News from Novi: 10 Headlines that Stood Out to Us Last Week
Issue 7 – Week of June 9th, 2025
1- EPA proposes giving Texas authority to oversee CO2 injection permits
EPA moved forward Texas’ application to oversee the permitting for injection of carbon dioxide into the ground. Projects would be able to go through Texas’ oversight process rather than through the Federal process, with hopes that this could help speed up the approval process for projects.
NOVI TAKE: Having authority over Class VI wells should help Texas move forward with CCS projects as long as the CCS incentives stay in place.
2- White House looks to freeze more agency funds – and expand executive power
The Office of Management and Budget is seeking to weaken Congress’ control of the federal budget by immediately freezing billions of dollars - specifically in national park operations and NASA climate research – and seeking a recission for the funding from Congress. The plan is seen as an effort to gain power for OMB and the executive branch.
NOVI TAKE: If Congress is not diligent, it may cede power to the other end of Pennsylvania Ave.
3- GOP megabill could undermine US energy production, Republicans warn
The proposed megabill will significantly cut clean energy credits introduced in the IRA. These cuts would hurt energy production needed to supply the data centers that are going up around our country, according to Republicans such as Senator Curtis.
NOVI TAKE: Having a Republican advocate in the Senate like Sen. Curtis is extremely important, but it is yet to be determined if he and his colleagues can hold the line.
4- Trump Poised to Repeal Biden Curbs on Power Plant Pollution
The current administration is proposing to scrap the climate mandates for the US’ power plants made during the Biden administration.
NOVI TAKE: No surprise here, but the Trump proposal does try to “shoot the moon” in its legal theory, undermining the authority to regulate, not just the specific regulatory approach. That may backfire in the courts.
5- Solar Bankruptcies Show US Clean Energy Industry Is Teetering on the Brink
The Trump’s administration’s attack against renewables are starting to have their effects on the clean energy industry. There has been $14 billion in canceled or delayed funds towards clean energy and EV industries since the beginning of 2025.
NOVI TAKE: The winds are against the industry in the U.S., but the market demand is still there. Let’s see where we land….
6- As Companies Abandon Climate Pledges, Is There as Silver Lining?
Major companies around the world are abandoning their environmental pledges even as the climate crisis keeps increasing. However, stakeholders are now using this moment to question superficial voluntary promises from companies, and as a result, lawmakers, investors, academics, and users may begin to make their voice heard more and instigate more effective change.
NOVI TAKE: Maybe the whiplash of these days will finally enable a winning coalition for durable, cost-effective climate policy in the United States?
7- GOP lawmakers reiterate asks for clean energy credit tweaks in reconciliation bill
On Friday, 13 Republican House members sent a letter to their Senate Counterparts asking that there be changes to the IRA clean energy tax credits in the reconciliation process. Their significant asks were that there be edits to the “foreign entity of concern” provision, that “placed in service” should be replaced with “commence construction”, and that transferability would last through a tax credit’s lifetime.
NOVI TAKE: Perhaps this strengthens the Senate’s hand?
A new report, from the World Resources Institute, finds that the increase of biofuel production could result in more greenhouse gas emissions, citing concerns about lower food production and the excessive use of fertilizer.
NOVI TAKE: All climate solutions are give and take.
9- The Wrestler vs. the Utility
Amateur wrestler Mark Ellis is calling attention to affordability concerns about electric rates in a time of requested rate increases. Ellis argues that “the complexity of utility regulation is obscuring a transfer of wealth from the general public to shareholders on a vast scale.”
NOVI TAKE: Maybe it takes a wrestler’s mentality to advocate for consumers in the energy sector.
10- The Senate Should Not Surrender Podcast
Check out this podcast from Doug Lewin on why energy is “the critical factor” in our nation’s national security and economic growth.
NOVI TAKE: Doug is incredibly smart and articulate about the true “gives and takes” of energy decision-makers; we highly endorse his podcast.