All Alerts

• March 2025

• Trump Administration Launches Comprehensive Review of Clean Water Act Definition for "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS)
• PFAS Reporting Requirements Persist Amid EPA Deregulation
• Supreme Court Limits Clean Water Act Permit Requirements in San Francisco v. EPA

• February 2025

• The Future of NEPA Implementation Without CEQ Regulations
• Rundown on Recent Executive Orders on Federal Funding and Legal Issues

• January 2025

• Changes Ahead for NEPA Implementation Under President Trump's Energy Dominance Executive Order
• PHMSA Suggests Tighter CO₂ Pipeline Safety Regulations Amid Growing Infrastructure for Carbon Capture

• December 2024

• Three-Plus-Year Investigation Results in Blockbuster Show Cause Order from FERC
• FERC's Annual Enforcement Report – Understanding Trends and Preparing for an Uncertain Future

• November 2024

• D.C. Circuit Throws Out Over 40 Years of NEPA Regulation

• October 2024

• EPA and California Move to Further Regulate PFAS Chemicals

• September 2024

• FERC Finds Williams' Louisiana Energy Gateway System Will Not Be Jurisdictional
• Ninth Circuit: Physical Presence on Tribal Land Not Required for Tribal Jurisdiction Over Nonmember
• Following Jarkesy , FERC Signals Sea Change in Enforcement

• June 2024

• Congress Passes ADVANCE Act to Accelerate Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Reactors
• Key Farm Bill Reauthorization Priorities Officially Laid on the Table

• May 2024

• Treasury Proposes Clean Electricity Tax Guidance
• CEQ Finalizes "Phase 2" Revisions to NEPA Implementing Regulations

• April 2024

• EPA Finalizes Major Power Plant Rules
• EPA Finalizes Chemical Risk Evaluation Rule to Enhance Protection of Public Health
• Administration Finalizes Revised Endangered Species Act Regulations
• EPA Heavy Truck Standards to Drive Down GHG Emissions

• March 2024

• FERC Moves Forward with First-Ready, First-Served Generator Interconnection Process
• EPA Files Record Climate Enforcement Action Against Corporate HFC Importer
• FERC Issues a Notice of Inquiry Considering Natural Gas Pipelines' Packaging of Noncontiguous Capacity in Auctions
• EPA Finalizes Groundbreaking Multipollutant Standards for Passenger Vehicles
• Enhanced Oversight of Orphaned Oil and Gas Infrastructure May Lead to Litigation Risk
• SEC Issues Climate Disclosure Rules
• EPA Tightens the Fine Particulate Matter Standard
• EPA Strengthens Risk Planning and Management Requirements for Industry

• February 2024

• EPA Emphasizes its Criminal Enforcement Program
• FERC Announces Changes in Enforcement Procedures

• January 2024

• Antitrust Enforcement Agencies Continue Focus on Corporate Use of Third-Party Communication Apps
• Department of Energy Freezes Review of Applications to Export Liquefied Natural Gas
• EPA Proposes Rules to Implement IRA Methane Fee Provisions
• FY2023 FERC Actions Signal Potential Uptick in Enforcement Actions

• December 2023

• Biden-Harris Administration Debuts Inaugural Ocean Justice Strategy
• Report Highlights Need for More Robust Corporate Record-Retention Strategy
• EPA Finalizes Methane Regulations for Oil and Gas Sector

• November 2023

• Taking Stock of a Big Month for Methane Policy

• October 2023

• DOJ Issues First-Ever Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy Report
• DOJ Announces New Policy on Voluntary Self-Disclosures in M&A Transactions

• September 2023

• U.S. Supreme Court's Sackett Decision Prompts Conforming WOTUS Rule

• August 2023

• New EPA Enforcement Priorities Target Climate Change, PFAS Contamination, and Coal Ash Impoundments
• FERC Reforms Generator Interconnection Procedures
• Biden Administration Announces Proposed Phase Two NEPA Regulations

• July 2023

• Supreme Court Rules Against Navajo Nation in Tribal Water Rights Case

• June 2023

• Administration Continues Overhaul of Endangered Species Act Regulations
• SCOTUS Issues Two Significant Decisions Impacting Tribal Sovereignty
• Permitting Reform Package Passes as Part of Debt Ceiling Deal

• May 2023

• Biden Administration Issues Long-Anticipated Environmental Justice Executive Order
• U.S. Supreme Court Narrows WOTUS, Limiting Scope of Clean Water Act
• PHMSA Proposes to Require Gas Pipelines to Implement Advanced Leak Detection Programs
• EPA Releases Landmark Greenhouse Gas Standards for Power Plants

• April 2023

• FERC Reauthorizes Texas LNG, Rio Grande LNG Projects
• Stringent New Vehicle Standards Proposed by EPA

• March 2023

• Reducing Smog in Downwind States: EPA Finalizes "Good Neighbor Plan"
• EPA Proposes Tighter Wastewater Discharge Standards for Coal-Fired Power Plants

• February 2023

• Biden Executive Order 14091 Strengthens Equity for Federal Agencies
• White House Climate and Environmental Justice Screening Tool
• DOE Issues Draft Guidelines for Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives

