U.S. Energy Briefs
Western Communities Push Back on Public Lands Attacks
More than 60 communities across the West have passed resolutions or issued proclamations defending public lands. The actions come in response to Trump administration policies and congressional efforts to weaken protections, reports the Center for Western Priorities.
Wyoming Coal Lease Auction Draws Criticism
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to auction a coal lease on 3,508 acres near the West Antelope Mine in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. Environmental advocates argue the auction ignores climate impacts and prolongs reliance on coal.
$44 Billion Alaska LNG Project May See Subsidies
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright suggested his department might subsidize the $44 billion Alaska LNG pipeline and export terminal, according to E&E News. The massive project faces funding challenges, but Wright indicated support through “credit support, or whatever.”
Navajo Nation Benefits from Coal Dividends
The Navajo Transitional Energy Company declared a $3.15 million dividend generated from its Powder River Basin and New Mexico coal mines. The funds will go directly to the Navajo Nation, its sole shareholder.
California Repeals Zero-Emission Truck Rule
California regulators repealed a zero-emission purchasing rule for private heavy-duty truck fleets. The move reflects Trump administration actions revoking the state’s stricter emission waivers compared to federal standards.
Global Energy Briefs
U.S. Sanctions on Serbia’s Oil Producer Take Effect
U.S. sanctions on Serbia’s largest oil producer, majority Russian-owned NIS, will finally take effect on October 1. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed the move, calling it part of Washington’s continued crackdown on Russia’s energy sector.
Energy Briefs: Brazil’s Distributed Solar Surges Past 40 GW
Distributed solar generation in Brazil has surged from less than 1 GW in 2018 to 40 GW by June 2025. According to government data, distributed solar now represents 43% of the nation’s electricity capacity additions since 2019.
Shipping Industry Expands Despite U.S. Tariffs
Global shipping companies continue to order vessels from Chinese shipyards at high volumes. A new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies says this expansion comes despite new U.S. port fees aimed at countering China’s maritime dominance.
Hungary Rejects U.S. Pressure on Russian Energy
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said his country will keep sourcing fossil fuels from Russia, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s urging to diversify. Orbán warned cutting ties would cause an economic “disaster” for Hungary.
U.S. Probes Indian Solar Imports
U.S. customs officials are investigating whether Waaree Energies, India’s largest solar manufacturer, bypassed tariffs on Chinese-made cells by labeling them as Indian-made. Waaree said it will continue cooperating with the investigation.