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California Today
By the People, for the People
DOE Funding, Nuclear Approvals Lead Energy Briefs
Key U.S. and global energy developments include coal plant funding, nuclear fuel facility permits, battery plant woes, and Venezuelan oil deals.
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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The U.S. Department of Energy has announced $175 million in funding for six projects to modernize and extend the life of coal-fired power plants in several states. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has also approved the first new licenses for nuclear fuel facilities in over 50 years. Meanwhile, a $5.8 billion battery plant backed by Ford and SK On in Kentucky is now sitting idle, and Valero is tapping into Venezuela's oil reserves at discounted prices.
Why it matters
These developments highlight the ongoing shifts in U.S. and global energy policy, with the federal government continuing to support traditional fossil fuel sources like coal while also approving new nuclear infrastructure. The battery plant closure raises concerns about the challenges facing the transition to electric vehicles, while the Venezuelan oil deals suggest efforts to work around sanctions and access cheaper energy supplies.
The details
The DOE funding will go towards projects in Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, and West Virginia to help keep coal plants serving rural and remote communities operational. The NRC approvals include a permit for TRISO-X to produce fuel for next-generation nuclear reactors. The $5.8 billion battery plant in Kentucky, backed by Ford and SK On, has now shut down just months after opening, leaving 1,600 workers without jobs. Valero is reportedly buying discounted Venezuelan oil at around $9 per barrel below Brent prices, taking advantage of licensed sales despite U.S. sanctions.
- The DOE funding announcement was made in February 2026.
- The NRC approved the new nuclear fuel facility licenses in early 2026.
- The $5.8 billion battery plant in Kentucky opened just four months ago but is now sitting idle.
- Valero has already begun tapping into Venezuela's oil reserves in recent months.
The players
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
The federal agency responsible for policies regarding energy and nuclear power in the United States.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The independent agency of the U.S. government responsible for regulating the civilian use of nuclear materials.
Ford Motor Company
One of the largest automakers in the world, partnering with SK On on a battery plant in Kentucky.
SK On
A South Korean battery manufacturer that partnered with Ford on the Kentucky battery plant project.
Valero
A major oil refining company that is tapping into Venezuela's oil reserves at discounted prices.
What’s next
The Biden administration is expected to review the DOE's coal plant funding program and the NRC's nuclear fuel facility approvals, potentially leading to policy changes in the future.
The takeaway
These energy developments highlight the ongoing tensions between traditional fossil fuels and emerging clean energy technologies, as the federal government continues to support coal and nuclear power while also facing challenges in the transition to renewable sources and electric vehicles.
