Latest news with #DepartmentofEnergy
Politico
2 days ago
- Business
- Politico
Energy secretary's dreams collide with Trump's cuts
Energy Secretary Chris Wright has big plans for technologies like advanced nuclear reactors and geothermal energy — but they could be hobbled by the Trump administration's proposed budget cuts to national labs. As Brian Dabbs and I write today, Wright has vowed to 'make it vastly easier to build power plants in the United States.' The secretary is pushing for the Department of Energy's 17 labs, which have been central to energy research since the Manhattan Project during World War II, to help jumpstart the administration's 'energy dominance' agenda. The Idaho National Laboratory, for example, announced results this week of a first-of-its-kind test to lower the amount of waste produced by reactors. Wright has also publicly supported lab research on nuclear fusion, a potential zero-carbon form of electricity that involves the same reaction powering the sun. Here comes the White HouseBut President Donald Trump's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 would slash the budget of the National Energy Technology Laboratory — which supports fossil fuel research — by 32 percent and cut fusion programs at multiple labs, including Argonne, Brookhaven and Idaho. 'As much as the secretary is talking about how excited he is about fusion, the budget they proposed cut it,' said Andrew Holland, CEO of the Fusion Industry Association. Wind, solar, electric vehicles and building efficiency research would also be cut sharply under Trump's plan, a shift that analysts say could slow development of those technologies. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado would see some of the sharpest cuts overall, with funding declining by more than 56 percent from current levels under Trump's plan. DOE says many programs are being reorganized. The budget plan would shuffle funding for administration priorities such as geothermal, increasing it at NREL while reducing it at Lawrence Berkeley and Sandia labs. Wright pushes onWright is backing higher levels of funding than Trump proposed for artificial intelligence and fusion. Speaking at the National Energy Technology Laboratory on Wednesday, he also signaled that his plan to build data centers on federal land — including multiple national labs — could include installing new nuclear power. 'You will see data centers built on national lab property,' he said. 'You also will see next-generation nuclear reactors tested' on federal lands sometime next year, he added. The data center plan could become Wright's biggest footprint on the labs. The department told POLITICO's E&E News this week it is weighing next steps after receiving hundreds of comments on the proposal in May. Industry insiders say the department appears to be looking for 'combined packages' that involve building data centers with co-located power plants or other sources of electricity. It's Thursday — thank you for tuning in to POLITICO's Power Switch. I'm your host, Christa Marshall. Arianna will be back soon! Power Switch is brought to you by the journalists behind E&E News and POLITICO Energy. Send your tips, comments, questions to cmarshall@ Today in POLITICO Energy's podcast: Zack Colman breaks down Trump's wildfire prevention strategy. Power Centers Get used to the heatThe heat dome that shattered record high temperatures in the eastern U.S. is part of weather patterns that are becoming more common because of climate change, Chelsea Harvey writes. Scientists raised the issue in a recent study, saying that such long-lasting weather patterns will bring both heatwaves and heavy rainfall. The study says rapid warming in the Arctic could be the cause. Oil's water problemTo help oil and gas companies dispose of polluted water, the Environmental Protection Agency is promoting reuse of that wastewater — a concern for environmentalists, but an EPA program that could garner support in oil-producing states, Miranda Willson writes. The goal is to allow the chemical-laden, super-salty brine to be substantially cleaned and reused for power generation, water-guzzling data centers and irrigating range land. Reusing the water could address a major industry challenge and help ease crippling drought in parts of Texas and New Mexico, two of the nation's most prolific oil-producing states. Western water plan on the tableState negotiators in Western states struggling with how to share the drought-ravaged Colorado River say they could be close to breaking free from gridlock. The Interior Department has warned that missing a November deadline could force the federal government to impose its own solutions, Jennifer Yachnin writes. Members of the Upper Colorado River Commission — which represents Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming — are weighing a new method of sharing the