Every Wednesday, 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 UPDATES
CALIFORNIA
The Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing on August 25 regarding measures including the following:
- AB 740, which requires the Public Utilities Commission to adopt a virtual power plant deployment plan.
Contact: Ian Thompson
- AB 1408, which requires the Independent System Operator to integrate surplus interconnection opportunities, to maximize the adoption of federal tax credits, into its long-term transmission planning.
Contact: Ian Thompson
- AB 1423, which authorizes the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to modify, add to, or subtract from required payment methods regarding electric vehicle charging stations in light of changing technologies or cost impacts.
Contact: Maxwell Klein
REGULATORY and LOCAL UPDATES
REGULATORY HIGHLIGHTS
CALIFORNIA
The Energy Commission will hold a public workshop August 26 concerning the 2025 Integrated Energy Policy Report.
Contact: Benjamin Williams
NEVADA
The Public Utilities Commission will accept comments until August 21 concerning natural gas utility alternative-rate making plans.
Contact: Genevieve Kaplan
NEW YORK
The Department of Public Service staff will hold a webinar August 26 concerning the Low- to Moderate-Income Portfolio Performance Management Framework.
Contact: Jose Cordero
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
For more information regarding the below local highlights, please contact Stephanie Rojo, Senior Director of Local Services.
ARIZONA
On August 18, the Pima County Board of Supervisors discussed an item pertaining to zoning for data centers. The board directed the Development Services Department staff to initiate a zoning code text amendment requiring additional review and public processes on CI-2 zoned parcels for data centers and other large-scale users of water and electricity.
Meeting video here.
On August 18, the Board received an update pertaining to the County Climate Action Plan.
Meeting video here.
KENTUCKY
On August 19, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council held a work session to consider a proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (ZOTA) establishing regulations for solar energy systems as part of the city’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan and net-zero by 2050 goals. Earlier this summer, planning staff outlined a framework modeled on the Kentucky Resources Council’s ordinance, while co-sponsor Councilmember Dave Sevigny proposed amendments to allow some ground-mounted solar in rural areas with restrictions. Those amendments were rejected, and the committee instead voted 8–2 to advance a version that permits rooftop and ground-mounted solar within the Urban Service Area (USA) but prohibits ground-mounted solar in rural Fayette County.
Meeting video here.
PENNSYLVANIA
On August 20, the Londonderry Township Board of Supervisors will hold a work session to consider whether to refer a proposed data center ordinance back to the Planning Commission. The ordinance, first heard on July 7 and continued on August 4, would create an overlay district regulating data centers and related uses, including standards for height, screening, lighting, sound, and environmental impacts. Action was tabled after significant public opposition at the August hearing, where residents raised concerns about environmental effects, proximity to homes, and impacts on community character. The Board and staff are now reviewing these issues before scheduling the next public hearing.
GROUPS EVENTS
For more information on upcoming events, contact Taylor Beis.
There are no energy-related Groups events this week.
