Trump Pushes for Increased Fossil Fuel Usage, Sparking Concern

Today’s ESG Updates

• Trump Pushes For Fossil Fuel Usage: The president’s plan for Increased oil and gas production faces economic setbacks and environmental concerns.
• Microsoft and Clearway Make Clean Energy Deal: The partnership will create 335 MW of power for Microsoft from a West Virginia wind farm.
• TikTok Fined €530 Million after Breaking EU Data Laws: EU data was found to be held on servers in China although it was later deleted..
• Google Fights to Avoid losing Ad Business: The tech company urges a judge  to reject the forced breakup of their advertising tools.

Trump’s fossil fuel push faces backlash from his own policies amid rising climate threats

Donald Trump’s push to expand fossil fuel drilling in the U.S. has been undermined by his own tariffs, which disrupted key industries and spooked markets. Oil and gas production is still projected to rise however, reversing emission reductions made under the previous administration. Trump has already reversed over 140 environmental rules and stalled clean energy development despite warnings from climate experts. The fossil fuel industry now faces instability due to trade policy and falling oil prices. Meanwhile, uncertainty over Trump’s stance on renewables has led to the cancellation of billions in clean energy investments and projects. Businesses can keep up to date on the latest legislation and policies with ESG solutions.

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Further reading: Revealed: Forecasts of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels soar in Trump’s first 100 days

Microsoft partners with Clearway to power data centers with West Virginia wind energy

Microsoft has signed a long-term agreement with Clearway to purchase 335 MW of carbon-free energy from the Mount Storm wind farm in West Virginia. Clearway is repowering the facility—cutting the number of turbines from 132 to 78 while increasing efficiency and extending the project’s life by 35 years. The retired turbines will be recycled or reused. The deal supports Microsoft’s clean energy goals, including matching 100% of its electricity use with zero-carbon sources by 2030 and becoming carbon negative by that year. The partnership also promotes local economic development through renewable energy investment.

Photo Credit: Thomas Reaubourg

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Further reading: Microsoft Signs 335 MW Wind Power Purchase Agreement in West Virginia

TikTok fined €530 million by EU privacy regulator over data protection concerns

TikTok was fined 530 million euros by Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) over concerns about how it handles EU user data, particularly regarding access by Chinese staff. The DPC ordered TikTok to stop further data transfers to China within six months.. TikTok disputed the findings, citing legal frameworks and new security measures implemented in 2023. It was later revealed that a small amount of EU data had been stored in Chinese servers and was eventually deleted. This is TikTok’s second privacy fine, following a 345 million euro penalty in 2023 for mishandling children’s data.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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Further Reading: TikTok fined 530 million euros by EU regulator over data protection

Google fights against breakup of its ad tech business in ongoing legal battle

Google is set to argue in court against breaking up its advertising technology business, as part of efforts to resolve concerns over its control of tools crucial for online ad sales. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema is considering remedies to restore competition in the ad tech market. The DOJ has suggested Google sell its Google Ad Manager, but Google opposes this, arguing that selling the tools would be inappropriate. In April, the judge ruled Google’s actions were anticompetitive, harming publishers and competition. Google had previously explored selling its ad exchange to address European antitrust concerns. To stay updated on the latest policies and legislations, see ESG solutions.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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Further reading: Google will seek to avoid ad tech spinoff in antitrust case

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Ben Wicks