Policy & Regulatory

FERC orders, DOE programs, state PUC decisions, and the rules shaping America's energy future

Policy decisions shape how the grid is built and paid for. From FERC's interconnection queue reforms to $369B in IRA clean energy spending, from state PUC rate cases to permitting disputes, regulation affects which projects move forward, who pays for them, and how quickly the energy system changes.

Stories tracked

FERC

Federal Energy Regulatory

$369B

IRA energy spending

State PUCs tracked

Key Regulatory Bodies

FERC: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Regulates interstate electricity transmission, natural gas pipelines, and wholesale power markets. Recent focus: interconnection queue reform (Order 2023), transmission planning, and capacity market oversight.

5 commissioners · Independent agency

DOE: Department of Energy

Administers the Loan Programs Office ($400B+ lending authority), funds nuclear restarts, oversees national labs, and implements IRA clean energy programs.

LPO · ARPA-E · National Labs · Grid Deployment Office

State PUCs: Public Utility Commissions

50 state commissions regulate retail electricity rates, approve power plant construction, oversee utility operations, and set clean energy mandates.

Rate cases · IRPs · RPS mandates · Net metering

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

Sets emissions standards for power plants, regulates air and water quality, and implements climate regulations that shape the generation mix.

Clean Air Act · GHG rules · Coal ash · Water cooling

Hot Policy Topics

Interconnection Reform: FERC Order 2023 overhauls how projects connect to the grid
Transmission Planning: Regional and interregional buildout to move clean energy
IRA Implementation: $369B in clean energy tax credits, grants, and loans
Permitting Reform: Bipartisan push to speed project approvals
Capacity Markets: PJM auction redesign after 830% price spike
Data Center Siting: New frameworks for large load interconnection. FERC large load rulemaking deadline: April 30, 2026.
State Legislative Wave: 300+ data center bills introduced in 30+ states in first 6 weeks of 2026. Topics: moratoriums, special rate classes, water/energy disclosure, clean energy mandates, and rollback of tax incentives. The incentive era is ending.
Coal Plant Deferrals: DOE issuing Section 202(c) emergency orders to keep coal plants running. TVA voted to keep Cumberland (2.5 GW) and Kingston (1.3 GW) open indefinitely. Energy Secretary Wright: coal is "essential to the AI race."

Latest Stories from Archive

FERC orders, DOE grants, state PUC decisions, permitting disputes, and regulatory developments

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