A group of U.S. Senate Democrats recently introduced a permitting reform discussion draft, the fourth major permitting reform proposal in the Senate this year. The proposal – the Promoting Efficient and Engaged Reviews (PEER) Act -- was put forward by Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW)

Texas public power utility Austin Energy on May 17 said it is addressing supply chain issues by focusing on key areas including adjusting equipment specification standards and expanding sourcing.

Nebraska public power utility Omaha Public Power District recently detailed the need for additional generation as its service territory experiences unprecedented growth in demand for energy, the result of a strong regional economy. OPPD leaders are recommending adding an additional approximately 2,500 MW by 2030.

Cleveland Public Power on May 20 held an information session for its Internship to Apprenticeship Program, which launched in 2008.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on May 17 issued a proposed rule that would require the safe management of coal ash disposed of in areas that are currently unregulated at the federal level. This includes inactive power plants with surface impoundments that are no longer being used and historical coal ash disposal areas at power plants with regulated coal ash units.

Florida public power utility JEA recently released its integrated resource plan and is making it available for the public to view in advance of a community forum on May 25 to discuss the IRP.