• January 2023

• UPDATED: Biden Administration Redefines "Waters of the United States," Expanding Regulation Under Clean Water Act
• CEQ Issues Updated NEPA Guidance on GHG Emissions
• 2023 Congressional Calendar

• December 2022

• Backstop Siting: FERC Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
• FERC Approves the Spire STL Pipeline, Ensuring Continued Operations
• EPA Proposes Updated RFS Volume Requirements and a New RFS Credit Market for Electric Vehicles
• TSA Requests Input from Pipeline and Rail Sectors on Cyber Risk Management to Inform New Regulations
• Midterm Election Update: Impact on Committees in the 118th Congress

• November 2022

• EPA Proposes More Stringent Methane Regulations for Oil and Gas Facilities
• Mitigating the Rising Risk from Corporate Use of Third-Party Apps
• Midterm Election Update: Thin Majorities Continue to Create Uncertainty
• BOEM's First Offshore Wind Lease Sale on the West Coast

• October 2022

• FERC Expands Definition of Affiliate Relationship
• FWS Proposes to Streamline Eagle Take Permitting Process

• September 2022

• D.C. Court of Appeals Remands Two Offshore Oil and Gas Leases for NEPA Inadequacy

• August 2022

• D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Decision Puts FERC's Revised Method for ROE Determinations in Question

• July 2022

• Administration Rescinds ESA Regulatory Procedures for Exclusions from Critical Habitat
• Federal Judge Vacates Three Trump-Era Endangered Species Act Rules
• NMFS Issues Highly Anticipated Salish Sea Nearshore Programmatic Biological Opinion

• June 2022

• Supreme Court Limits EPA's Authority to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Supreme Court Expands State Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country
• Administration Rescinds ESA Definition of "Habitat"
• EPA Proposes to Expand State and Tribal Authority Over Section 401 Water Quality Certifications, Reversing Trump Era Rule

• May 2022

• DOJ Restores Supplemental Environmental Projects in a Slate of Environmental Justice Initiatives

• April 2022

• Biden Administration Walks Back Key Trump Era NEPA Regulation Changes
• Insurance Coverage Considerations for Tribal Cannabis Businesses

• March 2022

• SEC Unveils Landmark Climate Disclosures Proposal

• February 2022

• FERC's Updated Certificate Policy and Interim GHG Mitigation Policy Statements: VNF's Pipeline Attorneys Weigh In

• January 2022

• Shifting Baselines: New Guidance from Army Corps and NMFS on ESA Compliance for Work on Existing Structures
• Army Corps Finalizes 41 Nationwide Permits for Activities in Jurisdictional Waters and Wetlands

• December 2021

• UPDATED: EPA and Army Corps Announce Latest Update to Definition of "Waters of the United States"
• U.S. Supreme Court Relies on Established Doctrine in Interstate Groundwater Dispute

• November 2021

• FERC Notice of Inquiry on Reactive Power Capability Compensation Opens Door to Certainty for Reactive Rate Filers
• EPA and Army Corps Announce Latest Update to Definition of "Waters of the United States"
• Biden Signs Largest Climate and Resiliency Infrastructure Bill in U.S. History
• Revisions to Environmental Site Assessment Requirements to Impact Real Property Transactions
• Administration Proposes First Wave of Endangered Species Regulatory Revisions
• FEMA Seeks Input on Updating the NFIP Program
• EPA Proposes New Methane Regulations for Oil and Gas Facilities

• October 2021

• U.S. District Court for The Northern District of California Vacates EPA's Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Rule
• Biden Administration Proposes to Walk Back Key Trump Era NEPA Regulation Changes
• Changes to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Enforcement Regime Take Flight

• September 2021

• UPDATED: Rough Waters Ahead, Once Again: A District Court Vacates the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule as the EPA and Corps WOTUS Definition Rulemaking Continues
• Rough Waters Ahead, Once Again: A District Court Vacates the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule as the EPA and Corps WOTUS Definition Rulemaking Continues

• August 2021

• EPA Reissues Temperature TMDLs in the Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers
• The Death Knell for Dispersants?

• July 2021

• FERC Invites Comment on Reforms to Regional Transmission Planning, Cost Allocation & Generator Interconnection
• Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Passes Energy Infrastructure Act, Teeing Up Consideration of Bipartisan Infrastructure Package

• June 2021

• U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Natural Gas Pipelines' Authority to Exercise Eminent Domain Power over State Land
• Anti-Transgender Bills Being Introduced & Enacted by State Legislatures

• May 2021

• Undefined Contractual Language Leads to Years of Litigation Over Environmental Liabilities

• April 2021

• The Next 100 Days: Climate, Environmental Justice, Infrastructure, Resilience, the Energy Transition, and Energy in the Transportation Sector
• Criminal and Civil Liability a Possibility for Vessel Owners Following Unix Line Decision and Transition to Electronic Records

• March 2021

• House Democrats Introduce Revised CLEAN Future Act, Readying Chamber for Action on Climate Change and Infrastructure
• U.S. Supreme Court Issues Decision Clarifying Boundaries of FOIA's Deliberative Process Privilege

