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President Joe Biden issued Proclamation 10140 declaring January 20, 2021, as a National Day of Unity. This proclamation emphasizes the importance of unity to address significant challenges facing the nation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, racial justice, and the climate crisis. President Biden urges Americans to come together and work towards rebuilding democracy with decency, dignity, love, and healing. This proclamation marks the beginning of his presidency, highlighting his commitment to being a leader for all Americans.

Dominion Energy South Carolina applied for a new license for the Stevens Creek Hydroelectric Project. Some groups, like Augusta-Richmond County, wanted more studies on the project, but the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) staff said no further studies were needed. Augusta-Richmond County requested a rehearing on this decision, but the request was dismissed because the staff's response was not a final decision. Once a final order is made about the license, they can ask for a rehearing if needed.

In 2020, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the operations of fourteen dams in the Columbia River System. Now, due to new circumstances, these agencies plan to update and supplement this EIS. This includes examining the environmental effects of proposed changes and new information affecting the dams' operations. The aim is to ensure the dams are managed in a way that considers regional energy, tribal needs, and environmental impacts, with public input being sought through virtual meetings and comments.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a direct final rule to update its regulations on spent fuel storage. This update includes changes, known as Amendment No. 15, to the compliance certificates for the NAC International, Inc., MAGNASTOR® Storage System. Key updates involve enhancing the storage system's capacity, designing new cask types, and revising technical specifications. The changes aim to maintain safety while allowing for more efficient storage of spent nuclear fuel, with the rule set to take effect on June 3, 2025, unless significant objections are raised.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is updating the regulations for storing used nuclear fuel by revising a listing for the Holtec International HI-STORM 100 Cask System. This amendment, known as Renewed Amendment No. 19, changes the rules to better handle accidents where the cask tips over by introducing new stress-based criteria and evaluation methods. It will become effective on May 27, 2025, unless significant negative comments are received by April 14, 2025. The NRC believes this update does not significantly change the design and ensures public safety and environmental protection remain at acceptable levels.

The Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has approved a recommendation to increase the assessment rate for watermelons under the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan. The new rate boosts the assessment from six to nine cents per hundredweight. Domestic producers with 10 acres or more and domestic handlers will each pay four and a half cents per hundredweight, while importers of 150,000 pounds or more will pay nine cents per hundredweight. This increase aims to address inflation's impact on the plan’s buying power and continues to support marketing and research efforts, benefiting the watermelon industry overall. The rule also includes administrative corrections without changing the assessment rate.

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Atchafalaya River near Cypress Passage for a planned demolition of overhead powerlines scheduled on January 9, 2025. This area will be off-limits to vessels and people within a 500-yard radius, except with permission, to protect against the hazards posed by powerlines on the water's surface during the 12-hour operation. This rule is intended to ensure the safety of personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the vicinity of the demolition. The regulation will be enforced through communication on VHF radio channels, and it is not expected to have significant economic impacts on small businesses.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is considering waiving its Buy America requirements for the purchase of used locomotives that would be converted to run on cleaner energy like electricity or renewable diesel. These efforts aim to replace older, more polluting locomotives with efficient alternatives, reducing emissions and creating domestic jobs. The waiver would apply to Tier 0, Tier 1, and non-tiered locomotives manufactured before 2004 that have stayed in service in the U.S. This waiver would be applicable for five years and allow the replacement of diesel engines with cleaner technologies, but all other construction materials must still meet Buy America standards. The FRA invites public comments on this proposal and suggestions regarding waivers for other products related to manufacturing locomotive batteries or charging stations.

The regulations issued by the IRS and Treasury Department relate to changes in energy credits, specifically around defining energy property and determining eligibility for tax credits. These changes are largely driven by amendments from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, aiming to spur investments in renewable energy projects. The rules set performance and quality standards for different types of energy properties, introduce provisions for energy storage technology, and adjust eligibility criteria based on new construction, usage, and ownership rules. The regulations also highlight how various projects can qualify for increased credit amounts if they meet certain requirements, like prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) decided to move forward with a plan to expand underground mining operations at Sugar Camp Mine No. 1 in Illinois over an area of approximately 22,414 acres while also working towards transferring ownership of the mineral rights for 64,689 acres. This was done as a part of their Record of Decision for the Sugar Camp Energy, LLC Mine No. 1 Significant Boundary Revision 8 Environmental Impact Statement. The TVA selected Alternative B as their preferred choice, which involves sticking to existing lease agreements for mining and eventually selling their mineral rights, aligning with their long-term goals of retiring coal-fired plants and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The plan requires adherence to environmental regulations to minimize impacts, such as potential subsidence and water quality issues, with these being monitored and mitigated through state permit conditions.