Power & Pipes

On August 29, 2025, the US secretary of energy proposed a significant regulatory shift regarding the certification process for new interstate natural gas facilities. In a letter submitted to FERC, the secretary recommended terminating the ongoing policy proceeding in Docket Nos. PL18-1-000 and PL18-1-001 and therefore rescind the 2022 draft Updated Certificate Policy Statement. Instead, the secretary advocates for continued reliance on the longstanding 1999 Certificate Policy Statement, which remains in effect.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) establishing the National Energy Dominance Council (Council) on February 14, 2025. The EO outlines the rationale for creating the Council, its members, and its primary functions.

The US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations has announced initial funding awards for two additional regional clean hydrogen hubs, bringing the total number of regional hydrogen hubs with initial funding awards to five. The regional hydrogen hubs are expected to create networks of hydrogen producers, consumers, and local connective infrastructure and accelerate the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) announced on October 30, 2024 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed earlier this year to collaborate on safety research, testing, and standards for artificial intelligence (AI). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a federal agency within the DOC and a leader in standards development across a range of industries, will represent the DOC under the MOU.

Earlier this year, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or the Commission) issued Order 1977 to address its limited backstop siting authority for electric transmission lines. On October 17, 2024, FERC issued Order 1977-A, adding a new requirement mandating that siting applicants seeking rights of way on Tribal lands must include their Tribal Engagement Plans within their project proposals.

In our final dispatch from the CERAWeek conference by S&P Global, Felipe Alice shared some insights and key takeaways from a luncheon and dialogue session featuring tech entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist Bill Gates.

Our coverage of the CERAWeek conference by S&P Global in Houston, running from March 18 to March 22, continues with more updates. Today’s missive comes from the Innovation Agora, which is connected to the Executive Conference at CERAWeek. The Innovation Agora is described as a “vibrant and interactive marketplace of ideas on energy innovation and emerging technologies.” It includes several amphitheaters or “hubs” that are designed for presentations and conversations involving the latest trends in climate change, carbon, hydrogen, and emerging energy technologies.

We’re back with another update from CERAWeek 2024 by S&P Global to highlight some key takeaways from day two of the conference. Many of the sessions on this day were dedicated to infrastructure development and highlighted the opportunities and the challenges facing energy project developers.

Yesterday marked the start of CERAWeek 2024 by S&P Global, and for the rest of this week Morgan Lewis partners Kirstin Gibbs and Felipe Alice will be reporting back on the key themes and ideas they are uncovering as the conference unfolds.

As anticipated, the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) issued a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) that focuses on advancing the fueling infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) vehicles and other heavy transportation applications.