• February 2021

• Environmental Justice Policy Gains Momentum Under the Biden Administration
• Climate Change Policy Update: President Issues Executive Order Directing Whole-of-Government Response to Climate Crisis
• Final Rule Codifying Exemption of Incidental Take Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Faces Substantial Hurdles

• January 2021

• Biden Administration Announces Sweeping Slate of Administrative Actions
• Army Corps Finalizes Certain Nationwide Permits Two Years Ahead of Schedule
• 2021 Congressional Calendar

• December 2020

• Congress Clears Major Year-End Legislative Package Including Federal Spending, COVID-19 Relief, and other Measures

• October 2020

• FERC Rescinds Pipeline Contracts and Reaffirms Capacity Posting Policy
• FERC Proposes Policy Statement on Incorporation of Carbon Prices in Wholesale Electricity Markets
• Legal Challenge to Federal Ban on SEPs May Result in Change in Enforcement Policy
• EPA Approves Oklahoma Regulatory Control Over ‘Restored' Tribal Land
• PFAS — What You Need to Know in Transactions

• September 2020

• DOI Releases Proposal to Revise Supplemental Financial Assurance Requirements for Offshore Decommissioning Costs
• House Passes Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act
• FERC Issues Order No. 2222 to Increase Participation of Distributed Energy Resource Aggregations in Organized Markets
• UPDATED: Army Corps Proposes to Reissue Nationwide Permits Two Years Ahead of Schedule

• August 2020

• Army Corps Proposes to Reissue Nationwide Permits Two Years Ahead of Schedule
• Updated: CEQ Issues Final Rule to Modernize NEPA Regulations

• July 2020

• NPS Proposes Regulatory Revisions to Improve Administration and Delivery of Visitor Services
• Democrats Coalesce on Energy and Climate Message Ahead of 2020 Election
• CEQ Issues Final Rule to Modernize NEPA Regulations
• FERC Revises PURPA Regulations to Increase State Flexibility, Modify the Mandatory Purchase Obligation, and Reform the "One-Mile Rule"
• Reactive Power Rate Certainty Delayed; FERC Establishes Paper Hearing Procedures
• UPDATE: House of Representatives Passes Sweeping Infrastructure Bill
• D.C. Circuit Tolls the Bell on Tolling Orders

• June 2020

• EPA Issues Compliance Advisory Regarding Pesticide Devices Making Claims to Kill the Novel Coronavirus
• Summer 2020 Congressional Outlook: Legislative Schedules, Priorities, and the Challenges That Lie Ahead
• Executive Order Seeks to Promote Economic Recovery by Expediting Environmental Reviews for Project Development
• House Democrats Unveil Broad Infrastructure Legislation
• EPA Issues Final Rule to Streamline CWA Section 401 Review
• Proposed Regulations for CCUS Tax Credit: Greater Certainty for Developers and Investors

• May 2020

• Revised FERC Policy on ROE and Proxy Group Composition May Have Positive Impacts for Pipelines
• Sweeping Executive Order on Deregulation Seeks to Spur Post-Pandemic Economy
• House Passes "HEROES Act", Remote Voting Resolution
• What Tribal Entities Need to Know to Pursue Business Interruption Coverage for COVID-19 Losses
• CARES Act Funding: Opportunity for Trauma-Informed Programs in Indian Country
• VNF Weekly Wrap Up - May 3-9, 2020
• President Orders National Security Review for Certain Electric System Equipment
• Access to COVID-19 FEMA Funding for Tribal Governments

• April 2020

• SBA Allows Tribal Casinos to Apply to Newly Replenished Paycheck Protection Program
• U.S. Supreme Court Holds Clean Water Act Covers Groundwater in Limited Circumstances
• COVID-19 Response - Weekly Wrap-up - April 24th
• Coronavirus Relief Fund: Treasury Issues Guidance for Tribal Governments
• Practical Tips for Tribal Organization Access to the SBA Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP")
• SCOTUS Decision Clarifies Property Owners' Restoration Claims at Superfund Sites
• Senate Passes Intermediate COVID-19 Relief Package
• Business Interruption Insurance Coverage for COVID-19 Losses - Recent Developments
• COVID-19 Response - Weekly Wrap-up
• Congressional Leaders Continue Work on Economic Relief Efforts Through April
• Business Interruption Insurance Coverage: Four States at the Forefront of Responding to COVID-19 Losses

• March 2020

• $2T CARES Act Enacted
• Medical Waste & COVID-19: Important Developments
• FERC Proposes Revised Incentive Rate Policies for Electric Transmission Investments
• COVID-19: Congressional, Federal Agency and Electric Sector Planning for Continued Operations
• FERC Extends Certain Filing Deadlines and Takes Other Actions in Response to the Impacts of COVID-19
• COVID-19 Insurance Impacts

• January 2020

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes to Codify Exemption of Incidental Take Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
• Navigable Waters Protection Rule Substantially Narrows the Scope of Waterbodies Subject to Regulation under the Clean Water Act
• House Committee Releases Framework for Comprehensive Climate Legislation
• CEQ Proposes Revisions to Regulations Governing Federal Agency Implementation of NEPA
• EPA Publishes Final List of ‘Next' 20 High-Priority Chemicals
• New International Fuel Standard for Vessels Takes Effect
• Escalated Tension with Iran Heightens Cybersecurity Threat Despite Military De-Escalation
• 2020 Congressional Calendar

