EPA and DOI to Release Budget Requests; DOE Announces Availability of Funds for Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Regulatory Activity

FY 2015 Budgets

On Tuesday, March 4, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Interior will release their budget requests for Fiscal Year 2015.

Oil and Gas Activity

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is creating a proposed rule concerning managing activities of non-federal oil and gas development in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The rule is expected to impact oil and gas activities associated with any private, state or tribally owned entities that operate, or intend to operate on land or in water located within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Comments on the proposed rule are due by April 25.

Geothermal Funding

The Department of Energy has announced the availability of $10 million to improve enhanced geothermal systems (EGS).  Funding will be provided to as many as 10 three-year long projects. Applications are due by March 30.

Legislative Activity

This Week’s Hearings:

Fisheries

Tuesday, March 4: The House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs, will hold and oversight hearing on the “National Fish Hatchery System: Strategic Hatchery and Workforce Planning Report.” The report is produced by the U.S. Department of Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service.