Ben Geman
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Energy reporter w/@Axios. Former stops incl. National Journal, The Hill, E&E, Boston Phoenix (RIP). I tweet about running too. Tips/feedback: ben@axios.com
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Articles by Ben Geman
Oil's new normal is looking more expensive
Major banks are upping their oil price estimates for the months and even years ahead. Why it matters: Despite White House claims that it controls the Strait of Hormuz, the status of the vital energy chokepoint and other regional shipping could be messy for a long time. The banks' reports underscore how disruption around the strait is a potentially lasting feature of the global energy landscape.
Oil's "new normal" is looking more expensive
Major banks are upping their oil price estimates for the months and even years ahead. Why it matters: Despite White House claims that it controls the Strait of Hormuz, the status of the vital energy chokepoint and other regional shipping could be messy for a long time. The banks' reports underscore how disruption around the strait is a potentially lasting feature of the global energy landscape.
Exclusive: "Free Solo" star's newest solar friends
Famed rock climber Alex Honnold's solar-focused foundation on Tuesday is unveiling dozens of global partners across five continents that will receive a combined $11 million. Why it matters: It's the largest outlay in the group's history, and the Honnold Foundation's model differs from many grant-makers by avoiding creation of an endowment. Zoom out: A wide network of locally led efforts helps communities on the front lines of climate change, the group argues.
Trump's energy boss wavers on gasoline price path
Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Sunday cautiously predicted gasoline price relief is on the way, but stopped short of firm or precise pledges. Why it matters: Pump prices are at their highest Labor Day weekend levels on record, and the midterms loom less than two months away. His appearances on Sunday political shows also comes as diesel prices, which ripple through the economy, are at all-time highs.
The coming verdict on Trump's Strait of Hormuz strategy
The White House is at odds with some private sector analysts over how much oil is leaving the Strait of Hormuz — but it will take weeks until the picture of what's truly getting through becomes clear. Why it matters: How much oil exits the waterway sways the price of gasoline and other consumer products. The White House is claiming success in forcing open the world's most important energy chokepoint, which handled 20 million barrels of crude and oil products each day before the Iran war.
U.S. officials defend deal with controversial Venezuelan oil baron
Photo illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Photos: Saul Loeb, Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images and Wikimedia Commons U.S. officials are defending their work with Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt in the unprecedented White House move to effectively gain control over huge oilfields in the country.
Power upstart Light snags $46 million for expansion Original
Light, a Texas startup that enables businesses to offer customers bespoke, branded retail electricity plans, raised $46 million in Series A funding, the company told Axios. Why it matters: It will support Light's expansion outside Texas into the massive PJM market and beyond as it challenges incumbent power giants. Light works with solar companies, homes and multi-family buildings, EV charging providers and others. Its growth arrives amid rising power demand and costs.
A costly crisis for American drivers
Each week compares the cost of 100 gallons at that week's price with the cost of 100 gallons at the price at the beginning of the conflict. Week 0 = $0 extra; if that week's price is lower, the running total goes down. Data: U.S. Energy Information Administration; Chart: Andrew Pantazi/Axios Fuel price increases in the first six months of the Iran conflict are costing U.S. drivers far more than the same stretch after Russia's invasion of Ukraine pushed up costs.
Six takeaways from the Iran war at six months Original
Friday marks six months since the U.S. launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Why it matters: The war is changing global energy markets and domestic politics in all kinds of big and sometimes surprising ways. Here are just six of them... βοΈ Momentum for EVs and renewables. There's fresh evidence that the crisis is boosting those technologies in many nations, even as coal rises in some areas too.
A stunning U.S. gas build-out is coming — maybe
Data: Global Energy Monitor; Note: Less than 4% of these projects are oil-fired, largely concentrated in Iraq; Chart: Ben Geman/Axios A new report underscores two truths about U.S. plans for gas-fired power plants: the numbers are stunning, yet stunningly speculative. Why it matters: The AI boom is driving proposals for massive projects to supply data centers and other needs. The ballooning pipeline is bringing fresh fears about carbon emissions and localized air pollution.
Climate group presses Dems to seize on data center backlash
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Exclusive: Climate group presses Dems to seize on data center backlash Original
A climate group that backs Democrats is giving the party's 2028 hopefuls and campaign committees advice on how to capitalize on waning public support for data centers, a new memo shows. Why it matters: Data centers have landed atop the political radar, and Climate Power's memo underscores the scramble to turn the backlash into a political advantage ahead of the midterms and 2028.
