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US Nuclear regulator starts special inspection at Quad City nuclear power plant
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has begun a special inspection of the Quad Cities Generating station in Marseilles (Illinois) after discovering inoperative safety-related vacuum breaks, the agency announced on Monday. Constellation Energy operates the two-unit nuclear power plant. According to a press release from the NRC, operators discovered that vacuum breakers designed to maintain structural integrity of containment systems during major events had become inoperative because certain valves hadn't been reopened following testing during a recent fueling outage. The report said that the incident compromised the system's capability to regulate the containment pressure. This warranted a special inquiry, and the system had been restored. Jack Giessner, Administrator of Region III, said that while this incident did not impact the safe operation of the plant it was warranted for the regulator to conduct an independent review. This is because there were questions about the performance of employees at the plant which compromised the safety system's ability to perform its function. The NRC's inspectors said they will evaluate Constellation’s response. They will also assess the company’s understanding of the incident, its scope of assessment actions, as well as the adequacy and design of their procedures and systems. The findings of the inspection will be published in a report that will be available to the public. It will be posted electronically on the NRC website. (Reporting by Anjana Anil in Bengaluru; Editing by David Gregorio)
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Boulder can sue Exxon and Suncor for climate change, says Colorado's top court
Colorado's highest Court rejected ExxonMobil’s and Suncor Energy’s attempts to dismiss a case filed by the City of Boulder to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate change. In a decision reached by a majority of 5-2, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that federal law does not prevent Boulder and the surrounding counties from claiming the energy companies have violated state laws by misleading the public regarding the dangers of fossil fuels. This was only the second instance in which a state's supreme court allowed one of many lawsuits brought by local and state governments against large energy companies regarding climate change to proceed. Hawaii Supreme Court has allowed Honolulu's lawsuit against Exxon Sunoco, and other companies to proceed. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the decision in January. In a press release, Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett stated that "this ruling confirms what we have known all along: Corporations cannot mislead and avoid accountability for damages they've caused." Exxon Suncor representatives did not respond when contacted for comments. Boulder sued the companies in 2018. The lawsuit alleged that the companies had violated state laws, and caused a public nuisance and private nuisance through misleading the public regarding the role fossil fuels played in exacerbating the climate change. Boulder claims that it should be required to pay the costs incurred to protect their community from climate changes. The companies deny any wrongdoing. The companies had fought to get the case heard at federal court for many years. State courts are considered to be a more favorable venue by plaintiffs. After years of litigation, and after two trips to U.S. Supreme Courts, the case was ultimately sent back to state court where a judge refused to dismiss the suit. The companies claimed that Boulder's suit would interfere with federal regulations of greenhouse gas emission under the Clean Air Act, and hinder the federal government's capability to conduct foreign relations. Justice Richard Gabriel said that a lawsuit is not a regulation just because it may have an effect on the behavior of actors in a particular field. Justice Carlos Samour expressed his dissension, saying that Boulder's lawsuit sought to regulate interstate air quality and could result in "regulatory confusion." (Reporting and editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Sonali Paul, and Nate Raymond from Boston)
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Official: BYD's factory in Brazil will be "fully functional" by the end of 2026.
In a video posted on Monday, Augusto Vasconcelos, Bahia's state labor secretary, said that the new factory of Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD in Brazil would be "fully operational" by December 2026. Its operations had been delayed due to an investigation into possible labor abuses. He added that the factory would start to produce cars by the end of the year from semi-finished kit. Vasconcelos said in a video posted on social media that a new schedule was being set up so that the factory would be fully operational by December 2026, with an expectation of 10,000 jobs. Vasconcelos revealed that the news came as Bahia governor Jeronimo Rodriguez traveled to China along with President Luiz inacio Lula Da Silva to discuss plans for BYD, and the auto industry. BYD said that operations will start with the assembly in 2025. The factory is ramping up as it "progressively nationalizes the most popular models in Brazil", according to a BYD statement. According to a press release from January, BYD sold 76,713 cars in Brazil in the past year. This represents a 328% increase compared to 17,937 vehicles sold in 2023. BYD is investing in Brazil, its largest market outside China, to transform a former Ford plant into a complex capable of producing 150,000 electric vehicles per year. In December, allegations of abuses on the jobsite tarnished the project. The Chinese company is betting on Brazil by acquiring mining rights in areas that are rich in lithium. This mineral is used to make batteries for electric cars. According to Julio Bonfim of the Metalworkers Union of Camacari in Bahia, the plant was supposed to start making cars at the beginning this year. However, delays caused by the labor investigation and heavy rains impacted the timeline. BYD will hire 1,000 workers to assemble vehicles using kits imported from China this year. This is far less than the 10,000 that the Chinese company originally promised. BYD claims that the project will directly and indirectly create 20,000 new jobs. Bonfim, despite the delay, said that the new timeline was good news and that he expected the hiring to increase next year as the company prepares to manufacture vehicles exclusively in the country. (Reporting and editing by Brad Haynes, Aurora Ellis, and Fabio Teixeira)
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Mercedes will add GLC SUV Production at Alabama Plant
