All articles tagged with #energy policy
Lawmakers and the White House are pursuing a broad permitting overhaul to speed energy, transmission, and infrastructure projects, with signs of momentum toward a summer deal, but deep divides over environmental rules, state versus federal authority, and the administration’s stance create an uncertain path to enactment in an election year.
Gas prices surge nationwide, with averages around $4.56 per gallon and highs above $5 in several states, driven by Iran-related supply fears and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. As Memorial Day road travel peaks, Americans are cutting trips or staying closer to home, while Republicans blame energy policy and Democrats call for relief in a widening political blame game.
Chevron gas stations in California have posted signs blaming state policymakers in Sacramento for high fuel prices, a message observed in the Central Valley that signals public frustration with energy policy.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office is advising residents to avoid Chevron this holiday weekend due to high gas prices, with signs and billboards blaming Sacramento policies for the cost.
NextEra Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with Dominion Energy would create a utility giant to speed AI-era infrastructure and, proponents say, lower bills via a two-year $2.25 billion payout that could shave about $25/month through 2028. Regulators at FERC, NRC, and state commissions in North and South Carolina and Virginia must approve, and Virginia’s political leadership—already wary of rate increases—will closely scrutinize long-term affordability and potential settlements to win clearance.
Sen. Adam Schiff introduced the Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act, which would require data centers over 50 MW to secure their own power, pay for the grid upgrades they necessitate, and not siphon electricity from existing plants, while directing FERC to update transmission rules to allow demand reductions during peak hours—a move framed as helping curb rising electricity costs amid AI power demand, though the bill currently has no Republican co-sponsors.
CNN reports that amid an energy crisis and rising gas prices, Trump’s options to quickly slash prices are narrowing. While steps like draining the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and waiving Jones Act rules have been taken, analysts say the only real lever left to lower prices quickly is reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Proposals such as a federal gas tax holiday are viewed as providing little relief and could undermine highway funding, and bans on exports could destabilize markets. US oil production remains high, but a renewed Iran– Strait of Hormuz confrontation could push prices higher; reopening Hormuz is seen as the key, albeit with significant geopolitical risk.
NASA’s Black Marble/VIIRS data (2014–2022) show global nighttime radiance rising 34% but with bidirectional changes: some regions brighten while others dim due to urban growth, energy use, and policy shifts. In the US, the West Coast brightened while the East Coast dimmed from LED adoption and economic restructuring; Europe also dimmed notably during the 2022 energy crisis (Paris region ~33%, UK ~22%, Netherlands ~21%). NASA’s visualizations map these patterns, highlighting how human activity and policy shape the planet’s nocturnal landscape.
Ottawa and Alberta signed a pact to fast-track a pipeline carrying more than 1 million barrels of oil per day to Pacific markets, a move the prime minister casts as proof of a “Canada that works” amid western alienation and a shift toward diversifying exports beyond the United States. The plan hinges on federal approval by October after Indigenous consultations and BC talks, a new emissions framework for Alberta’s oil-and-gas sector, and a carbon-capture hub; construction could begin in 2027 with first oil to a BC port by 2033–34, likely followed by private-sector ownership.
The Trump administration’s emergency orders to keep five aging coal plants operating beyond closures have cost hundreds of millions, largely borne by ratepayers (e.g., J.H. Campbell in Michigan has about $180 million in expenses since last May). Critics argue the strategy is inefficient and environmentally harmful, while the Energy Department says it safeguards grid reliability; a DC Circuit Court case brought by Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois and environmental groups challenges the orders’ legality. The policy coincides with a rebound in coal use and related emissions, despite health and environmental concerns surrounding coal power.
California is paying the nation’s highest gas prices (about $6.15/gal) as refinery closures tighten supply and imports fill the gap; with about six weeks of stable shipments forecast, prices could climb toward $6.50–$7/gal afterward amid debates over reliance on imports versus domestic refiners and the potential knock-on effects on EV adoption.
Lawmakers are treading cautiously on President Trump’s call to suspend the federal gasoline tax, with leaders weighing whether a temporary relief would actually lower prices or harm the Highway Trust Fund; despite some intrigue, no votes are imminent as Republicans seek more analysis and Democrats raise concerns about effectiveness and cost.
Trump floated a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax to ease prices, but Congress and the White House remain split. Senate leaders signaled hesitation due to revenue loss that could hit the Highway Trust Fund, and critics argue any relief would be modest relative to price shocks from global events. A hypothetical waiver could cost about $14 billion for a May–November window, and while several 2028 contenders have endorsed similar ideas, it remains unclear whether the plan will gain political traction or fade as campaigning continues.
President Trump’s proposal to suspend the federal gasoline tax is drawing attention on Capitol Hill but faces early GOP skepticism and concerns about funding the Highway Trust Fund; Hawley has introduced a 90-day halt, while others seek offsets or general-fund replacements, highlighting budget deficits as lawmakers weigh pump-relief against long-term financing in a period of high gas prices.
With U.S. gas prices climbing toward $5 a gallon, Trump has floated suspending the 18-cent federal gas tax—a move that would require Congress. NBC News’s analysis shows that even a complete pause on all state and federal taxes would leave prices about 35% higher than they were at the war’s start. The average driver pays roughly 51 cents per gallon in taxes and fees, of which 18 cents go to the federal government; Georgia has already paused its own tax, and a broader pause would affect highway and transit funding via the Highway Trust Fund.