Supreme Court Clears Path for Apache Stronghold Mine; Northwest Hydropower Set to Rebound
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a lawsuit from Apache Stronghold, leaving the way clear for a proposed copper mine at Oak Flat. Meanwhile, federal analysts predict a rebound in hydropower production in the Northwest this summer. In other news, TerraPower plans to build an advanced nuclear reactor in Wyoming, while Pacific Gas & Electric anticipates increased power demand in the San Jose area due to data centers.
The Supreme Court's decision not to intervene in the Apache Stronghold case paves the way for the mine's development. The tribe had sought to block the project, arguing it would destroy sacred land. Elsewhere, hydropower production in the Northwest is expected to recover from last year's drought-led low outputs. This is welcome news for the region's energy supply.
In Wyoming, TerraPower aims to construct an advanced sodium-cooled nuclear reactor by the end of this decade. This project promises to create up to 1,600 jobs during construction and 250 permanent jobs during operation. The reactor will use liquid sodium instead of water, making it more efficient and safer.
In California, Pacific Gas & Electric anticipates significant power demand increases in the San Jose area due to data centers. To address this, the California Independent System Operator has approved a $4.8 billion transmission plan for 31 projects over 15 years. This investment aims to strengthen the grid and accommodate the increased demand.
In a legal development, a federal court has revived a lawsuit from the Tohono O'odham and San Carlos Apache tribes against the SunZia transmission project in southern Arizona. The tribes argue that the project would negatively impact their lands and cultural resources.
California has also seen record-breaking utility-scale solar generation and battery energy storage output. Hawaii, meanwhile, has signed legislation increasing lodging taxes to fund climate change mitigation projects. In Wyoming, lawmakers are considering legislation allowing temporary spent nuclear reactor fuel storage in the state. Lastly, Xcel Energy is exploring joining SPP's regional day-ahead power market to comply with Colorado law.
The Supreme Court's decision on the Apache Stronghold case and the expected hydropower rebound in the Northwest are significant developments in the U.S. energy landscape. Meanwhile, investments in nuclear power, grid infrastructure, and climate change mitigation projects demonstrate a commitment to a sustainable energy future. However, legal challenges and potential cuts to public transit funding highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding energy policy.
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