Wind Resistance in Long-Distance Travel

In the realm of energy and environmental policy, the Trump administration's decisions continue to shape the landscape. Funding cuts and freezes have been a recurring theme, making it challenging for staffers in various departments to carry out critical work. The Energy Department and the EPA, in particular, have felt the brunt of these measures, with employees facing difficulties in visiting department labs and publishing research.

Meanwhile, the administration's "energy dominance" agenda, aimed at boosting oil and gas drilling, may not yield the expected results without a significant increase in commodity prices, according to fossil fuel industry watchers.

On the green front, the completion of the SouthCoast Wind project, serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island, has been delayed by at least two years, and may face an "insurmountable challenge" if President Trump's offshore wind order remains in place. The delay of this project is a setback for the shift towards renewable energy sources.

In a positive development, Bila Solar has started producing ultra-lightweight solar modules at a new Indianapolis manufacturing plant, with a goal of 1 GW of annual production. This expansion in solar manufacturing is a promising step towards a more sustainable energy future.

The Senate Finance Committee's budget bill text has made several notable changes. It resurrects tax credit transferability, extends the timeline for geothermal, nuclear, and hydropower projects to access federal incentives, and omits a House-proposed fee on EVs and hybrids. However, the committee still looks to end incentives for new and used EV purchases.

Across the Atlantic, the EU Commission has proposed a ban on imports of Russian gas and LNG, with plans to prohibit imports under short-term contracts starting June 17, 2026, and a full ban on Russian gas imports from 2028. The EU also proposes a ban on imports of Russian gas and LNG starting at the end of 2027. These proposals aim to reduce reliance on Russian energy sources.

Anti-wind activists are pushing the Trump administration to revoke grants for wind projects, following the implosion of a Maine floating wind project. They aim to build on this success and disrupt similar projects, such as one in northern California.

In a concerning development, the U.S. EPA has allowed North Dakota to regulate toxic coal ash at the state level, raising concerns that more lax standards may spread to Indiana and other states. This could potentially undermine national efforts to address coal ash pollution.

Lastly, the world's largest banks increased financing for fossil fuel projects between 2023 and 2024, reversing several years of decreasing support. This trend is a cause for concern for those advocating for a shift towards renewable energy.

In the ongoing saga of energy and environmental policy, these developments highlight the complex interplay of various factors, from funding cuts and regulatory decisions to the growth of renewable energy projects and the continued support for fossil fuels.