NoneThe question of who uses which bathroom on Capitol Hill has become a heated topic ahead of the 119th U.S. Congress convening next year. This debate was sparked by the historic election of Sarah McBride , a transgender woman, to represent Delaware in Congress. In response, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) introduced a resolution aiming to require transgender individuals to use bathrooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth. Democratic state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, the first transgender woman in Montana's state legislature, understands what it feels like to be singled out. She joined Scripps News on Friday to weigh in on the controversy unfolding in D.C. "It's important to acknowledge that while these attacks on transgender people are always brought one bill at a time, they do not focus on specific issues," Zephyr said. "The hate of trans people is boundless. We saw that when Nancy Mace went on far-right media earlier this week and claimed that it was 'offensive' that Congresswoman McBride views herself as an equal to Nancy Mace." "When we see policies targeting trans women just trying to live their lives in the restroom, trying to play sports with their friends — that is not where the hate stops from the right," Zephyr said. "That hate is on display at every moment, which is why it's important for us to resist these efforts to target our community." In 2023, Republican lawmakers in Montana voted to ban Zephyr from the House floor and from participating in debates after she spoke out against a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors. The incident led to legal challenges over Zephyr's censure and to political activism from supporters of transgender rights. "The attacks we see on trans people will escalate. This will not be the last attack on Congresswoman McBride," Zephyr said. "In my perspective, it is important that we make sure as trans people in this country that we do not cede ground to someone who wants to erase us — regardless of whether they want to erase us in the Capitol, or if they want to erase us as we go through our daily lives in public. We have to stand strong." In an interview with Scripps News this week, Mace said her resolution was specifically targeted at Rep.-elect McBride, who stated she will "follow the rules as outlined" even if she disagrees with them. "I'm not here to fight about bathrooms," McBride said . "I'm here to fight for Delawareans to bring down the costs facing families." Despite McBride's statement, Mace said her effort to ban transgender individuals from certain bathrooms extends beyond Washington. She is advocating for legislation requiring transgender people to use restrooms that align with their sex assigned at birth on any property receiving public funds. "I have PTSD from the sexual abuse I have suffered at the hands of a man. We have to as women draw a line in the sand, a big fat red line, about our rights," Mace said. "And the basic question today is, do women have rights or do we not? And I will tell you just the idea of a man in a locker room watching me change clothes after a workout is a huge trigger and it's not OK to make and force women to be vulnerable in private spaces." RELATED STORY | As House GOP targets McBride, she says 'I'm not here to fight about bathrooms'Indian Railways Breaks New Ground In Green Energy With Hydrogen Train Trials Set For December 2024 On Haryana’s Iconic Route
Sunday, November 24, 2024 Indian Railways launches hydrogen-powered train trials in December 2024 on the Jind-Sonipat route, advancing green mobility and striving for net-zero emissions by 2030. Indian Railways is preparing to achieve a groundbreaking milestone in eco-friendly transportation by launching its first hydrogen-powered train trials in December 2024. These trials will be conducted along the 90-kilometer Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, marking a pivotal step toward the organization’s goal of adopting green energy and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. This hydrogen-powered train operates using advanced fuel cell technology, which generates electricity through the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The only byproduct of this process is water vapor, making it a completely emission-free solution. This innovative approach reflects India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and shifting away from fossil fuel dependency. The Jind-Sonipat route was chosen for its moderate rail traffic and access to necessary infrastructure, providing an ideal testing ground. Performance, energy efficiency, and safety protocols will be thoroughly evaluated to prepare the train for broader use. Hydrogen trains, also known as hydrail, bring numerous benefits compared to traditional diesel-powered engines: The hydrogen train trials are just the start of Indian Railways’ ambitious sustainability agenda. Plans are underway to roll out 35 hydrogen-powered trains by 2025, primarily targeting non-electrified tracks still reliant on diesel locomotives. In parallel, Indian Railways is fostering partnerships with domestic and global players to develop robust hydrogen production, storage, and fueling infrastructure. These collaborations align with India’s broader green hydrogen mission, which aims to revolutionize the country’s energy landscape. India is joining an elite group of nations like Germany and China in adopting hydrogen-powered rail technology. Germany has already achieved commercial operations with hydrogen trains, showcasing the feasibility of the technology. By embarking on this green transition, India demonstrates its dedication to embracing global innovations while addressing domestic challenges. The introduction of hydrogen trains represents a monumental step in Indian Railways’ journey toward environmental sustainability. As one of the world’s largest rail networks, India’s shift to hydrogen-powered trains not only advances green transportation within the country but also sets a global benchmark for eco-friendly innovation. This bold initiative highlights Indian Railways’ commitment to balancing technological progress with environmental stewardship, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.
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