April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements, and other government-related news concerning power generation and transmission, wind and solar, utilities, midstream companies, batteries and energy storage, LNG, biofuels, as well as nuclear. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don't miss this week's updates in Oil & Gas and Construction. Also consider subscribing to our Utilities & Power - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• "Protecting Workers and Powering America: The Future of Mining": The House Education and Workforce Committee will hold a hearing titled 'Protecting Workers and Powering America: The Future of Mining' at the Vincennes University Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics, Fort Branch, Indiana, on May 8, 2026.

Federal Government News

Presidential Permit Issued for Bridger Pipeline Expansion at U.S.-Canada Border

President Donald J. Trump issued a Presidential permit to Bridger Pipeline Expansion LLC on April 30, 2026, authorizing construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of pipeline facilities at the international boundary in Phillips County, Montana. The permit sets requirements for facility definition and extends to the segment up to the first shut-off valve or pumping station within 2,000 feet of the border. It includes compliance provisions with federal, state, and local regulations, mandates reporting and indemnification obligations, and stipulates protocols for federal possession and facility removal upon termination. The permit allows for ownership transfers but does not confer legal rights enforceable against the United States.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

CEQ Opens Permitting Innovators Call for Solutions to Industry Partners

The Council on Environmental Quality, working with NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, has launched the Permitting Innovators Call for Solutions to modernize federal environmental reviews and permitting. The initiative, open until June 2, 2026, invites technology firms and related organizations to submit proposals targeting process modernization, workflow automation, and timeline predictability. Up to 50 top solutions will be showcased at the Permitting Innovators Expo in July, with submissions evaluated for a curated showcase. An informational webinar will occur May 14, 2026. Full details are available at permittinginnovators.com.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

H.J.Res. 140 Signed: Reversal of Public Land Withdrawal in Minnesota

On April 27, 2026, the President enacted H.J.Res. 140, which disapproves a 2023 Bureau of Land Management Public Land Order that withdrew 225,504 acres of National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota, from mineral and geothermal leasing for 20 years. The action allows for leasing in these areas.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FERC-725B Information Collection Extension: Mandatory Reliability Standards for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced a three-year extension of FERC-725B, covering mandatory Reliability Standards for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) under the Energy Policy Act. Reporting requirements remain unchanged. The standards apply to users, owners, and operators of the Bulk-Power System, and encompass cybersecurity and physical asset protection. Approved by FERC in successive orders, the standards have evolved to address supply chain management, incident reporting, and control center communications. Comments are due by May 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Energy Conservation Program: Notification of Petition for Rulemaking

The Department of Energy published a notification that the American Gas Association, American Public Gas Association, and National Propane Gas Association petitioned to amend compliance dates for energy conservation standards involving commercial water heating equipment and consumer furnaces. The groups seek an extension to January 1, 2030, citing regulatory uncertainty and impacts to manufacturers and consumers. Comments on DOE’s consideration of the petition are due by May 27, 2026. The docket is open at regulations.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act

Bill 7266, titled the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, has been placed on the Union Calendar, No. 545. The bill focuses on science, technology, and communications policy areas.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act

Bill 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, was received in the Senate and read twice, then referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act

Bill 4214, the Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act, was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 543. The policy area is environmental protection.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 for next-generation geothermal systems

Bill 4406 is titled to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, directing support for development, demonstration, and commercialization activities in next-generation geothermal systems. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

HEATS Act

Bill 5587, the HEATS Act, was received in the Senate and read twice then referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The bill falls under energy policy.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Launches Extended Day-Ahead Market for Western Grid

Governor Newsom announced the launch of California’s Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM), expanding western regional energy markets to improve reliability and lower costs. The EDAM, operated by CAISO, coordinates electricity procurement and scheduling across multiple states.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

New Jersey Advances Gateway Program with Surface Alignment Contract

Governor Sherrill announced the next phase of the Gateway Program—New Jersey Surface Alignment—at the Regional Plan Association’s 2026 Assembly. The contract award by the Gateway Development Commission is expected in June, supporting key work on the approach tracks to the Gateway Tunnel.

Sources: www.nj.gov

Indiana Enacts Senate Enrolled Act 240 to Cut Electricity Transmission Costs

Governor Braun ceremonially signed SEA 240, a bill authored by State Sen. Eric Koch, enabling utilities to use surplus interconnection service to upgrade grid efficiency and reduce transmission costs. The law aims for faster generation and battery storage integration.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Biggest US grid operator to begin processing new power plant projects: PJM is set to process new power plant proposals for the US electricity grid.
• Utility Bills Are Likely to Be Higher This Summer. Here’s What You Can Do.: Utility costs are expected to rise over the summer; consumers seek ways to mitigate expenses.
• US consumers face rising electricity prices despite clean power savings: US electricity prices continue to increase despite broader clean power trends.
• Meta partners with space startup Overview Energy to secure solar power for data centers: Meta partners with Overview Energy to access solar power for its data centers.
• This company says nuclear fusion could finally power the grid — and soon: A firm claims it can deliver grid-scale nuclear fusion technology imminently.
• European grid operators seek better control of voltage surges in wake of Iberian blackout: European grid managers pursue improved voltage management after a regional blackout.
• How to Build a Better Kind of Nuclear Power? This Side Hustle Might Help.: Zap Energy explores an innovative approach to nuclear energy through fusion and fission.
• Sustainable Switch Climate Focus: Iran war ‘supercharging’ global shift to renewables: International conflict is accelerating investment and transition towards renewable energy.
• Utility Scale Wind Towers From Canada: Rescission of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2024: The US rescinds administrative review of countervailing duties on Canadian wind towers for 2024.
• Air Plan Approval; Maryland; Reasonably Available Control Technology for Municipal Waste Combustors: EPA proposes approval of Maryland’s NOx control measures for municipal waste combustors under SIP compliance.

.