Axios

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama Friday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The big picture: The major earthquake forced evacuations, per the AP, and triggered tsunami threats along bordering coasts.

Congress has its best chance in years to pass sweeping permitting legislation, but a series of political and policy obstacles could derail the bipartisan Senate plan.

Why it matters: Cutting hurdles for energy projects is a top priority for fossil fuels and renewables sectors, and major business groups more broadly.

Hurricane Isaias strengthened to a powerful Category 2 storm Thursday on its track toward the Gulf Coast, the National Hurricane Center says.

Why it matters: It's expected to bring destructive winds and storm surge to parts of Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana.

President Trump said Thursday the U.S. will not attack Iran ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

Why it matters: Trump had been considering for several days resuming major combat operations before the midterms. However, his past statements about his intentions in Iran haven't always matched what he ultimately did.

• If major combat operations resume, they're expected to include large-scale strikes on Iranian energy facilities, infrastructure and nuclear targets, sources say.

Solid-state battery company QuantumScape on Thursday announced its first product for data centers.

Why it matters: It's a key moment in the firm's diversification beyond the automotive market and into AI, defense and other applications.

Lawmakers are considering forcing data centers to shoulder new costs and restrictions while speeding up the energy infrastructure needed to power the AI boom.

Why it matters: The bipartisan legislation, unveiled last week, represents the most aggressive response yet from Washington to data centers amid growing backlash over their energy and environmental impacts.