Energy & Utilities

NRC Exemption for H.B. Robinson Steam Electric Plant Unit No. 2 License Renewal

The NRC issued an exemption removing the requirement for Duke Energy to refer its subsequent license renewal application for H.B. Robinson Steam Electric Plant Unit No. 2 to the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards for review and report. The exemption applies to Renewed Facility Operating License No. DPR-23 and streamlines the renewal process for the South Carolina nuclear facility.

NRC Renews Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Operating Licenses

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued Renewed Facility Operating License Nos. DPR-80 and DPR-82 to Pacific Gas and Electric Company for Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, Units 1 and 2. The renewed licenses authorize continued operation at up to 3,411 megawatts thermal, with a supporting Record of Decision prepared by the NRC.

Sunset of Aircraft Impact Assessment Requirements for Nuclear Power Plants

The NRC has issued a final rule inserting a conditional sunset date into 10 CFR 50.150 for aircraft impact assessment requirements at nuclear power plants. This action responds to Executive Order 14270 on zero-based regulatory budgeting. The rule addresses significant adverse comments received on an earlier withdrawn direct final rule. Affected nuclear facilities must comply by the effective date of April 8, 2026.

Final SEIS for Clinch River Nuclear Site Unit 1

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, issued a final supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) for Tennessee Valley Authority's proposed Clinch River Nuclear Site Unit 1 small modular reactor in Roane County, Tennessee. The SEIS evaluates environmental impacts from constructing one GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor. The final SEIS is available as of April 1, 2026.

New Brunswick Energy Marketing Corp Section 206 Proceeding

FERC issued an order on April 3, 2026, in Docket No. EL26-50-000 instituting a Section 206 investigation under the Federal Power Act to examine whether New Brunswick Energy Marketing Corporation's market-based rate authority remains just and reasonable. The refund effective date is set to the date of Federal Register publication. Interested parties have 21 days from the order issuance to file interventions.

Sabine Pass Stage 5 Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Sabine Pass Stage 5 Expansion Project, proposed by Sabine Pass Liquefaction and affiliated companies. The project would expand an existing LNG terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana with three new liquefaction trains, construct a 55.6-mile natural gas pipeline across Texas and Louisiana, and add new compressor and meter stations. Public comments on the draft EIS are requested by May 26, 2026.

Constitution Pipeline and Wright Interconnect Projects EIS Scoping Notice

FERC announced the opening of a scoping process for a new Environmental Impact Statement covering the Constitution Pipeline and Wright Interconnect Projects. The projects, proposed by Constitution Pipeline Company and Iroquois Gas Transmission System, would span Pennsylvania and New York. FERC is soliciting public comments by May 4, 2026 on environmental changes since the 2014 final EIS to determine what additional analysis may be required.

Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline Abandonment by Sale Application

FERC published notice of Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline's application under Section 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act for abandonment by sale of 61 domestic (farm tap) meters to Spire Missouri, Inc. The meters are located across 10 counties in Missouri. Southern Star estimates the project cost at $264,000. The public comment period and motion to intervene deadline is April 23, 2026.

FERC Electric Rate Filings Combined Notice, April 8

FERC electric rate filings, combined notice, April 8

Natural Gas Pipeline Rate Filings - April 8

FERC posted natural gas pipeline rate filings from Gillis Hub Pipeline LLC (Docket RP26-747-000) proposing a negotiated rate conforming interconnect agreement effective April 1, 2026, and El Paso Natural Gas Company LLC (Docket RP26-748-000) filing a negotiated rate agreement update for April-June 2026 effective April 6, 2026. Public comments are due by 5:00 PM ET on April 14, 2026.