Key developments
USDA pulls manure digester guarantees
On May 14, The New Lede reported that USDA stopped guaranteeing new manure-digester loans under REAP after citing continuing and significant underwriting and taxpayer-safeguard risks. The program remains paused through 2026, and portal data show the delinquent anaerobic-digester portfolio has fallen from $102.6 million to just two Ohio projects after a Wisconsin BC Organics loan package was transferred to Sagepoint Energy.
Why it matters
It removes federal backing from a methane-reduction sector while the USDA loan program remains under review.
Sources & driving stories
THE NEW LEDE
The New Lede coverageAustralia high court hears first climate case
Earthjustice reported that Hunter Valley community representatives appeared before Australia's High Court on May 13 in the country's first case centered on climate impacts from a fossil-fuel project. The challenge seeks to overturn a 2022 approval for the Mount Pleasant coal mine expansion, which would extend operations to 2048, double annual production, and trigger about 876 million tons of additional CO2e from exported coal.
Why it matters
The case could set a precedent for how Australian courts treat downstream emissions and local climate harm in fossil-fuel approvals.
Sources & driving stories
EARTHJUSTICE
Earthjustice coverageAmazon deforestation drops to eight-year low
Inside Climate News reported that Brazilian Amazon deforestation fell 36% from August 2025 through March 2026 to 1,460 square kilometers, according to an Imazon report. Pará, Mato Grosso, and Amazonas all saw declines, but Roraima recorded a 21% increase and 222 square kilometers of clearing, showing that progress remains uneven and wildfire pressure persists.
Why it matters
It points to meaningful basin-wide improvement while underscoring that localized fire and clearing hotspots still threaten the overall trend.
Sources & driving stories
INSIDE CLIMATE NEWS · Gabriel Matias Castilho
Inside Climate News coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Corpus Christi opens desalination talks
Heatmap says the city council voted 6-2 to begin talks with AXE H2O while reservoirs sit below 10% capacity and officials weigh stricter residential and industrial water limits.
WORTH NOTING
Ming Yang wins Ethiopia license
Hydrogen Fuel News reported a new Ethiopian investment license for a roughly $14.1 billion green hydrogen and ammonia project built around about 8.4 GW of wind and solar.
WORTH NOTING
Lanai solar-storage procurement launched
Hawaiian Electric's new request for proposals targets up to 35,800 MWh annually and requires community outreach plans ahead of a June 2 meeting.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
How many more USDA digester loans will unravel?
The REAP pause runs through 2026, and the current cleanup of delinquent manure-digester loans may not be the last portfolio disruption.
OPEN QUESTION
Will courts count exported coal emissions?
Australia's High Court case could determine whether downstream emissions and local climate harms must be weighed in fossil-fuel approvals.