Big Money for Hydrogen

Today at noon PST we're doing our first Startup Sessions call: A monthly office hours type conversation for green tech startup to chat about their challenges and discuss how they might be tackled. (registration and more info on that)

See also Activism Hours starting later this month: for non-profits, grassroots organizations, and radical culture change agents (register here)

Today's big news in the sustainability press is that 20+ year old publicly traded green hydrogen provider Plug Power has announced that it has closed a deal with the US Department of Energy to guarantee $1.66 billion in loans for the construction of up to 6 new hydrogen fuel production facilities.  

Plug's primary differentiator is its vertical integration: they do it all from hydrogen production to distribution to sales. In a very interesting video interview published earlier this week, Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh said that the derisking that comes from vertical integration is key in selling new technology to established companies like Amazon and Walmart. He also talked about the changing business environment in the US and Europe, the environmental movement's ambivalence about hydrogen fuel, and his success in hiring experts out of the oil and gas industry.

Ok, that's some big picture context - let's get into all of today's selected updates. Email subscribers (see above) will get 3 picks just for you.

-Marshall Kirkpatrick

Earth Catalyst: We'll support your work with our experience, network, and technology

 

Today and every day, our system scans over 1,000 green tech and sustainability organizations for updates. Below, you'll find:

• A Visual of the Day

• A digest-style Table of Contents for 185 selected updates from around the green tech and sustainability world

• (If you subscribe by email) 3 personalized selections just for you and your work

Did a friend forward you this newsletter? Welcome! You can subscribe here and get your own personal recommendations each day.

Visual of the Day

Desert Solar Scales Up

Utility-scale solar installation in Tunisia shared by TaiyangNews to illustrate the country's ambitious new 200 MW solar tender, representing a critical step toward energy independence and clean power development in North Africa. The image captures the geometric precision of modern solar farms against Tunisia's desert landscape, highlighting both the technical sophistication and vast potential for renewable energy in the region, though successful implementation will require thoughtful consideration of local community benefits and equitable development practices.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• Agriculture (11 stories) - Sheep grazing solar farms in Ontario and Texas, satellite drought forecasting in Caribbean, Congo's forest-ag strategy, agrivoltaics standards development by Enel NA, plus Colossal Biosciences' $200M mammoth revival funding

  
  

• Carbon (8 stories) - Google's major biochar deals with Varaha and Charm Industrial lead carbon removal efforts, while global emissions near peak amid China's renewable push and Nord Stream's record methane release

  
  

• Circular (4 stories) - Li-Cycle's $15M offering and Ingka's €1B recycling pledge join breakthroughs in biodegradable fungal batteries and Foodiverse's donation feedback system

  
  

• Ecosystems (20 stories) - Arctic permafrost shifts across 20 hotspots, while global droughts expand 50,000km² annually; African Parks manages Ethiopia's Gambella, Zimbabwe leads 6-nation restoration, and Nigeria's women plant 2.6M mangroves amid worldwide ecosystem challenges

  
  

• Efficiency (5 stories) - Building codes, motor upgrades, LED initiatives, and ionic crystals drive energy savings while AI power demands pose grid challenges

  
  

• Finance (10 stories) - BeZero Carbon's $32M raise, DOE's $22.4B clean energy loans, Novonix's $32.3M battery funding, and scrutiny of $285B "sustainable" financing to major polluters shape climate finance landscape

  
  

• Grid (18 stories) - DOE commits $22.9B for grid upgrades across 8 utilities as data centers drive demand; nuclear power rises globally; Prevalon plans 800MWh Idaho battery; Constellation pursues SMRs at Nine Mile Point

  
  

• Indigenous (15 stories) - Indigenous fire exchanges span 8 states, Clear Lake Pomo knowledge aids watershed protection, Western Arctic gains safeguards, and Amazon tribes unite across 35M hectares against mining

  
  

• Industry (8 stories) - BP cuts 7,700 jobs amid green transition; UK pledges £410m for fusion plant; HSBC backs Hygen Energy's hydrogen; Kyoto Fusioneering expands; DOE releases hydrogen tax credit model

  
  

• Policy (48 stories) - EPA tightens standards via Moms Clean Air Force advocacy; US Forest Service launches $200M wildfire grant program; Trump nominees Zeldin, Burgum, Wright face Senate scrutiny over environmental stances; EU mandates deforestation documentation; Britain toughens climate protest laws

  
  

• Renewables (27 stories) - Astronergy's 319MW Gobi Desert project leads major solar developments, while Amazon tops corporate renewables with 600+ projects; DOE launches $30M geothermal initiative as global manufacturers Boviet, DAS Solar, and Huasun advance production capabilities

  
  

• Transport (11 stories) - DOE commits $111.7M for charging networks as Honda debuts Acura RSX EV; Stellantis pauses Airflow while BYD leads Australian bus market amid global EV adoption trends

Agriculture

Sheep grazing solar farms in Ontario and Texas, satellite drought forecasting in Caribbean, Congo's forest-ag strategy, agrivoltaics standards development by Enel NA, plus Colossal Biosciences' $200M mammoth revival funding

• “Solar shepherds” make big money grazing sheep among panels – and it benefits everyone involved (RenewEconomy) - Solar shepherds in Ontario earn up to $270,000 annually managing sheep that graze beneath panels, offering a dual benefit of vegetation control and sustainable farming.

• Farmers in Saint Kitts and Nevis embrace technology to combat drought #ClimateAction (UNEP) - Farmers across Saint Kitts and Nevis are adopting satellite-powered drought forecasting systems to tackle water shortages during unprecedented dry seasons.

• How the DRC is protecting forests and maintaining livelihoods #climateaction (UNEP) - The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a dual strategy to protect vital forests and support 40 million citizens through sustainable farming, while aiming to secure $900 million in annual climate funding.

• Need for agrivoltaics standards emerges as dual-use projects proliferate (Renewable Energy World) - Industry leaders are developing America's first agrivoltaics standards as dual-use solar projects expand, with Texas Solar Sheep deploying 6,000 sheep to graze Enel North America's facilities.

• Serious groundwater contamination in several parts of India: Report (Mongabay) - Tests reveal one-fifth of India's groundwater samples contain dangerous levels of nitrates, uranium, fluoride and arsenic, according to a new national survey.

• UK farmland being contaminated by ‘forever chemicals’ linked to cancers (The Guardian) - Tests reveal unsafe levels of cancer-linked PFAS chemicals in UK farmland sewage sludge, as Environment Agency staff warn of insufficient monitoring systems.

