Trump Extends Jones Act Waiver for Energy and Farm Cargo
A 90-day waiver begins August 17, allowing case-by-case exemptions for foreign vessels carrying energy and selected farm cargo between U.S. ports.
Energy Policy
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DOE orders Michigan coal plant to remain available through November
A new DOE emergency order keeps Michigan’s 1,420-megawatt Campbell coal plant available through Nov. 14 amid MISO reliability concerns.
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DOE Opens 60-Day Comment Period on Draft National Transmission Study
The Energy Department’s draft 2026 study examines how the U.S. grid can accommodate AI data centers, manufacturing, new generation and electrification.
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San José Moves Toward Environmental Rules for Future Data Centers
A San José committee recommended uniform standards for future data centers, covering energy, water, generators, emissions, noise and public notice.
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Interior Says Federal Lands Hold 356 Billion Tons of Potential Coal Resources
A new Interior Department and USGS assessment estimates 356 billion short tons of available coal resources in the lower 48 states, plus at least 140 billion in Alaska.
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Montana energy rulemaking enters final public-comment window
Montana DEQ is accepting public comments on proposed energy-related administrative rules through August 7, 2026. The rules have not been adopted.
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Interior releases USGS estimate of 356 billion tons of coal resources beneath federal lands
A new U.S. Geological Survey assessment estimates 4.2 billion short tons of reported coal reserves beneath federal lands and 356 billion short tons of additional available resources in the lower 48 states.
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Federal snapshot shows 266,164 public EV charging ports
A new federal snapshot lists 266,164 public EV charging ports, but the mix, location and reliability of chargers still vary widely for U.S. drivers.
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FERC orders Western grid operators to report on seams by Sept. 30
FERC ordered CAISO and SPP to explain how they manage Western grid seams by Sept. 30, as new markets and power flows expand across the region.
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FERC Gives PJM Until Sept. 30 to Agree on Grid Reforms
FERC is pressing PJM stakeholders to agree on governance reforms by Sept. 30 as a capacity-auction shortfall and rising demand test the grid operator.
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EPA Coal-Ash Permit Review Enters Agency’s Next Phase
EPA’s reopened coal-ash permitting comment period closed July 29. No nationwide permit change took effect, and the agency is reviewing next steps.
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Oklahoma named a potential host for federal nuclear campus, but no project is awarded
Oklahoma is one of five states continuing to explore a federal nuclear campus that could include reactors, fuel-cycle work and radioactive-waste activities. No site, award or construction commitment exists.
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Montana Energy Task Force sets Aug. 25 Helena meeting as draft recommendations are posted
Montana’s Energy Task Force will meet Aug. 25 at the State Capitol in Helena. Draft recommendations and a draft report from its July meeting are available, but the agenda and materials for the next meeting remain to be determined.
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D.C. Attorney General Urges Regulators to Reject Washington Gas Pipeline Plan
The D.C. Public Service Commission is weighing whether to retain, modify or reject Washington Gas’s pipeline-replacement plan after a July 27-28 evidentiary hearing. The dispute could affect future gas bills, neighborhood construction and the District’s long-term gas planning.
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New Jersey creates pathway to seek new nuclear power under ratepayer safeguards
The Power NJ Act directs the BPU and NJEDA to seek at least 1,100 megawatts of new nuclear generation, but no plant, site or developer has been approved and future customer costs remain unknown.
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Senate Advances Russia Sanctions Bill After Zelenskyy Visits Capitol
The Senate advanced a proposed Russia sanctions package in an 86-12 procedural vote as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy watched from the gallery.
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North Dakota lawmakers weigh AI and data-center rules after crowded hearing
North Dakota lawmakers are studying AI and data-center rules after a crowded Bismarck hearing raised concerns about local control, water, power and land use.
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New York Pauses State Permits for Large Data Centers
New York paused certain state permits for large data centers while officials review grid, water, environmental and ratepayer risks statewide.
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Baton Rouge utility costs remain unsettled after Landry-Entergy pledge
A voluntary pledge says large data centers should cover project-related power costs, but Baton Rouge Entergy customers still face open Louisiana regulatory questions.
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DOJ dismisses Alaska ANWR leasing case after TCJA-violation settlement
DOJ ENRD filed a July 7, 2026 stipulation dismissing Alaska and AIDEA challenges to the 2024 ANWR leasing plan, citing TCJA violations.
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DOE Order 202-26-35 for PJM grid reliability: what to watch (July 14–21)
DOE Order 202-26-35 is in effect July 14–21 for PJM reliability during the heat peak, directing unit dispatch and authorizing backup power as needed.
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DOE opens comment period on draft 2026 Transmission Needs Study—key deadlines
DOE has opened a 60-day comment period on its draft 2026 National Transmission Needs Study; Federal Register deadline: midnight Sept. 8 (EST).