Over the past few days, the following topics attracted our attention:
US Scraps Climate-Transition Power Plant Limits
Digital Rouble Moves from Pilot to Compulsory Use in Russia
Essex Council Hires Private Security to Patrol Town Centres Over Fears of Male Asylum Seekers
US Scraps Climate-Transition Power Plant Limits
The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it is repealing the carbon dioxide emission limits for coal- and gas-fired power stations under which they were required to reduce emissions by up to 90 per cent or cease operations by 2039. This is yet another decision to scrap regulations introduced in the name of the climate transition, which President Donald Trump believes are hindering economic development, reports Deutsche Welle.
According to the agency, climate change does not provide sufficient grounds for regulating companies so strictly, and the provisions were set in such a way that power stations would be unable to comply with them. It also stated that, according to climate models, power station emissions do not significantly affect the climate. “In fact, if all carbon dioxide emissions were eliminated tomorrow, there would be no meaningful climate impact,” the agency’s statement reads. Furthermore, the agency considers that, as emissions are global in nature, while potential public health harms are too uncertain, speculative, improbable and complex, it is not possible to attribute any specific impacts to the US energy sector. Conversely, allowing coal- and gas-fired power stations to continue operating would restore reliable energy production and reduce the price of electricity.
Lee Zeldin, head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said at a press conference following the G20 energy ministers’ meeting: “Today, we are cutting the red tape to deliver the largest power sector deregulatory action ever. We are not going to bend the law to climate alarmism and climate radicalism at all at the Trump EPA.” Zeldin added that the rules introduced under former President Joe Biden were unrealistic and promised that Americans would see a fall in electricity prices, although this is only the beginning. “For over 15 years, the Obama and Biden administrations waged a war on coal to destroy reliable and affordable energy. The Trump Administration has stepped in to protect American energy and to ensure you can afford to keep the lights on,” said Zeldin. He also confirmed that the aim is to unlock the full potential of the American energy sector, bringing more jobs, lower prices and a more prosperous America.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright noted that, during periods of peak demand, coal and natural gas still play a crucial role in security of supply. According to Wright, repealing climate-change-driven decisions will help ensure that energy production is reliable and does not depend on whether the wind is blowing or the sun is shining. Coal- and gas-fired power stations, he said, can generate electricity precisely when Americans need it most. “Unlike past administrations that prioritised the interests of climate alarmists, President Trump promised to put the American people first and he is delivering,” the Energy Secretary affirmed.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the decision will result in savings of more than $310 billion. The agency also proposed repealing all other greenhouse gas regulations affecting the energy sector that are unnecessary, place a burden on the sector and offer little benefit. If these proposals are approved, a further $370 billion would be saved on compliance costs. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that, following the repeal of the restrictions, coal production for use in the energy sector is set to increase more than tenfold. This will be followed by a public consultation and a period for the public to submit comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposals.
Digital Rouble Moves from Pilot to Compulsory Use in Russia
Several new monetary policy measures came into force in Russia on 1 September. Firstly, the central bank’s digital currency (CBDC) reached the stage of widespread use; secondly, a law maintained the ban on using cryptocurrencies for domestic payments; and thirdly, restrictions on withdrawing foreign currency as cash were extended, writes Reclaim The Net.
The digital rouble pilot project began in August 2023 and is now mandatory for the 12 largest banks and for retailers with an annual turnover exceeding 120 million roubles (approximately 1.24 million euros) to process the digital rouble. The next deadline is 1 September 2027, when all banks holding a general licence and retailers with an annual turnover of more than 30 million roubles (approximately 310,000 euros) must participate. From 1 September 2028 the requirement extends to all remaining banks and retailers with an annual turnover of more than 5 million roubles (approximately 51,500 euros). All digital rouble transactions take place on the Bank of Russia’s platform, where users hold digital wallets.
Cash can still be handled without the central bank’s involvement, but with the digital rouble every transaction occurs on the central bank’s platform under close official supervision. The central bank has not announced plans for programmable restrictions and presents the digital rouble as an alternative form of currency, yet it may restrict transactions linked to digital rouble accounts on the basis of enforcement proceedings, taxation, bankruptcy, or anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules. Moreover, its use is becoming mandatory for a growing number of banks and retailers, so critics argue it is no longer an ‘alternative option’ or a matter of choice.
The state is also maintaining the ban that came into force in 2021 prohibiting the use of cryptocurrencies for domestic payments. Individuals may own and trade cryptocurrency, but transactions must take place through authorised institutions. Cryptocurrencies may be used in certain foreign-trade settlements, with exceptions also applying to cryptocurrencies obtained through mining. Furthermore, the Bank of Russia has extended the restriction on withdrawing foreign currency cash by six months, until 9 March 2027. If a person opened a foreign-currency account before 9 March 2022 and has not yet withdrawn any foreign-currency cash, they may do so up to a limit of 10,000 dollars (approximately 8,670 euros). Any remaining foreign currency must be withdrawn in roubles at the exchange rate set by the Bank of Russia. The Bank of Russia justifies the foreign-currency restrictions by citing sanctions that prevent Russian financial institutions from obtaining cash from Western countries.
Essex Council Hires Private Security to Patrol Town Centres Over Fears of Male Asylum Seekers
Essex County Council has hired a private security firm to patrol the town centres of Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford. The aim is to deter gatherings of male immigrants and help women feel safer moving about again. This is initially a three-month pilot scheme. It was launched after complaints that residents felt frightened and that schoolgirls were being catcalled, reports the Daily Mail.
The decision followed a government plan to raise the number of asylum seekers at nearby RAF Wethersfield from 800 to 1,245 and keep the centre open beyond 2027. Male migrants from the site are regularly taken by bus into local towns for shopping and other services. Reports say they have started gathering and loitering in the centres. As a result, many women now stay away on the days the buses run.
According to the Reform Party, which leads Essex County Council, the project called ‘Operation Vanguard’ is a direct response to residents’ concerns, especially those of women and girls. So, in September, six security guards began daily patrols in the three town centres. The project costs £118,000 plus VAT. The guards provide a visible presence that reassures people, particularly women and children. Their role is to deter anti-social behaviour and gather evidence on whether more support is needed. “Our message is simple: the safety of Essex’s residents comes first,” said Peter Harris, Leader of Essex County Council and a Reform Party member.
However, Essex’s new Chief Constable, Rachel Nolan, has confirmed that crime linked to the county’s asylum centre is very low and that no one has reason to worry about crime from there. Conversely, the British press has reported incidents at Wethersfield. For example, a 25-year-old migrant named Adnani Mohammed attacked staff and was sentenced to 150 hours of community service. Local residents also describe groups of young men from the centre gathering in town centres and intimidating mainly women and children. The council concluded that even isolated reports are enough to show the migrants’ presence creates fear and a perception of crime risk.
Opponents of the scheme have strongly criticised it. They have called the project prejudicial and argued that fear should not be stoked nor stereotypes about asylum seekers reinforced.