Why California Is Reconsidering Its Decision to Shun Nuclear Power

9 September 2026 at 17:39

The state is considering extending the life of its last nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon, and allowing construction of new reactors to help meet its clean energy goals.

Established nuclear plants like Diablo Canyon in California tend to produce relatively affordable power.

U.S. to Lend $1.9 Billion to Restart a Shuttered Nuclear Plant in Iowa

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Brad Plumer

9 September 2026 at 14:38

No company in the United States has ever restarted a reactor that was seemingly closed for good, but there are now three major efforts underway to do so.

The Duane Arnold Energy Center near Palo, Iowa, in January 2025.

California’s Ambitious Plan for Textile Waste

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Rachel Cernansky

8 September 2026 at 20:59

A recycling law coming into force now could change fashion.

The U.S. Wants the Oil From These 17 Venezuelan Fields

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Rebecca F. Elliott · Julie Turkewitz and Leanne Abraham

5 September 2026 at 17:39

A private oil company has struck a deal with the Trump administration to develop 17 areas in Venezuela, an effort that experts say will take years and billions of dollars.

U.N. Says World Will Miss Its 1.5-Degree Climate Target

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Chico Harlan

3 September 2026 at 13:47

Carbon removal combined with emissions reduction is the only remaining pathway to avert catastrophic levels of warming, a new report warns.

Patagonia Sues Trump Over Reduction of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Maxine Joselow

3 September 2026 at 04:09

The outdoor apparel maker joined environmental and Native American groups in challenging President Trump’s reduction of Bears Ears National Monument.

Tourists at Muley Point, looking out on Monument Valley, in Bears Ears National Monument in Utah.

In Nepal and Tibet, Pollution on Glaciers Could Fuel More Flood Disasters

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Hiroko Tabuchi

2 September 2026 at 18:24

Darkened by soot from vehicles and factories, the region’s glaciers are absorbing more heat and melting at dangerous rates.

A meltwater lake on the Ngozumpa Glacier in Nepal in 2025.

Chevron Expansion in Venezuela Extends U.S. Influence Over Oil Riches

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Rebecca F. Elliott

2 September 2026 at 17:20

The U.S. energy giant, which stayed in the country after other Western companies left, will invest $7 billion in the country to more than double its production there.

Oil infrastructure in Cabimas, Venezuela. Chevron’s expansion is separate from President Trump’s deal for control of oil reserves in the country.

Missouri Voters Appear to Recall City Councilman Over Data Center Support

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: David McCabe and Lauren McCarthy

2 September 2026 at 03:47

Initial results showed that residents of Independence, Mo., voted overwhelmingly to recall an official who backed billions of dollars in tax breaks for a data center.

Organizers of the recall vote said the councilman, John Perkins, had failed to engage the public while the city negotiated with the developer of a data center project.

New York Climate ‘Superfund’ Law Falls in Court

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Karen Zraick

1 September 2026 at 20:50

The court said the measure, which required energy companies to pay $75 billion to the state, conflicted with federal law.

Kathy Hochul, New York’s governor, signed the law in 2024 and several other states have considered similar measures.

A Data Center Backlash

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: David Gelles

1 September 2026 at 19:09

Today we visit Pennsylvania, where there’s a high-stakes clash over A.I. jobs and the environment.

What to Know About Venezuelan Energy Following Trump’s Oil Deal

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Aruni Soni and Lazaro Gamio

1 September 2026 at 18:54

The Trump administration’s deal with a private oil company to increase oil production in the South American country could take many years to come to fruition.

Trump’s Venezuelan Oil Deal Relies on a Powerful and Divisive Partner

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Rebecca F. Elliott · Anatoly Kurmanaev and Edward Wong

31 August 2026 at 15:59

The administration will work with a private Venezuelan oil company that has close ties to the country’s government.

Venezuela is believed to have one of the world’s largest reserves of oil but it produces very little oil because of mismanagement, corruption and U.S. sanctions.

Coral Reefs Are Running Out of Time to Recover, Research Finds

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Quinn Glabicki

31 August 2026 at 05:01

Rising sea temperatures mean reefs don’t have enough time to bounce back between intense heat waves, a new report warns.

Bleaching corals at Looe Key Reef off Florida in 2023.

Trump Says U.S. Struck Deal for Control of More Than 65 Billion Barrels of Venezuela’s Oil

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Rebecca F. Elliott · Simon Romero and Edward Wong

30 August 2026 at 16:08

The president said an agreement between the countries covered more than 65 billion barrels of reserves. A U.S. official said it would involve a partnership with a private company.

An oil refinery in Punto Fijo, Venezuela, in 2021. Venezuela’s president, Delcy Rodríguez, said a U.S. oil deal would have a “significant impact on our nation’s revival.”

These Tanks Can Hold 90 Million Barrels of Oil. They Have Just 22 Million.

NYT - Energy & Environment

By: Rebecca F. Elliott · Ruth Fremson and Leanne Abraham

30 August 2026 at 16:04

Oil companies and governments are consuming their once vast stockpiles as Iran and the United States continue to struggle for control over the Strait of Hormuz.