The Energy Consumers Relief Act, approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, would prevent EPA from finalizing major energy-related rules without DOE approval. On July 17, 2013, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved three energy-related bills – H.R. 1582, H.R. 1900, and H.R. 83 – aimed to promote economic growth and energy…
DOE released a report examining the impacts of climate change on the nation’s energy and electricity infrastructure, including an assessment of ongoing efforts and potential opportunities to improve the energy sector’s climate resilience. On July 11, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a report examining current and future impacts of climate change on…
OPEC forecasts that demand for its crude will decline by 2.6% despite notable growth in global oil demand, citing U.S. production growth as a major projection driver. On July 10, 2013, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) released its 2014 oil market outlook, assessing OPEC’s performance in the global market. The report projects that…
BLM has approved a 234-mile natural gas pipeline to transport natural gas liquid products across New Mexico and to markets in Texas. On July 4, 2013, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved the construction and operation of the Western Expansion Pipeline Project III, a 234-mile natural gas pipeline from northwestern New Mexico to the…
DOE has released a draft solicitation for advanced fossil energy projects that could be eligible for up to $8 billion in loan guarantees, as part of Obama’s Climate Action Plan. On July 2, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a draft loan guarantee solicitation for advanced fossil energy development projects aimed to reduce greenhouse…
President Obama’s second-term climate agenda includes sweeping measures to cut carbon emissions from power plants, boost renewable energy production, increase fuel economy standards, and advance international initiatives to combat climate change. On June 25, 2013, President Barack Obama outlined a comprehensive Climate Action Plan prioritizing measures to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to set a…
WGA’s “10-Year Energy Vision” calls for collaborative interstate initiatives to achieve energy security by increasing energy production, improving energy efficiency, and expanding energy distribution infrastructure, among other energy goals. On June 28, 2013, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) released the “10-Year Energy Vision,” a regional plan articulating the energy goals of 19 member states, American…
The FRESH Act would grant states sole authority to oversee hydraulic fracturing operations on any lands within their borders and prevent duplicative federal regulations. On June 26, 2013, a group of 18 senators led by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced the 2013 Fracturing Regulations are Effective…
A newly proposed Senate bill would establish the State Energy Race to the Top program aimed at doubling the nation’s energy productivity by 2030. On June 20, 2013, Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced a bill to establish a state grant program of federal incentives to boost energy productivity. The bill…
Three energy bills approved by the House Natural Resources Committee aim to expand federal onshore and offshore drilling by improving access to Atlantic and Pacific areas, Indian lands, and the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A). On June 12, 2013, the House Natural Resources Committee voted in favor of three bills – Offshore Energy and…
Illinois’ Hydraulic Fracturing Regulation Act establishes strict environmental protections and sets the stage for significant economic development in the state. On May 31, 2013, Illinois Senate passed the Hydraulic Fracturing Regulation Act (SB 1715) by a vote of 52-3, one day after it passed the House by a vote of 108-9. The legislation, developed with…
A new report identifies NYC’s potential for combined heat and power deployment and suggests potential solutions to overcome regulatory and technical barriers. On May 30, 2013, the Columbia Center for Climate Change Law and Modi Research Group released a report examining the potential for combined heat and power (CHP) development in New York City. Based…
