The Secretary of Energy has made headlines in recent days as key decisions unfold around major energy funding programs and policy directions. According to reporting from E&E News, the Department of Energy recently announced the cancellation of nearly eight billion dollars in grants for hundreds of projects, impacting both Democratic and Republican-leaning states. Notably, these cuts included four point two million dollars for Project Tundra, a carbon capture retrofit for a coal-fired plant in North Dakota. Officials on Capitol Hill, including Senator Kevin Cramer, have pushed back, seeking to restore funding for certain projects considered crucial for maintaining regional industry and research. DOE spokespeople clarified that, aside from already announced cancellations, no additional determinations have been made and emphasized that the grant review process is individualized and ongoing. Some awarded money, such as that for Project Tundra, may end up being modified rather than terminated, while clarity around other projects is still pending as congressional leaders seek answers.

Recent department actions reflect broader policy shifts. The Department of Energy officially issued a Request for Information to gather public input about a major new initiative dubbed Accelerating Speed to Power and Winning the Artificial Intelligence Race. This aims to accelerate generation and transmission projects needed for America’s growing power demand, especially from data centers. Stakeholders have until November twenty-first to provide feedback on best practices for DOE funding, technical assistance, and the most promising geographic regions for federal investment. Several new executive orders underpin this initiative, emphasizing traditional sources of energy such as nuclear and fossil fuels while relaxing prior mandates around clean energy goals and electric vehicles.

On the legislative front, the House has introduced a new bill offering one billion dollars to the Energy Secretary for funding ocean-powered energy technology, as reported by FedScoop. The Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act, backed by House Democrats, would establish a Marine Energy Acceleration Fund for wave and tidal energy, targeting at least twenty demonstration projects that deliver power to localized microgrids and community utility systems. If passed, the Secretary of Energy would oversee the allocation of resources, mapping promising sites and partnering with National Marine Energy Centers and agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The bill also seeks to streamline permitting and reduce regulatory hurdles, a priority echoed by both parties.

Meanwhile, debate continues about nuclear fuel policy. The American Nuclear Society highlights DOE’s ongoing review of recommendations relating to recycling and disposal of used nuclear fuel. With support from the administration and increased bipartisan interest in recycling, DOE is considering innovation-based approaches to facilitate repurposing of used nuclear material and updating safety regulations. This can lay the groundwork for future large-scale facilities, although legislative hurdles persist.

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