waterway. The Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada proposed a new formula based on actual flows from the prior three years. In Other News Phone a friend: Trump officials have pushed European Union leaders to scale back major climate laws at the behest of the oil industry. A new hope: The Trump administration's support for oil and gas has renewed hope in Nikiski, a southern Alaska town that is the epicenter of the long-planned Alaska LNG project. Hot source for coolness: A neighborhood outside of Austin, Texas, is using geothermal energy to heat and cool its houses and buildings, which the developer says saves residents up to $2,000 a year on their utility bills. Subscriber Zone A showcase of some of our best subscriber content. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz accused environmental groups of working with China on climate lawsuits targeting fossil fuels. Tariffs and tax credit uncertainty could send grid storage installations plunging by 29 percent next year, according to a new report. The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Trump administration to find out which power plants have asked for exemptions to the Clean Air Act. The first-ever global climate conference missing officials from the U.S. wrapped up on Thursday with no clear signs that any nation was ready to fill the vacuum left by Washington. That's it for today, folks! Thanks for reading.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Top Security Executives Recognized at the 2025 CapitalCISO ORBIE Awards
Leading CISOs honored for leadership, security, and business Va., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2025 CapitalCISO ORBIE Awards recognized the exceptional leadership and cyber resilience of top security executives from DXC Technology, Maximus, Department of Energy, Sinclair, Inc., FINRA, NIH Center for IT & Marriott International. The prestigious ORBIE Awards - hosted by CapitalCISO, a chapter of the Inspire Leadership Network - honor CISOs who drive business transformation and industry impact. Winners were recognized across seven categories: Super Global, Global, Large Enterprise, Enterprise, Large Corporate, Healthcare, and Leadership. The ceremony, which took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, brought together top executives and industry leaders to celebrate excellence in security leadership. "Great CISOs recognize that the power of collaboration lies in trusted relationships," said Michael Baker, CapitalCISO Chair. 'The CapitalCISO ORBIE® Awards embody this by inspiring, connecting, and honoring CISOs for their leadership and the value they bring to capital area businesses through enterprise security.' Meet the 2025 CapitalCISO ORBIE Award Winners: ›› Arno Van Der Walt, SVP & CISO of Marriott International, received the Leadership ORBIE. ›› Michael Baker, Global CISO of DXC Technology, received the Super Global ORBIE for organizations over $8.5 billion annual revenue & multi-national operations. ›› Frank Aiello, CISO of Maximus, received the Global ORBIE for organizations over $1 billion annual revenue & multi-national operations. ›› Paul Selby, CISO of Department of Energy, received the Large Enterprise ORBIE for organizations over $13 billion annual revenue. ›› John McClure, SVP, CISO & Enterprise Infrastructure of Sinclair, Inc., received the Enterprise ORBIE for organizations over $1.5 billion annual revenue. ›› Eric Pickersgill, SVP & CISO of FINRA, received the Large Corporate ORBIE for organizations up to $1.5 billion annual revenue. ›› Jothi Dugar, CISO of NIH Center for IT, received the Healthcare ORBIE for hospitals & healthcare organizations. About the ORBIE: The ORBIE is the preeminent executive recognition for C-suite leaders. Since 1998, the ORBIE Awards have recognized leadership excellence, building relationships between executives and trusted business partners, and inspiring the next generation of executives. Finalists and winners are selected through an independent peer-adjudicated process led by prior ORBIE recipients based on the following criteria: Leadership and management effectiveness Business protection created by enterprise security Engagement in industry and community endeavors CapitalCISO ORBIE Keynote & Attendance: The keynote address for the CapitalCISO ORBIE Awards was delivered by Tammy Hornsby-Fink, EVP & CISO of Federal Reserve System, who was interviewed by Lisa LaRoque, VP of Inspire Leadership Network. Over 250 guests attended, representing leading Capital Area organizations and their technology partners. The following sponsors made the 2025 CapitalCISO ORBIE Awards possible: Underwriter: Fortinet Gold Sponsors: HaystackID, Okta, UpWind & Wiz Silver Sponsors: Elastic, GDIT, Tanium & Zscaler Bronze Sponsors: Abnormal Security, Between Pixels, Crowdstrike, GuidePoint Security, RedShield, RSM US & Splunk Media Partner: Washington Business