September 27, 2026 to October 03, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

EPA Proposed Amendments to Gasoline Distribution NESHAP and NSPS Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency published a proposed rule reconsidering certain aspects of the 2024 Final Rule for the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants and New Source Performance Standards related to gasoline distribution and bulk terminals. Amendments focus on equipment leak detection, thermal oxidation system compliance, vapor recovery units, and cargo tank vapor-tight requirements. The proposal outlines revised performance testing, recordkeeping, and clarifications of emission limits. EPA expects compliance cost savings between $565,800 and $713,400 annually. The rule also requests stakeholder input on capital expenditure thresholds for facility modifications, testing protocols, and alternative monitoring plans. Comments are due by November 12, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Final Environmental Impact Statement for Sabine Pass Stage 5 Expansion Project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released the final EIS for the Sabine Pass Stage 5 Expansion Project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana and Texas. The project entails three new LNG trains, a 55.6-mile pipeline, two compressor stations, and other infrastructure. The EIS determined most construction impacts will be temporary; remaining long-term effects to wetlands, air quality, and visual resources are considered less than significant with mitigation applied. Several federal agencies participated as cooperating agencies. The EIS will inform FERC's public interest determination under the Natural Gas Act and is available on FERC’s website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Cybersecurity Awareness and Executive Initiatives

The Administration issued a Presidential Message marking National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, reaffirming efforts to strengthen security across critical infrastructure sectors. The statement references new executive actions including an order to combat cybercrime and publication of the Cyber Strategy for America. Strategy implementation proceeds through "GOLD EAGLE," a public-private partnership focused on advanced intelligence and threat defense. The First Lady’s initiatives target youth preparedness via national technology programs promoting safe innovation. Citizens are encouraged to adopt secure practices during October.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Sunshine Act Meetings: NRC Affirmation Session on Material Licensing Exemptions

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission scheduled an open affirmation session for October 1, 2026, covering direct final rulemaking on material licensing exemptions and an appeal involving the Christopher M. Crane Clean Energy Center. NRC determined a vote was warranted with less than one week notice, and the public can attend via teleconference. Details are available on the NRC website; transcript requests and accommodations can be addressed to NRC Secretary staff.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Hydropower Licensing Process Notices for Otter Creek Projects, Vermont

Green Mountain Power Corporation filed notices of intent to apply for new FERC licenses for the Weybridge and Middlebury Lower Hydroelectric Projects on Otter Creek, Addison County, Vermont. Formal scoping sessions, including public and agency input, will be held October 27, 2026 in Middlebury. Site visits and opportunities for comment on the Pre-Application Documents and Scoping Document 1 are scheduled through November 30, 2026. The process includes environmental consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Vermont State Historic Preservation Officer.

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

What We're Reading This Week

• Alternative capital powers America's next wave of LNG and pipeline projects: Investors are funding new LNG and pipeline developments through alternative finance models.
• Senate reaches bipartisan deal on permitting bill to speed approvals of new energy projects: Senators agreed on permitting reforms to expedite energy project approvals.
• COMMENTARY: Energy Watch: Big Oil's big rethink: Oil companies are reassessing strategic directions amid changing market conditions.
• Utilities lose power over permitting bill: Utilities face reduced influence as permitting reform legislation progresses.
• German regulator clears path for EV batteries to power homes and feed grid: Germany's regulator approved using EV batteries for household power and grid support.
• Households will pay more for energy because of federal policy changes, think tank says: A think tank projects higher energy costs for consumers due to new federal policies.
• COMMENTARY: Europe’s electric future needs a battery industry of its own: Experts argue Europe must develop its own battery sector for electric growth.
• UK PM Burnham to launch state-owned GB Grid to cut energy costs, speed connections: Britain prepares a state grid to lower costs and accelerate power connections.
• When the Grid Goes Dark, the Boardroom Becomes the Battlefield: CISO and Board Advisor Professor Kai London Publishes 100+ Title Cyber, AI and Critical Infrastructure Library: Professor Kai London released a library on cyber and infrastructure risks.
• Opinion | Hackers Could Overwhelm Our Power Grid. This Is How to Stop Them.: The opinion piece examines grid vulnerability and bulk power security measures.

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