TechCapsules

A Sierra Club and Breach Collective report alleges that NW Natural exploited Senate Bill 98 to divert over $60 million of Oregon ratepayer money into out‑of‑state biomethane projects that have not lowered greenhouse‑gas emissions. The bill, authored by the utility, permits investment in “renewable natural gas” even when it is costlier than methane. The report claims the money has largely funded anaerobic digesters at large animal‑feeding operations, increasing local pollution while failing to reduce gas demand or meet the bill’s [...]

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has finalized the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), the world’s first comprehensive, region‑wide pact focused on digital trade. The agreement, slated for signing at the November ASEAN Summit in Manila, establishes common rules for data flows, digital payments, e‑commerce, online consumer protection, and artificial intelligence. By harmonizing these elements, DEFA aims to reduce regulatory fragmentation across the 11 member states, enabling small businesses and regional hubs to expand cross‑border operations. [...]

The American Copyright Protection Act (H.R. 10364), introduced by Rep. Darrell Issa on Sept. 16, 2026, would require VPN providers to block access to sites designated as foreign piracy platforms. The bill creates a fast‑track judicial process allowing copyright holders to obtain blocking orders with a preponderance‑of‑evidence standard, after which providers have 14 days to object before the order takes effect. Although the legislation also names broadband and DNS services, it specifically targets reputable, paid VPNs, leaving free services [...]

Canadian Minister of Artificial Intelligence Evan Solomon said the government is “advocating alongside our partners” on AI safety after meeting with international counterparts. The discussions followed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent talks with other leaders about creating a “technology stability” board to oversee AI regulation. Solomon was asked whether Canada is assuming a leadership role in the global effort; he pointed to domestic actions, including proposed regulations that would govern AI chat‑bot deployments. The minister emphasized that [...]

Senators Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar introduced a bill that would permanently ban artificial superintelligence and establish a Department of Artificial Intelligence. The legislation would temporarily halt the development of advanced AI systems until federal safety guidelines are approved, requiring new AI projects to obtain Department approval before deployment. Violations could trigger up to 20 years in prison. The bill has garnered support from employees at leading AI firms, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI, who warn [...]

United Nations General Assembly speaker President Donald Trump announced that the United States will rename artificial intelligence “Super Intelligence,” arguing the term “artificial” understates its reality. He declared the change will apply to all federal documents and introduced the abbreviation “SI.” Trump rejected any international scheme to control the technology, insisting the U.S. will not stifle its growth while the Justice Department will monitor the sector. The proposal is purely linguistic; no new technical standards or development [...]

Nathan Picarsic, co‑founder of Horizon Advisory, told Energy‑Storage.news at the 2026 US Battery Asset Management and Solar & Storage Finance Summits that recent U.S. legislation allowing tax‑credit transferability is reshaping renewable‑energy financing. The change creates a “secondary tranche” that lets non‑traditional investors—such as private equity and pension funds—participate alongside classic tax‑equity banks, broadening capital sources and accelerating project pipelines. At the same time, escalating U.S.–China tensions are forcing developers to weigh domestic‑content tax incentives against the speed and [...]

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet in Washington, a summit that will address not only trade and technology disputes but also the growing threat landscape of artificial intelligence. Officials from both sides have begun informal talks about a notification system for AI incidents, a proposal unveiled by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent after discussions with Vice Premier He Lifeng. The suggested mechanism aims to create a shared understanding of common risks [...]