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New Jersey Expands Data Center Reporting Rules for Energy and Water Use

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill on Aug. 27 completed the four pillars of the state’s data center strategy, signing legislation to expand transparency over data centers’ energy and water use while rolling out guidance and technical support to help municipalities negotiate stronger community benefits agreements. The actions build on July legislation requiring new data centers…...

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Michigan Commission Strengthens Large Load Rules for DTE Electric, Indiana Michigan Power

The Michigan Public Service Commission on Aug. 27 approved two actions to strengthen safeguards for electricity customers as demand from data centers and other large load users accelerates: updated emergency load-shedding rules for DTE Electric and new large load tariff requirements for Indiana Michigan Power. The decisions are designed to ensure that rapidly growing electricity…...

CA auction

California Carbon Allowance Price Climbs 13 Percent in Latest Joint Auction

The California Air Resources Board on Aug. 26 released the results of its latest joint carbon allowance auction with Quebec’s Ministry of the Environment, with all available allowances selling above the reserve price, signaling continued demand from regulated companies across the linked carbon market. The Aug. 19 sale cleared current allowances at $32.48 per metric…...

EnerKnol Research PU Visual Primer Plug In Solar 2026 08 25 Blog preview

Visual Primer: States Advance Legislative Measures to Enable Plug-In Solar

More than half of U.S. states have introduced or advanced legislation so far this year to allow the installation and use of plug-in or portable solar generation devices for residential electricity consumers. Several states are removing traditional barriers, allowing qualifying systems to connect through standard electrical outlets subject to specified safety and installation requirements, without prior utility approval, interconnection agreements, or related fees.

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PJM Proposes Governance Overhaul to Speed Grid Decisions and Expand State Role

PJM Interconnection on Aug. 21 proposed a broad package of governance reforms aimed at speeding decision-making, strengthening board independence, and giving states a larger role in key electricity market decisions ahead of federally mediated negotiations beginning Sept. 1. The proposal responds to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s directive to develop reforms following a July technical…...

Trump Signs Orders to Expedite Oil, Gas Pipeline Approvals

Oil and Gas Lease Sale in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas Generates Nearly $139 Million

The Bureau of Land Management on Aug. 20 announced the completion of a quarterly oil and gas lease sale offering 25 parcels across New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, covering 20,000 acres of federal land, generating $139 million in total receipts. The sale was conducted under the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which reset the…...

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U.S. Energy Department Awards $500 Million for Critical Minerals and Battery Projects

The U.S. Energy Department on Aug. 20 awarded $500 million to seven projects to expand domestic processing of critical minerals, battery manufacturing, and recycling capacity, advancing the Trump administration’s effort to strengthen U.S. supply chains for materials essential to energy production, manufacturing, and national security. The funding, announced through the Office of Critical Minerals and…...

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New England States Push Federal Scrutiny of NextEra-Dominion Deal Over Power Costs

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and other New England states on Aug. 19 urged federal regulators to closely scrutinize NextEra Energy’s proposed acquisition of Dominion Energy, arguing the deal could increase electricity costs by concentrating control over critical power assets. The states contend the combined company would gain significant influence over the region’s energy market, including…...

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PJM Launches Five-Year Strategy to Strengthen Grid Reliability as Power Demand Surges

PJM Interconnection on Aug. 19 released a five-year strategy that places grid reliability at the center of its long-term agenda while outlining reforms to address accelerating electricity demand, tightening generation supplies and a rapidly changing power system. The plan identifies reliability as the organization’s guiding priority and pairs that objective with commitments to improve affordability,…...