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US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm speaks during the CERAWeek oil summit in Houston, Texas, on March 18, 2024. 

Mark Felix | AFP | Getty Images

HOUSTON — The Biden administration this week sought to reassure skeptical oil and gas executives that a pause on liquified natural gas exports from new projects would be short-lived and would not alter the industry’s meteoric growth.

In less than a decade, the U.S. has become the world’s largest LNG exporter as production of the commodity and construction of export terminals has boomed. LNG is natural gas cooled into liquid form to make it easier to transport.

U.S. exports have provided European allies with energy security as they seek to end their dependence on Russian gas in the wake of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Industry executives argue LNG will play a key role in the energy transition by displacing coal for electricity generation.

The Department of Energy announced a pause on exports from new projects in January to evaluate the impact the LNG surge has had on the climate, energy security and domestic prices.

“This pause on new LNG approvals sees the climate crisis for what it is: the existential threat of our time,” President Joe Biden said after the January announcement.

Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm indicated in Houston on Monday that the pause would be relatively short-lived.

“I predict that as we sit here next year … this will be well in the rearview mirror,” Granholm told the CERAWeek by S&P Global energy conference in reference to the LNG export pause.

The energy secretary reiterated the pause has no impact on the 48 billion cubic feet per day that is currently authorized for export. This includes 14 billion cubic feet per day that is currently exported, another 12 Bcf/d under construction and 22 Bcf/d that is authorized but has not received final investment decisions.

The 48 Bcf/d of currently authorized LNG is three times the current export capacity of the U.S., according to the Department of Energy.

Industry pushback

Oil and gas executives and Republican senators, however, were unmoved by Granholm’s remarks, arguing the pause would shake confidence among investors evaluating new projects, rattle allies who depend on U.S. LNG and potentially undermine the transition to cleaner energy sources.

“The pause is climate unfriendly, economically unfriendly, and security unfriendly. There’s no reason to have the pause,” John Hess, the CEO of oil and gas producer Hess Corp., told CERAWeek on Tuesday.

“We can’t flip-flop our policy,” Hess said. “We can do any study we want, but you don’t make a pause, you don’t make a freeze — do the study in parallel,” he said.

Hess said gas will play a key role in the energy transition, particularly in countries like China where coal supplies 60% of electricity generation. “The only way to get those numbers down is to replace it with gas,” the CEO said.

Oil Prices, Energy News and Analysis

Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli indicated the U.S. could fall behind its competitors if the pause goes on longer than eight to 12 months because international projects will simply move forward. Qatar, one of the world’s top LNG exporters, is planning a major expansion of its production.

Clay Neff, Chevron’s president of international exploration and production, said Wednesday that the LNG pause could shake investor confidence.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said U.S. allies were worried about the LNG pause during conversations at the Munich Security Conference in February. Europe was the destination for 67% of U.S. LNG exports in the first half of 2023, according to the Energy Information Administration.

The senator sent a letter to President Biden’s climate advisor, John Podesta, on Monday calling for the administration to lift the pause.

“It’s having serious consequences with regard to our national security and the national security of our allies,” Sullivan said during a press conference Monday at CERAWeek, arguing the policy contradicts U.S. efforts to help European nations end their dependence on Russian energy.

Sullivan told Podesta in the letter that the pause would cede market share to countries like Russia and Qatar. The U.S. supplied 48% of European LNG imports last year, while Qatar provided 14% and Russia 13%, according to data from the EIA.

The pause includes an exception for unanticipated and immediate national security emergencies, according to the White House. The Biden administration is committed to the strongest possible energy supply relationship between the U.S. and Europe, said Geoffrey Pyatt, assistant secretary for energy resources at the U.S. State Department.

“First of all, there’s going to be no rollback of current capacity,” Pyatt said of the LNG pause at CERAWeek on Tuesday. “Moreover, there is a massive increment of additional capacity coming onto the market.”

“There is a profound understanding of the strategic benefit that comes from American energy exports,” Pyatt said of the Biden administration’s position.

