May 17, 2026 to May 23, 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

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

Federal Government News

EPA Proposes Regulatory Changes to Effluent Guidelines for Coal-Fired Steam Electric Plants

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a proposed rule revising effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) for the steam electric power generating industry, chiefly concerning managed and unmanaged combustion residual leachate (CRL) at coal-fired power plants. Prompted by litigation, cost concerns, and significant changes in baseline industry conditions—including higher power demand and project delays—EPA is proposing a flexible, site-specific approach for permitting authorities to set best available technology (BAT) standards for certain unmanaged CRL discharges. The rule retains numeric mercury and arsenic limitations for seven known plants but authorizes case-by-case determinations for other sites, in response to the technical complexity and cost variances of groundwater contamination control. EPA estimates industry cost reductions under the preferred option will reach between $446 million and $1.09 billion annually compared with the 2024 ELG. Public comments are due by June 17, 2026; the proposal details revised cost and pollutant reduction estimates and outlines revised compliance timelines for affected utilities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOE Finalizes Rescission of Renewable Energy Production Incentive Regulations Effective October 2026

The Department of Energy has finalized a rule that formally rescinds the Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI) program regulations at 10 CFR part 451, effective October 1, 2026, coinciding with the statutory sunset. Last funded in 2009, the REPI program directed incentives to public and cooperative renewable facilities. DOE notes that while some commenters sought program retention or extension, discontinuing the regulation aligns with Congressional appropriations, as no future funding was requested in the President’s FY2026 budget. Should Congress reauthorize REPI, DOE will address the program as needed. Existing federal and state tax credits and support programs are mentioned as continuing support for eligible facilities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Marks Anniversaries for Nuclear Executive Orders and U.S.–Sweden Tech Deal

White House Director Michael Kratsios marked the first anniversary of President Trump’s nuclear executive orders at the Operation Gigawatt Summit in Utah, citing sector investment of $2.5 billion in uranium enrichment and outlining milestones, including three small modular reactor (SMR) test projects targeted for operation by July 2026. DOE is advancing microreactors for military installations by 2028 and the NRC has modernized licensing processes, enabling reactor restarts and new fusion framework proposals. Separately, the U.S. and Sweden signed an MOU for joint initiatives in critical minerals, nuclear energy, and research security, and plan to expand cooperation in quantum, energy, and defense technology transfer. The agreement is non-binding and operates under national law.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Rural Utilities Service Opens FY2026 Applications for Section 313A Utility Infrastructure Loan Guarantees

The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service announced the opening of applications for the Section 313A Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes Program (commonly the 313A Program) for fiscal year 2026. The program, under 7 CFR part 1720, provides loan guarantees for qualifying rural infrastructure projects, supporting electric and utility infrastructure upgrades. Going forward, funding opportunities will only be posted on the Agency website. Electronic submissions are required, and interested applicants are directed to contact the Branch Chief for the Electric Program for further details.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Seeks Comment on Electric Reliability Standards and Market-Based Rate Information Collections

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published two notices inviting public comment on information collection activities. The first seeks comments on FERC-725S relating to Emergency Preparedness and Operations (EOP) reliability standards, covering event reporting, system restoration measures, control center functionality, and extreme weather operations. Covered entities include balancing authorities, generator owners/operators, and transmission providers; comments are due by July 20, 2026. The second notice solicits feedback on FERC-919 regarding market-based rates for wholesale electricity sales and data collection on market power assessments, with no changes to current reporting. Estimated respondent burdens and cost details are specified for both collections.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

House and Senate Advance Wide Range of Energy and Electrification Bills

A bill to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (no. 8790) to support next-generation geothermal systems saw action, being ordered reported as amended. The Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act (no. 5631) was placed on the Union Calendar, as was H.R. 4559, a bill to require FERC to issue a rule on interconnecting large load facilities. The Waste Heat to Wattage Act of 2026 (no. 7080) was referred to a House subcommittee, continuing interest in efficiency technologies. Separately, H.R. 8889—a bill to improve dam and hydropower safety—was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