• November 2019

• FERC Requires Public Utilities to Address Excess ADIT in Transmission Rates
• FERC Revises Policy for Evaluating Public Utility Return on Equity

• September 2019

• Settlement of County of Maui Prolongs Clean Water Act Uncertainty for Regulated Community
• FERC Proposes Changes to PURPA Regulations to Increase State Flexibility, Modify the Mandatory Purchase Obligation, and Reform the "One-Mile Rule"
• Federal Agencies Repeal Obama-Era Clean Water Rule

• August 2019

• EPA's 20 Proposed Low-Priority and High-Priority Chemical Substances: Comments are Due November 2019
• Federal Judge Limits the Reach of the WOTUS Rule
• Administration Issues Significant Revisions to Endangered Species Act Implementation
• EPA Proposes Rule to Narrow, Streamline CWA Section 401 Review

• July 2019

• WaterISAC Releases Broader Cybersecurity Guidelines for Water & Waste Water Utilities
• FERC Adopts New Data Collection Requirements for Market-Based Rate Sellers, Streamlines Market Power Analysis for Certain Organized Markets
• EPA Amends Freedom of Information Act Regulations

• June 2019

• EPA Finalizes Affordable Clean Energy Rule
• EPA Issues Revised CWA Section 401 Guidance to States

• May 2019

• Washington State's New Clean Energy Legislation Has Far Reaching Impacts
• Implementation of Recent Amendments to the 45Q Carbon Sequestration Tax Credit

• April 2019

• New Hazardous Waste Pharmaceutical Rule Imposes New Obligations on Health Care Providers
• EPA Issues New Emergency Response Requirements for Community Water Systems

• March 2019

• FERC Revisiting its Policy for ROE Determinations and Seeking Comments
• FERC Revisiting its ROE Policy for Public Utilities
• FERC Opens Inquiry on Transmission Incentive Policy

• February 2019

• Federal Guidance on Section 404 Permitting Under Development

• January 2019

• D.C. Circuit Holds that States Cannot Use Section 401 Authority to Delay Hydropower Relicensing
• EPA Reconsiders Cost Justification for MATS and Proposes No Additional Requirements for Power Plants

• December 2018

• 2019 Congressional Calendar
• Federal Agencies Release the New Clean Water Rule to Replace "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) Rule
• Federal Administration Issues Climate Report

• November 2018

• FERC Proposes Rule Requiring Transmission Providers to Revise Rates Following Tax Rate Change
• 2018 Election Results: What Happened Yesterday and What Happens Next

• October 2018

• Significant Cyber Supply Chain Management Changes on the Horizon for Electric Utilities
• Congress Enacts Legislation to Promote New Hydropower Development
• Landmark FERC Order Adopts New Method for ROE Determinations
• FERC Announces New Framework for Determining Public Utility ROE
• Final Corps Guidance Issued on Section 408 Permitting
• DOT Aims to Create Flexible Regulatory Framework for Automated Vehicle Technology
• BSEE Streamlines Oil and Gas Production Safety Systems Requirements
• Update of National Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan: What Clients Need to Know

• September 2018

• Trump Administration Moves to Address Cybersecurity Concerns, Congress Funds Cyber Programs
• Update on Tax Legislative and Regulatory Priorities
• Court Reinforces Finality of Water Rights Determinations and Avoids Ownership Dispute
• Obama Era WOTUS Rule Reinstated in Washington State (For Now)

• August 2018

• WOTUS Rule Reinstated in 26 States After Court Enjoins Delay
• EPA Proposes Affordable Clean Energy Rule

• July 2018

• FERC Raises the Threshold for Cyber Incident Reporting
• EPA and Corps Seek Additional Comment on Proposal to Repeal Definition of WOTUS

• June 2018

• OPPORTUNITY: CEQ Requests Comments on Ways to Modernize NEPA Process
• FEMA Adopts Significant Changes to the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP") Under the Rubric of a "Clarification"
• Landowners Next to Unopened Rights-of-Way May Be Able to Secure Title to the Land Based on Washington's Non-User Statute

• April 2018

• Updated TSA Guidelines Suggest New Approach for Pipeline Cybersecurity

• March 2018

• D.C. Circuit Decision Loosens Restrictions on Solid Waste
• GAO Reports Challenges and Successes in Cybersecurity Framework Adoption
• Corps Issues Draft Guidance on Section 408 Permission Requests, Solicits Comments

• February 2018

• Washington Legislature Adopts a "Hirst Fix," and Department of Ecology Considers Comments on Its Interpretation of the New Legislation
• A Call to Action: Potential Impacts of Section 408 Reform
• FERC Acts to Support Storage Deployment
• EPA and Corps Amend Effective Date of WOTUS Rule, Open Door to Legal Challenges

• January 2018

• Supreme Court Rules that District Courts Retain Jurisdiction Over "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) Rule
• FERC Rejects DOE Proposal, Initiates Fact-Finding on Grid Resilience
• Ninth Circuit Creates Uncertainty Concerning Transmission ROE Adder for RTO Participation

• December 2017

• FERC Proposes Fast-Start Pricing Reforms in Three Markets
• Tax Reform: It happened, now what?

