Today’s headlines: EPA tosses coal wastewater rules, PJM prices soar, and more

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.

COAL

• A federal court today will hear a case brought by states and nonprofits alleging the DOE’s orders keeping coal plants running past their planned retirements are illegal and that the U.S. isn’t facing an energy emergency. (New York Times)

• The EPA proposes repealing a 2024 rule barring coal plants from releasing tons of toxic wastewater into nearby waters, claiming the regulation is impossible for facilities to meet. (New York Times)

OFFSHORE WIND

• By blocking offshore wind development in the Northeast and elsewhere, the Trump administration is allowing countries including China to outstrip U.S.’ progress on renewable energy. (Associated Press)

CLEAN ENERGY

• California regulators will decide next month whether to adopt proposed changes to the state’s community solar program that solar advocates say would increase developers’ compensation and diminish projects’ financial viability. (Utility Dive)

GRID

• The National Electrical Manufacturers Association anticipates annual U.S. electricity consumption will soar 55% by 2050, largely driven by data center growth. (Utility Dive)

• Power prices increased 76% in the first quarter year over year in grid operator PJM Interconnection’s territory, showing how growing energy demand from data centers is impacting customers, according to an independent market monitor. (E&E News)

• PJM faces a ​“serious legitimacy crisis” amid faltering confidence in its governance and ability to respond to current conditions, says FERC Chair Laura Swett. (Utility Dive)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• California announces a $1 billion rebate program for electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks as part of an effort to boost sales of zero-emission semis. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

• Slate Auto, the startup making minimalist electric trucks with backing from Jeff Bezos, plans to add nearly 400 jobs and invest $10.4 million at its Detroit-area headquarters as it prepares to launch. (Crain’s Detroit)

NUCLEAR

• The DOE announces eight companies will receive a shared $94 million to spur small modular reactor development. (news release)

PIPELINES

• Summit Carbon Solutions announces a new route for its proposed multi-state carbon pipeline that would no longer travel through North and South Dakota, where it faces lawsuits and strong landowner pushback. (North Dakota Monitor)

FOSSIL FUELS

• Republican U.S. Sen John Cornyn and Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman partner on a bill to block future presidential administrations from halting new liquefied natural gas export terminals. (Houston Chronicle)