Axios

Energy prices are plunging, a boost for consumers and businesses alike — and a key White House talking point, too.

Why it matters: Lower oil and gasoline prices could offset some of the consumer pain if prices on a slew of other goods go up as a result of the trade wars.

• But it likely won't be enough to entirely shield the economy from the tariff shock.

The difference between trade wars and trade peace (or something close) could sway global oil demand by millions of barrels per day this decade, the research firm Wood Mackenzie finds.

Why it matters: Its oil estimates are part of a wider report that shows how trade policy is a powerful variable that will shape the energy future.

Summers are getting warmer nearly nationwide, a recently updated analysis finds.

Why it matters: Hotter summers are one of the most tangible ways we're experiencing climate change — and they're a health risk for vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, the elderly and homeless people.

The Energy Department's order to keep a Michigan coal plant running this summer is short in duration but could signal bigger battles to come.

State of play: Secretary Chris Wright on Friday demanded that Midwest grid operators and utility Consumers Energy keep the J.H. Campbell plant online until at least Aug. 21.