The G7 is exploring something much more durable than another summit communiqué on critical minerals: a standing institutional mechanism meant to survive the bloc’s yearly rotation of presidencies. G7 countries are discussing a permanent secretariat to oversee critical-minerals work, with possible homes at either the International Energy Agency or the OECD in Paris.

The logic is straightforward. Critical-mineral supply chains take years to build, while G7 political leadership changes every year. A permanent unit would give continuity to stockpiling, coordination, and diversification efforts that otherwise risk stalling as presidencies change.

Exxon Mobil Corp has chosen BlackRock as the potential buyer for its majority stake in Italy’s main liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, according to a statement by the U.S. oil producer. This decision comes as Italy is expected to increase its LNG imports to partly replace the gas it used to get via pipelines from Russia.

The U.S. Senate’s latest sweeping budget bill—now hurtling toward a potential vote—has effectively gutted long-standing tax incentives for wind and solar energy, delivering a major setback to America’s clean energy ambitions while introducing, for the first time, a new tax burden on these projects, according to renewable energy advocates.

Since 2005, tax credits have been the cornerstone of federal efforts to stimulate investment in renewable power. Hopes had lingered earlier in the week that senators might rewrite the bill’s provisions to preserve the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) tax incentives or extend their benefits. But in a surprise overnight maneuver, Senate leaders unveiled new language that industry groups say would terminate these vital supports immediately.