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The US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023.

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Following the midterm elections in November, President Joe Biden faces a GOP-controlled House of Representatives largely opposed to the administration’s climate change and clean energy policies and efforts to curb the country’s dependence on fossil fuel production.

Although Republicans have a slim majority in the House, newly GOP-led committees have started to launch oversight of the administration’s climate agenda and have unveiled legislation aimed to maintain or increase fossil fuel production.

It’s unlikely that Republicans will advance major legislation to the president’s desk, but they will conduct oversight hearings on climate and energy legislation and attempt to redirect funding for climate programs under the historic Inflation Reduction Act.

Meet the three Republicans who are now leading key House environmental and climate committees:

Bruce Westerman, chair of House Committee on Natural Resources

Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., speaks during a news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on the Save Our Sequoias Act, that aims to protect the trees from wildfires on Thursday, June 23, 2022.

Tom Williams | Cq-roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images

House Republicans selected Westerman to lead the committee that oversees the Interior Department and the Forest Service and plays a role in dictating policy on issues like mineral resources, wildlife conservation, mining and irrigation.

Westerman, a representative for Arkansas’s fourth congressional district, has a background in engineering and is a licensed forester. He’s argued the country should focus on advancing technology such as nuclear power and carbon sequestration to address climate change, rather than aggressively limiting the country’s fossil fuel production. He’s also introduced legislation to plant 1 trillion trees globally by 2050 in order to pull carbon out of the atmosphere.

As the Natural Resources Committee chair, Westerman said he would focus on conducting oversight of the Interior Department’s proposed five-year plan for new offshore oil and gas leases in federal waters. The proposal would block all new drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans within U.S. waters but allow some lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and the south coast of Alaska.

“We’re going to be using a lot of oil and gas for the foreseeable future,” Westerman said in a phone interview with CNBC. “Under this administration, they have attacked U.S. production on federal land. That is bad policy, it’s not following the law, and we plan to have oversight.”

Westerman also said he’s open to working with West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a conservative Democrat, on bipartisan permitting reforms for the country’s energy projects. Such legislation includes Westerman’s Building U.S. Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act, which aims to speed up the review process for energy projects under the National Environmental Policy Act.

“I’ve spoken to Manchin a couple of times — he is willing to work on common sense solutions,” Westerman said.

While the Natural Resources Committee is one of the most influential panels for environmental and climate policy, the GOP’s agenda will likely be limited by the Biden administration and the Democratic Senate.

Domestic critical mineral production could be an area where Democrats and Republicans might work together. Westerman has called for expanding mining to collect minerals necessary for electric vehicles and other clean energy sources, like lithium, copper, cobalt and nickel, arguing that doing so will boost U.S. energy security and limit the country’s dependence on Chinese supply chains.

But Westerman has also emphasized that the U.S. is focusing too much on EV production as a climate solution and has opposed curbing fossil fuel development, both of which are key components of the Biden administration’s climate agenda.

“We need a realistic approach to energy and the environment to address climate issues,” he said. “I want to focus on policies and programs that actually work.”

Cathy McMorris Rodgers, chair of House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) during a House Energy and Commerce Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill on April 2, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Zach Gibson | Getty Images

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represents the fifth district of Washington state, is leading the committee at the center of GOP plans to pass energy legislation and conduct oversight of the president’s climate agenda.

Rodgers, who opposed the president’s Inflation Reduction Act, has argued that Democrats are moving forward with the clean energy transition too quickly, making the country more reliant on China for technology like solar panels and EV batteries.

She’s introduced legislation that would limit the drawdown of petroleum in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until the Energy Department develops a plan to increase the percentage of federal lands leased for oil and gas production.

As the Energy and Commerce Committee chair, Rodgers has supported oversight plans that involve investigating climate spending under the IRA as well as legislative plans focused on streamlining permitting to modernize energy infrastructure and promoting carbon capture, nuclear power, natural gas and hydropower.

