U.S. ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS
Illinois Supreme Court Hears Grain Belt Express Appeal
The Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments from Grain Belt Express developers who claim a lower court ruling against their $7 billion multi-state power line project was incorrect. The proposed line would stretch from southwest Kansas to the PJM Interconnection, the nation’s largest electricity market, carrying high-voltage renewable power across multiple states.
Chevron Plans 2.5 GW of Gas Generation in West Texas
Chevron announced plans to build 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of gas-fired generation in West Texas to power co-located data centers, adding capacity for the state’s surging digital infrastructure. The company’s CEO, however, said Chevron remains cautious about entering power production directly, focusing instead on fuel supply and grid reliability partnerships.
New York Delays All-Electric Construction Mandate
New York Governor Kathy Hochul agreed to delay enforcement of the state’s all-electric new construction law while an appeals court weighs an ongoing legal challenge. The rule, originally set to take effect in 2025, requires new residential and commercial buildings to use electric heating and cooking systems rather than gas.
Massive Outage Hits Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota
A power outage triggered by two tripped 500-kilovolt transmission lines near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, left much of northeast Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota without power Thursday. Nearly 100,000 customers lost electricity at the peak of the disruption. Utility officials said high winds may have contributed to the event, which also affected grid stability across neighboring states.
Congress Warns of China’s Critical Minerals Manipulation
A U.S. House committee warned that China has for decades manipulated global critical mineral prices, using supply control as an economic weapon to expand its manufacturing base and geopolitical influence. The report cites evidence of price-dumping, export restrictions, and market interventions to undermine U.S. and allied mineral producers.
Indiana Michigan Power Eyes $5 Billion Expansion
Indiana Michigan Power has requested state approval to build or acquire up to 3,300 MW of gas generation and 800 MW of clean energy to support growing data-center demand. Consumer advocates warn the plan could cost ratepayers $5 billion and are calling for greater transparency and oversight.
WORLD ENERGY
Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Terminal at Novorossiysk
Ukraine launched another drone and missile attack on Russia’s Novorossiysk oil terminal, igniting fires and damaging port infrastructure. The depot, one of Russia’s largest oil export hubs, was hit overnight Thursday, halting crude operations. Officials from both nations confirmed the strike as part of Kyiv’s push to target Russia’s war-financing energy assets.
Corruption Probe Shakes Ukraine’s Energy Sector
Ukraine’s anti-corruption investigators raided the homes of top energy officials and a former business partner of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking one of the biggest wartime corruption scandals since Russia’s invasion. The investigation centers on an alleged widespread fraud scheme within the energy ministry and state enterprises.
Iran Seizes Oil Tanker Off UAE Coast
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident east of Khor Fakkan, UAE, later confirmed as the Iranian seizure of a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker sailing from the UAE to Singapore. U.S. officials said the act marks another escalation in Iran’s maritime interference campaign.