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Key developments
Trump climate program returns under critic
E&E News by POLITICO's Scott Waldman reports that the Trump administration has reconstituted the U.S. Global Change Research Program after earlier cuts. The governmentwide climate-tracking program is now headed by Matthew Wielicki, a former University of Alabama geochemist and climate critic, based on public postings and confirmation from a person familiar with the program. Wielicki will oversee the congressionally mandated National Climate Assessment, the federal report released every four years on climate impacts to U.S. infrastructure, lives, and the economy.
Why it matters
Leadership of the National Climate Assessment will shape the federal government's most authoritative public accounting of U.S. climate risks.
Sources & driving stories
E&E NEWS BY POLITICO · Scott Waldman
E&E News by POLITICO coverageUK heatwave triggers rare grid margin notice
BusinessGreen reports that the UK's National Energy System Operator issued an Electricity Margin Notice for an evening period to secure additional generation or flexibility services. NESO linked the action to extreme temperature conditions affecting power-system operations and said summertime warnings over power supplies are extremely rare. The notice was described as the operator's second call for additional capacity.
Why it matters
The notice is a near-term signal that heat extremes can strain grid adequacy even outside traditional winter peak-risk periods.
Sources & driving stories
BUSINESSGREEN
BusinessGreen coverageClean utility investment overtakes fossil in RMI data
RMI's latest Utility Transition Hub update, using data through reporting year 2024, finds that major regulated U.S. utilities reporting to FERC Form 1 invested $14.5 billion in carbon-free power generation in 2024 versus $13.9 billion in fossil-related generation. RMI says this is the first time carbon-free generation investment exceeded fossil-based investment for those utilities. The update also shows transmission's share of grid asset value rising from 17% in 2010 to 27% in 2024, while generation fell below 25%.
Why it matters
The data suggests utility capital allocation is moving toward clean generation and grid infrastructure even as fossil assets remain substantial.
Sources & driving stories
RMI
RMI coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Rajasthan signs solar transition framework
ETEnergyworld.com reports Rajasthan partnered with the International Solar Alliance on a 2030-2035 energy transition roadmap, including grid modernization, storage, demand management, and an AI-enabled digital twin pilot for Ajmer DISCOM.
WORTH NOTING
Hawaiʻi weighs $2 billion LNG buildout
Canary Media reports Hawaiʻi is evaluating a JERA-backed floating LNG import terminal and 500 MW gas plant on Oʻahu despite its 2045 clean-energy mandate, with earlier savings analysis challenged after spreadsheet errors.
WORTH NOTING
Truck-mounted carbon capture pilots expand
Carbon Capture Conference reports Remora is piloting diesel truck exhaust-capture systems with Ryder and DHL, targeting up to 90% tailpipe CO2 capture while tax-credit and MRV rules for mobile capture remain uncertain.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will the next National Climate Assessment preserve scientific consensus?
The reconstituted U.S. climate program's leadership will affect how federal climate risks are framed for policymakers, agencies, and the public.
OPEN QUESTION
Are heat-driven grid warnings becoming a summer norm?
The UK margin notice and reported climate-linked grid stresses in India point to rising cooling demand and weather-constrained supply as an operational reliability problem.