Data centers "dug their own grave," says Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Original
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott delivered one of the starkest warnings yet from a Republican executive to the AI industry, telling ABC's Jonathan Karl that data center companies "dug their own grave" and deserve the backlash they're facing after failing to win community support. Why it matters: Abbott is the latest governor to sharply change course on the AI data center boom he once enthusiastically courted as local opposition becomes a potent political force. Democratic Pennsylvania Gov.
Data centers "dug their own grave," says Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
Artificial Intelligence 1 hour ago Employers are quietly rehiring the people AI replaced, and paying them less to come back TNW - Alina Maria Stan • 1h Forrester finds 55% of employers regret their AI layoffs, while in Europe the consultation American executives are choosing to do is about to become an enforceable duty Forrester reports that 55% of employers regret laying off workers for AI and expects half of AI-attributed layoffs to be quietly … ChatGPT 5 hours ago ChatGPT vs.
MAHA warns Trump against coal-powered data centers Original
Prominent figures in the Make America Healthy Again movement are telling President Trump that "data centers should not become the justification for burning more coal." Why it matters: The appeal, in a joint letter, collides with Trump officials' support for coal to help power AI. It cites coal's public health and environmental toll due to soot pollution, mercury, and byproducts called "coal ash" that contain heavy metals.
MAHA warns Trump against coal-powered data centers
Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF) 5 hours ago Trump turns $500M grant for clean steel into funding for coal furnace canarymedia.com - Maria Gallucci • 5h The money was mandated by Congress to help manufacturers like Cleveland-Cliffs adopt low-carbon tech.
Oil markets are tuning out Trump's "truths"
Data: RollCall, Financial Modeling Prep; Chart: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals Oil price changes in response to President Trump's social media posts about the Iran war have been shrinking over time, an Axios analysis shows. Why it matters: Oil price changes ripple throughout the U.S. and global economies, and the conflict has brought unprecedented supply disruption.
The farm belt's next energy pain point is about to arrive
Diesel prices are soaring just as the energy-thirsty peak of harvest season looms for many of the country's largest crops. Why it matters: It's a double whammy for farmers, with the Iran war also causing much higher fertilizer costs that hit months ago. "At the end of the day, unfortunately, the high prices have hit both in the spring during planting, and then they're going to hit again in the fall during harvest," said Jed Bower, an Ohio corn and soybean farmer.
The stakes of Josh Shapiro's data center pivot Original
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's (D) newly hard line on data centers says plenty about the evolving politics of AI and the tech industry's challenge to build the energy and computing power it needs. Why it matters: He's in the 2028 presidential mix, leads a critical swing state, and faces November reelection in one of several governor's races where data centers are taking center stage.
Exclusive: The nuclear industry has a new AI tool — with Nvidia backing
Atomic Canyon is rolling out an AI assistant developed with major industry groups to help nuclear plant workers make better and faster use of operating records and technical knowledge. The startup, which provides AI tailored to the nuclear industry, is also getting a funding lift from chip giant Nvidia. Why it matters: The launch could boost industry AI use to maintain and expand nuclear energy.
Exclusive: The nuclear industry has a new AI tool — with Nvidia backing
Atomic Canyon is rolling out an AI assistant developed with major industry groups to help nuclear plant workers make better and faster use of operating records and technical knowledge. The startup, which provides AI tailored to the nuclear industry, is also getting a funding lift from chip giant Nvidia. Why it matters: The launch could boost industry AI use to maintain and expand nuclear energy.
Exclusive: Startup gets cash for "massive" grid solution Original
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios AGent Energy, a startup that integrates backup generators into the grid during emergencies, raised $11 million in seed funding co-led by Spero Ventures and MassMutual Ventures. Why it matters: Power demand is rising quickly, straining grids and helping drive up electricity bills. But building new power plants is often slow and expensive.
Diesel desperation is mounting globally
The state of the global diesel market is getting even more precarious as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Iran crisis squeeze supply from multiple angles. Why it matters: Diesel prices ripple through economies here and abroad, affecting shipping costs, construction and plenty in between. The average U.S. price is up 44 cents over the last month to $5.32 per gallon, compared to $3.71 a year ago, per AAA.
