Customers granted access to assess their electricity consumption by Duke

In the realm of energy and climate, several significant developments have emerged across the United States.

Cheniere Energy, the largest U.S. exporter of liquified natural gas, is seeking "alternative fuel" tax credits that could yield over $140 million. This move comes as energy companies continue to explore avenues for a greener future.

The sweltering heat of summer has tested the limits of power grids in various regions. Jacksonville, Florida's municipal utility reported new record summer peak loads two days in a row as temperatures exceeded 100 degrees. Similarly, the Tennessee Valley Authority announced a new summer demand peak of 31,888 MW during high temperatures on July 30.

As the nation grapples with the impact of climate change, some regions face unique challenges. Experts suggest that climate change has drastically increased the likelihood of Florida experiencing a heat wave.

In the realm of renewable energy, Texas solar and battery facilities set a new record for generation, demonstrating the value of renewables despite Republican lawmakers' efforts to discourage them. Georgia Power has requested state regulators to certify 9,900 MW of new power projects from various sources, including natural gas, solar, and batteries.

On the policy front, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito believes the U.S. EPA's move to rescind an "endangerment finding" regarding greenhouse gases will likely be challenged and decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's consideration of opening up Florida's coastline to oil and gas drilling has sparked concerns about the state's status as a major tourism destination and a site for military training and testing activities.

The future of nuclear energy in Tennessee is a topic of discussion, with Tennessee Republican U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann expressing a desire for the next nominee to the Tennessee Valley Authority board to prioritize nuclear energy and be from Tennessee.

In West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, while fracking has increased GDP in 30 counties, the overall number of jobs has decreased, according to a new report.

Infrastructure and flood protection are key concerns in several cities. Austin, Texas, city leaders call on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to restore $50 million to implement flood protection upgrades at a water treatment plant and power plant. Similarly, Newport News, Virginia, will use a $930,000 state grant for an initiative to educate and help homeowners pay for flood reduction improvements.

Lastly, in Kentucky, Edelen Renewables proposes constructing a solar farm on 400 acres of a decommissioned landfill, while Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities propose building two 645 MW gas-fired power plants, abandoning a previously announced battery project, and delaying the retirement of four coal-fired units from 2027 until 2031.

These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the energy landscape in the United States, as the country navigates the challenges of climate change, energy production, and infrastructure needs.