Middle East Supply Risk: Former U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette warned that rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb could tighten global oil flows and lift Brent, with knock-on effects for U.S. pump prices. U.S. Gas Tax Politics: Rep. Andy Harris proposed a federal gas tax suspension/relief, but Democrats and House math suggest little near-term progress, turning it into an election-year fight. Data Center Power Costs: The House advanced the Ratepayer Protection Act to limit how much electricity upgrade costs from large AI data centers fall on households, though critics say it may not fully force data-center owners to pay. Energy Affordability Push: New York is rolling out energy rebate checks for eligible households while Gov. Maura Healey in Massachusetts weighs additional fall/winter relief as heating costs loom. Local Energy Efficiency: Georgia’s World Congress Center is set to cut energy use via a $36.9M energy savings performance contract, targeting $87.9M in guaranteed savings over the contract term. Oil & Gas Policy Clash: Santa Barbara County moved toward banning new onshore drilling, arguing it reduces pollution, while opponents warn it would shift emissions via more imported oil. UK Storage Bet: The UK launched a £28M Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage challenge to support clean power storage for 100+ hours and reduce exposure to price spikes. Market Snapshot: Reuters reported Russia’s Syzran and Saratov refineries suspended processing after drone attacks, raising fuel-supply concerns.