Category: Policy

BusinessPolicy

Labor Quality Concerns Mount as Chamber Challenges Visa Fee Hike and Economic Indicators Shift

Only 40% of U.S. workers hold quality jobs as the Chamber of Commerce sues over proposed H-1B visa fee increases. Meanwhile, Chobani’s valuation hits $20 billion and Coca-Cola faces pressure over sugar sourcing amid broader economic shifts.

Labor Market Quality Concerns

According to reports, just 40% of U.S. workers hold what researchers define as “quality jobs,” roles meeting at least three of five criteria including financial well-being, workplace culture, and growth opportunities. The findings come as employee engagement reportedly sits near a 10-year low, with analysts suggesting broader sluggishness in the labor market despite employment numbers. This assessment of labor economics challenges conventional job market metrics that focus primarily on employment rates rather than job quality.

by Mason Drayton
BiotechPolicy

European Food Biotech Alliance Aims to Overcome Policy and Investment Hurdles

A new cross-sector alliance aims to transform Europe’s food biotechnology landscape by aligning research, policy and investment. The initiative comes as Brussels drafts its Biotech Act, which stakeholders say underrepresents food applications despite their potential for supply chain resilience.

Europe’s Food Biotechnology Push Gains Momentum

Europe is positioning to harness food biotechnology to address growing climate and supply chain pressures, according to reports from industry experts. The newly formed European Agrifood Biotech Alliance, announced at NextBite 2025 in Brussels, aims to bridge critical gaps between research, policy and capital that have hindered scaling of food biotech innovations.

by Mason Drayton
EnergyPolicy

Corsock Renewable Energy Proposal Enters Third Appeal Phase Amid Community Debate

Renewable energy developers have submitted a third appeal to the Scottish Government for a proposed Corsock wind farm after previous rejections based on landscape impact and environmental concerns. The revised project features reduced turbine specifications and enhanced biodiversity measures, though local community council opposition persists regarding visual impact and tourism effects. The ongoing case highlights the complex balance between renewable energy expansion and community acceptance.

Third Appeal Filed for Revised Wind Energy Project

Developers have lodged a fresh appeal with the Scottish Government to advance a proposed seven-turbine installation near Corsock, marking the third attempt to secure approval for the renewable energy initiative. According to reports, this latest submission comes after local planning authorities failed to render a decision within statutory timeframes, automatically triggering the appeal process.

by Darren Holt
EnergyPolicy

Lancashire Council Declines to Support Permanent Fracking Ban Amid Reform UK Leadership

The Reform-led Lancashire County Council has rejected calls to support a permanent ban on fracking. The decision comes after Labour group leader Mark Clifford urged the council to back the ban, citing resident concerns about recent comments from Reform UK leadership.

Council Rejects Fracking Ban Motion

The Reform UK-led Lancashire County Council has refused to support calls for a permanent ban on fracking, according to reports from a recent council meeting. The decision came after Labour group leader Mark Clifford put forward a motion requesting the council back a government ban on the controversial extraction method.

by Mason Drayton
PolicyTechnology

Proposed Data Center Conversion of Historic Pennsylvania Psychiatric Facility Faces Regulatory Hurdles

A controversial proposal to convert the former Pennhurst State School and Hospital into a 1.3 million square foot data center faces potential delays due to newly proposed regulations. Opposition groups have gathered thousands of signatures against the project, citing environmental and community impact concerns. The situation highlights growing tensions between data center expansion and local community planning across Pennsylvania.

Historic Facility Conversion Faces Regulatory Scrutiny

Plans to transform the former psychiatric hospital known as Pennhurst State School and Hospital into a major data center facility near Philadelphia are encountering significant regulatory obstacles, according to reports from East Vincent Township. Pennhurst Holdings LLC, the current property owner, intends to sell the land to a data center developer, with the site’s existing ‘Mixed Use Industrial’ zoning already permitting data center use.

by Mason Drayton