United States: Energy and Natural Resources

The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a series of new and updated General Licenses progressively expanding opportunities for commercial engagement in Venezuela's energy sector.

As interconnection queues swell and approval timelines stretch to five years or more, data center developers are increasingly turning to behind-the-meter generation to secure reliable power. While natural gas offers the fastest path, its carbon footprint clashes with net-zero commitments. Small modular reactors are emerging as a compelling carbon-free alternative. This article examines the current state of SMR deployment for data centers and the key regulatory considerations developers should keep in mind.

President Trump has invoked Defense Production Act authorities to support energy infrastructure deemed essential to national defense, covering grid components, natural gas systems, coal supply chains, and petroleum capacity. The determinations create a legal pathway for the Department of Energy to deploy financial support mechanisms, though their practical impact will depend on funding availability and implementation decisions. The move has sparked debate over whether emergency authority is being appropriat