Month: July 2025

Court denies U.S. motion to dismiss case alleging
Corps failed to mitigate potential damage to religious retreat

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A federal judge today ruled that the nation’s largest Buddhist organization, Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA), can proceed with its lawsuit against the Army Corps of Engineers challenging the Corps’ massive water reservoir and pumping project that will have a significant adverse impact on SGI-USA’s religious retreat and the ability of its members to freely exercise their religious rights.

In a 13-page written decision, U.S. District Judge William Dimitrouleas denied the Army Corps’ efforts to dismiss the lawsuit filed in December 2024. The lawsuit alleges the Corps failed to adequately evaluate and mitigate the impacts of the massive project on SGI-USA’s decades-old religious retreat facility west of Fort Lauderdale.

SGI-USA’s Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) in West Broward County, founded in 1996, hosts thousands of spiritual members every month for multi-day spiritual retreats. Religious retreat participants come to the FNCC with an expectation of serenity, peacefulness and a welcoming place to engage in their spiritual and religious activities. As part of its own commitment to environmental sustainability, the FNCC has permanently allocated one-third of the property for conservation purposes.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ planned 1,250-acre C-11 Impoundment Project, a 1.5 billion-gallon artificial lake, directly borders the FNCC. SGI-USA and the FNCC said its experts have determined the project will cause at least a decade of substantial adverse impacts during construction, impacts that will then continue permanently during operation. These impacts, which include vibration, dust, changes to groundwater, wetlands and wildlife, will physically damage the FNCC and disrupt and prevent SGI-USA members from using the FNCC to exercise their spiritual and religious beliefs.

The Army Corps claimed the SGI-USA and FNCC lawsuit was barred by the statute of limitations, arguing that SGI-USA and FNCC could have filed their case as early as 2012 when the Corps first evaluated the environmental impacts of the project. However, SGI-USA and FNCC successfully argued that the project was not funded by Congress until 2022, and the Corps did not make a final decision to proceed with the project until 2023. The Court also allowed SGI-USA and FNCC to proceed with its claim that the adverse impacts of the Corps’ project violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by imposing substantial burdens on SGI-USA’s members’ ability to freely exercise their religious beliefs.

In a statement released today, SGI-USA said:

Our aim is to force the Corps to do what it knows the law requires it to do: design, construct and operate the Impoundment based on a full, public and transparent evaluation of the Project’s impacts on the surrounding environment, particularly on the FNCC, which directly borders the Project. The Corps must take into account the safety and sanctity of our property, environment, the spiritual activities of our members and the broader community. We seek a balanced approach that aligns the environmental goals of the Project with the protection of our religious and spiritual activities. 

We remain open to constructive dialogue with the Corps to find solutions that preserve the well-being and environmental, spiritual and property rights of our community.

The lawsuit is Case 24-CV-62452-WPD.

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SOURCE Soka Gakkai International-USA

“Driven by National Strategies and Abundant Renewable Resources, MENA Emerges as a Global Leader in Clean Energy Innovation with Major Investments in Solar, Wind, and Green Hydrogen”

BOSTON, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to the latest study from BCC Research, “Renewable Energy Regional Analysis Market: Middle East and North Africa” is projected to reach $59.9 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2030.

This report analyzes the renewable energy market in the MENA region, focusing on emerging economies like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Morocco. It covers energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy, and their use in the residential, commercial, and utility sectors. The study explores market trends, policies, investments, and technologies driving renewable energy growth. Turkey and Israel are excluded to maintain focus on less-developed markets, helping investors, policymakers, and companies identify high-potential opportunities in the region.

This report is particularly relevant today as MENA countries are accelerating their shift to renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and meet climate goals. National strategies like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Net Zero 2050 are driving major clean energy projects. Falling technology costs and rising electricity demand are making renewables more viable and necessary. Global climate commitments and the push for green hydrogen exports are further boosting momentum. Additionally, growing foreign investment is fueling large-scale renewable developments across the region.

The factors driving the market’s growth include:

Government-led Strategies and Energy Diversification Plans: MENA governments are promoting renewable energy through national strategies aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These plans include policy reforms, investment incentives, and partnerships to support clean energy development.

Abundant Natural Resources Offering Renewable Energy Potential: The region’s high solar radiation and strong wind conditions make it ideal for renewable energy projects. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Morocco are leveraging these natural advantages to build cost-effective solar and wind farms.

Growing Energy Demand and Electrification of New Sectors: Rising energy needs due to population growth and industrialization, along with the electrification of sectors like transport and water desalination, are driving demand for sustainable power sources like renewables.

Energy Export Goals and the Rise of Green Hydrogen: MENA nations are investing in green hydrogen production to become global exporters of clean energy. This aligns with international decarbonization goals and opens new economic opportunities in energy trade.

Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Production for Export and Domestic Use: Green hydrogen and ammonia are being developed for export and domestic use in power generation, transport, and industry, supporting both economic growth and environmental goals.

Industrial Decarbonization and Renewable-powered Manufacturing: Heavy industry in MENA is transitioning to renewable energy to reduce emissions. This includes using green hydrogen and electrification to power manufacturing processes, helping meet climate targets.

Development of Utility-scale Renewable Energy Projects: Large-scale solar and wind projects are expanding across the region, backed by government and private investment. These projects are crucial for increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing carbon footprints.

Request a sample copy of the renewable energy market in the MENA region report.

Report Synopsis

 

Interesting facts:

• Abundant Solar Potential in MENA: MENA receives 22% to 26% of the planet’s solar radiation. Each square kilometer can generate the equivalent of 1 million to 2 million barrels of oil annually, potentially meeting half of the world’s electricity needs.
• Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park: Located in Dubai, this is the world’s largest single-site concentrated solar power (CSP) plant. It boasts a total capacity of 1 GW, with 600 MW from CSP and 400 MW from photovoltaic panels, and can deliver power continuously for 12 hours at night.

Emerging startups:

• Yellow Door Energy
• Enerwhere
• Nour Energy
• Pylon
• Barq EV

The report addresses the following questions:

1.      What is the MENA renewable energy market’s projected growth rate and size?

• The MENA renewable energy market is projected to reach $59.9 billion by the end of 2030, with a CAGR of 14.4%.

2.      Which factors are driving the growth of the MENA renewable energy market?

• Abundant solar and wind resources across the region.
• Government initiatives and national energy transition plans (e.g., Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Energy Strategy 2050).
• Rising energy demand and the need to diversify from fossil fuels.
• International climate commitments and decarbonization targets.
• Investments in utility-scale renewable projects and green hydrogen development.

3.      Which market segments are covered in the report?

• The MENA renewable energy market is segmented based on source, end-user, and country. Sources include hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, bioenergy, and others. End-users include residential, commercial and industrial. National estimates and forecasts are made for Egypt, Morocco, UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Algeria, Kuwait, and the Rest of MENA.

4.      Which will be the dominant source through 2030?

• The hydropower segment in the MENA renewable energy market will continue to dominate through the end of the forecast period.

5.      Which country has the largest market share?

• Egypt is expected to dominate the market, with a CAGR of 14.4%, reaching $19.8 billion by the end of 2030. Egypt has emerged as one of the leading players in the MENA region’s renewable energy transition, demonstrating strong political commitment and strategic planning to diversify its energy mix. Historically reliant on fossil fuels, Egypt began pursuing large-scale renewable energy projects as part of its broader Vision 2030 strategy to ensure energy security, attract foreign investment, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy has become a cornerstone of Egypt’s renewable energy agenda. The country benefits from high solar irradiance, up to 3,000 kWh/m² per year in many areas, making it ideal for solar development. Egypt is home to the Benban Solar Park in Aswan, one of the largest solar installations in the world, with a total capacity of 1.8 GW. The park was developed under Egypt’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) program and has attracted substantial international financing and participation from major global energy players. The success of Benban has positioned Egypt as a model for public-private partnerships in solar infrastructure across the region.

Related reports include:

Renewable Energy: Technologies and Global Markets: This report reviews the global market for renewable energy technologies, focusing on power generation from sources like solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, ocean, and bioenergy. It presents market size in both value and capacity, analyzes trends across technologies, applications, and regions, and includes data from 19 countries. The report also profiles 15 key vendors and briefly touches on secondary uses like heating and lighting, while maintaining a primary focus on electricity generation.

Green Hydrogen: Global Markets: This report explores the global green hydrogen market, segmented by technology, power source, end-use industry, and region. It provides market size in both value and volume, and includes competitive analysis based on company market share and revenue. The focus is on hydrogen production through water electrolysis powered by renewable sources like wind and solar, with emphasis on alkaline and PEM electrolyzer technologies. Hydrogen produced using non-renewable energy sources is excluded. The report also covers market dynamics, emerging technologies, and global industry developments.

Purchase a copy of the report direct from BCC Research.

For further information on any of these reports or to make a purchase, contact info@bccresearch.com.    

About BCC Research

BCC Research market research reports provide objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities. Our experienced industry analysts’ goal is to help you make informed business decisions free of noise and hype.

