Brian Eckhouse
@brianreports.bsky.social
Head of Bloomberg’s power, weather and natural disasters Americas team | Dad/concierge to a loquacious toddler | New Yorker in Los Angeles | Thoughts on the Mets and bagels mine and mine alone
Pinned
Buffett Handing Complicated Climate Legacy to Berkshire Energy Head
Berkshire Hathaway is at once a renewables powerhouse and a big investor in fossil fuels.
www.bloomberg.com
Buffett runs a renewables heavyweight and has written that climate change is “highly likely” a “problem for the planet.”
Yet Berkshire is a major investor in oil, gas and coal — a position poised to endure well after the 94-year-old retires.
My analysis here: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Yet Berkshire is a major investor in oil, gas and coal — a position poised to endure well after the 94-year-old retires.
My analysis here: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
Scoop: The EPA is expected to formally rescind carbon pollution standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants as soon as Monday, according to people familiar with the matter.
Tag team with @bloomberg.com’s Ari Natter and Jen Dlouhy. Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Tag team with @bloomberg.com’s Ari Natter and Jen Dlouhy. Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
EPA Poised to Repeal Carbon Standards for Coal, Gas Power Plants
The US Environmental Protection Agency is expected to formally rescind carbon pollution standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants as soon as Monday, according to people familiar with the matter.
www.bloomberg.com
September 13, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Scoop: The EPA is expected to formally rescind carbon pollution standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants as soon as Monday, according to people familiar with the matter.
Tag team with @bloomberg.com’s Ari Natter and Jen Dlouhy. Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Tag team with @bloomberg.com’s Ari Natter and Jen Dlouhy. Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
Fusion is having a moment: Investors have poured more than $14 billion into the tech.
But proving fusion works is only the first step. The bigger question is whether it can ever make power cheaply enough to compete.
From me and @willwwade.bsky.social:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
But proving fusion works is only the first step. The bigger question is whether it can ever make power cheaply enough to compete.
From me and @willwwade.bsky.social:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Fusion Gets $14 Billion Bet It’s More Than a ‘Science Project’
So far, scientists have pulled off energy-generating reactions only in laboratory settings, and the path there has been slow and costly. But companies say they’re getting rapidly closer to commercial ...
www.bloomberg.com
September 9, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Fusion is having a moment: Investors have poured more than $14 billion into the tech.
But proving fusion works is only the first step. The bigger question is whether it can ever make power cheaply enough to compete.
From me and @willwwade.bsky.social:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
But proving fusion works is only the first step. The bigger question is whether it can ever make power cheaply enough to compete.
From me and @willwwade.bsky.social:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
“We know it works. Now it’s a matter of scaling up.” Companies are racing to prove fusion technology can finally move beyond the lab and become an abundant clean power source.
A deep dive into fusion energy, with
@michellema.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
A deep dive into fusion energy, with
@michellema.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Fusion Gets $14 Billion Bet It’s More Than a ‘Science Project’
So far, scientists have pulled off energy-generating reactions only in laboratory settings, and the path there has been slow and costly. But companies say they’re getting rapidly closer to commercial ...
www.bloomberg.com
September 9, 2026 at 12:33 PM
“We know it works. Now it’s a matter of scaling up.” Companies are racing to prove fusion technology can finally move beyond the lab and become an abundant clean power source.
A deep dive into fusion energy, with
@michellema.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
A deep dive into fusion energy, with
@michellema.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
Asking a chatbot a quick question vs. having it build you a software app: the environmental gap between them can be 10,000x, according to new independent research from Vals AI.
@shiringhaffary.bsky.social and I dug into what's driving it: www.bloomberg.com/news/article... (free gift link)
@shiringhaffary.bsky.social and I dug into what's driving it: www.bloomberg.com/news/article... (free gift link)
AI’s Environmental Impact Per Task Balloons With More Complexity
Benchmarker Vals AI finds that multi-stage tasks can require models to use exponentially more energy or water than simple queries do.
www.bloomberg.com
September 3, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Asking a chatbot a quick question vs. having it build you a software app: the environmental gap between them can be 10,000x, according to new independent research from Vals AI.
@shiringhaffary.bsky.social and I dug into what's driving it: www.bloomberg.com/news/article... (free gift link)
@shiringhaffary.bsky.social and I dug into what's driving it: www.bloomberg.com/news/article... (free gift link)
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
How much water do data centers really use, why do they use so much, and is it a problem? I talked to researchers and industry experts to understand the true water footprint of the AI boom:
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Why Do Data Centers Use So Much Fresh Water?
