On July 10, 2012, the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment (“Siting Board”) approved regulations that will implement a centralized state siting process for power plants 25 MW or greater. The regulations are designed to consolidate the state and local permitting processes.
State Regulation News
Duke, Progress File Updated Settlement Agreement in North Carolina
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On May 8, 2012, Duke Energy Corp. (“Duke”) and Progress Energy, Inc. (“Progress”) (collectively, “Applicants”) entered into a supplemental merger settlement agreement with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (“NCUC”) Public Staff. The settlement was filed with the NCUC.
New York Energy Highway Task Force Issues Request for Information Concerning “Energy Highway”
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On April 11, 2012, the New York Energy Highway Task Force issued a Request for Information (“RFI”) regarding ideas for developing New York State’s “aging energy infrastructure” and promoting clean energy supplies, jobs and economic growth.
CPUC Denies Requests from Advocates to Move Away from Critical Peak Pricing
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On November 10, 2011, the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) issued a decision regarding Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (“PG&E”) petition for modification of decision 10-02-032, regarding implementation of dynamic pricing rates for residential and small/medium agricultural and commercial customers.
NY Releases Proposed Fracking Rules
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On September 28, 2011, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) released its proposed regulations on hydraulic fracturing. These regulations follow a July 1, 2011 draft supplemental generic environmental impact statement (“SGEIS”) (see July 11, 2011 edition of the WER).
New York Moves to Allow, while New Jersey May Ban, Shale Fracking
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On Friday, July 1, 2011, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) released its draft supplemental generic environmental impact statement (“SGEIS”), a proposal that would grant access to more than 80% of the shale formations within the state of New York. Notably, the SGEIS would still prohibit drilling in the watersheds that serve New York City and Syracuse, any state owned lands, and all primary and principal aquifers.
Representative Anthony Weiner Resigns, Leaving a Democratic Seat Open on House Energy and Commerce Committee
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On June 16, 2011, Representative Anthony Weiner (D-NY) announced his decision to resign his seat from the U.S. House of Representatives. This announcement comes after weeks of scandal and calls for his resignation, including from President Barack Obama. Weiner’s resignation opens up one of 23 Democratic seats on the House…
Texas PUC Holds Workshop on Entergy Texas Joining the Midwest ISO
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On May 27, 2011, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (“Texas Commission”) held a workshop regarding Entergy Texas’ proposal to join the Midwest Independent System Operator, Inc. (“Midwest ISO”). The Midwest ISO made a presentation to the Texas Commission explaining how its system is operated and explaining the benefits of Entergy joining its system.
Senator Bingaman Announces Retirement
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On February 18, 2011, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) announced that he will not be seeking re-election for a sixth term in 2012. Senator Bingaman is the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) is the next most senior Democrat on the panel.
States Using Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Funds to Balance Budgets
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On November 30, 2010, President Barack Obama’s Council of Advisor’s on Science and Technology (the “Council”) called for more investment in energy Research & Development (“R&D”) funding. The Council suggested in a November 2010 Report on this topic that the amount of money spent on energy R&D should increase from $5 billion per year to $16 billion per year.