Journal National Partner: Year Up United To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how to connect with leading C-suite executives across North America, click here. About CapitalCISO: CapitalCISO is the preeminent peer leadership network of chief information security officers (CISOs) in Capital Area. As one of over 40 chapters of the Inspire Leadership Network, CapitalCISO belongs to a national membership organization exclusively comprised of C-suite leaders from public and private businesses, government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit institutions. CapitalCISO is led by a CISO Advisory Board, with support from an executive director and staff. Underwriter executives support the chapter and ensure the programs remain non-commercial and exclusive to qualified CISOs and members. About Inspire Leadership Network: Inspire Leadership Network is the preeminent peer leadership network of C-suite executives. With nearly 2,000 members across more than 40 local chapters, Inspire members serve public and private businesses, government, education, healthcare, and non-profit institutions. Inspire exists to help leaders thrive in today's most challenging executive roles. Media Contact Nicole Lammes A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Trump's 2026 defense budget focuses on high-tech missiles, drones, and troop pay raise
Trump administration to focus more on Drones and UCAVs during next budget. PHOTO:ATLANTIC US President Donald Trump wants a pay raise for troops, more high-tech missiles and drones in next year's defense budget, while cutting Navy jobs, and buying fewer ships and fighter jets to save money, according to budget materials posted Wednesday. At $892.6 billion, the defense and national security budget request is flat compared with this year. The budget, which also includes nuclear weapons-related activities carried out by the Department of Energy and increases funding for homeland security, puts Trump's mark on the military by pulling funds away from weaponry and services to fund his priorities. The White House said the funding will be used to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, and revitalize the defense industrial base. Most of the funding for Trump's marquee Golden Dome missile defense shield was included in a separate budget request and is not part of the latest proposal sent to Congress. In the 2026 budget Trump requested fewer F-35 jets made by Lockheed Martin LMT.N and only three warships. Procurement of a Virginia-class made by General Dynamics GD.N and Huntington Ingalls Industries HII.N and 15 other ships are expected to be included in a separate appropriation bill, the Navy said. The budget asks for a 3.8% pay raise for troops, but also trims costs by retiring older weaponry including ships and planes that are more expensive to operate. Under the plan, the Navy will reduce its civilian employee workforce by 7,286 people. Compared to Biden's budget from his last year in office, which had asked for 68 F-35 jets in fiscal 2025, Trump's fiscal 2026 request seeks only 47 of the fighter jets. The budget has already sparked debate on Capitol Hill where the House Appropriations Committee's Defense subcommittee's draft bill for fiscal-year 2026 boosts the F-35 buy to 69, one more than Biden's 2025 request. The Pentagon continues prioritizing purchasing munitions and key weapons systems. The Air Force is continuing its investment the Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range and Long Range Anti-Ship missile which have longer ranges and can be more effective in the Pacific. On the other hand, the budget seeks far fewer Precision Strike Missile, which will replace the Army Tactical Missile (ATACM) used in Ukraine. Lockheed Martin makes all three missiles. The budget also boosts spending on small drones - in part because of lessons learned in Ukraine where unmanned aircraft have proven to be an integral part of low-cost, yet highly effective warfighting. The detailed request comes as Republicans debate defense spending priorities in their sweeping $150 billion defense package contained in the pending "One Big Beautiful Bill Act". The act has already been passed the House of Representatives and will give an initial $25 billion boost to Trump's controversial Golden Dome missile defense shield. Defense spending usually accounts for about half of the US discretionary budget; the rest goes to transportation, education, diplomacy and other departments.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Fuel subsidy to be released once crude oil hits $80/barrel —Dizon
