Polling shows nearly 3 in 4 voters support exemptions for emergency support vehicles

Key Highlights:

• CARB’s ZEV mandate will hobble public agencies ability to respond to emergencies.
• While fire trucks are excluded from CARB’s ZEV rule, support vehicles that are just as critical to emergency response are not.
• Emergency response would have been hindered, and the 2018 Paradise fire even more catastrophic, if CARB’s ZEV regulation had been in effect.
• Disaster emergencies often bring blackouts, limiting operational readiness of electric vehicles.
• California voters support more exemptions for emergency support vehicles.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The California Special Districts Association (CSDA), along with local government leaders representing fire protection, water, resource conservation and hundreds of other public agencies across California today called on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to exclude a broader range of emergency support vehicles from CARB’s Advanced Clean Fleets Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) regulation, currently open for a 15-day comment period.

Leaders are urging CARB to act on the concern that its mandate will hobble public agencies’ ability to respond to and mitigate emergencies or disasters, placing untold lives and property at risk. A case in point is the Paradise fire, which might have been even more catastrophic had CARB’s regulation been in place at the time.

“CARB’s fleet requirement, while well intentioned, would have hindered our ability to respond to the Camp Fire in 2018,” said Kevin Phillips, manager of the Paradise Irrigation District.

Water and irrigation districts across the state, which often support first responders in emergencies, share similar concerns.

“As California leads the nation in climate policy, we must ensure progress toward a cleaner future doesn’t come at the expense of public safety,” said Melanie Mow Schumacher, General Manager of the Soquel Creek Water District. “Our response capability must not be compromised by limitations in vehicle availability, charging times and limited charging capacity when seconds count.”

CARB’s mandate requires public agencies to transition to ZEVs despite the lack of infrastructure or vehicles on the market that can serve and protect the public in emergencies. Fire trucks, ambulances and police cars, along with snow removal vehicles and historic vehicles are currently excluded from CARB’s mandate, however there are a wide variety of support vehicles needed in emergencies – especially in power outages – that are not.

“A vehicle towing a generator to power a well, a water tender truck, or vehicles with tools to restore a failing system may not look like a firetruck or ambulance, but they are just as vital,” said Dave McQuead, Rancho Santa Fe Fire District Chief. “A water tender truck is as essential to emergency response as the fire engine it replenishes. CARB should define essential service based on the actual purpose of a vehicle, not just what it is.”

Disaster Emergencies Often Bring Blackouts
Compounding the need for flexibility is the fact that natural disaster events can last for days or weeks, and power may be unavailable. CARB even acknowledges this, calling to evaluate whether or not a mobile fast charging option even exists to respond when the power is out. CARB also acknowledges the threat to resiliency the regulation poses by establishing a temporary “resiliency” exemption. However, it caps this exemption at no more than 25 percent of a fleet and the exemption expires in 2030.

During emergencies, public agencies often need more vehicles than they have access to in their fleet, not a 75 percent reduction in their resiliency capabilities.

“Our emergency response required the full deployment of our fleet, not just a limited percentage,” said Phillips, describing his agency’s experience during the 2018 Camp Fire that devastated the Paradise community. “ZEV limitations related to range, charging infrastructure and power availability would have further delayed response times.”

“Water and other utility trucks are critical during earthquakes and other natural disasters, such as the horrific Palisades and Eaton fires last year,” said Neil McCormick, Chief Executive Officer of the California Special Districts Association. “Those trucks run internal combustion engines and can be refueled in minutes. How many more lives might have been lost, how many more homes and buildings destroyed – and at what cost – if fire crews had to wait for utility trucks to recharge? What if recharging was impossible due to an outage?”

No Viable ZEV Alternatives Available
Another concern raised by local agencies is that the vehicles essential to supporting emergency equipment have absolutely no counterpart in the ZEV marketplace. Even if they did, California lacks the ZEV infrastructure necessary for the ongoing operational reliability local agencies need.

When the Olivenhain Municipal Water District needed to replace a Class 7 dump truck, for example, it received responses from two dealers that an equivalent ZEV was not available as a replacement. CARB provided a list of startup companies online that said they could produce ZEV dump trucks. Four of those companies are out of business, and one that CARB specifically referred was being sued for misstating its production capacity.

