Axios

The EPA has finalized the rules limiting auto tailpipe emissions from cars, SUVs and pickups, as part of a push to accelerate the U.S. transition to electric vehicles.

Why it matters: Transportation is the largest source of domestic greenhouse gas emissions, with light duty vehicles being the largest source within this category.

HOUSTON — A top organizer of the upcoming United Nations climate summit wants a relatively lean agenda for the late-year event.

Why it matters: New remarks by COP29 CEO Elnur Soltanov offer an early look at Azerbaijan's plans for the critical talks.

HOUSTON — John Podesta, a top Biden climate aide, is giving the oil industry mixed grades on energy transition.

Why it matters: His remarks highlight wider tension on display at CERAWeek by S&P Global this year — and in past conferences, too.

Global ocean surface temperatures have been at record highs for just over a full year, worrying scientists who don't have a complete understanding of what is driving this trend.

Driving the news: March 14 marked a full year in which global ocean surface temperatures were the warmest on record.

HOUSTON — Exxon boss Darren Woods is watching progression of geothermal technology as the oil and gas giant mulls adding more low-carbon areas to its portfolio.

Why it matters: Woods spoke exclusively to Axios in a wide-ranging interview on the sidelines of the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston. His remarks are a window into how the powerful company views energy diversification.

HOUSTON — Gas industry officials are citing power-thirsty artificial intelligence growth and data center needs more broadly as they project strong future demand.

Why it matters: Generative AI is joining with other advanced computing, electric vehicles, crypto-mining, new manufacturing and more to start sending U.S. power demand sharply upward after many years of largely flat consumption.