Every week, Stateside Associates will feature energy-related legislative, regulatory, and federal programs impacting state and local public policies and proceedings, including upcoming Groups events, activities, and conversations in This Week in Energy.
For more information on our Energy Practice, please contact Taylor Beis.
Generation
LEGISLATIVE
In Pennsylvania, HB 2017 was introduced on November 6, 2025. The measure establishes an annual fee structure for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) permits for microreactors and small modular reactors to fund oversight, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness programs. It requires operators to pay annual fees to the Department of Environmental Protection and the Emergency Management Agency and requiring three-year cost reviews starting in 2030 to ensure administrative cost recovery. Governor Shapiro approved the bill on July 20.
Affordability
There are no updates for this week.
Large Load and Data Centers
LEGISLATIVE
California’s AB 2383, introduced on February 20, requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a distinct retail electric consumer classification for data centers by January 1, 2028. The measure mandates that utilities and load-serving entities file tariffs that prevent cost-shifting to other customers and requires new data centers to sign transmission and interconnection contracts of at least 10 years with early termination fees. The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 3.
Electricity and Market Issues
LEGISLATIVE
Massachusetts’s SB 3178 is a broad-based energy package that includes ClimateTech incentives and a GridTech Deployment Advisory Board to accelerate deployment of cost-reducing distribution and transmission technologies. The measure directs regulators to examine rate structures and interconnection requirements to foster economic development without shifting costs to other ratepayers. The measure was amended and passed the Senate on July 24.
Michigan’s SB 878, introduced on March 18, appropriates $5 million for renewable energy and electrification infrastructure grants. The measure prioritizes grants for high-power fast-charging infrastructure along major roadways to help meet the state’s 2050 carbon neutral goal, the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The bill was signed by Governor Whitmer on July 21 and takes effect on October 1.
Permitting and Siting
LEGISLATIVE
Pennsylvania’s SB 349 requires solar energy facilities to decommission within 18 months after electricity production has ceased. The bill requires decommissioning plans and financial assurances equal to estimated decommissioning costs and requires plans to be updated every five years for 25 years. Further, imported solar panels must comply with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. The bill was signed into law by Governor Shapiro on July 20.
There are no upcoming energy-related Groups events.