Jon Barret with the Resource Conservation District of Tehama County added that it can take more than five years to plan, permit, and construct infrastructure needed to support a fleet of medium and heavy-duty ZEVs that do not exist, and are less likely to ever exist now that market demand has shrunk with the elimination of the private sector regulation.

California Voters Support More Exemptions
CARB’s ZEV mandate was unveiled in 2023 in response to state laws calling for California to meet aggressive carbon reduction goals by 2045. While these goals have broad public support, California voters actually prefer the flexibility these local agencies are urging.

A recent statewide CSDA survey of voters asked this very question. The response was nearly uniform regardless of political preference, with more than 70 percent of Democratic, nonpartisan, and Republican voters respectively all in agreement that these exemptions would be a good idea.

“We cannot and must not leave Californians defenseless against the very climate-related events CARB is striving to mitigate with its mandate,” McCormick said. “Protecting our environment and protecting lives and property are not mutually exclusive – we can do both with thoughtful policy that reflects real operational needs for public fleets, as well as market realities.”

CARB’s current regulation excludes dedicated snow removal vehicles. Local leaders are requesting the state amend the regulation to additionally exclude local government vehicles used for water utility, flood protection, sewer utility, electric utility, fire prevention, fire protection, search and rescue, and disease and vector control. The 15-day public comment period is set to conclude on April 17th, after which CARB may consider making amendments to its ZEV rule.

More information on the need for flexibility in CARB’s ZEV mandate is available here.

About CSDA: The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) represents more than 1,000 special districts—local public agencies that provide essential services throughout California. These local service specialists provide irrigation, water, sanitation, fire protection, open space, park and recreation, cemetery, electricity, library, resource conservation, port and harbor, healthcare, and other community services that in some way benefit California’s 39 million residents. Special districts are critical to California’s economy and infrastructure and operate on the front lines of addressing statewide challenges at the local level. Learn more at CSDA.net.

Contact: Kyle Packham,
Chief Advocacy & External Affairs Officer
California Special Districts Association
kylep@csda.net – 916-642-3808

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SOURCE California Special Districts Association

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cyber Enviro-Tech, Inc. (OTCQB: CETI), an environmental technology company focused on sustainable solutions across water treatment, remediation, and clean energy, today announced continued progress in its strategic restructuring and repositioning efforts through enhancements to its leadership structure and advisory capabilities.

These leadership enhancements are intended to support CETI’s transition from strategic repositioning to operational execution and revenue generation.

The Company announced the appointment of Brian Feingold to its Advisory Board. Mr. Feingold brings over 30 years of experience across emerging technologies and global markets, including extensive work in strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and capital formation. He also has a background in electrical engineering, providing a strong technical foundation in energy systems and advanced technologies that complement his business and capital markets experience, positioning him to support CETI’s continued expansion and execution of its clean energy and environmental growth strategy.

Mr. Feingold’s experience is expected to be particularly valuable as CETI advances its environmental platform and integrates its AirPower manufacturing and distribution platform into its broader suite of environmental and energy solutions.

“As we advance CETI’s next phase of growth, our focus is on strengthening both the technical and strategic depth of our leadership,” said Kim D. Southworth, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cyber Enviro-Tech. “Brian brings a unique combination of engineering expertise, transaction experience, and capital markets insight that aligns directly with our expansion into clean energy and the integration of AirPower. At the same time, Dan’s ongoing involvement provides important continuity and institutional knowledge as we execute on our strategy and work to convert our growing pipeline into revenue.”

As part of this continued evolution, Dan Leboffe, the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer and current member of the Board of Directors, will transition from the Board to serve on CETI’s Advisory Board. Mr. Leboffe has been an integral part of CETI’s leadership team for over five years, including the past four years as CFO, where he played a key role in strengthening financial operations and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth across the organization. Mr. Leboffe holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and began his career as a CPA with Price Waterhouse.

“Dan has been a stabilizing and highly valued leader during an important transitional period for CETI,” Southworth added. “His contributions over the past several years have helped build the foundation we are now expanding upon, and I am very pleased that he will continue to support the Company in an advisory capacity.”

These changes reflect CETI’s commitment to strengthening its leadership structure while maintaining the institutional knowledge that has supported the Company’s development to date. The Company is focused on increasing the depth and breadth of its management expertise as it positions for growth and expands its environmental footprint, particularly in clean energy through its relationship with AirPower.

