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
Maine’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER) will hold workshops on August 24 and 25 to develop the 2027 Maine Energy Plan. Updated every two years, the plan uses technical analysis and stakeholder input to forecast the state's energy demand across heating, transportation, and industrial sectors to ensure reliable and clean energy. The plan will incorporate data from ISO New England, the Maine Public Utilities Commission, and the Efficiency Maine Trust.
Affordability
There are no affordability updates for this week.
Large Load and Data Centers
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 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 13, following a hearing.
Also in California, SB 886 was introduced on January 13. The bill establishes tariffs for interconnecting customer facilities, namely data centers, and providing transmission, distribution, and generation projects without shifting costs to residential and other commercial ratepayers. It also requires large customers to prefund a 10-plus year resource procurement contract, which can be offset by behind-the-meter zero-emission resources, and join a new demand response program. The measure passed the Senate on May 26 and the Assembly Appropriations Committee on August 13.
Electricity and Market Issues
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. It also exempts public EV charging equipment from personal property tax. The measure passed the Council on July 7 and was enacted without Mayor Bowser’s signature on August 14. It was sent to the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate for a period of 30 days before becoming effective as law.
Permitting and Siting
LEGISLATIVE
California’s SB 954 was introduced February 2. The measure updates California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemptions for advanced manufacturing facilities by requiring Governor certification, strict pollution and distance buffers, zero-emission backup generation, and labor and community benefit agreements. The bill passed the Senate on May 26 and the Assembly Appropriations Committee on August 13 with amendments.
South Carolina’s HB 5126 was introduced March 3. The appropriations measure establishes a “Permit Central – Nuclear” to streamline permitting for advanced nuclear systems and medical isotopes, provisions restricting solar panel manufacturing near schools and petroleum pipeline eminent domain were removed in earlier amendments. On August 17, the measure was line-item vetoed on education matters and signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster.
REGULATORY
The Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council will hold a public hearing on August 21 to consider proposed rule amendments regarding site certificate compliance and enforcement for energy facilities. The rulemaking aims to improve clarity, refine monitoring and reporting requirements, and eliminate outdated obligations. Public oral testimony will be taken during the hearing, and written comments are accepted through September 25, 2026.
GROUPS EVENTS
There are no upcoming energy-related Groups events.
For more information on upcoming events, contact Taylor Beis.
