Today’s headlines: Rural clean energy’s wins, Canada’s efficiency investment, 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.

POLITICS

• The Senate permitting bill has split climate advocates into two factions: those who’d like to speed clean energy construction even if it boosts fossil fuels as well, and those who say that’s not a deal worth making. (Grist)

• Numerous threats jeopardize the permitting bill despite its bipartisan backing, including environmentalists’ influence, a Democratic sweep in the midterms, and President Donald Trump himself. (Axios)

CLEAN ENERGY

• Rural solar and wind development have contributed to higher employment, wages, and GDP in communities that host them, and haven’t significantly diminished agricultural output, according to a new University of Missouri report. (Harvest Public Media)

• Wind and solar companies launch a series of ads starring John Cena, in which the wrestling and movie star pitches the power of clean energy with the help of a kitten, a raccoon, and zero politics. (Wall Street Journal)

• Renewable energy developer Zelestra secures $350 million in financing for a 203-MW solar project on reclaimed Indiana coal mining land that’s backed with a power purchase agreement with Meta. (PV Magazine)

• As Eugene, Oregon, voters consider whether to establish a fee on large retailers that would fund clean energy projects, opponents say the initiative could add to already-rising costs of living. (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

EFFICIENCY

• Canada will spend $2 billion on energy-efficient home retrofits to help lower heating costs and reduce emissions across the country. (news release)

FOSSIL FUELS

• The arrival of Hurricane Isaias leads fossil fuel companies to shut down two-thirds of Gulf Coast oil production and more than half of natural gas production, further straining supplies as fuel prices remain high. (NBC News)

• Advocates in Pennsylvania push for stricter regulations on fracking sites as a proliferation of AI data centers spurs greater demand for natural gas. (Inside Climate News)

GRID

• Rising demand from data centers and other large users, along with modernization needs, are driving utility grid investments and higher costs for consumers across the Midwest. (Midwest Newsroom)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• German automakers face stiff competition from cheap Chinese EVs both at home and abroad, while Mercedes-Benz is particularly worried about U.S. legislation that would bar it from selling cars in the country. (Axios)