A coalition of energy companies have filed a lawsuit against New York’s nuclear subsidy plan for infringing on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s jurisdiction over wholesale electricity markets. The outcome of the recent court case and the success of the program in general will significantly impact the long-term prospects for the U.S. nuclear industry in unregulated markets.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has published regulations to set performance standards for surface activities associated with unconventional drilling, representing the first update to oil and gas well regulations since Marcellus shale development transformed natural gas production in the state. Some of the changes implement the requirements of Act 13 enacted in 2012 to overhaul Pennsylvania’s oil and gas regulations. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has rescinded several provisions of Act 13, reflecting support for municipal authority in the light of several state decisions that quashed local bans on hydraulic fracturing.
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CO PUC) has approved a settlement agreement allowing Xcel Energy to develop the 600 MW Rush Creek Wind Project in eastern Colorado. By commencing the project by the end of 2016, Xcel energy stands to benefit from the full value of the federal production tax credit which will be gradually phased down from next year.
The Ohio Power Siting Board has approved South Field Energy’s proposal to construct a 1,105 MW natural gas-fired electric generation facility in Ohio’s Columbiana County. The project adds to the growing list of natural-gas fired power plants taking over the market share of coal-fired generation that is retiring due to tighter environmental regulations and higher costs.