Diesel desperation is mounting globally
World News 5 hours ago Iran remains defiant as it vows to fight US until demands met Al Jazeera - By Maziar Motamedi • 5h Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) advisers say Iran has replaced more missiles and drones than it used, and cite falling US munition stocks.
Diesel desperation is mounting globally
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios The state of the global diesel market is getting even more precarious as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Iran crisis squeeze supply from multiple angles. Why it matters: Diesel prices ripple through economies here and abroad, affecting shipping costs, construction and plenty in between. The average U.S. price is up 44 cents over the last month to $5.32 per gallon, compared to $3.71 a year ago, per AAA.
Why Trump's mineral push could aid EVs Original
A flurry of federal investments in mining and mineral supply chains could help the electric vehicle industry that famously isn't President Trump's jam. Why it matters: The White House emphasized the support as a way to diversify supply chains critical to defense, aerospace and other sectors. But some of the companies provide materials critical for batteries and other clean energy equipment that China now dominates.
The future of the NextEra-Dominion megadeal Original
The profile of the proposed $67 billion merger between NextEra and Dominion just got even higher — and the path toward creating a new power giant just got even trickier. Why it matters: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's (D) move Thursday to formally take part in the state regulatory proceeding is more than just inside baseball. Spanberger, who leads a purple-ish state, is viewed as an emerging national political figure, maybe even a 2028 VP contender.
BP to offload biogas unit
BP said this morning that it's planning to sell Archaea, which captures and sells gas from landfills and dairy farms, just four years after buying it for $4.1 billion. Why it matters: It's a major move in BP's pivot back to its core oil and gas business, and a streamlining of operations, to boost financial performance that has lagged rivals. Archaea is the largest producer of renewable natural gas in the U.S., according to BP.
TotalEnergies agrees to buy Shell's European onshore renewables business
TotalEnergies is buying Shell's entire European onshore renewables business, the companies said Monday morning. Why it matters: It signals the differing strategies of the multinational energy giants, as Shell pares back owning renewable assets to focus on its core oil and gas business. Driving the news: The deal provides TotalEnergies with another 500 megawatts of existing assets and a 3.5 gigawatt pipeline of solar, wind and battery storage projects in Italy, the U.K. and Spain.
Drones have created a new energy security landscape Original
Photo illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Photos: Bettmann and Interim Archives via Getty Images The wars in Iran and Ukraine show how the drone tech revolution makes it easier — and cheaper — to interrupt energy supplies by striking refineries and oil tankers. Why it matters: It's an important reason why oil traded at $100 per barrel this week and gasoline and diesel fuel are so expensive these days.
Oil tops $90 as Middle East fighting escalates
Ben Geman Data: Financial Modeling Prep ; Chart: Ben Geman/Axios Oil prices jumped above $90 per barrel Sunday in the first major trading since the deaths of three U.S. service members and escalating Middle East hostilities. Why it matters: Higher oil prices could quickly translate into more expensive gasoline for consumers and diesel for freight carriers while increasing inflation risks worldwide.
Oil tops $90 as Middle East fighting escalates
Russia launches largest missile barrage at Ukraine's Kyiv since start of war Russia launches what Ukraine says is one of the largest barrages of missiles at Kyiv since the start of the war.
Oil tops $90 as Middle East fighting escalates
Markets brace for return to all-out war in Iran amid rising U.S. death toll, while former NATO commander warns Suez Canal could be next Stock futures were mixed Sunday evening and oil prices continued to climb as the deaths of American service members over the weekend added more fuel …
Pawlenty's theory of the case for solar success
Ben Geman Tim Pawlenty, the new head of the solar industry's lobbying group, sees his gig through lenses that are purple and green. Why it matters: Minnesota's former GOP governor arrives at the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) at a time of huge political problems for renewables under Trump 2.0. But there are some tailwinds, too. Rising demand and AI put a premium on energy that can come online fast, and affordability is the political buzzword of the moment as electricity bills rise.
Oil jumps as Trump claims new Hormuz blockade on Iran
Data: Financial Modeling Prep; Chart: Ben Geman/Axios Oil prices surged about 9% Monday to roughly $83 per barrel after President Trump claimed the U.S. was reinstating a naval blockade on Iran, adding to gains already driven by renewed hostilities over the weekend. Why it matters: Higher oil prices typically feed into higher gasoline prices, potentially pushing the national average back toward $4 per gallon.
