Articles tagged with "US-energy-policy"
Trump Fails, Again, To Stop The US Wind Industry
The article details the latest legal setback for former President Trump’s efforts to halt the US offshore wind industry, highlighting a recent federal court ruling that allowed the massive 800-megawatt Vineyard Wind project in Massachusetts to resume work. This decision came after the Trump administration issued a stop-work order citing national security concerns, which a judge found to be irrational and poorly justified, especially since 44 of the project’s 62 turbines were already operational and delivering electricity. The ruling emphasized that if the government’s concern was truly about turbine operation, it made no sense to allow turbines to run while prohibiting repairs and completion of the remaining turbines. This case marks the fourth judicial defeat for Trump’s attempts to impede offshore wind projects, with courts consistently ruling against the administration’s efforts to block development once leases had been granted. Although Trump had initially halted new offshore lease approvals and ordered work stoppages on projects under construction, courts have maintained that lease-holders have the right to complete their projects unless there is a compelling
energywind-energyoffshore-windrenewable-energyUS-energy-policywind-turbinesclean-energyRepublicans Set to Kill Giant EV Charging Program - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica reports that Republicans in Congress are poised to cut over $875 million in funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program, a major initiative established under the Biden administration to build EV charging infrastructure nationwide. This move follows previous Republican efforts to halt the program, including a freeze imposed during the Trump administration in early 2025 that was later ruled illegal by a federal judge. Despite the freeze, states have resumed NEVI projects, committing over $1.4 billion collectively to expand EV charging networks, which support clean transportation and create tens of thousands of jobs. The Sierra Club criticizes the Republican push to defund NEVI as counterproductive and harmful to the country’s transition to clean energy. They argue that the GOP’s actions appear motivated by support for the fossil fuel industry and political alignment with Donald Trump’s anti-cleantech stance. The article highlights that states are actively advancing EV infrastructure projects, with many having issued contracts and begun construction since the freeze was
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-charging-infrastructureclean-energyNEVI-programUS-energy-policysustainable-transportationLosing Loser Loses Another Offshore Wind Fight, Again
The article discusses the repeated legal defeats faced by former President Donald Trump’s administration in its efforts to halt offshore wind projects in the United States. Despite aggressive attempts to stop construction on several major offshore wind farms—including Vineyard Wind in Massachusetts, Revolution Wind, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, Empire Wind, and Sunrise Wind—federal judges have consistently ruled against the administration’s stop-work orders. These projects, which rely on leases from the federal government’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), had already secured permits and were well into construction when the administration cited urgent national security concerns to justify halting work. However, courts found these claims unsubstantiated and allowed construction to proceed. The article highlights that the administration’s national security rationale was undermined by the fact that other offshore wind farms, such as the one in New York and parts of Vineyard Wind, had been operating for years without triggering any security alarms. The legal setbacks include decisions by judges appointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents, indicating the lack of partisan
energyoffshore-windrenewable-energywind-powerUS-energy-policyclean-energyenergy-infrastructureTrump Judge Hands Another Offshore Wind #FAIL To Trump
The article discusses the ongoing conflict between former President Donald Trump and offshore wind energy projects in the United States. Since 2013, Trump has opposed offshore wind turbines, including a failed legal challenge in Scotland. Domestically, his administration issued a stop-work order on December 22, halting five major offshore wind projects—Sunrise Wind, Empire Wind, Vineyard Wind, Revolution Wind, and the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project—citing national security concerns raised by the Department of Defense. These projects collectively represent about 8 gigawatts of energy capacity, with some turbines already operational, such as those at Vineyard Wind. Legal challenges quickly followed, and two of the projects—Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind—have had their stop-work orders lifted by federal judges, including Trump appointee District Judge Carl J. Nichols, who ruled that delays would cause "imminent irreparable harm." The fate of the remaining three projects remains uncertain but faces increasing legal and political pressure
energyoffshore-windrenewable-energywind-turbinesenergy-infrastructureUS-energy-policyclean-energyJudge Smacks Down One Offshore Wind Stop-Work Order
