Latest news with #WECAN
Geek Wire
04-08-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
From Army diver to carbon capture: How a Pacific deployment sparked a veteran's climate mission
Tyler LeRoy aboard an Army Logistics Support Vessel to conduct an underwater demolition training range off the coast of Virginia Beach. (Photo courtesy of LeRoy) [Editor's note: 'Tech Vets: Profiles in Leadership and Innovation,' is a GeekWire series showcasing U.S. military veterans leading companies within the Pacific Northwest tech industry. The series explores how military experience fosters leadership, resilience, and innovation in tech.] Tyler LeRoy is helping build Washington state's carbon capture ecosystem — a mission that began with an underwater deployment in the tropical Pacific that revealed his professional calling. As the program manager for the CleanTech Alliance's WECAN (Washington Energy: Carbon Advancement Network) innovation cluster, Leroy works to advance policy, education and market support for carbon removal and capture businesses. It's a role that combines his U.S. Army training and education with his passion for combating climate change. During an Army operation in Palau in 2020, LeRoy served as company commander, leading diving projects that included maintenance on navigation buoys and other submerged infrastructure offshore of the island nation. But before that work got started, COVID-19 policies required his team to isolate in individual hotel rooms for two weeks. It gave the West Point graduate plenty of time to reflect on his future and what mattered to him, including his concern over the devastating impacts of climate change on marine environments. 'The military really pounds in their values into you, and emphasizes living a values-driven life,' LeRoy said. For the Army that includes loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage, which he and his wife have developed into a framework for themselves and their three children. 'I try my best to live those [values],' LeRoy said, 'and be that person.' Tyler LeRoy prepares to take command of the 569th Army Engineer Dive Detachment. The ceremony was held underwater wearing historic Mark V diving gear weighing more than 80 pounds that was used by the military from 1916-1984. (Photo courtesy of LeRoy) He emerged from the mission with the goal of pursuing a career in clean energy and addressing the root causes of climate change. In June, LeRoy earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington with a focus on renewable energy systems, which complements his earlier master's in engineering management from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Since January, he has channeled his Army background and university education into his work at the Seattle-based CleanTech Alliance. The Pacific Northwest offers ideal conditions for carbon reduction efforts that leverage timber industry waste, marine chemistry, and mineralization in rock formations. Local entrepreneurs and researchers are developing these nature-based solutions alongside more engineered approaches for capturing carbon from industrial processes. LeRoy's engineering background prepped him for talking to smart people with expertise in wide-ranging areas, even if it's a specialty field he doesn't know well. His experience as an Army officer additionally gave him the confidence to lead groups of diverse individuals and interests, engage in challenging conversations and work toward solutions. Tyler LeRoy at the University of Washington for his graduation in June 2025 with his daughters, age 4 years and 2 months. LeRoy also has a 2-year-old son, whom he said 'ran off for the photos.' (Photo courtesy of LeRoy) Mel Clark, president and CEO of the nonprofit CleanTech Alliance, expected these qualities given LeRoy's military history. Clark, who also attended West Point before graduating from the UW, anticipated that LeRoy would be 'detail-oriented, organized, able to bring rapid decision-making to a fast-paced environment, a thoughtful manager, and willing to ask tough questions — all while keeping the mission top of mind.' With LeRoy's leadership, the WECAN innovation cluster is gaining momentum. Its advisory board has convened twice, and Leroy is eager to drive policies that will unlock carbon capture technologies and accelerate deployment. LeRoy credits his military experience for instilling an operations-focused mindset that supports his efforts to make a positive impact on people and the planet. 'I come from that perspective of, 'we said we're going to do this, and I don't care if we work through the weekend, it's getting done,'' he said. 'A lot of veterans just have that mentality.'
