October 11, 2026 to October 17, 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 Proposes Revised 2026-2027 Small Refinery Exemption Reallocations Under Renewable Fuel Standard

The Environmental Protection Agency introduced proposed revisions to reallocation volumes for small refinery exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027. This move follows a higher-than-anticipated volume of 2025 exemptions, totaling 1.76 billion Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), compared to the previously expected 990 million RINs. The proposal offers two approaches: splitting the additional 770 million RINs evenly between 2026 and 2027 or allocating all to 2027. The Agency invites public hearing comments through November 4 and written submissions by December 4, 2026. The revised requirements may extend the 2026 compliance reporting deadline beyond March 31, 2027, depending on finalization timing. Technical corrections to fuel quality and RFS rules are also included, with the EPA estimating impacts on fuel prices of less than one cent per gallon. The action is authorized by various sections of the Clean Air Act, and EPA is seeking input on the legal authority, approach, and potential impacts.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOE Opens Emissions Value Request Process for Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit

The Department of Energy has commenced the Emissions Value Request Process to support Treasury and IRS administration of the section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. Producers of transportation fuel seeking 45Z credits must obtain lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions rates for their fuels, either from published tables or via petitioning for provisional emissions rates (PER) if not included in current tables. The procedure, posted on DOE's website, follows prior Federal notices and public comment periods from July 2025 and February 2026. DOE has now operationalized the process, enabling applicants to request emissions values necessary for 45Z determinations. Administrative details and contacts are listed in DOE's official release.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Seeks Comments on Reliability Standards Data Collection Updates for Electric Grid

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requested public feedback on changes to three approved information collections related to mandatory reliability standards: FERC-725Z (Reliability Coordinator Data), FERC-725L (Power System Modeling), and FERC-725A (Transmission Operator Data). The updates cover eight reliability standards, as well as new terminology for distributed energy resources, model validation, and verification in the NERC Glossary. Annual compliance estimates include a total burden of 121,248 hours and $7.7 million in costs, varying by entity type. Responses are due by November 16, 2026 via multiple submission methods.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

IRS Invites Comments on Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit Information Collection

The Internal Revenue Service issued a notice requesting public comment on information collection requirements for the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit under Notice 2023-18, consistent with Section 48C(e). The program allocates $10 billion in tax credits, including $4 billion for designated energy communities, covering projects that manufacture, recycle clean energy technologies, or reduce emissions by at least 20%. For technical review and certification, applicants must submit concept papers and documentation to DOE and IRS. The collection is estimated at 5,000 responses annually with total burden hours of 31,750. Comments are due December 14, 2026; no changes were made to paperwork requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NRC Biweekly Notice: Nuclear Facility License Amendments and No Significant Hazards Considerations

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission published its biweekly notice covering applications and amendments to facility operating and combined licenses, all determined to involve no significant hazards considerations (NSHC). Public comments are open until November 13, 2026, with hearing requests due December 14. Specific amendment requests from Arizona Public Service (Palo Verde), Duke Energy Progress (Shearon Harris), Florida Power & Light, and Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation include modifications to technical specifications, risk management protocols, and operator candidate evaluations. Additional license amendments address operational and safety updates across facilities in Minnesota, California, Alabama, and Missouri.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Proclaims October 2026 as National Energy Dominance Month

President Trump issued a proclamation declaring October as National Energy Dominance Month. The statement details recent federal actions, including the repeal of vehicle and power plant regulations, release of federal lands for energy production, major investments in coal and nuclear, and a historic oil deal with Venezuela. With over 6,000 drilling permits approved and revitalization efforts underway, the administration reports record domestic oil, gas, and LNG output in 2025, with further growth expected. The Ratepayer Protection Pledge was also referenced as addressing power affordability for households and businesses.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Visits Montana: Policy Achievements for Energy, Manufacturing, and Infrastructure

President Trump’s Montana visit was used to present policy results, including expansion of coal mining at Spring Creek, Rosebud, and Bull Mountains, investment in critical minerals (U.S. Antimony Corporation), $800 million manufacturing growth with Janicki Industries, and land/water management reforms. Nuclear modernization at Malmstrom AFB occurred via Sentinel ICBM construction. Energy sector actions involved regulatory changes and new investments. Rural and urban communities received additional support in healthcare, behavioral health clinics, and infrastructure.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

President Trump Visits Alaska: Energy and Infrastructure Initiatives

During his Alaska visit, President Trump outlined federal actions including a $54 billion natural gas pipeline investment, reopening 82% of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, and approval of oil and mineral development projects. Rural health, fisheries protection, and military upgrades—including new barracks and the $7 billion Fighter Town USA—were also reported. Crime rates have decreased with a 13% drop in murders, and economic measures have driven job growth and resource sector development.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FERC Environmental Assessments: Pipeline and Hydro Power Projects

FERC released environmental assessments for two major projects this period. The Viola Project in Kansas, proposed by Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, involves construction of a 19.3-mile natural gas pipeline to supply Evergy, Inc.’s 710-MW Viola Plant, with EA concluding no significant impact. Public comments are due by November 9, 2026. Separately, Public Service Company of Colorado seeks approval for decommissioning the Salida Hydro Nos. 1 & 2 Project on federal lands, also with EA finding no significant environmental effect. Both assessments are available on FERC’s website for stakeholder review.

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

FERC Scoping Period Opens for Texas Gateway Pipeline Project

FERC has opened an additional public scoping period for the Texas Gateway Project by Gulf South Pipeline Company, aiming to construct approximately 155 miles of natural gas pipeline across Texas and Louisiana, expanding system reliability and serving LNG, industrial, and utility demand. The project would cross major waterbodies, federally managed lands, and affect habitats for several sensitive species. Four in-person scoping sessions are scheduled October 26–29, 2026. Stakeholders must submit environmental comments by November 12, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• UK watchdog moves to protect energy market from wholesale price swings: Britain is taking steps to buffer energy markets from volatility in wholesale pricing.
• TotalEnergies expands US venture with KKR with 700 MW portfolio: TotalEnergies and KKR expand their US energy portfolio with a new 700 MW project.
• Emerging Asia's power-driven LNG demand at risk as renewables gain ground: Asian LNG demand faces uncertainty as renewable sources increase market share.
• Trump Energy Department issues emergency order to prevent blackouts across 13 states amid unusual October heat: DOE issues an emergency order to avert blackouts during abnormal autumn heat across 13 states.
• (Energy) War of the Worlds: POLITICO examines global energy industry conflicts and their implications.
• COMMENTARY: Europe's battery boom has a dirty secret: Commentary reveals environmental challenges behind Europe's surge in battery production.
• Rising AI demand boosts case for new US trunk power lines: Growing AI usage increases the need for expanded US trunk power transmission infrastructure.
• Data centers may benefit from massive rural utility loan, US official says: US official announces that rural utility loans could support new data center projects.
• Italy clinches deal with EU over measures to limit impact of gas prices on electricity costs: Italy secures EU approval for measures mitigating gas price impacts on electricity bills.
• Over 1 million consumers were facing power cuts in Ukraine at some point, energy ministry says: Ukraine’s energy ministry reports widespread power cuts affecting over 1 million consumers.

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