U.S. towns have blocked over $130 billion in data-center projects through 2026 over concerns about energy, water and noise, underscoring rising local resistance to tech-scale power draws (WebProNews). [P]At the same time, practical climate wins are stacking up: Georgia Tech researchers found a way to pull rare-earth elements from coal fly ash, which could feed EVs and renewables while cutting waste (Knowridge), California launched a Mass Timber Coalition to promote greener building (Woodworking Network), and microgrids are getting a spotlight after Tropical Storm Helene exposed diesel backup failures in Western North Carolina (Mountain X). Meanwhile, environmental risk isn't only infrastructure — three dead coconut rhinoceros beetles were found in Maui, a worrying sign that invasive pests could spread and damage island ecosystems (Maui Now), and geopolitics keeps energy-security concerns front and center (Atlantic Council).