Coal Lease Sale Postponed After Weak Montana Auction
The Trump administration has postponed a scheduled coal lease sale in Wyoming just two days after a disappointing turnout in Montana.
An Interior Department spokesperson confirmed that the sale — which included 3,508 acres of federal coal reserves in Campbell and Converse counties — had been set for Wednesday morning.
The delay follows soft interest in Montana’s auction, which produced bids well below expectations.
Industry analysts say both events signal continued uncertainty in U.S. coal demand as utilities and investors pivot toward natural gas and renewables.
Chevron Refinery Fire Slows Fuel Output
Chevron’s El Segundo refinery in California continues operating at reduced capacity after last week’s massive fire.
The 280,000-barrel-per-day facility, one of the largest on the West Coast, is still working to restart several units taken offline during the emergency.
The fire followed an explosion of undetermined origin, according to company officials.
Chevron said it is cooperating with local investigators while maintaining limited production to stabilize fuel supply.
The temporary reduction could affect gasoline prices in California and nearby states, particularly if repairs extend into late October.
Energy Funding Cuts Target Texas and Louisiana
The Trump administration is also considering new cuts to federal clean energy projects in Texas and Louisiana.
Internal documents obtained by CNN show two $50 million direct air capture hubs could lose their grants — including one in House Speaker Mike Johnson’s district.
This comes days after the administration’s announcement of nearly $8 billion in climate and energy funding eliminations across multiple Democratic-leaning states.
U.S. Offers Allies Gas and Oil to Replace Russia
In a renewed diplomatic push, Washington is offering U.S. natural gas and oil to European allies and to India as a substitute for Russian energy imports.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the move aims to “stabilize global markets while isolating Russia’s energy leverage.”
Immigration Raid Still Reverberates in Georgia
Last month’s immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant near Savannah continues to make headlines.
The operation, which detained dozens of undocumented workers, has strained U.S.–South Korea relations and raised concerns for Georgia’s growing EV industry.
The plant’s developer, a South Korean company, recently announced plans for a $223 million facility in Columbus employing over 500 people.
WORLD ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS
China Tightens Rare Earth Controls
China has expanded its rare earth export restrictions, citing national security concerns.
The new policy limits overseas cooperation and bans unauthorized technology transfers — a move expected to tighten global supply chains for defense and semiconductor industries.
Toyota Expands EV Manufacturing in Asia
Toyota announced new electric vehicle factories in Indonesia and Thailand, part of its “multi-pathway strategy” to meet global demand.
The automaker says local production will reduce logistics costs while accelerating EV adoption across Southeast Asia.