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SOURCE BCC Research LLC

Cox Enterprises taps accomplished marketing strategist and visionary leader to lead its conservation-focused outdoor company, Loop Tackle

ATLANTA, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cox Enterprises today announced the appointment of Jim Coates as chief executive officer of Loop Tackle, a global leader in elite fly-fishing equipment and conservation-focused outdoor gear. He succeeds Gordon Sim, who led the company for more than 12 years and will transition into the new role of chief conservation officer. In this position, Sim will continue to advance Loop Tackle’s strategic vision and deepen its mission to protect wild fish in wild places.

This leadership transition comes as Loop Tackle enters an exciting new chapter under Cox Enterprises, which acquired the company in the fall of 2024 as part of its broader investment strategy in sustainable businesses and technologies. Loop Tackle’s commitment to protecting wild fish populations and pristine rivers aligns closely with Cox’s mission to build a better future through environmental stewardship and innovation.

“Jim has already demonstrated a passion for the business and a remarkable talent for leading the organization’s focus on innovation and new product development,” said Alex Taylor, chairman and CEO of Cox Enterprises. “We want Loop to lead the market in innovation and in connecting customers with more experiences deeper into nature. He and Gordon will work well together.”

With broad experience in sales and marketing, Jim Coates brings a unique combination of operational excellence and brand leadership. Before joining Loop Tackle as president and COO in 2024, he worked as a consultant and held leadership roles at VELUX, where he focused on creating better living environments for people around the world. 

“I’m honored to lead a company whose heritage is so deeply rooted in environmental respect and outdoor passion,” said Coates. “We’ll continue to push boundaries in fly-fishing innovation while doubling down on our mission to protect the rivers and wild fish populations that inspire everything we do.”

Under Sim’s leadership, Loop Tackle expanded its global reach, built lasting relationships within the conservation and angling communities, and became synonymous with performance, craftsmanship, and ecological responsibility. In his new role as chief conservation officer, Sim will continue to shape Loop Tackle’s long-term strategy and mentor the next generation of leaders.

“The strength of Loop lies not just in our gear, but in the community that surrounds it,” said Sim. “Together, we’ve built something enduring, and I look forward to deepening our impact as we continue to protect and preserve the waters that bind us all.”

Founded in Sweden in 1979 by Christer Sjöberg and Tony Karpestam, Loop Tackle has spent decades cultivating a passionate global community of anglers who share a reverence for wild places. Its gear is designed for performance and purpose, helping people connect more deeply with nature and encouraging them to become stewards of the environment. Today, the brand is focused on driving growth in the U.S. and abroad, following the recent launch of its colored Classic reels and with a number of exciting new products in development.

Cox Enterprises’ acquisition of Loop Tackle reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. As part of its long-term environmental goals, such as achieving carbon and water neutrality by 2034, Cox continues to seek investments that promote environmental wellness and community well-being.

Learn more about Loop Tackle: looptackle.com

About Loop Tackle
Loop Tackle crafts expert fly-fishing gear for adventure in wild places. Its precise Scandinavian designs reflect the company’s belief that when nature is personal, protecting it is instinctual. Founded in 1983 in Nordic waters teeming with wild salmon, the company pioneered innovations like the large arbor reel and the underhand cast, and pushed the boundaries of angling experiences into far flung places from Labrador to Tierra del Fuego. As part of the Cox family of businesses, Loop Tackle is crafting more of the innovative gear Loop anglers appreciate with increasing sustainability for a bigger purpose. To learn more, visit looptackle.com.

About Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive, and media industries, as well as a leading investment platform with strategic positions in emerging technologies driving the future of agriculture, renewable energy and public sector software. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox is a global company with $23 billion in annual revenues and a proud history of over 125 years. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet and communities, visit coxenterprises.com.

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SOURCE Cox Enterprises

BAYPORT, Texas, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Arkema, a leader in specialty materials, has earned ISCC PLUS certification for acrylic monomers at all of its production sites worldwide, including Carling, France; Clear Lake, Texas (US); Taixing, China; and Bayport, Texas⁽¹⁾ (US). These certifications are part of the company’s global Mass Balance⁽²⁾ offer roadmap. With a globally certified acrylic monomer network, Arkema can support easy, fast and cost-effective lower product carbon footprint projects from customers across the acrylic value chain – with end user solutions in coatings, adhesives, new mobility, building efficiency, living comfort, engineered polymers, leather, textiles, hygiene and water treatment. 

“Arkema is among the first providers to offer local supply of bio-attributed acrylic monomers, using a Mass Balance⁽²⁾ approach, at a truly global scale,” said Hervé Castres Saint Martin, Group President for Acrylic Monomers at Arkema. “By focusing on certification for acrylic monomers at this scale, we are setting the stage for strategic product carbon footprint reduction initiatives through Arkema’s bio-attributed acrylic resins and additives and across the industry acrylics value chain. Our Mass Balance approach will help create economies of scale for more renewable and recycled raw materials.”