Geothermal, Nuclear, and Utility Rate Bills Move to Calendars and Hearings

The Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2025 (bill 398) and the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026 (bill 4529) advanced, with the latter discussed in a subcommittee hearing on nuclear safety and innovation. A House bill to require FERC to establish a National Utility Rate Change Tracker (no. 8947) was referred to committee, with another measure (no. 8948) proposing to limit retail utility rate increases to one per year. The Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act (no. 7129) was ordered to be reported amended.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

House Energy Calendar Adds Clean Energy, Geothermal, and Safety Measures

The STEAM Act (no. 1077), Geothermal Royalty Reform Act (no. 5638), and Geothermal Gold Book Development Act (no. 5617) were each placed on the Union Calendar. A Senate bill (no. 4605) proposes cost-recovery authority for the Department of the Interior under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. The GEO Act (no. 301) also appeared on the House Union Calendar in the Energy Policy Area.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

Several House Bills Target Power Rates, Grid Modernization, and Electrical Safety

A resolution supports designation of May 2026 as Renewable Fuels Month (no. 1315). The CLEAN Act (no. 1687) is now on the Union Calendar. Bill no. 4565 addresses cybersecurity of U.S. critical infrastructure and was referred to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Another resolution (no. 1302) aims to designate National Electrical Safety Month. A technology modernization grant bill (no. 8926) was referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

Geothermal Resource Development and Oil and Gas Drilling Legislation Advance

A Senate bill (no. 4610) seeks to promote geothermal resource development in the Pacific and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. The License to Drill Act (no. 7831) was placed on the Union Calendar, indicating further House review.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

State Government News

Upper Colorado River Authority Board Reappointments, Texas

Governor Abbott reappointed Nancy Blackwell, Fred Hernandez, Jr., and Mason Vaughan to the Upper Colorado River Authority Board for new terms ending February 1, 2031.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

Florida: Appointments to Pensacola State College District Board

Governor DeSantis appointed Rick Byars and Brooke Snyder, PhD, to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees, pending Florida Senate confirmation.

Sources: www.flgov.com

Indiana Lawmaker Discusses Coal Industry with U.S. Congressional Leaders

State Senator Jim Tomes attended a Congressional committee meeting on coal mining, discussing industry safety, growth, and reliability alongside U.S. Reps. Tim Walberg and Mark Messmer.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

New York Opens $48 Million Bethany Senior Terraces Affordable Housing Project

Governor Hochul announced the opening of Bethany Senior Terraces in Brooklyn: a $48 million, 57-unit fully-electric affordable senior housing development with supportive services, funded by state and city resources and NYSERDA.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• U.S. Energy Storage Expands to Support Growing Power Needs: U.S. energy storage installations are ramping up in response to increased power demand on the national grid.
• Rising Energy Prices and Data Centers Are at Center of a Utility Deal: Data center demand and elevated energy prices are key issues in a utility sector business agreement.
• The New ‘Gold Rush’ of Geothermal Energy: Growing interest in geothermal projects positions the sector as a competitive clean energy provider.
• XCF Global Highlights Long-Term Growth Drivers for Renewable Fuels as U.S. Biofuel Policy Evolves and SAF Demand Continues to Build: Renewable fuels are poised for expansion amid U.S. policy changes and increasing sustainable aviation fuel demand.
• India battles power cuts as heatwave boosts electricity demand to record: India faces record electricity demand and power cuts caused by severe heatwave conditions.
• Italy pays the price of Meloni's stalled green energy transition: Delays in Italy's green energy transition have resulted in increased costs and policy scrutiny.
• Europe’s Green-Energy Future Has a Problem: Reindeer: Wind energy expansion in northern Europe presents new challenges for indigenous herders and local wildlife.
• Britain plans to let parliament approve key energy, infrastructure projects, Treasury says: The UK government proposes to shift authority for significant energy and infrastructure projects to Parliament approval.
• Battery storage firms eye AI demand but face grid, supply hurdles: Battery storage companies are responding to AI-driven demand despite continued grid and supply chain constraints.

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