The artificial intelligence boom has inspired one of the largest infrastructure build-outs seen in decades: Tech firms are investing billions into constructing the data centers powering AI. This has m...
www.bloomberg.com
August 5, 2026 at 4:17 PM
How much water do data centers really use, why do they use so much, and is it a problem? I talked to researchers and industry experts to understand the true water footprint of the AI boom:
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Two 50-year-old power plants in the East River are propping up New York's grid, which is ailing under strain from electrification and climate change.
New York City’s Aging Power Barges Show the Blackout Risk Is Real
Meant as a backstop, the plants are in constant use as demand rises, with no relief in sight for the strained grid.
bloom.bg
August 1, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Heavy rains forecast to douse the New York and Washington, DC, areas will improve air quality worsened by Canadian wildfires ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final.
Heavy NYC Rains to Improve Smoky Air Ahead of World Cup Final
Heavy rains forecast to douse the New York and Washington, DC, areas will improve air quality worsened by Canadian wildfires ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final.
bloom.bg
July 18, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
Wildfire smoke in NY. Flooding in Texas. Climate risk is turning insurance into a political fight.
@leslieatlarge.bsky.social and I spoke with Jane Kim and Ben Allen, top contenders to regulate CA’s $15B home insurance market.
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
@leslieatlarge.bsky.social and I spoke with Jane Kim and Ben Allen, top contenders to regulate CA’s $15B home insurance market.
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
California Rivals Have Starkly Different Plans to Remake Home Insurance
Ben Allen and Jane Kim are running to be the state’s next insurance commissioner. Both promise change, but not along the same lines.
www.bloomberg.com
July 16, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Wildfire smoke in NY. Flooding in Texas. Climate risk is turning insurance into a political fight.
@leslieatlarge.bsky.social and I spoke with Jane Kim and Ben Allen, top contenders to regulate CA’s $15B home insurance market.
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
@leslieatlarge.bsky.social and I spoke with Jane Kim and Ben Allen, top contenders to regulate CA’s $15B home insurance market.
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The biggest US grid operator is about to learn how tight power supplies may get in coming years as the data-center boom sparks unprecedented electricity demand growth.
Major US Power Sale to Show Depth of Eastern Grid’s Tight Supply
The biggest US grid operator is about to learn how tight power supplies may get in coming years as the data-center boom sparks unprecedented electricity demand growth.
bloom.bg
July 14, 2026 at 4:33 PM
It’s def a “Turnstiles” type of morning
June 14, 2026 at 3:29 PM
It’s def a “Turnstiles” type of morning
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
El Niño has arrived - and it's on track to be a big one. From transatlantic flight times to Panama Canal shipping delays, to the cost of a candy bar or even just a bottle of soap, its effects can pop up all over the economy. (gift link) www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
El Niño Slams Into a Global Economy Unprepared for More Chaos
Scientists warn a blockbuster weather event risks pushing costs higher for everything from building materials to groceries.
www.bloomberg.com
June 11, 2026 at 4:55 PM
El Niño has arrived - and it's on track to be a big one. From transatlantic flight times to Panama Canal shipping delays, to the cost of a candy bar or even just a bottle of soap, its effects can pop up all over the economy. (gift link) www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
⚡ The AI data center boom in the US is threatening to claim its biggest victim yet — the nation’s largest electric grid operator. ⚡
In an explosive speech, the FERC chair said it may have grown "too big to function."
🎁Gift link to our deep dive below 🎁
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
In an explosive speech, the FERC chair said it may have grown "too big to function."
🎁Gift link to our deep dive below 🎁
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
AI Data Center Boom Risks Breakup of Biggest US Power Grid Operator
Soaring utility bills and sluggish bureaucracy are fueling calls to split up PJM Interconnection, which runs the grid in 13 states.
www.bloomberg.com
June 4, 2026 at 1:12 PM
⚡ The AI data center boom in the US is threatening to claim its biggest victim yet — the nation’s largest electric grid operator. ⚡
In an explosive speech, the FERC chair said it may have grown "too big to function."
🎁Gift link to our deep dive below 🎁
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
In an explosive speech, the FERC chair said it may have grown "too big to function."
🎁Gift link to our deep dive below 🎁
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
Artificial intelligence data centers are on the verge of reaching their limits.
