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.

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.

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.