The Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC or the Council), which oversees the siting of large-scale energy facilities including wind and solar power projects, voted late last month to initiate rulemaking to clarify aspects of its contested case procedures. A
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Publishes Final Rule Amending Eagle Permit Regulations
Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“Service”) published notice in the Federal Register of a final rule amending its regulations authorizing permits for eagle incidental take and eagle nest take. The final rule comes roughly a year and four…
Oregon EFSC Approves Ambitious Rulemaking Schedule for 2024, Clarifies Standby Generator Requirements
At its January 26, 2024 meeting, the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) approved an ambitious rulemaking schedule for 2024 that will include consideration of changes to a wide range of EFSC rules. Detailed information regarding EFSC’s rulemaking projects can…
Minnesota Community Solar Garden Updates – New Program To Begin Accepting Applications
In early January, the Minnesota Department of Commerce shared new details about the state’s Low and Moderate-income Accessible Community Solar Garden program (the “Program”) application process and requirements. Among other features, the Program emphasizes subscribing low- and moderate-income (“LMI”) households…
California Public Utilities Commission Implements New Prevailing Wage Requirements for Large NEM Projects Seeking to Interconnect After December 31, 2023
On November 16, the California Public Utilities Commission (Commission) voted to adopt a decision resolving the remaining issues in the Net Energy Metering (NEM) proceeding. The decision, issued on November 22 as D.23-11-068, applies the net billing tariff concept…
Oregon Raises EFSC Jurisdictional Floor for Solar Facilities: Developers Will Have Additional Permitting Options Starting January 1, 2024
On June 23, 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 3179, which changes the definition of energy facilities subject to mandatory Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) jurisdiction. Signed by Oregon’s Governor on July 18, 2023, HB 3179…
DOE Announces 7 Hydrogen Hubs Eligible for $7 Billion in Funding
On October 13, 2023, the United States Department of Energy (“DOE”) announced seven proposals from around the country selected to enter negotiations to receive funding under the DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (“H2Hubs”) program. Projects located in California, Minnesota, North…
FERC issues Final Rule on Improvements to Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreements
At the July 27, 2023, Open Meeting, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued long-awaited Order No. 2023, the Final Rule on Improvements to Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreements in Docket No. RM22-14-000. The rulemaking arose from the Advanced…
CPUC Opens Rulemaking to Streamline Permitting Procedures for Electrical Facilities
During its May 18 voting meeting, the California Public Utilities Commission (Commission) voted to open a new rulemaking proceeding that will consider improvements to its permitting procedures for electric infrastructure projects that fall under its jurisdiction. The Commission’s action is…
CPUC Considers Party Proposals on Implementing New Prevailing Wage Requirements for Renewable Energy Projects in California
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC or Commission) is weighing party comments on implementation of Assembly Bill (AB) 2143. Enacted last year, AB 2143 will take effect on January 1, 2024. This bill extends existing prevailing wage requirements for public…