EarlyBird News

In late July 2025, the Lower 48 states set two consecutive records in electricity demand. On July 28, between 6 and 7 p.m. Eastern Time, use for cooling surges led demand to reach 758,053 megawatts, breaking previous records. That record was eclipsed the very next day, with demand climbing to 759,180 MW, marking a 1.9% […]

On July 29, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Administrator Lee Zeldin and the Trump administration, unveiled a sweeping proposal to rescind the 2009 “endangerment finding.” This legal determination labeled carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as threats to public health and welfare—an essential basis for regulating emissions from vehicles, power plants, and oil […]

President Trump, during a high-profile trade push, has struck major agreements positioning liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a centerpiece of U.S. energy diplomacy. Notably, he finalized a landmark deal with the European Union, securing commitments for roughly $750 billion in U.S. energy imports—including LNG, oil, and possibly nuclear fuel—over three years. The pact also saw the […]

As of late July 2025, the Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm has ramped up electricity production from 17 turbines, delivering about 220 MW—roughly 27% of its planned 800‑megawatt capacity—to the Massachusetts grid. That’s enough to power over 100,000 homes. Project developers say they expect to reach 30% output by the end of the month and achieve […]

Tensions in the Middle East have once again spilled into global energy markets. Following Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian territory—some reportedly targeting gas and energy infrastructure—liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices around the world have jumped, reflecting growing concerns about supply security and transport disruptions. Within days of the strikes, spot prices for LNG in key […]

Former President Donald Trump’s proposed 2026 federal budget outlines steep reductions to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) funding, slashing it by roughly $19.3 billion. A large portion of these cuts—around $15.2 billion—targets unspent funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), with the justification that they are tied to renewable energy and technologies considered […]

​Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the approval of an amendment to Boston’s zoning code to incorporate Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning. This pioneering policy mandates that most new large buildings permitted after July 1, 2025, must achieve net zero carbon emissions upon opening. ​ Buildings account for nearly 71% of Boston’s carbon emissions. The NZC […]

Ontario has imposed a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to Minnesota, Michigan, and New York in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. The new fee adds C$10 ($7) per megawatt-hour to power exports, potentially generating up to C$400,000 daily to support Ontario’s economy. New York sourced about 4.4% of its electricity from […]

Experts anticipate that President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico will lead to increased costs for New England residents, particularly affecting gasoline, food, and other essential items. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has warned that these tariffs could cause energy prices in the state to “skyrocket” if implemented as planned. […]

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has ordered natural gas distribution companies to reduce residential and low-income customer bills by at least 5% for March and April 2025 due to high winter costs. These reductions must be proposed by February 24 and take effect March 1. The DPU did not specify whether cuts should […]