Are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) likely to become a reality?
In the realm of energy and environmental policy, several significant events have taken place across the United States.
Economic Impact of Coal Royalties
According to a Wyoming economist, the state could potentially lose up to $50 million annually due to federal coal royalty reductions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. However, a portion of these losses may be offset by increased economic activity. (Source: Wyoming Public Radio)
Automobile Industry
Production of Mercedes-Benz's electric vehicles (EVs) at its Alabama factory has been paused. (Source: Inside EVs)
Meanwhile, Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, has signed a lease for land in Atlanta to build its East Coast headquarters, and plans to break ground on a factory in Georgia next year. (Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Utilities and Rate Increases
U.S. utilities have requested or secured a record $29 billion in rate increases in the first half of the year, more than double the total reached halfway through 2024. (Source: Latitude Media)
Privatization Discussions
Republican officials aligned with President Trump have discussed the idea of privatizing the federally run Tennessee Valley Authority. No similar discussions regarding the privatization of the federal electricity grid have been found. (Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press and E&E News)
Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will eliminate its Office of Research and Development focused on protecting the environment and human health, and cut thousands of employees. (Source: CNBC)
Transmission Organization and Day-Ahead Power Market
California Gov. Gavin Newsom backs legislation that would create a Western transmission organization and day-ahead power market led by the state's grid operator. (Source: E&E News)
Coal Ash and TVA Plant
A Tennessee Valley Authority plant in Alabama contains 21 million cubic yards of coal ash in six ponds, and if all of its sites are in contact with groundwater, it could be "the dirtiest in the nation." (Source: AL.com)
Environmental Permitting
Federal lawmakers are resuming discussions to speed environmental permitting after passing the GOP megalaw. (Source: E&E News)
Energy Innovation
North Dakota researchers are examining whether they can pair geothermal power with active oil and gas drilling sites and use captured carbon as a feedstock for geothermal power production. (Source: E&E News)
Climate Change and Funding Cuts
Climate scientists say President Trump's funding cuts and layoffs are jeopardizing the country's ability to address climate change and its environmental and health effects. (Source: The Guardian)
Solar and Wind Projects
The Trump administration's decision on heightened reviews for solar and wind projects on federal land is being challenged by Western Democrats, advocates, and the industry, who believe it could result in a clean energy "shadow ban." (Source: E&E News)
Business Transactions
BP is selling its U.S. onshore wind business to LS Power. (Source: The Guardian)
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