Solar panel troubles on rooftops
In the realm of energy and environmental policy, a series of significant developments have taken place across the United States. Here's a summary of some of the latest updates:
Auto Industry Shifts
General Motors has announced plans to move vehicle production from Mexico to the U.S., with gasoline-powered vehicles set to be made at a Michigan plant previously retooled for electric vehicles. [Detroit News]
Renewable Energy Projects
The U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, approved the Empire Wind projects, while the U.S. Energy Secretary defended the Trump administration's decision to allow the project to proceed. [E&E News]
However, experts predict cuts in Congress' budget bill could lead to a significant drop in rooftop solar installations. [New York Times]
Fossil Fuel Proposals
Developers have proposed more than 100 gas-fired power plants in Texas, totaling 58 GW, which could emit an estimated 115 million metric tons of greenhouse gases annually. [Inside Climate News]
Bankruptcies in Solar Sector
Prominent solar companies, including residential provider Sunnova and lender Solar Mosaic, have filed for bankruptcy. [Canary Media]
Transmission Projects
Utilities around the country are waiting to hear the fate of $23 billion in federal loan guarantees intended to bolster transmission projects and prepare the grid for a growing power load. [E&E News]
Geothermal Advancements
Fervo Energy demonstrated the rapid advancement and scalability of enhanced geothermal systems at its Cape Station facility in Utah. [news release]
Regulatory Changes
The U.S. Justice Department found the 1906 Antiquities Act authorizes the president to alter or eliminate national monuments designated under the law. [Landmark, Bloomberg Law]
The U.S. EPA plans to roll back two rules requiring power plants to curb toxic pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. [E&E News, New York Times]
President Donald Trump intends to sign three resolutions revoking California's vehicle emissions standards. [Politico]
Public Opinion on Energy
A new survey finds support for renewable energy has fallen among both Republicans and Democrats over the last five years, while backing for expanding fossil fuels and nuclear production has grown. [Canary Media]
Mining and Clean Energy
House Republicans aim to remove provisions opening up mining in northern Minnesota from the bill they already passed. [E&E News]
Minnesota clean energy advocates worry that quickly repealing federal tax credits could negatively impact the state's wind and solar industries. [MPR News]
Environmental Concerns in Construction
Three workers have died and another 15 have been seriously injured during construction of Hyundai's EV and battery factory in Georgia. [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]
Impact of Solar Farms on Property Values
Solar farm development has a relatively minor impact on most residential property values, according to Virginia Tech researchers. [news release]
Support for Nuclear, Geothermal, and Fusion Research
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright supports tax credits for nuclear, geothermal, and fusion research and development, but not for solar and wind power. [E&E News]
Regulatory Changes on Heat Pumps and Water Heaters
Southern California regulators rejected rules that would've encouraged adoption of electric heat pumps and water heaters, which could have helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the smog-plagued area. [Canary Media]
Read also:
- Reporter of Silenced Torment or Individual Recording Suppressed Agony
- EPA Administrator Zeldin travels to Iowa, reveals fresh EPA DEF guidelines, attends State Fair, commemorates One Big Beautiful Bill
- "Divine Protections Failed: Father Battling for Life After Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infection"
- Innovative Company ILiAD Technologies Introduces ILiAD+: Boosting Direct Lithium Extraction Technology's Efficiency Substantially
