February 2025 Energy Regulatory Developments: Key Updates from FERC, CPUC, CAISO, CEC, and CARB

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February 11, 2025 Regulatory Update | FERC, CPUC, CAISO, CEC, CARB

Energy Regulatory Update for February 11, 2025

Our energy regulatory team has compiled a summary of significant state and federal energy regulatory developments to keep you informed about key matters affecting the energy sector across the United States. Stoel’s energy regulatory team is always available to answer any questions regarding these developments.

Presidential Executive Orders and Memorandum

On January 20, President Trump issued several Executive Orders and a Memorandum that could impact the energy sector. The actions under scrutiny include:

• Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing: This involves a temporary halt to issuing new or renewed approvals, rights of way, permits, leases, or loans for both onshore and offshore wind projects until a comprehensive assessment and review of federal wind leasing and permitting practices are completed.

• Department of the Interior (DOI) Order Suspending Delegated Authority: The DOI acted swiftly by issuing Order No. 3415 on January 20th, which suspends the delegation of authority to all department bureaus and offices, including the Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This suspension covers all renewable energy authorizations, including leases and rights of way, and will remain in effect for 60 days unless amended, superseded, or revoked.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Notice on Eagle Permits: On approximately January 24th, the USFWS announced it is temporarily ceasing the issuance of eagle permits to wind facilities until further notice.

• Policy Directives: The new administration’s directives include promoting energy exploration on federal lands, eliminating the electric vehicle mandate, and pausing the distribution of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Stoel Rives is closely monitoring the energy sector impacts of these Executive Orders and the Memorandum. For more information, visit Stoel Rives Executive Orders.

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)

• Resolution E-5364: Updates the inputs and assumptions used in bill savings estimates for solar customers to align with the net billing tariff.

• Resolution E-5372: Approves San Diego Gas & Electric’s utility-owned energy storage contract to address 2025 summer reliability.

• Resolution E-5375: Rejects PG&E’s sale of Renewable Energy Credits, finding it diverged from its approved procurement methodology.

The CPUC will hold a voting meeting on February 20, 2025, to discuss several energy-related items, including contracts and procurement approvals.

California Independent System Operator (CAISO)

Upcoming meetings and deadlines include:

• Cluster 15 Application Status: Notifications to applicants will occur on February 12, 2025.

• Price Formation Enhancements: A working group call on Fast-Start Pricing is scheduled for February 13, 2025.

• 2025-2026 Transmission Planning Process: A public stakeholder meeting will be held on February 26, 2025.

California Energy Commission (CEC)

• 2024 Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) Update: The CEC is working on this update and aims to adopt it on March 17, 2025.

• Offshore Wind Symposium: Scheduled for February 21, 2025, at the Port of Long Beach.

• Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs): The CEC seeks input on the impact of vandalism on charging reliability and is conducting a request for information (RFI) to improve EV charging infrastructure.

California Air Resources Board (CARB)

CARB and the CEC are conducting community meetings focused on the state’s Transportation Fuels Transition Plan, with a workshop planned for Spring 2025.

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC)

On February 13, 2025, the MPUC will discuss a settlement regarding Xcel Energy’s application to increase natural gas rates.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

FERC has issued several notable orders:

• On January 30, 2025, FERC accepted proposed revisions to the MISO Generator Interconnection Procedures, establishing a cap on the total MW value of interconnection requests and related exemptions.

• On January 28, 2025, FERC denied MISO’s request for a waiver related to interconnection request deadlines due to supply chain delays.

• President Trump appointed Mark Christie as Chairman of FERC on January 20, 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor these developments in the energy regulatory landscape.
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