Policy 17 January 2026 - 31 March 2026

National Grid Gas Rate Hike Faces Key Massachusetts Test at Public Hearing
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National Grid Gas Rate Hike Faces Key Massachusetts Test at Public Hearing

National Grid’s proposal to raise gas delivery charges in Massachusetts would add about $24–$25 a month to typical winter bills in several regions if approved, with regulators set to hear public comment Monday in Lynn. The utility seeks a net $144 million annual increase in distribution revenue and a five-year plan to adjust rates yearly. New rates could take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Impacts would vary widely by customer type and income level.
April 6, 2026
Woodside Energy Group Ltd Resets Browse Carbon Capture Plan Under Australia’s New Law
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Woodside Energy Group Ltd Resets Browse Carbon Capture Plan Under Australia’s New Law

Woodside Energy has withdrawn its Browse carbon capture and storage proposal from Australia’s federal approvals process and plans to refile under new environment laws. The move keeps the emissions plan for the Browse gas project active. The Browse project is intended to supply the North West Shelf LNG plant, which received approval last year to operate until 2070. Woodside has not provided a timetable for the new filing.
March 31, 2026
Glencore Horne Smelter Rescue Takes Shape as Quebec Moves on Emissions Delay, Ottawa Weighs Aid
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Glencore Horne Smelter Rescue Takes Shape as Quebec Moves on Emissions Delay, Ottawa Weighs Aid

Quebec plans to extend Glencore’s deadline to meet stricter arsenic limits at its Horne copper smelter from 2027 to 2029, Canadian Mining Journal reported. Ottawa is considering about C$150 million in support for new pollution controls. Public health officials warn the delay prolongs toxic exposure for nearby residents. Glencore froze nearly C$1 billion in planned investments after talks with Quebec stalled.
March 31, 2026
Woodside Keeps Browse CCS Alive With Plan to Refile Under New Australia Law
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Woodside Keeps Browse CCS Alive With Plan to Refile Under New Australia Law

Woodside has withdrawn its Browse carbon capture and storage project from Australia’s federal approvals process and will resubmit under the amended EPBC Act. The plan aims to inject 3–4 million tonnes of CO2 per year underground, cutting Browse-to-North West Shelf emissions by about 47%. The federal portal now lists the proposal as withdrawn. Woodside said it intends to resubmit “as soon as practicable.”
March 30, 2026
Waymo and Tesla tell Congress: Act now on self-driving cars — or China sets the rules
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Waymo and Tesla tell Congress: Act now on self-driving cars — or China sets the rules

Waymo and Tesla executives, joined by U.S. senators, are pressing Congress to pass stalled self-driving car legislation, warning that delays could let China set global standards. The Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing Wednesday as federal safety investigations and recent incidents raise concerns. Waymo reports 200 million autonomous miles and lower crash rates; Tesla cites improved safety data from its Full Self-Driving system.
February 4, 2026
Texas bans Temu and Shein on state devices as Abbott expands China tech blacklist to 26 firms
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Texas bans Temu and Shein on state devices as Abbott expands China tech blacklist to 26 firms

Texas has added 26 China-linked companies, including Alibaba, Shein, and Temu’s parent PDD, to its banned technologies list for state devices and networks. The update, led by Texas Cyber Command, covers hardware, software, and AI tools. Governor Greg Abbott cited threats from hostile foreign actors. Companies named did not respond to requests for comment.
January 27, 2026
Kansas could ban student cellphones bell-to-bell — here’s what SB 302 would do
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Kansas could ban student cellphones bell-to-bell — here’s what SB 302 would do

Kansas lawmakers heard divided testimony this week on Senate Bill 302, which would ban student use of personal electronic devices during all school hours statewide. The Kansas Board of Education stayed neutral but prefers local control. The bill offers no extra funding, with implementation costs estimated at $13.4 million. Both parties back the measure; Gov. Laura Kelly supports it.
January 17, 2026