EVs tackle the cold

This roundup of U.S. energy news headlines is part of our Canary Media Daily newsletter. Sign up to get it in your inbox each morning.

CLEAN ENERGY

• President Trump’s federal funding freeze is throwing electric vehicle, battery, and other clean energy manufacturing investments spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act — most of which were headed to Republican congressional districts — into uncertainty. (New York Times)

• Renewables are booming in Texas, as nearly 4.4 GW of new battery projects and nearly 9.7 GW of solar came online in 2024 alone. (Inside Climate News)

METALS

• Trump announces a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel imports, though it’s unclear when they’ll be implemented. (NPR)

• The move came shortly after Trump said Japan’s Nippon Steel will invest heavily in U.S. Steel but not purchase the company. (CNBC)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• Some state officials say they’re halting construction on federally funded electric vehicle chargers after the Trump administration revoked already-allocated dollars. (New York Times)

• Experts say Tesla would be hurt by the likely rollback of federal electric vehicle tax credits, despite Elon Musk’s insistence that it will only weaken rivals. (The Guardian)

HYDROGEN

• Environmental justice advocates worry that plans for a hydrogen hub in the Philadelphia area could create unsafe conditions for residents without doing much to reduce emissions. (Philadelphia)

• Trump’s pause on clean energy funding raises questions about the future of the Appalachian hydrogen hub, though some proponents argue the project’s reliance on natural gas could save it. (Allegheny Front)

GRID

• House and Senate Republicans introduce legislation that would require federal energy regulators to fast-track dispatchable projects, with support from fossil fuel industry groups. (Utility Dive)

• Xcel Energy officials say the utility will rely mostly on wind and solar for new generation projects amid growing demand, despite the Trump administration’s early efforts to pull federal clean energy funding. (Utility Dive)

CARBON CAPTURE

The Trump administration appears unlikely to bolster the carbon capture industry, but experts and industry advocates say utilities will still pursue the technology as they try to meet state-level climate goals. (Associated Press)

CLIMATE

Most countries are unlikely to meet a deadline to file updated emissions reduction plans, but United Nations officials say it’ll give them more time to create stronger pledges. (The Guardian)