The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission, after long and difficult negotiations, signed two memorandums of understanding concerning information-sharing procedures and jurisdiction over regulation of energy trading. But, disappointing some attorneys, the MOUs do not address questions of enforcement jurisdiction, which means answers will have to come from the courts.
Obama Sets Energy Review
President Obama directed the administration to conduct what the White House said was the first Quadrennial Energy Review. It will focus on developing a comprehensive strategy for pipelines and the power grid, with issues including changing markets, aging facilities and cyber threats.
More: White House
Gas Share to Drop in 2014
Natural gas-fired generation will account for 26.8% of generation in 2014, down from 27.5% in 2013 because of rising gas prices, according to the Energy Information Administration. Coal’s share will rise this year, from 39.1% to 40.2%. In 2015, though, coal’s share should drop to 38.6% as federal mercury and air toxics regulations take effect.
In its Short-Term Energy Outlook, EIA estimated total generation averaged 11.1 TWh/day in 2013 and projected it would rise 0.3% this year and 1% in 2015. Per-customer consumption will continue to decline with energy efficiency, but industrial users will increase consumption in 2015, EIA predicts.
More: EIA
Panel to Act Against GHG Rule
Now that the Environmental Protection Agency has published its regulations for greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants, the House Energy and Power Subcommittee has set Jan. 14 to vote on a bill that effectively would block it. The measure introduced by subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) requires that a standard for coal units must have been achieved for a continuous 12 months, commercially, by a least six units at different plants. This aims at EPA’s requirement for carbon capture and storage.
The measure also requires a separate subcategory for lignite units. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
More: The Hill; Energy and Commerce Committee
Meanwhile, EPA’ Science Advisory Board has scheduled a Jan. 21 teleconference to discuss “whether to review the adequacy of the science” behind the rule.
More: Science Advisory Board; APPA
Democrats Launch Climate Task Force
Democratic Sens. Barbara Boxer of California and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island have established the Climate Action Task Force to raise the visibility of the issue. Boxer, who chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee, said the group has a dozen members and the backing of Senate leadership. “[W]e want Congress to take off the blindfolds,” she said.
More: National Journal
NRC Seems Satisfied with Fuel Pools
Four of the five members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said they believe spent fuel could continue to be stored safely in pools and did not have to be moved to dry storage, which some experts say would be safer. Chairwoman Allison Macfarlane was the only member whose questions at a commission meeting last week indicated she could be open to moving more fuel to dry casks.
More: The New York Times
