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California Approves Cap-and-Invest Program Overhaul to Advance 2045 Climate Goals

The California Air Resources Board on May 29 adopted revisions to the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program, strengthening emissions limits through 2045 while expanding consumer protections and support for energy-intensive industries. The updates are intended to keep California on track to meet its climate goals, provide long-term market certainty, and address affordability concerns amid economic uncertainty and…...

EnerKnol Research PU Visual Primer Natural Gas 2026 06 02 Blog preview

Regulators Weigh New Approaches to Utility Gas System Planning

Interest in modernizing gas utility planning continues to grow as regulators, utilities, and other stakeholders assess the implications of decarbonization goals for existing distribution systems. Recent developments reflect efforts to…Read the full report  …...

EnerKnol Research PU Visual Primer Natural Gas 2026 06 02 Blog preview

Visual Primer: Regulators Weigh New Approaches to Utility Gas System Planning

Interest in modernizing gas utility planning continues to grow as regulators, utilities, and other stakeholders assess the implications of decarbonization goals for existing distribution systems. Recent developments reflect efforts to address gas infrastructure planning, customer impacts, and deployment of lower-emission alternatives.

U.S. House Responds to UN Climate Report Urging Prompt Action to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050

U.S. EPA Restores Affirmative Defense Protections Under Federal Air Permits

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on May 28 restored affirmative defense protections under federal air permitting regulations following a federal court ruling that overturned a 2023 Biden administration rule. The move relieves manufacturers, power producers, and other industrial facilities from potential liability for excess emissions caused by unavoidable events such as equipment malfunctions, emergencies, or…...

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MISO Advances 3.7 GW of Projects Under Accelerated Interconnection Review

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator on May 27 advanced a fourth round of projects under its Expedited Resource Addition Study, or ERAS, program, continuing efforts to speed new generation development as utilities confront rising electricity demand and tightening reserve margins across the Midwest and South. The latest cycle includes seven projects totaling about 3.7 gigawatts…...

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Minnesota Commission Approves Xcel Energy’s 600-Megawatt Sherco Battery Project to Support Energy Transition

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on May 26 approved a site permit for Xcel Energy to develop the Sherco South and West Battery Energy Storage Project, a 600-megawatt battery facility planned at the site of the Sherburne County Generating Station in Becker, Minnesota. The decision advances Minnesota’s efforts to replace retiring coal-fired generation with battery…...

EnerKnol Research PU Visual Primer Wildfires 2026 05 26 Blog preview

Emerging Grid Reliability Challenges in the Western U.S.

Utilities and regulators across the Western U.S. are advancing interconnection reforms, transmission expansion, and wildfire mitigation measures as rapid load growth and climate-related risks place increasing…Read the full report  …...

EnerKnol Research PU Visual Primer Wildfires 2026 05 26 Blog preview

Visual Primer: Emerging Grid Reliability Challenges in the Western U.S.

Utilities and regulators across the Western U.S. are advancing interconnection reforms, transmission expansion, and wildfire mitigation measures as rapid load growth and climate-related risks place increasing pressure on grid reliability. Recent actions by grid operators, federal regulators, and state policymakers indicate a growing emphasis on modernizing interconnection and transmission planning processes while embedding wildfire resilience into long-term reliability planning.

EnerKnol Research PU Visual Primer Biofuels 2026 05 19 Blog preview

Visual Primer: Low-Carbon Fuel Policies Gain Momentum at Federal and State Levels

Recent developments in the low-carbon fuel sector reflect efforts to expand domestic biofuel production and advance market-based clean fuel programs designed to reduce transportation emissions.