That’s forcing a reckoning among hyperscalers, data center operators, chip makers and power equipment producers. As they scale up, they are having to reimagine how data centers are designed, built and powered. 🎁 link:
That’s forcing a reckoning among hyperscalers, data center operators, chip makers and power equipment producers. As they scale up, they are having to reimagine how data centers are designed, built and powered. 🎁 link:
The Race to Rethink Data Centers for AI’s Power Surge
With energy demand already straining infrastructure, AI players are reimagining the data center from the ground up.
www.bloomberg.com
June 2, 2026 at 1:16 PM
Artificial intelligence data centers are on the verge of reaching their limits.
That’s forcing a reckoning among hyperscalers, data center operators, chip makers and power equipment producers. As they scale up, they are having to reimagine how data centers are designed, built and powered. 🎁 link:
That’s forcing a reckoning among hyperscalers, data center operators, chip makers and power equipment producers. As they scale up, they are having to reimagine how data centers are designed, built and powered. 🎁 link:
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
It's not just you: Groceries are getting more expensive. And that's before prices reflect the full effects of the Iran war and a strong El Niño on the horizon (gift link) www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Americans Are About to Pay Even More at the Grocery Store
As Americans confront a surge in prices at the pump, another inflation wave is headed for the grocery store.
www.bloomberg.com
May 27, 2026 at 3:40 PM
It's not just you: Groceries are getting more expensive. And that's before prices reflect the full effects of the Iran war and a strong El Niño on the horizon (gift link) www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
Everyone's talking about what it means for the data center boom. But with its deal to buy Dominion, NextEra is also picking up territory in states where extreme weather has caused more than $57 billion in damage over the last 5 years (gift link) www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
NextEra’s Dominion Deal Expands Its Storm Risk
The utility giant is expanding into some of the US’ costliest weather zones.
www.bloomberg.com
May 26, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Everyone's talking about what it means for the data center boom. But with its deal to buy Dominion, NextEra is also picking up territory in states where extreme weather has caused more than $57 billion in damage over the last 5 years (gift link) www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
Friday afternoon scoop 👇
About $50 billion in wind investments and 150,000 jobs are imperiled by the Trump administration’s effective halt to approvals for new onshore projects, according to a trade group report reviewed by Bloomberg News.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
About $50 billion in wind investments and 150,000 jobs are imperiled by the Trump administration’s effective halt to approvals for new onshore projects, according to a trade group report reviewed by Bloomberg News.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Wind-Permit Stall Is Threatening $50 Billion in US Developments
About $50 billion in wind investments and 150,000 jobs are imperiled by the Trump administration’s effective halt to approvals for new onshore projects, a trade group said.
www.bloomberg.com
May 22, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Friday afternoon scoop 👇
About $50 billion in wind investments and 150,000 jobs are imperiled by the Trump administration’s effective halt to approvals for new onshore projects, according to a trade group report reviewed by Bloomberg News.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
About $50 billion in wind investments and 150,000 jobs are imperiled by the Trump administration’s effective halt to approvals for new onshore projects, according to a trade group report reviewed by Bloomberg News.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
NEWS -> SpaceX is planning to build a massive, 10-gigawatt solar manufacturing facility near Austin as part of Elon Musk’s ambition to power artificial intelligence data centers in space. #solar
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
SpaceX Aims to Build 10-Gigawatt Solar Factory Near Austin
SpaceX is planning to build a massive, 10-gigawatt solar manufacturing facility near Austin as part of Elon Musk’s ambition to power artificial intelligence data centers in space.
www.bloomberg.com
May 21, 2026 at 8:07 PM
NEWS -> SpaceX is planning to build a massive, 10-gigawatt solar manufacturing facility near Austin as part of Elon Musk’s ambition to power artificial intelligence data centers in space. #solar
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
@wsj.com, @cbsnews.com, @bloomberg.com win New York Press Club awards in business journalism: talkingbiznews.com/media-news/w...
May 15, 2026 at 1:57 PM
@wsj.com, @cbsnews.com, @bloomberg.com win New York Press Club awards in business journalism: talkingbiznews.com/media-news/w...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
Trump's new pick to lead FEMA is a familiar name: Cameron Hamilton. He's the former acting chief who got pushed out last year after telling Congress he didn't think FEMA should be abolished.
Instead? He'd favored downsizing it "pretty radically," he later told me and @zhirji.bsky.social 🧵
Instead? He'd favored downsizing it "pretty radically," he later told me and @zhirji.bsky.social 🧵
May 12, 2026 at 8:26 PM
Trump's new pick to lead FEMA is a familiar name: Cameron Hamilton. He's the former acting chief who got pushed out last year after telling Congress he didn't think FEMA should be abolished.
