Meta Strikes $27 B Deal for AI Data Center
Meta Platforms has secured a $27 billion financing agreement with Blue Owl Capital to fund its largest ever data-center project globally. Large tech firms race to build infrastructure to power artificial-intelligence ambitions.
Advocacy Group Sues EPA Over Delays
An advocacy organization has filed a lawsuit accusing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of unlawful delays in addressing 130+ California Clean Air Act cleanup submittals, some dating back to 2018.
Nevada Democrats Call for Wind/Solar Policy Reversal
Nevada congressional Democrats are urging Doug Burgum (Interior Secretary) to rescind a policy that subjects federal‐land wind & solar projects to extra scrutiny. They say the policy is delaying proposed projects in the state.
PacifiCorp to Pay $125 M for Wildfire Smoke Damage
PacifiCorp has agreed to a $125 million settlement with dozens of Oregon wineries and vineyards. The settlement resolves smoke-damage claims tied to the 2020 Labor Day wildfires allegedly sparked by the utility’s equipment.
DOE Cancels $57.7 M Grant for Lithium Mine; Company Presses On
The U.S. Department of Energy has cancelled a $57.7 million federal grant for American Battery Technology’s proposed lithium mine and refinery in Nevada. The company says it will move forward with the project regardless.
Electricity Costs Expected to Rise This Winter
The DOE’s independent statistical arm projects that residential electricity costs will average 4.8% higher this winter than during the 2024-2025 cold season. A recent study by the Electric Power Research Institute found that last year the average U.S. household paid about $1,850 for electricity and $2,930 for gasoline.
Global Snapshots: Russia & EU
New satellite imagery shows damage and defensive measures at Russian oil refineries. At one site anti-drone netting is visible; at another black smoke rises from a damaged facility. Russia’s energy sector remains a critical revenue source fueling its war against Ukraine.
In Europe, the European Union’s 27 leaders meet this week to chart climate and industrial policy ahead of the United Nations COP30. Pressures build to set a 10-year emissions reduction target.
