Category — DOE News

On January 11, 2013, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) released the “Strategy for the Management and Disposal of Used Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste” (“Strategy”). The Strategy builds on the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future (“BRC”) and includes plans for a pilot interim storage facility, a full-scale interim storage facility, and a geologic repository (see February 5, 2010 edition of the WER). [Read more →]

On December 5, 2012, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) released the results of a long-awaited study that it commissioned regarding the macroeconomic impacts of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) exports from the U.S.  Notably, the study, conducted by NERA Economic Consulting (“NERA”), concluded that “LNG exports have net economic benefits in spite of higher domestic natural gas prices.”  The study also determined that LNG exports from the U.S. would have a relatively small impact on domestic prices, and that LNG exports from the U.S. are “not likely to affect the overall level of employment in the U.S.” [Read more →]

On September 21, 2012, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint eight individuals to the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board (“NWTRB”).  The NWTRB was created through the 1987 amendments to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (“NWPA”) and is an independent agency of the federal government.  [Read more →]

On April 10, 2012, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) announced that it is offering up to $15 million in funding to companies, universities, or laboratories working to develop biomass-based oil supplements that can be blended with petroleum.  Possible materials used to create the prototype include algae, corn and wheat stovers, dedicated energy crops or wood residues. [Read more →]

On March 16, 2012, the Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, issued a memorandum to the four federal Power Marketing Agencies (“PMAs”) directing them to modernize the way that they do business.  Secretary Chu has called for the PMAs to take a leadership role in the Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) goal of creating a more secure and sustainable electric sector nationwide. [Read more →]

On March 12, 2012, the Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) released a report concerning the Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) $30 billion Loan Guarantee Program (“Program”).  The report, titled “Further Actions Are Needed to Improve Tracking and Review of Applications,” reviewed data provided by DOE on its loan applications and the established process through which DOE reviews loan applications. [Read more →]

On February 13, 2012, FERC asked Congress to authorize the agency’s $304.6 million budget request for 2013.  This is the same amount FERC requested for fiscal year 2012.  FERC’s budget request states it will focus on two overarching goals for the year: (1) ensuring just and reasonable rates, terms and conditions; and (2) facilitating the deployment of new infrastructure.  [Read more →]

On January 5, 2012, the White House launched an initiative to enhance the security and reliability of the nation’s electrical grid.  The initiative is known as the Electric Sector Cyber-Security Risk Management Maturity Project.  [Read more →]

On December 1, 2011, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) and EPA presented a united front in announcing the release of a DOE report, Resource Adequacy Implications of Forthcoming EPA Air Quality Regulations, which shows the EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (“CSAPR”) and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (“MATS”) will not affect grid reliability. [Read more →]

On November 4, 2011, Gregory H. Friedman, the Inspector General of the Department of Energy (“DOE”), issued a Management Alert with regard to the Western Area Power Administration’s (“WAPA”) borrowing authority under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA”). [Read more →]