Mercedes executives announced on Monday that the company would increase production of its GLC crossover SUV in North America, at its Tuscaloosa plant. This month began earlier The German automaker announced that it would introduce a new model to the Alabama factory in 2027, which would "deepen its commitment to the U.S." The global trade war of Donald Trump has been focused on foreign-made automobiles. Early in April, the Trump Administration implemented 25% tariffs for vehicle imports. Mercedes-Benz' GLC model is manufactured at Bremen, Germany plant. The factory has 10 models in total. Mercedes' spokesperson stated on Monday that no significant changes are expected to be made in Bremen's average production numbers in the medium-term. Bremen will continue to produce GLCs for the rest the world, and the Alabama plant will "localize GLC production in North America". The automaker will increase production at its Alabama plant, which is the hub of its SUVs including the GLE Coupe and GLE Coupe as well as the GLS. Mercedes executives did not reveal how much they will invest in the Southern Plant to build the GLC, as it is still in the planning stages. (Reporting and editing by Chris Reese, David Gregorio and Kalea hall)
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Trump's Energy Department announces rule changes to reduce red tape
The U.S. Department of Energy proposed Monday to eliminate or modify more than 40 regulations, programs and initiatives to align with President Donald Trump’s efforts to loosen federal rules and gut diversity measures. In a press release, the agency claimed that the moves would save U.S. tax payers $11 billion. It called it the first phase of its biggest-ever deregulation effort. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated in a statement that "thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we're bringing common sense back - slashing regulation meant to appease Green New Deal fantasy, restrict consumer choices and increase costs for American people." The proposals have been posted on the public website of the government and will appear in Federal Register this week. The majority of rule changes are designed to support Trump's energy dominance plan, which aims to increase the production and use domestic fossil fuels. One rule change allows for electronic submission of applications for imports and exports of natural gas, while another simplifies the process for transmitting electricity abroad. Also, they target federal energy-saving programs by removing standards on water and energy efficiency for faucets, commercial refrigerators, microwaves, clothes washers, and other appliances. The act also excludes portable air conditioners and fans from the coverage of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. This Act directs DOE on how to set standards for consumer goods. Trump has repeatedly criticized energy and water efficient appliances, saying that they are not effective and limit the consumer's choice. The agency also repeals several rules designed to protect against discrimination based on age, gender and disabilities. The agency is also eliminating a regulation to help minority businesses that are seeking contracts or grants. These changes are part and parcel of Trump's effort to eliminate diversity initiatives in the federal government. (Reporting and editing by Matthew Lewis in Los Angeles)
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US to expedite Utah uranium mining permit
The U.S. The U.S. The department announced in a press release that the environmental review of the project will be finished in only 14 days. These studies can take many years due to the environmental impact of uranium mines. The prior administration's policies of climate extremism have created an energy crisis that is alarming. "President Trump and his Administration are working quickly and strongly to resolve this crisis," stated Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum. He said that the expedited review of mining projects was exactly what we needed to ensure our energy future. The Velvet-Wood Mine Project in San Juan County, if approved, would produce uranium for both nuclear energy production and nuclear weapons, as well vanadium. Vanadium can be used to make batteries and strengthen alloys and steel. The Interior Department stated that the project will be located on the site of an old mining operation, and only result in three acres of surface disturbance. Anfield owns also the Shootaring Canyon Uranium Mill in Utah which it plans to restart. This mill would convert the uranium ore to uranium concentration that could be used for nuclear fuel. Anfield expressed its satisfaction at the announcement made by the Interior Department. It said that "These efforts will not only increase investor attention to this sector, but also boost Anfield's prospects for production as it is one of the very few companies who have a path to U.S. Uranium production in the near future," according to an email sent to. (Reporting and writing by Nichola. Valdmanis, editing by Rosalba. O'Brien. Nick Zieminski.)
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Guinea's Prime Minister announces elections for December 2025
In a Monday speech to an African business conference, the Guinean prime minister announced that elections will be held in December 2025. He was attempting to reassure investors. Guinea is ruled militarily by Mamady Doumbouya. He seized power through a coup on September 20, 2021. In 2022, he proposed a transition period of two years to elections, but did not go ahead with the vote. The junta set a December 31st 2024 deadline for the return of a civil administration, but missed it. The new date was announced by Prime Minister Amadou Bah on Monday, at the Africa CEO Forum, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. He spoke about the Simandou iron-ore project of the West African nation. The announcement comes one month after the government announced September 21, 2025 as the date of a constitutional vote, which, according to authorities, would be the precursor to any elections and a return back to constitutional rule. The Prime Minister said that the constitutional referendum would be held on September 21, and legislative and presidential election will take place in December. "I can guarantee that Simandou’s first train will arrive prior to the elections." The junta may have presented a draft for a new constitution in July 2024, which could allow Doumbouya the opportunity to take part in the next presidential elections. The two former ruling parties of Guinea are suspended. The Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea is the other major opposition group. Maxwell Akalaare Adombila, Portia Crowe, and Alistair Bell contributed to the report.
