Regulatory Activity

Greenhouse Gas Data

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to publish data it has collected from industry and related parties under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. The agency is seeking comment on its plan to publicly release information by aggregating in order to protect the confidentially of entities that provided information. Comments on EPA’s method are due by July 9.

EPA’S Upcoming Regulations

EPA has released its Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. Of note, the agency’s Notice of Public Rulemaking (NPRM) for “Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles—Phase 2″ is expected March 2015. The NPRM for “Financial Responsibility Requirements Under CERCLA Section 108(B) for Classes of Facilities in the Hard Rock Mining Industry” is expected August of 2016.

Wind Energy Deployment

The Department of Energy has announced a new initiative to support a regional approach to wind energy development in the United States. “WindEXCHANGE” is composed of six regional public-private partnerships that cover the majority of the U.S. to provide cost/benefit data, technical assistance and education concerning development and deployment of wind power.

Legislative Activity

This Week’s Hearings:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Thursday, June 19: The House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Power, will hold a hearing to examine EPA’s proposed plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants. The subcommittee will hear testimony from Janet McCabe, EPA’s Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. EPA’s “Clean Power Plan” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants will fundamentally shift the nation’s energy economy for generations to come. Read our detailed alert on the proposed rule here.

Climate Change

Wednesday, June 18: The Senate Environment and Public Works, Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, will hold a hearing titled, “Climate Change: The Need to Act Now.” The hearing is notable as four former EPA administrators will testify.

Pipelines and Facilities on Federal Lands

Friday, June 20: The House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, will hold a legislative hearing on two bills:  H.R. 4293, The Natural Gas Gathering Enhancement Act, and H.R. 1587, The Energy Infrastructure Improvement Act. Together the bills cover approval of natural gas and oil pipelines and expedited permitting of pipelines and facilities on federal lands.