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- 1Trump and Duffy finalize rollback of fuel economy standards▼President Trump & Transportation Secretary Duffy Finalize “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” Initiative to Reset Fuel Economy Standards, End Illegal EV Mandate | US Department of Transportation
President Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have finalized the "Freedom Means Affordable Cars" initiative, which resets federal fuel economy standards and ends what the administration calls an illegal electric vehicle mandate. The Department of Transportation framed the move as lowering car prices for American consumers, while the rollback of efficiency rules is expected to draw criticism from environmental and clean-energy groups.
- 2U.S. Navy advances W93 nuclear warhead development▼U.S. Navy advances development of new W93 nuclear warhead for submarine-launched ballistic missiles
The U.S. Navy is moving forward with development of the W93, a new nuclear warhead intended for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The programme, run with the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons complex, is part of efforts to modernise the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, replacing warheads carried on Trident II D5 missiles aboard ballistic missile submarines.
- 3Princeton Plasma Physics Lab contract extended amid AI research push▼PPPL contract extended amidst AI research ventures, concerns over facility management
The US Department of Energy has extended its contract for the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, a major federal fusion research facility operated by Princeton University. The extension comes as the lab pursues new artificial intelligence applications in plasma and fusion research, while some raise concerns about how the facility is being managed. The news highlights both the lab's growing role in AI-driven science and questions over its operational oversight.
- 4CenterPoint Energy lands $50 million federal award for grid upgrades▼CenterPoint Energy receives $50M award from DOE for grid technology upgrades
CenterPoint Energy has been awarded $50 million from the US Department of Energy to fund upgrades to its electricity grid technology. The utility says the investment will help modernize infrastructure and improve reliability for customers. The announcement comes as utilities across the country race to strengthen aging grids against extreme weather and rising demand.
- 5DOE Approves Floating Solar Pilot for Colorado Reservoir▼Federal Water Tap, September 28, 2026: DOE Clears a Floating-Solar Test Project for a Small Colorado Reservoir
The Department of Energy has cleared a floating-solar test project on a small reservoir in Colorado, according to Circle of Blue's Federal Water Tap briefing dated September 28, 2026. The project will test placing solar panels on water, an approach that saves land and can reduce evaporation while generating renewable power for nearby users.