How fossil fuel giants get paid for canceled projects

OIL & GAS: A condition of free trade agreements often lets fossil fuel companies pursue and secure big payouts if governments cancel their projects. (Inside Climate News)

HYDROGEN: As the federal government starts sending funding to seven hydrogen hubs, researchers and advocates warn the industry could worsen greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution if it doesn’t only use renewable power to make the fuel. (Grist/​Public Health Watch)

POLITICS:

• Former President Trump promises to halt Inflation Reduction Act spending if he’s elected, but legal and practical challenges, as well as Republican governors and lawmakers benefitting from the law, could hinder his efforts. (Politico)
• The Biden administration has ushered in billions in investment in West Virginia’s clean energy infrastructure while simultaneously opening the door for more fossil fuel growth, yet remains deeply unpopular with voters. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)
• Democratic House leaders urge their members to tout Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law achievements as they campaign for re-election — without mentioning the laws’ names. (E&E News)
• U.S. senators on both sides of the aisle say they’re open to a new energy permitting reform effort. (E&E News)
• Labor unions offer their support to Vice President Kamala Harris, which could lend them influence on Harris’ climate and clean energy policies if she’s elected. (E&E News)

SOLAR:

• A large Ohio solar project will become one of North America’s largest test grounds for agrivoltaics as researchers study how crops and solar panels can coexist and shape best practices for the industry. (Energy News Network)
• A Los Angeles church is among dozens across the U.S. installing solar arrays with Inflation Reduction Act funding. (Canary Media)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Electric vehicle owners report all-time high satisfaction levels in J.D. Power’s annual survey, in part because of range improvements. (USA Today)
• Philadelphians are increasingly buying electric vehicles, but many apartment dwellers and street parkers find it hard to install home charging and use limited chargers in the city. (Billy Penn)

BUILDINGS: Federal officials and top researchers note how heat pumps, weatherization, and other measures are helping reduce buildings’ emissions footprints. (ABC News)

NUCLEAR:

• University of Wisconsin researchers make progress on generating electricity from nuclear fusion after a new magnetic mirror device became operational earlier this month. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
• Nuclear plants in Missouri and Illinois will play a key role in the Midwest’s future power supply as emphasis grows on nuclear power at the federal level. (St. Louis Public Radio)

WIND:

• Federal officials again gauge interest in offshore wind lease areas in the Gulf of Mexico after a company expresses interest in developing a commercial wind facility near Texas. (Louisiana Illuminator)
• The reopening of a large wind turbine manufacturing plant in Iowa is among several large U.S. projects being supported by the federal Inflation Reduction Act. (New Republic)

COMMENTARY: A strong workforce training program is key to bolstering the U.S.’s clean energy transition, a battery materials company CEO says. (Utility Dive)