On December 22, 2023, President Donald Trump ordered a halt to work on five major offshore wind projects along the U.S. Atlantic Coast, citing a newly uncovered national security threat. This abrupt stop affected hundreds of workers and disrupted construction across multiple states. However, on January 12, 2024, U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth issued a preliminary injunction allowing work to resume on the Revolution Wind project in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Judge Lamberth, appointed by President Reagan and known for his strict adherence to legal ethics, had previously blocked a similar stop-work order in August 2023, rejecting the Interior Department’s vague national security claims. The article suggests that the Trump administration’s stop-work order was politically motivated, possibly intended to distract from the release of sensitive Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. The Department of the Interior’s sudden national security justification lacked transparency and failed to notify state governors in advance. Judge Lamberth’s ruling indicates judicial skepticism toward the administration’s
energyoffshore-windrenewable-energywind-farmUS-energy-policyclean-energyenergy-infrastructureOil Colonialism In 2025? WTF Is Going On? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the surprising and controversial actions taken by Donald Trump and his administration in 2025 regarding Venezuela. It reports that the US military, specifically Delta Force, allegedly abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a covert operation, followed by bombing Venezuela without Congressional approval. This move contradicts Trump’s earlier anti-interventionist campaign stance and has caused confusion and concern about US intentions. Trump openly stated that the US would be "very strongly involved" in Venezuela’s oil industry, suggesting a motive tied to controlling or exploiting Venezuela’s vast oil resources despite the US already producing more oil than it consumes and relatively low global oil demand. The article explores possible reasons behind Trump’s actions, including securing Venezuelan oil for American companies or potentially using the resources for personal or political gain. It also considers alternative theories, such as Trump seeking a political "win" to distract from domestic economic and social issues or aspiring to emulate authoritarian leaders by expanding US territorial control. The piece highlights
energyoil-industryfossil-fuelsVenezuela-oilUS-energy-policyoil-pricesstrategic-reservesUS pauses offshore wind projects over radar interference concerns
The U.S. government has paused five major offshore wind projects along the East Coast due to national security concerns raised by the Pentagon, specifically regarding radar interference. The projects affected include Vineyard Wind (Massachusetts), Revolution Wind (Rhode Island and Connecticut), Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, and two New York projects—Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind. All five projects hold federal leases and are in various stages of construction. The Interior Department, working with the Defense Department and other agencies, will assess and seek to mitigate risks related to radar “clutter” caused by turbine blades and towers, which can obscure legitimate radar targets and generate false signals, potentially complicating coastal surveillance near densely populated areas. This pause follows ongoing legal battles over federal wind policy, including a recent court decision that struck down a broad executive order from the Trump administration aimed at halting wind development nationwide. Unlike the previous sweeping ban, the current action is more targeted, focusing on specific projects rather than an outright prohibition. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum
energyoffshore-windrenewable-energyradar-interferencenational-securitywind-projectsUS-energy-policyFederal Judge Lifts Key Part Of Trump's Offshore Wind Ban
A federal judge in the US District Court for Massachusetts has ruled that a significant portion of former President Donald Trump’s January 20 Offshore Wind Order is illegal and must be vacated. While the court upheld Trump’s authority to suspend new offshore wind lease issuances temporarily, it found that the suspension of ongoing offshore wind projects was arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law. Judge Patti B. Saris declared the order unlawful, emphasizing that the executive action constituted a final agency decision that failed to comply with legal standards. The ruling specifically targeted the order’s halt on projects already in progress, effectively reinstating their ability to move forward. The case involved multiple federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior and its subagencies, the Department of Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others, all named as defendants alongside Trump. Plaintiffs included offshore wind industry groups and a coalition of state attorneys general from 18 states and Washington, DC, signaling broad opposition to the ban. Industry representatives welcomed the
energyoffshore-windrenewable-energywind-powerUS-energy-policyenvironmental-lawclean-energyNew Sodium-Ion Batteries Threaten The US Coal Recovery Plan
The article discusses the emerging threat that new sodium-ion battery technology poses to the U.S. coal recovery plan. Despite recent attempts to revive aging coal power plants amid a proclaimed national “energy emergency,” these efforts are faltering due to the rapid advancement and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, coupled with innovative energy storage solutions. In the first half of 2024, renewables accounted for 93% of new capacity additions to the U.S. grid, with solar and energy storage projects making up 83%, underscoring the accelerating shift away from fossil fuels. Sodium-ion batteries are highlighted as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries for grid-scale energy storage due to their cost advantages, scalability, and supply chain security. Although the U.S. startup Natron, an early sodium-ion player, recently shut down, Peak Energy—a newer company with experienced leadership from Tesla, Apple, and Powin—has gained significant traction. Peak Energy secured $55 million in Series A
