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Trump Administration's $700 Million Plan to Boost Coal Industry Amidst Solar Growth

Trump Administration's $700 Million Plan to Boost Coal Industry Amidst Solar Growth

The Trump administration has announced a $700 million initiative to support the struggling U.S. coal industry, focusing on coal-fired power plants and coal exports. This move comes as solar power continues to grow in the U.S., recently surpassing coal in electricity generation for the first time. Despite federal policies favoring coal, solar energy remains the leading source of new power, with significant investments in solar and battery storage. The administration has also canceled several solar and wind projects and terminated $7 billion in funding for affordable solar energy projects. Critics argue that these policies hinder the growth of renewable energy, which is crucial for reducing carbon emissions.
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Brazil reports drop in Amazon deforestation rates, pushing back on US tariff accusations

Brazil reports drop in Amazon deforestation rates, pushing back on US tariff accusations

Brazilian officials have announced a significant drop in deforestation rates
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Why TikTok / ByteDance entering the US matters in tech history Almost Looked Completely Different

Why TikTok / ByteDance entering the US matters in tech history Almost Looked Completely Different

TikTok's dominance in the U.S. feels inevitable, but its history is a story of near-misses, a forced sale that never was, and geopolitical drama.
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Experts Criticize U.S. Laws as Inadequate for Deep-Sea Mining Regulation

Experts Criticize U.S. Laws as Inadequate for Deep-Sea Mining Regulation

The U.S. government is preparing to auction off sections of the seabed in federal waters for deep-sea mining, but experts, including former government officials, argue that the current regulations are outdated and lack necessary oversight provisions. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has proposed revisions to streamline leasing and permitting, but critics claim these changes would weaken environmental reviews and public input opportunities. The Trump administration initiated the push for deep-sea mining, and the Department of the Interior plans to hold seabed lease sales starting in August 2026. Critics warn of potential environmental damage and insufficient regulatory frameworks, while supporters argue for the industry's minimal invasiveness and critical mineral procurement.
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NOAA Approves TMC's Seabed Mining Expansion, Raising Environmental Concerns

NOAA Approves TMC's Seabed Mining Expansion, Raising Environmental Concerns

NOAA Approves TMC's Seabed Mining Expansion, Raising Environmental Concerns
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U.S. Executive Order Spurs Controversial Deep-Sea Mining Plans

U.S. Executive Order Spurs Controversial Deep-Sea Mining Plans

A Canadian company, The Metals Company, through its U.S. subsidiary, is set to become the first to mine the international seabed under a U.S. executive order bypassing UN regulations. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has deemed the company's application compliant, moving towards a permit by 2027. This development follows an executive order by President Trump in 2025, aiming to expedite seabed mining permits outside U.S. jurisdiction. The move has sparked legal concerns, as the U.S. has not ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which governs seabed mining. The executive order has been met with criticism from the International Seabed Authority, which oversees global seabed mining regulations.
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Ares Strategic Mining Aims to Reduce U.S. Fluorspar Imports with Utah Mine Development

Ares Strategic Mining Aims to Reduce U.S. Fluorspar Imports with Utah Mine Development

Ares Strategic Mining Aims to Reduce U.S. Fluorspar Imports with Utah Mine Development
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U.S. Business Group Highlights Challenges in Accessing Critical Minerals from China

U.S. Business Group Highlights Challenges in Accessing Critical Minerals from China

U.S. Business Group Highlights Challenges in Accessing Critical Minerals from China
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Judge Overturns Trump Policy Limiting Wind and Solar Tax Credits

Judge Overturns Trump Policy Limiting Wind and Solar Tax Credits

Judge Overturns Trump Policy Limiting Wind and Solar Tax Credits
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Ares Strategic Mining Aims to Revitalize U.S. Fluorspar Production Amid National Security Concerns

Ares Strategic Mining Aims to Revitalize U.S. Fluorspar Production Amid National Security Concerns

Ares Strategic Mining Aims to Revitalize U.S. Fluorspar Production Amid National Security Concerns
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Judge Overturns Trump Policy Limiting Wind and Solar Tax Breaks

Judge Overturns Trump Policy Limiting Wind and Solar Tax Breaks

A U.S. judge has vacated a Trump administration policy that restricted federal tax subsidies for wind and solar energy projects. The policy, implemented last year, was challenged in court by environmental groups and the city of San Francisco, among others. The court ruled that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) failed to provide adequate justification for changing the criteria for projects to qualify for tax credits. The decision restores the previous rules, allowing clean energy projects to claim a 30% tax credit if they begin construction by July 4, 2026, or enter service by the end of 2027. The ruling is seen as a victory for clean energy advocates who argue that the policy change would have increased electricity costs and hindered the development of renewable energy projects.
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Super El Niño Declared: U.S. Homeowners Advised to Prepare for Weather Impacts

Super El Niño Declared: U.S. Homeowners Advised to Prepare for Weather Impacts

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has officially announced the onset of a Super El Niño, expected to intensify through the fall of 2026 and persist into the winter of 2026-2027. Forecasters estimate a 63% chance of a very strong El Niño event between November 2026 and January 2027, potentially ranking among the most significant on record. El Niño typically brings warmer-than-average winters to the northern U.S., which could reduce heating costs for millions. However, it also increases the likelihood of stormier weather in the southern U.S., with heightened risks of rain, snow, and high-tide flooding, particularly along the West Coast. Hawaii is forecasted to experience above-normal precipitation through early autumn, while the eastern and central Pacific basins may see enhanced tropical development. NOAA emphasizes that each El Niño event is unique, and its impacts will vary across regions.