• November 2017

• EPA Proposes to Amend Effective Date of WOTUS Rule
• Western Water/Growing Cities: An Examination of 11 States' Approach to the Issue

• October 2017

• FERC Revises License Term Policy for Hydropower Projects
• This Time it Could Happen: Comprehensive Tax Reform…
• Congress Takes Another Step Forward to Promote Automated Vehicle Technology Deployment - Senate Committee Advances Legislation to Support the Development of Highly Automated Vehicles
• DOE Sends Market-Reshaping Grid Resiliency Proposal to FERC

• September 2017

• Federal Government Takes Steps to Shape Rules for Automated Vehicles
• Navigating Tax and Economic Recovery Packages after Hurricane Harvey

• August 2017

• Court Ruling on Post-Spill Access to Records Highlights Importance of Corporate Safety Culture
• DOI's Repeal of Obama Administration Valuation Reforms May Signal More Change for Coal, Oil & Gas Industries

• July 2017

• California Extends and Strengthens Cap-and Trade Program
• EPA Proposed Rule to Rescind Definition of "Waters of the United States"
• D.C. Circuit Decision Creates Significant Uncertainty Concerning PJM Capacity Auction Results
• DC Circuit Hands Pipelines Roadmaps to Construct Projects over Delays by Local Permitting Agencies

• June 2017

• Culvert Treaty Fishing Rights Litigation: While the Ninth Circuit Denies Rehearing; Does the Dissent Provide Passage to the Supreme Court?
• BSEE Issues Rule Extending Development Time for Offshore Oil and Gas Leaseholders

• May 2017

• D.C. Circuit Upholds Conditional Certificates for Natural Gas Pipelines
• Trump Issues Executive Order Aimed at Expanding Development of Offshore Oil & Gas Resources

• April 2017

• Conservation Easements: A Powerful Land Use, Estate, and Tax Planning Tool
• DC Circuit's Emera Maine Decision Creates Questions for Electric Utility ROE Policy
• California's Cap-and Trade Program Wins in Court, Program's Future Still Unclear

• March 2017

• Trump Order Sets Up Rollback of Obama Energy and Climate Action
• Climate Change Policy Developments in Washington State
• Tax Reform – The Big Picture
• Trump Executive Order Starts Review and Potential Revision of the "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) Rule

• February 2017

• Court of Appeals Confirms When LUPA's 21-Day Appeal Period Begins to Run and When "Collateral Attacks" on Prior Unchallenged Land Use Decisions Are Barred

• January 2017

• Administration Takes an Initial Step in its Regulatory Reform Agenda
• Executive Actions May Impact the Future of Energy Infrastructure Projects and Domestic Manufacturing
• Second Circuit Reinstates EPA's Water Transfers Rule
• Army Corps of Engineers Releases 2017 Nationwide Permits
• House of Representatives Prioritize Actions to Reform the Regulatory Process

• December 2016

• Dakota Access Challenges Army Corps After Easement Determination Stalled
• State Supreme Court Roils Rural Water Supply in Growth Management Decision
• 2017 Congressional Calendar

• November 2016

• FERC Proposes Market Reforms for Energy Storage and Distributed Energy Resources
• BLM's Final Methane and Waste Prevention Rule Creates Compliance Uncertainty
• FERC Reexamining Policy Governing Length of Hydroelectric Licenses
• Presidential Transition and Potential Executive Actions
• How will a Trump Administration Re-set U.S. Climate Policies?
• 2016 Election Results: Impacts of the Presidential and Congressional Races

• September 2016

• Obama Administration Seeks Tribal Input on Federal Infrastructure Decisions, Dakota Access Litigation Continues
• EPA Expands Tribal Authority to Administer Clean Water Act Programs on Reservations
  
  Part of a Host of New Administration Initiatives Addressing Tribal Issues
• Federal Intervention in Dakota Access Pipeline Project Focuses on Tribal Consultation Process

• August 2016

• BSEE Director Urges Action on Offshore Well Cementing Safety Issues
• BSEE Looks to Address Offshore Safety Component Failures at Upcoming Forum
• Proposed BSEE Rule Continues Interior Department Focus on Decommissioning Costs and Obligations
• Use of Drones for Monitoring and Inspection of Energy Infrastructure
• Little-Noticed Provision in BSEE's Well Control Rule May Have a Major Impact on Risk Reduction

• July 2016

• Your Passport To Street Vacations
• BOEM Unveils Significant New Supplemental Financial Assurance Requirements in NTL 2016-N01
• Dollar General Shows a Path Forward for Tribal Law
• D.C. Circuit Questions FERC's Income Tax Allowance Policy

• June 2016

• Ninth Circuit Concludes that Tribes' Treaty Fishing Rights Obligate State to Fix Fish Blocking Culverts
• House Republicans Outline Vision for Tax Reform

• May 2016

• Army Corps Proposes Renewal of Nationwide Permits for Work in Waters of the U.S.
• Oregon Communities and Developers Face Significantly Heightened Standards Following ESA Consultation on National Flood Insurance Program
• EPA Takes Actions to Reduce Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector
• Criminal Liability for OCS Contractors Reexamined in Black Elk Decision