energysodium-ion-batteriesenergy-storagerenewable-energyclean-technologybattery-innovationUS-energy-policyUS Expects To Add 32 Gigawatts Of Solar Power In 12 Months
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that 32 gigawatts (GW) of new solar power capacity will come online in the United States over the next 12 months (October 2025 through September 2026). Solar power continues to be the fastest-growing source of new electric generating capacity, driven primarily by large-scale photovoltaic projects from utilities and independent producers. Although about 5 GW of this total reflects delayed projects from previous periods, delays are generally short—typically only a month or two—and have decreased recently, suggesting improvements in construction and testing efficiency. Despite these delays, 2024 was a record year for solar capacity additions, with 31 GW installed, increasing total US utility-scale solar capacity by 34%. However, the solar industry faces significant political and regulatory challenges. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) warns that federal, state, and local permitting roadblocks—largely attributed to the fossil fuel industry's influence and policies from the Trump administration era—threat
energysolar-powerrenewable-energyphotovoltaicUS-energy-policyelectric-utilitiesclean-energyUS Coal Exports Drop 11% — Tariffs & Lower Demand Top Reasons - CleanTechnica
US coal exports declined by approximately 11% in the first half of 2025, with key factors including tariffs imposed during Donald Trump’s presidency and weakening global demand. Specifically, exports to China, historically the largest buyer, dropped significantly after China enacted import restrictions on US coal in early 2025. China accounted for roughly 70% of the overall decline in US coal exports, impacting both metallurgical and steam coal categories. The global coal market is also characterized by oversupply and soft demand, further contributing to reduced US coal exports. Domestically, US coal consumption for electricity generation has decreased due to shifting demand and competition from cheaper natural gas and renewable energy sources. Globally, renewable energy capacity additions have outpaced coal, signaling a structural decline in coal demand. Notably, China’s coal-fired electricity generation fell sharply in early 2025 despite rising electricity demand, indicating a significant shift away from coal in the world’s largest coal-consuming economy. The article emphasizes that coal, as an
energycoal-exportsfossil-fuelsrenewable-energyUS-energy-policyChina-coal-importselectricity-generationDanish Firm Ørsted Sues To Save US Offshore Wind Jobs
The Danish renewable energy company Ørsted is actively suing the U.S. Department of the Interior to lift a stop-work order that has effectively halted the 704-megawatt Revolution Wind offshore project off Rhode Island. This project had employed over 1,000 unionized workers, many of whom are blue-collar laborers and some Trump voters who relied on the work as critical supplemental income. The stop-work order, issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, cited vague “concerns” without specifying any legal violations or safety threats, prompting frustration among workers and local stakeholders. In response, the attorneys general of Connecticut and Rhode Island have also filed suit to compel the Trump administration to rescind the order, emphasizing the lack of clear justification for the halt. Sea Services North America, a cooperative of fishing boat owners involved in supporting the project, publicly appealed for the order’s reversal, underscoring the economic hardship caused by the shutdown.
energyoffshore-windrenewable-energywind-powerØrstedUS-energy-policyclean-energy-jobsTexas Sends Another Solar Manufacturing Love Letter To The US
The article highlights Texas’s growing prominence as a national leader in solar energy, not only through its abundant sunshine and regulatory environment but also via its expanding solar manufacturing sector. Despite some legislative attempts within Texas to slow solar growth, the industry is thriving, creating thousands of factory jobs and producing solar equipment distributed across the United States. A notable example is T1 Energy, formerly Freyr Battery, which relocated its headquarters to Austin and is developing large-scale solar module factories in Texas. T1 is partnering with Corning Incorporated’s Hemlock venture in Michigan to source polysilicon and wafers domestically, enabling a vertically integrated supply chain that supports stable, American-made solar cell and module production. The article also emphasizes that while federal tariff and tax policies have created uncertainty for solar development projects, solar manufacturing remains robust due to strong White House support for onshoring supply chains. This domestic focus ensures supply chain certainty and regulatory compliance, fostering long-term growth and energy resilience. The U.S. solar manufacturing industry,
energysolar-energyrenewable-energysolar-manufacturingenergy-transitionclean-energyUS-energy-policyUS to revive Palisades nuclear plant to power 800,000 homes
