Axios

Former President Trump would withhold fire rescue aid from California if Gov. Gavin Newsom doesn't back his policies, the GOP presidential nominee said during a news conference on Friday.

Why it matters: Intense wildfires in Southern California prompted the evacuations of tens of thousands of people and are expected to worsen in coming years.

The rise of artificial intelligence, as well as building and vehicle electrification trends tied to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, are poised to drive a rapid growth in U.S. electricity demand, according to a new report.

Why it matters: The research released Thursday from the consulting firm ICF adds to the signs pointing to the increasing thirst for electrons in the U.S.

The White House just launched its most expansive effort to prevent energy-thirsty data centers from undercutting U.S. climate goals.

Why it matters: The infrastructure surge — spurred partly by generative AI — may threaten decarbonization as power consumption climbs.

U.S. drivers won't switch to an EV until it's cheaper and easier than driving a gasoline vehicle. In some countries, that's already happened.

Why it matters: American drivers who log a lot of miles still generally drive gas-powered cars, especially for long-distance trips.

Smoke from three huge Southern California wildfires that have forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate was impacting air quality in many places on Thursday.

Threat level: Wetter, cooler conditions were assisting firefighters tackling the blazes, among 64 burning across the U.S. West, but the National Interagency Fire Center noted conditions were still dry in SoCal and the Bridge Fire in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties was still burning out of control.

A wet winter followed by a record hot, dry summer has primed the Southwest for fast-growing wildfires that have forced thousands to evacuate in recent days.

Why it matters: The climate context of the wildfire outbreak, which spans several Western states but is particularly acute in California and Nevada, shows a preview of the West's future.

Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 storm Wednesday afternoon, and has caused significant flooding and widespread power outages that are spreading to neighboring states Thursday morning.

The latest: The center of Francine, now a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, passed some 35 miles west-northwest of New Orleans, per the National Hurricane Center.

Mitsubishi Corp. is exploring an equity stake in Exxon's proposed Texas hydrogen and ammonia plant and would also be a customer under the brewing deal.

Why it matters: Exxon is lining up corporate giants behind what it calls the world's largest low-carbon hydrogen project.

The last of Francine moved out of New Orleans early Thursday, and the sun is forecast to return in the afternoon.

Why it matters: There's cleanup to do after widespread street flooding and wind damage overnight.