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Jackery cuts Explorer 5000 Plus offers to new lows from $2,483, Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike bundles up to $365 off, Anker SOLIX C1000, more

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April 24, 2025

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Jackery cuts Explorer 5000 Plus offers to new lows from ,483, Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike bundles up to 5 off, Anker SOLIX C1000, more

Today’s Green Deals are being led by a surprise Earth Day Sale changeup from Jackery, with the brand increasing savings on its latest Explorer 5000 Plus offers that are seeing a bunch of new low prices starting from $2,483, but they’ll be ending tomorrow night. We also have new Lectric deals taking up to $365 off XP 3.0 e-bike bundles starting from $999, as well as Anker’s SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station down at $449 with some additional bundle options. Lastly, we spotted the latest generation of Greenworks’ Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer hitting a new $349 low, but only through the rest of the day. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s new Heybike Hauler e-bike low, the multi-day EcoFlow flash offers, 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.

Jackery increases savings on its modular Explorer 5000 Plus offers at new lows starting from $2,483

Looking back in on Jackery’s ongoing Earth Day sale through April 25, we spotted notable price cuts across the brand’s Explorer 5000 Plus offers, starting with the power station on its own for $2,483.10 shipped, after using the promo code EARTH10 at checkout for an additional 10% off. Normally going for $3,499 at full outside of discounts, we saw it spend most of the sale’s length at the former $2,849 low with the additional 5% savings from before. Now, you’re looking at savings increasing to 29% off, giving you $1,016 in total savings at a new all-time low. Head below to learn more about this model and check out the other low prices on its bundle options. It’s also beating out its Amazon pricing, where it’s still sitting at $2,999.

The latest release from Jackery, the Explorer 5000 Plus is the brand’s largest modular backup power solution, starting with a 5,040Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can be expanded up as high as 60,000Wh. Through its 12 output ports, it can deliver up to 7,200W of power that can double to 14,400W when connected to a second power station unit – plus, it comes rated for 4,000 life cycles, meaning you can completely discharge and “recharge it every day for nearly 11 years.”

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Jackery’s Explorer 5000 Plus comes ready to cover load demands of 120V and 240V devices alike (while also extending this versatility to solar charging for better compatibility with panels that use a MC4 connector), including the batteries in your RV and EV too, making it quite the option for folks who want a plug-and-play option that they can rely on at home while also taking it out of the house on trips. Along with the ChargeShield 2.0 protections, it also comes fireproof, shockproof, and is rated with an IPX4 water-resistant rating. You can get the full rundown on its many other capabilities in our original launch coverage here.

***Note: The extra 10% off discount has not been factored into the prices below – be sure to use the code EARTH10 at checkout for the maximum savings!

Jackery’s Earth Day Explorer 5000 plus deals:

Be sure to check out the full lineup of Jackery’s Earth Day Sale while the savings last through April 25, complete with bonus savings.

Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike

Lectric Lightning Deals hit XP 3.0 e-bikes with up to $365 in free gear for outdoor ventures starting from $999

Lectric has continued many of its Earth Day e-bike bundle prices while switching things up with Lightning Deals on its XP 3.0 e-bikes that are getting increased bundles with up to $365 in free gear. You’ll find the Standard models now getting $310 bundles at $999 shipped alongside the Long-Range models getting $365 bundles at $1,199 shipped. These packages would normally cost you $1,309 and $1,564, respectively. These may not be the largest bundles we’ve seen before, but they are continuing the recent trend of gearing you up with cargo-capable add-ons for greater versatility during your outdoor ventures through spring and summer. Head below to learn more about these e-bikes and the included bundles you’ll be getting when purchasing them while these deals remain.

The best-selling e-bikes in America, Lectric’s XP 3.0 e-bikes offer durability and reliability while keeping down at extremely affordable rates. The frame provides folding capabilities for easier storage and transport when not in use, with a 500W hub motor that peaks at 1,000W and can top out at either 20 or 28 MPH speeds, depending on your state’s laws. Your decision on which to buy will largely fall on how far you want it to carry you, as the Standard models provide up to 45 miles of travel with PAS activated, while the Long-Range models take things further for up to 65 miles.

There are throttles on all the models for when you want to cruise off pure electric power, though this will decrease your travel range. They also come stocked with an integrated rear cargo rack (which the basket attaches to), puncture-resistant tires, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes, and an LCD display. Of course, don’t forget about the free gear you’ll be getting, with the Standard models coming with steel-encased front and rear cargo baskets, rear-view mirrors, a phone mount, an accordion-style bike lock, and a bottle holder. The Long-Range models are getting the same cargo package, a wide comfort saddle, a phone mount, a 35L water-resistant soft cooler, and a water-resistant pannier bag.