• April 2016

• BSEE Releases Final Well Control Rule; Implications Still a Concern for Stakeholders
• Supreme Court Addresses Limits on State Authority to Promote New Generation Development
• Contracts 101: Knowing What You Know/Don't Know Can Make All the Difference

• March 2016

• Proposed Air Quality Rules May Pose Challenge to Offshore Oil and Gas Industry
• Recap of Washington Legislative Session: Not For the Faint of Heart

• February 2016

• Administration Marches Ahead on Critical Habitat:
  Final Rules and Exclusion Policy Lay Groundwork for Broader Designation of Critical Habitat and Reshape the Adverse Modification Inquiry
• Washington Streamlines Business Entity Administrative Requirements
• Reflections on the BLM's Proposed Methane and Waste Reduction Rule
• FERC Reaffirms Sanctity of Committed Shipper Contracts and Arm's-Length Bargaining

• January 2016

• Supreme Court Upholds FERC Rule on Pricing of Demand Response in Organized Electricity Markets
• 2016 Congressional Calendar
• New Rule & Initiatives to Limit Carbon Gaining Traction in Washington State
• Opportunities to Save with Washington's Open Space Taxation Act
• FERC Applies Order No. 773 to Exempt "Facilities Used in Local Distribution" from Mandatory Electric Reliability Standards
• President Signs Permanent Tax Relief for Businesses and Working Americans
• Congress Establishes Federal Permitting Reforms for Major Infrastructure Projects

• December 2015

• Transportation Infrastructure Law Includes Provisions on Energy Security
• Observations about the Paris Climate Agreement and its Implications for U.S. Businesses

• November 2015

• D.C. Circuit Overrules FERC's Effort to Narrow Section 7 Municipal Preference
• FERC Issues Long-awaited Remand Order Responding to Delaware Riverkeeper v. FERC
• When it Comes to Wetland Mitigation, Choose Wisely
• Rural Water Strategies: The Saga Continues
• New BIA Rule Could Have Unintended Consequences for Business in Indian Country

• October 2015

• Vested Rights – Now You Have Them, Now You Don't
• PHMSA Issues Long-Awaited Proposed Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Rule

• September 2015

• Van Ness Feldman Publishes Clean Power Plan Resource Guide
• A Context for Viewing Climate Change in the Northwest

• August 2015

• EPA Issues Package of Proposed Rules to Reduce Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector
• Crude Oil Swaps with Mexico: Is the Export Ban on its Last Legs?
• Caught "Short": Are You Better Off Under the Clean Power Plan than You Were 14 Months Ago?
• Washington's Extreme Drought Stresses Water Users, Regulators, and Legal System
• Are You Better Off Under the Clean Power Plan than You Were 14 Months Ago?
• EPA Issues Regulations to Control Carbon Dioxide Emissions from the Power Sector

• July 2015

• FERC Issues "Best Practices" for Natural Gas Industry Outreach to Stakeholders
• "Take this as a Sign" Supreme Court Sends Strong Message to Municipalities Concerning Content Based Sign Codes
• After Michigan v. EPA: What Comes Next for EPA's Power Plant Mercury Rule?

• June 2015

• FERC Issues Final Audit Reports for Colonial Pipeline Company and Enterprise Product Partners L.P.
• Washington State's 2015 Legislative Session: Update
• EPA Moves to Expand Scope of U.S. GHG Regulations to Include Aircraft
• Fish and Wildlife Service Contemplates Expansive Permitting Regime to Address Incidental Take of Migratory Birds
• Federal Agencies Release Final "Waters of the United States" Rulemaking, Sending Ripples Through the Regulated Community

• May 2015

• Seattle's Affordable Housing "Linkage Fee": A Renewed Attempt to Impose Mandatory Affordable Housing Requirements
• COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY LEGISLATION
• PHMSA Issues Final Rule on Enhanced Tank Car Standards and Rail Operational Controls for Flammable Liquid Transport
• Proposed Safety Rule Could Impact Offshore Oil and Gas Operators

• April 2015

• BLM Contemplates Oil and Gas Royalty Reform
• Shippers Request More Transparency in FERC Form No. 6
• FERC Approves Pipeline Modernization Policy Statement
• Federal Agencies Issue Revised Interim Final Rules for Trial-Type Hearings; Seek Comments

• March 2015

• President's Executive Order Expands Regulated Floodplain to Account for Climate Change
• Interior Releases Proposed Arctic Drilling Rule
• Roadmaps to the New Congress: Calendar and Committee Rosters

• February 2015

• Court Delivers Victory to Whatcom County on GMA Case Regarding Rural Water Supply
• Policy Outlook for 2015
• FERC's Clean Power Plan Technical Conferences: Investigating Reliability, Market Structure, and Infrastructure Impacts of EPA's 111(d) Proposal

• January 2015

• Proposed Federal 111(d) Plan: Potential Opportunity for Utilities, Stakeholders, and States to Inform the EPA Process
• Obama Administration Announces Plans to Control Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector
• Five Things to Look for in the Obama Methane Policy Announcement
• Budget Reconciliation - What is it and Why does it Matter?

