** The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued an emergency order under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act to address potential reliability concerns in the Mid-Atlantic power grid. The order was requested by PJM Interconnection (PJM) to allow the Wagner Generating Station in Maryland to operate beyond its normal limits if necessary.
** A Senate committee approved the nomination of Audrey Robertson, an oil industry entrepreneur, on July 30 as assistant secretary of energy for energy efficiency and renewable energy. The nomination will be sent to the full Republican-controlled Senate where she is almost certain to be confirmed.
** Bipartisan public support and a variety of subsidies are helping to restart a Michigan nuclear plant, the first U.S. plant to do so after being slotted for decommissioning.
** The federal Bureau of Land Management rescinds a Biden-era plan to seek input on a proposal to restrict oil and gas drilling on more of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.
** A federal court denies advocates’ bid to revoke the U.S. Forest Service’s 2024 approval of the Crow Creek natural gas pipeline between Idaho and Wyoming.
** Pacific Gas & Electric agrees to pay the U.S. EPA a civil penalty of $45,273 for failing to report a 2023 natural gas pipeline release that seriously injured a utility employee.
** All 15 coal power plants that emailed the EPA this spring requesting an exemption from air pollution rules received one.
** EV manufacturing projects are increasingly being delayed or canceled under Trump, though at least 68 projects have progressed so far this year, new data from Wellesley College’s Big Green Machine finds.
World
** The Kremlin said on Wednesday it continues to monitor statements by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding sanctions against Moscow, but that Russia had acquired immunity to such measures thanks to long experience.
** Energy companies operating in Brazil suspended oil shipments to the United States after President Donald Trump announced 50% tariffs against the South American country, Roberto Ardenghy, president of oil lobby group IBP, told Reuters on Wednesday.
** Embattled automaker Nissan reported a $535-million quarterly loss on Wednesday, hit by U.S. tariffs, restructuring and lower sales volumes and said it would stop production at a plant in Mexico. Japan’s third-largest automaker is in the midst of a sweeping turnaround plan and has pledged to close some seven plants globally and lay off 15% of its workforce.
** Damage to European forests from increased logging, wildfires, drought and pests is reducing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, putting European Union emissions targets at risk, scientists warned on Wednesday.
