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.
LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
ALASKA
On January 30, the House Resource Committee will meet to discuss HB 247.
This measure levies new surcharges on oil producers.
Contact: Addison Green
MARYLAND
On February 3, the House Environment and Transportation Committee will meet to discuss HB 120. This bill places a moratorium on the construction of data centers.
Contact: Addison Green
PENNSYLVANIA
On February 2, the House Energy Committee will meet to discuss HB 1834. This measure requires the Public Utility Commission to create temporary regulations related to certain data center activities.
Contact: Addison Green
WASHINGTON
On January 30, the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy and Technology will meet to discuss SB 5466. This measure establishes the "Washington Electric Transmission Authority" to support the expansion of new electric transmission lines, microgrids, distributed energy resources, and cost-effective non-wire alternatives.
Contact: Addison Green
REGULATORY and LOCAL UPDATES
REGULATORY HIGHLIGHTS
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Public Utilities Commission will hold a technical conference on February 3 concerning the investigation into distributed generation.
Contact: Abigail Dent
NEW YORK
The Department of Public Service will hold a public comment hearing on February 3 concerning the Sugar Maple Solar Project located in the Town of Wilna, Jefferson County, and the Town of Croghan, Lewis County.
Contact: Jose Cordero
OREGON
The Public Utility Commission will hold a kickoff meeting on January 29 for the interconnection workstream of the rulemaking to establish microgrid frameworks. Contact: Benjamin Williams
The Public Utility Commission will hold a kickoff meeting on February 3 for the roles, responsibility, and process workstream of the rulemaking to establish microgrid frameworks.
Contact: Benjamin Williams
The Public Utility Commission will hold a kickoff meeting on February 5 for the physical and operational parameters workstream of the rulemaking to establish microgrid frameworks.
Contact: Benjamin Williams
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
For more information regarding the below local highlights, please contact Stephanie Rojo, Senior Director of Local Services.
GEORGIA
On January 27, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners considered a countywide text amendment to Chapter 27 of the zoning code that would establish definitions, regulatory guidelines, and development standards for data centers. The proposed regulations would apply across all commission districts and cover M (Industrial), M-2 (Heavy Industrial), O-I (Office-Institutional), and O-D (Office-Distribution) zoning districts. The Board once again deferred a vote on the ordinance, which is intended to regulate data center size, density, and permitted activities. The next public hearing is scheduled for May 12, after the Georgia General Assembly adjourns.
MICHIGAN
On January 28, the Garfield Planning Commission held an initial discussion regarding data centers. During the meeting, the Commission voted to fast-track new regulations for data centers, aiming to prepare for the infrastructure demands of AI-driven facilities before proposals arrive. The commission directed staff to draft ordinance amendments that would reclassify data centers from permitted uses to special use permits, triggering heightened review, public hearings, and stricter oversight.
OREGON
On January 29, the Portland Climate, Resilience, and Land Use Committee will consider amending the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefit Fund Climate Investment Plan.
RHODE ISLAND
On January 28, the Newport City Council received communication from the Energy and Environment Commission, recommending Council support a moratorium on new natural gas connections.
GROUPS EVENTS
For more information on upcoming events, contact Taylor Beis.
National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)
Energy Policy Outlook Conference
Washington, DC
February 3-6
Contact: Taylor Beis