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US to expedite Utah uranium mining permit
The U.S. The U.S. The department announced in a press release that the environmental review of the project will be finished in only 14 days. These studies can take many years due to the environmental impact of uranium mines. The prior administration's policies of climate extremism have created an energy crisis that is alarming. "President Trump and his Administration are working quickly and strongly to resolve this crisis," stated Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum. He said that the expedited review of mining projects was exactly what we needed to ensure our energy future. The Velvet-Wood Mine Project in San Juan County, if approved, would produce uranium for both nuclear energy production and nuclear weapons, as well vanadium. Vanadium can be used to strengthen steel or other alloys, and in batteries. The Interior Department stated that the project will be located on the site of an old mining operation, and only result in three acres of surface disturbance. Anfield owns the Shootaring Canyon Uranium Mill in Utah which it plans to restart. This mill would convert the uranium ore to uranium concentration that could be used for nuclear fuel. The company did respond immediately to a comment request. (Reporting and writing by Nichola Grroom; Editing by Rosalba o'Brien).
US auto tariffs threaten global industry with higher prices and job losses
The announcement by Donald Trump of a 25% auto import tariff sent shockwaves around the globe on Thursday. Global carmakers warned that prices would rise immediately, and dealers expressed concern about job losses in large auto-exporting nations, including many U.S. allies.
The new tariffs are expected to lead to a second round of large-scale U.S. duties that will be imposed next week. The auto tariffs could increase the cost of an average vehicle by thousands of dollars in the U.S., and dampen demand further at a moment when the industry is already struggling with the transition to electric vehicles. The majority of auto stocks fell on Thursday. Tesla, the U.S. electric vehicle maker, was an exception.
Volkswagen, a German company, said in a press release that "the entire automotive industry will be affected by the consequences. This includes global supply chains as well as companies and customers."
According to GlobalData, the United States imports more cars than any other country in the world, including Canada and Mexico. GlobalData, a research firm, estimates that nearly half of the cars sold in America last year were imported. General Motors shares fell by nearly 7% Thursday afternoon. Ford Motors and Stellantis, which is listed in the United States, also saw a decline of about 3%. Tesla's shares rose by about 5% as Elon Musk’s company is more exposed to tariffs.
Barclays analysts wrote in a report that Trump's tariffs would have a more draconian impact than expected.
The U.S. United Auto Workers and other supporters of Trump's initiatives say that the United States should focus on increasing domestic production. However, the process of moving the facilities could take many years during which time costs would rise and production might drop. The American Automotive Policy Council (which represents the Detroit Three automobile manufacturers) said late Wednesday that the "U.S. Automakers" are committed to Trump's vision to increase automotive production and create jobs in the U.S., and that they will continue to collaborate with the Administration to develop durable policies that benefit Americans.
The AAPC said that it was "critical" to implement the tariffs in a manner that avoided price increases for consumers.
Dealers and consumers may not see any major shortages for some time. Cox Automotive's data shows that dealers had 89 days worth of inventory on their lots at the beginning of March. Some consumers are trying to get their purchases in before the prices begin to increase.
TURMOIL FOR GLOBAL AUTO COMPANIES Europe’s auto industry has called for a deal across the Atlantic to avoid tariffs. Volkswagen, BMW Mercedes-Benz Porsche and Continental all lost $5.93 billion in market value combined on Thursday. The automakers will have to decide whether they want to move more production to the U.S. or absorb the tariff costs. Volvo Cars and Mercedes-Benz, as well as Volkswagen's Audi, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz, have all already announced that they would move production. Ferrari, which produces all its cars in Italy will raise prices by up to 10% for some models. Valeo, a French auto parts supplier, said that it had no choice but to raise prices.
BLG Group in Germany, the port logistics provider of one of the busiest auto shipping ports in the world in Bremerhaven said that it planned for a 15% decrease in traffic due to the tariffs. The tariffs will be implemented on April 3 for cars and auto parts, respectively.
HITS TO U.S. MANUFACTURING
Since the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement that encouraged the development a highly integrated automotive supply chain between U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico, automakers in North America enjoy free trade status. Trump's revised U.S. Mexico-Canada Agreement 2020 imposed new rules in order to encourage regional content production.
Cox Automotive stated that the tariffs would have an immediate effect on production. Cox Automotive expects to see disruption in "virtually" all North American vehicle production by mid-April. This will result in a reduction of roughly 20,000 vehicles per day or 30%.
The White House stated that Trump's tariffs will "protect and strengthen" the U.S. auto industry more than previous deals. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada early in March. He then granted a one-month respite for vehicles that met the USMCA's terms. However, the new rules don't extend this.
The White House announced that importers of vehicles made in North America will be able to certify the U.S. component of their vehicle to avoid paying taxes on these components.
Some CEOs privately express a reluctance in making long-term decisions based on a policy that could be short-term, stating a market decline could make Trump change his mind.
Analysts at Bernstein Research stated that "we know the president views the Dow Jones as a barometer of success." It is difficult to gauge the duration of these policies, if they cause a market crash that doesn't appear to be temporary.
(source: Reuters)