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday said the government is ready to grant fuel subsidies to over 1.1 million bus, jeepney, tricycle, and ride-hailing application drivers once global crude oil prices surpass the $80 per barrel threshold amid the Israel-Iran conflict. At a Palace press briefing, Dizon said the Marcos administration is 'fully prepared' to implement the Fuel Subsidy Program (FSP) for the public transport sector, in accordance with the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). The Transport chief said a total of P2.5 billion has been earmarked under the 2025 GAA for the FSP, while an additional P617 million remains available from the 2024 budget. The FSP will benefit an estimated 1,132,407 individuals, including 258,712 Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers, 723,695 tricycle drivers, and 150,000 ride-hailing application drivers. The fuel subsidy will be disbursed through multiple channels to ensure fast and efficient distribution, such as existing Pantawid Pasada or fuel cards, registered e-wallets (GCash and Maya), bank-to-bank transfers, and cash distribution through the Land Bank of the Philippines. Dizon said crude oil prices have reached $78 per barrel in the past few days, which was still below the required threshold under the 2025 GAA. 'The government continues to monitor global prices closely and will act promptly should the US$80 mark be breached,' Dizon said. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said that there was no need to implement the FSP yet, though he assured the public that 'the government is ready to protect the livelihood of transport workers and ensure they receive timely support in the face of rising fuel costs due to the conflict between Israel and Iran.' Department of Energy officer-in-charge Sharon Garin also said that the government's fuel subsidy program might not be activated yet, as crude oil prices have not breached the $80 per barrel threshold. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
NDTV
2 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Trump's 2026 Defence Plan: More Drones, Fewer Ships And F-35s
Washington: US President Donald Trump wants a pay raise for troops, more high-tech missiles and drones in next year's defense budget, while cutting Navy jobs, and buying fewer ships and fighter jets to save money, according to budget materials posted Wednesday. At $892.6 billion, the defense and national security budget request is flat compared with this year. The budget, which also includes nuclear weapons-related activities carried out by the Department of Energy and increases funding for homeland security, puts Trump's mark on the military by pulling funds away from weaponry and services to fund his priorities. The White House said the funding will be used to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, and revitalize the defense industrial base. Most of the funding for Trump's marquee Golden Dome missile defense shield was included in a separate budget request and is not part of the latest proposal sent to Congress. In the 2026 budget, Trump requested fewer F-35 jets made by Lockheed Martin and only three warships. Procurement of a Virginia-class made by General Dynamics and Huntington Ingalls Industries and 15 other ships are expected to be included in a separate appropriation bill, the Navy said. The budget asks for a 3.8% pay raise for troops, but also trims costs by retiring older weaponry including ships and planes that are more expensive to operate. Under the plan, the Navy will reduce its civilian employee workforce by 7,286 people. Compared to Biden's budget from his last year in office, which had asked for 68 F-35 jets in fiscal 2025, Trump's fiscal 2026 request seeks only 47 of the fighter jets. The budget has already sparked debate on Capitol Hill where the House Appropriations Committee's Defense subcommittee's draft bill for fiscal-year 2026 boosts the F-35 buy to 69, one more than Biden's 2025 request. The Pentagon continues prioritizing purchasing munitions and key weapons systems. The Air Force is continuing its investment the Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range and Long Range Anti-Ship missile which have longer ranges and can be more effective in the Pacific. On the other hand, the budget seeks far fewer Precision Strike Missile, which will replace the Army Tactical Missile (ATACM) used in Ukraine. Lockheed Martin makes all three missiles. The budget also boosts spending on small drones - in part because of lessons learned in Ukraine where unmanned aircraft have proven to be an integral part of low-cost, yet highly effective warfighting. The detailed request comes as Republicans debate defense spending priorities in their sweeping $150 billion defense package contained in the pending "One Big Beautiful Bill Act". The act has already been passed the House of Representatives and will give an initial $25 billion boost to Trump's controversial Golden Dome missile defense shield. Defense spending usually accounts for about half of the US discretionary budget; the rest goes to transportation, education, diplomacy and other departments.
