#energy-policy

#energy-policy

As I write these words, the No 1 trending story on the Guardian is titled: The history and future of societal collapse. It is an account of a study by a Cambridge expert who works at something ominously called the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk; he concludes that we can't put a date on Doomsday, but by looking at the 5,000 years of [civilisation], we can understand the trajectories we face today and self-termination is most likely.

One of the Trump administration's top priorities has been its devastating, unilateral rollback of renewable energy projects and environmental regulations - and a corresponding, aggressive push for fossil fuel interests. But to hear a growing chorus of "abundance" proponents tell it, the real obstacle to climate progress is environmental regulation itself. In a disturbing trend, influential politicians and commentators are propagating the idea that U.S. environmental regulation is too stringent,

The big picture: Electricity prices and demand have been rising since the pandemic thanks to several forces rowing in the same direction. Think data center growth, wider digitalization of the economy, high temperatures, rising costs for natural gas used in power plants, power infrastructure investment, electric cars, manufacturing growth and more. The Energy Department's independent stats arm projects a year-over-year increase of over 4% in residential costs per kilowatt-hour in 2025, and a similar rise in 2026.

The number of operating US oil and gas rigs held flat at 539 last week, hovering near four-year lows and down 47 rigs in the last 12 months.

The Trump administration reissued a license to Chevron, allowing oil production and exports from Venezuela, despite past cancellations linked to Maduro's legitimacy as President.

The UK government is considering expanding its Boiler Upgrade Scheme to include air-to-air heat pumps that offer both heating and cooling amid rising summer temperatures.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the significance of extracting rare earth elements from coal to reduce reliance on China for crucial tech and military products.

The reconciliation act unwinds much of the Inflation Reduction Act, passing with a narrow vote of 218-214, with two Republicans voting against it.

"San Jose International Airport, despite having lower passenger traffic than pre-pandemic levels, stands out with new amenities and superior on-time performance, making it a favorite for travelers."

This is an optimistic report. It is possible to meet our carbon budgets for 2030 and 2050, provided we take steps forward [on policy]. It's very important that our country steps up to deliver our commitments.

Without a more structured, longer-term phase-down timeline, developers, manufacturers, and installers will scramble to meet tight deadlines and face a massive drop in demand shortly thereafter.

EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I'M WATCHING! YOU'RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON'T DO IT!"

The unprecedented blackout that brought the Iberian peninsula to a standstill was caused by surging voltages triggering a chain reaction of disconnections within Spain's power network.