Today’s headlines: Permitting bill advances, NRC issues another advanced reactor permit, 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.

PERMITTING BILL

• The Senate votes 75-23 to take up bipartisan permitting legislation, with backing from President Donald Trump and clean energy and fossil fuel industry groups, but opposition from some environmental and tribal advocates. (Associated Press)
• Legislation co-author Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) says he’s not concerned about Trump’s last-minute claim that he wouldn’t advance wind projects even though their success is part of the permitting reform deal. (Politico)
• The bill is now expected to undergo an extensive amendment process in which some Democrats will seek to address lingering climate and environmental concerns. (Axios)

NUCLEAR

• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issues a construction permit for X-energy’s Long Mott Generating Station in Texas, marking its third approval of an advanced reactor project this year. (Barron’s)

CLIMATE

• Scientists expect greenhouse gas emissions will fall slightly this year as skyrocketing prices encourage people to use less fossil fuels and consider electric alternatives. (The Guardian)
• Countries prioritizing energy security over climate goals could still lower their emissions by committing to electrification, according to Wood Mackenzie’s latest Energy Transition Outlook. (Reuters)

FOSSIL FUELS

• Exxon Mobil reaches a preliminary deal with Venezuela that paves the way for it to return to production in the country. (New York Times)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• The failure of Tesla’s Cybertruck provides yet another lesson for automakers looking to crack the code on electric pickup trucks for the U.S. market. (Grist)
• New research from Ford indicates its 2021 Mustang Mach-E’s batteries have retained more than 90% of their original capacity after five years on the road. (Axios)

SOLAR

• Texas-based solar panel manufacturer T1 Energy pushes to distance itself from its Chinese ties as new federal trade rules will soon establish a minimum price for and 15% tariff on certain solar components. (Semafor)