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.

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Dates: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Rules Committee to Consider H.R. 2189, H.R. 3617, H.R. 261: The House Rules Committee will meet on February 9, 2026 at Capitol, H-313, to address H.R. 2189 (Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act), H.R. 3617 (Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act), and H.R. 261 (Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025).

Federal Government News

Environmental Assessment for Nueva Era Dos Pipeline Project Released

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued an environmental assessment for the Nueva Era Dos Pipeline Project, a proposed cross-border natural gas transmission line in Maverick County, Texas. The project involves installation of approximately 3,603 feet of 36-inch-diameter pipe, projected to deliver about one billion standard cubic feet of natural gas daily to Mexican industrial customers. The EA concluded that the approval would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. Interested parties are invited to comment before March 2, 2026. FERC outlines multiple channels for submitting comments, including electronic and postal submission. The EA is accessible through FERC’s website and eLibrary.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Institutes Section 206 Investigation of DCR Transmission Tariffs

FERC is initiating an investigation under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act to determine whether DCR Transmission, L.L.C.'s Transmission Owner Tariff and annual Base Transmission Revenue Requirement are unjust or unreasonable, or unlawfully discriminatory or preferential. The refund effective date is set for June 12, 2024. Interested parties are advised to file notices of intervention or motions within 21 days. Full access to related documents is provided via FERC’s website and the eLibrary portal.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Correction to Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting Direct Final Rule

FERC issued a correcting amendment to its October 21, 2025 direct final rule implementing Executive Order 14270, 'Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting To Unleash American Energy.' The amendment removes paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(H) from Section 157.202, which erroneously inserted a conditional sunset date in the natural gas certification regulations. The correction is effective February 6, 2026. Agencies and entities affected by these regulations are notified of the change.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Intent to Prepare Environmental Assessment for Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project

FERC announced plans to prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project in Oregon, operated by Eugene Water and Electric Board. Proposed installation of a load bank at Carmen Power Plant aims to mitigate spill events impacting the Smith Bypass Reach. Filing history and stakeholder intervention dates are outlined, with the EA anticipated by July 31, 2026 and a subsequent 30-day comment period. Contact information for public inquiries is provided by FERC.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Cancellation of Public Scoping Session for Southeast Virginia Energy Storage Project

FERC staff cancelled the February 3, 2026 public scoping session for the Southeast Virginia Energy Storage Project due to an upcoming winter storm. If rescheduled, new notices will confirm revised dates and locations. The cancellation applies to the session at Jessica Ann Moore Community Center in Waverly, VA.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Critical Mineral Dominance Act Advances

Bill 4090, the Critical Mineral Dominance Act, moved forward in Congress, with latest action indicating receipt in the Senate and referral to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. This measure addresses supply chain and resource security issues related to critical minerals.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025 Progresses

Bill 1355, the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025, was placed on the Union Calendar as Calendar No. 410, representing a step in legislative progress for energy sector weatherization programs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026 Moves to Full Committee

Bill 7305, titled the Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026, was forwarded by subcommittee to the full committee by voice vote, focusing on risk assessment infrastructure and industry security.

Sources: www.congress.gov

SECURE Grid Act Moves Toward Full Committee

Bill 7257, known as the SECURE Grid Act, was advanced from subcommittee to the full committee by voice vote. The bill pertains to electric grid security and protective measures.

Sources: www.congress.gov

TVA IRP Act Referred to Subcommittee

Bill 6357, the TVA IRP Act, was referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. This legislation relates to integrated resource planning for the Tennessee Valley Authority and could affect regional resource management.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Sustainable Switch: US and EU stockpile critical minerals: The US and EU are increasing critical mineral stockpiles for energy security.
• A Trump ‘Blockade’ Is Stalling Hundreds of Wind and Solar Projects Nationwide: Hundreds of wind and solar projects face delays reportedly linked to Trump-era policies.
• Morocco's energy ministry puts gas projects on hold: Morocco’s government suspends gas pipeline developments.
• India says will diversify energy supply after deal with US on Russia oil: India plans to diversify energy supplies following agreement with the US on Russian oil.
• Idemitsu and partners to build natural graphite anode supply chain: Idemitsu and partners pursue development of a natural graphite anode supply chain.
• US-driven gas turbine crunch may speed global clean power uptake: Global clean power adoption may accelerate due to US-driven gas turbine shortages.
• Battery storage outlook boosted by thirst for firm power: Increased demand for firm power strengthens prospects for battery storage deployment.
• Czech leader urges EU to overhaul carbon trading schemes to curb energy costs: The Czech prime minister advocates EU reforms to carbon trading as a tool to control energy prices.
• E&E News: Trump plan confirms farm GHG cuts in clean fuels tax credit: The Trump administration codifies farm GHG emission reductions within clean fuels tax credit schemes.

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