• December 2014

• 113th Congress Adjourns Sine Die; 114th Congress Commences January 6, 2015
• EPA Promulgates Long-Awaited Final Rule Revising the Definition of Solid Waste
• Down to the Wire: Congress Poised to Advance Must Pass Legislation Prior to Adjournment
• Weekend Voting in Louisiana Adds Three More Republican Victories in Congress - Lame Duck Session Continues
• Legislative Progress in the Lame Duck Session; Organization for the 114th Congress Continues

• November 2014

• Update on Election Results, the Lame Duck Session and Organizational Decisions for the 114th Congress
• FERC Offers Analytical Framework for Pipeline Recovery of Costs Related to Safety, Reliability, and Environmental Compliance Costs and Requests Comments
• Proposed Rule Redefining Jurisdictional "Waters of the United States" Under the Clean Water Act – Comment Period Closes, but Questions Remain Open
• Republicans Win Big in National Elections: Attention Turns to Lame Duck Session

• October 2014

• Court Concludes that FEMA's Implementation of the Puget Sound Biological Opinion is Close Enough for Government Work

• August 2014

• D.C. Circuit Denies Order No. 1000 Appeals, Upholds FERC's Vision for Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation

• July 2014

• Seventh Circuit Again Rejects FERC's Approval of "Postage Stamp" Cost Allocation for High Voltage PJM Transmission Projects

• June 2014

• FERC Holds that Federal Power Act Preempts State Shoreline Management Act for Hydro Tidal Project
• Supreme Court Rejects Extending Clean Air Act Permitting Authority Based Solely on GHGs but Upholds GHG Limitations on Otherwise Regulated Stationary Sources
• FERC Adopts New Return on Equity Methodology for Electric Utility Ratemaking
• Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Announces Proposed Sale Notice for Nation's Largest Offshore Wind Energy Area
• EPA Proposal for Regulating CO₂ Emissions from Modified Power Plants Would Require Efficiency Improvements, But Not CCS
• BOEM Takes New Steps Toward Offshore Wind, Marine Hydrokinetic Development Off Atlantic, Pacific Coasts
• EPA Issues Proposed Clean Power Plan to Limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Existing Power Plants

• May 2014

• Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community: A Positive Outcome for Tribes with Important Lessons for the Future
• Van Ness Feldman Receives Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2014 Rankings
• D.C. Circuit Vacates FERC Rule on Pricing of Demand Response in Organized Energy Markets
• EPA Releases Final Standards for Cooling Water Intake Structures at Power Plants and Other Facilities
• FERC NOPR Proposes to Reduce Open Access Regulation of Generator Lead Lines
• Administration Proposes Changes to Endangered Species Act Critical Habitat Designations and "Adverse Modification" Definition
• White House Releases Third U.S. National Climate Assessment
• Seaway Initial Decision on Remand Spurns FERC Holding on Committed Shipper Rates and Finds them Subject to Modification
• Supreme Court Rejects D.C. Circuit Vacatur of Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

• April 2014

• Loan Guarantee Solicitation Announcement for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects
• Broad Definition of "Substantial Economic Interest" Permits Standing in Shell Pipeline Co. LP
• Senator Landrieu Convenes Hearing to Keep the Lights On

• March 2014

• White House Releases Climate Action Plan to Reduce Methane Emissions
• Federal Agencies Issue Long-Awaited "Waters of the United States" Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Clean Water Act Jurisdiction
• FERC Proposes Reforms to Improve Gas-Electric Scheduling Coordination and Flexibility
• DOE Announces New Funding Opportunities for Marine and Hydrokinetic Projects
• FERC Orders New Reliability Standards for Physical Security at Critical Facilities

• February 2014

• Final Environmental Analysis for Keystone XL Pipeline Project Elevates Climate Change Issues

• January 2014

• President Reaffirms Support for "All-of-the-Above" Energy Policy, Announces Initiative to Streamline Energy Infrastructure Permitting
• OUTLOOK 2014: KEY POLICY DEVELOPMENTS
• Fractured Pennsylvania Supreme Court Issues Decision on Constitutionality of Oil and Gas Law
• New and Emerging Developments in California's Cap-and-Trade Program Will Have Significant Impacts on Western Power Markets
• Welcome to the New VNF.com

• December 2013

• Clearer Picture Emerging on Proposed Rule Redefining Jurisdictional Waters of the United States
• FERC Limits Hydro Municipal Preference to Projects in Vicinity of Municipality
• Chairman Baucus Releases Energy Tax Reform Draft
• BOEM to Auction New Wind Energy Area off Maryland Coast

• November 2013

• FERC Order Permits Rockies Express Pipeline LLC to Move Forward with East to West Transportation of Shale Gas Production
• FERC Streamlines Small Generator Interconnection Process
• FERC Issues Final Rule Clarifying Work Space Requirements for Section 2.55(a) Auxiliary Installations
• Nuclear Waste Fee to Be Suspended Indefinitely
• CFTC Proposes Position Limits and Aggregation Rules for Energy and Other Commodity Derivatives