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For instance, Rogers has highlighted concerns over a Department of Energy loan program aimed to advance clean energy technology not yet funded by the private sector. The program will be expanded under the IRA.

“The Energy and Commerce Committee is at the center of solving the most important issues facing hardworking Americans – lowering costs, promoting free speech, and preserving free markets,” Rodgers said in a statement.

Earlier this month, the committee reviewed 17 energy bills, including those that would boost mining and oil and gas drilling, curb taxes on the fossil fuel industry and roll back climate provisions under the IRA.

The actions include repealing the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a $27 billion dollar program designed to finance energy saving projects, as well as eliminating the IRA’s Methane Emission Reduction Program, which imposes a federal fee on methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.

It’s unlikely, however, that Republicans will have success changing or repealing climate programs under the IRA, since the president has the authority to veto congressional efforts to change climate spending provisions.

Frank Lucas, chair of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, is interviewed by CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images in his Rayburn Building office on Thursday, January 26, 2023.

Tom Williams | Cq-roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images

Rep. Frank Lucas, a fifth-generation Oklahoman who operates a farm and cattle ranch, is the new chair of the committee that has jurisdiction over key federal scientific research and development as well as authority over research activities at agencies like the Department of Energy, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Weather Service and the EPA.

Lucas has said the committee would focus on issues including securing the supply chain for advanced technologies, renewing U.S. leadership in space and aeronautics and researching ways to make domestic energy cleaner.

“We’ll be focusing on promoting innovative technologies to facilitate our clean energy transition,” Lucas told CNBC. “Our goal is to make American energy cleaner, more affordable and more reliable. So every energy source and technology pathway is on the table in our effort to reduce emissions.”

Lucas has introduced legislation that would make the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — the agency that forecasts weather, monitors storms and researches climate change impacts — an independent agency rather than a part of the Commerce Department. The bill would require Democrats’ support to pass.

Lucas said the committee would also conduct “robust oversight” of the spending being distributed to advance the country’s clean energy sector.

“We’ll focus on helping fossil fuels become cleaner and more efficient now, investing in battery storage and other tools to make renewable sources like wind and solar energy more reliable and supporting advanced technologies for nuclear and hydrogen,” Lucas said.

The previous chair of the committee, the now-retired Lamar Smith, R-Texas, had repeatedly questioned the science of climate change and accused federal researchers of manipulating climate research.

In contrast, Lucas has acknowledged the threat of disasters like drought and heatwaves that are growing worse with climate change, but has resisted the idea of curbing fossil fuel production to address the problem.

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Massive Anker SOLIX Easter Sale takes 54% off power stations, Lectric switches up April e-bike sale from $999, Worx robot mowers, more

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April 8, 2025

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Massive Anker SOLIX Easter Sale takes 54% off power stations, Lectric switches up April e-bike sale from 9, Worx robot mowers, more

Headlining today’s Green Deals is the massive Anker SOLIX Easter Sale lineup with up to 54% discounts on power stations and solar generators, and there’s even free gear coming along with select model purchases. Among the huge lineup of deals, we’re seeing returning low prices on the new F3800 Plus Portable Power Station that starts from $3,199 on top of an even more expansive list of bundle discounts that we saw during its launch. We also noticed Lectric has changed up its April Showers Sale, with the XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes starting from $999 getting larger bundles up to $316 in size, among other offers. Lastly, Worx’s Landroid M 20V and L 20V Robot Lawn Mowers are down at $600 and $750 right now for a more affordable means to upgrade your lawn care with autonomous support. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Jackery early Easter Sale deals, Tenways’ e-bike Spring Sale, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Massive Anker SOLIX Easter Sale offers F3800 Plus from $3,199 and tons more at up to 54% off

Anker has launched its SOLIX Easter Sale through April 20 with up to 54% discounts on power stations and some free gear being given away with select model purchases. We’re seeing some returning low prices alongside even more bundle options on the newest release, the F3800 Plus Portable Power Station, which starts at $3,199 shipped. Sadly, it and its bundles do not come with the bonus free solar panel and rewards that we saw during its release – but you will be getting a free protective cover with it (valued at $160), making it a great option if you missed out on those launch deals. The station is coming down off its $4,799 price tag during this sale, which is a solid 33% markdown that puts $1,600 back in your pocket at the lowest price we have tracked.