Instead? He'd favored downsizing it "pretty radically," he later told me and @zhirji.bsky.social 🧵
Instead? He'd favored downsizing it "pretty radically," he later told me and @zhirji.bsky.social 🧵
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
Cameron Hamilton, Trump's new FEMA pick, has been on both sides of the question over whether the disaster agency should exist.
With a rare second chance in Trump's admin, the question is whether the former NAVY seal will defend the agency or further weaken it: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
With a rare second chance in Trump's admin, the question is whether the former NAVY seal will defend the agency or further weaken it: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Can Trump's New FEMA Pick Save the Beleaguered Disaster Agency?
Backers say Cameron Hamilton will bring direction to the agency, but critics question whether he has the experience for its top job.
www.bloomberg.com
May 12, 2026 at 2:35 PM
Cameron Hamilton, Trump's new FEMA pick, has been on both sides of the question over whether the disaster agency should exist.
With a rare second chance in Trump's admin, the question is whether the former NAVY seal will defend the agency or further weaken it: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
With a rare second chance in Trump's admin, the question is whether the former NAVY seal will defend the agency or further weaken it: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
The Three Mile Island nuclear plant is poised for a comeback, driven by AI’s massive energy needs -- worked on this one for a long time
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
The AI Revival of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant
Microsoft’s vast power demands are bringing together two transformative—and risky—technologies.
www.bloomberg.com
May 7, 2026 at 9:10 PM
The Three Mile Island nuclear plant is poised for a comeback, driven by AI’s massive energy needs -- worked on this one for a long time
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
👋 The US residential #solar industry knew this year would be tough after President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill ended a lucrative homeowner tax break for buying panels. So far, it’s looking even worse than feared. My latest 👇
🎁 Link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
🎁 Link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The Bust in US Home Solar Has Worsened After Trump Ends Subsidies
The US residential solar industry knew this year would be tough after President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill ended a lucrative homeowner tax break for buying panels.
www.bloomberg.com
May 7, 2026 at 5:52 PM
👋 The US residential #solar industry knew this year would be tough after President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill ended a lucrative homeowner tax break for buying panels. So far, it’s looking even worse than feared. My latest 👇
🎁 Link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
🎁 Link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
BREAKING: President Donald Trump’s task force for reforming the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday recommended sweeping changes to how the federal government responds to natural disasters.
Gift link for @bloomberg.com story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Gift link for @bloomberg.com story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Trump FEMA Council Backs Sweeping Overhaul of Disaster Response
President Donald Trump’s task force for reforming the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday recommended sweeping changes to how the federal government responds to natural disasters.
www.bloomberg.com
May 7, 2026 at 5:44 PM
BREAKING: President Donald Trump’s task force for reforming the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday recommended sweeping changes to how the federal government responds to natural disasters.
Gift link for @bloomberg.com story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Gift link for @bloomberg.com story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
🚨 Job Klaxon 🚨
I’ve moved to the Bloomberg HQ in NYC to start a three-month job posting covering US grids, AI, data centers and more.
Let me know if you're in town and want to grab a coffee, or simply to give me your best pizza/bagel/jazz bar recommendation.
Back in Brussels in August.
I’ve moved to the Bloomberg HQ in NYC to start a three-month job posting covering US grids, AI, data centers and more.
Let me know if you're in town and want to grab a coffee, or simply to give me your best pizza/bagel/jazz bar recommendation.
Back in Brussels in August.
May 4, 2026 at 12:55 PM
🚨 Job Klaxon 🚨
I’ve moved to the Bloomberg HQ in NYC to start a three-month job posting covering US grids, AI, data centers and more.
Let me know if you're in town and want to grab a coffee, or simply to give me your best pizza/bagel/jazz bar recommendation.
Back in Brussels in August.
I’ve moved to the Bloomberg HQ in NYC to start a three-month job posting covering US grids, AI, data centers and more.
Let me know if you're in town and want to grab a coffee, or simply to give me your best pizza/bagel/jazz bar recommendation.
Back in Brussels in August.
Reposted by Brian Eckhouse
The story of Fermi is in some ways the story of the AI moment: Co-founded by a former Texas governor and a brash entrepreneur, Fermi offered companies racing to build data centers the two things they crave most: open land and an astonishing amount of power.
May 1, 2026 at 5:08 PM
The story of Fermi is in some ways the story of the AI moment: Co-founded by a former Texas governor and a brash entrepreneur, Fermi offered companies racing to build data centers the two things they crave most: open land and an astonishing amount of power.