These certifications are a key step in the progressive introduction of a global and complete range of bio-attributed⁽³⁾ specialty resins and additives, including high solids, waterborne, UV-LED-EB, and polyester powder materials across many different industries.

For more information, visit our website on mass balance.

(1) American Acryl LP, 50-50 joint venture with Nippon Shokubai.

(2) The mass balance traceability chain is a method used to track the flow of materials through a production system. and attribute the inputs of a production process, to outputs of that production process through certified bookkeeping. This distinct accounting method verifies that the certified feedstock has replaced an equivalent quantity of fossil raw materials at the beginning of the supply chain and can be attributed to the product-to-be-sold, ensuring that both input and output are balanced. [Source ISCC]

(3) A bio-attributed content indicates that the use of a biobased or recycled feedstock has been ascribed using a mass-balance methodology. The bio-attributed content is the % breakdown based on the ISCC+ methodology calculation. [Source Arkema]

Building on its unique set of expertise in materials science, Arkema offers a portfolio of first-class technologies to address ever-growing demand for new and more sustainable materials. With the ambition to become a pure player in Specialty Materials, the Group is structured into 3 complementary, resilient and highly innovative segments dedicated to Specialty Materials – Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions – accounting for some 92% of Group sales in 2024, and a well-positioned and competitive Intermediates segment. Arkema offers cutting-edge technological solutions to meet the challenges of, among other things, new energies, access to water, recycling, urbanization and mobility, and fosters a permanent dialogue with all its stakeholders. The Group reported sales of around € 9.5 billion in 2024 and operates in some 55 countries with 21,150 employees worldwide.

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SOURCE Arkema

New brand signals next chapter for firm leading public-private development solutions for California’s housing and health infrastructure needs

LOS ANGELES, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Community Development Resource Group (CD-RG), a longtime partner to California’s public agencies, mission-driven developers and housing advocates, has officially rebranded as Brisa Development Partners (Brisa). The name marks a new chapter for one of the most effective teams working at the intersection of public funding and community development in California.

“Brisa represents an evolution of what we’ve built: a high-performing team focused on delivering results in complex environments,” said Kevin Rodin, founder and president of Brisa Development Partners. “California’s challenges when it comes to health and housing require creativity, technical fluency and speed. Our team has a proven ability to deliver on all three.”

Founded in 2015, Brisa is a California-based developer, consultant and impact multiplier. The firm specializes in unlocking public funding and delivering thoughtful projects of varying scale that meets urgent housing and healthcare needs. With nearly $3 billion in public funding secured and over 150 projects supported across more than 20 counties, Brisa has earned a reputation for helping partners move quickly and strategically, from early-stage vision through occupancy.

Brisa leads and supports projects across the full real estate cycle. The firm develops its own affordable housing and health facilities while also partnering with public agencies, nonprofits and other developers to deliver high-impact work. Its services include development consulting, strategic funding stack support, application management for California’s most competitive programs (including AHSC, BHCIP, and HCD), and public-private partnership strategy.

“We’re a small team by design, but we’ve built systems that allow us to deliver big results,” said Frannie Hemmelgarn, Project Director at Brisa. “Whether we’re structuring a multi-layered funding stack or helping a city shape a new behavioral health campus, we show up with creativity and the ability to get it done.”

Notable projects Brisa has supported as development consultant include the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles, Crenshaw Crossing in South L.A., Balboa Reservoir in San Francisco, North Berkeley BART in Berkeley, and Library Court in Santa Cruz. The firm is currently co-developing five Project HomeKey sites and two BCHIP mental health facilities, and it continues to expand its development portfolio. Brisa has 170 units under construction as of today, with an additional 480 units set to break ground in the coming months. Its first project to open will be Hub City Heights: with 40 units of Permanent Supportive Housing in Compton, this new community will welcome residents in August 2025.

To learn more about Brisa Development Partners and how they’re helping communities turn opportunity into impact, visit www.brisa.co.

About Brisa Development Partners
Brisa Development Partners is a California-based developer, consultant, and impact multiplier specializing in affordable housing and behavioral health facilities. Founded in 2015 as Community Development Resource Group, Brisa has secured nearly $3 billion in public funding and supported more than 150 projects across 20+ counties. The firm provides end-to-end project support—from feasibility and funding strategy to application management and development execution—with a focus on helping public agencies and mission-driven organizations navigate complex funding systems and deliver high-impact real estate. Brisa’s work is grounded in public-private partnership, systems-level thinking, and a commitment to neighborhood-scale development that creates lasting community value. Follow along at www.brisa.co.

Media Contact: Sean Billisitz
sean@sidecarpr.com  |  (574) 298-2712

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SOURCE Brisa Development Partners