September 06, 2026 to September 12, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Energy and Natural Resources: Hearing on Industry Legislation, Geothermal, Grid Security, and Hydropower Licensing: On September 16, 2026, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold an open hearing reviewing proposed legislation affecting ecosystem restoration, geothermal development, grid cybersecurity and resilience, hydropower licensing modernization (S.5048), and energy efficiency standards. The session covers bills relating to geothermal, state energy security planning, and various water-related and transmission topics.
• House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee: Nuclear Spent Fuel Policy Meeting Focused on Lifecycle Innovation Campuses: On September 15, 2026, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy will meet to discuss nuclear spent fuel policy and innovation campuses, with testimony from officials at the Department of Energy, the Illinois Commerce Commission, the Nuclear Energy Institute, and industry representatives.
• Senate Environment and Public Works: Business Meeting on Uranium Enrichment Licensing Harmonization: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is scheduled for a business meeting on September 16, 2026. Agenda items include S.5249, aligning uranium enrichment facility licensing with other fuel cycle facilities, and other bills related to air quality and vehicle engine functions.

Federal Government News

DOE Seeks Input on Securing the United States Bulk-Power System Following National Emergency Declaration

The Department of Energy issued a Request for Information (RFI) on September 9, 2026, seeking stakeholder comments on the scope and risks relating to foreign-produced equipment used in the U.S. bulk-power system. The RFI is a direct response to Executive Order 14421, which declared a national emergency to secure the United States bulk-power grid against vulnerabilities linked to covered foreign entities. Stakeholders are invited to submit information on equipment scope, risk assessment, supply chain practices, domestic manufacturing, and potential impacts on economic, reliability, and safety considerations. The DOE will hold a public webinar on September 16, 2026, for further participation. Comments are due by October 9, 2026. This development follows findings that increased reliance on advanced technologies, manufacturing, and AI is magnifying the grid’s strategic importance and exposure to attack or disruption. The agency seeks industry input prior to proposing regulations or procurement changes.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NRC Proposes Rulemaking for In Situ Uranium Recovery and Decommissioning Timeliness

On September 10, 2026, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed amendments impacting uranium in situ recovery (ISR) licensing and decommissioning timelines for nuclear materials licensees. The rule introduces risk-informed groundwater protection requirements for ISR facilities, clarifies the applicability of alternate concentration limits for groundwater, and extends timeframes for notification and initial decommissioning at nuclear materials facilities. The NRC's action responds to sector calls for clearer, more predictable regulatory standards. Draft guidance and regulatory analyses suggest cost savings for both industry and the Commission, especially for licensing actions. The proposed rule also addresses the streamlining of decommissioning schedules for reactors beyond the current 60-year window, potentially shifting certain requests to the specific exemption process. Comments are due by October 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Executive Order Adjusts Defense Production Act Delegations for Energy

President Trump signed an executive order on September 8, 2026, amending prior delegations under the Defense Production Act. The order allows both the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to exercise delegated authorities independently for energy-related actions, expanding beyond previous limitations. Disputes between the two departments over energy matters will be referred to the National Energy Dominance Council or, for military-related issues, jointly to the National Energy Dominance Council and National Security Council. The amendments provide clarity regarding energy production, construction, and distribution authorities. The order does not affect existing legal authorities, is dependent on appropriations, and does not generate private enforceable rights.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Environmental Assessments Advanced for Green Chile and Texas-Arkansas Natural Gas Pipeline Projects

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) released environmental assessments for two interstate natural gas pipeline projects: Transwestern Pipeline Company’s Green Chile Project, which proposes nearly 18 miles of new pipeline in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and the Texas-Arkansas Power Project by Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, supporting additional capacity for natural gas-fired generation in northern Texas and Arkansas. Both assessments conclude no significant environmental impacts, with public comments accepted until October 5, 2026. Review processes under the National Environmental Policy Act and participation by other agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management are detailed.

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

DOE Issues Information Collection Extension for Power Transmission Benchmarking

The Department of Energy announced a request for public comment on the proposed three-year extension for the "BPA Generic Benchmarking Surveys" under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The surveys are designed to analyze construction and design standards in power transmission, collecting responses from 300 stakeholders annually. The information will facilitate comparative assessments of practices and ensure consistency across the sector. Respondents include engineers, transmission organizations, and the North American Transmission Forum. Comments are open until October 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trade wars target the energy transition: Politico explores how escalating trade tensions are affecting the energy transition and manufacturing supply chains.
• Why California Is Reconsidering Its Decision to Shun Nuclear Power: The New York Times examines California's renewed interest in nuclear amid grid reliability and decarbonization pressures.
• US House to take up bill aimed at curbing data center-driven electricity costs: Reuters reports on pending U.S. House legislation targeting electricity price impacts linked to surging data center demand.
• COMMENTARY: INVESTOR VIEW: Home solar with storage could slow power price supercycle: Reuters commentary discusses how widespread solar-plus-storage adoption may help mitigate future electricity price volatility.
• Global clean hydrogen investment tops $130 billion amid energy security push, council says: Reuters notes that global investment in clean hydrogen has exceeded $130 billion, driven by security and diversification efforts.
• Texas has lessons for powering Europe: Politico highlights how Texas’s grid experience informs European energy strategies under stress.
• Germany, UAE deepen energy cooperation with renewable, gas agreements: Germany and the UAE sign new renewable and LNG agreements to enhance bilateral energy cooperation.
• Sudan’s war-driven blackouts push residents toward solar power but high costs shut many out: AP examines the increased reliance on solar energy in Sudan due to grid disruptions, and the affordability barriers faced.
• Britain's grid upgrade delays could raise costs, NAO report says: Delays in the UK’s grid modernization may lead to higher costs, according to a new NAO report.

.