As mentioned before, there are a few gifts available on select purchases, with the F3800 and F3800 Plus offers coming along with a free protective cover for the power station while the C800 Plus and C1000 offers get a free folding camping chair. Of course, as is often the case, purchasing direct from Anker’s website scores members AnkerCredit rewards that can be redeemed for rewards and benefits.

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Anker’s SOLIX F3800 Plus starts off with the same 3,840Wh capacity as the standard F3800 model, which can also expand up to 26,900Wh with the addition of six expansion batteries while also being compatible with its predecessor to be paired up with it. It provides up to 6,000W of initial power output through its 15 port options, surging to 9,000W for larger needs – but it doesn’t stop there, as its output expands to 12,000W when two stations are paired together, whether they both be plus or standard models.

There are a few key differences between this model and its predecessor, with the F3800 Plus having one additional way to recharge its battery, namely getting 6,000W input from a gas generator on top of an increased 3,200W solar input (800W over the F3800) and the usual AC outlet recharging too. Aside from those, a decision between the two models depends on how you’re powering up EVs and RVs. The standard F3800 sports both a L14-30R and 14-50R output, while the F3800 Plus sports L14-30R and TT-30R ports.

F3800 Plus solar generator bundles:

F3800 Plus home backup bundles:

Standard F3800 power station/solar generator offers:

Standard F3800 home backup bundles:

Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale F2000 deals:

Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale C1000 power station deals:

Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale C800 power station deals:

Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale C200 & C300 power station deals:

Anker’s SOLIX accessory deals:

To browse the full massive lineup of deals during Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale, head to the landing page here.

lectric xp lite 2.0 e-bike

Lectric changes up April sale with larger XP Lite 2.0 long-range e-bike bundles starting from $999, more

Lectric has switched gears on its ongoing April Showers Sale with up to $654 in free gear accompanying your e-bike purchase. We’re seeing some changing bundle sizes across a sizeable selection of the brand’s models, with a notable increase on the XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes that have the standard models starting from $999 shipped and coming with up to $316 in free gear (the Arctic White model is only getting a $148 bundle), while the JW Black belt-drive model sitting higher at $1,099 shipped and coming with $365 in free gear. These bundles would normally run you from $1,147 to $1,464, respectively, but you’ll be able to outfit them with some solid add-on gear at no extra cost to you, with these bundles coming in as the third-largest packages that we have tracked.

While you could grab one of the shorter-range models starting from $799 right now, they unfortunately do not come with any additional gear like their long-range counterparts. Regardless of which you choose, these e-bikes offer a more expansive range of colorways than we usually see from Lectric, beyond just the black/white designs.

The standard long-range XP Lite 2.0 e-bikes are the brand’s lightest models, weighing in at just 49 pounds for a more manageable time when storing or transporting them outside of your journeys. They come with 672Wh batteries to run the 300W rear hub motor that peaks at 819Wh, providing up to 80 miles of travel time when the five levels of PAS are activated and a top speed of 20 MPH. For what they are priced at, you’re getting some solid features, including hydraulic mineral oil brakes, 20×2.5-inch slick tires with 3mm Hippo Skin liner, and pre-slimed tubes for anti-puncture resistance. There’s also the BMX-style handlebars, a foldable design at the handlebar stem and on the pedals, and a full color LCD display that has a USB-A charging port for your devices.

