Energy Law and Electricity Regulation

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued draft interim staff guidance (ISG or draft guidance), DANU-ISG-2026-XX, “NRC Application Pathway for Reactor Designs Previously Authorized...

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s recent approval of a federal Record of Decision (ROD) for the proposed Sites Reservoir Project is a major milestone for one of California’s most debated new water-supply proposals. This approval advances federal environmental review and signals a clearer federal role, but debate over the project’s permitting, financing, and operations continues. The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation’s January 23, 2026, ROD essentially approves the project environmentally and allows it to move forward in a meaningful way.

The deep sea mining sector experienced significant developments in Q1 2026, with the International Seabed Authority failing to approve exploitation activities while investigating potential contractor non-compliance. Meanwhile, the Trump administration advanced U.S. mining interests through streamlined licensing processes and domestic processing initiatives, as Japan accelerated its rare earth extraction efforts and strengthened cooperation with the United States on critical mineral supply chains.

As interconnection queues swell and approval timelines stretch to five years or more, data center developers are increasingly turning to behind-the-meter generation to secure reliable power. While natural gas offers the fastest path, its carbon footprint clashes with net-zero commitments. Small modular reactors are emerging as a compelling carbon-free alternative. This article examines the current state of SMR deployment for data centers and the key regulatory considerations developers should keep in mind.

Throughout April 2026, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright testified before four U.S. House of Representatives and U.S.

Access to energy and natural resources shapes international alliances, policymaking, and the global economy. Governments want to deliver reliable, affordable power to their citizens, protect domestic industries, and secure energy sovereignty in a volatile world.

President Trump has invoked Defense Production Act authorities to support energy infrastructure deemed essential to national defense, covering grid components, natural gas systems, coal supply chains, and petroleum capacity. The determinations create a legal pathway for the Department of Energy to deploy financial support mechanisms, though their practical impact will depend on funding availability and implementation decisions. The move has sparked debate over whether emergency authority is being appropriat

On April 21, 2026, the New York State Senate passed the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act (2025-S6570A). The bill sets a new goal of 20 gigawatts (GW) of distributed solar...

As interconnection queues swell and approval timelines stretch to five years or more, data center developers are increasingly turning to behind-the-meter generation to secure reliable power. While natural gas offers the fastest path, its carbon footprint clashes with net-zero commitments. Small modular reactors are emerging as a compelling carbon-free alternative. This article examines the current state of SMR deployment for data centers and the key regulatory considerations developers should keep in mind.

President Trump has invoked Defense Production Act authorities to support energy infrastructure deemed essential to national defense, covering grid components, natural gas systems, coal supply chains, and petroleum capacity. The determinations create a legal pathway for the Department of Energy to deploy financial support mechanisms, though their practical impact will depend on funding availability and implementation decisions. The move has sparked debate over whether emergency authority is being appropriat

On April 21, 2026, the New York State Senate passed the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act (2025-S6570A). The bill sets a new goal of 20 gigawatts (GW) of distributed solar...

As interconnection queues swell and approval timelines stretch to five years or more, data center developers are increasingly turning to behind-the-meter generation to secure reliable power. While natural gas offers the fastest path, its carbon footprint clashes with net-zero commitments. Small modular reactors are emerging as a compelling carbon-free alternative. This article examines the current state of SMR deployment for data centers and the key regulatory considerations developers should keep in mind.