The API has challenged EPA’s 2013 RFS mandate, claiming that the volumetric targets are unrealistic. On October 8, 2013, the American Petroleum Institute (API) filed a lawsuit in the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumetric requirements, claiming the 6 million gallon (MG)… Keep reading →
Starting January 1, 2014, California and Quebec have signed an agreement to integrate their cap-and-trade programs. On October 1, 2013, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Government of Quebec signed an agreement defining the steps and procedures to link California and Quebec cap-and-trade programs. The agreement, a result of more than five years… Keep reading →
The NYS Unified Solar Permit program will streamline the solar project permitting process to cut costs and boost solar development across NY State. On September 20, 2013, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced the NYS Unified Solar Permit program to reduce solar project costs by streamlining municipal permitting processes across… Keep reading →
Shell has selected Louisiana’s Ascension Parish as the potential site for its Gulf Coast natural gas-to-liquids facility. On September 24, 2013, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and Royal Dutch Shell announced selection of Louisiana’s Ascension Parish as the site for a proposed Gulf Coast natural gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant, a cost of least $12.5 billion. Shell will also fund… Keep reading →
California Air Resources Board has announced issuance of the first carbon offset credits for cap-and-trade program compliance. On September 17, 2013, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced issuance of 600,000 compliance-grade carbon offset credits for use in the cap-and-trade program. The offset credits will be issued through the Compliance Instrument Tracking System for state-issued carbon… Keep reading →
On September 30, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider a major challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of greenhouse gas regulations under Section 202 of the Clean Air Act, a hearing that could affect President Obama’s timetable for existing power plants and state implementation plans. The EPA will likely face ongoing litigation on most… Keep reading →
CPUC has proposed policies and mechanisms for its landmark energy storage procurement program that sets a 1,325 MW energy storage mandate. On September 3, 2013, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a proposed decision detailing policies and mechanisms for its energy storage procurement program established under the 2010 Assembly Bill 2514, the first… Keep reading →
Ever tried to find out who is in charge when it comes to energy policy? With literally hundreds of agencies and regulators at everything from the local level through state and regions to DC-based policy-makers and even the President, the level of complexity when it comes to understanding energy policy isn’t just frustrating, it is… Keep reading →
The 40+ year-old Vermont Yankee Nuclear plant will shut down by Q4 2014 due to high cost structure and low natural gas and wholesale energy prices. On August 27, 2013, Entergy Corporation announced plans to close and decommission the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station in Vernon, Vermont in Q4 2014, after the current fuel cycle. Once the plant… Keep reading →
NYSERDA has reached a major milestone, completing 50,000 home energy efficiency projects under the ENERGY STAR Program. On August 26, 2013, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced the completion of the 50,000th project under the ENERGY STAR Home Performance Program. The achievement marks a major milestone for the program, which was… Keep reading →
