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FERC Defends Data Center Connection Costs Amid Democratic Concerns

FERC Defends Data Center Connection Costs Amid Democratic Concerns

FERC Defends Data Center Connection Costs Amid Democratic Concerns
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Ratepayer Protection Act Advances to Full House with Bipartisan Support

Ratepayer Protection Act Advances to Full House with Bipartisan Support

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee has unanimously passed the Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 9340), a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing increased electricity costs for American families and small businesses due to data centers. The legislation, co-sponsored by Congressman Gabe Evans, requires data centers to cover the full costs of their electricity usage, rather than passing these costs onto ratepayers. The bill also mandates upfront financial assurances to mitigate risks associated with changing demand after grid investments. The legislation now moves to the full House for consideration.
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Senator Hyde-Smith Seeks Solutions to Manage Electricity Costs Amid Data Center Growth

Senator Hyde-Smith Seeks Solutions to Manage Electricity Costs Amid Data Center Growth

Senator Hyde-Smith Seeks Solutions to Manage Electricity Costs Amid Data Center Growth
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Western Maryland Wildlands Threatened by Proposed Transmission Line

Western Maryland Wildlands Threatened by Proposed Transmission Line

NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic plans to construct a 107-mile transmission line, the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL), from Pennsylvania to Virginia, which threatens nearly 60 acres of protected wildlands in Western Maryland. The Maryland General Assembly previously repealed protections for these areas to facilitate the project, marking a first in the wildland program's history. The project aims to meet rising energy demands, partly due to data centers, and enhance Maryland's capacity for renewable energy. However, the Maryland Public Service Commission has yet to approve the project, with a decision expected by late 2027 or early 2028.
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US threatens funding cuts for two school districts over transgender policies

US threatens funding cuts for two school districts over transgender policies

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, July 27 (Reuters) - The U.S. Education Department has threatened two school districts in Michigan and Maryland with federal funding cuts over their transgender policies, the latest action by President Donald Trump's administration to limit transgender rights.
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Maryland's Blueprint Board Sees Reappointments and New PSC Communications Director

Maryland's Blueprint Board Sees Reappointments and New PSC Communications Director

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Accountability and Implementation Board is set to meet virtually, with Isiah 'Ike' Leggett and Robin Werner reappointed by Governor Wes Moore to new six-year terms. Leggett, the first Black county executive in Montgomery County, has been the board's chair since its inception in November 2021. The board oversees the implementation of Maryland's multiyear education reform plan. Additionally, Tony Ruffin, formerly of Pepco, has been appointed as the new communications director for the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC). Ruffin replaces Tori Leonard, who retired after a decade of service. The PSC is responsible for regulating utilities in Maryland, and Ruffin's experience in utility and government affairs is expected to be valuable in his new role.
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Montgomery County Revises Gun Laws Amid Legal Challenges

Montgomery County Revises Gun Laws Amid Legal Challenges

Montgomery County has enacted a new bill revising its gun regulations, focusing on ghost guns and firearm possession in public areas. This legislative action follows a 2021 lawsuit challenging the county's gun restrictions. The revisions do not introduce new requirements but update existing laws in response to a Maryland Supreme Court decision. The law maintains a ban on carrying firearms within 100 yards of sensitive public places, with exceptions for those with valid permits or locked firearms. The bill also clarifies the regulation of ghost guns under state law. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized the county's commitment to reducing gun violence. However, Maryland Shall Issue, a gun rights group, plans to sue, arguing the law restricts legal gun permit holders excessively.
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Ohio Lawmakers Propose Bills to Address Rising Electric Costs

Ohio Lawmakers Propose Bills to Address Rising Electric Costs

Ohio lawmakers have introduced state and federal bills aimed at capping rising energy costs for consumers. State Rep. Desiree Tims introduced House Bill 970 to prevent the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) from approving new rate increases for a year. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted introduced the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would require states to consider new standards for connecting large projects like data centers to the grid. The bills respond to concerns about high electric costs linked to increased demand from data centers.
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New Jersey Enacts Law to Ban Surveillance Pricing, Protecting Consumer Privacy

New Jersey Enacts Law to Ban Surveillance Pricing, Protecting Consumer Privacy

Governor Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey has signed the Fair Price Protection Act, which prohibits businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for identical products. This makes New Jersey the third state to ban surveillance pricing, following Maryland and Connecticut. The law aims to protect consumers from price discrimination based on data such as online activity and purchasing history. It also pauses the rollout of new electronic shelf labels for a year to study their impact.
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U.S. Senators Propose Bill to Streamline Hydropower Licensing and Reduce Costs

U.S. Senators Propose Bill to Streamline Hydropower Licensing and Reduce Costs

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Steve Daines, and Jim Risch have introduced the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act to the Senate. This legislation aims to reform the Federal Power Act to reduce the delays and costs associated with hydropower licensing. The bill proposes limiting mandatory conditions for hydropower licenses to those directly related to the adverse effects of the project. Currently, natural resource agencies can impose mandatory conditions that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) cannot reject, regardless of their relevance or cost. The senators argue that 40% of U.S. hydropower is up for relicensing by 2030, and the current process is burdensome and expensive, threatening the viability of hydropower projects.
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US threatens to cut funding for two school districts over transgender policies

US threatens to cut funding for two school districts over transgender policies

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, July 27 (Reuters) - The U.S. Education Department threatened two school districts in Michigan and Maryland with federal funding cuts over their transgender policies, marking the latest attempted crackdown by President Donald Trump's administration over the issue.
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Data Centers' Impact on Electricity Costs: AI Demand Could Alter Trends

Data Centers' Impact on Electricity Costs: AI Demand Could Alter Trends

Data Centers' Impact on Electricity Costs: AI Demand Could Alter Trends