Today’s headlines: Trump declares wind turbine imports a national security threat, 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.

WIND

• President Donald Trump declares wind turbine imports a threat to national security, citing a Commerce Department investigation that raised cybersecurity, air traffic, and other concerns, though he stops short of installing tariffs on the materials. (news release, Reuters)
• The Trump administration advances onshore wind projects in Maine and South Dakota months after a court orders it to lift a freeze on approvals, though the administration claims the move is aimed at easing permitting bill negotiations. (The Hill)

NUCLEAR

• The federal government will invest $175 million into fusion startup Helion to boost the development of more efficient semiconductors and other power equipment for the company’s reactors. (TechCrunch)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• Vermont-based electric airplane company Beta Technologies plans to expand its Burlington-area footprint to 100 acres and add about 1,000 employees, an expansion fueled by the $1 billion it raised by going public last year. (Seven Days)

DATA CENTERS

• People are opposing data centers and renewable energy projects for similar reasons, including projects’ tendency to lack long-term jobs, and distrust of large companies. (Inside Climate News)

SOLAR

• A tribal-led solar energy training center on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota has now trained more than 1,100 people in the field. (South Dakota News Watch)

GRID

• The DOE announces $125 million for 63 tribal energy projects, including developments that would bring electricity to homes that lack it. (news release)

OIL & GAS

• The DOE plans to use $150 million in Defense Production Act funds to expand petroleum production and storage at U.S. refineries, which have already been running at higher-than-usual rates this year. (news release, EIA)
• Nearly 6,500 oil spills have occurred in the Great Lakes in U.S. and Canadian waters from 2015-2024, though data on the specific amount spilled is not detailed or doesn’t exist, researchers find. (Michigan Public)