Gun Safety Awareness Campaign Launched

New Mexico Department of Health launched a statewide multi-media awareness campaign on free gun locks and the Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order law. Since September 2023, NMDOH has distributed over 88,746 free gun locks. The campaign was developed in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.

FCC Launches Drone Dominance Proceeding Supporting Trump Strategy

The FCC has launched a new proceeding titled 'Unleashing American Drone Dominance' to support President Trump's drone strategy. The agency seeks public comment on regulatory changes to enable and expand drone communications infrastructure and spectrum allocation. The proceeding affects drone manufacturers, technology companies, and telecommunications firms operating in the unmanned aerial systems space.

Unleashing American Drone Dominance

The FCC released a Public Notice seeking public comment on potential reforms to promote American drone (UAS) dominance. The notice covers multiple dockets (26-74, 22-323, 24-629) and asks for input on an array of policy changes the Commission might pursue. Comments are due May 1, 2026, with reply comments due May 18, 2026.

Supporting Small Businesses

Vice Chair Bowman delivered remarks at CBA LIVE 2026 emphasizing small businesses' vital role in the U.S. economy. She noted that in 2023, small businesses employed 59 million Americans (nearly half of private-sector jobs), generated $16 trillion in revenue, and contributed 44 percent of GDP. The speech highlighted that banks hold approximately $600 billion in small business loans under $1 million, with the smallest banks (under $10 billion in assets) holding nearly one-third of these loans.

RIIO-ET3 Electricity Transmission Price Control Guidance

Ofgem published guidance for electricity transmission network companies on the RIIO-ET3 price control framework covering 2026 to 2031. The guidance provides 11 associated governance documents including Community Funds, Load Use-it-or-Lose-it, System Operator Optimization, and Advanced Procurement Mechanism. Transmission network operators must use this guidance to comply with their licence conditions across England, Scotland and Wales.

Gas Distribution Price Control Guidance for RIIO-GD3 Period

Ofgem issued guidance establishing the RIIO-GD3 price control framework for gas distribution networks covering 2026-2031. The guidance applies to all gas distribution network operators and must be used alongside the broader RIIO-3 network price control guidance to meet licence conditions. Supporting governance documents cover collaborative streetworks, fair treatment, and vulnerability and carbon monoxide initiatives.

Gas Transmission Price Control RIIO-GT3 Guidance

Ofgem published RIIO-GT3 guidance for gas transmission network operators covering the 2026-2031 price control period. The guidance applies to licensed gas transmission networks in England, Scotland, and Wales. Gas transmission network companies must use this guidance along with the Network price control 2026 to 2031 (RIIO-3) guidance to meet their licence conditions.

Energy Network Price Control Guidance for 2026-2031 (RIIO-3)

Ofgem published comprehensive guidance for the RIIO-3 price control period covering 2026-2031. The guidance applies to electricity transmission, gas transmission, and gas distribution network companies operating in England, Scotland, and Wales. Network companies must use this guidance along with sector-specific documents to meet their licence conditions.

Smart Metering Data Third-Party Access Scoping Exercise

DESNZ and Ofgem have launched a joint scoping exercise to explore creating repositories for smart metering data that would enable consumers to share their historical energy usage data with consented third parties. The initiative aims to allow consumers to receive tailored products and services based on their energy consumption patterns. The scoping exercise is expected to conclude by end of May 2026, with a preferred approach to follow for further consultation.

RIIO-3 Associated Documents Modifications Consultation

Ofgem published a consultation on proposed modifications to RIIO-3 associated documents, including GD2/GD3 and GT2/GT3 Crossover Guidance documents, an issues log, and NGET NLRE PCD Suite supplementary guidance. The consultation covers methodology and process for making crossover adjustments to allowances for gas distribution, gas transmission, and electricity transmission networks. Comments close 13 May 2026.