Eleven governors from PJM Interconnection member states are demanding greater control over grid operations as data center expansion drives capacity auction costs from $2.2 billion to $16.1 billion in two years. The surge in electricity demand from AI and data centers has caused ratepayer bills to increase substantially, with some threatening to withdraw from the 13-state grid altogether. Source: grist.org
Category 5 Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica causing catastrophic floods and landslides across the Caribbean, killing seven people and underscoring the urgency of the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Cabinet colleagues the hurricane highlighted the importance of the summit for those unable to "pick up their island and move it out of the way of the approaching storm." Source: theecologist.org
Bill Gates calls for a strategic pivot in climate action ahead of COP30, arguing the world should focus on preventing human suffering rather than solely on emissions targets. In his memo "Three Tough Truths About Climate," Gates contends that climate change is serious but won't end civilization, and that health and prosperity are the best defense against climate impacts, sparking debate among climate scientists and activists. Source: gatesnotes.com
Skilled trades workers who supported President Trump in the election are expressing feelings of betrayal as administration policies and the government shutdown directly impact their livelihoods, union protections, and job prospects.
A union electrician and Navy veteran has entered the Democratic primary race to challenge incumbent Rep. Chris Smith, bringing a working-class perspective and labor advocacy experience to the congressional campaign in New Jersey.
IBEW Local 280's new $5 million union hall in Redmond is approaching completion, providing modern meeting spaces, training facilities, and administrative offices to better serve electricians and members in the region.
Source:wsj.com
Source:theregister.com
Source:mininggazette.com