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The US Bureau of Reclamation announced a new plan to operate California's Central Valley Project, increasing water flow to farms following a Trump-era executive order. Critics warn this could harm ecosystems and water delivery, while supporters say it boosts water resilience amid ongoing drought and environmental concerns.
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The Biden administration has paused leases for five offshore wind projects under construction along the East Coast, citing national security concerns related to radar interference. The move affects $25 billion in investments and thousands of jobs, prompting legal challenges from developers and political criticism from opponents.
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As 2026 begins, the US marks its 250th anniversary with nationwide celebrations, including a second ball drop in Times Square, patriotic displays, and large-scale volunteer initiatives. The events aim to foster national pride and community involvement amid ongoing debates over patriotism and civic engagement.
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The US government and northeastern governors are urging PJM, the largest power grid operator, to hold a new auction allowing tech companies to fund new power plants. This aims to address rising energy costs driven by data centers and aging infrastructure, with potential to add $15 billion in capacity.
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Southeast Asia's coal demand is projected to grow over 4% annually through 2030, driven by economic growth in Indonesia and Vietnam. Meanwhile, the US faces renewed efforts to keep coal plants operational amid policy reversals and delays in building new baseload power plants, raising concerns over climate commitments and energy stability.
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On February 2, 2026, the US government announced Project Vault, a $12 billion strategic stockpile of critical minerals funded by a $10 billion loan from the US Export-Import Bank and $1.67 billion in private capital. The initiative aims to reduce US dependence on China’s dominance in rare earth minerals, securing vital materials for manufacturing vehicles, electronics, and defense technologies. Over 55 countries are collaborating to diversify supply chains, while Japan pursues deep-sea mining innovations.
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A U.S. federal judge rejected a legal challenge to ConocoPhillips' exploration plans in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve. The decision follows a rig collapse incident, with ongoing debates over environmental impacts and regulatory transparency amid increased oil exploration efforts.
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U.S. officials, including Governor Burgum, met with Venezuelan leaders in Caracas to discuss mineral resource reforms and investment opportunities. The visit signals a shift toward engagement amid ongoing political and legal pressures, with a focus on critical minerals and energy cooperation.