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Young artist keep Gayan-Bayan & Sattriya traditions alive
Dibrugarh: The 15-day Gayan-Bayan and Sattriya Dance workshop, organised by the cultural affairs department in collaboration with Dhemaji district administration, Sattriya Dance & Music Academy, and WE CAN group, concluded with a vibrant ceremony at the Dhemaji Public Auditorium on Tuesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The event commenced with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by Tolon Konwar, chairman of the district development authority, and Rupa Kaman, president of BJP's Dhemaji district committee. Among the dignitaries present were ADC Kuldeep Hazarika and ASP Pranjal Baruah. Cultural development officer Shatabdi Baruah delivered the welcome address, after which the workshop trainees showcased their skills through Gayan-Bayan, Mati Akhara, Jhumur Dance, Lavnachuri Krishna Nritya, and Dasavatar performances. The event was elevated by captivating Borgeet performances by artists Dhiren Sekhidhara and Nibharani Baruah Sekhidhara, whose soulful renditions left the audience spellbound. Certificates were later distributed to the trainees, marking the successful culmination of the workshop. "The enthusiasm shown by the participants throughout these 15 days has been truly remarkable. Witnessing these young talents embrace our traditional dance forms fills me with immense pride. They are the torchbearers of our cultural legacy," said Ranjan Bora Bor Bayan, principal of Sattriya Dance & Music Academy, who conceptualised the workshop.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
New global energy report offers path forward on fossil fuel phaseout, just transition, renewable energy models
The Women's Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) on Thursday released a new report on effective and equitable community-led energy solutions to address challenges to just transition away from fossil fuels. The report, How Local Community Power is Central to a Just Renewable Energy Transition , spotlights scalable global community initiatives that are advancing decentralized and democratized energy solutions. The report was released during the Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice : Path to COP30 and Beyond, and comes on the last day of government climate negotiations in Bonn, and ahead of COP30 in Brazil, where the international community will need to tackle not only escalating climate disasters but also the expansion of fossil fuel extraction and infrastructure by high-income countries. The report's analysis explores some of the barriers to implementing a just transition and the complexities of shifting away from current social and economic structures. Such structures include economic systems that promote fossil fuel production (including the trillions of dollars in government fossil fuel subsidies); societal patterns characterized by overconsumption in high-income countries; and current models of utility companies that further enable fossil fuel use and discourage a transition to more affordable and beneficial energy alternatives. The authors warn that the energy transition cannot replicate the same injustices as the fossil fuel economy. Instead, this transition must prioritize ecological well-being and community-owned renewable energy projects that are rooted in democratic governance and local empowerment. 'The era of fossil fuels has been defined by corporate greed, environmental destruction, Indigenous and human rights violations, and the denial of communities' right to clean, affordable energy,' said Osprey Orielle Lake, Founder, Executive Director at Women's Earth and Climate Action Network. 'As the climate crisis accelerates and governments regress on their climate commitments, frontline communities are showing the world what a just and regenerative future looks like—one rooted in equity, democracy, Indigenous and human rights, and community-led regenerative energy solutions. We have a narrow window to act and accelerate efforts for a Just Transition. COP30 must be a turning point to phase out fossil fuels and take action toward a just energy system that serves people and planet.' Case studies from the report explore principles and on-the-ground lessons that can inform a rights-based, environmentally sustainable, community-led energy transition. For instance, in Spain, a member-owned energy cooperative began providing renewable energy to its community following the 2008 economic crisis and frustrations over corporate control of energy access. In Ladakh, India, where the Himalayas make it challenging for villages to access outdated energy infrastructure, off-grid and decentralized solar solutions, as well as microgrids, are now a reliable source of energy for many remote villages. The report closes with a call for action: 'Communities across the world recognize that a transition away from fossil fuels is not only urgent but also inevitable, with many taking it upon themselves to implement socially and environmentally just solutions. Looking forward, governments, businesses, and civil society can work together to scale effective and lasting solutions, creating just pathways for economic transformation that do not perpetuate past and present injustices, but instead build a just, equitable, and inclusive future for all.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Child care providers to reopen centers, urge communities to join call for funding
