Could the forthcoming "big beautiful bill" potentially disrupt Georgia's electrical vehicle manufacturing sector?
In the realm of energy and infrastructure, several significant developments have taken place across the United States. Let's delve into some of the key stories that have emerged recently.
Louisiana Outages and Transmission Lines
Officials from Entergy New Orleans and grid operator MISO are in discussions regarding the role of insufficient transmission lines in the widespread outages that affected Louisiana during Memorial Day weekend. The aim is to address this issue and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Georgia's EV Manufacturing and Subsidies
The future of Georgia as an EV manufacturing hub is under debate among lawmakers. This comes as a potential response to the repeal of electric vehicle subsidies, which could slow down the state's growth in this sector.
Linde's SpaceX Partnership in Texas
Industrial gas supplier Linde is building a facility in Texas to support SpaceX with gases for rocket launches, in-space propulsion, and rocket engine component manufacturing. This collaboration promises to bolster the space industry in the Lone Star State.
Clean Energy Grants Cancellation
The U.S. Energy Department has cancelled 24 clean energy grants, including two $75 million awards in Alabama aimed at reducing carbon emissions from furnaces. This decision has raised concerns about the future of clean energy initiatives in the region.
Georgia's Public Service Commission Elections
Four Democrats and two Republicans are running for two seats on Georgia's Public Service Commission. The candidates' positions on recent rate increases for Georgia Power are a key point of debate in the upcoming election.
Texas Port of Corpus Christi Expansion
The Port of Corpus Christi in Texas is celebrating the imminent conclusion of a project to deepen its ship channel. This expansion will enable the port to accommodate larger ships, solidifying its position as the third-largest crude oil export gateway in the world.
California's Solar Power Curtailment
California curtailed 3,400 GWh of solar power last year, indicating the state's capacity to increase demand via electrification or build out transmission lines to send that power elsewhere.
Tennessee Valley Authority's Solar Farm Project
The Tennessee Valley Authority plans to build a 100 MW solar farm on a coal ash dump in Kentucky. This project could mark a significant step towards the TVA's renewable energy goals.
Virginia's Data Center Load Forecasts
A Virginia regulator has called for more clarity around data center load forecasts, as federal officials discuss how the sector's load growth is affecting grid operator PJM's capacity costs.
Hurricane Recovery in Western North Carolina
Communities in Western North Carolina are continuing to recover from the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene, as the summer tourist season begins.
Florida's Solar Farm and Renewable Gas Projects
Florida regulators have approved cost recovery plans for Duke Energy to build four new solar farms and for Tampa Electric to purchase renewable gas from a waste-to-energy facility. These projects are expected to contribute to the state's renewable energy goals.
Biofuel in Aviation and Washington, D.C.
Officials in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area are pushing for the use of biofuel in aviation to lower carbon emissions.
Air Quality Monitoring in North Carolina
A North Carolina nonprofit has launched an interactive map using 100 "AirKeepers" with monitors on their houses to display air quality data and the location of polluters. This initiative aims to increase transparency and accountability in air quality management.
Power Outages and Backup Generators in Houston
A series of power outages in Houston last year has led one journalist to purchase a backup generator after years of being unable to afford it. This underscores the importance of reliable power infrastructure, particularly during extreme weather events.
Avianca's Bankruptcy and Flight Cancellations
In other news, Colombian airline Avianca has filed for bankruptcy protection, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before travelling.
These stories represent a snapshot of the diverse and dynamic energy and infrastructure landscape in the United States. Stay tuned for more updates as these developments unfold.
