Latest News
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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).
What is Trump's new 25% tariff on US auto imports?
Donald Trump, who has been threatening new tariffs for weeks on imported vehicles, followed through with his threats on Wednesday. He said that a 25% tax would be imposed on cars not made in the U.S. next week.
Trump will add a 25% tariff to previous duties on imported finished vehicles, starting April 3 at 12:01 am EDT (0401 GMT). The U.S. base tariff rate on automotive imports is 2.5 percent.
The plan to disrupt the auto supply chain and trade sparked uncertainty among investors and customers, and retaliation threats were made. Global auto stocks fell from Asia to America.
What is known?
From the least to most HIT
GlobalData, a research firm, estimates that half of the vehicles sold in the U.S. were imported last year. General Motors imports almost half of its sales and Ford, a much lower 21%.
Ford and GM both source a large number of parts outside the U.S. A significant portion comes from Mexico. They may face pressure until April 2, when more clarity is revealed about finished vehicles and auto components.
Tesla would be less affected, as all of its production and assembling is done in the United States. Automakers may increase efforts to localize their production in order to offset tariff costs. This would benefit domestic suppliers on the long-term.
As companies restructure their sourcing strategies and manufacturing activities, they may disrupt global supply chains.
Canada, Mexico, and South Korea, all countries with free-trade agreements, will face the duties. The European Union, Japan, and German and Italian automakers, along with Britain, will also be hit hard.
DUTIES ARE DELAYED BY 25%
Trump's announcement also states that the 25% tariffs would apply to imports of major auto parts. These include "engines and parts for engines, transmissions and parts for powertrains, and electrical components." The Federal Register will announce a date for the start of parts duties, which could be up to one month later. But no later than May 3,
The notice will also include the specific tariff codes of components that are subject to duties. These codes were not disclosed in Trump's announcement.
USMCA EXEMPTION PARTIAL
The plan offers a partial exemption of tariffs on vehicles and parts that meet the USMCA rules of origin. However, this is only applicable to the value of the U.S. produced content. A truck made in Mexico that contains 45% U.S. material would still be subject to a 25% tax on the value of 55%.
Auto parts compliant with USMCA rules would be taxed on the non-U.S. component.
It will be difficult to determine these levels of content. USMCA compliant auto parts are duty-free until the Commerce Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency decide on a method to apply tariffs for their non-U.S. contents. The process was not given a deadline.
What about auto retailers and suppliers?
Imported vehicles and parts are becoming more expensive, which will increase the costs for auto retailers. This could result in higher sticker prices, a weaker demand and slowed sales.
It may be difficult for suppliers who rely on international markets to absorb tariffs, or pass costs onto automakers. This could squeeze profit margins.
J.P. Morgan analysts noted that franchise dealer's parts and services businesses could benefit from higher prices, as customers may hold onto their cars longer and increase demand for repair and maintenance.
LEGAL RATIONALE
Trump's new tariffs were based on a national security investigation conducted in 2019 into auto imports during his first term as president under Section 232 of Trade Expansion Act of 1964. Trump used the Cold War trade law in 2018 to impose 25% tariffs for steel and aluminum imports.
The Commerce Department concluded that the increasing market share of imported vehicles was negatively impacting U.S. National Security by eroding U.S. Industrial Base and the ability for domestic automakers develop advanced technologies to be used in military applications.
Trump chose to not impose tariffs at that time, instead opting for trade negotiations with trading partners in order to resolve these concerns.
He concluded on Wednesday that the talks had failed and that the USMCA, KORUS, and the revisions made to them had not improved U.S. trade in the automotive sector. Reporting by David Lawder and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Sriraj Kalluvila and Nathan Gomes
(source: Reuters)