Tennessee poised for potential resurgence in nuclear energy sector?

In the realm of energy and environmental policy, several significant developments are unfolding across the nation.

Georgia and Louisiana Residents Voice Concerns

Residents in Georgia and Louisiana are expressing concerns about upcoming projects in their states. Georgia lawmakers have thus far failed to pass legislation regulating data centers, instead relying on state regulators' decisions to address residents' complaints. Meanwhile, Louisiana residents are organizing against a company's plan to dig extensively beneath a recreational lake to store carbon emissions from a hydrogen and ammonia plant.

Preparations for Tax Credit Phaseout

Solar installers in West Virginia and around the country are gearing up for the phaseout of investment and production tax credits, aiming to complete projects before their expiration at the end of the year. This phaseout could potentially impact the clean energy sector, as analysis shows West Virginia stands to lose nearly 10,500 clean energy-related jobs by 2030 due to the repeal of federal tax credits in the Republican budget bill.

Nuclear Power Projects and Regulatory Changes

Two projects in East Tennessee are proposed for "small nuclear reactors," but the revival of nuclear power projects faces skepticism due to the long and costly expansion of Plant Vogtle in Georgia. In Alabama, a new chief utility regulator has taken the helm for the first time since 2012.

Hydrogen Facilities and Coal Plant Projects

The U.S. government plans to finance companies for building a hydrogen facility and a coal plant project in Louisiana over the next year. Meanwhile, the CEO of a fuel company and the CEO of a hydrogen trade association have praised Congress for preserving a hydrogen production tax credit.

Climate Change and Flooding

Experts are warning that the recent flooding in Texas is an "extreme example of what's happening everywhere" as the climate changes.

Regulatory Disputes and Rate Hikes

Texas regulators are considering Texas Gas Service's third rate hike in a year in the Austin metro area. In Virginia, regulators' approval of Dominion Energy's long-range plan has left clean energy advocates wanting more discussion and analysis. Meanwhile, federal regulators have not addressed claims in a lawsuit alleging an illegal weld in the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

Pollution Concerns and Factory Shutdowns

Environmentalists are launching a campaign to pressure Dallas to shut down two roofing factories due to harmful emissions affecting nearby residents. In Alabama, a Tennessee Valley Authority plant contains 21 million cubic yards of coal ash in six ponds and could potentially be the dirtiest in the nation if all its sites are in contact with groundwater.

Energy Innovation and Development

Primergy Solar has begun operation of a 408 MW solar farm to power Microsoft facilities. EV startup Rivian has signed a lease for land to build its East Coast headquarters in Atlanta, ahead of plans to break ground on a factory in Georgia next year.

Political Discussions and Controversies

Republican officials aligned with President Trump are discussing the idea of privatizing the Tennessee Valley Authority. This potential move has sparked controversy and debate among energy and environmental advocates.

As these events unfold, it is clear that the energy and environmental landscape in the United States is dynamic and complex, with various stakeholders voicing their concerns and advocating for change. Stay tuned for more updates on these developments and many more.