.”

Bitcoin Mining World has recently experienced growth, expanding its educational offerings, consulting services, and events like The Mining Conference. Batten’s support is expected to further enhance products such as the MasterMINED Club and Build-a-Mine Bootcamp, as well as expand the company’s reach among miners globally. Batten’s work on Bitcoin‘s environmental and human rights benefits will strengthen the company’s public narrative.

“Daniel’s deep knowledge of Bitcoin mining and proven track record in shifting the narrative around sustainable energy solutions make him an invaluable addition,” said Scott Offord, Founder and CEO of Bitcoin Mining World. “By combining our commitment to professionalizing the mining industry with Daniel’s advisory and outreach, we hope to set a higher standard for transparency and innovation in this space.”

Bitcoin Mining World specializes in helping entrepreneurs and traditional business owners enter the Bitcoin mining sector. They offer education, media, events, consulting, and equipment sales, with a focus on integrating Bitcoin mining into existing business verticals through power generation and creative heat reuse applications.

Daniel Batten is also the co-founder of CH4 Capital and a leading figure in financing Bitcoin mining operations on landfills. He is known for addressing environmental and human rights concerns related to Bitcoin and his work has significantly influenced public perceptions of bitcoin mining worldwide.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements regarding potential company growth and future business endeavors.

Media Contact: press@bitcoinminingworld.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bitcoin-mining-world-welcomes-daniel-batten-as-shareholder–advisor-302423807.html

SOURCE Bitcoin Mining World