• 10 questions for Agriculture Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins (EWG) - Trump nominee Brooke Rollins faces Senate scrutiny over farm subsidies, food aid, and environmental policies during her January 23 Agriculture Secretary confirmation hearing.

• Advancing Odisha’s Millet Mission: A Science-Policy Workshop Highlighting Transformative Pathways (ICRISAT) - Agricultural experts and Odisha officials gathered to enhance the state's millet sector, focusing on boosting production, market growth, and consumer outreach.

• Land Rights, Trade Justice, and Generational Renewal Among the Key Issues Peasant Youth Table at the Oxford Real Farming Conference 2025 (Via Campesina) - Young farmers from 182 nations unite at Oxford to champion land rights and agricultural reform, representing 200 million peasant voices worldwide.

• SEFS remembers College of Forestry Professor Emeritus Reinhard F. Stettler (SEFS) - Distinguished University of Washington Professor Emeritus Reinhard Stettler, renowned for his work in poplar genetics and teaching excellence, has died at 94.

• The Week in AgriFoodTech: Colossal Biosciences raises $200m, Chipotle invests in methane reduction (AgFunderNews) - Biotech firm Colossal Biosciences secured $200M at a $10.2B valuation for woolly mammoth revival, while Chipotle backed methane-reducing startups Plantible and CH4 Global.

Carbon

Google's major biochar deals with Varaha and Charm Industrial lead carbon removal efforts, while global emissions near peak amid China's renewable push and Nord Stream's record methane release

• A Year In Review: Climate Hope Exists (Climate Action Now) - Global carbon emissions are expected to peak next year as China's renewable expansion and falling clean energy costs drive projected warming down to 2-3°C from earlier 4-5°C estimates.

• Breaking: Varaha signs ‘landmark’ deal with Google to make smallholders part of the carbon removal solution (AgFunderNews) - Tech giant Google has purchased 100,000 carbon removal credits from Varaha's biochar project in India, marking the world's largest carbon removal deal involving smallholder farmers.

• Google Signs Largest-Ever Biochar Carbon Removal Purchase Deals (ESGToday) - Tech giant Google commits to removing 200,000 tonnes of carbon through biochar credits by 2030, following landmark deals with Varaha and Charm Industrial.

• Met Office: Atmospheric CO2 rise now exceeding IPCC 1.5C pathways (Carbon Brief) - Atmospheric CO2 levels surged by 3.58ppm in 2024, surpassing IPCC's 1.5°C warming limit projections amid record emissions and weakened natural carbon sinks.

• Mining in a forest conservation site clouds Republic of Congo’s carbon credit scheme (Mongabay) - New gold mining permits in Republic of Congo's forest conservation area have undermined carbon credit efforts, with 79 licenses issued since 2020 causing widespread deforestation in REDD+ zones.

• Pioneering research exposes huge loss of glaciers in one of the fastest-warming places on Earth (ScienceDaily) - Researchers report that 91% of Svalbard's glaciers have shrunk dramatically since 1985, shedding 800 km² of ice in an area warming seven times faster than global averages.

• Speleothem and ice cores: Natural climate archives offer new insights into the climate history of central Europe (ScienceDaily) - Cave records from Germany and Greenland ice cores show the Laacher See eruption happened 150 years before the Younger Dryas cold period, debunking prior climate theories.

• The Nord Stream sabotage caused the largest methane leak in history, equivalent to eight million cars' emissions in a year. (EnergyNews) - Nord Stream pipeline sabotage released 485,000 tonnes of methane in 2022, equivalent to eight million cars' annual emissions, marking history's largest human-caused methane leak.

Circular

Li-Cycle's $15M offering and Ingka's €1B recycling pledge join breakthroughs in biodegradable fungal batteries and Foodiverse's donation feedback system

• A new fungal battery can be tossed in the compost to biodegrade (Anthropocene Magazine) - Scientists have developed a compostable battery using 3D-printed cellulose and fungi that powers small sensors for days before safely biodegrading.

• IKEA Parent Ingka to Invest $1 Billion in Recycling-Focused Companies (ESGToday) - Ingka Group pledges €1 billion toward recycling infrastructure firms, aiming to expand circular economy initiatives and boost recycled materials supply chains.

• Li-Cycle Announces Closing of $15 Million Underwritten Public Offering (Li-Cycle) - Battery recycler Li-Cycle has secured $15 million through a public offering of 5 million units and 10 million pre-funded units with warrants, following financial challenges and a Glencore agreement.

• Leaving feedback on a donation (FoodCloud) - Charities can now rate food donations and leave comments through Foodiverse app's latest feature, aiming to streamline the donation process.

Ecosystems

Arctic permafrost shifts across 20 hotspots, while global droughts expand 50,000km² annually; African Parks manages Ethiopia's Gambella, Zimbabwe leads 6-nation restoration, and Nigeria's women plant 2.6M mangroves amid worldwide ecosystem challenges

• ‘Multi-year’ droughts have become more frequent, drier and hotter over past 40 years (Carbon Brief) - Global multi-year droughts have intensified since 1980, expanding by 50,000 square kilometers annually while becoming increasingly hot and dry, new research reveals.

• Arctic hotspots study reveals areas of climate stress in Northern Alaska, Siberia (Woodwell Climate) - Scientists have identified 20 Arctic hotspots across Alaska, Siberia, and Northwest Territories where permafrost regions experienced significant temperature and moisture shifts from 1997 to 2020.

• Assessing pollution from explosive weapons in southern Ukraine (CEOBS) - Soil and water testing across Kherson and Mykolaiv regions shows unsafe pollution levels from explosive weapons, threatening local infrastructure and communities.

• Climate change is forcing us to rethink our sense of ‘home’ – and what it means to lose it (The Conversation) - Climate disasters like LA wildfires are prompting experts to redefine 'home' beyond physical structures to encompass entire ecosystems.

• Fleeing mountain lions and scorched earth: can wildlife survive California’s wildfires? (The Guardian) - California's raging wildfires imperil mountain lions and wildlife, yet experts say chaparral ecosystems should bounce back within a decade, despite growing urbanization challenges.

• Florida Manatees Retain Threatened Status Under New Federal Proposal, Despite Outcry for Greater Protection (Inside Climate News) - Federal officials maintain Florida manatees' "threatened" classification despite 2,000 deaths in 2021-2022 and conservationists' demands for endangered species protection.