• October 2013

• Supreme Court Will Review Whether EPA Clean Air Act Permitting Authority Extends to Greenhouse Gases
• Fifth Circuit Holds that Federal Power Act Preempts Certain State Property Damage Claims
• Government Shut-down: Update #6: The Government Opens and Debt Default Is Avoided
• Federal Agencies to Implement Contingency Plans Following Government Shut-down: Update #5
• Federal Agencies to Implement Contingency Plans Following Government Shut-down: Update #4
• Federal Agencies to Implement Contingency Plans Following Government Shut-down: Update #3
• Federal Agencies to Implement Contingency Plans Following Government Shut-down: Update #2
• Federal Agencies to Implement Contingency Plans Following Government Shutdown

• September 2013

• EPA Proposes New Standards to Regulate Carbon Dioxide Emissions from New Power Plants
• FERC Rule Expands Reliability Requirements For Generator Interconnection Facilities
• Draft Rulemaking Likely to Expand Clean Water Act Jurisdiction

• August 2013

• FERC Rejects PacifiCorp's Proposed Wind Integration Charge
• Yucca Mountain Litigation Saga Update: No Flouting Allowed
• FERC Judge Issues Initial Decision Reducing Transmission Owners' Return on Equity

• June 2013

• EPA Regulation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Existing Power Plants: Issues and Options
• Circuit Court Upholds Broad Transmission Project Cost Allocation in MISO

• May 2013

• Waiting for DOE Action on LNG Exports, Again

• April 2013

• EPA Proposes New Standards to Regulate Water Discharges from Power Plants
• National Ocean Council Releases Final Ocean Policy Implementation Plan
• FERC Proposes to Expand Reliability Standards for Certain Generator Interconnection Facilities
• Federal District Court Orders Washington State Agencies to Repair Culverts that Block Fish Passage in Violation of Tribes' Treaty Fishing Right
• EPA Proposes New, Stringent Standards for Vehicle Emissions and Fuels (Updated April 8, 2013)
• FEMA Developing Procedures for Tribal Governments to Request Disaster Declarations
• CFTC Issues Final Dodd Frank RTO/ISO and 201(f) Exemptions

• March 2013

• FERC Issues Declaratory Order that Ends Practice of Assessing Charges for Use of Non-Federal Lands Subject to Power Site Reservation

• February 2013

• D.C. Circuit Upholds FERC's Decision That Rates Resulting from a Capacity Auction are Presumed to be Just and Reasonable
• Obama Administration Moves Forward on Cybersecurity
• FERC Issues Final Rule on Annual Charges for Use of Government Lands by Hydropower Licensees

• January 2013

• In Case of "First Impression" FERC Dismisses Application To Operate Facilities in Hawaii to Receive LNG from Continental U.S.
• FERC Allows Merchant and Nonincumbent Participant-Funded Transmission Developers to Allocate 100% of Capacity Through Bilateral Negotiations
• FERC Extends Deadline for Compliance and Affirms Basic Determinations of Variable Energy Resource Integration Final Rule
• Supreme Court Reverses Ninth Circuit on Clean Water Act Issue
• President Signs Fiscal Cliff Deal
• FERC Approves New Definition of Bulk Electric System, Reserves Determination of Which Facilities Are "Used in Local Distribution"

• November 2012

• FERC Raises Bar on Transmission Investment Incentives
• CFTC's General Counsel Issues Clarification Regarding Two-Part Rate Transactions

• October 2012

• New Reliability Standards to Address Solar Storm Damage and Vegetation Management
• Federal District Court Upholds Criminal Conviction Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for Bird deaths Resulting from Oil Refinery Operations

• September 2012

• FERC Requires EQR Reporting by Non-Public Utilities, Expands EQR Data Collected by All Filers

• August 2012

• U.S. Department of Energy Issues Final Order and "Finding of No Significant Impact" for Sabine Pass Liquefaction Export Project

• June 2012

• FERC Finalizes Variable Energy Resource Integration Rule
• FERC Proposes Revisions to the EQR Filing Process

• May 2012

• FERC Finalizes Policy for Advising EPA on Power Plant Mercury and Air Toxics Standards Compliance Extensions

• April 2012

• Summary of Comments in Response to "Coordination between the Natural Gas and Electricity Markets" FERC Docket No. AD12-12-000

• March 2012

• EPA Proposes Greenhouse Gas Emission Limits for New Electric Generating Units
• FWS Issues Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Promote and Recognize Voluntary Conservation of Species under the ESA

• December 2011

• EPA Issues Final Rule Regulating Mercury, Other Pollutants from Power Plants

• October 2011

• Fifth Circuit Vacates FERC Order Requiring Information Posting by Intrastate Pipelines

• May 2011

• FERC Issues Notice of Inquiry Regarding Transmission Incentives

• April 2011

• FERC Drops Market Manipulation Charges Against National Fuel Marketing, Proposes New Rules on Affiliate Bidding

• January 2011

• EPA Expands Climate Agenda to the Current Fleet of Power Plants and Refineries

• September 2010

• FERC Issues Revisions to Policy Statement on Penalty Guidelines

• April 2010

• Key EPA Actions Lay Foundation for Regulation of GHG Emissions Under the Clean Air Act

• December 2009

• EPA Finalizes Endangerment Finding for Greenhouse Gases

• April 2007

• Supreme Court Holds EPA Must Consider States' Request for Climate Change Rule