Every week, Stateside Associates will feature energy-related legislative, regulatory, and federal programs impacting state and local public policies and proceedings, including upcoming Groups events, activities, and conversations in This Week in Energy.
For more information on our Energy Practice, please contact Taylor Beis.
Generation
In California, AB 2476, introduced on February 20, eliminates funding timeline restrictions for state procurement from pumped hydroelectric facilities and directs state regulators to account for energy-only resources in procurement requirements to enhance grid reliability and clean energy deployment. On September 18, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law.
Also in California, SB 769, introduced on February 21, would have established the Golden State Infrastructure Corporation to finance up to one-third of the total cost of essential infrastructure projects. The bill contained provisions for worker protections, public disclosure exemptions, and funding access guidelines for statewide development. On September 18, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the measure, citing potential multi-hundred-million-dollar upfront costs to the General Fund and concerns over overlap with existing state authorities.
Affordability
California’s AB 2124, introduced on February 18, would have required the California Council on Science and Technology to analyze proposed legislation for impacts on electrical and natural gas ratepayers, including cost shifts, utility rate increases, and economic effects on disadvantaged communities. On September 18, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the measure, noting that the Legislative Analyst's Office already analyze ratepayer impacts, and citing the bill's costs during a challenging fiscal landscape.
Large Load and Data Centers
In Maryland, Executive Order 01.01.2026.16, signed on September 24, codifies a new framework that outlines strict guardrails for transparent and accountable data center development in the state. The order establishes the Maryland Data Center Task Force to ensure ratepayers and the environment are protected, local community are invested, and transparency and accountability are enforced.
Nevada’s Executive Order 2026-05, signed on September 18, requires data center developers to bear project costs, protect water and energy resources, and prevent cost-shifting to other ratepayers. The order also establishes conditions for data centers seeking state economic development incentives.
Virginia’s Executive Order 22, issued on September 18, establishes the Virginia Data Center Accountability Framework. The framework addresses data center impacts on electricity costs, grid infrastructure, water, environmental resources, local communities, and workforce development, while directing state agencies to develop additional standards and recommendations.
Electricity and Market Issues
District of Columbia’s B 26-0750, introduced on July 8, strengthens consumer protections in the District's retail electricity and natural gas markets by capping competitive supplier rates at 110% of default utility rates, prohibiting early termination fees, and increasing transparency and oversight. The measure is scheduled for a hearing in the Committee on Transportation and the Environment on October 1.
Permitting and Siting
Massachusetts’ HB 5641, introduced on August 4, authorizes the town of Becket to establish a temporary six-month moratorium on large-scale solar installations and standalone battery energy storage systems. The bill requires the town to use the moratorium period to study and potentially revise local zoning bylaws to ensure the protection of ecological resources. The measure held a hearing in the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government on September 21.
GROUPS EVENTS
There are no upcoming energy-related Groups events.
For more information on upcoming events, contact Taylor Beis.