• From cod logs to frog bogs: we catalogued 400 ways to help species survive a warmer world (The Conversation) - Scientists in Australia have documented 400 climate adaptation methods to protect wildlife, ranging from submerged timber shelters for fish to artificial wetlands and temperature controls for at-risk species.

• Inspiring Change in Southern Africa: Leaders Lab KAZA Launches in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Commonland) - Conservation leaders from six southern African nations unite in Zimbabwe for a three-year landscape restoration program across the Kavango Zambezi region.

• Let’s make 2025 a year we take nature recovery to the next level (Rewilding Europe) - European conservationists unveil ambitious plans to boost wildlife populations and restore ecosystems across the continent through expanded reintroductions and nature-based economic programs in 2025.

• New insights on the contribution of mixing green and blue infrastructure for urban cooling (BC3) - Research spanning 12 US cities reveals urban parks near water bodies, particularly those around 350 hectares with dense vegetation within 4km of water, can reduce surface temperatures by up to 3°C.

• Ogoni women restore mangroves and livelihoods in oil-rich Niger Delta (Mongabay) - Women in Nigeria's Niger Delta have planted 2.6 million mangrove trees since 2018, restoring ecosystems and livelihoods devastated by oil spills.

• Revealed: drinking water sources in England polluted with forever chemicals (The Guardian) - Testing of 278 untreated water sources across England in 2023 revealed PFAS contamination levels above safety limits, threatening public drinking supplies.

• The Columbia River | Resilient and Healthy River Series (EESI) - Scientists report toxic pollution and climate change threaten salmon populations in the Columbia River Basin, where tribes and communities lead cleanup efforts to protect the watershed's 13 million residents.

• The megadroughts are upon us (ScienceDaily) - Global droughts have expanded by 50,000 square kilometers yearly since 1980, with tropical and boreal forests facing severe impacts, scientists report.

• Whiplash: How Big Swings in Precipitation Fueled the L.A. Fires (Yale E360) - Extreme precipitation swings in Los Angeles, from two record-wet winters to severe drought, created dense vegetation that fueled January's destructive wildfires.

• 1 lynx dead, 3 quarantined after suspected illegal release in Scotland (Mongabay) - One Eurasian lynx has died and three others remain quarantined following a suspected illegal release in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park.

• African Parks closes deal to manage Ethiopia’s Gambella National Park (Mongabay) - Conservation group African Parks will manage Ethiopia's 4,575-square-kilometer Gambella National Park, bringing its total to 23 protected areas across 13 African nations.

• Elephants, gorillas and chimps hold out in Cameroon’s largest protected landscape (Mongabay) - Recent surveys reveal stable populations of forest elephants, gorillas and chimps within Cameroon's largest protected area, though numbers are declining in surrounding regions.

• Lawsuit prompts federal agency to reconsider protections for rare Tennessee salamander (SELC) - Federal wildlife officials will reassess endangered species protections for Tennessee's rare Berry Cave salamander by 2029, following legal action over a disputed 2019 denial.

• Satellite ‘backpacks’ help keep track of parrot migration in Mexico (Mongabay) - Scientists have tracked 57 thick-billed parrots across Mexico using satellite transmitters, collecting 71,000 data points to inform conservation efforts and protected area planning.

Efficiency

Building codes, motor upgrades, LED initiatives, and ionic crystals drive energy savings while AI power demands pose grid challenges

• California Has America’s Strictest Wildfire Code (Heatmap News) - California's strict wildfire building code has slashed structure losses by 40%, yet most Los Angeles homes built before 2009 remain vulnerable to fires.

• Electrifying change: efficient motors revolutionise #climateaction in Turkiye (UNDP) - Turkish initiative helps small businesses replace 363 inefficient motors, saving 1.5 gigawatt hours of energy and reducing CO2 emissions by 685 tonnes across 48 companies.

• Embracing Energy Efficiency in Pakistan, a #climateaction story (UNEP) - Pakistan's $7.4M LED lighting initiative targets annual savings of 1.15 megatonnes of CO2 while tackling the nation's 5000-megawatt power shortfall.

• How the UK’s plans for AI could derail net zero – the numbers explained (The Conversation) - Britain's ambitious AI expansion could devour 72 TWh of electricity annually by 2030, equivalent to 25% of current national power usage, threatening the nation's climate targets.

• Organic ionic plastic crystals and air-conditioning (Chemistry World) - Scientists report organic ionic plastic crystals show a 40% stronger cooling effect than conventional refrigerants, potentially offering more eco-friendly air conditioning solutions.

Finance

BeZero Carbon's $32M raise, DOE's $22.4B clean energy loans, Novonix's $32.3M battery funding, and scrutiny of $285B "sustainable" financing to major polluters shape climate finance landscape

• Australia is becoming an uninsurable nation. There may only be one solution | Nicki Hutley (The Guardian) - Climate disasters have rendered 4% of Australian homes uninsurable, with projections showing 90% of vulnerable regions facing the same fate by 2030 amid a 28% surge in insurance costs since 2022.

• BeZero Carbon Raises $32 Million to Expand Carbon Credit Rating Platform into New Markets (ESGToday) - London-based BeZero Carbon secured $32M in Series C funding to expand its carbon credit rating platform, which has driven 40% price premiums through its 8-point system.

• Biden admin offers utilities $22.4B to cut energy costs — and emissions (Canary Media) - The U.S. Department of Energy will provide $22.4 billion in low-interest loans to eight utilities across 12 states for clean energy infrastructure and emissions reduction projects.

• Brisbane-based battery upstart celebrates “heavily oversubscribed” share purchase plan (RenewEconomy) - Brisbane battery maker Novonix has raised $32.3M in an oversubscribed share purchase plan to expand its Tennessee facility, after scaling back from $41.2M in total investor interest.

• Commentary: New Exposé Uncovers Billions in Bogus “Sustainability-Linked” Financing (Stand.earth) - Major polluters like Enbridge, Shell, and Drax received $285+ billion of $1.5 trillion in "sustainable" financing since 2018, despite their increasing emissions.

• Global economy could face 50% loss in GDP between 2070 and 2090 from climate shocks, say actuaries (The Guardian) - Global GDP faces potential 50% decline between 2070-2090 from climate impacts if nations fail to rapidly decarbonize, actuaries warn in stark new assessment.

