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. [Read more →]

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).  [Read more →]

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.  [Read more →]

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.” [Read more →]

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”)).  [Read more →]

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.  [Read more →]