Worldwide: Energy and Natural Resources

The EPA has released draft exposure assessments for trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and 1,2-dichloropropane, two widely used industrial solvents that may be present in consumer products and can travel through air and water. These technical support documents explain how the agency estimates potential exposure to these chemicals in workplaces, homes, and nearby communities, marking a significant step in EPA's review process under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The release comes amid concerns about the compresse

Minnesota manufacturers face a critical September 15, 2026 deadline to report products containing intentionally added PFAS sold in the state, with extension requests due by August 16, 2026. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has provided guidance on using the PFAS Reporting Information System for Manufacturers (PRISM), including details on public contact designation and report review processes.

Proposition 65 (Prop. 65) requires businesses to provide warnings to individuals in California before knowingly and intentionally exposing them to chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and/or reproductive harm.

Let’s just start by saying kudos to the author for not using the painfully obvious title of “Let’s Get Things Strait Regarding Global Trade and Their Overall Value in Flows.” In the bigger picture, there are about 200 straits worldwide, but only 18–20 of them actually matter for global trade, and 9 are considered truly critical choke points.

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.

Let’s just start by saying kudos to the author for not using the painfully obvious title of “Let’s Get Things Strait Regarding Global Trade and Their Overall Value in Flows.” In the bigger picture, there are about 200 straits worldwide, but only 18–20 of them actually matter for global trade, and 9 are considered truly critical choke points.

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.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a comprehensive audit of data centers seeking connection to the state's power grid, halting the advancement of projects through ERCOT's interconnection process. The directive requires verification of project compliance with state requirements and extends beyond electrical demand to examine ownership, public incentives, water usage, and community impacts.

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.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a comprehensive audit of data centers seeking connection to the state's power grid, halting the advancement of projects through ERCOT's interconnection process. The directive requires verification of project compliance with state requirements and extends beyond electrical demand to examine ownership, public incentives, water usage, and community impacts.

Texas Governor Abbott has directed comprehensive audits of all data centers before they can connect to the ERCOT grid, creating immediate uncertainty for large load developers.