• Incentivising #climateaction for Ecosystem Protection and sustainable agriculture (UNEP) - Brazilian farmers can now access low-interest loans through the Responsible Commodities Facility, incentivising sustainable agriculture and preventing deforestation across the Cerrado region.

• LiveEO | Ensuring Legal Protection Against Supplier Non-Compliance (LiveEO) - Legal experts CMS and satellite monitoring firm LiveEO launch TradeAware platform to shield companies from supplier non-compliance risks under EUDR regulations.

• Schneider Electric, PCAF Partner to Help Banks, Investors Measure & Report Financed Emissions (ESGToday) - Global sustainability consultant Schneider Electric joins PCAF's accredited partnership program to help banks measure and report financed emissions across their portfolios.

• The LA fires have prompted a reckoning for the insurance industry – Australian premiums could soar as a result (The Conversation) - Global reinsurance costs and climate risks from California's devastating wildfires could trigger soaring insurance premiums across Australia, experts warn.

Grid

DOE commits $22.9B for grid upgrades across 8 utilities as data centers drive demand; nuclear power rises globally; Prevalon plans 800MWh Idaho battery; Constellation pursues SMRs at Nine Mile Point

• 2025 FERC, DOE Outlook: Surging demand growth to drive power-sector agenda (Utility Dive) - Surging electricity demand from data centers and electrification emerges as a critical challenge for U.S. power sector policymakers heading into 2025.

• AEP, DTE and 6 other utilities win $22.9B in conditional loan guarantees from DOE (Utility Dive) - Eight utilities serving 15 million customers across 12 states secured $22.9 billion in conditional loan guarantees from the Department of Energy for grid infrastructure improvements.

• As Last Measure, Biden Administration Unveils $23B in Utility Loan Commitments to Modernize Grid, Boost Clean Energy (POWER Magazine) - The White House has pledged nearly $23 billion in loans to eight utilities across twelve states, aiming to modernize America's power grid and expand clean energy generation.

• Can nuclear energy expansion be a climate game changer? (DW) - Nuclear power is set to hit a three-decade peak of 10% global electricity output by 2025, fueled by China's rapid expansion and tech sector investments.

• Constellation Seeking Permit for Small Modular Reactor at Nine Mile Point (POWER) - Constellation Energy is pursuing federal funding and regulatory approval to add small modular nuclear reactors at New York's Nine Mile Point plant, backed by state officials and energy authorities.

• Contract Secured For 200MW/800MWh Energy Storage Project In Idaho (CleanTechnica) - Prevalon Energy will build a 200MW/800MWh battery storage system in Idaho, set to operate for 20 years starting in 2026.

• How to Find Consensus to Build More Transmission (Heatmap News) - New research reveals transmission projects encounter 27% less local resistance than renewable energy installations when developers prioritize community benefit agreements.

• IEA declares nuclear renaissance 'well underway', but can industry now deliver projects on time and on budget? (BusinessGreen) - Global nuclear power generation is set to reach record levels by 2025, though experts warn the industry faces significant hurdles in delivering projects efficiently.

• LPO empties the chamber: Nearly $23B committed to 8 utilities (Renewable Energy World) - The Department of Energy has committed $22.92 billion in low-interest loans to eight utilities across 12 states, benefiting nearly 15 million customers through transmission and clean energy projects.

• New 12-hour pumped hydro project seeks approval, potentially alongside big four-hour battery (RenewEconomy) - A Queensland energy firm seeks approval for an 800MW pumped hydro facility with 12-hour storage, potentially paired with a 400MW battery system offering four-hour capacity.

• RACV launches solar and battery VPP, asks commercial customers to join (RenewEconomy) - RACV expands its virtual power plant network by integrating resort solar-battery systems and inviting commercial customers to participate in fast-response grid services.

• Shorter interconnection timelines? DOE releases new roadmap, targets for distributed energy (Renewable Energy World) - The Department of Energy has unveiled an $18.1 million initiative to accelerate distributed energy interconnection timelines through a new roadmap and online collaboration platform.

• Sonnen, Solrite to offer free batteries and solar to Texas homeowners (Canary Media) - Energy firms Sonnen and Solrite are offering Texas homeowners free solar panels and batteries in exchange for 25-year virtual power plant participation rights.

• Tough Times for Renewable Energy Projects (Heatmap News) - Multiple renewable energy projects across America face mounting obstacles, as TransAlta scraps its Oklahoma wind farm and similar ventures in Ohio and Wyoming encounter fierce local resistance and grid complications.

• U.S. EIA Extends 5 Key Energy Forecasts through December 2026 (CleanTechnica) - U.S. electricity demand is set to rise 2% yearly until 2026, with solar installations leading capacity growth to meet surging power needs from semiconductor plants and data centers.

• U.S. wholesale electricity prices were lower and less volatile in 2024 (EIA) - Wholesale electricity prices across America fell and stabilized in 2024, driven by record-low natural gas costs, rising renewable output and expanded battery storage capacity.

• US DOE Invests $32 Million for Grid-Edge Technology and Smart Charge Management (CleanTechnica) - The Department of Energy has allocated $32 million across six pilot projects in eight states to enhance grid-edge technology and smart charging capabilities for increasing electric demands.

• While further out than data centers, there is growing demand for green hydrogen, which is expected to increase even further the demand for new generation. How are utilities evaluating this demand? (Energy Central) - Utilities assess surging green hydrogen demand through initiatives like PGE's Boardman Coal Plant conversion, which will utilize excess renewable energy for hydrogen production and storage.

Indigenous

Indigenous fire exchanges span 8 states, Clear Lake Pomo knowledge aids watershed protection, Western Arctic gains safeguards, and Amazon tribes unite across 35M hectares against mining

• 2024: A Year of Growth and Connection for the Fire Networks (Fire Networks) - Fire management training expanded across eight U.S. states and three countries through 19 prescribed fire exchanges, bolstering community wildfire resilience and Indigenous partnerships.

• Biden Administration Releases Report for Western Arctic (AlaskaWild.org) - Federal officials propose expanding protected zones in Alaska's Western Arctic, prioritizing Indigenous expertise and environmental conservation across 13 million acres of public lands.

• Burning for Better in Southwest Montana (Fire Networks) - Montana agencies and landowners have united to conduct a 1,300-acre prescribed burn in Mill Gulch, aiming to protect sagebrush habitat and reduce wildfire threats.