The e-bike pricing on the brand’s other e-bike bundles have remained the same, which you can browse in full in our original sale coverage here.

Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station

Score Anker’s SOLIX C1000 1,056Wh LiFePO4 power station with $550 in savings at $449

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station at $449 shipped, with the price undercutting its direct flash sale pricing by $100. This model normally sits at a full $999 price tag, though we’ve been more recently seeing it start at Amazon from $799. While we have seen it go $20 low before – last time being at the top of February – it’s been spending the last two months mostly dropping to either $499 or this same rate we’re seeing today. You’ll be scoring a 55% markdown off its MSRP while this deal lasts, giving you $550 in savings at the second-lowest price we have tracked.

Anker’s SOLIX C1000 power station makes a great camping companion for those who want a little more battery size from the camping-oriented C800 models, especially considering it’s beating those smaller models’ pricing, which starts from $499. It provides you with a 1,056Wh LiFePO4 capacity (with a bundle option below that will double that amount) alongside up to 1,800W of steady power output through its 11 port options that can surge to 2,400W for larger appliance needs. You can refill the battery to 80% in just 43 minutes when plugged into a wall outlet, though this does only account for the station alone and not any expanded setup. There’s also a 600W maximum solar input that you can take advantage of to refill the entire battery in 1.8 hours with ideal sunny conditions.

We’re seeing two discounted bundle options right now from Amazon that you can take advantage of, with the first giving you the power station and a 200W solar panel for $699 shipped, down from $1,299. As mentioned before, you could also score the station with an expansion battery to reach a 2,112Wh capacity for $869 shipped, bringing the costs significantly far from its $1,798 MSRP.

Greenworks Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Greenworks’ latest pro-tier 3,000 PSI electric pressure washer at new $349 low (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the best price yet on the newest generation of Greenworks’ Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer for $349 shipped. Carrying a $450 price tag outside of discounts, we’ve seen three previous drops to $360 over at Amazon, which is currently out of stock. For the rest of the day, though, you can get a better-than-ever $101 markdown that drops costs to the lowest price we have tracked. This deal is also beating out the direct Greenworks website, where stock has also run out, making this the best place to score it to cover your outdoor cleaning needs through the months ahead.

Housed within a heavy-duty steel frame, this generation’s pro-tier model adds a foldable design over its predecessor for easier storage and transport when not in use. The 14A TruBrushless motor maxes out at 3,000 PSI for your cleaning needs, with a 1.1 to 2.0 GPM flow rate as it goes. Like its previous model, you’ll also find an onboard one-gallon detergent tank here, as well as a bunch of included accessories for wider versatility, including five nozzles, 25 feet of kink-resistant hose, and a durable quick-connect metal wand/gun.

Best Spring 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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You won’t believe the repair cost of this Tesla Cybertruck after a crash with a compact sedan

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3 hours ago

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April 24, 2025

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You won't believe the repair cost of this Tesla Cybertruck after a crash with a compact sedan

Tesla Cybertruck damage

A compact car crashed into a parked Tesla Cybertruck, messing with the electric truck’s rear suspension. The experience of trying to repair the truck was so complicated and costly that it ended up as a salvage.

The Cybertruck introduces several innovations, including its partially 48-volt electronic architecture, drive-by-wire steering, and stainless steel exterior.

However, innovations in the auto industry often come with higher or unpredictable repair costs.

Edmunds found out the hard way.

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The publication bought a Cybertruck last year for long-term testing, but they disclosed this week that the truck was involved in an accident in December.

A “compact sedan” crashed into the rear wheel and bumper area on the driver’s side of the Cybertruck while it was parked. As you can see from the picture above, the damage didn’t look too bad, as you would expect for a 6,000-lb truck after an impact from a much smaller sedan.

However, before they knew it, the Cybertruck was totaled.

First off, Edmunds had to go to a Tesla Collision Center that can work on the Cybertruck and there are only two around Los Angeles, where they are based.

