On June 29, 2010, the New Jersey legislature passed S 2036, the “Offshore Wind Economic Development Act.” The bill would create a renewable energy certificate program to require that a certain percentage of electricity sold in the state come from offshore wind projects. Supporters estimate that the program could create at least 1,100 MW of offshore wind capacity.
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Senate Confirms New FERC Commissioner LaFleur; Moeller Confirmed for Second Term
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On June 22, 2010, the United States Senate confirmed Cheryl A. LaFleur as Commissioner to the vacant seat on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or the “Commission”). LaFleur’s term will expire on June 30, 2014. LaFleur previously worked for National Grid for over twenty years.
FERC Staff Releases National Action Plan on Demand Response
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On June 17, 2010, FERC Staff released its final National Action Plan for Demand Response (“National Action Plan” or “Plan”). The focus of the Plan is to encourage the use of demand response to meet national energy independence and security goals.
FERC Announces New Legal Unit for Reliability Issues
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On June 17, 2010, Thomas Sheets, the General Counsel of FERC, announced a new unit at FERC to assist with legal issues regarding reliability. The announcement came during FERC’s June monthly meeting.
FERC Issues Rulemaking on Transmission Cost Allocation; Approves SPP Plan
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On June 17, 2010, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or the “Commission”) unanimously approved the Notice of Proposed Rule Rulemaking (“NOPR”) on Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities at FERC’s monthly meeting. The NOPR seeks to build on Order No. 890, Preventing Undue Discrimination and Preference in Transmission Service.
EPA Releases Analysis of Kerry-Lieberman Climate Change Bill
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On June 15, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) released its analysis of the American Power Act of 2010, sponsored but not yet formally introduced by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT).
Environmental Coalition Seeks EPA Regulation of Coal Mine Emissions
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On June 15, 2010, a coalition of environmental groups filed a petition with EPA seeking a rulemaking that would list coal mines as a stationary source of emissions under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act.
President Obama Pushes for New Energy Legislation during Oval Office Address
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On June 15, 2010, President Obama gave an Oval Office speech on the BP oil spill. The President used the devastating effects of the spill as an impetus to call on the country to transition towards energy independence and the use of “clean energy.”
FERC Clarifies Reporting Requirements for Natural Gas Transactions
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On Thursday June 17, 2010, FERC issued a clarification order regarding the terms and features of Form No. 552, the annual report for natural gas transactions (Transparency Provisions of Section 23 of the Natural Gas Act, Order No. 704-C, 131 FERC ¶ 61,246 (2010) (“Order No. 704-C”)).
FERC Requests Comments on New Electric Storage Technologies
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On June 11, 2010, FERC released its Request for Comments Regarding Rates, Accounting, and Financial Reporting for New Electric Storage Technologies (the “Request”). In particular, FERC wants comments on how to develop a rate policy that allows storage technologies flexibility while complying with the Federal Power Act.