** President Trump praises the AI boom, but calls for data center builders to “pay their own way” in a social media post. ** A federal judge overturns the Interior Department order halting construction on the nearly-complete Revolution Wind, which the Trump administration targeted in December along with four other wind projects. ** A federal …
Category: EPA
Oklahoma Reps. supported agency funding for EPA and others
The U.S. House voted overwhelmingly in support of funding three agencies including Energy and Water Development, Interior and Environment and Commerce, Justice and Science and Oklahoma’s Representatives were in the majority. Oklahoma’s entire delegation, Reps. Stephanie Bice, Josh Brecheen, Tom Cole, Kevin Hern and Frank Lucas were among the 419 Representatives who voted for the …
Energy Brief: Policy, Power and Global Energy Moves
Policy and Regulation ** The Trump administration filed a lawsuit seeking to block natural gas hookup and appliance restrictions in two California cities, arguing the local rules violate a 1975 federal law. Power Generation and Grid ** An Anschutz Corporation subsidiary proposed a 2,000 MW gas generation facility in southern Wyoming to complement the nearby …
Energy Brief: Trump Signals Venezuela Oil Comeback
Energy Brief: Trump Eyes Venezuela Oil Return U.S. Energy Policy & Markets *Government officials in Caracas and Washington are discussing exporting Venezuelan crude to refiners in the United States, five government, industry and shipping sources told Reuters on Tuesday, a deal that could divert supplies away from China while helping state company PDVSA avoid …
Oklahoma Secures Mercedes-Benz Diesel Settlement
Oklahoma to receive funds from Mercedes-Benz diesel settlement State joins nationwide emissions enforcement action Oklahoma will receive more than a quarter-million dollars as part of a nearly $150 million nationwide settlement with Mercedes-Benz over allegations the automaker violated U.S. diesel emissions laws. The settlement resolves claims that Mercedes-Benz used software designed to defeat federal diesel …
Energy briefs
** Danish renewable energy giant Orsted filed suit Thursday against the Department of Interior because it paused its lease on a $5 billion off-shore wind farm in Rhode Island. Orsted’s Revolution Wind project is 87% complete, and “is expected to be ready to deliver reliable, affordable power to American homes in 2026,” a press release said. ** …
Trucker gets prison time for illegally dumping gasoline
A New Jersey truck driver has been sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison after illegally dumping thousands of gallons of gasoline in Pennsylvania, a reckless act that caused widespread environmental damage, killed wildlife, and forced the closure of a local elementary school. The case underscores how fuel transportation violations can carry serious criminal …
Poultry Federation supports stay in Illinois River case
Poultry Federation criticizes attorney general’s actions A year-end statement from The Poultry Federation sharply criticized Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, warning his continued pursuit of millions of dollars in penalties against poultry growers could force family farms out of business across eastern Oklahoma. The comments came from outgoing Federation President Marvin Childers, issued one day …
Colorado coal plant avoids shutdown under emergency order
Federal emergency order delays Craig Station shutdown The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order at the end of 2025 requiring a northwest Colorado coal-fired power plant to remain in operation beyond its planned closure date. The order, signed by Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Dec. 30, came one day before Craig Station in Moffat County, …
Energy briefs
** The U.S. is preparing for a high-risk boarding of a massive oil tanker accused of evading sanctions tied to Venezuela, marking the most dangerous moment yet in Washington’s expanding maritime crackdown. Officials say the vessel ignored U.S. orders, reversed course at sea, and is now being pursued as elite forces move into position, according …