Latest news with #Kraft-Heinz
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lowville Kraft plant loses $22 million as feds cut billions in decarbonization funding
May 30—The federal government has canceled billions of dollars in funding for clean energy and decarbonization projects across the nation, including for a multi-million project to transition the Kraft-Heinz plant in Lowville off of fossil fuels. The Watertown Daily Times reported in late April that the Department of Energy under President Donald J. Trump was working on plans to cut green energy investments made by the previous administration, based on leaked documents from inside the department. On Friday, the federal government made it official and withdrew $3.7 billion in funding for 24 projects spanning the nation, including the $170 million set aside for the Kraft-Heinz company to decarbonize 10 production facilities. The company planned to use $22 million to decarbonize its Lowville operation, removing natural gas-fired equipment and replacing it with electric equipment fed from the grid. The money was awarded in November, meaning the company has only had access to the funding stream for about six months. Of the 24 projects listed, only one other New York-based project had its funding pulled, a $15 million grant for Skyven Technologies in Medina, Orleans County. That project was meant to help decarbonize an ethanol production facility in the western New York village. The Kraft project was pitched as a major development for the Lowville manufacturing plant, by bringing the facility up to next-gen specifications and creating more capacity. The Kraft-Heinz company's North America president said when the money was announced last year that the project would create new local jobs, improve workforce training and protect the resources of the communities they operate in. The plan, relying on $170.9 million in federal grants and $177.8 million in Kraft-Heinz's own money, aimed to reduce CO2 emissions across the company's U.S. presence by 99% from 2022 levels, with a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. A spokesperson for Kraft shared this statement Friday night. "We are aware of the unilateral decision made by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations. While we will continue to evaluate this decision, it does not change our intention to continue investing in our 30 U.S. manufacturing facilities. Over the next approximately five years, we plan to invest $3 billion to modernize our U.S. supply chain infrastructure. We will continue to drive energy efficiency projects forward as we make these investments." Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., demanded that Energy Department officials reconsider cutting the Kraft-Heinz grant money. In a statement on Friday, the Schumer blasted the move to cut the grant money. "Taking away this investment is an unjust blow to Lewis County's biggest employer," he said. "It is a slap in the face by the Trump administration to the north country to eliminate funding that is critical to the success of this major employer. I urge Congresswoman Stefanik to join me in denouncing the Trump administration's callous cancellation of this grant, knowing that this action directly hurts local jobs, undercuts the success of one of the north country's most beloved employers, and undermines upgrades meant to help a factory that so many of our upstate dairy farmers rely on." A spokesperson for Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, did not return a request for comment sent Friday.
Axios
23-04-2025
- Health
- Axios
Chicago food giants mum on food dye move
Many health advocates are applauding HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push to remove eight artificial food dyes from American products, but some Chicago-based food giants may not be on board. Why it matters: Kennedy's voluntary phase-out plan will need the cooperation of large local food players including the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Kraft-Heinz and Mondelēz. He said on Tuesday "industry has voluntarily agreed" to the plan, but neither Kraft-Heinz nor Mondelēz responded to questions from Axios confirming agreement. No food company officials appeared at Kennedy's press announcement, and last month an association representing major food companies, issued a memo of concern about the plan. The big picture: The effort by the Food and Drug Administration is part of a broader push to target additives in sodas, snacks and processed foods that the administration contends are a risk to children's health, though some evidence suggests they're safe at the levels currently used. Zoom in: While Kraft-Heinz and Mondelēz are so far mum on Kennedy's proposal, both started making moves in that direction a decade ago. Kraft removed artificial dyes from its macaroni and cheese in 2015. That same year, Mondelēz pledged to remove artificial dyes in its products by representatives, however, did not respond to Axios questions about where that effort stands. Between the lines: Mondelēz may not see artificial ingredients as a big consumer concern. Earlier this month, the company highlighted results from its State of Snacking survey showing that "most consumers prioritize enjoying an indulgent snack over focusing on ingredients." State of play: If phased out, the eight petroleum-based food dyes would join Red Dye No. 3, which the Biden administration barred earlier this year based on studies linking the dye to cancer in rats. What they're saying: "While there is lack of scientific consensus to support [the bans] — food dyes are generally considered low risk for the broad population, dependent on dietary and consumption patterns — additional research is needed," Bryan Hitchcock, IFT's chief science and technology officer, tells Axios. IFT, a global group whose 12,000 members include scientists and industry officials, has a history of highlighting the benefits of processed foods and additives. Monica's thought bubble: As someone who has covered food policy for decades, I was surprised by Kennedy's statements, including that "sugar is poison." I've never seen a federal food official speak that plainly.