The Iran war's limited boost for energy transition
The oil economy's surprising flexibility and countries' plans to cut reliance on the Strait of Hormuz could together limit how much the war boosts the global energy transition. Why it matters: Energy crises have long-term consequences — like the 1970s oil shocks that brought U.S. gasoline mileage rules for cars, and the country's turn away from burning oil to make electricity. The U.S. has been relatively insulated this time, though the crisis raised gasoline prices.
A renewables playbook for the rest of Trump 2.0
A top renewables and storagegroupsees openings for progress onCapitol Hill as it looks to build more nationwide power on the political right. Why it matters: Trump officials are targeting wind power, which the president overtly despises, and last year's GOP budget law phased out tax credits for wind and solar generation projects.
Oil jumps after Trump's Iran ceasefire comments
Data: Financial Modeling Prep ; Chart: Ben Geman/Axios Oil markets are taking President Trump's claim that the Iran ceasefire is "over" seriously, but not literally. Why it matters: The price jump is big, but even now, there are signs that the markets aren't expecting a complete return to war.
A renewables playbook for the rest of Trump 2.0
Science 4 hours ago NASA's New Horizons probe just woke up from hibernation 6 billion miles away beyond Pluto. What's it doing out there? space.com - Brett Tingley • 4h "All these discoveries from pioneering missions like Voyager and New Horizons teach us how little we know about what lies beyond." NASA's New Horizons … Climate 3 hours ago How Long Do Solar Panels Last With Proper Maintenance? bgr.com - By Briley Kenney • 3h Solar panels for your home are a fairly costly investment upfront.
Oil jumps after Trump's Iran ceasefire comments
World News 1 hour ago Iran signals defiance as Trump fumes over Strait of Hormuz strikes Al Jazeera - By Maziar Motamedi • 1h Iranian officials insist Tehran will not give up control over the waterway as US attacks and the withdrawal of sanctions waivers threaten fragile truce.
"Glass half full" on carbon cuts despite IRA losses
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"Glass half full" on carbon cuts despite IRA losses
Data: MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy; Chart: Ben Geman/Axios The U.S. is still projected to achieve two-thirds of the emissions cuts from power generation that would have occurred without the rollbacks of the Biden-era climate law and regulations, a new study concludes. Why it matters: It puts an exclamation point on what we explored yesterday: low-carbon energy is surviving, in weakened form, despite the 2025 GOP budget law that slashed renewables subsidies.
Clean energy hurt but resilient one year after GOP budget law
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Clean energy hurt but resilient one year after GOP budget law
The GOP budget law that President Trump signed a year ago has darkened the outlook for several clean energy sources, but stopped far short of strangling low-carbon tech. Why it matters: It's part of a broader attack on Biden-era climate policies, along with Trump's executive moves to kill regulations and slow permitting of renewables projects.
July 4 gas prices will be the highest since 2022
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July 4 gas prices will be the highest since 2022
5 hours ago Earlier this week, JD Vance revealed that Donald Trump told the envoys tasked with negotiating a peace deal with Iran to “use the [memorandum of understanding] to refill the world’s oil economy, refill some stocks and then to see where the hand is,” by which he meant that the administration is …
The world is suddenly awash in oil — for now
Wait, what? The ink is barely dry on the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, and somehow the market is swimming in oil. Why it matters: Middle East oil transit and production have resumed faster than many analysts predicted, helping push down prices. Reality check: The market could tighten again, and prices could rise anew — and plenty depends on security in the Strait of Hormuz. How it works: The June 17 deal effectively freed many loaded tankers that had been stranded.
Oil transit is rebounding — but fresh hurdles arrive
Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are resuming faster than many analysts predicted, but fresh hostilities in recent days are threatening the trend. Why it matters: The rebound in shipments is good news for the tight oil market and is helping push prices lower. The speed since the June 17 U.S.-Iran deal is just the latest example of the 2026 oil crisis repeatedly defying conventional wisdom over the last four months.
Charging concerns overtake costs in Uber's electric car push Original
For the first time, Uber drivers see charging access as a greater barrier to going electric than vehicle costs, a 13-country survey shows. Why it matters: Public and residential infrastructure are persistent hurdles for the ride-hailing giant, which is behind on its electric vehicle targets. But its annual survey has bright spots, with drivers' concerns about EV prices consistently dropping.
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