WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2026 — Capstone LLC, a prominent policy analysis and investment research firm, has issued its 2026 energy sector preview, highlighting key policy and regulatory trends projected to influence mergers and acquisitions, agriculture, telecommunications infrastructure, and state and local government finances.

Capstone anticipates the Trump administration will sustain a lenient approach to merger reviews, approving most deals unless they present clear competitive risks. The Republican-led Federal Communications Commission will persist in deregulation efforts and support consolidation, forecasting a rise in broadcast media and broadband mergers through 2027.

U.S. agriculture is set for a difficult year as farmers grapple with low crop prices, high input costs, and trade unpredictability. The administration’s effort to restrict SNAP eligibility via new work requirements creates risks for grocers and packaged-food firms, with minimal federal assistance anticipated.

State and local budgets will come under increasing strain due to underperforming tax revenues and federal funding reductions. States that oppose Trump policies—such as California, New York, and Illinois—are at the greatest risk of having transit, climate, and disaster relief grants withheld. All states will be affected if Congress fails to reauthorize the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by October 2026.

Please access the following links to read Capstone’s outlook on developments for 2026:

For more information, contact Daniel Kruger by phone at (917) 566-8220 or E-mail:

About Capstone
Capstone is a top global policy analysis and regulatory due diligence firm with offices in Washington, DC, New York, Houston, London, Paris, Mumbai, and Sydney. As developments in Washington, London, Brussels, and other governmental hubs grow more critical to investment strategies, legislation, regulatory reforms, and new federal oversight are transforming industries in evolving ways. We guide institutional investors and companies on how changes in state, federal, and international policy affect investments. Capstone has developed leading coverage of public policy investments impacting financial and business services, energy and environment, healthcare, national security, TMT, and other sectors. Our experts analyze policy to identify risks, opportunities, and, in doing so, unique business and investment strategies for our clients.

Contact: Daniel Kruger, Capstone
Phone: 202-350-4700
Email: 

SOURCE CAPSTONE LLC