ISO-NE insists that its Winter Reliability Programs are a cost-effective interim means for fuel assurance prior to implementation of its Pay-for-Performance market-based solution in 2018. The New England Independent System Operator (ISO-NE) currently relies on its Winter Reliability Program (WRP) to maintain electric system reliability and mitigate system operation challenges caused by natural gas constraints.… Keep reading →
The DOI has proposed additional regulations for exploratory drilling in the Alaska OCS to ensure that operators implement necessary measures – including integrated operations and spill-response plans – through all phases of offshore exploration. The oil and gas resource potential of the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) has received considerable attention from industry. On February… Keep reading →
Despite aging nuclear plant retirements, the U.S. nuclear industry continues to support new development and advanced nuclear technologies. The Administration supports continued federal nuclear energy program funding in its “all of the above” energy strategy. Despite aging plants challenged by low-cost natural gas-fired generation and several off-schedule new plant constructions, the nuclear energy industry… Keep reading →
Continued growth of U.S. unconventional oil and gas production has made oil and gas exports attractive for industry. On February 10, 2015, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) issued a report highlighting the significant decrease in light crude oil imports to the U.S. Gulf Coast area, with light-sweet crude imports virtually eliminated in 2014. Since 2010,… Keep reading →
The House Energy and Power Subcommittee heard testimony from Secretary Moniz on the DOE FY 2016 budget request, which outlined $1+B in renewable energy program funding increases but a decrease to fossil energy research and development. On February 11, 2015, the House Energy and Power Subcommittee held a hearing on the Department of Energy’s (DOE)… Keep reading →
The DOE’s continued support of advanced vehicle technology research, development, and demonstration projects helps expand offerings, cut costs, and improve sales. On January 22, 2015, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced more than $55M to develop and deploy advanced vehicle technologies aimed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce petroleum consumption. The funding opportunity announcement (FOA) supports DOE’s 2012 EV… Keep reading →
The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s hearing on EPA’s coal ash rule centered on compliance mechanisms to incorporate federal requirements into state programs. The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on January 22, 2015 to consider the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rule to regulate disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) from electric… Keep reading →
An amendment to the Keystone XL Bill aims to eliminate the corn ethanol mandate in the Renewable Fuel Standard. On January 16, 2015, Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced the “Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015” as an amendment to the Keystone XL Pipeline Act (S1) introduced on January 6. The… Keep reading →
This Summer, the EPA will propose rules to more widely require REC technologies to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas wells 40-45 percent by 2025. EPA Regulations Could Add Costs to Constrained Industry On January 14, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlined measures to reduce methane emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in… Keep reading →
The LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act would require DOE to make non-FTA LNG export decisions no later than 45 days after environmental review conclusion. On January 6, 2015, Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act to expedite the Department of Energy (DOE) decisions on liquefied… Keep reading →
