/>iRegulatory Activity
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council
The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council has announced a two-step application process for entities seeking funding for council-selected projects “to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region” as a result of the Deepwater Horizon spill. The application process is detailed here.
Hydrogen Refueling Stations
On Tuesday, May 12, the Department of Energy will hold a webinar to provide an overview of hydrogen refueling station analysis tools. The tools, developed by Argonne National Laboratory, are intended to address the technical and financial challenges to hydrogen fueling infrastructure deployment.
Hydropower
The Department of Energy has released its the “2014 Hydropower Market Report,” which the agency notes, is “the first ever report to quantify the current size, scope, and variability of our nation’s hydropower supplies.”
Legislative Activity
Minerals and Metals
On Tuesday, May 12, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will receive testimony on Chairman Lisa Murkowski’s (R-AK) bill, S. 883, “American Mineral Security Act of 2015.” The bill is intended to improve the federal permitting process of new mines that produce minerals necessary for manufactured products used in everyday life, ranging from cell phones to medical devices and airplanes. Currently, the U.S. is one of the slowest countries in the world to approve new mines which some argue hinders the U.S. supply chain for manufacturers and the ability to compete globally. Click for a summary of the Chairman’s bill.
Hydropower and Natural Gas
On Wednesday, May 13, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Power, will hold a hearing to address draft legislation concerning the hydropower licensing and relicensing process. The subcommittee will also address draft legislation concerning expediting the permitting of natural gas pipelines.
GHG
On Wednesday, May 13, the House Natural Resources Committee will hold an oversight hearing to examine “The Obama Administration’s CEQ Recently Revised Draft Guidance for GHG Emissions and the Effects of Climate Change.”
National Forests
On Thursday, May 14, the House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing to address fire-prone National Forests.