The Company also continues to actively evaluate and interview additional candidates for both its Board of Directors and Advisory Board as part of CETI’s ongoing effort to enhance governance, deepen industry expertise, and support its next phase of growth.

The Company believes that strengthening its Advisory Board with experienced industry leaders will provide additional strategic insight as CETI advances its operational initiatives, evaluates growth opportunities, advances identified opportunities, and supports the Company’s transition toward revenue-generating operations.

About Cyber Enviro-Tech, Inc. (OTCQB: CETI)
Cyber Enviro-Tech, Inc. (CETI) is an environmental technology company focused on sustainable solutions across water treatment, remediation, and emerging energy systems. The Company develops and deploys technologies designed to address industrial wastewater, hazardous waste, and environmental sustainability challenges across global markets.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding leadership changes, strategic positioning, operational initiatives, and business strategy. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including execution of strategic plans, market conditions, regulatory requirements, and the Company’s ability to convert opportunities into revenue. Actual results may differ materially. CETI undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Contact
Winston McKellar
Director of IR / PR
Cyber Enviro-Tech, Inc.
6991 E. Camelback Rd., Suite D-300
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: 866.687.6856
Website: www.cyberenviro.tech

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SOURCE Cyber Enviro-Tech

• The new partnership supports diversion prevention, environmental stewardship, and simplified workflows for facilities and patients across healthcare settings

WINSTON SALEM, N.C., April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Inmar Intelligence, a leader in healthcare technology and compliance solutions, today announced a partnership with Deterra^®, a leading innovator in drug misuse prevention, to deliver the Inmar Drug Deactivation and Disposal System, Powered by Deterra, to healthcare organizations nationwide. The offering helps hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and community programs permanently deactivate unused and unwanted medications through an easy-to-use process designed for both clinical and at-home environments.

“Medication waste and unused prescriptions create unnecessary risk for patients, families, and communities, which is why it’s so important that we have ready-to-use, practical solutions available to mitigate the problem,” said Brian Nightengale, EVP and President of Healthcare at Inmar Intelligence. “Our partnership with Deterra expands access to a practical solution that fits real workflows and supports safe disposal behaviors, while helping healthcare organizations strengthen prevention efforts and reduce environmental impact.”

The Inmar Drug Deactivation and Disposal System, Powered by Deterra, uses activated carbon to render medications inert and non-retrievable for all practical purposes. The system is designed to irreversibly deactivate a wide range of medication forms, including pills, patches, liquids, creams, and films, with products available in both pouch and container formats.

Deterra pouches support convenient disposal at home or at discharge through a simple process that places medication in the pouch, adds water, then seals and is disposed of in the trash. Deterra containers support healthcare facilities that need to manage larger volumes of medication waste, including changes in therapy, discontinued medications, or recalled products, with workflow steps that allow repeated deposits, tracking, and secure closure until final disposal per applicable regulations.

“The goal is to make safe medication deactivation and disposal accessible in the moments when it matters most,” said Peter Lecy, General Manager, Verde Environmental Technologies, Inc. “By partnering with Inmar Intelligence, we can reach more organizations with a solution built to prevent diversion, support harm reduction, and protect the environment at the same time.”

Unused medications increase the risk of diversion, accidental poisoning, and misuse. The Inmar Drug Deactivation and Disposal System, Powered by Deterra, is a primary prevention and harm reduction tool for healthcare organizations and community programs seeking scalable ways to safely reduce exposure to leftover medications.

The solution also supports environmental stewardship goals by helping prevent still potent drugs from entering landfills and water systems. Deterra’s packaging and manufacturing processes align with sustainability priorities, including plant-based packaging and production approaches that lower waste and emissions.

The Inmar Drug Deactivation and Disposal System, Powered by Deterra, is available through Inmar Intelligence. To learn more, visit Inmar’s Healthcare Solutions page or contact solutions@inmar.com.

About Verde Environmental Technologies, Inc.
Minneapolis-based Verde Environmental Technologies, Inc., is a privately owned company committed to developing research based, scientifically proven solutions to reduce drug misuse and negative environmental impact. The patented Deterra^® Drug Deactivation and Disposal System is powered by proprietary activated carbon, which deactivates drugs. Deterra is highly effective in adsorbing and firmly binding drugs, rendering them inert, unavailable for misuse and safe for the environment. Visit DeterraSystem.com to learn more.

