Week of October 5, 2026
From AI-powered permitting and evolving federal permitting reforms to the continued resurgence of nuclear energy and new legal battles over fuel economy standards, this week offered another reminder that energy and environmental policy remain deeply intertwined with technology, infrastructure, and regulatory certainty. Here are a few developments that caught my attention and may be worth watching in the weeks ahead.
EPA Looks to AI to Streamline Permitting
EPA announced plans to continue developing artificial intelligence tools aimed at improving agency efficiency, including evaluating whether AI can help connect air and water permitting systems and identify overlapping requirements. The agency also intends to explore ways to reduce permitting timelines, costs, and uncertainty while improving consistency across federal, state, tribal, and local permitting programs. Read more: EPA’s “Evidence Plan.”
Google Doubles Down on Nuclear Power
Google and Constellation Energy announced a long-term agreement that will support nearly 900 megawatts of additional nuclear generation capacity through upgrades at existing reactors. The deal reflects a growing trend of major technology companies turning to nuclear energy to help meet increasing electricity demands driven by data centers and artificial intelligence while maintaining carbon-free power supplies. Read more: Yahoo Finance.
Senate Permitting Proposal Seeks Greater Project Certainty
A bipartisan Senate permitting package includes provisions designed to make it more difficult for future administrations to revoke or alter permits that have already been issued. The proposal would allow developers to seek reinstatement of permits and, in some cases, recover substantial project costs if permits are improperly withdrawn, potentially reducing investment risk and permitting uncertainty for major infrastructure and energy projects. Read more: Smart Cities Dive or the Bipartisan Policy Center for a more in-depth review of the legislation.
Supreme Court Considers Federal Environmental Review Requirements
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in a case examining how federal agencies must navigate potentially overlapping environmental review obligations under NEPA and RCRA. Dep’t of the Air Force v. Prutehi Guahan, Docket No. 25-579. The dispute could have broad implications for federal permitting processes and the relationship between federal agencies and state regulators, particularly regarding when permitting decisions become subject to judicial review. Read more: SCOTUS Blog.
Challenges Filed Against Federal Fuel Economy Rollback
Coalitions of states, cities, and environmental organizations filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s revised federal fuel economy standards. New York et al v. EPA, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, Docket No. 26-1259. The cases center on whether the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration properly interpreted its statutory obligations when it reduced long-term fuel efficiency targets and weighed considerations such as electric vehicle adoption and consumer costs. Read more: Michigan Attorney General Press Release.
Water Affordability Continues to Draw Attention
A new study found that average U.S. household drinking water costs have increased 62% over the last decade, significantly outpacing inflation and household income growth. The findings have renewed discussions about aging infrastructure, regulatory compliance costs, affordability concerns, and how communities will finance future water system investments. Read more: The Guardian.
These are just a few of the environmental and energy developments that caught my attention last week. I would be happy to discuss these topics and their potential implications for your business or projects.
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