• Celebrating 10 Years of the Blog! (Fire Networks) - Network marks decade-long milestone with 680-plus published stories from global practitioners, researchers and indigenous communities sharing wildfire resilience strategies.

• Community Weaving for Eco-Cultural Restoration: Partnering with Tribes in Lake County, CA (Fire Networks) - Local tribes and scientists unite in Lake County, California, combining traditional Pomo knowledge with modern research to protect Clear Lake's watershed and reduce wildfire risks.

• Engaging Communities with Prescribed Fire: Lessons Learned from PBA Outreach in Fire-Prone Areas (Fire Networks) - Fire-prone communities in Trinity County are embracing prescribed burn initiatives through trauma-informed workshops, strategic facilitation, and sustained follow-up efforts, reports The Watershed Center.

• Escape Into the Story: Three Longform Reads for Your Weekend (Fire Networks) - Interactive narratives delve into wilderness fire management, Texas wildfire resilience, and Fire Learning Network partnerships through three new StoryMaps.

• Mongabay documentary spotlights Indigenous alliance to protect Amazon headwaters (Mongabay) - Indigenous leaders unite more than 30 nations across 35 million hectares of Amazon headwaters to combat fossil fuel extraction, mining, and logging threats.

• Plans for bauxite mine in Suriname reignite Indigenous land rights debate (Mongabay) - Chinese mining giant Chinalco faces fierce resistance from Indigenous groups over plans to develop a 280,000-hectare bauxite mine in Suriname without proper community consultation.

• Should mining companies consider no-go zones where isolated Indigenous peoples live? (Commentary) (Mongabay) - Global mining firms face mounting calls to create protected areas for isolated Indigenous communities as major buyers like Tesla demand ethically sourced minerals.

• The Warmth That Keeps Us Coming Back (Fire Networks) - Despite mounting health risks and losses in 2024, fire leader Lenya Quinn-Davidson emphasizes the vital role of human connection and hospitality within fire management culture.

• Truth, Healing and Repair Webinar Recording (Creation Justice Ministries) - Faith leaders unveil new guide helping Christian communities partner with Indigenous peoples on environmental justice, drawing from California's experiences to shape nationwide ecological initiatives.

• Voces del Fuego (Voices of Fire) (Fire Networks) - Fifty fire practitioners from 27 organizations across eight countries unite in California's first Spanish-language prescribed burn training, captured in the film "Voces del Fuego."

• Safeguarding the shea nut legacy for Ugandan women (Mongabay) - A Ugandan woman champions traditional shea nut harvesting while fighting deforestation that threatens a vital income source for local families.

• Volcanic eruption caused Neolithic people to sacrifice unique 'sun stones' (ScienceDaily) - Ancient Danes sacrificed rare, engraved 'sun stones' 4,900 years ago in response to a massive volcanic eruption that darkened Northern European skies.

Industry

BP cuts 7,700 jobs amid green transition; UK pledges £410m for fusion plant; HSBC backs Hygen Energy's hydrogen; Kyoto Fusioneering expands; DOE releases hydrogen tax credit model

• BP to cut 4,700 jobs and 3,000 contractor roles to help save £1.6bn (The Guardian) - Energy giant BP slashes 7,700 jobs, including 4,700 staff and 3,000 contractor roles, in a £1.6bn cost-cutting drive amid investor worries over its green energy plans.

• Government advances plans to power up first nuclear fusion power plant by 2040 (BusinessGreen) - The UK government has committed £410m towards nuclear fusion research and development to construct a prototype power plant in Nottinghamshire by 2040.

• Has Trump Changed the Retirement Plans for the Country’s Largest Coal Plants? (InsideClimateNews) - Despite Trump's potential return to office, coal's decline continues with generation at 16% of U.S. electricity, as plant retirements face minor delays but no cancellations.

• Hygen UK (Energy Central) - HSBC UK's multi-million-pound investment in Hygen Energy marks the bank's first green hydrogen funding, supporting expansion of production facilities in Birmingham.

• January Newsletter 2025 (Kyoto Fusioneering) - Japanese fusion energy firm Kyoto Fusioneering unveils plans for new research facility alongside global headquarters relocation, set to launch early 2025.

• Polyester Reimagined: Evaluating the Impact of Textiles in Accelerating a Market for Low-Emissions Chemicals (RMI) - New analysis reveals polyester textile manufacturing could slash emissions by 75% through operational changes, capital investments, and innovative chemical production methods.

• U.S. Department of Energy Releases Updated 45VH2-GREET (Energy Central) - The Department of Energy's newly released 45VH2-GREET model will determine tax credit eligibility for clean hydrogen production under the Inflation Reduction Act.

• BP Cutting Thousands of Jobs in Effort to Reduce Costs (POWER) - Energy giant BP slashes 7,700 jobs worldwide, eliminating 4,700 staff and 3,000 contractor positions amid strategic shift away from oil and gas operations.

Policy

EPA tightens standards via Moms Clean Air Force advocacy; US Forest Service launches $200M wildfire grant program; Trump nominees Zeldin, Burgum, Wright face Senate scrutiny over environmental stances; EU mandates deforestation documentation; Britain toughens climate protest laws

• ‘A ton of unknowns’: months ago, LA residents lost wildfire insurance. Then the fires came (The Guardian) - Thousands of Los Angeles homeowners found themselves unprotected when wildfires struck, after State Farm ceased coverage and the state's Fair Plan proved too expensive for many residents.

• ‘Big oil’s negligence’: LA residents call on fossil fuel industry to pay for wildfire damages (The Guardian) - Los Angeles wildfire survivors demand compensation from fossil fuel giants after studies reveal climate change drove 25% of drought conditions that enabled devastating blazes.

• ‘Virtually Any City on Earth Can Burn Now’ (InsideClimateNews) - Climate change has created conditions where any city containing hydrocarbons faces catastrophic fire risks similar to those seen in Fort McMurray and Los Angeles, warns author John Vaillant.

• Urban ‘firestorms’: the science behind their ferocious spread (Nature) - Researchers are examining how urban firestorms, which spread differently than forest fires, increasingly threaten cities as climate change and population growth intensify their destructive patterns.

• A town torched by LA fires rallies to revive its community: ‘Everybody wants to come back’ (The Guardian) - Altadena residents unite through aid centers as their community grapples with devastating losses after fires killed 15 and destroyed 7,000 buildings across Los Angeles County.

