Legislative Activity

Comprehensive Energy Legislation

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is likely to seek floor time for her comprehensive energy bill, S. 2012, by the end of this month or early February.

Puerto Rico

On Tuesday January 12, the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, will hold a hearing titled “Exploring Energy Challenges and Opportunities Facing Puerto Rico.”

Efficiency Standards

On Tuesday January 12, The House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Power, will hold a hearing regarding the “EPS Improvement Act of 2016” that potentially would exempt specific lighting technologies from the definition of external power supplies (EPS) in the Department of Energy’s EPS efficiency standard, which is to take effect February 2016.

Regulatory Activity

Municipal Storm Sewers

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changes to regulations that govern small municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permits in order to ensure that pollutants in discharge are reduced to the “maximum extent practicable.” Comments are due by March 21.

Offshore Wind

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has identified three wind energy areas for potential development on the outer continental shelf of North Carolina. The National Ocean Service (NOS) is collecting data from North Carolina and South Carolina residents regarding alternative energy production options and offshore wind energy development. Comments on the data collection process and are due by March 7.