The first one said that it would take a month before they could estimate the repair, and another 6 months to start the repairs.

The second center, located in Ontario, California, also stated that there is a one-month wait to receive an estimate, but repairs can begin immediately after that.

Edmunds decided to go with the Tesla Collision Center in Ontario, but the repair never happened since the total cost was estimated at over $57,000.

Here’s the breakdown of repairs that the Cybertruck needed:

  • Stripes and moldings: $619
  • Motors and components: $4,191 (including $3,000 for an EV drive unit)
  • Motor mounts: $77
  • Wheels and parts: $1,758
  • Steering: $2,040
  • Rear suspension: $9,149 (including $2,500 for a new suspension crossmember)
  • Cab and components: $3,800 (including $3,240 for a high-strength steel frame)
  • Bed: $8,762.79 (including $1,595 for the outer panel, $4,280 for the aluminum rear section and $1,055 for the bed floor)
  • Tailgate: $2,495
  • Rear bumper: $2,417.73
  • Rear body, lamps and floor plan: $1,668.50 (including $800 for the inner taillamp assembly)
  • Miscellaneous parts: $357.22
  • Other parts: $5
  • Paint and materials: $610
  • Tax on parts and materials: $3,320.65
  • Labor: $16,584
  • Sublet repairs: $25

Needless to say, the truck was declared totaled, and it just fetched $8,000 on a salvage car auction site.

Electrek’s Take

Holy moly! That’s insane. The suspension getting screwed from the vehicle smashing directly into the rear wheel I get. That could have happened with any truck, and sure, you’d be looking at over $10,000 in damages easily.

However, $9,000 to fix the bed, $2,500 to fix the rear bumper, and $2,500 to fix the bumper, and that’s just in parts before the $16,500 of labor overall, is nuts and doesn’t scream “heavy duty” and “apocalypse proof” truck.

The Cybertruck was supposed to be a rugged, stainless steel truck that you wouldn’t mind getting dinged and scratched. I think it will be challenging to justify this with $57,000 in damages for a relatively mild crash.

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Amazon and Nvidia say AI data center demand is not slowing down

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4 hours ago

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April 24, 2025

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Amazon and Nvidia say AI data center demand is not slowing down

An Amazon Web Services data center in Stone Ridge, Virginia, on July 28, 2024.

Nathan Howard | Bloomberg | Getty Images

OKLAHOMA CITY — Amazon and Nvidia executives said Thursday that the construction of artificial intelligence data centers is not slowing down, as recession fears have some investors questioning whether tech companies will pull back on some of their plans.

“There’s been really no significant change,” Kevin Miller, Amazon’s vice president of global data centers, said at a conference organized by the Hamm Institute for American Energy. “We continue to see very strong demand, and we’re looking both in the next couple years as well as long term and seeing the numbers only going up.”

The comments run contrary to worrying buzz building on Wall Street about tech companies changing data center buildout plans. Wells Fargo analysts said Monday that Amazon Web Services is pausing some leases on data center commitments, citing industry sources. The magnitude of the pause was unclear, the analysts said, but the comments raised fears that Amazon was doing something similar to Microsoft’s recent move to pull back on some early stage projects.

Miller said “there’s been little tea leaf reading and extrapolating to strange results” about Amazon’s plans.

Nvidia is also not seeing signs of a slowdown, said Josh Parker, the chipmaker’s senior director of corporate sustainability.

“We haven’t seen a pullback,” Parker said. China’s artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek sparked a sell-off in power stocks earlier this year as investors worried that its artificial intelligence model is more efficient and data centers might need as much energy as originally anticipated.

But Parker said Nvidia sees compute and energy demand only rising due to AI, describing the reaction to DeepSeek as “kneejerk.” Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark said 50 gigawatts of new power capacity will be needed by 2027 to support AI. That is the equivalent of about 50 new nuclear plants.

“Anthropic and the other AI companies, what we’re seeing is tremendous growth in the need for new baseload power. We’re seeing unprecedented growth,” Clark said.

The executives were speaking at a gathering of tech and energy companies at a conference in Oklahoma City organized by the Hamm Institute to discuss how the U.S. can address the growing energy needs for AI. There is a growing consensus in both industries that natural gas will be needed to meet the power needs.

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