Search Results for keywords:"Algonquin Power

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced that the application for the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project in Wyoming, proposed by rPlus Hydro, LLLP on behalf of Black Canyon Hydro, LLC, is ready for environmental analysis. The project seeks to use the existing Seminoe Reservoir as part of a hydroelectric facility and involve constructing new dams, tunnels, and transmission lines to generate electricity. Public comments and recommendations on the project can be submitted within 60 days of this notice, and further information about the application can be accessed on FERC's website. The project aims to generate significant electricity capacity by cycling water between an upper reservoir and the Seminoe Reservoir.

The Surface Transportation Board has granted an exemption to Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP, LLC and other petitioners, allowing them to continue controlling North Florida Industrial Railroad, LLC (NFIR) when it becomes a Class III rail carrier. This decision was made because the exemption supports the Rail Transportation Policy by minimizing federal regulation and promoting efficient rail management. NFIR will lease and operate a track in Columbia County, Florida, connecting it to an existing rail line, which will expand transportation options for local businesses without negatively impacting any existing railway services. The effective date for this exemption is April 11, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule targeting the chemical perchloroethylene (PCE), which poses significant health risks. This rule aims to limit the use of PCE in industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. It includes a phaseout of PCE in dry cleaning over a 10-year period and imposes restrictions such as workplace controls to protect workers and consumers. The rule addresses exposure risks such as neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity, promoting safer alternatives and ensuring compliance with new safety standards.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has updated its procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to include a new categorical exclusion (CX) for certain geothermal resource confirmation activities. This exclusion applies to activities like drilling to confirm a geothermal resource, provided they do not involve resource extraction and meet specific conditions, such as limiting surface disturbance to 20 acres and adhering to reclamation guidelines. This update aims to streamline approval processes while still protecting environmental resources, but it does not apply to geothermal power plant operations, which will undergo further review. Public feedback was considered, and changes were made to clarify the scope and requirements of the CX.

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is implementing new regulations related to a July 14, 2020, Executive Order concerning Hong Kong. These regulations aim to address actions by China that undermine Hong Kong's autonomy, impacting various aspects including asset blocking and transactions. The regulations are currently published in a simplified form to provide immediate guidance, with more detailed regulations expected later. These rules are effective from January 15, 2021, and are part of broader U.S. efforts in response to China's actions affecting Hong Kong's independence and rights.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued two exemptions to Holtec Decommissioning International, LLC, allowing temporary relief from certain security requirements. These exemptions were granted in response to Holtec's request due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The exemptions pertain to regulations on the training and qualification of security personnel at the Oyster Creek and Pilgrim nuclear sites, aiming to maintain flexibility in personnel management while ensuring security measures and response capabilities are upheld during decommissioning activities. The NRC regularly updates the list of such exemptions to maintain transparency.

The Department of Defense has released a notice regarding a proposed arms sale to the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA). This sale includes 517 AN/PRC-158 Manpack UHF SATCOM radio systems, along with various support and training components, at an estimated cost of $65 million. The purpose of the sale is to improve NATO's communication capabilities and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces, enhancing peace and security in Europe. The prime contractor for this sale is Collins Aerospace, and the sale is not expected to impact U.S. defense readiness.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), under the Department of Labor, announced the approval of several petitions for modification of mandatory safety standards in mines. These petitions, which were evaluated between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, allow for alternative safety methods that provide miners with protection comparable to the original standards. Among the modifications granted are those for Peabody Twentymile Coal Mining in Colorado and Panther Creek Mining in West Virginia, addressing various electrical safety regulations at the respective mines. The decisions were based on a detailed investigation of the conditions at the mines and compliance with specific safety requirements.

On February 14, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) began an investigation into whether the rates charged by Northwest Ohio Wind, LLC, are fair and lawful. This investigation was launched under section 206 of the Federal Power Act. Anyone interested in participating must file with FERC within 21 days. The notice also encourages electronic filings and provides guidance for those who need assistance with the process.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final decision to partially approve and partially disapprove Utah's plan to address regional haze, which affects air quality in national parks and wilderness areas. The EPA found Utah's plan partially insufficient as it failed to meet certain requirements, such as implementing stronger controls on emissions from specific power plants. Additionally, the EPA disapproved parts of Utah's plan addressing visibility pollution related to ozone levels from a 2020 submission. This ruling emphasizes the need for stronger measures to protect visibility and air quality in protected areas.