New nuclear rules, electric appliance rebates slashed, and more headlines

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.

NUCLEAR

• Houston-based Deployable Energy’s advanced nuclear reactor reaches criticality, making it the third reactor to clear that threshold in recent months, and a fourth is expected to join them before the Trump administration’s July Fourth benchmark. (Politico)

• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposes two major overhauls for nuclear construction rules that would impact radiation safety measures and licensing processes. (E&E News)

ELECTRIFICATION

• A DOE rule takes effect ending rebates for consumers who replace gas-powered appliances with electric alternatives. (The Hill)

• The DOE proposes weakening regulations that push consumers toward efficient and electric stoves, dryers, water heaters, and other appliances. (news release)

GRID

• A Government Accountability Office audit finds Puerto Rico has only received about 25% of the $14 billion it was allocated for grid repairs and a solar and battery buildout after 2017’s Hurricane Maria destroyed much of the island’s energy system. (Associated Press)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• BMW will start producing an electric SUV at its South Carolina factory by the end of the year, though it’ll likely export about half of the cars it makes back to Europe as the U.S. market remains tepid. (New York Times)

LEGISLATION

• New Jersey’s legislature sends bills to study data centers’ power consumption, rein in a tax credit available to data centers, and authorize the use of plug-in balcony solar panels to the governor’s desk. (PV Magazine, New Jersey Monitor)

FOSSIL FUELS

• Two new reports find the world’s top banks are financing more fossil fuel development as they continue to back away from climate commitments. (Grist)

CARBON CAPTURE

• Air Products’ cancellation of its Louisiana hydrogen project may forecast a tougher road ahead for carbon capture and sequestration projects. (Louisiana Illuminator)