U.S. Energy Developments
** The Trump administration on Thursday revoked a scientific finding that long has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, the most aggressive move by the Republican president to roll back climate regulations. The rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency rescinds a 2009 government declaration known as the endangerment finding that determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called the endangerment finding “the Holy Grail of federal regulatory overreach.”
Offshore wind rulings appeal
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says the Trump administration plans to appeal five rulings that allowed offshore wind farm construction to continue after December stop-work orders.
New Jersey grid congestion plan
New Jersey regulators order four major electric utilities to explore ways to relieve grid congestion using distributed resources as part of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s plan to develop virtual power plants and lower electricity bills.
Defense manufacturing funding
Southern Arkansas University Tech has secured $20 million in federal funding to launch a Defense Manufacturing Center of Excellence, a project officials say will significantly expand workforce training and economic growth in South Arkansas.
Puerto Rico grid spotlight
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny spotlights the island’s crumbling power grid during his Super Bowl halftime show, as the Trump administration cancels $450 million for grid resilience programs and residents continue to see widespread disruptions, electrical surges, and soaring power bills.
LNG export concerns
Some experts say a glut of liquefied natural gas export terminals could drive up domestic energy prices at a time when utility rates are already reaching record highs, while others are worried about a gas oversupply that could drive down prices and slow the gas industry.
Virginia rate legislation
Virginia lawmakers introduce legislation to decrease power costs from Dominion Energy’s residential customers by 3.25% while creating a new rate class that will increase bills for data centers by 15%.
World Energy Developments
Iran oil tanker risks
Iran’s network of aging oil tankers used to move crude under sanctions is increasingly being flagged as an environmental and maritime safety risk, with experts warning that a serious accident could trigger a catastrophic spill, The Guardian reported on Tuesday.
Russia export revenue declines
Oil and gas exports have sustained Russia’s finances throughout its war against Ukraine. But as the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion approaches, those cash flows have suddenly dwindled to lows not seen in years.