Trump Administration Set to Suspend Jones Act to Tame Oil Prices The Trump administration is preparing to issue temporary waivers for the Jones Act, a century-old law mandating that U.S.-built ships transport goods between American ports, as part of a strategy to curb rising oil prices, according to sources with knowledge of the plan. The waivers, which would last 30 days, would permit foreign tankers to assist in delivering fuel to East Coast refiners from the Gulf Coast and other U.S. regions, the sources said. The move aims to increase the supply of crude oil to refineries, which could help stabilize prices amid a surge in global energy costs. The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, requires that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports be carried on vessels built, owned, and operated in the United States. Critics argue the law has long been a barrier to lower shipping costs, particularly during periods of high fuel prices. The administration’s decision reflects growing pressure to address inflationary pressures driven by energy markets. While the waivers would not permanently alter the law, they would provide temporary relief by allowing foreign ships to bypass the restrictions. This could reduce transportation costs for oil companies, potentially lowering prices at the pump. The plan has not been officially announced, but officials have signaled support for measures that could ease supply chain constraints. Industry analysts suggest the move could also signal a broader shift in U.S. energy policy, prioritizing short-term price stability over long-standing regulatory frameworks. However, opponents of the waiver argue that relaxing the Jones Act could undermine domestic shipbuilding and maritime jobs.#trump_administration #gulf_coast #jones_act #east_coast_refiners #us_energy_policy
Tornado Watch issued for Mobile County, expansion to Northwest Florida expected A tornado watch has been issued for Mobile County, with the area expanding to include parts of Northwest Florida until 7 a.m. on Thursday. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather due to a line of severe thunderstorms developing to the west and moving toward the Gulf Coast. The storm system is organized along a cold front stretching from the Midwest into Texas, with a surge of warm, humid Gulf air ahead of the system fueling thunderstorms over Louisiana. These storms are expected to strengthen and move east overnight, posing threats of damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and the potential for a few tornadoes, some of which could be strong. The timing of the storms indicates that the strongest part of the line will push east into Northwest Florida between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Thursday, with storms moving into southwest Alabama around midnight. While heavy rainfall is possible, the fast-moving nature of the storms is expected to limit overall flooding risks. Residents in coastal Alabama and Northwest Florida are urged to stay weather aware overnight and ensure they have multiple ways to receive warnings in case severe storms develop. The tornado watch covers counties shaded in yellow, with the entire WEAR viewing area under a level 2/5 severe storm risk. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the region’s vulnerability to severe weather, emphasizing the need for preparedness as the storm system progresses.#alabama #storm_prediction_center #gulf_coast #mobile_county #northwest_florida
Storms to Strike Gulf Coast Wednesday Night into Thursday Morning A line of thunderstorms is expected to move across the Gulf Coast late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, with some storms potentially reaching strong to severe levels. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mobile, Alabama, noted that showers and thunderstorms will develop ahead of a strong cold front, creating conditions favorable for isolated strong to severe storms due to increasing atmospheric instability and deep-layer wind shear. The primary storm activity is anticipated after midnight Wednesday and before 7 a.m. Thursday, with the most significant impacts occurring in the Southeast, including Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama. The Severe Weather Outlook indicates a Level 1 “Marginal Risk” for severe weather in the local area, meaning a few storms could produce gusty winds or brief heavy rain. Areas further north and west, marked by yellow shading on the map, face a Level 2 “Slight Risk,” suggesting a higher potential for stronger storms. While the storms will dissipate by Thursday morning, cooler air will gradually move into the region later in the day, leading to improved conditions. Temperatures will remain mild throughout Wednesday, with a humid feel to the air, but highs on Thursday and Friday are projected to drop into the 60s. The coldest temperatures of the week will occur Thursday into Friday morning, with lows in the 40s. Before the rain arrives, clouds will persist over the Gulf Coast through Wednesday, with scattered fog possible during the overnight and early morning hours. However, daytime rain chances on Wednesday remain low. The next significant weather event will be a cold front moving through late in the weekend, bringing cooler air for the start of the work and school week.#national_weather_service #cold_front #gulf_coast #mobile_alabama #severe_weather_outlook