About Inmar Intelligence
Through curiosity and the intelligent use of data and technology, we optimize the healthcare value chain to improve patient safety, access and affordability. As a partner for over 45 years to health systems, pharmacies and life sciences companies, we design and build solutions to address the complex challenges in the business of healthcare. Our mission is to enable improved financial and patient outcomes to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. For more information about Inmar Intelligence, visit inmar.com and follow us on LinkedIn, or email us at solutions@inmar.com.

Media Contact
press@inmar.com

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SOURCE Inmar Intelligence

MIAMI, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dunamis Premium Spirits is proud to announce its official participation in the 2026 F&B@Sea showcase, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s rapid national expansion and entry into the global cruise and hospitality sector.

Held in Miami, at Mana Wynwood Center from April 15–16, F&B@Sea is recognized as the cruise industry’s leading targeted platform where cruise line buyers engage directly with more than 180 food and beverage brands through tastings, activations, and curated experiences.

For Dunamis Premium Spirits, this moment represents more than participation, it signals a strategic shift into global distribution channels and high-volume hospitality environments.

Entering the Cruise Channel: A Defining Growth Moment

Dunamis will showcase its full portfolio of award-winning spirits, including Interstellar Bourbon, Bianca Supreme Rum, Zulu Hotel Airman’s Gin, and Aero Squadron Vodka, to cruise line executives, beverage directors, and procurement leaders from some of the world’s largest cruise brands.

This activation positions Dunamis at the center of a rapidly evolving onboard hospitality experience, where premiumization, storytelling, and guest engagement are driving purchasing decisions across the cruise industry.

“F&B@Sea represents a defining moment for our brand,” said Victor Young, Founder and CEO of Dunamis Premium Spirits. “We are stepping onto a global stage, aligning with the world’s leading hospitality operators, and accelerating our growth into high-impact distribution channels.”

Purpose-Driven Growth: Folds of Honor Partnership

As Dunamis expands globally, its mission remains grounded in purpose. Through its national partnership with Folds of Honor, the brand continues to support educational scholarships for the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders.

At the center of this initiative is Aero Squadron Vodka, proudly positioned as a mission-driven product, with proceeds from every case sold contributing to this national effort.

Dunamis recently extended this partnership through its involvement in the Combat Culinary Treasure Coast event, where Aero Squadron Vodka was featured as the Official American-Made Vodka. The event, led by Alison and Tom Beckmeyer, has become a premier platform supporting Folds of Honor, reinforcing Dunamis’ commitment to aligning growth with impact.

From Regional Momentum to Global Expansion

Following a record-breaking Q4 2025, highlighted by 309 million media impressions, 5,700+ tastings, and national distribution growth, Dunamis enters 2026 with strong velocity and a clear strategy:

• Expand into travel, cruise, and hospitality channels
• Scale experiential activations to drive trial and brand pull-through
• Leverage multiple Double Gold award-winning credibility across global markets
• Align growth with mission-driven partnerships that resonate with today’s consumer

Currently distributed in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Illinois and Washington DC and West Africa.  With Greece, Spain and Portugal poised for launch soon. Dunamis Premium Spirits continues expanding its national and global footprint across retail and on-premise accounts.

About Dunamis Premium Spirits

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Zephyrhills, Florida, Dunamis Premium Spirits, one of the few black-owned distilleries in the country and Florida, is an Double Gold award-winning craft distillery producing Interstellar Bourbon, Bianca Supreme Rum, Zulu Hotel Airman’s Gin, and Aero Squadron Vodka. The brand combines premium craftsmanship, aviation-inspired heritage, and mission-driven impact through its national partnership with Folds of Honor, delivering purpose, quality, and innovation in every pour.

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SOURCE Dunamis Premium Spirits

Christian nonprofit milestone made possible by hand-packed meals and global partnerships

MINNEAPOLIS, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As global hunger continues to rise in many parts of the world, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) has reached a major humanitarian milestone: 5 billion meals shipped to children in need across 112 countries. MannaPack® meals are made possible by volunteers in communities across the United States and delivered through a trusted network of local partners serving some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The milestone represents a food supply large enough to feed nearly 14 million children a daily meal for a full year. Powered by the collective action of volunteers, churches, donors and partners who believe hope begins with reliable access to food, leaders at the Christian nonprofit say the moment is both a celebration of impact and a reminder that the need continues to grow.

