North America: Energy and Natural Resources

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state regulators to conduct a comprehensive audit of data center projects seeking grid access, while ERCOT has paused its Batch Zero interconnection process. This regulatory shift introduces immediate uncertainty for developers regarding timelines, financing, and project approvals, signaling that political engagement has become as critical as securing land and power in the Texas data center market.

The Department of Energy has launched a groundbreaking Common Investment Initial Screening Application that consolidates access to over half a trillion dollars in federal funding across multiple agencies. Companies with domestic or international projects in energy infrastructure, critical minerals, materials, and mining can now submit a single application to be considered for equity investments, loans, loan guarantees, grants, and other federal support from DOE, DFC, ExIm, and OSC.

La presente alerta tiene el objetivo de presentar las noticias más relevantes acontecidas en el ámbito de energía en Latinoamérica por el periodo comprendido entre abril y junio de 2026.

This comprehensive alert examines the most significant environmental policy developments across Latin America from April to June 2026, covering major legislative reforms, conservation initiatives, and international cooperation efforts. From Chile's expansion of marine reserves to Mexico's proposed overhaul of environmental law, and Colombia's pioneering conference on fossil fuel elimination, the report analyzes how governments are reshaping environmental governance. The alert provides critical insights into

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state regulators to halt approvals of pending data center projects while conducting a comprehensive audit of all facilities in the interconnection queue. The directive requires detailed disclosure of each project's reliance on public resources, grid impact, water consumption, and ownership structure, reflecting a broader bipartisan shift among states toward restricting data center development.

On August 3, 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to conduct a “comprehensive verification and audit” of all data centers advancing through ERCOT’s interconnection process before any additional data centers may move forward.

The Department of Energy has launched a groundbreaking Common Investment Initial Screening Application that consolidates access to over half a trillion dollars in federal funding across multiple agencies. Companies with domestic or international projects in energy infrastructure, critical minerals, materials, and mining can now submit a single application to be considered for equity investments, loans, loan guarantees, grants, and other federal support from DOE, DFC, ExIm, and OSC.

The Trump Administration has issued four executive actions aimed at securing critical minerals and materials for American national and economic security through tariff relief, onshoring incentives, and export controls. These measures target aluminum and polysilicon production, restrict defense contractors' sourcing from non-allied nations, and empower the Commerce Secretary to limit exports of critical materials in manufacturing residues and discarded electronics.

Developers of infrastructure and mining projects face mounting cost pressures, shifting trade policies, and evolving regulatory requirements that threaten project economics and investment decisions.

Falling behind on a Toronto property tax bill is stressful enough on its own. It becomes more complicated when an unrelated debt, such as an unpaid water bill, a by-law fine, or a local improvement charge, suddenly shows up added to the same tax account.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state regulators to conduct a comprehensive audit of data center projects seeking grid access, while ERCOT has paused its Batch Zero interconnection process. This regulatory shift introduces immediate uncertainty for developers regarding timelines, financing, and project approvals, signaling that political engagement has become as critical as securing land and power in the Texas data center market.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state regulators to halt approvals of pending data center projects while conducting a comprehensive audit of all facilities in the interconnection queue. The directive requires detailed disclosure of each project's reliance on public resources, grid impact, water consumption, and ownership structure, reflecting a broader bipartisan shift among states toward restricting data center development.