Brynne Schieffer is a child care provider in Cameron, Wisconsin. She addressed a gathering outside the state Capitol on Friday, May 16, 2025. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner) After a week at the state Capitol to draw attention to their demand for a robust state fund for child care providers, advocates will spend the next couple of weeks back home to amplify their message. Child care centers will reopen this week after closing their doors for all or part of the past week as providers sought to underscore the urgency of additional support for child care. Providers will focus on raising more awareness in their local communities, said Corrine Hendrickson, co-founder of Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed (WECAN), a coalition of providers and parents. Federal pandemic relief money that has bolstered providers since 2021 will run out completely by early July. This week, WECAN is encouraging providers to do 'larger [local] community actions to help inform the community,' Hendrickson told the Wisconsin Examiner. 'We're also going to be calling other child care programs, making sure they even know this funding's ending.' WECAN organized the week of action in Madison, calling it 'State Without Child Care.' A small group of providers shut down for the week to dramatize the loss of child care that they contend will be inevitable without strong state support. Others closed for a day or two, and still others opted to stay open while also endorsing the funding demand. Earlier this month leaders of the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee removed a $480 million child care funding provision from Gov. Tony Evers' proposed 2025-27 state budget, along with more than 600 other items. On Friday, Hendrickson and WECAN cofounder Brooke Legler were joined by parents and other providers in front of the Capitol to reiterate their case for restoring the funds. 'My family still currently pays 25% of our monthly income towards child care, and honestly that's just after-school care and then summer camps,' said Katy Dicks of Sun Prairie, who has a 10-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. When the children were younger, child care accounted for a third of the family's income, she said — while 'it has been suggested that 7% of a family's income is what is affordable.' Dicks leads the Wisconsin chapter of Mother Forward, a national advocacy group for child care, paid family leave and other policies to support families. 'We need policy that works for all families,' she said. 'The quality of care for children approximately 3 months to 5 years should not be based on a child's parents' income.' Also at the Capitol were Rochelle Navin and her husband. They have a 2-year-old daughter, and Navin is expecting twins. Their daughter is usually at Legler's New Glarus child care center, The Growing Tree, while her parents work, but they juggled home care arrangements to support Legler's decision to close the center for the week. Navin told the Wisconsin Examiner it was disruptive to their routine, but the couple understood why Legler took that step. 'There's two sides of it, right?' Navin said. 'You fully understand why it's gotten to this point, and why the extreme [response] needed to be taken, while at the same time being scared about what the future looks like.' Evers' proposal was to extend the Child Care Counts program, originally funded by federal pandemic relief money. The subsidy — originally $20 million a month, then cut back to $10 million a month in mid-2023 — enabled providers to raise wages without having to increase the fees parents pay for care. A statewide survey conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Institute for Research on Poverty found that 25% of providers said they might close if the revenue isn't replaced. Hendrickson said in the coming weeks she and other providers who have been active in campaigning for the support will reach out to operators with messaging guidance for talking to parents as well as to their local lawmakers. 'This week was definitely about coming together as a group in solidarity and really standing up for ourselves and for our children and our families and our communities,' Hendrickson said Friday. Over the course of the week at the Capitol, 'we visited almost every single office, dropped off information, talked to staffers and really helped them see who it is that they're hurting,' she said. The providers who engaged in those conversations also aimed to show legislators 'that their constituents actually know what they're talking about — we know what we're talking about with our businesses, we can speak to it and the reason why we need the funding, and it's not a handout,' Hendrickson added. In the Institute for Research on Poverty study, up to 40% of rural providers said they might close if the additional funding stops. That's nearly twice the projected closure rate of urban providers. Brynne Schieffer operates a child care program in the community of Cameron, near Rice Lake in Northwestern Wisconsin. 'I have spent the entirety of my adult life caring for not only my own children, but other people's children, raising them, raising them to be kind human beings that will hopefully one day go out and be carers themselves,' Schieffer told the group gathered on the Capitol steps Friday. 'The funding runs out in July, and to avoid closure we have to raise our rates between $35 and $50 per child per week. Whose pocketbook can handle that?' Hendrickson told the Wisconsin Examiner that if rural providers have to raise their rates, they're more likely to lose families who can't afford the increase, with no one to replace them. In cities, she said, moderate- and low-income families will be hurt by the loss of child care, but there are likely to be more high-income families able to keep up with rising costs, so fewer providers would have to close. All but one of the providers who made the trip to Madison last week were from rural communities around the state, Hendrickson said. 'People drove four or five hours to get here,' she said. 'It's because they don't feel listened to [back in their districts]. And that's what they said — 'I've had to come all the way down here to get them to listen to me.'' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
