On March 27, 2012, FERC’s Division of Pipeline Regulation issued a Delegated Order granting Hope Gas, Inc. (“Dominion Hope”), a local distribution company (“LDC”) and Hinshaw pipeline, a limited jurisdiction blanket certificate to transport gas in interstate commerce.
EPA Power Plant Regulations, Strategic Compliance and Grid Reliability Conference Discount
Troutman Sanders is pleased to offer our clients and friends a $350 discount to Platt’s New EPA Power Plant Regulations, Strategic Compliance and Grid Reliability conference.
Secretary Chu Issues Memorandum Directing PMAs to Modernize
On March 16, 2012, the Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, issued a memorandum to the four federal Power Marketing Agencies (“PMAs”) directing them to modernize the way that they do business. Secretary Chu has called for the PMAs to take a leadership role in the Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) goal of creating a more secure and sustainable electric sector nationwide.
Obama Expedites Federal Permitting Process; Announces Support for Portion of Keystone
On March 22, 2012, President Obama issued an executive order aimed at streamlining the federal infrastructure permitting process.
Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources Holds Hearing on Norris and Clark Confirmation
On March 20, 2012, the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources held a hearing to consider the nominations of four individuals: Adam Sieminski, to be the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, Marcilynn Burke to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior, Anthony Clark to be a member of FERC, and John Norris to be a member of FERC.
AEP Announces Plan to Retire 4,600 MW by 2016
On March 22, 2012, American Electric Power Company (“AEP”) officially notified PJM Interconnection LLC (“PJM”) and Southwest Power Pool, Inc. (“SPP”) of its plan to retire more than 4,600 MW of generating capacity in the their respective regions between 2012 and 2016.
Court Dismisses Climate Change Tort Case
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Connecticut v. AEP, a federal district court in Mississippi on Wednesday, March 21st, dismissed a re-filed case, the “Comer 2” case, seeking damages for the alleged tort of global warming.
No Change in EPA NO2 and SO2 Secondary Standards
EPA last Wednesday, March 21st, issued a final determination to hold two air standards at existing levels – one for nitrogen dioxide (“NO2”) and one for sulfur dioxide (“SO2”).
EPA Tells Congress that Four Years is Enough for Mercury Controls
In a hearing before a Senate subcommittee on Tuesday, March 20th, EPA’s top air official, Gina McCarthy, continued to maintain that utility companies will have plenty of time to install new pollution controls required by EPA’s recently promulgated mercury standards.
Supreme Court Authorizes CWA Pre-Enforcement Review
In a unanimous decision, the United States Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 ruled that landowners whose property had been determined to be wetlands can sue the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) prior to a formal enforcement action.