• A Year of Outstanding Wins: Moms’ 2024 Annual Report (Moms Clean Air Force) - Environmental advocacy group Moms Clean Air Force secured tighter EPA standards and deployed over 12,500 electric school buses while blocking plastic incineration facilities in 2024.

• Analysis | Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (Energy Central) - UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Al Jaber launches sustainability forum, highlighting global energy trends as key drivers for future socioeconomic advancement.

• Biden Sends a Climate Warning in Farewell Address (Heatmap News) - President Biden cautioned against climate action opposition during his final Oval Office speech, as his administration phases out the Climate Corps initiative before Trump takes office.

• Community Wildfire Defense Grants: A Round Three Application Primer (Fire Networks) - US Forest Service launches $200 million grant program, enabling communities and Tribes to mitigate wildfire risks through February 2025.

• Decarbonization Requires Robust Decision Making Frameworks (CleanTechnica) - New research shows decarbonization strategies must balance technological optimism with rigorous evaluation methods, focusing on electrification and systematic assessment of emerging clean solutions.

• El número de muertes indirectas por los incendios en Los Ángeles podría llegar a miles (Yale Climate Connections) - Experts warn toxic smoke, healthcare disruptions, and socioeconomic fallout from Los Angeles wildfires could claim thousands of indirect casualties.

• Flooding Can Put Unsuspecting Home Buyers Financially Underwater (NRDC) - Homebuyers in states without flood disclosure laws face potential losses averaging $55,000 over their 30-year mortgages when purchasing previously flooded properties.

• Fossil Fuel “Oil-Garchs” Reap Billions in Payback for Trump Support (IPS-DC) - Fifteen fossil fuel billionaires amassed $40 billion in wealth since April following Trump's pledges to expand drilling and weaken environmental rules in return for campaign backing.

• Gas industry cooks up a “culture war” as the electrification of everything gathers pace (RenewEconomy) - Gas industry claims about electric cooktop costs face scrutiny as Victoria advances plans to electrify 250,000 homes annually.

• Hearings Galore, Youngkin’s Slow Bore (Heatmap News) - Local control over solar projects remains intact as Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin rejects state intervention, complicating renewable energy expansion across the Commonwealth.

• How America courted increasingly destructive wildfires − and what that means for protecting homes today (The Conversation) - A century of U.S. policies, coupled with housing expansion and climate change, has fueled increasingly destructive wildfires, forcing experts to rethink protection strategies.

• How interactive ‘climate fresk’ workshops are trying to accelerate environmental awareness around the globe (The Conversation) - Interactive card-based workshops have engaged two million people globally to explore climate change's cascading effects and drive community solutions.

• How to solve local opposition to green development (High Country News) - Local communities across the Western U.S. are embracing renewable energy projects through benefit agreements that guarantee economic gains and environmental safeguards.

• Indirect death toll from the L.A. fires may end up in the thousands (Yale Climate Connections) - Toxic smoke and societal disruption from Los Angeles wildfires could cause thousands of indirect deaths over the next 15 years, according to research on comparable disasters.

• IRA Tax Credits for Heat Pumps: Lower Your Cost on Energy-Efficient Upgrades (Elephant Energy) - Federal tax credits now cover 30% of heat pump installations up to $2,000, with additional state incentives available in Colorado and Massachusetts through 2025.

• L.A. Residents: Protect Yourselves From Ash (Heatmap News) - Toxic ash from Maui's wildfires led to elevated heavy metals in 20% of residents and depression symptoms in 52%, according to a new University of Hawaii study.

• LCV Statements on the Senate Confirmation Hearings of Lee Zeldin for EPA Administrator, Doug Burgum for Secretary of the Interior, and Pam Bondi for Attorney General (LCV) - Environmental advocacy group LCV condemns Trump's cabinet picks Zeldin, Burgum, and Bondi during Senate hearings, citing their fossil fuel ties and anti-environmental voting records.

• Lee Zeldin Keeps His Cards Close to the Vest (Heatmap News) - Former Rep. Lee Zeldin struck a delicate balance at his EPA confirmation hearing, accepting climate science while advocating for reduced environmental regulations and industry-friendly policies.

• LiveEO | Legal Documentation Required for EUDR Compliance (LiveEO) - New EU regulations mandate extensive documentation, including product details, geolocation data, and supplier contracts, with five-year retention requirements to prove deforestation-free sourcing compliance.

• Living with Smoke in the Greater Yellowstone (Fire Networks) - Three counties and Yellowstone National Park are implementing smoke-ready community plans to help residents cope with wildfire impacts through air monitoring, clean air spaces and communication strategies.

• Mars Appoints Alastair Child as New Chief Sustainability Officer (ESG Today) - Mars taps veteran executive Alastair Child to lead its 30-person sustainability team after his 23-year tenure with the global confectionery giant.

• Paola Ramos en Conversación sobre el Voto Latino/a/e, la Desinformación y la Justicia Climática (GreenLatinos) - Journalist Paola Ramos examines Latino voting trends and environmental activism while addressing climate justice and disinformation campaigns targeting Hispanic communities.

• Paola Ramos in Conversation about the Latino/a/e Vote, Disinformation, and Climate Justice (GreenLatinos) - Journalist Paola Ramos explores Latino political realignment and climate justice concerns amid rising disinformation, drawing from her research on conservative Hispanic movements.

• PFAS in the US: Using KETOS PRISM to Unpack UCMR 5 Data (KETOS) - Environmental monitoring platform KETOS PRISM reveals 16% of US public water systems contain detectable PFAS, with all PFOA and PFOS findings surpassing EPA safety thresholds.

• SACE and Georgia Groups Join Hundreds Nationally Calling on New Congress to Support Clean Energy Policies (SACE) - Over 200 organizations are pressing Congress to protect clean energy policies that generated 43,266 jobs and $31.24 billion in Georgia investments since 2022.

• Scaling Local Climate Action through Peer Networks: Part One (Better Energy) - Local peer networks in Minnesota have connected more than 250 government officials to advance clean energy initiatives and secure climate funding through collaborative partnerships.

• Support grows for global tax on shipping emissions to fund climate action (Climate Change News) - Major shipping nations Panama and Liberia have joined the EU, Japan, and small island states in backing a global maritime emissions levy to fund climate action by 2027.

• Sweden Begins Construction on World’s Second Deep Geological Repository for Spent Nuclear Fuel (POWER Magazine) - Swedish authorities have launched construction at Forsmark to store 12,000 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel 500 meters underground by the 2030s, marking only the second such facility worldwide.

