Divided opinions over climate change issues delayed approval of the draft oversight plan in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Democrats called to amend the draft plan to hold hearings on climate change science, an issue that Republicans have long opposed. On February 6, 2013, democrats in the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced a…...
Recognizing the need to upgrade New York’s energy infrastructure in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Governor Cuomo’s plans would fundamentally redesign the state’s power system. In his 2013 State of the State report, the Governor highlighted increased grid resiliency, renewable power integration, and reduced dependence on centralized power systems. Governor Cuomo’s proposals follow an interim report…...
As part of the state’s 2013 energy package, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed a $1 billion “Green Bank” to draw in private sector money and spark investment in clean energy projects. The Governor also named a “Cabinet-Level Energy Czar” to advance cleantech strategies. The announcements are a step forward to promote renewable energy development…...
The EPA recently released its final revisions to the RICE NESHAP rule, which requires all facilities with existing, non-emergency diesel-powered engines to upgrade their engines. The rule impacts many public utilities, hospitals, oil and gas producers, and other large facilities. According to the EPA, there are over 900,000 stationary engines that will be affected by the ruling. On January 14, 2013, EPA…...
New York Governor Andrew M Cuomo, at his 2013 State of the State address, proposed a major expansion of the successful NY-Sun program, announcing $150 million in annual funding through 2023. The expansion intends to steer progress in the solar power industry by making solar installations for homes and businesses more affordable. The proposal, part…...
As part of state goals to further a clean tech economy, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the Charge NY Plan, a new initiative intended to create a comprehensive charging network for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in New York. The proposal calls for a $50 million investment spread over five years, as part of…...
Congress extended the Wind Energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) for another year under the 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act passed on January 1, 2013. The current extension widens the scope of the credit, as it applies to facilities under construction in 2013, unlike previous PTCs that only covered facilities that would be under production by the…...
Congress reconvenes this week after a week-long Thanksgiving break. Lawmakers will continue budget negotiations and consider other legislation this week, including a bill in the House that could affect energy research and development by targeting science, technology, engineering and math experts in a new immigration visa. Lawmakers also raised the importance of legislation enhancing cyber…...
Politico Conference Recap by Erin Carson, Senior Policy Advisor A well-attended energy conference held in Washington D.C. last week asked congressional members and industry leaders about the upcoming energy policy agenda. The topics included oil and gas, renewable energy, and the possibility of new energy legislation. Panelists spoke about the need to invest in energy technologies…...
With the election over, President Obama’s energy priorities will emerge as new rules and regulations are finalized under existing law. The balance of power in Washington is the same as it was prior to the elections– President Barack Obama will serve another four years and Congress will continue to be divided with a Democrat-controlled Senate…...
Under President Obama’s second term, energy industry officials and analysts are keen on the Administration’s priorities for the energy sector, envisioning regulatory reforms and policies to advance the nation’s energy and economic security. Key areas to watch include Keystone XL Pipeline talks, recognizing the primacy of states in regulating oil and natural gas development, and…...
Sequestration refers to a package of automatic $1.2 trillion across-the-board spending cuts that is a part of the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA), passed in August 2011. The spending cuts would affect some 1200 government programs, including those that fund energy research and development initiatives. The cuts are scheduled to begin on January 2, 2013…...
