More from Jack Aylmer
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Elon Musk says China’s rare earth export ban may delay Tesla’s humanoid robot
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said China’s recent suspension of certain rare earth magnet exports is affecting the company’s development of its humanoid robot, known as Optimus. China is currently the world’s sole producer of heavy rare earth metals and supplies around 90% of the magnets derived from them, which are essential to producing advanced electric… -
Chinese EV battery maker shows new tech US consumers can’t buy
At this year’s Shanghai Auto Show, one of China’s leaders in the electric vehicle sector, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), introduced a new wave of battery technologies. However, none of the battery developments are likely to be available in the U.S. anytime soon as a result of ongoing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.… -
Scientists aim to dim sunlight to fight climate change: Report
Scientists are set to launch experiments designed to dim sunlight to combat climate change. The Telegraph reports that researchers will conduct outdoor tests within weeks, including the brightening of clouds to reflect sunlight using aerosols. Why are scientists conducting these experiments? The research is an effort to find new ways to prevent climate change from… -
Puerto Rico considers dropping its power grid manager after widespread blackout
Following a widespread power outage that hit Puerto Rico last week, local officials are awaiting a detailed explanation from Luma Energy, the private company responsible for transmitting and distributing electricity across the U.S. territory. The blackout, which began on April 16, affected approximately 1.4 million customers and left more than 400,000 other residents without access… -
US solar imports from parts of Southeast Asia face tariffs above 3,500%
The U.S. Commerce Department announced on Monday, April 21, the imposition of new tariffs on solar panel imports from four Southeast Asian countries. This marks the conclusion of a yearlong investigation into alleged unfair trade practices in the renewable energy sector. Which countries will be impacted by these solar tariffs? Solar manufacturers in Cambodia, Vietnam,… -
NYC continues congestion pricing toll despite federal deadline to suspend it
The federal deadline for New York City to halt its congestion pricing program passed on April 20, but the tolling system remains in place. This marks the second instance in which New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have not complied with a White House directive to suspend the initiative. Why… -
EPA defends deregulation efforts, says environment will not be harmed
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin said Sunday, April 20, that his agency’s ongoing efforts to roll back regulations will not negatively impact the environment. Speaking on CBS News, Zeldin described the EPA’s current approach as an attempt to balance environmental protections with economic considerations. “We have to both protect the environment and grow… -
Report finds California’s clean energy tax policy could raise electricity bills
California’s approach to taxing renewable energy tax credits may be making it more expensive to develop clean energy projects in the state. This could ultimately lead to higher electricity bills for residents, according to recent industry-backed research. What is causing this problem? The issue stems from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which allows developers of… -
Trump EOs aim to boost US fishing by easing rules, opening marine reserves
For the first time in over a decade, commercial fishing will be permitted in one of the world’s largest marine reserves. This comes as a result of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Thursday, April 17. What does Trump’s executive order entail? This federal directive lifts restrictions on the Pacific Islands Heritage… -
EPA investigates cross-border sewage flow from Mexico into California waters
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is investigating ongoing reports of cross-border sewage flow from Mexico into southern California coastal waters. This issue drew concern from local communities, public officials and military personnel. How is the EPA responding to this sewage problem? In a social media post on Wednesday, April 16, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin… -
Trump admin proposes significant change to Endangered Species Act
The Trump administration has proposed a significant change to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The change would come by redefining just a single word within the law, “harm.” How will redefining one word change the ESA? Under the current interpretation, the ESA makes it illegal to “take” protected animals, which includes any actions that “harass,… -
Harvard officials warn Trump’s funding freeze risks human and animal lives
Harvard professors warn that the Trump administration’s freeze on more than $2.2 billion in funding may force the university to euthanize animals, end life-saving research and slash jobs. The federal funds freeze comes after Harvard refused the White House’s demand to alter its hiring and academic policies. Which programs are now in jeopardy? Professors told… -
Studies comparing reliability of EVs vs. gas cars report conflicting results
A pair of separate reports offered differing conclusions on the reliability of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to traditional gas-powered cars. The discrepancies between these two studies necessitate examining the potential interests of the organizations involved. What data points to EVs being more reliable? A recent study by the German Automobile Club (ADAC) found that electric…
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