Good morning! Hyundai just announced a big investment in its U.S. manufacturing arm, including plans to build a new steel plant that would use an electric furnace. But just how green will its steel be? Alexander C. Kaufman dives in with today’s top story.
Up next, Alison Takemura breaks down a new report detailing the many ways we can slash building emissions — and the immense amount of cooperation it’ll take to make it happen.
The U.S. Energy Department is reportedly considering maintaining funding for three hydrogen hubs in largely Republican states while cutting investment for four projects in Democratic-leaning areas. (Politico)
OFFSHORE WIND
New England is counting on the growth of offshore wind to help meet growing demand for electricity, the head of the region’s grid operator tells a Congressional subcommittee. (Maine Morning Star)
Other grid operators tell the committee to prioritize power reliability over political battles that pit fossil fuels against clean energy. (E&E News)
SOLAR
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management says the Trump administration’s pause on solar project permitting is over, though it still hasn’t issued any project permits. (Heatmap)
FOSSIL FUELS
A proposal to keep two coal-fired power plants open in Baltimore at an average annual cost of $247 per household offers a glimpse at the difficult economics facing the Trump administration’s desire to keep coal plants afloat. (E&E News)
The Army Corps of Engineers is drafting a policy in response to President Trump’s energy emergency declaration to fast-track permitting for oil, gas, and coal projects. (E&E News)
The pipeline company headed by one of President Trump‘s biggest campaign donors is suing the federal pipeline regulator in a case that could weaken its enforcement measures. (E&E News)
RENEWABLES
Wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric capacity are growing faster worldwide than fossil fuel sources, a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency shows. (Axios)
MINING
The need for metals and minerals for the clean energy transition poses a huge environmental impact, but the U.S. can combat that by accelerating recycling efforts. (Grist)
A federal program that maps high-value minerals in abandoned mines received a massive boost under the bipartisan infrastructure law, and is poised to continue under President Trump. (Grist)
POLITICS
The House’s budget committee chair softens his push to entirely repeal Inflation Reduction Act incentives. (E&E News)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Rivian spins out its micromobility arm into a new company called Also that has raised $105 million in venture capital. (Heatmap)
COURTS
The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in two cases over whether Clean Air Act-related disputes should be heard in regional or federal courts. (E&E News)
ATTENTION CHICAGO: UPCOMING EVENT
On stage: Conversations with clean energy experts, including Rep. Sean Casten of the U.S. Congress, Naomi Davis of Blacks in Green, Kara Demirjian Huss of TCCI Manufacturing, A.J. Patton of 548 Enterprises, David Roberts of Volts, Angela Tovar of the city of Chicago and Lisa Clemmons Stott of the Illinois Department of Commerce.
Off stage: Drink, eat, and socialize with clean energy leaders, investors, inventors, public leaders, and advocates.
🗓️March 27, 2025, 2:00 - 7:00p.m. CDT
📍 mHUB • 1623 West Fulton Street Chicago, IL 60612
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