DOE back in the headlines as US pivots on energy policy and nuclear tech—driving AI data centers, defense tech, and grid resilience. Former energy agency now shaping both civilian and military power.
Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz persists amid ongoing conflict, but recent reports indicate some non-Iranian ships, including Pakistan's Karachi, have passed with AIS signals on, suggesting limited diplomatic negotiations. The situation remains tense as Iran continues to threaten closure, impacting global oil supplies.
The Trump administration ordered the restart of the Santa Ynez offshore oil pipeline in California, citing national security and supply concerns. This move, opposed by California officials, follows a 2015 spill and legal battles over environmental regulations. The restart aims to address supply disruptions caused by California's restrictions and global oil market pressures.
The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Ohio is being transformed into the PORTS Technology Campus, featuring a 10-gigawatt data center and up to 10 gigawatts of new power generation, including natural gas. The project aims to support AI, fusion energy, and national security research, creating thousands of jobs.
Vermont's climate superfund law, designed to fund climate adaptation projects, faces legal challenges from industry groups claiming it oversteps state authority. The law, inspired by federal legislation, aims to hold polluters accountable but is contested by the federal government and industry groups, with potential implications for other states considering similar laws.
Since March 2026, Iran-linked hackers have targeted US critical infrastructure by compromising programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used in water, energy, and government sectors. The FBI, CISA, NSA, and others have issued urgent warnings about disruptions and financial losses. Separately, Russian APT28 has hijacked thousands of routers globally to intercept credentials, escalating cyber threats.
State officials are calling for a court order to stop Sable Offshore from using a pipeline through Gaviota State Park. The pipeline has been idle since 2015 after a major spill, but the Biden administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to restart operations, citing national security and energy needs. Legal battles are intensifying as California authorities oppose the federal move, arguing it oversteps state rights. Sable has already produced over 1 million barrels and plans to increase output with new wells. The case highlights tensions between federal authority and state regulations amid ongoing energy security concerns.
Iran's leadership remains in place despite recent upheavals, with the Revolutionary Guards gaining influence. The country is refusing US concessions, emphasizing military readiness and regional control, while internal factions continue power struggles. Negotiations are stalled as Iran consolidates its military and political authority.
The Trump administration is moving to roll back 2024 and 2029-era coal wastewater limits and renew emergency orders keeping aging coal plants running to meet rising electricity demand driven by AI data centers. Michigan’s Campbell plant is at the center of a legal challenge as federal orders to keep plants open face scrutiny for signaling an energy emergency.
Solar has for May provided more electricity than coal for the first time, at 12.8% vs 12.2%, signaling solar’s staying power amid policy headwinds. Solar also ranks as the third-largest electricity source while coal remains in decline. Trump has unveiled plans to bolster coal, a move opposed by renewables advocates.