The difference between these standard models and the JW black model, is the change over from a chain-drive to a carbon fiber-reinforced Gates Carbon Drive belt system. This gives the e-bike a quieter, smoother, and oil-free experience that improves performance for greater efficiency while also providing a longer-lasting lifespan over longer-term usage.

Lectric XP Lite 2.0 LR e-bike offers with up to $365 bundles:

Lectric XPedition 2.0 offers with up to $654 bundles:

Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike offers with up to $455 bundles:

Lectric XP Trike with $420 bundle

Lectric XPeak 2.0 offers with up to $316 bundles:

Lectric XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes with up to $316 bundle

Lectric ONE LR e-bike with $220 bundle

You can browse the full lineup of deals on the landing page here, and we have a few alternate brand sales running at the same time too.

Worx Landroid Robot Lawn Mower

Automate your lawn care with Worx’s Landroid 1/4 and 1/2-acre robot lawn mowers from $600 (Save up to $149)

Amazon is now offering the Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower for $599.99 shipped. While it does carry a $900 price tag, we’ve been more recently seeing it keep at $719 on average at Amazon, with discounts in 2025 mainly bringing costs down to $661, though there has been one previous fall to this same rate back in February. While we have seen it go as low as $529 in the past, you’re looking at a solid $119 markdown here today that drops costs among its lowest rates that we have tracked. It’s S 20V counterpart is sitting just $1 lower, while the L 20V model is down at $750 from its more recent $899 pricing.

The Worx Landroid robot mowers are a popular means to add autonomous support to your lawn maintenance routines, with the S 20V covering up to 1/8 acres, the M 20V covering 1/4 acres, and the L 20V covering up to a 1/2 acre of land on a single charge. They’ve been given an advanced AI system that keeps them on the course that you set around your yard, equipped with a floating blade disc that will lift itself to provide extra clearance while moving through uneven terrain. The full array of smart controls can be accessed in its companion app through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth – plus, the included batteries are compatible and interchangeable with other tools in Worx’s PowerShare ecosystem.

Best New Year EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Here’s a better look at the $22,000 Volkswagen ID.1 EV inside and out [Video]

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April 8, 2025

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Here's a better look at the $22,000 Volkswagen ID.1 EV inside and out [Video]

Volkswagen's-ID.1-EV

Volkswagen’s smallest and cheapest EV, the ID.1, will start at around $22,000 (20,000 euros) when it arrives. Despite its compact size, the entry-level electric car could be the brand’s biggest hit yet with advanced new software from Rivian. Here’s a closer look at the upcoming EV.

When will Volkswagen’s entry-level ID.1 EV launch?

The ID.1 will be a part of Volkswagen’s affordable EV lineup, positioned below the production version of the ID.2all.

According to Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer, the ID.EVERY1 is the “last piece of the puzzle” as it aims to have the widest selection of EVs in the volume segment.

We got our first look at the low-cost EV last month after VW revealed the ID.EVERY1 concept car. The concept previews “an electric 20,000 euro Volkswagen” that will replace the Up! The entry-level EV is just 3,880 mm long, sitting between the former Up! (3,600 mm), ID.2all (4,050 mm), and Polo (4,074 mm).

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The production version will be the first VW model powered by its new software-defined architecture, which will use new tech from its partnership with US startup Rivian.

Volkswagen and Rivian launched a new software joint venture last November in a deal worth up to $5.8 billion. Using Rivian’s EV tech, the two are co-developing software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms that will be used in both companies’ next-gen EVs.

According to Volkswagen brand tech development boss Kai Grunitz, the ID.1 will gain new functions with OTA updates as its first SDV.

Volkswagen ID.EVERY1 interior (Source: Andreas Mindt)

Ahead of its official debut, lead designer Andreas Mindt created a new animation that gives us a closer look at the upcoming EV inside and out. You can see the fresh interior design includes new tech, smart storage, and more.

Like the ID.2all and sporty ID.GTI Concept, the ID.1 will ride on a new front-wheel-drive MEB platform. It’s expected to launch with at least 250 km (155 miles) of WLTP range.

