The FERC has directed RTOs/ISOs to identify fuel assurance issues relevant to their respective markets and file a report on the status of their efforts to address the issues. On November 20, 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order directing regional transmission organizations and independent system operators (RTOs/ISOs) to file reports on…
A bill aimed to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline failed in the Senate by one vote short of the threshold required for passage. On November 18, 2014, the U.S. Senate rejected S. 2280, a bill aimed to approve the cross-border Keystone XL pipeline that would carry crude oil from Alberta to Gulf Coast refineries….
The DOE’s Minorities in Energy Industry Partner Network aims to build minorities’ capacity to compete for energy sector opportunities. On November 18, 2014 — the first anniversary of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Minorities in Energy Initiative (MIE) — DOE launched the MIE Industry Partner Network to increase engagement of underrepresented communities in the energy sector….
EIA data show that U.S. crude oil and lease condensate production surpassed 8.6 million bbl/d in August 2014, the highest level since July 1986. On November 17, 2014, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released a report highlighting that U.S. crude oil and lease condensate production exceeded 8.6 million barrels per day (bbl/d) in August, the…
The DOE has issued two final authorizations permitting Freeport LNG to export a total volume of 1.8 Bcf/d of natural gas to non-FTA countries for a 20-year term. On November 14, 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued two final authorizations for Freeport LNG Expansion LP and FLNG Liquefaction LLC to export liquefied natural gas…
The U.S. has announced a $3B commitment to the Green Climate Fund – the largest single pledge to date. On November 15, 2014 – eve of the 2014 G-20 Summit in Australia – U.S. President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. will contribute $3B to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the financial support mechanism aimed…
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed to approve the proposed Keystone XL pipeline project, marking the ninth time the House has voted to advance the project. On November 14, 2014, the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 5682, a bill aimed to approve construction and operation of TransCanada’s proposed Keystone XL…
State energy efficiency resource standards (EERS) outline near- and long-term energy use reduction requirements for utilities and third-party program administrators. EERS play an instrumental role in reducing power-sector emissions growth and could help reduce electricity consumption by as much as 10 percent by 2020. States that do not have a history of EERS or incentive…
The FERC has issued a draft EIS for Jordan Cove’s proposed LNG export terminal at Coos Bay and the associated natural gas transmission pipeline proposed by Pacific Connector. On November 7, 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Jordan Cove Energy Project LP’s proposed liquefied natural gas…
The 2013-2014 winter polar vortex and cold snap events caused record forced generation capacity outages in the PJM Interconnection region. The high outage levels prompted PJM to reassess its capacity product definitions – and associated performance incentives and penalties – to ensure future system reliability. The currently proposed Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) reforms pose significant…
ISO New England’s 2014 Regional System Plan underscores that retirements indicate the need for new resources to address future demand despite energy efficiency measures projected to flatten demand over time. On November 6, 2014, ISO New England (ISO-NE) issued the 2014 Regional System Plan, its annual guide on New England’s long term power-system planning efforts. The…
The 2015 Fuel Economy Guide indicates that 2015 vehicle models comprise a larger number of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles in a broader range of classes and sizes compared to previous years. On November 6, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) released the 2015 Fuel Economy Guide providing information on…
