https://www.morganlewis.com/rss/blogsBlogs RSS Feed25https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2026/01/out-of-charge-key-issues-to-successfully-monetize-public-ev-charging-in-2026In the last 10 years, annual electric vehicle (EV) sales in the US have increased by nearly 1,100%. While approximately 115,000 new EVs were sold in US markets in 2015, calendar year 2025 sales were substantially larger—nearly 1.3 million new EVs were sold in US markets. Despite strong sales numbers, the state of the EV industry in the US at the conclusion of 2025 could best be described as one of confusion. As sales numbers increased year over year, changes in various federal policy initiatives signaled potential trouble ahead for the EV market. 2025 concluded with a shifting tide in public perception about the state of the US EV market as some media narratives forecast a crash of the industry.Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -06003d6633f2-9f50-474f-9878-b34c0fd14934Energy & InfrastructureUnited StatesEnergyElectric & Zero-Emissions VehiclesENELevi McAllisterhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/12/ferc-releases-enforcement-report-for-fiscal-year-2025FERC’s Office of Enforcement and Regulatory Accounting (Enforcement) has released its annual report on enforcement actions during fiscal year 2025, which ran from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. The report provides a comprehensive overview of Enforcement’s activities across the electric, natural gas, and oil pipeline industries.Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600968d1cab-d0b7-4b83-9e77-c4c0c8402f01Energy & InfrastructureUnited StatesEnergyENELevi McAllisterPamela T. WuChristopher William Pisano, Jr.https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/11/ferc-withdraws-duty-of-candor-proposalOn November 20, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission withdrew its notice of proposed rulemaking to expand the “duty of candor” in communications to FERC and terminated the related rulemaking under Docket No. RM22-20 .Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -06009089f634-fd74-4a63-bb92-e2227f5883afEnergy & InfrastructureUnited StatesEnergyENEJ. Daniel SkeesLevi McAllisterPamela T. WuErin McClellandhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/11/ferc-withdraws-proposed-tariff-waiver-policy-statementThe Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) on November 20, 2025 withdrew the Proposed Policy Statement on Waiver of Tariff Requirements and Petitions or Complaints for Remedial Relief (Proposed Policy Statement). The Commission’s policy will be to continue to grant tariff waivers on a case-by-case basis, consistent with its statutory authority and the language of the tariff in question.Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600dc828dd5-6688-42c0-9321-5d00860eeda6Energy & InfrastructureUnited StatesEnergyENEJ. Daniel SkeesChristopher William Pisano, Jr.https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/11/doe-large-load-interconnection-proposal-risks-regulatory-collision-courseThe expansion of energy-intensive technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, has placed unprecedented demands on the electricity grid. These large loads often require vast sums of firm energy and seek to come online quickly, presenting challenges on capacity-constrained portions of the grid. The rapid pace of development is testing the limits of legacy regulatory frameworks, forcing policymakers to retrofit rules originally crafted for a far more predictable and conventional grid. What has emerged is a patchwork of regulatory solutions—large load tariffs, bespoke special contracts, and interconnection agreements—that leave open important questions about rate impacts and reliability.Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600720ee57c-5f7d-4994-ab8d-675520c3fde5Energy & InfrastructureUnited StatesEnergyArtificial IntelligenceData CentersENEArjun P. RamadevanahalliStephen M. SpinaRobert P. Goldfinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/11/ferc-final-rules-to-sunset-certain-energy-regulationsThe Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on October 1, 2025 finalized a final rule under Docket No. RM25-14 to sunset dozens of existing regulations affecting the electric and natural gas industries. This regulatory action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 14270, Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy, issued on April 9, 2025, and is open for comment through November 20, 2025.Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -06004e997730-ebcb-467c-8954-c3909a3daa5cEnergy & InfrastructureUnited StatesEnergyENEKirstin E. GibbsPamela T. WuErin McClellandhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/10/ladwps-350000-warning-why-accuracy-matters-in-reliability-complianceFERC recently approved a stipulation and consent agreement between the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and Office of Enforcement and Regulatory Accounting to resolve an investigation into potential violations of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Rules of Procedure (ROP) and FERC regulations during a 2020 audit by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council. The settlement, and with it the large monetary penalty and additional compliance obligations, underscores the critical importance of transparency, accuracy, and truthfulness in reliability compliance monitoring and enforcement.Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -05000a565433-317a-4fea-905e-94d311a137f3Energy & InfrastructureEnergyENEJ. Daniel SkeesRobert P. GoldfinErin McClellandhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/09/ferc-terminates-proceeding-to-update-1999-certificate-policy-statementOn September 12, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) terminated the proceeding in which it issued an updated policy statement that explained how FERC’s approach to considering applications to construct new interstate natural gas transportation facilities under Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act (Updated Certificate Policy Statement) would differ from the approach described in a policy statement issued in 1999 (1999 Certificate Policy Statement).Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500b9a5dc80-4e2e-42bf-b0ec-06677422027aEnergy & InfrastructureEnergyENEPamela T. WuKirstin E. GibbsErin McClellandhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/09/doe-urges-ferc-to-rescind-draft-policy-update-on-new-interstate-natural-gas-facilitiesOn 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.Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -05009dc7c66e-f5a5-4575-b62e-aeb172cb59f8Energy & InfrastructureEnergyENEKirstin E. GibbsErin McClellandhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/09/on-the-road-again-newly-issued-nevi-guidance-revives-opportunities-for-ev-charging-sectorAs 2025 approaches its last quarter, a look back at the electric vehicle (EV) market in the United States reveals an initially murky picture that is overshadowed by several recent developments boding well for EV market participants. Although the first several months of 2025 were littered with government actions that prompted some to predict the demise of the US EV market, more recent developments paint a different picture.Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500fa187ce7-b831-48e4-a489-b118648fd117Energy & InfrastructureAutomotive & MobilityElectric & Zero-Emissions VehiclesENELevi McAllisterhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/07/trade-enforcement-developments-in-us-clean-energy-supply-chainsRecent actions by the US Department of Commerce (Commerce) signal growing trade enforcement momentum across critical segments of the clean energy supply chain. Through a combination of new investigations and preliminary determinations, the agency is expanding its scrutiny of imported materials such as polysilicon, solar modules, and battery components—all central to US decarbonization and domestic manufacturing goals.Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500450510d4-73fc-401d-b7e9-6f2881066641Energy & InfrastructureESG & Sustainability AdvisoryInternational Trade & National SecurityEnergyENECasey WeaverCarl A. ValensteinKatelyn M. Hilfertyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/05/pennsylvania-moves-on-governor-shapiros-vision-for-power-infrastructureThe Pennsylvania General Assembly on April 23, 2025 introduced a suite of legislation to implement Governor Josh Shapiro’s six-part “Lightening Plan” to secure the commonwealth’s energy future. A key element of the Lightening Plan is establishing a new Reliable Electric Energy Siting and Electric Transition (RESET) Board to streamline energy infrastructure permitting. Pennsylvania is currently one of only a handful of states that does not have a central siting authority. Such authorities can ensure that large-scale energy generation projects are constructed to meet the surging electric demands of residents, businesses, and data centers.Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 -05008fddcf48-3fb0-451e-91e0-fa3f000c3680Energy & InfrastructureEnergyENEMark A. LazaroffBrooke E. McGlinnhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/05/pennsylvania-puc-final-policy-statement-on-utility-rate-design-for-ev-charging-becomes-effectiveIn November 2023, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) issued a proposed policy statement to encourage Pennsylvania’s electric distribution companies (EDCs) to develop distribution and default service rate structures for electric vehicle (EV) charging customers. Following a review of comments submitted by stakeholders, on December 19, 2024, the PUC adopted a Final Policy Statement Order, which addressed those comments and included a final policy statement (Policy Statement). The Policy Statement became effective on February 15, 2025 following publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 -050014c704dd-47e2-43ad-8024-d1488b857367Energy & InfrastructureElectric & Zero-Emissions VehiclesEnergyENECatherine G. VasudevanMark A. Lazaroffhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/03/national-energy-dominance-council-key-takeaways-from-president-trumps-latest-energy-related-executive-orderPresident 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.Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0600443d8234-6fb7-4cb4-93d2-b82158267860Energy & InfrastructureEnergyENEKirstin E. GibbsArjun P. RamadevanahalliJane AccomandoErin McClellandhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/01/trump-vance-administration-issues-executive-order-to-promote-american-energyDonald J. Trump became the 47th president of the United States on January 20. His second inaugural address focused significantly on energy policy, where he promised to declare a national energy emergency. Making America “energy dominant again” is the second of his four America First Priorities. President Trump’s energy policy aims to meet two of his goals: reducing energy costs as part of his plan to “defeat what was record inflation and rapidly bring down costs and prices” and restoring American manufacturing.Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600bfe76578-d652-4699-88d9-9cbdbb4cb4bdEnergy & InfrastructureEnergyENEKirstin E. GibbsArjun P. RamadevanahalliPatrick R. Pennellahttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2025/01/biden-executive-order-to-fast-track-ai-data-centers-and-energy-infrastructure-on-federal-landsOn January 14, 2025, with just days remaining before a presidential administration change, President Joseph R. Biden issued an Executive Order on Advancing United States Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure (EO) that directs federal government agencies to solicit proposals for the development of “frontier” artificial intelligence (AI) data centers on federal lands. While the EO remains for now, it could soon be rescinded by the new administration. Recognizing the substantial amount of energy infrastructure needed to train AI models, the EO is heavily focused on incentivizing the expeditious development of low or zero carbon energy resources to power these AI data centers. Set out below is a summary of key parts of the EO. Morgan Lewis’s data centers team is available to discuss the EO and assist with data center development and related issues.Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -06000241d5ca-be49-46aa-884e-3c277c9060fdEnergy & InfrastructureArtificial IntelligenceData CentersEnergyENEArjun P. RamadevanahalliLea M. Giottohttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2024/12/doe-initial-funding-awards-to-two-more-regional-hydrogen-hubs-supports-hydrogen-infrastructure-expansionThe 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.Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600c5c10174-4982-4d1f-9012-205d98a7f6f0Energy & InfrastructureEnergyENEPamela T. WuPatrick R. Pennellahttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2024/11/energy-and-commerce-departments-sign-pact-to-evaluate-ai-safetyThe 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.Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0600be9d4e7b-97f7-4c44-a85f-59ee3f4b3fb9Energy & InfrastructureArtificial IntelligenceEnergyENEJ. Daniel SkeesArjun P. RamadevanahalliLea M. Giottohttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2024/10/ferc-takes-final-action-on-backstop-transmission-siting-ruleEarlier 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.Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -050024460851-184c-48ce-8c14-56413defe553Energy & InfrastructureEnergyENEStephen M. SpinaJ. Daniel SkeesRobert P. Goldfinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2024/09/ferc-initiates-rulemaking-to-tighten-supply-chain-controls-for-electric-infrastructureThe Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or the Commission) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on September 19, 2024 to tighten its existing mandatory controls for certain electric assets. The proposal reflects FERC’s increasing concern that current controls are not up to the task of preventing bad actors from infiltrating the supply chain of critical electric infrastructure, thereby creating significant risk to electric system reliability.Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -050015084715-8aba-4af8-ba70-e6e7de5ac86dEnergy & InfrastructureEnergyENEJ. Daniel SkeesArjun P. RamadevanahalliPatrick R. Pennellahttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2024/08/us-senate-advances-energy-infrastructure-permitting-billThe US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has advanced the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, a bipartisan energy bill that would facilitate permitting for energy infrastructure and mining projects.Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -05007f859eb1-8371-4e41-ac17-f009aa28d9b1Energy & InfrastructureEnergyENEStephen M. SpinaJ. Daniel SkeesPatrick R. Pennellahttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2024/06/principles-to-promote-and-build-high-integrity-voluntary-carbon-marketsOur team has prepared a LawFlash discussing the Biden administration’s recently released Voluntary Carbon Markets Joint Policy Statement and Principles for High-Integrity Voluntary Carbon Markets . Through the Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs), entities that engage in activities that remove or reduce carbon emissions from the atmosphere may generate carbon credits that can be sold, and entities that emit carbon dioxide can purchase carbon credits to offset carbon emissions.Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500f7c86ae4-2019-4397-b656-22b5bb6507d2ESG & Sustainability AdvisoryEnergy & InfrastructureEnergyENELevi McAllisterPamela T. WuPatrick R. Pennellahttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2024/05/eu-investigation-of-potential-airline-greenwashing-practices-underscores-risk-to-global-aviation-industryThe European Commission and European consumer authorities announced that on April 30, 2024, they sent letters to 20 airlines alleging potentially misleading green claims and asking them to conform to EU consumer law within 30 days. At issue are the airlines’ claims that carbon dioxide emissions caused by air travel could be offset by climate projects or through the use of sustainable fuels, to which consumers could contribute by paying additional fees.Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:00 -05008e309f9c-14aa-4623-a8da-de3aa103368bEnergy & InfrastructureESG & Sustainability AdvisoryEuropeAviationEnergyENELevi McAllisterPamela T. WuPatrick R. PennellaChristina Rennerhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2024/03/day-4-dispatch-from-ceraweek-insights-from-bill-gates-and-closing-thoughtsIn 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.Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -05009875c2e7-a712-4158-aeb4-977309b86affEnergy & InfrastructureCarbon EmissionsClimateESG & Sustainability AdvisoryArtificial IntelligenceEnergyTechnologyENEFelipe Alicehttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2024/03/day-3-dispatch-from-ceraweek-a-trip-to-the-innovation-agora-and-other-executive-conference-discussionsOur 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.Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500fdcc531e-9b56-45ee-93db-7a9be7440057Energy & InfrastructureCarbon EmissionsClimateESG & Sustainability AdvisoryAsiaMiddle EastEuropeEnergyTechnologyENEKirstin E. Gibbs