<p><strong>WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY:</strong> House lawmakers have left Washington, D.C., to campaign ahead of the midterm elections, which are 47 days away. Senators remain in session to finalize business before returning to their constituents.</p>
<ul> <li>The Senate is addressing several priorities, including permitting reform and measures to mitigate costs for homeowners related to data centers.</li> <li>Trump administration officials have dismissed the idea of a ban on diesel exports, despite rising prices. Energy Secretary <strong>Chris Wright</strong> provided comments on the situation.</li> </ul>
<h2>SENATE SHOWDOWN:</h2>
<p><strong>Progress on permitting deal:</strong> As the week concludes, there is no definitive news on whether a deal to streamline the federal permitting system will be reached before the midterm elections. Key negotiators have indicated that clarity on the situation should emerge by the end of this week.</p>
<p>Energy Secretary <strong>Chris Wright</strong> expressed optimism about the Senate's ability to reach an agreement, stating he would attend a meeting on permitting reform. He noted, "I think we have a time in history right now to do some common sense reforms that’ll make it easier to build things in our country," and he would feel more confident after reviewing a draft bill and confirming vote alignment.</p>
<p>The meeting indicates that negotiators have largely agreed on the text for a Senate bill and are awaiting guidance from the administration on implementation. Some Democrats are concerned that the Trump administration may not apply expedited permitting timelines equitably to renewable energy projects and fossil fuels.</p>
<p>Legal challenges have affected the administration's efforts to halt or roll back permits for wind and solar projects, with some agencies still not issuing new permits. For instance, a federal judge in Oregon recently ordered the Pentagon to resume reviews of onshore wind projects.</p>
<p><strong>Senator Heinrich blocks Ratepayer Protection Act:</strong> Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking member Sen. <strong>Martin Heinrich</strong> objected to a unanimous consent vote on the Ratepayer Protection Act, which had received bipartisan support in the House. Heinrich argued that the bill “falls short” and emphasized the need for more substantial legislation.</p>
<p>The legislation, introduced by Republican Rep. <strong>Gabe Evans</strong> and co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. <strong>Kathy Castor</strong>, would require state regulators to consider standards for new data centers consuming over 100 megawatts of electricity to cover costs associated with new infrastructure upgrades.</p>
<p>Wright highlighted the need for “common sense guardrails” in energy construction and data center deployment.</p>
<h2>TRUMP ADMINISTRATION STANDS FIRM AGAINST DIESEL EXPORT BAN:</h2>
<p>Despite rising diesel and gasoline prices, the Trump administration has rejected the idea of an export ban. Secretary Wright stated that while the U.S. is a net exporter of diesel, it still imports gasoline. He explained that halting diesel exports would lead to reduced refinery operations and higher gasoline prices.</p>
<p>Senate Majority Leader <strong>John Thune</strong> had previously expressed interest in exploring a diesel export ban if it could alleviate price pressures, but other officials, including Interior Secretary <strong>Doug Burgum</strong>, have opposed the idea.</p>
<p>As of today, the national average price of gas is $4.43 per gallon, while diesel averages $6.39 per gallon. Analysts predict that diesel prices could reach $6.50 per gallon before the weekend.</p>
<p>President <strong>Donald Trump</strong> has downplayed the impact of rising prices, stating, "It’s a very inexpensive price to pay for what we’ve done," referring to U.S. efforts regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities.</p>
<h2>All the rest:</h2>
<p><strong>WHAT’S GOING ON WITH OIL:</strong> Oil prices have decreased from earlier highs as market concerns over supply disruptions have eased. As of 2:30 p.m. EDT, Brent crude was priced at $104.67 per barrel, down 1.10%, while West Texas Intermediate was at $101.93 per barrel, down 0.49%.</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia has yet to resume oil transport through its East-West Pipeline, which was shut down due to an attack. Repairs could take one to two months, although Wright indicated it might only take days.</p>
<p><strong>ENVIRONMENTAL ORGS SUE TRUMP OVER POWER PLANT POLLUTION ROLLBACK:</strong> Environmental groups are suing the Trump administration over the EPA’s rollback of pollution standards for fossil fuel power plants, claiming it violated the Clean Air Act.</p>
<p><strong>TRUMP TO FURTHER REDUCE ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTIONS:</strong> The Trump administration has removed key protections under the Endangered Species Act regarding the accidental killing or injuring of endangered animals.</p>
<p><strong>EXXON’S INTEREST IN VENEZUELA GROWS:</strong> Exxon Mobil is reportedly negotiating with the interim Venezuelan government to resume operations in the country, despite previously expressing hesitance due to legal and political risks.</p>
<p><strong>RUNDOWN:</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy-and-environment/4731471/gas-diesel-prices-spike-again-analysts-warn/">Washington Examiner</a> Gas and diesel prices set to spike again, analysts warn.</p>
<p><a href="http://washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2026/09/17/greenland-antarctica-glaciers-have-lost-more-than-11-millions-tons-ice/?itid=sf_climate-environment_toptable_1_0">Washington Post</a> See how polar glaciers have lost trillions of tons of ice.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.latitudemedia.com/news/catalyst-fuel-cells-geopolitics-and-the-solar-growth-curve/?nab=2">Latitude Media</a> Fuel cells, geopolitics, and the solar growth curve.</p>