“Five billion meals represent 5 billion moments of hope,” said J.J. Slag, CEO of Feed My Starving Children. “Every meal is packed because someone chose to show up. This milestone belongs to the volunteers who give their time, the staff past and present, the donors who give sacrificially, and the partners who deliver meals with care and dignity. Together, we are not simply feeding kids; we are reminding them that they matter and are not forgotten.”

Since 1987, FMSC has worked toward a vision of seeing every child whole in body and spirit. Food science and nutrition professionals develop the MannaPack® meals to supplement nutritional needs and reduce malnutrition-related health issues. FMSC ships each meal to a trusted network of food distribution partners serving communities in over 100 countries. In the last fiscal year alone, 1.2 million volunteers packed more than 382 million meals.

At just 29 cents per meal, FMSC provides a highly efficient way for supporters to help address global hunger, with more than 99% of packed meals safely reaching their intended destination. The organization has also earned 20 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, placing it among the top 1% of rated charities.

Volunteering is the primary entry point into the organization, with 74% of supporters first engaging through a packing experience. For FMSC leaders, the 5 billion meals shipped milestone is a celebration of past impact, and an invitation to accelerate the work ahead.

“We know hunger is rising in many of the communities our partners serve,” Slag said. “Five billion meals is a milestone, not the finish line. We will keep going as long as children are waiting for food — packing and shipping as many meals as volunteers and donors make possible.”

FMSC operates permanent packing locations in Illinois, Minnesota, Arizona and Texas, and hosts FMSC MobilePack™ events nationwide. The organization welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds and faith traditions.

To volunteer or learn more, visit fmsc.org/volunteer26. To donate, visit fmsc.org/give26.

Photos Courtesy of Feed My Starving Children HERE

FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN
Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) believes hope starts with food. As a Christian nonprofit, FMSC is dedicated to seeing every child whole in body and spirit. FMSC meals are packed primarily by volunteers, then sent to a network of partner organizations that stay with communities for the long haul, empowering them to move from relief to development. FMSC MarketPlace™ supports local artisans, paying a fair wage for handcrafted goods and using the retail profits to fund more meals for kids around the world. Since our founding in 1987, FMSC has shipped meals to more than 100 countries. Learn more at fmsc.org.

Media Contact:
Katie Rohling
411874@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Feed My Starving Children

WHIPPANY, N.J., April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Students 2 Science (S2S), a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization known for its immersive and transformative STEM programming, is pleased to announce a new STEM Summer Camp, launching in July 2026.

The STEM Summer Camp will feature the same real-world, hands-on STEM experiences that define S2S’s school-year programs. Campers will be conducting hands-on experiments during weeklong sessions that will spark curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Sessions are led by professional scientist instructors and experienced counselors.

STEM Explorers: Camp Curiosity, for grades 3-5, has been designed to introduce young campers to a variety of STEM fields. Campers will delve into a different content area (biology, ecology, forensics, physics, and environmental engineering) each day of the week and explore introductory concepts with hands-on, investigative experiments.

STEM Explorers: Tech Innovation Camp, for grades 6-8, has been designed for children with an interest in AI and coding. Campers will do deep dives into foundations of AI, coding, and programming logic throughout the week to build their own interactive projects.

Weeklong sessions will run from 8:30AM to 2:30PM, Monday through Friday. All sessions will take place at S2S Apollo Technology Center in Whippany, NJ.

Camp fee for a weeklong session is $750, with aftercare options available at an additional cost. Scholarships are also available based on household income and need. The In for Innovation Camp Scholarship Fund is made possible by S2S corporate partner Insmed.

Additional details, registration information, and scholarship applications are available on S2S website. The Camp Guide offers further details on daily themes and activities.

About Students 2 Science
Students 2 Science is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the mission to inspire and empower all students through hands-on learning experiences, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to strengthen the future workforce. Since its founding in 2009, and with Technology Centers in Whippany and Newark, NJ, the organization has reached over 300,000 students through virtual and in-person STEM programming by partnering with 190 schools, school districts, charter school networks and community organizations. To learn more about Students 2 Science, click here.

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SOURCE Students 2 Science, Inc.