Volkswagen ID.EVERY1 exterior (Source: Andreas Mindt)

Volkswagen will launch the production version of the ID.1 in 2027, following the ID.2 and an SUV version. It will be one of nine new VW models by 2027.

VW brand CFO David Powels confirmed last month that the company is launching its first SDV (the ID.1) ahead of schedule thanks to its partnership with Rivian.

Would you buy the ID.1 for around $22,000? It’s too bad it’s not expected to launch in the US. Drop us a comment below and let us know what you think of Volkswagen’s entry-level EV.

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Zoox expands testing operations to Los Angeles

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2 hours ago

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April 8, 2025

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Zoox expands testing operations to Los Angeles

Zoox Los Angeles

Zoox is saying, “LiDAR, camera, action!” The autonomous robotaxi developer announced an expansion into Los Angeles, marking Zoox’s sixth testing location. The initial rollout around Hollywood will be small to begin as Zoox remains “thoughtful and measured” in its rollout approach.

Zoox is a veteran robotaxi developer taking a unique design approach to bringing driverless technology to the masses. Rather than converting existing EVs into robotaxis like its competitors, Zoox has designed and rolled out an entirely purpose-built EV without pedals or a steering wheel.

Or, it will eventually do that. Many of its current testing vehicles are retrofitted models featuring LiDAR and other sensors.

In February 2023, Zoox initially began rides on public roads in Foster City, California – marking the first time a purpose-built autonomous vehicle without any manual controls had done so. In June of that same year, the company began driving on public roads in Las Vegas in preparation for a full commercial launch.

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That initial route in Vegas consisted of a one-mile loop near Zoox’s headquarters, offering the ability to transport as many as four passengers at speeds up to 35 mph (although the driverless EVs were designed to achieve speeds up to 75 mph). At the time, we reported that Zoox employees would conduct initial test rides before “expanding over the coming months.”

In early 2024, we reported that Zoox had expanded its Las Vegas geofence to a five-mile route from headquarters to the south end of the strip, with multiple routes available in between at speeds up to 45 mph. Since then, the robotaxi developer has expanded its North American operations to additional cities, including Miami and Austin.

Today, Zoox announced a sixth testing site, to the south of its native Bay Area of California, beginning autonomous operations in Los Angeles.

Zoox Los Angeles
An autonomous Zoox test vehicle / Source: Zoox

Zoox begins small test fleet rollout in Los Angeles

According to a blog post from Zoox today, the company is laying the groundwork for future urban expansions, including Los Angeles. In addition to The City of Angels, the company’s test fleet now includes San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle, Austin, and Miami.

To begin, Zoox said it plans to deploy a few retrofitted test fleet vehicles equipped with safety drivers around a small area of Los Angeles. As is its standard operating procedure with all new cities, Zoox will first send the test fleet to complete manual mapping missions before actual autonomous driving begins, which it intends to start this summer. Per the release:

Similar to our efforts in Austin and Miami, deploying in Los Angeles provides us with an opportunity to gather valuable feedback and insights. While traffic rules are consistent across different locations, there are a variety of driving conditions, potential roadwork, city events, and other map changes we want to learn about before expanding to other neighborhoods.

Zoox hopes to alleviate some of the traffic headaches that have become synonymous with life in Los Angeles:

 In 2024, the average Angeleno spent 157 hours driving, a figure that doubled from the previous year. Zoox sees potential in testing in Los Angeles and is excited to be able to give those that live, work, and travel to LA time back to socialize, relax, or work in the Zoox robotaxi en route to their destination.

The company promised to share an update on the availability of autonomous rides in Southern California and when it feels confident its vehicles are ready to operate in the new region following testing. Zoox is working to welcome its first public riders in Las Vegas and San Francisco later this year as it continues to lay the necessary foundations for future service expansions to other areas like Los Angeles and the cities mentioned above.

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