• The Little Revelations from Doug Burgum’s Confirmation Hearing (Heatmap News) - Former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum's Interior confirmation hearing exposed his pro-fossil fuel stance, skepticism of renewable energy, and push to remove grizzly bears from endangered species protection.

• The media needs to show how the climate crisis is fueling the LA wildfires (The Guardian) - Media reports on Los Angeles mega-fires have overlooked scientific data showing climate change's role in extreme weather patterns fueling unprecedented wildfires across the region.

• The world-ending fire (Keep Cool) - Los Angeles fires could inflict $250 billion in damages, potentially exceeding 2024's global natural disaster costs, due to climate change, infrastructure issues, and systemic vulnerabilities.

• U.S. Government Agrees to Halt Seafood Imports Tied to Deadly Bycatch of Whales, Dolphins, Other Marine Mammals (NRDC) - U.S. officials will block $25.5 billion in annual seafood imports from over 130 nations that fail to meet marine mammal protection standards by January 2026.

• UK accused of undermining democratic rights with climate protest crackdown (The Guardian) - Rights advocates condemn Britain's harsh climate protest laws, which have led to record prison terms and a 39% drop in environmental demonstrations across the country.

• Vested interests and social tribes in the Pan Amazon (Mongabay) - Powerful agribusiness groups and local elites shape Amazon's future through intensive lobbying, with 88% of regional development focused on road expansion and forest law changes.

• What might sports look like in a warming world? (Anthropocene Magazine) - Climate change threatens traditional sports with vanishing winters and extreme heat, prompting athletes and venues to adopt sustainable practices and shift toward indoor alternatives like e-sports.

• Why Is Paramount Plus Promoting Big Oil With Its Landman Series? (CleanTechnica) - Streaming giant Paramount Plus faces backlash over its new series "Landman," which critics say promotes oil industry interests while spreading false narratives about renewable energy.

• Why LA is on fire (it’s not just climate change) (The Conversation) - Experts say Los Angeles wildfires are worsening due to drought, Santa Ana winds, decades of fire suppression policies, and continued construction in vulnerable zones.

• Zeldin Acknowledges Need for Climate Action (NRDC) - Nominee Lee Zeldin broke from Trump's climate stance during Senate testimony, acknowledging fossil fuels' role in global warming while remaining noncommittal on environmental regulations.

• A significant conversation about wildlife conservation (Environment America) - During a nomination hearing, Sen. Heinrich and Interior Secretary nominee Burgum explored bipartisan funding options for the Recovering America's Wildlife Act.

• Energy and deglobalization (Energy Central) - Rising import tariffs and economic deglobalization could drive global energy costs higher, with export-dependent nations like Brazil facing significant impacts from reduced trade and local production shifts.

• DOE nominee Wright aims to boost power supplies to lower costs (Utility Dive) - Energy secretary nominee Chris Wright vows to expand power supplies and reduce electricity costs while streamlining infrastructure development across all energy sources.

• Kemi Badenoch to criticise Theresa May and Boris Johnson ‘mistakes’ (The Guardian) - Amid Reform UK's surging poll numbers, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch prepares to slam former PMs May and Johnson over their Brexit, climate, and immigration policies.

• The 47th presidency offers hope for permitting reform (Utility Dive) - The incoming Trump administration signals potential bipartisan support for energy permitting reform, building upon the Manchin-Barrasso framework to streamline project approvals.

Renewables

Astronergy's 319MW Gobi Desert project leads major solar developments, while Amazon tops corporate renewables with 600+ projects; DOE launches $30M geothermal initiative as global manufacturers Boviet, DAS Solar, and Huasun advance production capabilities

• 319MW ASTRO N5 Modules For “Solar Thermal + PV” Power Station in Gobi Desert (TaiyangNews) - Chinese manufacturer Astronergy has supplied 319MW of solar modules for a hybrid thermal-PV station in the Gobi Desert, projected to generate 2.19B kWh and cut carbon emissions by 1.5M tons annually.

• Amazon claims title of world's biggest corporate renewables buyer for fifth year running (BusinessGreen) - Tech giant Amazon retains its crown as the world's largest corporate renewable energy buyer, boasting 600-plus wind and solar projects with capacity to power 8.3 million US homes.

• Are we using enough geothermal energy? Probably not, according to the DOE (Renewable Energy World) - The Department of Energy's $30 million SUPERHOT initiative aims to tap geothermal reservoirs that could generate up to 20 GW of baseload power by 2040 at less than $30/MWh.

• Australian outfit seals “monumental deal” to buy electrolysers for giga-scale green ammonia project (RenewEconomy) - Australian firm Allied Green Ammonia secures a 3GW electrolyser deal with Plug Power to produce 912,000 tonnes of green ammonia yearly in Northern Territory by 2029.

• Boviet Solar’s 2 GW US Module Factory To Come Online In H1 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Vietnamese solar manufacturer Boviet Solar will invest $294 million to build a 2 GW module and cell production facility in Greenville, North Carolina, starting operations in 2025.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: Grand Sunergy Installs Equipment At 5 GW HJT Module Fab & More (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar giants advance industry with Grand Sunergy's 5 GW module installation, LONGi's 2.1 GW grid connection, and Shouchu's $1.83 billion recycling investment.

• DAS Solar Advances MEA's Pace in Clean Transition with All-scenario Solutions at WFES 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Leading solar manufacturer DAS Solar unveils N-type modules with 26.7% efficient TOPCon cells and desert-optimized solutions at Abu Dhabi's World Future Energy Summit 2025.

• Floating Solar On Federal Reservoirs Could Power 100 Million Homes In The US (CleanTechnica) - Federal reservoirs could generate 1,476 terawatt-hours annually through floating solar panels, potentially powering 100 million American homes, according to a new NREL study.

• HJT Technology Trends In TOP SOLAR MODULES Analysis 2024 (TaiyangNews) - Despite growing from 6 to 9 manufacturers adopting HJT solar module technology in 2023-2024, it represents only 17% of top solar modules.

• Huasun 2024 Annual Review: Supply Chain Improvement & Market Expansion (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar maker Huasun delivered 1.8 GW to CGDG and completed several gigawatt-scale projects in 2024, including the world's largest 4 GW HJT installation in Xinjiang.

• India Solar PV News Snippets: Premier Energies Lands Multiple Solar Cell & Module Orders & More (TaiyangNews) - Indian solar manufacturer Premier Energies has secured $175.7 million in cell and module orders from independent power producers, with deliveries scheduled to begin in May 2025.

