June 28, 2026 to July 04, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Trump Administration NEPA Reforms: Accelerated Permitting Results

The White House Council on Environmental Quality announced NEPA reforms involving over 60 federal agencies to expedite environmental reviews and permitting processes. Revisions include the 'Categorical Exclusions-First Approach' and faster approval timelines, resulting in DOI permitting domestic energy projects in less than 28 days and the approval of more than 6,100 drilling permits by BLM. These changes are intended to reduce delays, lower taxpayer costs, and encourage infrastructure, affordable housing, commercial innovation, and advanced nuclear reactor testing. Numerous executive orders were issued to push infrastructure development and energy production, with DOI and USDA finalizing new policies. Conservation measures such as streamlined tree harvesting and invasive species management are also incorporated. All reforms aim to boost national defense and job creation while maintaining environmental compliance.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FERC Environmental Review: Texas Gas Transmission Dearborn County Lateral Project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has opened the scoping period for the environmental review of Texas Gas Transmission's Dearborn County Lateral Project. The proposal includes construction of a 12-mile, 20-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline across Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, delivering up to 265,000 dekatherms per day to Vistra Corp.'s Miami Fort Power Plant for a planned fuel conversion from coal to natural gas. FERC is collecting public comments through July 27, 2026, focusing on environmental effects such as geology, water resources, air quality, wildlife, land use, and reliability. The review process will determine whether to produce an Environmental Assessment or Impact Statement, with opportunities for public and agency participation.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Schedules Environmental Assessment: Constitution Pipeline and Wright Interconnect Projects

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced its planned schedule for the environmental assessment of the Constitution Pipeline and Wright Interconnect Projects. The proposal covers over 125 miles of 30-inch natural gas pipeline in Pennsylvania and New York, with new compressor facilities at the Wright Compressor Station. FERC issued notices of petition following requests for certificate reissuance, and public comments have been received regarding water quality, wetland crossing, forest habitat, and alternatives. The EA will be released August 21, 2026, with a subsequent 90-day federal authorization deadline. The review process will address substantive stakeholder concerns and include expanded facilities, meter stations, valves, and communication towers.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Information Collection Extension: Transmission Investment Activity Reporting

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued notice for comment on the extension of Form FERC-730, covering transmission investment activity reporting. Public utilities with incentive-based rate treatment are required to file annual reports detailing actual investment, projected incremental investments for five years, project listings with completion status, and delay reasons. The annual burden estimate is 1,920 hours and $195,840, with 64 respondents. Comments on necessity, methodology, and possible burden reduction are solicited by July 30, 2026. FERC uses this data to assess the state of transmission infrastructure investment and evaluate incentives under Section 219 of the Federal Power Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal EPA Information Collection for Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program Renewal

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to renew its information collection request for the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, covering biogas-derived fuels, third-party reviews, quality assurance, and recordkeeping requirements. Registration and compliance utilize Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). The estimated annual burden is 151,414 hours and $24.3 million for over 11,000 respondents, reflecting an increased industry participation. The renewal includes new waste feedstock requirements and expanded reporting protocols. Public comments are open until August 28, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

SECURE Grid Act

Bill 7257, the SECURE Grid Act, in the energy policy area, recently had its motion to reconsider laid on the table and agreed to without objection. The legislation focuses on measures for enhancing electrical grid security across the United States.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026

Bill 7305, Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026, pertains to energy sector threat assessment. The latest action is the motion to reconsider laid on the table agreed to without objection, marking progress through the legislative process.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act

Bill 7266, Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, relates to science, technology, and communications policy. The bill’s most recent action is a motion to reconsider laid on the table agreed to without objection, focusing on cybersecurity improvements for rural and municipal utilities.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Energy Emergency Leadership Act

Bill 7258, Energy Emergency Leadership Act, in the energy policy area, has the motion to reconsider laid on the table agreed to without objection. The legislation outlines federal roles and responsibilities during energy emergencies.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Water Resources Development Act of 2026

Bill 9497, Water Resources Development Act of 2026, was referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. The bill addresses water infrastructure, including dam and hydropower facility management.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Eastern US power grid operator orders emergency curbs as electricity use nears record: PJM issued emergency curtailment orders as power demand approached historic highs amid extreme heat.
• To Reduce Electrical Grid Strain Amid Heat Wave, Data Centers Are Ordered to Use Backup Power: Data centers in the PJM region were instructed to switch to backup power during a heat-driven grid strain.
• Biggest US power grid PJM moves towards managing data center demand: PJM is advancing policies to actively manage electricity demand from large data centers.
• US nuclear power regulator proposes changing rule protecting people from radiation: The NRC proposed amending radiation protection regulations affecting nuclear generation facilities.
• U.S. to Overhaul Radiation Safety Rules to Spur Nuclear Expansion: Federal regulators are preparing revisions to radiation safety rules to support new nuclear power deployment.
• Electric school buses tapped to shore up fragile US power grids during summer heat: School districts deployed electric buses to supply power back to the grid during high demand periods.
• Opinion | Customers are outraged about soaring electricity bills. There’s a way out.: Utilities face public dissatisfaction over rising electricity costs and seek operational responses to data center demand.
• Gas plants for US data centers to be major source of climate change-linked emissions, report says: Gas-fired generation supporting data centers is projected to contribute substantially to national emissions profiles.
• Five charts that explain the energy world right now: Key trends in grid demand, storage, and power prices are visualized in recent industry data charts.

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