** During a campaign stop in Pennsylvania on Monday, former President Trump said he’d eliminate the Biden administration’s power plant rule but was noncommittal about his position on a tax credit for electric vehicles.
** Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) indicated to reporters at the Democratic National Convention that climate legislation would be on the agenda if Democrats retain the White House and Senate and regain House control for 2025.
** The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that breathing in formaldehyde, a chemical that’s used in building materials and hair straighteners, can cause cancer.
** The Farmers’ Almanac has released its forecast for the upcoming 2024 – 2025 winter season. Winter lovers rejoice as they are calling for a “wet winter whirlwind” that will throw rapid-fire storms bringing rain and snow with little downtime in between.
** The California Department of Conservation is facing heavy criticism after it determined a colossal merger of two oil and gas companies is exempt from a state law designed to ensure depleted wells are eventually plugged.
** In a huge shakeup for Wyoming’s legacy coal industry, Arch announced a $5 billion merger Wednesday and a hedge fund has bought 10% of Peabody Energy. The companies represent more than half the coal production in the Powder River Basin.
World
** The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) said it firmly opposes a revised draft from the European Union on punitive tariffs for Chinese made electric vehicles, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday.
** Volkswagen has attacked Brussels over its decision to impose “incomprehensible” tariffs on electric cars made in China. The German car giant lashed out after the EU revealed plans to charge Volkswagen higher import tariffs than rivals in China, as well as Elon Musk’s Tesla.
** The first stage of one of the world’s most ambitious renewable power projects won environmental approval, paving the way for the billionaire-funded plan to export solar electricity from Australia to Singapore.
** Two of Germany’s biggest utilities are putting deals worth billions of euros on hold after the government failed to buy part of Tennet Holding BV, operator of the country’s biggest power-grid network.