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved Holtec International’s request to restart the Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan, marking the first time a previously shut-down U.S. nuclear plant has been authorized to resume operations. The 800-megawatt reactor, which had been shut down in 2022, is expected to power approximately 800,000 homes once fully operational. The NRC’s approval permits the plant to receive new fuel and transition licensed operators back on shift, with ongoing testing, inspections, and maintenance ensuring a safe and reliable restart under federal oversight. Holtec emphasized the significance of this milestone for the company, the state of Michigan, and the broader U.S. energy landscape, highlighting the plant’s role in enhancing grid reliability and supporting local jobs and economic growth. Beyond the immediate restart, Holtec plans to expand the Palisades site by deploying two SMR-300 small modular reactors (SMRs), aiming for commercial operation by 2030
energynuclear-powerPalisades-plantHoltec-Internationalsmall-modular-reactorsenergy-gridUS-energy-policyNew US Clean Energy Project Report: More Minus, Less Plus
The latest report from clean energy organization E2 reveals a mixed picture for US clean energy investments in May 2025. While the country saw $444 million in new clean energy investments, this positive development was overshadowed by $1.4 billion in project cancellations and downscalings, indicating a significant decline in investor confidence. This downturn is largely attributed to political factors, particularly the opposition from the current US administration and the Republican-controlled Congress, which have undermined the support and implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—a key legislative driver of clean energy growth passed in 2022. The IRA initially spurred $132 billion in planned clean energy investments across 42 states, with the potential to create 123,000 permanent jobs. Notably, a majority of these projects and benefits were located in Republican congressional districts, which have suffered the most from recent cancellations and delays. E2 reports that in 2025 alone, over $15.5 billion in investments and 12,000
energyclean-energyUS-energy-policyInflation-Reduction-Actrenewable-energyenergy-investmentenergy-transitionGeothermal Industry Sends A 163-Gigawatt Letter To Fossil Fuels
The article discusses the renewed focus on geothermal energy in the United States amid President Donald Trump’s second term, which prioritized coal, oil, gas, and geothermal energy under a “National Energy Emergency” declaration issued on January 20. While traditional renewables like wind and solar were excluded from this emergency status, geothermal energy, along with biofuels and hydropower, was recognized as a critical energy resource. Despite this inclusion, legislative support—particularly tax provisions in the federal budget bill (BBB)—has yet to fully materialize, leaving geothermal’s financial incentives uncertain as Congress debates the final bill. Significantly, the US geothermal industry is poised for growth, bolstered by new Department of Energy research and development programs that leverage enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) technology. This approach uses advanced drilling techniques adapted from oil and gas to create viable geothermal power sites beyond the limited traditional locations west of the Rockies. A recent US Geological Survey assessment revealed that New Mexico alone holds an estimated 163 gigawat
energygeothermal-energyrenewable-energyUS-energy-policybiofuelshydropowerenergy-infrastructure10 nuclear reactors to power 500,000 US homes with 1,000MW output
The article discusses Westinghouse’s plan to deploy 10 large-scale nuclear reactors in the US, each with a 1,000 MW output, aiming to power approximately 500,000 homes. This initiative aligns with former President Donald Trump’s executive orders issued in May 2023, which call for quadrupling US nuclear capacity by 2050 and initiating construction of 10 full-sized reactors by 2030. Westinghouse, leveraging its AP1000 pressurized water reactor design—already licensed and operational globally—is positioned as the primary candidate to fulfill this mandate. The company highlights its modular construction expertise, a stable supply chain, and lessons learned from previous projects, including the Vogtle site in Georgia and deployments in China, as key advantages. Discussions with the US Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office are ongoing to secure necessary financing. The estimated cost for building these reactors could reach $75 billion, excluding potential overruns, which remains a significant hurdle given the US utilities’ cautious stance after past cost escalations. Westinghouse faces limited competition in the large reactor market due to political and strategic factors sidelining foreign vendors and other domestic companies focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs). Meanwhile, SMR developers like NuScale and Holtec International are gaining attention by promoting smaller, modular units that can be co-located to match the output of large reactors with potentially lower costs and faster construction timelines. Despite the executive order’s emphasis on large reactors, SMRs are emerging as a competitive alternative in the evolving US nuclear energy landscape.
energynuclear-reactorsWestinghouseUS-energy-policymodular-constructionAP1000-reactornuclear-capacity-expansion$2.5 Billion Says US Just Can’t Quit Renewable Energy
renewable-energyclean-powerwind-energysolar-energyUS-energy-policyenergy-marketclean-technology