• JA Solar Named 2025 MENA Region "Top Brand PV" at WFES 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Leading solar manufacturer JA Solar clinches EUPD Research's "Top Brand PV" award at WFES 2025, after securing 1.25GW module supply contract for Africa's largest solar-plus-storage project.

• Maxeon To Launch Gen 8 With Over 25% Efficiency (TaiyangNews) - Maxeon Solar Technologies will introduce Gen 8 solar modules featuring new cell architecture and larger wafers, achieving over 25% efficiency when launched in 2025.

• Nordic Solar Appoints Patrik Setterberg As New CFO (TaiyangNews) - Former Vestas Development CFO Patrik Setterberg has joined Danish utility-scale solar company Nordic Solar, replacing Jes Vengaard to oversee its 469 MW operational portfolio.

• NREL seeks distributed wind turbine technology proposals from manufacturers (NREL) - U.S. Department of Energy laboratory offers domestic manufacturers up to $800,000 per award to develop small and medium-sized distributed wind turbines.

• Renewable Energy Ban Too Late To Stop 700+ MW Solar Portfolio (CleanTechnica) - Oklahoma's new renewable energy restrictions won't impact Leeward's 724 MW solar portfolio, including three solar farms already under development to power Google data centers.

• Road Ahead: Global PV Supply Chain Trends & Projections (TaiyangNews) - Global solar supply chain faces unsustainable price drops below manufacturing costs in 2024, with analysts projecting flat or modest cost increases for module production through 2026.

• Rural America Is Already on Board with Clean Energy (NRDC) - Rural America's embrace of clean energy has sparked 334 major projects across 40 states, generating 109,000 jobs and attracting $126 billion in private investments through IRA funding.

• SPIC Solar To Stick To TBC technology, For Now (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar manufacturer SPIC Solar reports 26.5% mass production efficiency with TBC technology, while exploring future perovskite tandem cell integration.

• TaiyangNews PV Price Index – 2025 - CW3 (TaiyangNews) - Solar component prices hold steady in China during 2025's third week, following early January rises, with upstream products experiencing greater fluctuations than downstream items.

• The Path Forward: GEAPP’s Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future in Asia (GEAPP) - Global Energy Alliance reports Asia-Pacific renewable expansion has reached 1 million people, with ambitious plans to achieve up to 50% clean power generation by 2030.

• Tunisia Launches 200 MW AC Solar PV Tender (TaiyangNews) - Tunisia's Energy Ministry seeks bids for two 100 MW solar projects by April 2025, advancing its target of 30% renewable energy within five years.

• Turbine blade break under investigation at Australia’s biggest wind farm (RenewEconomy) - A blade failure at Australia's 923MW MacIntyre wind farm has prompted an investigation and safety zone, just weeks after the facility began operations.

• US Federal Lands Can Host Over 7.7 TW Renewable Energy Capacity (TaiyangNews) - Federal lands across America could accommodate 7.7 TW of renewable energy capacity, with 5,750 GW potential for utility-scale solar installations spanning 44 million acres.

• US Solar EPC Company SOLV Energy Acquires Sacramento Drilling (TaiyangNews) - US solar contractor SOLV Energy has expanded its utility-scale solar capabilities by acquiring Sacramento Drilling, enhancing its drilling and pile foundation installation services nationwide.

• Volkswagen’s Green Electricity for ID. Models (CleanTechnica) - German automaker Volkswagen secures 1.1 terawatt-hours of renewable energy from 26 European projects to power its ID. electric vehicle production in 2024.

• When the grid goes down, solar power can step up (Yale Climate Connections) - Portable solar power systems and microgrids are being deployed by nonprofit Footprint Project to provide clean emergency power in disaster zones, replacing traditional gas generators.

Transport

DOE commits $111.7M for charging networks as Honda debuts Acura RSX EV; Stellantis pauses Airflow while BYD leads Australian bus market amid global EV adoption trends

• 2024 in the Rearview Camera — Down Under Edition (CleanTechnica) - Australia's electric vehicle market share stagnated at 8-10% despite 25-30% global EV growth, as Chinese manufacturers engaged in aggressive price competition throughout 2024.

• Acura RSX EV To Start Production At Honda EV Hub In US This Year (CleanTechnica) - Honda's first electric Acura RSX SUV will roll off production lines at its Ohio EV Hub this year, featuring the company's new ASIMO operating system and sleek coupe styling.

• Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Funding to Connect & Scale the Electric Transportation Ecosystem (CleanTechnica) - The Department of Energy will invest $43.7 million to expand EV charging and affordable energy solutions across 23 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico.

• How to Prepare the Grid for Electric Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks: Lessons from Los Angeles (RMI) - Analysis of Los Angeles truck data shows utilities can manage rising power demands from electric trucks through strategic charging and infrastructure placement by 2030.

• Learning To Drive An Electric Car — BYD Edition (CleanTechnica) - New data shows Belfast leads UK cities in electric vehicle learning interest, with 36% of younger drivers preferring EV instruction compared to 19% of over-55s.

• More Electric Buses for Australia (CleanTechnica) - Australian electric bus adoption accelerates nationwide as BYD leads manufacturers in deploying new models and school trials, despite rural hesitation.

• Silver Bullets for Mitigating Climate Change for Mobility (EnergyCentral) - Experts identify battery-electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and direct electric power as key solutions for cutting transport emissions, while renewable fuels offer temporary alternatives.

• U.S. Department of Transportation Invests $635 Million to Expand Zero-Emissions EV Charging and Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure (CleanTechnica) - Federal funding of $635 million will create 11,500 EV charging ports and hydrogen stations across 27 states, with $80.7 million dedicated to hydrogen infrastructure in Texas and California.

• U.S. DOE Invests $68 Million into Innovative Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions (CleanTechnica) - The Department of Energy is investing $68 million to develop high-power charging stations for medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles across major U.S. transport routes.

• What Other States Can Learn from California’s Journey to 150,000 EV Chargers (RMI) - California's successful rollout of 150,000 EV chargers offers states a blueprint for streamlined permitting, community outreach, and utility partnerships in expanding charging networks.

• Why Is The Chrysler Airflow EV Now On Ice? (CleanTechnica) - Stellantis halts development of its Chrysler Airflow EV amid leadership changes and market concerns over possible policy shifts under a potential Trump administration.