Visual Primer: Transportation Electrification Gaining Importance in March Towards Low-Carbon Economy

Visual Primer: Transportation Electrification Gaining Importance in March Towards Low-Carbon Economy

Across the U.S., state and federal agencies are accelerating efforts to bolster electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, expand consumer incentives, or electrify fleets, reflecting the growing importance of transportation electrification to achieve clean energy goals. States are also tasked with deploying billions in new federal funds for charging stations under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

U.S. EPA Announces Initiatives to Advance Building Performance Policies

U.S. Energy Department Issues Federal Building Code Requirements, Proposes Home Appliance Standards

The U.S. Energy Department on March 30 announced new guidelines for federal building energy codes to save energy costs and encourage energy efficiency. The agency also proposed new requirements for residential pool heaters and air conditioners to assist consumers in reducing their energy costs. Over the next 30 years, the new guidelines and proposed standards…...

EPA Releases Strategic Plan in Conjunction with President's Proposed $11.8 Billion Budget to Address Climate Change, Environmental Justice

EPA Releases Strategic Plan in Conjunction with President’s Proposed $11.8 Billion Budget to Address Climate Change, Environmental Justice

The Environmental Protection Agency issued its strategic plan for the fiscal year 2022-2026 on March 28 in conjunction with President Biden’s proposed budget for the fiscal year 2023. The budget proposal requests $11.8 billion for the agency, complementing the resources provided in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The agency plan outlines strategies to…...

President Biden Commits U.S. to Achieve 50 Percent Emissions Reductions in 2030

Biden’s Budget Requests $48.2 Billion for Energy Department Initiatives

The Biden Administration on March 28, 2022 forwarded to Congress the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. The proposed budget for the Department of Energy includes funds to tackle climate change through the enhanced implementation of clean energy, restructuring the U.S. energy portfolio to enhance the nation’s energy independence, and invest in metropolitan and…...

EnerKnol Research PU Visual Primer Green Tariffs

Visual Primer: Utilities Expand Opportunities for Customer Participation in Carbon Mitigation Programs

Energy utilities across the U.S. are expanding opportunities for customers to participate in programs designed to reduce their carbon footprint. Green pricing options have been on the rise, encouraging consumers to meet a portion of their electricity needs from renewable energy resources. Carbon offset programs are becoming popular among natural gas utilities, allowing customers to compensate for their combustion-related emissions.

wind auction pulse

U.S. Interior Announces Wind Energy Auction Offshore the Carolinas

The Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on March 25 announced it will hold an offshore wind energy auction in May for two lease areas offshore the Carolinas. The agency reduced overall acreage available by 14 percent to avoid conflicts with ocean users and minimize environmental impacts. The agency made the announcement after finalizing…...

U.S. Energy Department Engages Private Sector in Cyber-Attack Exercises to Strengthen Energy Sector Preparedness

Federal Agencies Release Advisory with Historical Hacking Campaigns Targeting Critical Infrastructure by Russia

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Energy Department on March 24 outlined numerous intrusion campaigns conducted by indicted Russian state-sponsored cyber actors against energy sector organizations in the U.S. and abroad between 2011 and 2018. The agencies recommended actions for executives and leaders to take, urging the U.S. and international…...

California’s Efforts to Cut Transportation Emissions Are Inadequate

Utilities, Business Groups Seek Judicial Review of Oregon’s Climate Protection Program

A coalition of businesses and trade groups including Avista Corp, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas filed a lawsuit with the Oregon Court of Appeals challenging the Climate Protection Program aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels and natural gas starting in 2022. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality adopted the program in…...

PJM Board Approves $234 Million for Transmission System Expansion

California ISO Board Approves $2.9 Billion Transmission Plan to Advance Clean Energy

California Independent System Operator Board of Governors on March 17 approved the grid operator’s 10-year transmission plan, which identified 23 projects estimated to cost $2.9 billion. The plan aims to boost grid reliability through system expansions, upgrades, and reinforcements required to enhance reliability and to achieve the state’s clean energy goals in an efficient and…...

U.S. Energy Department Announces $420 million to Accelerate Clean Energy Initiatives

Senate Bill to Establish Critical Electricity Infrastructure to Accommodate Clean Energy

U.S. Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) introduced legislation on March 17, which aims to speed the development of clean energy by promoting competition, planning, transparency, and effective supervision of transmission networks. The bill titled Connecting Hard-to-Reach Areas with Renewable Powered Energy, or CHARGE, Act would establish reforms through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulations or the…...