Today’s headlines: Global renewables beat coal, GM suspends electric truck program, 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.

CLEAN ENERGY

• Global renewable energy generation beat out coal last year, with record solar power expansion enabling clean power sources to meet all new electricity demand in 2025. (Ember)

• The Trump administration’s plan to pay TotalEnergies $1 billion to give up offshore wind leases off New York and North Carolina is likely illegal, say some legal experts and Democratic lawmakers. (E&E News)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• General Motors indefinitely suspends its next-generation full-size electric truck program as EV sales sag and it shifts back to internal combustion and hybrid models. (Crain’s Detroit)

FOSSIL FUELS

• President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to extend a Jones Act waiver when it expires next month to continue letting non-American-flagged vessels transport oil between U.S. ports. (Axios)

• A 380 MW peaker plant opens in Texas, the first to be built using a largely untapped state fund meant to juice gas power plant construction. (KXAN)

AFFORDABILITY

• Maryland’s new energy affordability law could actually increase costs in the long run as it undermines energy efficiency investments and commits the state to ongoing nuclear subsidies. (Inside Climate News)

DATA CENTERS

• Grid operator MISO expects its peak load could grow 35% by 2035, driven largely by data center development, though the forecast may shift based on uncertainty in the development pipeline. (Utility Dive)

STORAGE

• The Strait of Hormuz’ closure is limiting transportation of aluminum and other materials essential for batteries. (Heatmap)

• Lightshift Energy and Virginia power wholesaler the Blue Ridge Power Agency announce plans to install 5 MW energy storage projects at five distribution-connected sites that will help during times of high demand. (Utility Dive)