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
New Jersey's AB 4688, introduced on April 30, exempts biomass, solar, and wind energy facilities located on rooftops or in exception areas from statutory limits on annual generation capacity and the share of a farm they may occupy. The measure held a hearing on October 5 in the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.
Virginia’s 2026 Energy Plan was unveiled by Governor Abigail Spanberger on October 1. The quadrennial plan outlines a Clean-First, Least-Cost strategy aimed at delivering affordable, reliable energy, aligning data center growth with energy goals, and advancing clean firm and transportation solutions. The plan aligns with the Commonwealth’s goal of a net-zero power sector by 2050.
Affordability
There are no affordability updates this week.
Large Load and Data Centers
On October 9, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek directed the Department of Environmental Quality to pause processing and issuing any new air and water permits for new or expanded data centers through July 1, 2027. The temporary pause is intended to allow time for Oregon’s Data Center Advisory Committee to issue recommendations for potential regulatory reforms during the 2027 legislative session.
HB 2595, introduced on June 3 in Pennsylvania, requires electric distribution companies to complete interconnection feasibility studies within 15 days and impact or facilities studies within 60 days of signing a study agreement. The legislation also requires companies to enter into agreements to complete necessary distribution upgrades and outlines penalties for violations. The bill passed the House on September 30 and was referred to the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee.
Electricity and Market Issues
In Pennsylvania, HB 2184, introduced on February 2, requires the Public Utility Commission to consider factors such as affordability, grid modernization, environmental protection, and economic growth when determining whether decisions on utility rates, major infrastructure approvals, and other material proceedings are in the public interest. The legislation also directs the Commission to disseminate regulations for applying the factors within 18 months. The measure was referred to the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee on October 13.
District of Columbia’s B 661, introduced on April 14, extends tax credits for alternatively fueled vehicles, defined as biodiesel, electricity, and hydrogen, through 2035 and residential EV charging infrastructure credits through 2036. Further, the bill exempts public EV charging equipment from personal property tax. It passed the Council on July 7 and was enacted without Mayor Bowser’s signature on August 14. The bill was enacted by Congress on October 2.
New Jersey’s SB 4052, introduced on March 23, permits gas and electric public utilities to utilize alternative ratemaking mechanisms, like performance-based rates, multi-year rate plans, and decoupling mechanisms, subject to approval by the Board of Public Utilities. The measure passed the Senate Economic Growth Committee on October 8 and was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Permitting and Siting
In New Jersey, SB 4729, introduced on October 5, allows solar facilities located on landfills, brownfields, contaminated sites, and/or mining sites to include associated or contiguous lands as part of the same project without Board of Public Utilities-imposed limitations. The bill passed the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on October 8.
GROUPS EVENTS
There are no upcoming energy-related Groups events.
For more information on upcoming events, contact Taylor Beis.
