<p><strong>WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY:</strong> Good afternoon. Tonight, a near-total lunar eclipse will be visible across the entire U.S. This occurs when the Earth falls between the sun and the moon, casting a reddish orange shadow on the lunar surface. The eclipse is set to start at around 9:23 p.m., peaking just after midnight. For more information about visibility depending on location, refer to local sources.</p>
<ul> <li>In today’s newsletter, there is an update on House lawmakers’ plan to address data centers’ water consumption amid public concerns.</li> <li>Additionally, there is coverage of the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, and the potential impact on electricity imports in some border states.</li> </ul>
<p>As the House returns from August recess, lawmakers are addressing concerns surrounding data centers.</p>
<p>The House Energy and Commerce Committee <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy-and-environment/4703185/house-energy-commerce-moves-address-data-center-water/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">will hold a hearing</a> on Sept. 3 to discuss draft legislation that would require data centers to pay for their water use and infrastructure expansion, as well as disclose their water sources, according to a committee spokesperson.</p>
<p>The Water Cost Accountability Act aims to ensure that communities do not bear the costs associated with data center water consumption.</p>
<p>“While data centers consume a fraction of the water of many other industries and have proven that new technologies are actually reducing new water consumption, nonetheless, Americans should have confidence that data center developers are acting responsibly with local water supplies,” Chairman <strong>Brett Guthrie</strong> of Kentucky stated.</p>
<p>“The Water Cost Accountability Act is an important step toward safeguarding our nation’s drinking water and determining whether there are new costs associated with additional water demand,” he added.</p>
<p>The committee has previously addressed data center concerns. Before the August recess, the committee <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy-and-environment/4656037/bill-to-protect-households-from-data-center-energy-costs-advances-in-house/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unanimously voted</a> to advance the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, which would require data centers to cover the costs of grid upgrades and other energy system improvements.</p>
<h2>Trade Tensions Between Canada and the U.S.</h2>
<p>Canada is responding to President <strong>Donald Trump</strong>’s trade threats, with officials warning they may halt electricity exports to the U.S. as retaliation against new U.S. tariffs.</p>
<p>Trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. recently collapsed, allowing a 50% tariff on billions of dollars’ worth of Canadian goods to proceed. This tariff, affecting various products, will formally take effect on Jan. 1.</p>
<p>Trump escalated the trade dispute by announcing another round of 50% tariffs on automobiles and car parts.</p>
<p>Administration officials have <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6054237-trade-representative-jamieson-greer-trump-us-canada-trade-war/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">defended the tariffs</a>, stating that Canada needs to take more action to protect the North American market.</p>
<p>In response, Canada announced it would impose identical trade penalties on U.S. goods, effective Sept. 8.</p>
<p>Ontario may further threaten electricity exports to some Northern states, currently exporting electricity to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota. As the trade war escalates, these exports could be completely halted.</p>
<p>Ontario’s Premier <strong>Doug Ford</strong> stated that “everything is on the table” regarding the province's response to U.S. tariffs.</p>
<p>Experts suggest that while cutting electricity exports may not have an immediate dramatic impact on prices, a prolonged cutoff could increase market pressure.</p>
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<h2>Other News</h2>
<p><strong>Trump Administration May Take a Stake in Venezuela’s Oil Fields:</strong> The Trump administration is reportedly discussing taking an ownership stake in Venezuela’s oil fields, which are estimated to contain up to 90 million barrels of proven reserves. This deal would provide the U.S. government with direct access to these reserves and facilitate American companies' involvement in developing the fields.</p>
<p>Negotiations are being led by U.S. Secretary of State <strong>Marco Rubio</strong> and Venezuela’s acting president <strong>Delcy Rodriguez</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Trump’s Oil Stocks Have Grown Amid Iran War:</strong> Reports indicate that Trump’s investment accounts have continued to trade in oil and gas companies that profited during the conflict in Iran. Financial disclosures reveal that Trump executed numerous trades worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.</p>
<p><strong>Thousands Missing in Nepal Floods:</strong> Rescue teams are searching for thousands of individuals missing following a catastrophic flood on the Nepal-China border. Local reports indicate that at least 353 people have died, with over 1,300 still unaccounted for.</p>
<p>The flood was reportedly triggered by the partial collapse of a glacier, leading to significant damage to infrastructure.</p>
<p>For more updates on the aftermath of the flooding, refer to local news sources.</p>